Beebo winter 2013 by Beebo Limited

Winter 2013 www.beebomagazine.co.uk

Complimentary

The Southwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must have family magazine

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

Indulge in our pick of Advent Calendars for 2013 & grab inspiration from a selection of Top Toys & Gifts

Meet Baby Rory

Our Bump to Baby arrives!

Winter Getaways

Skiing with the family Going long haul

WIN WIN WIN

- A Mini Microscooter - Wookey Hole Passes - And more.....

Plus :-

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On : See Santa, Christmas fairs, Winter & New Year fun!

pregnancy advice, child meditation, books for winter, seasonal health, winter fashion, New Year, new you and lots more.... www.cuddledry.com

OFFERING PLACES TO 2 YEAR OLDS F R O M J A N UA RY 2 0 1 4

We believe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never too early to experience the fun of discovery and learning; capture a young, eager imagination and create a desire for them to find out more. Our philosophy is for each child to become an active and independent learner, a wonderful talent as they progress through to secondary education.

For more information, or to arrange a school visit please contact Emma Guppy on 01823 285 921.

We look forward to meeting you.

B E PA R T O F T H E F A M I L Y www.kingshalltaunton.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

www.homefinderssomerset.com

Tone FM – Nearly a year old........ Soon, in fact very soon if time continues to pass as quickly as it does, we will reach February and Tone FM will be one year old! In that time we have come along at a rate surprising everyone involved with the station. The leaps have been higher and the bounds longer than any of us could have imagined since that first broadcast from the bottom of East Reach in Taunton, seemingly so long ago . . . We’d like to think our success is down to many things, one of which has to be our great team of volunteers. As Tone FM is a community radio station, it is not-forprofit and everyone who works there does so out of their own time and of their own volition. Recently we’ve had the pleasure of having students at universities around the country come to us for work experience. Their contributions, however brief, have been invaluable and it is great to think we’ve been able to help them in any possible way. We have also had some great guests come through the Tone FM doorway, from the serious to the silly and they too, have been a part of making what we do so enjoyable for us and listeners alike. We have grown as a station too, our ability to respond to breaking stories around Taunton has improved through a combination of improved equipment and ever growing experience. For example, remember SPIDERMAN? Whether it is a breaking news story or a festival, we try and keep the community aware of what is going on. We do not intend to rest on our laurels either. Thanks to the overwhelming support shown to us by the community, we have the chance to get bigger and better over the coming months. It will be interesting to see what things are going to be like when we reach two!

Contents

Winter Edition 2013

Features 10 Bump to Baby 14 What’s Colic Symptoms and advice

15 Active Birth One reader’s experience following Active Birth classes

16 Sleep and the School Aged Child Common problems & tips

17 Teach Your Child to Meditate 3 tips

18 Winter Fashion Coats, hats, gloves and scarves

20 Beebo Health

w w w. h i p p y c h i c k . c o m 0 1 2 7 8 4 3 4 4 4 0

Following one reader’s experience - Introducing baby Rory

New season’s colours for the new season’s weather

Winter first aid tips and preventing colds & flu

22 Dad’s Corner Age range 12 months to 4 years

Checking for testicular cancer

23 Beebo Outdoors Garden view for Winter

Quote BEEBO13 and get 20% off all Hippychick waterproofs offer ends 30/11/2013

25 O Christmas Tree Find the perfect tree for Christmas

26 Advent Calendars Our pick of the best

28 Top Toys & Gifts this Christmas Tried and tested!

35 New Year New You Eat healthy, exercise.......

36 Take the Family Skiing The perfect Winter escape and travelling long haul

40 Beebo Loves Lots of new gifts and gadgets

42 Books Books Books Winter reviews and great festive reads

46 Winter Recipes Winter warmers and our favourite Annabel Karmel

52 Schools & Education News news news

55 Come and Meet Santa What, where and when

56 What’s on this Winter Christmas fairs, family fun and more...

62 Go Commando WIN a 2014 calendar!

Join ‘Santas on the Run’ and help create magical memories for life-limited children this Christmas festive calendar are the charity’s annual sponsored Santas on the Run events, which this year take place in five locations across the South West, including Bristol and Taunton. These family events see hundreds of participants all in full Santa costume run, walk, jog (or even scoot!) a 2k route. Christmas, for many families, can be a time of mixed emotions. For families who need the support of Children’s Hospice South West, this is especially so. On one hand, the indescribable pleasure of celebrating with a precious child, but on the other hand a terrible anxiety that this might be the last shared Christmas. An exhausting time of competing priorities, struggling to create the magic of Christmas for a sick child and brothers and sisters, but still managing to keep abreast of 24 hour demands of caring for a sick child. CHSW aims to provide families with a sanctuary from these constant demands, which is why the charity does its upmost to make sure its hospices are even more magical than normal during the festive season. Each of CHSW’s three hospices will be lit up with hundreds of sparkling fairy lights and will have numerous decorated Christmas trees. Families are treated to a range of festive entertainment including carol concerts, visits from panto characters and Christmas pudding making. CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice in Wraxall, Somerset even has an annual visit from hundreds of Santas on motorbikes as well as a flying visit from Santa in a RNAS Yeovilton helicopter, all of whom come bearing gifts for the children. Another highlight of the CHSW

Chris Thompson whose family has been supported by CHSW took part in last year’s Bristol Santas on the Run. Chris and his wife made regular respite visits to CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice with their son Daniel, who had cerebral palsy as a result of contracting meningitis at three weeks old. Sadly Daniel died in February 2011, aged 9 years old. After Daniel’s death, Chris and his wife were able to spend time at Charlton Farm while they grieved and planned for his funeral. Chris, whose employers Unum are sponsoring CHSW’s 2013 Bristol event, talks about how the charity has supported his family and why he would encourage others to sign up for a Santas on the Run event: “The support my family has received from CHSW has made such a huge difference to our lives. Visiting Charlton Farm for respite care meant that my wife and I were able to have a couple of days rest and spend some time together as a couple knowing that Daniel was having fun and being well looked after. It also gave us the opportunity to meet other families going through similar situations. Being at Charlton Farm in the days after Daniel’s death and having the emotional support of the care team, helped immensely with our grieving process.

My colleagues at Unum are well aware of the invaluable support CHSW offers families and CHSW was the company’s charity of the year during 2012. Everyone in the office is delighted to be sponsoring the Bristol Santas on the Run event for the second year. There was a fantastic atmosphere at last year’s event and I would urge as many people as possible to take part in one of the events this December. It’s the perfect way to start your Christmas

celebrations whilst knowing you are helping families like mine make the most of their time together.” Jen Waldron, CHSW Event Fundraiser, says: “Our popular Santas on the Run events see hundreds of Santas of all ages, shapes and sizes joining together for some festive fun. We expect to see big Santas, small Santas and even little elves in buggies taking part. The atmosphere at our Santa events is always really fun. They are the perfect way to get the whole family into the festive spirit whilst also spreading some seasonal goodwill.”

Choose from five locations: • • • • •

Sunday 1 December, Bideford 1pm. The route starts on Bideford Quay and takes in Bideford Park, finishing in time to celebrate the town’s light switch on event Sunday 1 December, St Austell, 12pm. Santas will gather in Performance Square in White River Place and run through the town ending back at White River Place Sunday 15 December, Central Bristol 1pm. The central Bristol route takes in the city’s stunning harbourside and Millennium Square. Sunday 15 December, Taunton, 12pm. The run follows a 2k loop around Vivary Park. Sunday 15 December, Launceston, 12pm. Starting and ending at the town square the route goes through Coronation Park and through the picturesque Castle grounds

Entry is just £10 per adult, £5 for under 16’s and under 3’s go free. Entry includes your Santa suit, and festive treats! It couldn’t be easier to take part; simply register online at www.chsw.org.uk/santas or call 01275 866 600 (Bristol event), 01271 325270 (Taunton and Bideford), 01726 871800 (St. Austell and Launceston) 6 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Winter Edition Hello and Welcome!

Was that Autumn?! I can’t believe how quickly time is passing. Beebo has been in operation for a full year now and we are really excited about our first Winter issue hitting the streets. Winter seems to be an action packed time, with Bonfire night, Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day and February half-term. We have tried our best to bring you a taste of everything this season from our usual features including, education, reading and health, to Christmas and New Year New You! Our travel element for Winter looks at Long Haul for those of you desperate for sunshine (pg 39) and for those active families we have delved into skiing (pg 36). Definitely a holiday we are yet to engage with as a family and one very much on our list for the near future after Jess’ thrilling account! Christmas is of course a time perfect for gathering the family together and pulling out all things festive. I, for one, am very guilty of over planning, buying way too much food and turning

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 and more. We publish 4 seasonal editions per year.

the whole experience into an anticlimax. This year I plan to take a much more relaxed approach! I may even completely take the stress away by engaging the services of COOK (pg 49). I can think of nothing better than pre-prepared Christmas dinner that I simply need to put into the oven. Hopefully we will also inspire you this festive season with our pick of advent calendars (pg 26 and gifts for Christmas (pg 28). The market is completely saturated with choice and as always there is the affordable to the uber expensive. We certainly had fun trying and testing a majority of the gifts and gadgets! Winter is also a time of reflection for many and lots of serious issues tend to crop up. We are very keen, at Beebo, to support as much as we can so please read our quarterly feature from the Children’s Hospice South West, if nothing else, come out to support Santas on the Run during December. It provides the perfect build-up to

Christmas. November also marks Movember - that time of year when more men than usual are supporting the ‘hairy’ look! And in doing so are raising money for Prostate Cancer. Made Portraits in Glastonbury will be capturing the moment at their beautiful studios in return for a donation. Be sure to send your partner, husband, brother, dad, friend - everyone along to support the good cause. Happy Christmas and New Year to all our readers and advertisers. Have a fabulous family time.

ps. remember to like us on facebook! Zoe Farnham, Editorial Director zoe@beebomagazine.co.uk

What’s being talked about this Winter.....

Contact us : Editorial Director : Zoe Farnham Creative Director : Alex Farnham Head of Sales : Melanie Cherrington 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

Breastfeeding? Doniford Farm Shop (near Watchet,

Somerset TA23 0TQ. Did you know you can Hire a Breastpump? Tel. 01984 634825) stocks a wide range The Carum hospital-grade double electric of local produce – meat, deli, & breastpump from ARDO uses thefruit latest bread, cakes, beersand andisciders, inveg, breastpump technology designed to mimic breastfeeding. free-range eggs, biscuits, preserves and other goodies. We have a spacious café/restaurant with sea views, serving delicious home-produced foodThe using fromplace ouryour Farm Shop. hireingredients scheme is simple, order by 3pm for next day delivery, we even of send you a text telling Customers can also enjoy viewing exhibitions bygones and you when your pump will arrive! getting close to meerkats and macaws, and other animals, with Collect the Carum from the Taunton office and receive entry to all of this being free of charge. a £10 discount. Quote BEEBO13 when ordering. www.donifordfarm.co.uk; enquiries: info@donifordfarm.co.uk. Call ARDO on 01823 336362 Or follow us on Facebook. to place your order or go online at www.ardobreastpumps.co.uk

ORGANIC VEGETABLES STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM

Over Stowey, Bridgwater. TA5 1JB

• 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

8 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

SPECIAL OFFER 25% Discount Fabulous Family Portrait What do you get? • A family portrait sitting in our photo studio • Viewing of images in our new HD viewing room • Password protected viewing access to your images online • Framed 20” x 16” Montage Print with a choice of frames • High resolution CD of ALL images (with printing copyright) Standard price £270.00

Now just £195.00

Quote: TIBEWIN13-14 Offer valid until 28th February 2014

Timeless Images was started by Garry and Rose Stacey and is now supported by a small, yet perfectly formed, team specialising in portrait and lifestyle photography.

One moment in time …… Sometimes it feels as if life is flashing by in the blink of an eye! We can help capture all those special moments from your family life - all those milestones throughout the years! These photographs will provide you with a ‘forever’ link to countless memories. In the comfort of our specialist high definition viewing room you will be able to select your favourite images and see how they will look in various formats and frames to suit your room, your style, your life. We can even recreate your room with our software to give you that ‘in place’ feel. Let us help you capture your Timeless Images throughout the years.

Bump to Baby: Introducing baby Rory Burnett Having followed Julia & Craigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exciting journey through their first pregnancy, Beebo are delighted to introduce our readers to their beautiful baby boy.

10 The Southwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must have family magazine

Welcome to the World Rory Anthony Burnett! Born April 3rd 2013

A new life entering the world is such an exciting and exhilarating time. To those that have experienced it there is nothing that quite compares to that moment; as a woman you go into labour; as a couple: your baby first enters the world! We met baby Rory in Musgrove Park hospital at less than a day old. Both mum and dad were over the moon and still very much reeling in the adrenaline of the previous 24-hours. For a first time birth everything sounded to have gone pretty much to text book! Julia concludes our Bump to Baby feature with a final diary entry. Dear diary, 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 as I have a midwife appointment, and I suspect she will tell me not to go back to work. After a hectic morning I have my midwife appointment and, as expected, she suggests that I should probably go home instead of returning to work. My blood pressure is high and she calls the labour ward to see what they want to do. NOOOOO please don’t send me back there. Thankfully they just suggest that my midwife checks me again tomorrow and put the high blood pressure down to a busy morning. I decide to go with Craig to my parents house where he is working and flake out on the sofa chatting to my mum. Around 2pm I mention that I’ve had stomach ache most of the day - feelings

very similar to period pains, again, I put this down to being busy and forget about it. I mention a couple more times that my stomach hurts and my mum notices that I seem to be complaining about every four minutes. We laugh that I could be going into labour... how ridiculous, we still have 3 weeks to go! I suggest it is probably Braxton Hicks as I am feeling most of the pain in my back. Thanks to google we realise a little while later that Actual labour is often in your back and Braxton Hicks rarely is. No way!! After around 2 hours of these pains Craig comes into the living room to explain that they have a problem. The wall they have recently removed during the kitchen renovations is in fact a load bearing wall holding up the bedroom above... oh dear! I explain that I may also have a problem... Contractions 4 minutes apart! We still don’t really believe this can be the real thing and Craig gets on with trying to sort out the wall issue. My pains gradually become worse and

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

around 5pm I suggest that I would like to go home. After all we are in Willand, not exactly a short drive from the hospital. Craig insists on tidying up while I crawl around the floor. The journey home is interrupted by me silently gripping onto the door handle every time a contraction comes. I suggest that we stop at our local shop to stock up on lucozade, magazines and snacks - all the things the books say you need to take. We wait in the carpark until I’ve had another contraction and then make a mad dash around the shop. We must have spent a little too long deciding on snacks as I have a contraction at the end of an aisle and need to crouch on the floor.

This is really not a time for a romantic bath together! Once back home I decide to run a bath to try and ease the pains and Craig decides to climb in too! This is really not a time for a romantic bath together! But we both still find it difficult to believe that this is the real thing. I begin applying make-up between contractions and Craig telephones the hospital who do not seem too keen but tell us to come in anyway to be checked. By this point the pain is really becoming quite intense and I just don’t know what to do with myself. We arrive at the hospital around 6.30pm and are finally seen almost an hour later. I am given a TENS machine and a paracetemol - yes I’m sure this will take the edge off!?! I am sick several times and the midwife tries to force feed me toast but I cannot face eating anything. At 8.30pm I am checked again and the midwife asks, “ how are you with pain!?” What kind of question is that? I am actually in so much pain I can’t even gather my breath to answer her. She checks me again and I am only 2-3cm dilated - great! We are sent home and told that the pain may wear off and it may even be false labour! Half of me thinks, yes - please wear off, I will do this another day, but the thought of going through the last few hours again is not pleasant!! Once home I go straight to bed and try and sleep. The pain is getting to a point that it is even more unbearable and the TENS machine is doing nothing. I didn’t realise until it was too

late that half of the pads had come off anyway. No wonder it wasn’t working! I manage to dose between contractions, although I actually think I may have been passing out. Craig makes himself some dinner and prepares for a long night.

Right on cue my waters break in the car! After about an hour in bed I get up thinking I need to use the bathroom and am on the bathroom floor wanting to cry but unable to as the pain is too much. I say to Craig that if we go back to the hospital and I am only 4cm dilated I want any drug that they can give me despite what any birth plan says! The pain has really changed to more of a pushing sensation like I need to use the toilet and Craig is insisting we leave. I really don’t want to as I am worried that I am not much further along and the midwife will tell me off for not coping with the pain. We get into the car and I decide to lie on the back seat, it is definitely more spacious but also they seem to do this in movies; so I thought I should! By this point I can no longer stay silent when the pain comes and am grunting and making an array of attractive farmyard like noises! I think I’ve mastered a cow impression to perfection! Right on cue my waters break in the car! Yes the car I have just cleaned - typical! We get into the hospital around 10.30pm and, again, I think I need to use the toilet but I quickly realise I don’t. We are back in the labour room and Craig goes to park the car. A lady comes in to take my blood pressure and whilst doing so asks, “are you pushing!?”, “oh yeah I think so...”, I reply... Panic, ‘“hang on let me get your midwife.”

“Oh there’s a head...” Craig and the midwife arrive at the same time and I am checked again. “Oh there’s a head...” says the midwife nonchalantly. Craig and I wait for her to say ‘only joking’ but she just goes and puts her gloves on and says, “we’d better get on with this.” She asks if I’d like some gas and air or if I’d just like to get on with it. I decide I would just like to get on with it...get this baby out!! The last bit of the labour is a bit of

12 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

a blur (I am afraid to say that I am writing this section retrospectively. I didn’t think to pack a pen and paper in the hospital bag!). The midwife was telling me to push with the contractions and kept saying, ‘I know it’s stinging’. But it wasn’t stinging. Gosh - I am as hard as nails I think to myself! A couple more contractions go by and oh wait... Yep that’s stinging (although stinging is most definitely an understatement!) I shout out, ‘Crikey this hurts’ - (although I definitely didn’t say ‘crikey’). The one thing I really remember about the actual birth is that Craig was being an amazing support and saying you are doing so well, keep going etc etc but after every sentence he called me ‘squid’ - his nickname for me - who says romance is dead?! I can vividly remember thinking, why oh why are you calling me squid so much in front of the midwife - this is embarrassing. Anyway back to the task at hand. After about 20 minutes of pushing I was told that on the next push I had to stop when she said and pant...Sounds easy enough.. but I was concentrating so much on pushing that I did not hear her say stop and continued to push. All I can remember from this time is the midwife saying, “oh looks like baby is coming in one go.” Baby Rory Anthony Burnett made his arrival at 11.20pm on April 3rd 2013. Well I wasn’t expecting to have to do that today! I never did read magazines and drink lucozade... and my garden still isn’t finished! A big Beebo congratulations to Julia and Craig! Rory Anthony Burnett is a little bundle of delight. And we are in complete awe of Julia, no pain relief! We wish you lots of fond, happy family memories - enjoy the early days, they go so fast!

*Photographs by Sabrina Glover

Tis the season to give beauty… Wonderful gift packages for friends, family and loved ones. Prices start at just £29.99. All our Christmas packages are available for purchase online and vouchers can be posted direct to recipient.

Seasonal Shellac - £34.50 Shellac with some added sparkle Up to two weeks of mirror finish shine

Christmas Party Hair-up - £26.50 For the ultimate party look

Highly Defined Brows - £28.99

Tis the season to give beauty… HPD, DHP, BSc.

Wonderful gift packages for friends, family and loved ones. startyou at just Concentrating on Prices where want to be £29.99. All our Christmas packages are in life to free you from past problems. available for purchase online and vouchers can posted direct to recipient.  Confidence issues  be Depression  Fears and phobias  Anxiety  Hypno-birthing  Unwanted habits  Weight issues  Insomnia

Seasonal Shellac - £34.50

and much more........ Shellac with some added sparkle Up to two weeks of mirror finish shine Hypnotherapy is a fast, effective and

Christmas Party Hair-up - £26.50 powerful tool for lasting change

For the ultimate party look Please contact me -for FREE Initial Highly Defined Brows £28.99

The ultimate accessory this Winter. Treat your eyes to a precision shape, brow tint and eye make-up tutorial. Plus take home your very own brow kit to achieve your fantastic new look between appointments.

Consultation 561905 The ultimate accessory this 07795 Winter. Treat your eyes to a precision shape, brow tint and eye make-up tutorial. Plus take home your WWW.edvhypnotherapy.co.uk very own brow kit to achieve your fantastic new look between appointments.

Tis the season to give beauty…

Wonderful gift packages for friends, family and loved ones. Prices start at just £29.99. All our Christmas packages are available for purchase online and vouchers can be posted direct to recipient.

Seasonal Shellac - £34.50

Shellac with some added sparkle Up to two weeks of mirror finish shine

Christmas Party Hair-up - £26.50

For the ultimate party look

Highly Defined Brows - £28.99

What is Colic? by Charmian Mead

Symptom 2 - Hunger.

Colic

is a term used by experts which covers a host of baby complaints, mainly digestive issues that cannot be easily diagnosed by your GP and midwife. I recently worked for a GP who had twins. She had no knowledge of babies and aftercare, only of pregnancy. If a baby can't be diagnosed easily, colic is usually the first port of call. I have been in childcare for twenty two years, fifteen of them as a private maternity nurse: teaching mother's parenting skills and a routine I have developed which helps newborn babies sleep through the night and none of the babies in my care have had colic. So, let's unravel the mystery of colic by going through the various symptoms and possible reasons behind them. Symptom 1 - Long periods of crying from late afternoon to well into the evening, generally the same time each day. There are three possible reasons for this. First is wind. If a baby is not winded thoroughly during feeds throughout the day a buildup occurs after several feeds. This can be exacerbated by feeding too frequently where fresh milk on top of undigested milk in the stomach can cause wind and pain. It takes three hours for a baby's stomach to empty. The most common incorrect advice I hear is that a breastfed baby does not need winding. Oh yes they do, and sometimes more so depending on what the mother is eating. To stop the buildup of wind you will need to wind your baby every 5-10 minutes or when baby is comfort sucking or falling asleep. If bottle feeding wind every 1oz for the first three weeks and then extend as baby's stomach strengthens. It's common for a newborn to have a wind issue as they're unable to bring it up themselves until 8-12 weeks old. If you are breastfeeding it's important to consider what you eat. Your baby is effectively eating what you eat and can be sensitive to a range of foods from onions to fizzy drinks and caffeine, which can have an affect on your baby's sleep pattern.

Underestimating how much your baby needs at any one feed will leave your baby hungry. Some babies will fall asleep easily during a feed due to sucking, feeling full due to wind or the soporific effect of being cuddled and warm. Keeping your baby awake during feeds, winding well and allowing some time awake after a feed will help you work out how much milk your baby needs. If breastfeeding, a low milk supply could be the culprit. A mothers milk supply is usually at its best at the start of the day in theory, having slept at night; giving the body a chance to rest and produce milk. Milk supply is at its lowest in the late afternoon and evening and this is when a baby needs their heaviest feed to set them up for the night ahead. To combat this express milk after the first two morning feeds and give in a bottle before bed or give formula. Expressing will encourage a good milk supply which can take weeks to establish. Do be aware that it's common for some women to never produce enough milk to satisfy their baby's appetite, in which case I recommend combined feeding. Symptom 3 - Crying when put down to sleep. Your baby is not having enough awake time during the day or is catnapping. Some babies are born able to stay awake for two hours at a time, others struggle to stay awake past a feed. Managing youe baby's awake time and encouraging visual stimulation during the day will make for a peaceful night. Instinct would say put your baby down to nap straight after a feed, as baby becomes sleepy on the breast or bottle, but common sense would say it's the best time for them to be awake, giving them time to digest their milk, alleviate any wind whilst doing so and have a full tummy to be able to look around and play, thus making for more peaceful naps and nights. Symptom 4 - Crying during feeds and not settling between feeds. This could be due to not being winded enough during feeds or the flow of the teat or breast being too fast or too slow. Poor milk supply will only frustrate your baby as their appetite is not being satisfied. It may look like your baby is drinking but they may be comfort

14 The Southwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must have family magazine

sucking and getting very little. Too fast a flow and baby can gulp milk and air. Lastly, the dreaded acid reflux, which is a common condition where a baby's stomach produces too much acid as it starts to digest. This usually starts from a third of the way into the bottle or feed. The condition usually creeps in gradually around 3-6 weeks of age as your baby increases their milk intake. A baby's feed times are when they are at their happiest. If they are crying, back arching and upset during feeds, something is wrong and you'll need to see your GP or specialist. Other less common conditions are pyloric stenosis, an abnormality of the gut which causes persistent vomiting and lactose or milk protein intolerance. Symptom 5 - Crying immediately after feeds. This could be due to your baby still being hungry or having wind. It could also be that they might need some awake time and not want to be put straight down for a nap. It's common for a baby to doze during a feed and Mum, thinking baby has had enough, puts them to bed and then they wake within 15 minutes crying, not tired and still hungry. A cycle of broken sleep and feeding can be established. Keeping your baby active whilst feeding and allowing awake time after the feeds will help you understand if your baby needs more food and is wind free. A baby is born with a new and immature digestive system which needs to be handled with care. Some advise that a baby who is breastfed will not need winding but they do, every five to ten minutes, and sometimes more than a bottlefed baby, dependant on what the mother is eating. Others advise to feed baby on demand or when they show signs of hunger. A baby will show signs of hunger when they are tired, has wind or is, of course, hungry. If you keep trying to feed your baby milk on top of undigested milk this will cause wind and pain. If your baby is always looking to suck or drink to fall asleep, they will not learn to settle themselves and can wake frequently wanting to suck again in order to settle. www.thesleepingbabyroutine.co.uk

ACTIVE BIRTH

By Patricia Whitworth

is the story of baby Hannah’s birth: “I gave birth to our beautiful baby daughter at Bracken on Sunday 16th June 2013 at 7.15am. She weighed in at 8lbs 9oz.

For Beebo’s last edition I wrote an article about Active Birth and Yoga for Pregnancy. For this edition I’d like to give you an insight into how these classes can benefit you in labour by sharing Sarah Marshall’s two birth stories. Sarah joined my Taunton classes in late 2010. She was forty years old, (normally considered high risk because of her age) and expecting her baby in June 2011. Here is an excerpt from Sam’s birth story, in her own words: “I just wanted to let you know that I gave birth to our gorgeous little boy; Samuel Philip Marshall on Friday 24th June 2011. I was 13 days over my due date and had an induction booked for Saturday 25th. To my great delight I went into labour spontaneously in the early hours of Friday morning so avoided induction by hours!! Which meant I was able to have the water birth at Bracken that I really wanted. I can honestly say that your yoga classes transformed both my view of the birth during my pregnancy and my experience of it. The breathing techniques were absolutely fantastic. I didn’t take to the gas and air, (it made me feel sick) so I was completely dependent upon the breathing, and birthed without pain relief. I am now adjusting to the sleep deprivation and other joys of new motherhood, but my husband and I are completely besotted with Samuel and spend endless hours watching his funny little expressions.” Two years later Sarah came back to the classes for her second pregnancy, here

I was 8 days overdue and had seen my midwife, who I really like, the day before. I told her I hoped the baby would come soon as it was my son’s birthday on 24th June and I didn’t want their birthdays too close together. I had already been experiencing a few twinges, so she offered me a stretch and sweep and discovered I was already 1-2cm dilated. By the following midnight I was having regular contractions, so arranged for my parents’ to come and look after Samuel. I started using the TENS machine, and initially tried to get some rest in between contractions lying in bed but found it too uncomfortable lying down, so I got up and went downstairs to let my husband get a bit of rest. I used the ball, and some of the yoga movements in the dark and calm of our lounge. I felt very peaceful there. I phoned Bracken but unfortunately they were full, with one woman in labour and one coming in, but I was coping fine so decided to stay at home for as long as possible in the hope that one of the women would have given birth by the time I needed to go in. By about 4am the contractions felt much stronger and the baby felt quite low, so I felt it was time to go. I phoned Bracken and fortunately both women had given birth so I could go in! On arrival the midwife examined me and to my relief I was already 7cms dilated. I was getting on well with the TENS machine and used the vocalising learnt in class when contractions got more powerful. Initially I was trying to get a bit of a rest between contractions, slumped over a bean bag, but found labour was slowing, so I got up and started walking around, whilst using some of the yoga moves to speed it along. The transition phase did feel long and very exhausting, partly as I’d had no sleep, but eventually my waters broke at about 7am and then I was taken over by the most incredible urge to bear down. I sank to my knees,

leaning over the beanbag, and baby Hannah was delivered about 3 pushes later! It was all very intense and to be honest it felt more painful than my sons water birth, but significantly faster (I pushed for over 2 hours with him!). I was very impressed with how much attention both midwives gave to my birth plan, reading it and following it very carefully. They were nonintrusive, but supportive and both really great. My husband and I were given plenty of time to have skin to skin contact with Hannah who then latched on and fed really well. Thanks again for all your support in the yoga classes, they again made a real difference to both my expectations and my experience of childbirth, I found it really helped to keep me calm, positive and empowered.” Sarah 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 Beebo editor, Zoe attended classes whilst expecting their newest arrival and wishes she had found the class a whole lot sooner. Zoe said, “the Yoga and breathing techniques are a fantastic support, not only as a tool during labour, but also in preparing the body mentally and physically during the months of pregnancy. Giving birth puts great exertion on the body and I would whole heartedly recommend Active Birth classes to help you through the birth and to speed up post birth recovery.

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Sleep and the School Aged Child Case Study: Megan 6 years

Recent research shows that an increasing number of children spend their formative years chronically sleep deprived and as a result suffer from impaired academic performance, reduced memory capacity, slower growth and behavioural issues. Insufficient sleep is also shown to strongly correlate with increased risks for a spectrum of health problems including obesity, accidents, hypertension and emotional concerns. Most children get far less sleep today than they did 30 years ago and the impact of children’s use of social media, computers, televisions, mobile phones and gaming consoles in bedrooms is exacerbating this trend. Common problems are • • • •

Difficulty falling asleep Resistance to going to bed Anxiety about sleep Late falling asleep despite being sent to bed on time

Tips to help school children sleep:

Megan’s parents were at their wits end. Megan refused to go to sleep and had not slept more than 4 hours a night for the last 3 years. Her mother put her to bed at 7.00pm, but it wasn’t until 1.00am that Megan finally fell asleep. She also woke frequently in the night. Megan's parents enlisted Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic to help with the sleep problem. Alongside a resistance to go to sleep Megan had sleep related anxieties, which required a gentle gradual retreat programme, with a structured winding down and relaxing bedtime routine.

1. Encourage a regular bedtime and wake up time that is appropriate for your child’s age and stick to it. A consistent schedule will help your child get into a regular sleep/wake cycle. 2. Try to avoid staying up late as a treat at weekends or for good behaviour. 3. The bedroom should be cool, quiet and dark- if needed get blackout blinds. The darkness helps to stimulate melatonin our sleepy hormone. 4. Have regular meal times and avoid caffeine or high sugar food/drinks close to Following a six week sleep behaviour bedtime as they can disrupt sleep. Alternatively a snack of foods that contain programme with support and guidance the amino acid tryptophan such as a banana cereal or warm milk can be from our experienced sleep therapist beneficial. Mandy Gurney, in a matter of weeks 5. Encourage regular periods of exercise 3-4 times a weeks as research shows Megan was settling to sleep quickly that exercise promotes sleep, however it should not be carried out within 2-3 at 8.00pm and sleeping through the hours of bedtime. night for 10 hours. Megan was a 6. Do not use the bedroom as punishment. much happier and healthier child and 7. Have a wind down 1 hour prior to sleep. Turn off the television, computer and the whole family unit benefited from any electronic devices such as tablets or phones - the blue light from these Megan sleeping well. 8. Have a bedtime routine where the child does the same thing every night before sleep to teach the body the signals that it’s time for bed. 9. Have a relaxing bath and encourage reading or being read to before lights out. Don’t use bedtime as a time to discuss worries or concerns. 10. Make sure that bedtime is sleep time and that the child does not have distractions in the bedroom. In the morning let the bright light in to signal to the body to wake up and to suppress the sleep hormone melatonin.

Millpond Sleep Clinic Millpond is the only sleep clinic working with children from babies’ right up to school age in the UK and its run by fully qualified, medical professionals. Using holistic, safe and scientifically proven methods, Millpond’s success rate speaks for itself with 97% of all sleep problems solved since it was first established over 13 years ago. We are also trainers to the NHS as well as other healthcare professionals and we’ve recently begun teaching kids how to sleep through workshops in schools. Mandy Gurney, Founder of Millpond, the UK’s leading Children’s Sleep Clinic says: “Because we believe that good health starts with good sleep, to help families who are experiencing long-lasting disruption, we’ve come up with our 10 top tips to get your bedtime routine back on track based on our many years’ experience working with school aged children”. For more information on how we could work with you to help your child to sleep better please contact Millpond www.mill-pond.co.uk / Tel; 0208 444 0040 Email: info@mill-pond.co.uk 16 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

In a world of sensory overload and school, family and internal pressures, children need meditation as much as adults. Meditation helps us all (whatever our age) ease stress and anxiety, boost creativity and learning, develop compassion and understanding and much, much more. There are lots of myths that surround meditation with some people believing that it relates to spiritual or religious beliefs but the truth is anyone can meditate. Meditation is simply the choice to peacefully focus your consciousness, to a point where you are profoundly relaxed, yet fully awake inside.

‘If every 8 year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.’ - Dalai Lama But the big question of course is how do you begin to teach your children this wonderful life skill? Well I have come up with 3 tips to help you begin. Obviously there are many more insights I could share but I do believe these suggestions are wonderful starting points. Please note, that I am not advising any fixed age to begin teaching your child to meditate, if you are in touch with your own inner teacher (intuition) you will know when the time is right. 1. You could start off by suggesting that your child take just two or three minutes out to think about how their body feels and ask them to connect their thoughts with their feelings. For example if they think about a pet or a family member, where in their body do they get a feeling? This is an incredibly powerful life skill because it teaches children about emotions (which are thoughts combined with feelings) and when children understand their own emotions they take more care of them, both in themselves and in others. You can guide the meditations in this way to start with, leaving longer and longer gaps between your suggestions until the child begins to get the hang of experiencing their own inner calm. The key in the early stages will be building it up slowly and making it fun too. You will make it fun because you will be in present time with your child and trust me, there is nothing a child wants or needs more than your presence in the ‘now.’ 2. Make meditation a daily ritual. Just like brushing teeth, reading stories or doing homework. Check in with your child and ask (don’t nag) them, ‘have you meditated today?’ It may be appropriate sometimes to be curious about what they discovered and how they feel afterwards, at other times it may be better to pay no attention at all. Just ensure that meditation is an accepted part of daily life, without making it feel like a chore of course. 3. And last but by no means least, the best way to teach your children to meditate is for them to observe you practicing it yourself. If you are a frantic parent running round from dawn to dusk, you will have a very slim chance of getting your child to explore their inner reality. We learn what we live. My own experiences of meditations began as a young boy of about 4 or 5 in Ireland observing my feelings change while watching clouds shift shapes. Another of my favourite meditative pastimes was to witness the patterns of the movements of the fish in the crystal clear water of the stream near our cottage. I wanted to share my early memories because it is so important to understand that there are no rules when it comes to meditation, you don’t have to sit in uncomfortable positions, make sure your eyes are open or closed or chant mantras … I promise you the only thing you have to do is ‘be.’ Austin Wyse is the author of two self-development books, ‘Without the Woo Woo’ and ‘I Am Healing’ who specialises in the power of the subconscious. His meditation audios (for adults and children) are available to download on his website www.thewysecentre.co.uk. He lives in Taunton and runs workshops and events in and around the UK. Win Win WIn...

Beebo has 5 copies of Austin Wyse’s first book: ‘Without the WooWoo’ to giveaway. This fabulous book includes lots of new-thinking insights into how our subconscious is programmed during our formative years. To win a copy enter via our website: www.beebomagazine.co.uk/competitions. Closing date: January 20th 2014. Goodluck! The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Beebo

fashion

Boys

Quilted Jersey All-inOne, Blue £36 (0-2 years)

Patterned Hat & Mittens Set, Blue Whale £22 (0-3 years)

Fleece Lined Hat Banana Yellow £16 (2-12 years)

Fleece Lined Anorak Steel/Colbat Star from £35 (1.5-12 years)

www.boden.co.uk

Snowboard Jacket Steel/Red from £55 (2-12 years)

Snowman Print Baby Sleepsuit £16 (New Born - 18 months)

Funky Robin Baby Sleepsuit £16 (New Born - 18 months)

Quilted Pramsuits £32 (0-18 months)

www.boden.co.uk

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Knitted Fair Isle Scarves (Navy) £12 (one size)

Polar Fleece Jester Hats £14 (0-5 years)

Fox Hat and Glove Set from £10.50 (3-16 years)

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

www.next.co.uk

Panda All-in-One (unisex) £14 (First Size - 18 months) www.next.co.uk

Overcoat with Hood (Mink Marl) £25.99 (1-9 months)

Combined Coat (Mid-Grey) £27.99 (3-14 years)

Jacket with Hood (Apple Green) £15.99 (3 months - 3 years)

Twill Hat with Furry Lining £7.99 (6 months - 2 years)

www.zara.com

18 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Girls

Hippychick Waterproofs Unisex from £14.99 (1-4 years)

Novelty Knitted Set Multi-stripe £22 (2-12 years)

Ski Jacket Royal Blue Pears from £55 (2-12 years)

Girls’ Puffer Gilets Navy Dot £25 (1-6 years)

www.hippychick.com

www.boden.co.uk

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Polar Fleece Jester Hats £14 (0-5 years) www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Polarfleece Baby Booties £10 (0-12 months)

Girls’ Winter Wonderland Party Dress £24 (0-6 years)

Girls’ Navy Flower Knitted Scarf £12 (One Size)

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Girls’ Navy Flower Knitted Hat £12 (6 months - 5 years)

Girls’ Navy Flower Knitted Gloves £9 (1-5 years)

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Knitted Snood £9.99 (One Size) www.zara.com

Combined Quilted Jacket £29.99 (3-14 years) www.zara.com

Navy Bomber Jacket from £24 (3 months - 6 years) www.next.co.uk

Furry Ear Muffs £5.99 (One Size) www.zara.com

Faux fur Gilet from £17 (3 months - 6 years) www.next.co.uk

Coat with Detachable fur £49.99 (2-14 years) www.zara.com

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Beebo

health

Winter first aid tips for families With autumn well underway, winter’s icy chill is already hard on its heels. Cold weather brings many hazards to our health – especially if we spend time in the great outdoors, in wet or freezing conditions. Fortunately, St John Ambulance – the nation’s leading first aid charity – is on hand with helpful advice. Here is some useful information about two of the medical conditions that winter can throw at us.

Hypothermia Hypothermia develops when the body temperature falls below 35°C (95°F). The effects vary depending on the speed of the onset and the level to which the body temperature falls. Moderate hypothermia can usually be completely reversed. Severe hypothermia – when the core body temperature falls below 30°C (86°F) – is often, but not always fatal. However, no matter how low the body temperature is, it is always worth persisting with life-saving procedures until a doctor arrives to assess the casualty. There are many ways to recognise hypothermia, including: • hivering and pale, cold, dry skin • disorientation, apathy or irrational behaviour; occasionally belligerence • impaired consciousness or lethargy • slow and shallow breathing • slow and weakening pulse Treatment For a casualty who has been brought in from outside, immediately replace all wet clothing with warm, dry garments. Put the casualty in a bed and ensure that they are well covered. Give them warm drinks or high energy foods such as chocolate to help warm them up.

Frostbite Frostbite is when the tissues of the extremities – usually the toes and the fingers – freeze due to low temperatures. In severe cases, it can lead to a permanent loss of sensation and, eventually, tissue death (gangrene) as the blood vessels become irreversibly damaged. Frostbite usually occurs in freezing or windy and cold conditions. People who cannot move around are particularly susceptible. In many cases frostbite is accompanied by hypothermia and this should be treated accordingly. With frostbite, there may be: • Pins and needles’ to begin with • Pallor followed by numbness • Hardening and stiffening of the skin • A colour change to the skin of the affected area: first white, then mottled and blue. On recovery, the skin may be red, hot, painful and blistered. Where gangrene occurs, the tissue may become black due to the loss of blood supply. Treatment If possible move the casualty into the warmth before you thaw the affected part. Gently remove rings, gloves and any other constrictions such as boots. Warm the affected part with your hands on your lap, or under the casualty’s armpits. Rubbing the affected areas must be avoided as this can damage the skin and other tissues. Place the affected part in warm water at around 40°C (104°F). Dry carefully, and apply a light dressing of fluffed-up, dry gauze bandage. Support and raise the affected limb to reduce swelling. An adult casualty may take two paracetamol tablets for intense pain. Take or send the casualty to hospital. Warning! Do not: • put the affected part of the body near direct heat • attempt to thaw the affected part if there is a danger of it refreezing • allow the casualty to smoke Please note that these hints are no substitute for thorough knowledge of first aid. 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. 20 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Flu Vaccination for 2-3 year olds

Preventing the Common Winter cold: What you can do for your family... Some simple tips... If you’re prone to spending a few days in bed trying to nurse yourself or your family members back to health each and every winter, keep in mind these few tips on how you and your family can prevent getting caught out again. Recognise the Early Signs Scratchy throat? Poor sleep? Headaches? Fatigue? The list of cold symptoms is endless and varies from person to person. However, they are generally the same in each person so next time you feel the slight beginnings of a cold, pull the emergency brake! There’s no point in trying to go to work and hope it will ‘sort itself out’. Keep Germs at Bay It’s best to keep your distance when someone you know is ill to prevent direct transmission. However, the cold virus can linger on hands and surfaces for several hours. If you share facilities with someone who is ill, washing your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water is enough to kill off the virus from your hands and prevent the spread of infection. “An ounce of prevention saves a pound of cure”, says Dr. Wendy Snell, specialist in family

medicine and general practitioner at Blossoms Healthcare. Stay Warm When your body shouts to ‘wrap up warm!’ - listen! A recent UK study by Professor Ronal Eccles has shown blood vessels in the nose constrict at lower temperatures meaning less white blood cells are available to successfully fend off viruses and pathogens. Brings scientific reason to Grandma’s saying, “you will catch your death of cold”! As the temperature drops keep warm with a scarf and thick jumper. Stock up on Nutrients The cold virus will not completely go away on its own, you will need a fit and strong immune system to give it a good kick. A healthy diet of nutrients and vitamins, plus exercise, adequate sleep and plenty of fresh air is the perfect recipe for an immune system capable of fighting off any unwelcome intruder. Article by Carlo Pandian, freelance writer specialised in gardening, wellbeing and healthy living. Connect with him on Twitter @carlopandian. www.blossomshealthcare.co.uk www.cardiff.ac.uk/biosi/subsites/cold/eccles

Calling all Mo Bros and Mo Sistas? Since it began in 2003, Movember has gone from strength to strength raising vital finds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer and mental health. On the 30th of November and 1st of December from 09:00 till 21:00, any Mo Bros or Mo Sistas are invited in to the Made Portraits studio in Glastonbury to have your very own ‘Mo’ Photographic caricature created. It will involve a 10-minute portrait session and then a few days later, you will have the opportunity to purchase your own caricature as a Digital File for a minimum donation of £10 to Movember. Do something silly in Somerset this Movember! See www.madeportraits.com for more details.

Areas of England and Wales will be offering the flu vaccination to 2-3 year olds this year in the form of a nasal spray. Areas of Somerset are on the target list and parents in selected districts should have received a letter from their GP during the Autumn to book an appointment. The vaccine has been used successfully in several other countries, and the nasal form is said to be more effective than the flu jab. Perhaps the negative is that the spray may make side-effects more likely due to containing live viruses - however these are weakened and CANNOT cause the flu. The vaccination is being rolled out in a bid to provide greater protection to families in the build up to the flu season. Young children are very vulnerable and can become very unwell with the flu, particularly as they have little or no immunity against it. Children are also more likely to pick-up and pass on germs due to regularly being in close proximity to each other. This provides a greater risk of viruses, such as flu, being brought home to vulnerable siblings, parents, grandparents and others. Vaccinations are being provided in a bid to stop the circle of infection and to hugely minimise the number of serious and devastating cases that are recorded each year. In children, side effects can include runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. These are mild and short-lasting compared to flu symptoms. Infant paracetamol and Ibuprofen can be given but in the event of any concerns always seek help and advice from your GP or suitably qualified professional. See the following websites for more information: www.nhs.uk www.gov.uk

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Beebo

Dads Corner experience at home? You might be surprised to learn that the cost can be only slightly more than a regular set-up. You will need to get a 3D compatible TV, 3D glasses and access to 3D programmes or films.

experience. With smaller sets, you may need to sit closer to the screen to get the full effect. All 3D TVs can display 2D pictures as well – you simply switch off the 3D function and they become a normal high-definition TV.

There are two types of 3D technology. Passive 3D is the type used in cinemas. To watch, you wear cheap lightweight glasses that allow your eyes to see differently polarised light. Your brain combines what each eye sees to create the 3D image. You can also get passive 3D glasses that clip onto normal specs.

Once you have your equipment, you can decide what you are going to watch. For films, you get the best picture quality with Blu-ray. You will need to invest in a Blu-ray player and films on Blu-ray disk. You can also play Blu-rays (and 3D games) on a Sony PlayStation 3 console.

When James Cameron’s Avatar burst into cinemas in 2009, the world woke up to the potential for three-dimensional films to astound, amaze and capture our imaginations. The ground-breaking movie started a trend for spectacular effects in cinematography, and many new films are now shown in 3D, as well as major sporting events including London’s Olympic Games.

Active 3D gives you a higher resolution picture, but the glasses are bulkier to wear. While passive 3D TVs generally come with several pairs of glasses, you may have to buy active ones separately, at around £30 a pair. They work by synchronising with the TV and playing back rapidly blinking images to your eyes. (For this reason, manufacturers warn that they are unsuitable for people with a history of epilepsy or strokes.)

You can watch other programmes on Sky’s own 3D channel, which comes with its more expensive monthly packages. With Virgin Media and BT Vision, you can watch 3D films on demand. The BBC occasionally shows sporting events in 3D on its HD channel.

There’s no doubt that watching 3D films at the cinema can be thrilling, but is it worth trying to recreate the

3D televisions can cost anything from under £500 to several thousands. Larger screens will give you a better

The Next Dimension 3D effects are taking the cinema world by storm, but is 3D TV worth investing in?

Hey Guys! Read this! It could save your life......... Testicular cancer is relatively rare, yet it is the most common type of cancer to affect men aged between 15 and 44. Factors that can increase the risk include having a family history of the disease, and being born with undescended testicles. Rates of the disease are also five times higher in white men than in black men. Thankfully, the outlook for men diagnosed with testicular cancer is one of the best for all types of cancer. Over 95% of cases of men with early stage testicular cancer will be completely cured. Even cases where the cancer has spread outside the testicles have an 80% chance of being cured. As with other cancers, early detection improves your prognosis and can reduce the amount of treatment necessary. The most common symptom to look out for is a painless lump or swelling in a testicle. Read how to examine yourself below, but be aware that fewer than 4

in 100 testicular lumps are cancerous. Other symptoms may include a dull ache or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Sometimes, testicular cancer can spread to the lymph glands at the back of the abdomen, which can cause backache. Lumps can also form in the lymph glands around the neck and collarbone. Testicular cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the centre of the chest. This leads to swelling, a cough and difficulty in breathing or swallowing. The cancer cells may also spread to the lungs themselves causing breathlessness, but they do not usually affect other organs. Treatment of testicular cancer involves surgically removing the affected testicle. This should not affect fertility or the ability to have sex, and a false testicle can be put in place so that the scrotum will have a normal appearance. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or additional surgery may also be required, depending on the type

22 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Currently, 3D television is definitely an optional extra, but if growth continues at its present rate, it might not be that long before everything we watch is three-dimensional. By Alex Brown

and spread of the disease.

How to Examine Yourself You should check your testicles regularly – once a month is a good interval. The best time to do this is after a warm bath or shower when your scrotal skin will be relaxed. Hold the scrotum in the palms of your hands and use your fingers and thumb to gently feel each testicle. Look out for any lumps or swellings, or an increase in size or weight. (You should feel a soft tube at the back of each testicle – this is normal). It is rare to develop cancer in both testicles at the same time, so you can compare one with the other to see what is normal. If you notice anything unusual, contact your GP as soon as possible. By Alex Brown

Beebo

outdoors ‘Rozannie’ and Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’, or the more colourful herbaceous Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturn’ which never needs staking, just ‘chopping’ once per year. With this in mind, will I be cutting back and tidying up the garden this November? Is it right to sweep up the leaves from the borders, denying hedgehogs of the insulation crispy leaves provide, not to mention food

Jobs for November:

Garden View

Too tidy or not too tidy in November? I’ve heard people in the past say that gardening is nothing more than outdoor housework, and I’ve had a few people say to me that they’d love a ‘tidy garden’, but can a garden be too tidy? I enjoy the contemporary look of a formal garden with clean lines and tightly clipped planting, but I am also pleased to see more naturalistic planting, examples of which we saw during 2012 at the Olympic Park. It would seem though, that my choice of ‘tidy’ plants is not always cherished by others. “This plant is far too messy for me” yelled a voice from deep within the herbaceous border. It came from a woman on a mission to hack down the flower spikes which had shot up from her Stipa gigantea. I sat in the conservatory and thought ‘thank goodness I don’t still live at home!’ As a garden designer, people pay me to advise them what they should grow, be it something suitable for the location, something fashionable, or something that will compliment the colour of their new jacquard curtains! But it wasn’t until I sat there and watched my mum tear out those delicate flower spikes that I realised not everyone likes the same plants, or has the same understanding of a ‘tidy garden’. Compact plants with a neat growing habit have to be the best of both worlds, because you don’t have to prune against its natural growth habit, therefore making yourself less work in the garden. For this reason evergreens are the perfect choice, as they don’t shed leaves onto the lawn in autumn and are generally slow growing. Shrubs such as Aucuba japonica

•

Sow sweet peas in a cold greenhouse

•

Plant wallflowers without delay

•

Lightly prune roses to prevent wind rock

•

November is the best month to plant tulip bulbs. Bury holly leaves with bulbs if squirrels are a problem (wear your gloves though!)

•

Resist pruning hydrangeas the dead flowers will protect bulbs from the frost

•

Clean out bird nesting boxes - wear gloves to avoid any parasites

the worms will drag into the soil. Is it fair to snip the seed heads from the ornamental grasses; to bin the beautiful dried Allium skeletons, or slash the Verbena bonariansis to the ground, denying the birds the seed? I don’t know, but what I am proposing is to leave well alone for at least another month and enjoy the range of oatmeal brown colours for a little while longer … and as for mum … well, let’s just say the compost bin is already overflowing!

Deck the halls in December... An abundance of cut-foil decorations, thin wispy tinsel and multicoloured fairy lights are my earliest recollection of Christmas decorations, where the lounge was proudly decorated like a pub (you can tell I was an 80’s child!). My brother and I would drag a dining room chair into the lounge for our father to stand on (a time before health and safety was an issue), and he’d hang the same dusty decorations we’d bring down from the fusty loft every year. He’d insist that “we must use the same holes as last year” as he pushed the drawing pins through the Artex ceiling. To be fair to my parents, by

the 1990’s Mum tried to modernise the decorations, opting for a more muted colour pallet of red green and white, but as kids we hated the idea of such radical change, but alas the foil decs were relegated to our bedrooms. Although I hold these memories dear, I wouldn’t have this kind of decoration anywhere near my minimalist abode, and much prefer real ‘trimmings’ wherever possible. I don’t think there’s anything more special than a family day out collecting pine cones and seed heads, then returning to the garden to cut long lengths of Ivy to wrap around the spindles on the staircase whilst humming “Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly” (words from 1881). The word ‘deck’ in the title is of course referring to the verb meaning ‘adorn’ and entered the language from the Dutch word ‘dekken’, meaning ‘to cover’ (although you’d be forgiven for thinking it sounds like a piece of furniture from Ikea!). Both Holly and Ivy will last a week or so without water when cut and brought into the house (longer still if its cooler), but other foliage will require some moisture. The easiest way to make your own table decoration is to take an old 6 inch terracotta pot and squash a wetted piece of green oasis inside. Place a church candle centrally and add in cut pieces of Holly, Ivy and other evergreen leaves, as well as berries such as Holly and Cotoneaster. You can even add in pine cones (scented with a few drops of festive scented oil) or push in a couple of Cinnamon sticks. Do make sure you place it on a level saucer or similar, keep it moist and don’t let the candle burn too low (remembering never to leave a lit candle unattended!). Oh, and don’t forget to make a gardening Christmas wish list for Father Christmas! Merry Christmas! By Lee Bestall

Other festive ideas to do this December: •

Use excess trimmings from the Christmas tree to make a wreath

•

Plant up a colourful festive pot for outside your front door, and why not add some battery operated lights

•

Ensure your Poinsettia is placed out of cold draughts

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

‘Elf and Safety at Christmas! We’ve all met them - those odd souls who bound up to us on the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, informing us that there are just 358 days until next Christmas. They seem thrilled at the prospect of another season of peace and good will to all men, whilst we’re still recovering from the last one, grateful to have emerged unscathed. There are health warnings about any number of things, but Christmas rarely features. Yet there are all kinds of dangers lurking behind innocent looking fairy lights and seemingly innocuous novelties. A whopping 31 people have died since 1996 from watering their Christmas tree while the lights were still on, others have suffered broken arms from pulling Christmas crackers (really?!), and each year a couple of people die after testing 9 volt batteries on their tongue! These facts and figures are not for the faint hearted, nor is paying a visit to Father Christmas apparently. Experts say that small children often find a trip to Santa ‘terrifying’ and that responsible adults should take appropriate action to lessen the trauma. I must admit, I do possess a photo of my daughter looking highly distraught, whilst a white haired, bearded stranger desperately tries to

wrestle her back on to his knee. We all know the dangers of drinking and driving, but did you know that accidents have occurred involving out of control toy racing cars? The police warn us to stay at home when the weather is bad, but not if there is a novice Scalextric driver on the loose! Incidents with unfamiliar toys rate in the top three causes of accidents at Christmas. When my sister and I dropped the odd Lego brick, we knew dad had found it when we heard a loud howl and saw him hopping around on one foot. Treading on broken toy parts, or being stabbed by pins left in shirts, may result in a trip to casualty. Nothing less than total vigilance is called for. Do not open beer bottles with your teeth, or leave fairy lights on unattended, nor should you use a knife as a substitute for a screwdriver, pair of scissors or tooth pick. Every year, dozens of people are admitted to Accident and Emergency departments over the Christmas period having done one, (or in some cases more than one) of these. And finally... the Food Standards Agency tells us that some ten million

turkeys are sold every year at Christmas. They also tell us that 20 percent of all cases of food poisoning are poultry-related, so you can see there is a capacity for disaster lurking inside almost every oven in the land. How many of us check our oven temperatures using a thermometer? And how many more of us are still eating left-overs a week later. Make an oven thermometer top priority this year, and freeze left-overs or dispose of them after three days. Wherever you are, and whatever you’re up to this season, take care and have a very happy (and safe) Christmas, then exhale because it’s a full 358 days before you have to do it all again! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Rosette Christmas Tree Get creative this Christmas and build a tree you can bring out each year! Step By Step: 1. Begin by cutting out eight lengths of contrasting paper designs, one in each of the following widths: 6”, 5.5”, 5”, 4.5”, 4”, 3.5”, 3”, 2.5”. Concertina each strip by folding using a width of 1cm. 2. Pinch your concertinaed strip in the middle and fold out the edges and glue together to form a circle. You should have a gap either side of the center of the circle; big enough to slot the lollipop sticks through. Repeat for the remaining seven concertinas. 3. Take two of the lollipop sticks and glue the end on each. Push the sticks through the gaps on the largest concertinaed circle and adhere in place. This will be the base of your tree. Do the same with your next largest circle, leaving a 2-3cm gap. Keep going until you can’t fit anymore circles on and leave about a centimeter of each stick free at the top so you can glue the next two sticks on to these. Carry on building the circles up the lollipop sticks, gradually getting 24 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

www.docrafts.com

O Christmas tree!

Find the perfect tree and make your Christmas sparkle Like Santa and selection boxes, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a tree. As the centrepiece of the decorations, it’s essential that the tree suits you and your home. Real trees are lovely, but there are some very realistic artificial ones available these days, as well as beautiful modern ones – think bare twigs covered in twinkly lights or bold coloured branches with contrasting decorations. The main benefit of an artificial tree is that you can use it year after year – just make sure you have somewhere to store it! They are also great if space is limited, or if you have animals or young children. If you do decide to go for a real tree, before you get caught up in the festive spirit and buy the biggest one you can find, take a moment to measure the space where your tree will go. Think about the width you can accommodate, as well as the height, and remember to allow room to move around it. A garden centre is the obvious place to start your search, and you may also see signs to seasonal stalls or farms as you drive around. Did you know that you can now get Christmas trees by

mail order? The disadvantage is that you don’t get to see what your actual tree looks like, but it’s a great option if you don’t have a car. The cost of trees varies according to the species, as well as the size. These are the types that you may see: Norway Spruce – this traditional choice is cheapest, but it will drop its sharp needles. •

Nordman Fir – glossy rich green needles that will stay put!

•

Noble Fir – also retains needles well. It has soft blue-green needles and a lovely fragrance.

•

Fraser Fir – compact and upright, so perfect for smaller rooms.

•

Blue Spruce – boasts unusual blue-grey needles and a rich scent.

•

Scots Pine – has twisted green/ blue needles and that wonderful Christmas tree smell.

Also consider whether you want a tree that has been sawn off, or one that is

smaller. 4. Finally, place your smallest circle near the top of the tree and leave enough room to fit your star at the top. Using the third smallest star from the pack of Xcut nesting dies, die-cut two stars from silver glittered paper. Glue these either side of the top of your lollipop sticks to complete your Christmas Tree.

What you will need:

planted in a pot. A sawn-off tree will probably be cheaper. It may come already wedged into a block of wood, or you may need to buy a special stand. If you invest in a tree that is still growing, you can keep it outside in a pot, or plant it in the ground and bring it in each year. If you’re not confident about this, there are now companies who will deliver a living tree and take it away again after Christmas to care for until next year. So whatever your tastes, space and pocket, rest assured there is a tree for you. By Sarah Davey

Beebo Giveaway We have 2 docrafts goodie bags (worth £25 each) to giveaway. To be in with a chance of winning one and creating your very own piece of art simply answer the following question: What meat is traditionally eaten in the UK on Christmas day? Leave your name and contact details, along with your answer on our website: www.beebomagazine.co.uk/ competitions Closing date November 30th 2013

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Advent Calendars Caroline Gardner: Nativity Calendar Each calendar has a flittered finish (flecks of silver highlights) with a ribbon hanger and fun, seasonal images behind each door. Not only a beautiful way of counting day the days of advent, Caroline’s beautiful artwork provides a beautiful festive decoration. Size: 367 x 272mm Price: £4.95 each www.carolinegardner.com

Waitrose Woodland Friends Advent Calendar Our favourite supermarket are introducing us to their new Woodland Friends this Christmas. They have a range of chocolate gifts children will love and the advent calendar is no exception. Perfectly simple, yummy chocolates (shhh!!) and there is even a door for December 25th. Price: £2.49 each www.waitrose.com / 0800 188884

Nestlé Milkybar Advent Calendar A safe choice for our very little people. It’s hard to go wrong with the infamous Milkybar advent calendar. I think it is safe to say most of us have had the pleasure at some point! Price: £2.19 each Available from most retailers

John Lewis Rural Advent Boxes A novelty way of counting down the days to Christmas. You can make a fabulous decorative feature out of these 12 individual paper advent treat boxes, or why not hang them around the house as a mini-treasure hunt which will make opening that box all the more exciting! Price: £12.00 (25 boxes - flat packed for assembly) www.johnlewis.com / 08456 049 049

26 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Limited edition Biscuiteers advent calendar by Susie Watson This has to be our top pick! The talented team at Biscuiteers have teamed up with Susie Watson to create a hand-crafted cloth calendar. Grab the opportunity to own a limited edition. Fill each pocket with yummy festive gingers, candy cane, holly and handmade Biscuiteers Christmas trees. This is an advent treat that can be pulled out of the Christmas box each year. What a treat! Size: approx. 940 x 660mm Price: £45.00 cloth calendar & advent biscuit tin £45.00 www.biscuiteers.com

The count down to Christmas Day... there has never been so much choice... We take our pick of the best - which one will you choose! Playmobil Pirates Treasure Cove & Lego Friends Advent Calendar Behind 24 doors lies a lego adventure that is gradually unveiled in the count down to Christmas. We have Playmobil for the younger children and Lego Friends for those slightly older - a great edition to the Playmobil and Lego collection. Price: Playmobil - £16.99 & Lego Friends - £19.99 www.amazon.co.uk

Thorntons: The Snowman and the Snowdog Advent Calendar Christmas wouldn’t be complete without delicious chocolates from Britain’s best loved chocolate maker, Thorntons. This year, to make Christmas even more special, Thorntons has created some magical new treats featuring The Snowman and the Snowdog. There’s a scrummy milk chocolate treat for every day in December, and a few extra-special white chocolate snowmen to enjoy. You can make it completely personal by having their name iced on the creamy chocolate plaque. Price: £5.99 www.thorntons.co.uk

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Top Toys and Gif Stack, Pour, Post n Play Owl Soft Toy £10.00 www.oliverbonas.com 0208 974 0110

Baby Boy / Girl Gift Set £14.50 www.oliverbonas.com 0208 974 0110

Combines four classic games into one. Featuring a honey-pot shape sorter, colourful cups displaying Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore, and bright shapes, baby can learn and interact with their favourite loveable characters. Stack the cups on top of the honey pot and post the shapes through the sorter for hours of developmental play. Take the set into the bath too and use the cups as pourers. When not in use, the cups and shapes all fit into the honeypot, so the whole set can be easily stored away. £12.99 www.tomy.co.uk

Neil the Seal This cute little character is a top activity toy packed full of TOMY magic! Great for getting little ones moving and improving their dexterity, simply push Neil the Seal along so he can magically pick up his beach ball in his flippers and watch as he raises it to his nose and see it spinning. £19.99 www.tomy.co.uk

Babies to Toddlers

My First Doll Maisie. Lamaze’s soft, stage-based developmental infant toys are designed to help babies and toddlers reach early physiological milestones. Brightly coloured patterns and textured fabric. all perfect for encouraging young exploration and stimulating the senses. Fully fabric, with a detachable crinkly bib, ribbons and even a Velcro nappy for small hands to explore, encouraging interaction at an early age. She is a perfect first companion for baby and a delightful, colourful addition to the nursery. £14.99 www.tomy.co.uk Editors Choice

Cow Chorus From Lamaze is a magical musical cow with easy to use and explore sensory panels to activate the cheerful music. Baby can play the cow bells which jingle on every touch and the little bird perched on the cow’s back tweets as well. £22.99 www.tomy.co.uk

Mini Kitchen £50.00 www.johnlewis.com 08456 049049

North Pole Russian Dolls

Finger Printing Art Set

£14.00 www.gltc.co.uk

£8.00 www.waitrose.com 0800 188884

Jollywobbles: Car Wash DVD Live action comedy sketch show featuring Justin Fletcher. Join Justin on his many adventures as he seeks to find fun in the most unlikely of places. Wherever he goes, Justin is ably supported, and transported, by his faithful, friendly and very funny car. From £5.00 (available from all good DVD stockists) www.abbeyhomemedia.com

28 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Cuddledeer Toddler Towel £29.99

www.cuddledry.com

Magnetic Toy Plane £20.00 www.iwmshop.org.uk

ts this Christmas Something Special 4in1 Shaped Puzzles Perfect sized puzzle pieces for little fingers that encourage hand-eye coordination. The excitement builds as Mr Tumble appears - a firm pre-school favourite! These high quality puzzles come in a suitcase style box complete with handle for easy transportation. £7.99 (via all good retailers) www.jumbo.eu

Editors Choice

Aqua Splash Tots. Give the gift of learning to swim this Christmas. Baby, Toddler and PreSchool swimming lessons. Vouchers are available in denominations of £10, £20, £45 & £90 www.aquasplashtots.co.uk aquasplashtots@ymail.com Laura 07742 816145 / Debbie 07769 308052

Mr. Bloom’s Nursery: Giant Turnip DVD In the garden, Mr. Bloom and the Tiddlers work together as a team to get a seed-sowing job done! Inside the Nursery, there’s a huge turnip that needs to be pulled up. The Wee MacGregors try to push it out, Raymond tries to uproot it dressed as a sumo wrestler and Jason tries by asking nicely. It seems Mr. Bloom, The Tiddlers & the Veggies all need to join forces to get the job done. From £7.00 (available from all good DVD stockists) www.abbeyhomemedia.com

Editors Choice

Toddlers PLus

Counting Caterpil ars A fabulous take on the traditional board games of Ludo and Snakes & Ladders. Brightly coloured and double sided this wil be a big hit with all Disney Planes fans. Children wil love the race in Snakes and Ladders to get to the finish. Ludo is a game of ‘cat and mouse’ - who wil be the first and quickest tp get all four planes to their ‘homebase’! £9.99 (via all good retailers) www.jumbo.eu

Chuggington - Rescue at Rocky Ridge Extremely sturdy and durable - children and parents wil spend hours playing with this fabulous train set that can also combine with other Chuggington train sets to build upwards and outwards. Easy to put together for children and parents! Let the action begin! £39.99 www.tomy.co.uk

Horrid Henry: Rocking the World DVD Horrid Henry Rocking the World Moody Margaret, Superstar Horrid Henry Goes to the Theatre, Horrid Henry Money Talks, Horrid Henry’s Unhappy Day, Horrid Henry and the Special Spa Day. .From £7.00 (available from all good DVD stockists) www.abbeyhomemedia.com

Silver Racing Car Roar ‘n’ React Boris The biggest interactive dinosaur, just press his back button to start him off. Chomping sounds are triggered in Boris’ mouth; huge roaring sounds are activated when Boris’ tail is pressed down: and when Boris walks on the ground, he makes huge clomping sounds.. £29.99 www.tomy.co.uk

Who’s In Space? A 25 piece space puzzle that wil get children talking about space. Parents are likely to learn something along the way too! Complete with a free activity guide to encourage talk about planets, astronauts and space travel. A great way of learning through play. £7.50 (via all good retailers) www.orchardtoys.com 01953 859520

A classic favourite £76.00 www.purelyboys.co.uk

Counting Caterpil ars A first colour and number matching game for young ones, developing their number recognition and number sequencing. They wil love the excitement of playing to be the first to collect all of the numbers in their bright and colourful caterpil ar. Linked to National Curriculum Maths Key Stage 1. Encourages early counting, colour recognition, matching, observation and memory skil s. £9.50 (via all good retailers) www.orchardtoys.com / 01953 859520 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Top Toys and Gif Pigs In Pants A fun, amusing and lively matching game! Children wil love the hilarity of the knicker-less pigs and matching colourful patterned pants to the pigs or maybe politely pinching pants from other players. Pigs in Pants wil have children giggling with each other whilst teaching them key educational skil s including, matching and colour recognition, social communication and turn taking, and whilst also encouraging observation and strategic thinking. £7.50 (via all good retailers) www.orchardtoys.com / 01953 859520

Joulberry Cutie Bangle £65.00 www.joulberry.com 020 8979 5774

Retro Range Tail-less Donkey Game £4.99 (via all good retailers) www.johnlewis.com 08456 049049

iPieces Peppa Pig Game

LEGO CITY Coastguard

Bringing game playing into the 21st Century! iPieces introduces children and parents to the fun of app technology whilst having real live pieces to move around the virtual board.. A nice and easy game to travel with too. £12.99 (via all good retailers) www.jumbo.eu

Take two landlubbers, one sinking dinghy and three hungry sharks! Launch the submarine and helicopter from the Patrol Boat (which really floats!) to pull the stricken couple to safety, and scare the sharks away with the water cannons! £59.99 (via all good retailers) www.lego.com/city Editors Choice

Catch n Return Poké Ball Competition Mixes skil with action play for the ultimate battling experience. Use your aiming skil to hit the stand and knock the character into the Poké Ball, then activate the reverse button for the Poké Ball to return to the user. Catch the Pokémon before your opponent! £24.99 www.tomy.co.uk

appCards Colour Slam A fast paced card game played alongside an app. You have to be super quick - it certainly gets the pulse racing! £9.99 (via all good retailers) www.jumbo.eu 30 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

From soft furnishings and clothes, to den kits, go karts and Nerf guns, www.purelyboys.co.uk has everything you need to get boys out of bed and exhausted! Everything you need for boys...all from one website!

www.purelyboys.co.uk

ts this Christmas App-accessories Sphero September Sphero is a completely new type of gaming system, which is fun for the whole family and is also pet and water proof. It’s the world’s first robotic ball that can be controlled with a tilt, touch, or swing from a smartphone or tablet. You can drive Sphero, play tabletop and multiplayer games, hold Sphero in your hand to use it as a controller for on-screen gameplay, learn basic programming, and even explore augmented reality with over 20 free apps. £99.95 www.johnlewis.com / 08456 049049

LEGO Hero Factory Brain Attack!

SPY-C Tank

Heroes of Makuhero City prepare for a Brain Attack!! Evil brains have hatched and are taking over the bodies of innocent creatures, transforming them into mutated beasts. Are the Heroes strong enough to defeat the evil Brain Attack?

With walkie talkie functionality and night vision, creating its own Wi-FI space for control and live view, the SPY-C Tank can be used anywhere indoors or far away in a field.. The App controlled SPY-C Tank is designed to work with Apple or Android smart phones or tablets so is suitable for all ages and your film and photos can be shared via Facebook, Twitter and more. Just download the free App and go! £130.00 www.sciencemuseumshop.co.uk

Battle the evil brains with STORMER’s nano alloy sword with ice fangs, ice hero shield and ice missile launcher! Use the light-blue evil brain to create FROST BEAST, a giant ice creature with spiked ice teeth, sharp frost claws, massive fanged frost blade and tough ice armour! £9.99 each (via all good retailers) www.lego.com/HeroFactory

Primary School Age Plus!

LEGO Shredder’s Dragon Bike

Real Adventure Mega Den Kit Serious boy fun! £55.00 www.purelyboys.co.uk

‘Heidi’ Apron £20.00 www.gltc.co.uk

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back! When Shredder speeds by, Donatello spots a map to the Turtles’ lair in his claws. Crank up the motorized skateboard to stop him before he finds the secret lair. Wield Donatello’s bo staff to chase the metal-faced menace through the city streets to get that map back £24.99 (via all good retailers) www.lego.com/turtles

Battroborg Battle Arena Pack The world’s first and most advanced battling, motion-controlled robots. Kids wil love hosting a Battle Royal where up to 20 robots battle at once! The Borgs register each hit so at the end of batt;le the ultimate champion can be crowned. £69.99 www.tomy.co.uk

Joulberry Lucy Locket £110.00 www.joulberry.com 020 8979 5774

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Step-By-Step Kids Craft

You wiStllems,nFueenky dFoa:m Sheet,

Felt, Chenille Assorted Brights, rd Ca 4 A s, e Ey e Wiggl k It! Silicone Glue ic St s, n to ut B d e Assort cision Scissors, e Pr 5" ut c X Tube, Polystyrene Ball.

brown.

2. Cover a 9cm plastic plant pot 3. Stick the polystyrene ball to with brown Craft Planet Felt with purple trim and turn the pot upside down.

the pot with PVA adhesive glue. Pierce the sides of the pot and thread pipe cleaners through the holes for arms and legs.

4. Cut out the reindeer features 5. Cut shapes for the arms and 6. Finally add the scarf and

from Funky Foam and glue into place as shown in the picture. Add Wiggly Eyes.

legs from a piece of brown Craft Planet Felt and stick to the ends of the pipe cleaners.

buttons to the front of the reindeer.

For more creative project ideas and inspiration visit docrafts.com

ÂŠ Design Objectives Ltd.|docrafts.com

1. Paint a 6cm polystyrene ball

More Top Toys and Gifts....... Blade & Rose Funky, high quality baby leggings. The perfect, and adorable solution for hiding little bums! Soft and comfortable - ideal for little sleepers, crawlers and walkers.. The perfect gift for Christmas, births, birthdays or just because! £10.00 www.bladeandrose.co.uk

Linkee As seen on Dragons Den. A game for the older children and family to enjoy. £19.99 www.johnlewis.com / 08456 049049

Santa is Coming to Bristol & Somerset It’s Christmas Eve. Santa’s packed up all the presents and set the Santa-nav to Somerset. So what could possibly go wrong? Discover how Santa dashes all over Somerset while you are safely tucked up in bed and fast. asleep. £4.99 www.amazon.co.uk

Fairisle Childrens Onesie A Winter warmer. from £20.00 www.johnlewis.com 08456 049049

Maxi Micro Scooter Black Joystick The joystick version of the Maxi Micro scooter provides an alternative style of scooting. Allowing children the feeling of “surfing” the pavement. £94.95 www.micro-scooters.co.uk

Mini Micro Scooter (Pink/blue) Lightweight frame, super strong brake - little people wil soon get the hang of manoeuvring the scooter over kerbs and bumps. £54.95 www.micro-scooters.co.uk

Made Portraits Give family a lasting memory and book a photoshoot to give photographs this Christmas, or purchase vouchers - a great gift.

GIVE A GIFT AND LIGHT UP A LIFE AT CHRISTMAS Current offer as per advert www.madeportraits.com Through November until mid-December 01458 831888 members of the public are invited to drop in to collection points with gifts for distributed to referred children and families in the area through The Salvation Army’s own networks, local groups and social services. Mil ions of children and young people have benefited from the gifts donated to The Salvation Army over many years. By giving a gift to our Christmas Present Appeal you can make a real difference in someone’s life at Christmas. Making a donation to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal is simple. Buy a toy or gift for a child aged 0-16 years and take it, unwrapped, to your local Salvation Army centre. A team of volunteers wil then wrap the gift and ensure it reaches a needy child or young person this Christmas. To find out where your nearest centre is, phone the South West coordinator, Catherine on 01392 822104.

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Gung Hei Fat Choi! Celebrate the Chinese New Year on 31 January 2014 the end of the year, otherwise it is said that you will be short of money in the following year. People also bring plants and fruit trees into their homes, especially kumquat plants and peach blossom.

hinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year for Chinese people around the world. In China, the festival is marked by a three-day public holiday. Also called the Spring Festival, it is a special time for families to get together, and millions of people travel home from their places of work or study. Chinese people prepare for the New Year celebrations by cleaning their houses from top to bottom. The idea is to clear away any bad luck and make way for good luck in the year ahead. People also buy new clothes and have their hair cut. They decorate their homes with red and gold paper decorations and lights. Red is a lucky colour in China, while gold represents wealth. Debts must be paid off before

On New Year’s Eve, families gather together for a celebratory feast. They eat sticky rice dumplings to bring good luck and happiness. It is a time to be thankful for the year that is ending and to remember family members who have died. At midnight, the doors and windows of the house are opened to let the old year out and firecrackers are set off. The next day, friends and families exchange gifts of food, flowers and sweets. Children are given money in red paper envelopes. There are fireworks and elaborate lion and dragon dances featuring beautifully coloured costumes and puppets. People try to forget grudges and wish peace and happiness to everyone. The date of the New Year is calculated

using the lunar calendar and can fall any time between late January and the middle of February. A complete cycle of the lunar calendar lasts 60 years and consists of five cycles of 12 years. Each of the 12 years is named after a different animal – rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals on earth to join him for a party. Only 12 turned up, and as a reward, he named a year after each one in the order they arrived. Each animal has certain characteristics which people born in that year are said to share. 2014 will be the Year of the Horse. People born in this year are said to be exciting and extroverted, vivid and animated, the Horse is the life of any party he attends. He is bursting with energy, always looking for the next place to kick up his heels and hang loose. He entertains friends and strangers alike with his humor and appeal. By Alex Brown

Grandma knew best Slow and Easy

It isn’t really news that household budgets are being stretched, thanks to redundancies, spiralling food and energy prices. Most of us are looking to our grocery budgets to see where we can cut back. But is it possible to take a financial hard line and still eat like royalty? Yes it is, and our Grannies had the answer. They knew a thing or two about being thrifty. It starts with shopping. One of the most expensive items we buy is meat. Chicken breasts and steak are pricey. Trouble is, many of us wouldn’t have the foggiest how to go about cooking these economical cuts and we’re missing out because, with the right treatment, these cheaper cuts are tastier than any rump steak. Never fear, we’re here to demystify meat. First the science bit: lean meat, like fillet steak or pork tenderloin, comes from a part of the animal which receives little or no exercise, hence

there’s little in the way of connective tissue and the meat is tender. This sort of meat is best cooked hot and fast, which cause the fibres in the meat to contract; then allowed to rest for a short while so they can relax again and become juicy. Cheaper cuts are either from fattier parts of the animal or the parts which receive more exercise and therefore build up more connective tissue. Hot fast cooking in this case causes the meat to lose moisture and the fibres, including the connective tissue, to contract and toughen. The trick is to use moist cooking or liquid cooking, like braising or stewing. First the meat should be browned. If you’re short of time this stage can be omitted but it does improve the colour and develop flavour. Then cook the meat with liquid and vegetables and heat to boiling point. The heat and moisture combine in the pot and melt the collagen to gelatine, which in turn melts into the liquid.

34 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Although the meat fibres contract at this stage, when the liquid is turned down to a slow simmer the meat fibres relax and absorb the gelatine. Only when the meat has gone through all of these stages will it be tasty and flavourful. The average person needs only 50-60g of protein per day, from all sources. Since almost everything you eat in a day contains some protein, this makes a protein-heavy meal i.e. meat, an indulgence rather than a necessity and these days it’s an indulgence that neither our budgets nor the planet can sustain indefinitely. So bulk dishes out with pulses and loads of veg. Your New Year bank balance and the environment will thank you. By Sarah Davey

already interested in, or try something completely new. Look around to find out what’s going on. Your adult education centre and library will be able to help, and you’ll find information in cafés, newsagents, community centres and local magazines. If you were inspired by the 2012 Olympics, you could try a new sport or exercise class, but getting fit doesn’t have to mean sport. Why not follow the Strictly contestants and sample the benefits of ballroom dancing or Zumba, or simply aim to get out more and enjoy the countryside?

New year, new you Eat healthily, start exercising, get more sleep… As you list your usual New Year resolutions, why not add in something fun for once? January is the perfect time to lift your spirits out of a winter slump by starting a new hobby, and there have never been so many activities to try. To narrow down your choice, think about what you’d like to add to your life. Do you want to meet more people? Be more active? Learn a skill? Get creative? You may want to develop something that you are

Geocaching is an exciting new outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy. It’s essentially a high-tech treasure hunt. Another new trend is roller derby – a fast-paced contact sport where teams race to lap the opposition as they skate around the track. If you fancy using your mind more than your body, you could learn a new language in preparation for a foreign holiday perhaps. Or build on an existing interest by joining a photography class or book group. Music can reduce stress and improve your mood, so why not dust off that

instrument you haven’t touched for years and join an amateur orchestra? Choirs are increasingly popular and you’re sure to find a range of musical styles available. Crafts have had a real boost lately, with knitting and sewing groups setting up all over the country. Jewellery and card-making are also satisfying. You can get started quite cheaply and pick up the basics quickly. The bonus is that you get to keep the end result, or give it as a gift. You also have the potential to earn money by selling your creations. Increased access to computers means that we can get involved in a whole host of new communities without even leaving the house. Many of us enjoy researching our family trees and finding the facts behind our memories. It’s also easy to use social networks to track down old school friends and colleagues that we’ve lost touch with. And if none of these is for you, how about foraging, meditation, winetasting, line-dancing, magic tricks, bee-keeping, historical re-enactments, home baking…the list really is endless! By Alex Brown

Five Best Diet Changes A new year - a new start. How can you start improving your diet and your chances of leading a healthier lifestyle?

First – eat breakfast!

After many hours without food our bodies need refuelling to bring the blood sugar back up and ensure the brain and muscles are functioning properly. Eating breakfast aids concentration and creates energy.

Drink more water - We lose on average 2-4 litres of water a day, which needs to be replaced. Current advice is to drink 6-8 glasses daily to ensure that our brain, blood and muscles are able to function at their best. Eat more fruit and vegetables - Their vitamins and

Eat less red meat - Reduce the risk of bowel and other cancers. Health experts suggest 500g per week (the equivalent of one steak, one pork chop, 2 sausages and a portion of Bolognese sauce) or 70g per day (three rashes of bacon). Eat more consciously - Take time to really taste and savour the food in your mouth. Be aware of the textures and flavours - and chances are you will enjoy your food more whilst eating less of it! Remember - you are what you eat. Eat healthy, be healthy! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

minerals boost the immune system, whilst antioxidants fight cancer and disease, and fibre cleanses the gut. We should eat five portions per day.

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Take the Family Skiing this Winter

Jess Clements explores the exhilaration and practicalities of skiing with children A Ski Holiday doesn’t have to be

totally out of the question if you have a young family. It also doesn’t have to cost the earth. Beebo explores the possibilities of skiing with children of any age, what to consider when booking, childcare options and how to make it a fun, family adventure for everybody to enjoy!

What to look for in a resort! When booking your holiday you should take a look at lots of resorts and what they have to offer. The Skiing should be appropriate for your party, with lots of nursery and green runs for beginners. If you have more experienced people in your group, make sure there will be enough to keep them happy. Look out for the amount and range of intermediate and difficult runs. Consider what the resort has to offer, check the choice of restaurants, cafes, après ski bars - and make sure that they are easily accessible. It wouldn’t be fun to have to walk with young children for a great distance in the snow! Plus, although you do see people travelling in chair lifts, holding onto equipment, as well as babies or toddlers, it might not be something that you are happy to do.

Childcare You may have been put off of a family ski holiday in the past, especially with younger children, because of the thought of childcare issues or restraints. However, resorts offer many different types of childcare for different ages: including nurseries and private nannies. This gives you the opportunity to have a day on the slopes, while your little ones are cared for. Crystal Ski, voted Best Ski & Winter Sports Holiday Company at the British Travel Awards 2013, have an excellent reputation, offering superb family holidays with many childcare options. All staff are CRB checked, first aid trained and are English speaking childcare professionals. They always maintain UK adult: child ratios, so children are always in the best of hands. Pepi Penguin Club for 6 months – 4 years offer fun filled days, bursting with games, puzzles, arts and crafts and story books as well as outside play in the snow. Whizz Kids for 4 – 11 years offers lots for older non-skiers focusing on more fun outside snow play & games, sledging and treasure hunts. Prices start at

36 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

£255 for 6 days full childcare. There are also options for morning only and afternoon only sessions, making the cost cheaper again. If children would like to get involved and learn to ski or snowboard themselves Whizzclusive for 3 – 11 years offers this (the starting age for Ski School, may change depending on the resort). This includes full day care for children with morning lessons, lunch and afternoon care. Staff assist children with their equipment to and from Ski School and care for them in the afternoon with a range of fun indoor and outdoor activities. Prices start at £399 for 6 days (only £325 in Kranjska Gora, in Slovenia) Some resorts also offer a snuggle club (6 months – 4 years) and Pyjama club (4-11 years) providing before bedtime entertainment with stories, dvds, and quiet play. Giving you some time to go out for a quiet, relaxing dinner. There are also options to book a private Nanny if you are staying in a private chalet or apartment. Many of the French resorts offer this service. A private Nanny is perfectly convenient and flexible. They come to your

accommodation and the timings can be worked out to best fit you. Your Nanny will come well equipped with toys, games, puzzles, crafty bits and will also be more than willing to take the fun outdoors for play in the snow. A Nanny can look after 2 children under the age of 2 and 3 children over the age of 2. Prices start from £490 per Nanny for 5 days. This can prove a cost effective form of childcare if perhaps sharing the cost with another family. Do make sure make sure childcare places are available when you are booking. Childcare is extremely popular and places are limited. If you are not happy to leave your children in childcare facilities or would prefer not to spend the money you could always opt to take it in turns to hit the slopes. Perhaps an easier, and more enjoyable option if you are in a larger group, but not totally impossible as a couple either. This is where your choice of hotel/resort might make it easier for you. Pick somewhere that has lots of other things you can do together as a family. Booking a hotel with access to a swimming pool can always keep the kids happy for a few hours!

Non -Ski Activities Remembering to take a look at what non-ski activities are available in resorts is always a good idea. Skiing can be very tiring and you may all feel that you need a little break from it. Check out what else will entertain the family - you will be amazed at the range of non-ski activities different resorts have to offer. How about Dog sledging, horse drawn sleigh rides, snow shoe walking, skidooing, horse riding in the snow. You can even spend a magical night sleeping in an igloo (in Solden, Austria and Engleberg and Davos in Switzerland). Or a visit to ice caves (Saas Fee,Chamonix or Schladming) Lots of places have ice skating and tobogganing and in Austria you can try out ice curling. There are also

excursions available to visit Christmas markets in Salzberg or Innsbruck. When so much is on offer, it really is beneficial to research every aspect and look into what you think your family will all enjoy. With so much to choose from it won’t be hard to create an unforgettable Winter holiday.

Offers & Deals If you book early enough you can often find free child places or other offers on lift passes and the hire of ski equipment. While some popular resorts at peak times can be very expensive, be sure to look further afield from the Alps to countries that offer better value for money. Bulgaria & Slovenia can be much more affordable in many ways – cheaper lift passes, ski hire, food and drink; while still offering fantastic skiing and snowboarding for all abilities.

Ski Resorts - Tried & Tested Borovets, Bulgaria – Jess Clements & family As a mother of two children under the age of 3, I really didn’t consider that a Ski holiday would be something that I would want to do. However, my partner (a keen skier) hadn’t been for a few years and started to look into options. We found a trip to Bulgaria to the resort of Borovets. We had a fantastic week away and are planning to go again this year. We stayed in Hotel Rila and our toddler son Jasper and baby daughter Daisy went to the private nursery in the hotel. We travelled the week before Christmas and the resort itself was pretty quiet, but that was perfect for us! The children, especially our 3 year old Jasper, really enjoyed their time in the nursery, which had great indoor facilities: lovely toys, arts & crafts equipment, a separate bedroom with bunks and beds for nap time. The staff were brilliant! Jasper had his favourite carer – Maria who, unlike the others, didn’t speak very much

The children really enjoyed their time in the nursery! English but he found her hilarious and they became bosom buddies. They also took them with the other children twice a day to have fun in the snow. On many occasions me and my partner skied by and saw our son having fun being pulled on a sledge, or building snowmen. Daisy was being pushed around in a buggy suitable for the snow and happy waving at skiers. On one of the days we thought Daisy was coming down with a cold and we were not happy for her to go outside and the nursery were more than happy to accommodate this - giving us peace of mind. All the children in the group looked like they were having a lovely time. There were children as young as 3 & 4 having taster ski lessons. We felt our son wasn’t ready for it – maybe next year. The children went to the Nursery from 10am – 4pm each day, while I went to ski school and my partner went off with other skiers of his ability. After picking the children up, we could spend family time together, often using the hotel swimming pool. The bars and restaurants were very welcoming and child friendly; so we felt very relaxed and could enjoy an après-ski drink with fellow skiers. Jasper made

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

slopes and blue runs to ease them into the sport. A fenced off soft play area will spend the energy of younger children for a small extra charge.

many friends with all the bar staff and waiters! The kids had a great holiday, as did the parents! We would definitely recommend it.

Sestriere, Italy – Joanna Zancanella & family When, by the end of a long weekend you have four adults and four children (aged between 1 and 8) all still smiling, you know you've picked the right ski resort. Sestriere, a 2 hour drive from Turin, lays on the Italian side of the 'via lattea' or Milky Way and offers a diverse range of ski facilities, hotels, restaurants and bars. On our trip we found something to satisfy everyone from the very young and novice to the old, ahem, older and more experienced skier. We stayed at the Olympic Village, a purpose built hotel for the Turin Winter Olympics in 2006. The Kids club serves to entertain children aged 3 - 8 years in a dedicated space within the hotel grounds by rotating activities daily so boredom shouldn't be a problem. On quieter days, the English speaking staff will allow younger children to play in the ball pool if supervised and if venturing out with the kids, there are plenty of baby

Those taking time off from kid watch will have plenty to keep them occupied and topped up with the prerequisite adrenalin. Advanced skiers will appreciate the black and tougher red runs with plenty of off-piste (conditions dependant), and those less confident will be spoilt for choice with the amount of less demanding pistes on offer; with the added option of using the hotel's swimming pool, gym and spa if that's your preference. As we had children in our group too young for the kids club some of the adults took it in turns to ski. Meaning that two people could share the same lift pass for the day – making an extra saving. It's worth bearing in mind that the Italian side will be cheaper than its Franco counterparts - both in

Spend the night in an igloo terms of ski passes and après- ski entertainment, plus like most places in Italy, the majority of resorts are very kid friendly. All round a great place for a family ski holiday!

Sharing childcare between the group saves money on a ski passs!

Beebo hopes you have the most wonderful family holiday in the snow!

Crystal Ski Recommends…. One of the best resorts for beginner skiers and families requiring childcare would be the Hotel Alpina in Kranjska Gora in Slovenia. Situated a few miles from the Austrian and Italian borders, the sunny slopes are dominated by the magnificent Julian Alps. Host to World Cup races, Kranjska Gora is Slovenia’s leading Ski resort, boasting spectacular scenery, skiing to and from the village and offers excellent value for money. The resort is a great choice for families, offering childcare facilities, gentle nursery slopes and great ski tuition. The resort also offers many non-ski activities including dog sledging, tobogganing and an ice skating rink. So lots to entertain the family. Package price for a family of four in a quad room departing on 21st December 2013 would cost £1856. This includes half board at the Hotel Alpina with flights and transfers. Pre-bookable Childcare is available at the Hotel with Crystal Pepi Penguin club, Whizz Kids and Whizzclusive all available. The best location, with skiing possible to and from your doorstep and less than 3 minutes walk to the ski school meeting point and ski lift. You can also use the swimming pool at Hotel Kompas free of charge. 38 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Travelling longhaul with a child!

Cathy Winston

If you believe the nay-sayers, you shouldn’t even consider getting on a plane with a child or baby. And even if you are brave enough to book a flight, the only option is to make it a very short short-haul journey. Fortunately, if you want to venture further afield than France, this is all rubbish. There’s absolutely no reason why you can’t fly long-haul with your family… as long as you plan in advance.

:: Food/drink There’s no way of avoiding a few meals on board if you’re flying long-haul – if they’re old enough, book a child meal but make sure you have plenty of snacks as well. If you can, eat at the airport before boarding where you can choose something you know they’ll like. Food and drink for babies and young children is exempt from the usual 100ml rules, although you’ll almost certainly be asked to taste it at security. Pack extra, as you don’t want to run out at 35,000ft – food pouches travel better than jars. On most major airlines, cabin crew will heat bottles and food but if your child will drink room temperature milk, it makes travel much easier.

:: Entertainment I wouldn’t even attempt a 10-minute journey without some kind of entertainment, let alone 10 hours. But the longer the journey, the more entertainment you’ll need. As well as a few favourite toys/books, something new (ideally cheap and disposable in case it doesn’t survive the flight) is ideal when they’re flagging. Apps and games on your phone/tablet or mini headphones for the in-flight entertainment also help pass the time. If you’ve got a wriggly toddler, let them burn off some excess energy before you board. An hour crawling around

a deserted gate rather than strapped into a buggy might help them tolerate sitting still just a bit longer.

WHERE TO GO ......... .... WINTER SUN

:: Sleep Choose an overnight flight if possible. The fear is that your crying child will disturb the rest of the plane but there’s more chance they’ll doze off at their natural bedtime. The low lights and quiet fellow passengers all help too. If you’re flying with a young baby, speak to your airline about booking a bassinet, although from six-eight months (depending on their size), this will be too small. As they don’t have their own seat, you’ll be doubling as a pillow. Some airlines will have child belts, but others don’t use them so consider how to keep them comfortable but secure.

:: Jetlag The bane of many adult holidays, it’s no easier for children – and as you can’t explain time zones to a 10-monthold, you’ll have to help them adjust. Adapt their normal routine by making small adjustments over the week before you leave so they get closer to the new time zone. Then stick to the destination time zone as soon as you board, and don’t plan anything for the first day – except trying to get over the night’s disrupted sleep.

USA:

From beaches to forests to cities and deserts, America has it all (along with Disney, naturally). But not only is there a holiday for everyone, you know it’ll be easy to get anything from nappies to formula (even if the brands aren’t familiar).

Mauritius:

Only a three-hour time difference and plenty of airlines fly direct. Then as well as a calm lagoon with stunning beaches, adventurous families can see giant tortoises, walk with lions and cycle through the lush volcanic interior.

South Africa: If your kids love animals, a safari is unbeatable - malaria-free South Africa is great for families, with overnight flights and a small time difference. Or see penguins on Boulder Beach, near Cape Town.

Antigua: The Caribbean has fantastic weather during the British winter, and with direct flights and child-friendly beaches, as well as family-friendly resorts from 5-star to budget, it’s perfect for a memorable beach break.

TRAVEL TIP: Children are fascinated by airports and planes, which will help entertain them. But the excitement might mean they’re less willing to nap at their usual times. TRAVEL TIP: Check what your airline provides – some have special packs for children flying with them, while Etihad is training members of the cabin crew as flying nannies to entertain younger passengers.

Cathy Winston, www.mummytravels.com

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Beebo

just loves A Poppy for Remembrance At Beebo we love this crocheted poppy. For many this symbolises the great losses during the First World War. As well as remembering the conflict, this Poppy brooch is made by the Zoe Project which provides training and fairly paid work for women living in some of the poorest shanty towns of Lima, Peru. A bonus that it will last for several years! www.iwmshop.co.uk (£10.00)

Multi Juice For recharging mobile phones on the go. A compact gadget that will squeeze into the smallest of bags - perfect for us parents that are always on the go. Quick and easy to use we love it! www.johnlewis.com / 08456 049 049 (£14.95)

Edinburgh Gin Spiced Orange Fingerprint Teardrop Trio A stunning Sterling Silver piece of Jewellery that also carries memories and sentiment of a priceless nature. We adore this necklace and would recommend any dad to put it on their to buy list this Christmas or birthday - mum will love it!! Bespoke options also available. www.joulberry.com / 020 8979 5774 (£290)

The perfect taste for Christmas and Winter alike! A must have treat for all gin and non-gin lovers out there. Would make a lovely gift. www.johnlewis.com / 08456 049 049 (£18.00)

Biscuiteers Christmas Tree Decoration Tin A perfect replacement to chocolates - these beautifully handmade biscuit Christmas tree decorations are special enough to replace any tree decoration. It’s an added bonus that you get to share and eat them when the tree comes down. We have a new Christmas favourite! www.biscuiteers.com (£38.50 plus P&P)

Merry Christmas Bunting Handmade luxury Belgian buttons – fruity jelly drops Yummy handmade luxury Belgian white chocolate buttons topped with fruity jelly drops. A great little stocking filler for the everyone - big and small! www.elsieandfleur.co.uk (£3 150g)

A simple but decorative Christmas decoration by the Great Little Trading Company. Great for bringing out year after year. www.gltc.co.uk (£18.00)

Babycup

Barú Chocolate Coated Marshmallows Literally chocolate wrapped ‘clouds’ of delight! A brand new range of contemporary goodies just landed in the UK and Beebo cannot get enough! www.johnlewis.com / 08456 049 049 (£6.00)

40 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

New Babycup. A great first little cup for babies and toddlers. Perfect from 6 months - 2.5 years. Great for weaning and is receiving a big thumbs up from the experts as the healthy cup of choice for little ones. Brightly coloured and translucent with no lids and handles. Encourages hand eye coordination - what’s not to like! www.babycup.co.uk (£7.99)

Win a Micro scooter set

We have a super fabulous Mini Micro 3in1 Scooter to win this Winter. With removeable seat and O-bar handle and interchangeable T-bar this award winning scooter is suitable for ages 1-5 years. To enter simply write and tell us your favourite thing(s) about Winter. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to add some colour! Send your masterpiece along with your name, address, age and contact telephone number to the following address: Beebo HQ, The Rectory, Thurloxton, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8RH or e-mail to zoe@beebomagazine.co.uk. Closing date is Monday 20th January 2014

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 *See website for terms & conditions

The Southwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must have family magazine

Beebo

Book Corner

Kids Book Review

Skellig – David Almond Published in 1998, this unforgettable book achieved instant cult status and is now rightly recognised as a children’s classic. It is often taught in junior and secondary schools, but if you really want your child to live out the magic it offers, catch them early so they can read uninterrupted and absorbed. The story itself is simple. Shortly after the birth of his baby sister, and while her health hangs in the balance, Michael finds Skellig in the garage of the ramshackle old house that he and his parents have just moved into. But who – or what – is he? Slowly Michael begins to find out: with gifts of aspirin, beer, cod liver oil and Chinese takeaway, he discovers a friend.

Almond’s prose is beautifully understated, and straightforward enough to capture the interest of the reader before leading into passages of lyrical and emotional intensity. Death is ever present, and dealt with sensitively enough for young readers to understand and relate to, whilst the message is all about life, and love, and hope. If you haven’t read it, buy it now. By Kath Bennett

Books for Kids

Animal Gallery

Animal Opposites

This brilliant pop-up book features bright and colourful animals including a lion and elephant, sure to delight children

Turn the pages, lift the flaps and see animals of all shapes and sizes. Perfect for encouraging early literacy, language and communication.

David Pelham

www.bl.shop/uk £9.99

Petr Horacek

Walker Books £10.99

Alphabet

Felicity Brooks, Nicola Hall, Stacey Lamb This is a fantastic new title with wipeclean pages and a special pen, loaded with special activities to help children learn their first ABCs.

Picture Me Gone Meg Rosoff

A brilliantly atmospheric exploration of someone on the brink of adulthood, from prizewinning author Meg Rosoff Penguin Books £12.99

Usborne Publishing £4.99

Little Miss Austen: Pride & Prejudice Jennifer Adams

Stylish design and some attractive pictures (all with a Jane Austen theme) make this an unusual book. Designed to introduce children to classic literature -who will just enjoy an attractive counting book. www.bl.shop/uk £5.99

Can’t You Sleep, Little Bear? Martin Waddell & Barbara Firth

Little Bear can’t sleep. There is dark all around him in the Bear Cave. Not even Big Bear’s biggest lantern can light up the darkness of the night outside. Walker Books £6.99

The Invisible Boy Magical Children Sally Gardner

When his parents are lost in space, Sam is left, heartbroken, in the care of the horrible Hilda Hardbottom. Then he finds a tiny spaceship in the cabbage patch and meets a little alien called Splodge. Orion Children’s Books £4.99

Queenie

Ghost Hawk

The Storm Whale

It’s 1953, the year Elizabeth is to be crowned Queen of England. Elsie Kettle can’t wait to go to London to see the celebrations on Coronation Day. Elsie just wishes she was allowed a cat to keep her company sometimes.

In the winter of his eleventh year, Little Hawk goes deep into the forest, where he must endure a threemonth test of solitude and survival which will turn him into a man. He is witness to a secret murder - will he now be witness to bloodshed between nations?

Noi and his father live in a house by the sea. Noi’s father works hard as a fisherman, and Noi often has only their six cats for company. So when, one day, he finds a baby whale washed up on the beach after a storm, Noi is excited and takes it home to care for it.

Jacqueline Wilson & Nick Sharratt

Yearling £6.99

42 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Susan Cooper

Bodley Head Children’s Books £12.99

Benji Davies

Simon & Schuster Children’s Books £6.99

Grown-up Book Review

Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Laini Taylor Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well. So begins this novel which really falls into the category young adult (YA) fantasy fiction yet manages to elevate itself through the sheer inventiveness of the plot. It begins in Prague and is the story of teenage art student Karou. She’s in college and has issues with her boyfriend. So far so YA. But this novel quickly develops into something strange and beautiful. Where does Karou go when she disappears from the city without warning, on strange ‘errands’? How can she speak so many languages? Why does her long, bright blue hair never seem to need dyeing?

Karou is a girl who transcends two worlds; the real world, and the place she calls ‘Elsewhere’, where she was raised by chimaeras – strange hybrid creatures. But her secret world and all it contains is now threatened by deceptively beautiful interlopers. And Karou’s peculiar fate is to fall in love with one of them. There is a saying that there are no really new ideas in literature and Taylor’s novel bears similarities to Romeo and Juliet, not unlike the Twilight series, but it’s so much richer, more inventive and colourful. It will appeal to fans of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. Karou is certainly as spirited as Lyra - and with an equally confused heritage. To whom should she remain loyal – her adoptive father or her murderous soul mate? Daughter of Smoke And Bone starts small and grows, taking you on an imaginative journey of forbidden love, intrigue and divided loyalty. Sometimes it’s worth taking a break from your regular genres and dipping into something new. With Valentine’s Day in February this may just be one of those times…and it certainly makes a change from a clichéd ‘They sailed off into the sunset and lived happily ever after…’ By Kath Bennett

Books for Grown-ups

Never Coming Back

The Racketeer

Tim Weaver

A secret that will change lives forever. It was supposed to be the start of a big night out. But when Emily Kane arrives at her sister Carrie’s house, she finds the front door unlocked and no one inside. Dinner’s cooking, the TV’s on. Carrie, her husband and their two daughters are gone. Is there a sinister coverup? Penguin Books £7.99

John Grisham

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Given the importance of what they do, and the controversies that often surround them, and the violent people they sometimes confront, it is remarkable that in the history of the USA only four active federal judges have been murdered. Judge Raymond Fawcett just became number five. Fabulous media and reader reviews - one not to miss.

Now a major motion picture starring Dame Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy. Full of fun, warmth and humour. Enticed by advertisements for a newly restored palatial hotel and filled with visions of a life of leisure, good weather and mango juice in their gin, a group of very different people leave England to begin a new life in India.

Hodder £7.99

Deborah Moggach

Vintage £8.99

Reviews in next Edition: Winnie’s Dinosaur Day Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul (kids)

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency Douglas Adams (grown-ups)

Save with Jamie: Shop Smart, Cook Clever, Waste Less Jamie Oliver

Jamie gets the nation cooking clever, shopping smart and wasting less with his new cookbook, Save with Jamie. Save with Jamie draws on knowledge and cooking skills to help you make better choices, showing you how to buy economically and efficiently, get the most out of your ingredients, save time and prevent food waste. And there’s no compromise - I’m talking big flavours, comfort food that makes you happy, and colourful, optimistic dishes.

The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul

Deborah Rodriguez

In a little coffee shop in one of the most dangerous places on earth, five very different women come together. Sunny, Yazmina, Candace, Isabel and Halajan. As these five women discover there’s more to one another than meets the eye, they form a unique bond that will for ever change their lives and the lives of many others. The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul is the heart-warming and life-affirming fiction debut from the author of the bestselling memoir The Kabul Beauty School. Sphere £7.99

Michael Joseph Ltd £26.00

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Beebo

Reading Corner

Festive Reads - create a family tradition! So, it’s Christmas – time to curl up with a good book. But what to read? The newspapers are full of recommendations of which books to buy for your mum, your brother, your second –cousin-twice-removed... probably even your dog! Here are a few alternative suggestions.

Christmas Books for Grown-ups Want nostalgia and a lyrical description of times gone by, when ‘December was as white as Lapland though there were no reindeers’? Then dig out ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ by Dylan Thomas, preferably with Edward Ardizzone’s illustrations. Short, simple and beautiful, it sums up Christmas with the Uncles, snow on the ground and the myriad delights for a small boy on the best day of the year. If, however, you are feeling slightly less full of cheer and goodwill, Jilly Cooper might be more to your taste. The Christmas scene in ‘Appassionata’ is one of my favourite ever depictions of the holiday, but every December I find myself turning first to ‘How to Survive Christmas’ – bleak, witty and sometimes crushingly accurate, it is Cooper’s account of how to get through a typical festive season. Another excellent book with a brief but memorable Christmas sequence, is ‘Angels and Men’ by Catherine Fox. It is hard to get hold of, but I promise you, Mara’s Christmas with her grandmother is not one you will forget – and the rest of the book is beautifully written, too. Finally, from the realms of fantasy, why not try Christmas Discworld style in ‘Hogfather’ by Terry Pratchett? As you might expect, this Santa is very different – for a start, those are pigs, not reindeer pulling his sleigh. And he seems a little on the bony side. What does Death have to do with Christmas? More than you might think....

Christmas Books for Kids For many people, ‘The Snowman’ by Raymond Briggs is their Christmas classic of choice. I much prefer ‘Father Christmas’ – eloquently told by pictures and relatively few words, it follows a curmudgeonly Santa on his journey around the globe, dropping off presents, struggling down chimneys, trudging up stairs, through all kinds of weather...Merry Bloomin’ Christmas! Another favourite is ‘Dear Father Christmas’ by Jeanne Willis and Rosie Reeve. This picture book follows Mary as she writes her Christmas letter. Her wishes are rather different, as she doesn’t need any more toys – but an everlasting hamster and self tying shoelaces would come in rather handy. Of course, there is a twist in the tale, but we certainly didn’t see it coming, and it has been read over and over again – even at the height of summer. And, if you like the Jolly Postman, then you will love ‘The Jolly Christmas Postman’ by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. As you might expect, there are a range of letters to be opened, with cards, games and even a jigsaw puzzle for the lucky nursery rhyme characters on his rounds. An absolute delight. And finally... How could we look at Christmas without mentioning the two biggest Christmas classics ever? I mean of course, ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens and ‘The Night Before Christmas’ by Clement C Moore. I know you have seen a million and one adaptations of the former (The Muppets do it best!), but the book really is worth a read. Be honest, when else are you going to curl up by the fire with a Dickens novel if not during a long snowy holiday? Give it a try. As for the former, we read it out loud every Christmas Eve, just before the lights go out. I stole this tradition from a friend, and I am passing it on to you. How can you refuse?

Merry Christmas! By Kath Bennett

44 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Safer Internet Day The eleventh annual Safer Internet Day takes place on 11th February, and is designed to help everyone use the internet and other new technologies safely and responsibly. Passwords are the first line of defence against cyber criminals. Long passwords that use numbers, symbols and mixed-case letters, are the most secure. Use different passwords for each of your important accounts and change them regularly. Malware is a type of computer programme that can be installed on your machine without your knowledge. It can be used to try to access your personal information, or to force your computer to visit websites, send spam email, or perform other actions without your knowledge. To protect against malware, install at least one good quality anti-virus product and scan regularly. You should also upgrade your operating system and software to the latest versions and, if possible, turn on automatic updates. Be careful about what you click and download. If you’re not sure about an unfamiliar site, leave it and research the software before installing it. If malware prevents you from leaving the page, for example by repeatedly opening a download prompt, use your computer’s task manager to close your browser – generally accessed by pressing ‘ctrl’, ‘alt’ and ‘delete’ at the same time .

Take an interest in your child’s internet activity and talk to them about their experience. Better still, spend time with them working online so that you know how they are using the internet.

‘Children need to know that the internet can be a dangerous place and that not everyone online can be trusted’. They should not share personal information like their name, age, school, phone number, e-mail address or photos and should always use a nickname as their screen name. To register on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, they should be at least 13.

If your child wants to meet someone they have met online, make them aware of the potential dangers, encourage them always to inform you of their plans and insist that you go along too, especially for the first meeting. With these systems and procedures in place, using the internet should be a safer experience for us all! www.saferinternet.org.uk By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Do not trust anything within an email that looks suspicious – even if it’s from people you know – and visit websites by entering the address directly in your browser instead of using links in e-mails. Do not trust pop-up windows that ask you to download software to make your computer safe because it has been infected. Close the window and don’t click inside it. There are tools and controls available to help you manage your online experience. Google SafeSearch excludes sites with sexually explicit content from search results, and Safety Mode on YouTube means that videos with mature or age-restricted content will not show up in searches.

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Hearty Lentil and Preserved Lemon Soup A truly warm and tasty soup to serve at your bonfire night celebrations or a lighter option post Christmas indulgence!

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 80 minutes Serves: 6 Method

Ingredients

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion then cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the onion is soft. Add the garlic, ginger and spices and cook for a couple of minutes. Then pop in the remaining ingredients except the yoghurt and coriander and bring to a simmer.

3tbsp olive oil

Cook gently uncovered for about an hour, stirring occasionally and adding more water if it starts to look too dry and thick. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done when the carrot and potato are tender and the lentils have broken down. Taste and season but remember that there will be a lot of salt from the preserved lemon.

1 cinnamon stick

If you prefer a smoother soup you could puree it a little with a stick blender but I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better rusticstyle.

750ml water

Serve hot with a dollop of yoghurt and a few sprigs of coriander. *Image courtesy of Jules at Stone Soup

3 onions 5 garlic cloves 2tbsp grated ginger 1tbsp cumin seeds, ground 1tbsp fennel seeds 3 cloves 1tsp chilli flakes, or to taste 2 carrots, finely diced 3 sticks celery, finely diced 1 desiree potato, scrubbed & finely diced 3 x 400g cans tomatoes 300g red lentils 4 quarters preserved lemon, rind only, finely chopped

To Serve Natural yoghurt, to serve Coriander leaves, to serve

46 The Southwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must have family magazine

Last-minute Christmas Gift Cake Traditionally Christmas cakes are made well in advance but if you haven’t had time try our last-minute version. Because it makes two you can also give one away as a gift, and solve two problems with one recipe!

Makes 2 cakes, each serving 8 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 1-1¾ hours depending on oven Method Put the dried fruits in a bowl and pour over the whisky. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the fruit to plump up. Briefly blend the ginger and its syrup in a mini food processor until finely chopped. Preheat the oven to 160°C/ fan 140°C/gas 3. Grease and line a 20cm square cake tin. Sift the flour, baking powder and mixed spice into a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients except the cherries. Beat with a hand-held electric whisk for 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Fold in the soaked dried fruits and any whisky, the blitzed ginger and the cherries. Spoon into the baking tin and level off. Bake for 1-1¾ hours (this depends very much on your oven. My fan oven is super-quick whereas my mother’s aga is slower). If you’re unsure I recommend you check after an hour then every fifteen minutes after that, until the cake is firm and golden brown. To check, insert a skewer into the centre of the cake and if it comes out clean the cake is cooked. You can cover it loosely with foil after 1 hour if the centre needs more time. This

prevents the surface darkening too much. Leave in the tin for 10 minutes, and then remove to a wire rack to cool. Remove a thin slice from all sides of the cake and discard. Cut the cake in half to make 2 rectangles. Top with marzipan and white fondant icing and decorate with a sprig of holly.

Ingredients 600g good-quality mixed dried fruits 150ml whisky, warmed 150g stem ginger, drained, plus 8 tbsp ginger syrup from the jar 200g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 300g plain flour 2tsp baking powder 2tsp mixed spice 200g soft light brown sugar 4 large free-range eggs 2tbsp milk Finely grated zest of 2 small oranges and 2 lemons 50g ground almonds 150g whole glacé cherries

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Marmalade and Chocolate Shortbread January is the season for blood oranges. This recipe was a favourite childhood tea time treat, made with our Gran’s special home-made marmalade. If you make your own marmalade then you’re good to go: if not buy the best quality marmalade you can.

Makes 24 Preparation time: twenty minutes plus 30 minutes chilling time. Cooking time: 40-45 minutes Method Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular baking tin (non-stick is best). Mix the flour, rolled oats and salt together. You can process them if you want a really fine mix or if you only have normal oats. Beat the butter, sugar and orange zest together until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the flour until the shortbread mixture sticks together in small clumps. Press a little more than half the mixture into the greased tin. Level and smooth the top. Spread this base with the marmalade and sprinkle the roughly chopped dark chocolate over the top. Crumble over the remaining shortbread mixture then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 150C / Gas Mark 2. Bake shortbread for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan and cut into 24 before it cools completely. Notes: Milk chocolate can be used instead

48 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

of dark. The resulting shortbread will be sweeter. Lime marmalade can be substituted with equally delicious results. The shortbread will keep in an airtight container for up to three days.

Ingredients 300g plain flour 50g finely ground rolled oats 250g unsalted butter (slightly softened and chopped into cubes) ½-1 tsp salt. 110g caster sugar Zest of an orange 115g good quality orange marmalade 100g good quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped

COOK Enjoy a Stress-Free Christmas from COOK Let us cook for you this Christmas, everything from the full Chistmas lunch, to canapes, delicious desserts, party food and more.

Visit your nearest shop or go online at www.cookfood.net

Order in store now and pay 10% deposit* OUR KI T OM

e Hom ery iv Del YO

DELIVERY AVAILABLE ACROSS SOMERSET, VISIT COOKFOOD.NET FOR MORE INFO

N HE C

* Not available online, balance payable 1st December 2013

KIT

COOK Taunton • Corporation street • TA1 4AW 01823 323001 COOK Wells • 13 Broad Street • BA5 2DJ 01749 677726

COOK Taunton & Wells

Taunton_Wells_Christmas_ad.indd 1

30/09/2013 16:18

Bring on the Feast! Cooking at Christmas can be a pleasure, a challenge and at worst a chore, but regardless of which camp you fall into, only the bravest of souls would turn down a helping hand. For some this could mean relinquishing all control, for others the delegation of a specific course or the addition of a specialist dish. COOK, the frozen food specialists can help out, no matter how large or small the request. How about Langoustines, followed by Partridge in a Pear Tree and a Double Chocolate Bombe? Or perhaps Fig & Stilton En Croute, then Wild Pheasant Casserole and a slice of Rhubarb & Ginger Cheesecake? Whether you need help with dinner party canapés, family suppers or the big meal itself, COOK can do the hard work for you, taking the stress and the strain out of entertaining. The children might think differently, but there’s no need to be up before the sun to put the Turkey in as COOK’s stress-free Christmas lunch for 8 is ready in less than three hours and costs just £100. If it’s entertaining you need help with, stock your freezer with Wild Venison Casserole, Corn Fed Chicken Cushions, Beef and Venison Wellingtons, Wild Boar Poacher’s Pies or Smoked Salmon Terrine... The list of options is longer than Santa’s list. As with all COOK dishes, their festive menu is prepared by hand, using the same ingredients and techniques that a good COOK would use at home, so everything looks and tastes homemade. Cooked straight from frozen, COOK dishes keep in the freezer for months, so you can plan ahead and stock the freezer well in advance of the big day. For those of you that haven’t used COOK before, their nearest shops are on Corporation Street in Taunton and Broad Street in Wells, and both shops offer a home delivery service which can be invaluable in the run up to Christmas. You can order online at www.cookfood.net or call Taunton on 01823 323001 or Wells on 01749 677726.

50 The Southwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must have family magazine

The Southwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must have family magazine

Beebo

schools & education Winter Term By Christmas everyone is well and truly ready for a break but leading up to that don’t forget to register and go along to one of the many school open days taking place during October/ November and some even in the New Year. Fingers crossed this Winter will show a kind side! And give us a reprieve from the harsh weather we have seen over the last couple of years. It certainly made the school run interesting! It’s also that time of year for the dreaded Winter bugs. Take a look at our health pages for any tips - hopefully those that can have had the flu vaccine. We were pleased to see the NHS introduced the flu nasal vaccine for 2-3 year olds this year. Winter is also a time of great fun and interaction - have fun with the school plays, choir services and wind down ahead of the holidays. Let’s hope for a happy, healthy Winter 2013!

St Michael’s Academy, Yeovil support ‘School In A Bag’

SCHOOL NEWS North Newton Primary School - PTFA News ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Please join us at our AGM on Tuesday, 19th November, 2013 at 7.30pm when we shall be electing a new committee for the 2013-14 year. We shall be serving free cheese and wine from 7.15 pm.

Festive dates for the diary: CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Saturday, 30th November 2 pm in the Village Hall. Including a visit from Santa! CHRISTMAS BINGO: Friday, 6th December 6.30 pm in the Village Hall

We are the children on The School Council at St Michael’s Academy in Yeovil. We have decided to support ‘School In A Bag’ a local charity who provide school bags filled with learning equipment for poor, orphan, vulnerable and disaster affected children throughout the world. We hope we can raise lots of money this year and are starting off with a bake sale. Could your school or club support this amazing charity as well? www.schoolinabag.org/Home.html

At last, a set of Times Tables songs that actually ROCK! Professor Mathmo and his trusty sidekick Walter take a Voyage to the Times Tables in a feast of rock and roll and multiplication. The Voyage to the Times Tables is loved by children of all ages - no squeaky-voiced condescension or irritating gaps, just catchy lyrics, a sense of humour and above all top quality music! Perfect for playing in the car, in the living room or on an mp3 player. Professor Mathmo is the brainchild of Giles Hayter, an inspirational maths teacher of 9 years at Westminster School whose music has been featured on BBC Radio 2, XFm, BBC Radio 4, BBC6 Music and many more. The Voyage to the Times Tables is suitable for all children of ages 4 and above and is written specifically for the needs of children, with clever rhymes to make the harder bits stick, and sing-along choruses to make it fun! Grab your copy from www.amazon.co.uk or www.professormathmo.com

52 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

iPads Bring Lessons to Life for Millfield Prep Pupils

Millfield Prep pupils are really enjoying the recent introduction of iPads as part of their learning experience in the classroom. They have been using the apps and educational tools on their iPads to bring lessons to life and even to improve their chess skills! The picture shows Languages pupils listening to authentic native speakers and completing a quiz set by their teacher.

Chilton Cantelo School

At Chilton Cantelo School, near Sherborne and Yeovil, we believe that every child is an explorer. We help our pupils achieve their potential by giving them space to grow, creating an environment that inspires every day. Affordable fees with free after-school clubs, learning support and weekend trips for boarders. No Saturday morning classes.

Einsteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chalkboard Clock Learn to tell the time through maths- we bet the kids work out the answers before Mum and Dad! www.sciencemuseumshop.co.uk

If you would like to share your school news please get in touch at: editorials@beebomagazine.co.uk

The Southwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must have family magazine

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. Taunton, Somerset Campfire cooking Storytelling Woodland games 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 54 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Come and Meet Santa this Festive season Santa’s Enchanted Ice Castle

Nov 7-Dec 24 (Opens at 7.30pm Nov 7) Tickets £4 and include a gift For a magical experience this Christmas, take the children to visit Santa's Enchanted Ice Castle. They can meet the Ice Queen and her Ice Fairies before walking through the enchanted castle to greet Father Christmas and share their Christmas wishes. The Mall, Cribbs Causeway www.mallcribbs.com

Santa's Grotto on the Pier

From Nov 16, contact for details Entry £5 Follow the snowy footprints to the end of the Grand Pier and discover Santa in his magical grotto and winter wonderland this Christmas. Father Christmas will be visiting each weekend from Saturday 16th November, and each child will receive a gift. The Grand Pier, Weston Super Mare Contact: 01934 646155

Santa's Grotto at Monkton Elm

Nov 23-Dec 22, 10.30am-4pm every

Saturday & Sunday Entry £6 per child Father Christmas likes to take his lunch break from 1pm until 1.45pm to feed his reindeer. Santa will also be joined by lots of his favourite animals. All profits from the grotto will go to the CHSW. Monkton Elm Garden Centre, Taunton Contact: 01823 412381

Santa Trains

From Nov 30, Contact for times & prices Choose from the Santa Express and the Santa Specials. Bishops Lydeard-Minehead, Taunton Contact: 01643 704996 to confirm prices and book

Father Christmas at Hestercombe

From Dec 7, contact for times & prices Book in early to meet Father Christmas in his magical garden grotto. Walk through the enchanting Victorian Shrubbery and watch out for windows lit by the roaring fire in the Octagon Summerhouse, where you will be met by a merry elf and invited in to meet

West Somerset Railway

Santa Trains

the man himself. Each child receives a quality wooden toy and their own time to talk to Father Christmas. Booking essential, online discounts available. Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton Contact: 01823 413923

Santa's Grotto at the Museum

Dec 7, 14, 21, contact for times and to book Cost: £3 per child Bookings being taken from November 5th Museum of Somerset, Taunton Contact: 01823 255088

Supper with Santa

Dec 21-22, 4pm-6pm Entry £10 Enjoy time with Santa as he finishes off his wrapping after a long day with his elves. The Grand Pier, Weston Super Mare Contact: 01934 646155

Ho HO Ho! For a suggested donation of just £5 to the NSPCC, a child will receive a fun, colourful and personalised Letter from Santa, with a festive story tailored to their age. You’ll be able to choose from seven different beautifully illustrated styles, making them the ideal gift for families with more than one child as each can receive a truly unique letter. Santa can even write a special poem to celebrate Baby’s First Christmas. www.nspcc.org.uk/santa 0845 839 9304

Trains run on: Nov 30th Dec 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st – 24th. Book online at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call 01643 704996 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Whats on this Winter 2013 November 2013 Winter Wonderland at The Mall

Nov 7-Jan 5 (Opens at 8pm Nov 7 following Christmas Lights Switch on) Check for prices and times Ice Skating, nursery rink, Santa's enchanted castle, Christmas train ride, meet Santa's reindeer and more. The Mall, Cribbs Causeway www.mallcribbs.com

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

Christmas Decorations Workshop

Nov 8-9, 10am-1pm Cost: £20 Held at The Willows & Wetlands visitor Centre in our new classroom. No previous experience needed just enthusiasm – all materials and tools provided. The Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre Contact: 01823 490249 or email nicola@englishwillowbaskets.co.uk www.englishwillowbaskets.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

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, 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

Christmas Craft Fair

Nov 9-10, 10am-4pm FREE entry Come to buy from the wonderful array of gifts and crafts - all within the beautiful setting of the Walled Gardens, and find some creative goodies you won't find on the High Street! The Walled Gardens of Cannington, Bridgwater Contact: 01278 655042

Maunsel House Christmas Fair

Nov 10-11 (Nov 10 preview Gala evening 6pm-9pm, Nov 11 10am-5pm) Tickets £12.50 Nov 10 (includes canapés and drinks), £2.50 Nov 11 In aid of Macmillan you will be able to make purchases from a huge selection

56 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Hestercombe Gardens of top quality stalls ranging from antiques and collectables, clothes, make up, jewellery, home accessories and Christmas decorations, French interior furnishings along with Somerset Country Markets selling locally produced foods, and lots more. Maunsel House, North Newton Contact: Sue Bridger 01300 341264

Fireworks at Sea

Nov 13, 7.30pm Watch our fantastic firework display from the Grand Pier itself and enjoy unlimited rides all evening for just £5. And why not upgrade to include a meal for an extra £5. The Grand Pier, Weston Super Mare Contact: 01934 646155 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

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

Enjoy a weekend of festivity to mark the beginning of Christmas at Hestercombe. Over 60 handmade, local and interesting stalls all undercover for you to explore and beat the Christmas crowds for that special bit of shopping. Mince pies, mulled wine, and many more tantalising options on offer in the café! Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton Contact: 01823 413923

BBC Children in Need

Willow Basket Making Workshop

Nov 15, Check for times See what we are doing for a great cause. The Grand Pier, Weston Super Mare Contact: 01934 646155

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

Hestercombe's Christmas Market Nov 16, 10am-4pm & 17, 10am-5pm £3 online, £3.50 on the door

Nov 16, 9.30am-4pm Cost: £85.00 including lunch and refreshments provided by the Lemon Tree Coffee House You will be taught basic techniques to create a simple round basket of your choice. e.g. wastepaper, shopper or log basket. The Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre Contact: 01823 490249 or email nicola@englishwillowbaskets.co.uk www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk

Taunton Christmas Street Fair & Christmas Lights Switch On

Nov 17, 10.30am-6pm (Christmas lights finale from 5pm) Live music and performance, Father Christmas & sleigh rides, pony rides, street market and trade stands, fun fair and lots more family fun.

Taunton www.tauntontowncentre.co.uk

Frome's 4th Chocolate Festival

Nov 17, 10am-4pm Tickets £2, under 12's free Join us and meet the finest chocolatiers from across the region and sample outstanding chocolate in all its amazing variations. Take part in fun competitions and attempt to break the World Record for Stretching a Curly Wurly! Can you beat last year's winner? Cheese and Grain, Frome Contact: 01373 303132

Christmas Shopping Fayre

Nov 23, 11am-2pm Entry £1, children free Christmas Fayre and fundraiser for Nether Stowey Primary School. Lots of wonderful stalls selling perfect gifts for Christmas. Raffle and refreshments available. All profits to Nether Stowey Primary School. Nether Stowey Church Centre, Bridgwater Contact: 07890 149524 / netherstoweyfonss@hotmail.co.uk

Festive Willow Angel

Nov 23, 9.30am-1pm Cost: £30 During this half day workshop you will

Aqua Splash Tots Christmas Craft fair sat 9 & sun 10 November, 10am - 4pm. FREE ENTRY!

Buy from the wonderful array of gifts and crafts - all within the beautiful setting of the Walled Gardens.

Baby & Toddler Swimming Courses Musgrove Park Hydrotherapy pool 5 days a week

Church Street, Cannington, Somerset, TA5 2HA • 01278 655042 walledgardens@bridgwater.ac.uk www.canningtonwalledgardens.co.uk

QUALITY ASSURED

VISITOR

ATTRACTION

Holly Farm Cottages in Stoke St Gregory nr Taunton, Thursday morning The Brainwave Centre, Bridgwater 3 days a week All above classes are in Warm water pools Wellington School for children and adults over the age of 3 years Classes are fun, with bright interesting equipment Starfish badges and certificates can be achieved Teaching water confidence and water awareness to you and your baby

t: Laura on 07742 816145 / Debbie on 07769 308052 e: aquasplashtots@ymail.com w: www.aquasplashtots.co.uk Find us on Facebook: Aqua Splash Tots

Don’t miss our Spring edition - Beebo will be turning 1! We will have all of our usual features plus - breast feeding, Easter Mayhem, Mumpreneurs, fabulous giveaways and lots lots more!

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

create your own Festive willow Angel. The Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre Contact: Sarah Lebreton 01392 882165 or e-mail sarah.lebreton@yahoo.co.uk www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk

Charity Christmas Craft Fayre & Fundraiser

Nov 24, 1pm-4.30pm A great family afternoon out with over 30 stalls offering perfect gifts for Christmas, with chances of treating yourself to some pampering, face painting and much much more. Refreshments available. Plus a very special surprise & a raffle. Woolavington village Hall, Bridgwater Contact: 07870 879949 / katherine@ kh-design-studio.co.uk

Wincanton Christmas Fair

Nov 26, 10am-4pm Wincanton Christmas Fair is now in its 10th year. With a choice of many quality stalls selling unique products, not usually found on the high street, the occasion offers unbeatable Christmas shopping. Wincanton Racecourse Contact: info@wincantonchristmasfair. co.uk

An illuminated celebration of Westonbirt’s trees!

The Enchanted Christmas Nov 29-Dec 22, 5pm-8.30pm Adults £10, Concessions £8, Child £5 Westonbirt Arboretum’s Enchanted Christmas features a spectacular one mile illuminated trail, highlighting the striking structures of Westonbirt’s trees as they are illuminated against the winter night sky. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, nr Tetbury Contact: 03000 680400 / www. forestry.gov.uk

North Newton Primary School Christmas Bazaar Nov 30, 2pm Including a visit from Santa! North Newton Village Hall

Hestercombe’s Ice Skating

From Nov 30, check website or contact for times and prices From £4.50 online, £5 offline Come and experience the magic of an all-weather, indoor, artificial ice-rink! Set in a winter wonderland with festive creatures and twinkling lighting it is fun for all the family, with various tickets available for individuals and groups. Great for parties – please call for details of packages available. Booking advisable and essential for groups. Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton

Contact: 01823 413923

Christmas Willow Reindeer Workshop

Nov 30, 9.30am-4pm Cost: £60 Make your very own willow reindeer, the ultimate Christmas decoration for your home! You will be introduced to willow weaving and sculpting techniques and with hands on making create and take home a characterful 3ft reindeer. Experienced willow artist and tutor Sarah Le Breton will guide you in your sculpting, enabling you to weave shape, form and movement into your 3D sculpture. You will find out how to care and maintain your finished sculpture, enabling ‘Rudolph’ to roam in or outdoors for this Christmas and many years to come. No previous experience of working with willow required, just lots of enthusiasm! The Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre Contact: Sarah Le Breton 01823 490249/07905 342091 or email sarah. lebreton@yahoo.co.uk www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk

Felt Christmas Decorations

Nov 30, 10am-1pm £30 (£27 Museum members) Use felt, sequins, ribbons, and embroidery to create handmade Christmas decorations based on the Penny Rug technique. All participants must register to take part in courses, workshops and lectures. American Museum in Britain, Bath Contact: 01225 820866 or email workshops@americanmuseum.org

Family Fun: Folk Art Thanksgiving Cards Nov 30, 1pm-4pm, contact for prices Be inspired by our fabulous folk art collection this Thanksgiving. Use a creative collage of fabric and paper to make your own Thanksgiving card to take home. All events and activities included with full admission. American Museum in Britain, Bath Contact: 01225 820866 or email workshops@americanmuseum.org

Wellington Christmas Lights Switch On Nov 30, 6pm-7pm, Wellington www.aroundwellington.co.uk

RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre Christmas Fair Nov 30, 11am-3pm Lots of stalls, childrens games, cakes, refreshments and more. RSPCA, West Hatch Contact: 0300 123 0747

Lantern making Workshop

58 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Nov 30, 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4pm £5 per family (to include 1 torch per family) Light up your November - on our lantern making workshop! Enjoy a relaxing and delightful walk to Conygar Tower collecting twigs sticks and leaves along the way to decorate your lantern and then take part in our free workshop. All materials will be provided. Just bring yourselves and come along and enjoy this magical event! Children taking part in the Lantern Workshop will also be able to take part in the opening procession for Dunster By Candlelight on Friday 6th December at 5.00pm. Booking essential. Exmoor National park, Dunster Contact01643 708815

Mums of Somerset Christmas Extravaganza

Nov 30, 10am-3pm Lots of stalls, Phoenix Cards, Usborne Books, Candy People and lots more. Taunton Contact: pjmcshane@somerset.gov.uk for more details & to book a stall

Dark Knights

Nov 30, 11am-1pm & 2pm-3.30pm Contact for prices. Age 3-11 Fantastic family fun with activities on a medieval theme. Museum of Somerset, Taunton Contact: 01823 255088

December 2013 Winter Wonderland

Dec -Jan, Garden opening times contact for times and prices Take a walk through the gardens and experience the magic of Hestercombe at Christmas. Bare branches make silhouettes against the Somerset skyline, illuminated with colourful lighting, spot the Christmas scenes as you follow the paths and see the glow from the fire in Father Christmas’s grotto. Plus there are winter warmers in the café and fun and games for children all through the season. Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton Contact: 01823 413923

Cookability

Dec 1 Cooking for children with a Christmas feel. They will make gifts for them to give family and friends and learn some good cooking skills. Please book early. Contact: 01823 432419 www.cookability.com

Blackmore by Candlelight

Dec 1, 1pm -9pm Entry £4 in advance or £5 on the gate

and include a mince pie and a glass of mulled apple juice or cider. All proceeds are donated to the Children’s Hospice South West. Festive Singing throughout the day. 50 stalls throughout the medieval manor house, cider press and marquees. The Farm Shop will also be open with tasters of some products available. Mulled wine and mince pies perfect a wonderful atmosphere. Free park and ride from Cannington. See Website for more details www. blackmorefarm.co.uk Disabled parking on site Contact: 01278 651154 / dyerfarm@ aol.com

Christmas Market

Dec 1, 12pm-3pm Free but donations to Macmillan cancer Support greatly appreciated A perfect opportunity to browse and buy some cracking Christmas gifts all under one roof. A fantastic indoor Christmas market, with lots of crafts, food, Christmas decorations and Christmas gift ideas. Tuck into a mince pie and peruse the Christmas wares we will have on offer. Shepton Mallet Leisure Centre Contact: 01749 346644

Reindeer Trail

Dec 3-Jan 4, contact for times and prices Follow the reindeer trail around the museum. Museum of Somerset, Taunton Contact: 01823 255088

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass

Dec 5-14, various times Tickets from £5 The award winning Merlin Theatre Company’s musical Christmas show has become a ‘must see’ as a start to the festive season. This year with over forty different characters on stage it promises to be a fun packed, visual delight for all of the family to enjoy. Merlin Theatre, Frome Contact: 01373 465949 North Newton Primary School Christmas BINGO Dec 6, 6.30pm North Newton Village Hall Dunster by Candlelight Dec 6, 5pm-9pm, Dec 7, 4pm-9pm Dunster by Candlelight is paid for by the Traders of Dunster in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice here in Somerset. As well as Street collections every £1 from the sale of the programmes goes to the

Hospice. During both evenings there are a variety of street entertainers who include Carol Singers, Morris Dancers, Hand Bell Ringers, a large Fairground Organ and Choirs in the Parish Church. The atmosphere is both traditional and exciting, truly an event for all ages. Park and Ride is £3 from Minehead, Watchet, Wheddon Cross and Porlock. www.dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk for more information

An American Christmas

Dec 6, 6pm £12 (£10 Museum members) Enjoy the Museum’s Christmas decorations after hours at this special late opening. Pop into the café for seasonal refreshments and then immerse yourselves in the spirit of Christmas with Sounding It Out, the lively and renowned west-country choir. They are joined by the internationally acclaimed American singer Michael Harper for an American musical journey ranging from Gospel through Appalachian carols, Shape Note to classical Christmas music. Audience participation guaranteed. Late opening 6- 7.30pm, concert at 7.30pm. Booking essential. American Museum in Britain, Bath Contact: 01225 820866 or email

AWARD WINNING CLASSES FOR 0-5’s

Gymboree Play & Music Taunton Winner of Netmums.com “Favourite Somerset Preschool-class Silver Award” 2012

Winner of the WO4LO award for ‘Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity’ 2013 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 and Art Classes **NEW for 2013**

All classes are teacher-led and last 45 minutes. Join us: Mondays - Oake Village Hall Tuesdays - 3D Sensory Centre Ilminster Wednesdays and Thursdays - Queen’s College Fridays - Trident Hall Galmington Please contact Claudia or check www.gymboree-uk.com for class times.

Beebo has 4 family tickets to give away! Simply answer the following question: What is Wookey Hole famous for? All entries via our website: www.beebomagazine.co.uk/competitions Closing date: January 31st 2014

Contact Claudia to book a FREE TRIAL near you.

Tel: 07540 970019 Email: Claudia@gymboree-uk.com Web: www.gymboree-uk.com ‘Like’ us on Facebook ‘Gymboree Play & Music Taunton’

Terms & Conditions: Tickets are not valid for special events or Santaland. Each ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

workshops@americanmuseum.org

Christmas Decorations Workshop

Dec 6-7, 10am-1pm Cost: £20 Held at The Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre in our new classroom. No previous experience needed just enthusiasm – all materials and tools provided. The Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre Contact: 01823 490249 or email nicola@englishwillowbaskets.co.uk www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk

Cinderella Pantomime

Dec 6-Jan 5, check for times Tickets from £11.90 Starring as the Prince’s loyal and outrageous servant, Dandini, is the hilariously mischievous Louie Spence, the only man on the planet whose personality has more sparkle than Cinderella’s ballgown. Starring alongside Louie is Hippodrome regular Andy Ford as Cinderella’s loveable best friend, Buttons Bristol Hippodrome www.atgtickets.com

Combe Florey Christmas Bazaar

Dec 7, 2.30pm Toys, Games, Tombola, Seasonal Gifts, Raffle, Craft Goods, Sweets, Homemade Cakes, Teas & Refreshments. Combe Florey Village hall, nr Bishops Lydeard

Christmas Carols in Hestercombe House

Dec 7, 6pm Adult £9 online, £10 offline Wellington School Chapel Choir joins us to welcome in the festive season with a selection of beautiful carols. Enjoy the glorious sounds of classic carols in the beautiful setting of the historic Hestercombe House. Mince pies & mulled wine. Booking Advisable Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton Contact: 01823 413923

Christmas Nativity Plays

Dec 7-14, contact for times & prices Celebrate the festive season this year by coming along to our very popular nativity play featuring live animals and a real baby! Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall Contact: 01275 852606

Christmas Fair, Carols & Animal Blessing

Dec 8, 1pm-5pm Lots of stalls to buy your Christmas cards and gifts, Tombola’s, raffle and games, Refreshments and Mulled Wine, Christmas Carols and Blessing start at

3pm, pets very welcome. National Animal Welfare Trust, Langport Contact: 01458 252656

Magical Christmas Fayre

Dec 8, 10am-5pm Adults £3, children free Magical Christmas Fayre that is fun for the whole family. Lots of stalls from beautiful and fun handmade gifts, beauty stalls, gardening, clothing, Christmas trees. Also festive live entertainment, inside bar and restaurant to savoury festive food, and of course meet Santa! Westlands Conference & Leisure Complex, Yeovil Contact: 07926 89217 / Info@magicalchristmasfayre.co.uk

Christmas Fun Day

Dec 8, contact to confirm date, time and prices See Santa arrive by helicopter, Christmas Fair, charity stalls, open cockpits and much more family fun! The Helicopter Museum, Weston Super Mare Contact: 01934 635227

Dulverton by Starlight

Dec 8 FREE entry Every December the pretty Exmoor town of Dulverton is decorated with Christmas trees festooned with lights, and for one Sunday all of the shops are open for people to do some local Christmas shopping. Festivities take place all afternoon with a grand finale firework display from the top of the church tower to end the day. Dulverton, Exmoor

Carol Trains

Dec 9-11, 7pm Fares from £7.50 in advance, £8.50 on the day Come on board the West Somerset Railway for a wonderful festive start to Christmas! Warm up those vocal chords and join us for a special journey of Carol singing at the stations along the way. Bishops Lydeard-Minehead, Taunton Contact: 01643 704996 to confirm prices and book

Snow White Pantomime

Dec 12-Jan 5, check website for times and prices Our Christmas season for 2013/14 will sparkle like never before as we present the magical tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The Octagon Theatre and Evolution Productions will present a pantomime packed with spectacle, adventure, music, comedy, magic and mayhem!

60 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil Contact: 01935 422884

Kid’s Carol Concert

Dec 14, Contact for times & prices Tickets from £4.50 online, £5.50 offline Family friendly, fun for everyone, a join in carol concert! Come along to enjoy an afternoon of singing and music-making inside Hestercombe House. Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton Contact: 01823 413923

Kiddi Caru Day Nursery Christmas Fair

Dec 14, 10.30am-1.30pm Free Admission to all families, lots of different stalls with Christmas gifts, also Christmas crafts for the children, face painting and the chance to visit father Christmas and drop off the letters to Santa. We will have a raffle with a number of different prizes to be drawn on the day. All money raised will be donated to The Wallace and Gromits children Charity in Bristol. Contact: Claire or Donna on 01823 444194 for more information

Willow Basket Making Workshop

Dec 14, 9.30am-4pm Cost: £85.00 including lunch and refreshments provided by the Lemon Tree Coffee House You will be taught basic techniques to create a simple round basket of your choice. e.g. wastepaper, shopper or log basket. The Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre Contact: 01823 490249 or email nicola@englishwillowbaskets.co.uk www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk

Christmas Tree Festival

Dec 14-31, 10am-5pm Contact for prices A display of miniature Christmas trees decorated by local school children. Museum of Somerset, Taunton Contact: 01823 255088 Santas on the Run Dec 15, 12pm Entry £10 per adult, £5 per child under 16, under 3 Free The run follows a 2K loop around Vivary Park or Central Bristol. Entry includes Santa suit and festive treats. Register on-line at www.chsw.org.uk/santas Contact: 01275 866600 (Bristol) / 01271 325270 (Taunton)

Carols at Christmas

Dec 15, 3pm & 6.30pm Contact for prices Take a moment to relax and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Yeovil Temple Salvation Army returns to The Octagon Theatre with their popular

annual Christmas Carol Concerts. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil Contact: 01935 422884

Christmas Crafts

Dec 17, 5.30pm-7.30pm £3 per child, accompanying adult free. Get into the festive spirit and join the rangers at Ham Hill in making your own Christmas decorations, yule logs and other glittery surprises. Booking essential. Rangers Office, Ham Hill Country Park Contact: 01935 422884

Hansel & Gretel

Dec 19-21, contact for times Free production A traditional fairytale with a modern twist. This piece uses some of the cultural points of Taunton Town Centre and will bring them to life in this production. Taunton Town Centre www.tauntontheatre.org.uk

Take That Christmas Party

Dec 20, contact for times Tickets £39.50 Celebrate 20 years of one of the most famous boy bands ever. Dress to impress. The Grand Pier, Weston Super Mare Contact: 01934 646155

Christmas Carols in Hestercombe House

Dec 21, 6pm Adult £9 online, £10 offline We are pleased to welcome a Taunton based chamber choir, Amici, for another fabulous evening of festive music to fill the halls of Hestercombe House. Mince pies & mulled wine. Booking Advisable Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton Contact: 01823 413923

Winter Steam Festival

Contact: 01823 255088

Dec 28-29, contact for times Fares from £8.50 The event is the perfect way to get out of the house and enjoy the West Somerset Countryside after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas period. It’s also a great way to see 2013 out in true style! Bishops Lydeard-Minehead, Taunton Contact: 01643 704996 to confirm prices and book

FMTC present Cinderella

Dec 29-Jan 4, various times Tickets from £13 (£11 under 16 & Concessions) With all the ingredients you would expect from Buttons to the Ugly Sisters, the glass slipper and a fairytale coach. With a mix of traditional and modern live music, colourful costumes and fantastic sets this year’s show promises to be a truly traditional family Pantomime. Frome Memorial Theatre Contact: 01373 462795

January/February 2014 Somerset Wassail Evening

Jan 18, 7.30pm-10pm Adult £8, Children £5 Take part in the ancient wassail custom. Music and barn dance with band Rapscallion. Seasonal drinks included, hot refreshments to purchase. Book in advance. Museum of Somerset, Taunton

Blackmore Farm Arts Week Feb 2013 - See www.blackmorefarm. co.uk for more details. Contact: 01278 651154 / dyerfarm@ aol.com

Snowdrops & Steam

Feb 15-23 (excluding 17 & 21), contact for times Tickets from £24.50 One of the finest annual sights of Exmoor is the wonderful display of spring flowers in Snowdrop Valley near Wheddon Cross. As one of the more remote parts of the Moor the Valley is not easily accessible by car and a park and ride system operates. Bishops Lydeard-Minehead, via Snowdrop Valley - Wheddon Cross Contact: 01643 704996 to confirm prices and book

February Fun!

Feb 20, 10.30am-2pm Contact for prices. Age 3-11 Create a snowy scene and other Winter crafts. Museum of Somerset, Taunton Contact: 01823 255088

Corn Dolly Making

Feb 22, 11am-4pm Contact for prices. Make a corn dolly! Museum of Somerset, Taunton Contact: 01823 255088

To list your event/club/group here please contact sales@beebomgazine.co.uk





Family Fun: Holiday Homecoming

Dec 22, 1pm-4pm, contact for prices Welcome in the festive season at the American Museum! Meet Father Christmas, create your own beautiful paper decorations to take home, and enjoy carols and a festive atmosphere throughout the Museum. All events and activities included with full admission. American Museum in Britain, Bath Contact: 01225 820866 or email workshops@americanmuseum.org

Family Fun - Winter Colours

Dec 28, 11am-1pm & 2pm-3.30pm Contact for prices. Age 3-11 Make a snowy scene and a Robin Redbreast. Museum of Somerset, Taunton Contact: 01823 255088

  

 

 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

2014 Go Commando Calendar Mania!!

GO COM MANDO All IN A DAY’S WORK – WITH A SLIGHT TWIST! LA Phot Emily Nolan ‘Emz’, has a job that many would aspire to. She is currently a Royal Naval Photographer, based at the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre down in Exmouth, Devon. Just the mention of the words Royal Marines Commando sends most females into a spin but day in and out Emz works with this bunch of highly trained and toned fighting machines, who are the elite amphibious fighting force of our Royal Navy. Small in numbers by comparison to other regiments in the military sector, (there are approximately 7000 Royal Marine Commandos serving today) the training programme to become a Royal Marine and earn the right to wear the coveted ‘Green Beret’ is long, gruelling and breaks the soul of many a young man. Those who get through the training come out the other side, trained to deal with anything that could be thrown at them in any conflicting situation, are confident and yet well able to deal with such simple tasks as ironing and general housework!! Yes indeed and oh to have a completely self sufficient man around the house who is a highly trained and disciplined Action Man but can tackle the arduous household chores with ease. Have you ever seen a Bootneck (as they are affectionately known) fold up the washing? Trust me, it is amazing!!

One thing that Emz regrets is that she missed out on a draft to Afghanistan due to falling pregnant but would not have missed out on becoming a doting mum!

Emz joined the Royal Navy in May 2000 with ambitions to become a photographer. Her patience paid off and after four years in the waiting, she joined the Photographic Team with a stint at Navy HQ in the Fleet Regional Photographic Unit. She then moved on to RN DMOC in London to work in Media/Video Training for a year and then took some time out for maternity leave. One thing that Emz regrets is that she missed out on a draft to Afghanistan due to falling pregnant but would not have missed out on becoming a doting mum! Once back from maternity leave Emz joined CTCRM as a ‘Unit Phot’ (term used to describe a photographer). Emz’s skills as a photographer have been widely recognised and in May 2013 she was awarded the CGRM Prize, the Peregrine Trophy for her portfolio of work. This was a particularly satisfying achievement, having to compete against other male phots, in not only a military guise but indeed a very much male dominated world. A normal day for Emz at CTCRM would be taking shots of Royal Marines in training from the raw and brand new recruits starting out on their long journey to studio commissioned work for publications, capturing the joyous moments at the ‘Pass Out Parades’, Ceremonial Occasions and anything in between! Emz is renowned for capturing these precious moments on camera and has already earned a reputation second to none for her work.

62 The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Early in 2013 Emz was approached by RNPR Directorate based at the London MOD offices in Whitehall, to see if she would be interested in involvement for a ‘cheeky charity calendar’, when asked what was the brief the reply came back ‘semi naked, cheeky, buff RM’s on location showing Royal at his best’! Now there was a challenge. Without further delay and working with others at CTCRM she gathered a bunch of headstrong Royal Marine Physical Training Instructors for a couple of photo shoots. The images are to be used for the forthcoming 2014 Go Commando Official Calendar, which produced by Royal Marines charity Go Commando is now in its fourth year and continues to go from strength to strength. Debbie Howarth who heads the charity commented, “the idea for the calendar was started in 2011 and the brain child of the charity’s founder local businessman Sean O’Brien. It was quick to do and thrown together with a small group of Royal Marines in the studio and turned round in a week. Since then and with each year this project has grown and grown, becoming something of the must have calendar of the year. Each edition has been a little more ambitious than the previous and the 2013 version has raised a staggering £120k from sales and its associated merchandise. It’s been remarkable. Each year trying to do something a little different is hard to improve on perfection! Living and working in the Royal Marine environment made Emz the ‘perfect woman for the job’ and we are all delighted that her images which appear

in the calendar are first class!” Behind the fun side of the calendar lies a very serious fundraising campaign and the amount of money raised enables the charity to work on projects to help young families of serving Royal Marines and those of injured veterans have a better quality of life. As a joined up partner of the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF), Go Commando are now able to work in association with them on greater projects for the future and share the profits of the calendar. A closing comment from Emz, “It’s been a great opportunity to work on such a fun and unique campaign and for such a worthwhile cause, Go Commando really do care and have great ambitions for the future. Yes, I guess I love my job!”

GO COM MANDO 2014 Calendar - Would you like one?!

I W N

BREAKING NEWS....... The 2014 Go Commando Calendar can be purchased online at www.gocommando.org.uk and Beebo has two copies to give away to the lucky persons that send in the top two captions to match to this image!

I W N

To get your hands all over the must have calendar for 2014 send your entries via our website: www.beebomagazine.co.uk/ competitions Closing date: December 30th 2013

NEW Events Calendar Coming soon............. Beebo will be launching a new interactive events calendar on our website this Winter. Event organisers will simply need to create an account which will enable them to post events for FREE via our website. Having an account will also allow users to edit, delete and see all past events entered. Our readers will benefit by being able to view and print a month by month account of events giving them easy visibility of all things available and great to do with the family during free time, weekends and school holidays. A great tool for planning! To ensure you do not miss the launch be sure to find and like us on face book: www.facebook.com/ beebomagazine and follow us on twitter: @beebomagazine

www.beebomagazine.co.uk

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

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

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 £2.50 per square

Competition Winners Autumn 2013 Congratulations to Anna Lambert the winner of our Shining Lights Christian Pre-School competition. Anna won 180hrs of free childcare!

Carpet / upholstery care

A big congratulations to all of our winners from our Autumn magazine which will be ending November 5th. Please see our website to checkout our lucky winners: www. beebomagazine.co.uk/competitions

- Carpet / upholstery construction diagnosis - Stain and spot check analysis - PH test

First clean 15% off T - 01823 433748 M - 07751 802582 E- may65flower@aol.com

Don’t forget to enter our Winter competitions and to like us on facebook - follow us on twitter to know if you are a winner!

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

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

The Southwest’s must have family magazine

Great car seats from Hauck Hauck Fun For Kids have been researching the car seat market to offer a wider variety to all our customers. The result is a new collection to care for your child from birth through to toddler years.

Zero Plus Select – a Group 0+ car seat The ‘Zero Plus Select’ is the latest development in our Zero Plus Group 0+ product line. Made from high strength plastic with an ergonomically designed aluminium handle this car seat is lightweight but robust and allows for easy carrying. Memory foam is used for its impact and shock absorbing qualities and provides excellent protection in frontal and side crashes. Breathable fabrics around the head and pelvic area plus soft microfiber material ensure your baby is comfortable at all times. The seat also benefits from the standard seat reducer and head support with integrated seat wedge to provide the perfect fit for newborns.

Varioguard + Isofixbase - Group 0+ / 1 ‘Varioguard’ is a two stage car seat in one and comes complete with Isofixbase. This flexible car seat will provide you and your child with the latest technology and the highest level of safety for a number of years. Breathable fabrics keep your child comfortable at all times and for newborns there is a seat insert with head protection which can be removed as your baby grows. When fitted to an Isofix connection the seat can be used both forward and rear facing up to 18kg. If fitted using a car safety belt then the Varioguard is suitable from birth to 13kg as a forward or rear facing seat, and up to 18kg as a forward facing seat. The angle of the seat can be adjusted into 5 positions and the height-adjustable head protection offers comfort and safety as your child grows.

Double Gold for Bodyguard – a Group II / III car seat We all know how important it is to ensure your children are safe at all times when on the road and the importance of delivering a stylish car seat to meet the needs of older children. The award winning ‘Bodyguard’ provides your growing child with maximum safety and comfort from approximately 15-36 kg in weight. With shock absorbing memory foam for the head protection and breathable microfibre for the covers, the ‘Bodyguard’ grows with a child! The head protection is adjusted in height and at the same time the side wings are adjusted in width by using one hand, to six positions. The ‘Bodyguard’ is held securely in place by the normal diagonal car seat belt. This is a car seat offering safety, comfort and versatility to grow with your child from toddler stage through to early teens.

Tel: 01978 664362 Email: info@hauckuk.com Web: www.hauckuk.com

Varioguard Two car seats in one

The Varioguard with Isofixbase for children from 0 months to 18 kg of weight. The Varioguard is an amazingly flexible car seat with Isofixbase which can be used for many years. It provides you and your child with the latest technology and the highest level of safety. This car seat is ECE 44/04 approved (current car seat standard) and meets all the requirements to transport your baby safe and secure.

phone: 01978 664 362

mail: info@hauckuk.com

web: www.hauckuk.com