Families Gloucestershire Mar April 2011

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Mar/Apr 2011 Issue No. 002

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

IN THIS ISSUE Glorious Gloucestershire Clubs and Classes The Cotswold Chef Book Reviews

For families with young children aged 0–12 in Gloucestershire

FAMILIES GLOUCESTERSHIRE MARCH / APRIL 2011

FGCONTENTS

FGCIRCULATION

14,000 copies distributed through nurseries, schools, libraries, activity classes and other selected distribution points throughout Gloucestershire. If you would like free copies for your organisation please contact us.

CONTACT US Families Gloucestershire, PO Box 94, Dursley GL11 9AQ email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk web: www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk tel: 01453 544658 Facebook: Families Gloucestershire Twitter: www.twitter.com/FamiliesGlos

CONTENTS 3–4 NEWS & INFORMATION National and local news & information

COVER PHOTOGRAPH Logan & Letty Photography 07963 936620

5 ENJOY QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR KIDS THIS EASTER A few fun holiday activities to try

NEXT ISSUE May / June 2011 Advertising and Editorial deadline 1st April 2011

6–7 GLORIOUS GLOUCESTERSHIRE Where to go and what to do!

DESIGNED & PRODUCED BY Families Gloucestershire and G&T Design, Uley PRINTED BY The Manson Group, www.mansongroup.co.uk

8 FOREST SCHOOLS Find out more about what goes on at a Forest School 9 BOOK REVIEWS A selection of books of interest to parents

ADVERTISING Please contact us to discuss how we can help to promote your business within Gloucestershire.

Advertising rates start from £30.

Families Gloucestershire is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Paper used to print Families Gloucestershire is from fully managed sustainable sources - meaning trees which are felled are continuously replaced. Inks are soya based, which can be recycled.

For more articles, listings and competitions visit our website www.familiesgloucestershire. co.uk

and visit our Facebook page Families Gloucestershire

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10–11 CLUBS & CLASSES Taking a look at some clubs and classes in Gloucestershire which we think you’ll like 12 EDUCATION NEWS / WOMEN IN BUSINESS 13 THE COTSWOLD CHEF Spring recipe ideas for Families from The Cotswold Chef 14 THE SLEEP CLINIC We asked if you had any issues relatiing to your baby or toddler’s sleep. Here a some of your questions, and answers!

15–16 WHAT’S ON Listings of local What’s On Activities for March and April

You can take a horse to water but only a DUCK will swim!

Infant swimming classes have never been as fun as with Puddle Ducks.

Thousands of babies and children nationwide enjoy our small, structured swimming classes every week; developing from water babies into confident swimmers without even realising that they are learning to swim.

Join our classes at any age! Check our website for details.

Tel0117 9717165 Emailbristolandbath@puddleducks.com

Life but swimmingly... www.puddleducks.com

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

FGNEWS&INFORMATION

The Circus Comes to Town

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he Giffords Circus company of actors, learned geese, tumbling pigeons, hawks, clowns, musicians and runaways will roll out a new show in 2011. The show titled ‘War and Peace at the Circus’ is another opportunity for Giffords Circus to show off their brilliant theatricality and glamorous take on the traditional village green circus.

Expect thrilling scenes inspired by this epic Russian novel re-imagined for a family audience. New costumes, new choreography, new artistes, and an original score by the Giffords Circus band, as well as Giffords Circus favourites such as Brian the Goose, Tweedy the Clown and Red the Horse.

And as with every tour, Giffords Circus will travel across much of rural Gloucestershire and the South West with the show, bringing families and communities together to share in this magical circus experience.

The tour will start on Thursday 19th May 2011 at Gloucester, travelling through Hay Festival, Cheltenham, Broadway, Tackley, Stadhampton, Lechlade, Barrington, Frampton, Minchinhampton, Marlborough, and ends in Cirencester’s Stratton Meadows on Sunday 11th September 2011.

Tickets are £20 (adults) and £12 (under 16’s). You can find more details about shows at www.giffordscircus.com or book tickets by calling the Box Office on 0845 459 7469

Spring isn’t quite here yet...

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very child loves cuddling up to a hot water bottle as well as their favourite teddy and now, thanks to wheatybags. co.uk, you can have them both rolled into one. Wheaty Bags cost from just £9.95 and can simply be popped into the microwave to warm them up. New for 2011 are the Wild Warmers – giraffes, leopards, zebras and tigers made of soft fur and filled with natural wheat and seeds that heat up safely, or check out their Cozy Cushions which couple as winter warming pillows.

Visit www.wheatybags.co.uk for a great range of goodies.

Going shopping in Cheltenham...?

Toddler tantrums

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his winter, new research has been released suggesting that most toddlers spend almost two weeks each year throwing tantrums! Research by the UK’s leading discount website, www.myvouchercodes.co.uk has found that the average toddler spends 13 full days a year having a tantrum. Nearly 2000 parents across the UK were surveyed, with the conclusion that children’s tantrums often lasted for 30 minutes each, with a total of 6 hours per week.

When asked the question, “What do you do to stop your child having a tantrum?”, over a third admitted that they used bribery to stop their children crying, with another 19% giving in and letting their child have what they wanted. Andy Cole, parenting expert at myvouchercodes.co.uk, added that over half of the parents surveyed admitting lying to other parents about the amount of tantrums their child has, in order to make them seem like a better parent.

At-Bristol opens to all Williams And Kates!

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o celebrate the Royal Wedding At-Bristol is offering all ‘Williams and Kates’ the chance to have a special day of their own – with free entry to At-Bristol!

If you are looking for something to do on this special Bank Holiday At-Bristol has it covered!

With over 300 exhibits including the new ‘All About Us’ experience, under eights areas and a Planetarium there is definitely enough to keep Williams and Kates, and all the rest of us for that matter, occupied!

You can take a look at your veins with Vein Viewer, capture yourself and see how high you can jump with High Speed Camera and even feed a skeleton to learn all about digestion with Digestive Run! Complete your journey around the body with the Boggling Brain show and our new Live Lab area where you can carry out real experiments including live dissections! And, if you are feeling a bit romantic, never fear, as well as learning about the science behind what gets your heart pumping, you and your loved ones can get swept off your feet in the walk through tornado and go star gazing in the Planetarium with the Spring night sky!

With fantastic free entry for Williams and Kates* the Royal Wedding day is sure to be filled with special memories for everyone! * Contact At-Bristol for the Terms and Conditions of this offer www.at-bristol.org.uk

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ick Tocks is a drop off child care facility available to anyone coming into Cheltenham. Parents can leave their children aged 12 weeks to 12 years for up to 4 hrs between 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. The intake is on the hour or half past the hour. They are based in the LA Fitness Gym, off the Tewkesbury Road and it is advisable to call ahead especially if the child is under a year old.The hourly rate is fair and affordable but there is a voluntary membership fee of £20 per family not child, which reduces the hourly rate per child and allows other member-only benefits. For more information please visit the website www.ticktocks.co.uk.

THE OLD STATION NURSERY INNSWORTH ‘Home from home childcare’ Come and visit our new eco-build nursery

If you need child care at short notice or simply want to spend an hour or four without the children in tow to shop, meet friends for lunch or work out at the gym then see what fun the kids will have at Tick Tocks. There are lots of organised activities for each age range & you get the peace of mind knowing your children are safely entertained without you for a while.

And meet our friendly and qualified staff team Full and part-time sessions for babies up to 5 year olds Free nursery education sessions for 3 and 4 year olds

For more information contact Tracey on: 01452 739010 or visit our website www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

March/April 2011 3

GlosBiz Easter Expo

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he GlosBiz Easter Expo will be held on Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd April 10am to 6.30 pm at The New Inn, 16 Northgate St, GL1 1SF and is open to the public for free.

Visitors are in for a real treat as businesses travel from all over Gloucestershire to showcase the very best of local products, produce & services. There will be a chance to buy locally produced crafts, jewellery, arts and gifts, as well as an opportunity to sample a “Taste of Gloucestershire”. The services zone will showcase local businesses spanning health and beauty, wellbeing, lifestyle, home & property, education, recruitment, and much more.

If you need a break from the retail therapy then why not get the kids face painted whilst you relax with a drink from one of the three bars and listen or watch one of the entertainers that are performing throughout the day. The coffee shop will be open all day serving a mouth-watering array of homemade cakes and cream teas, however if you’re a bit more peckish then there will be a bbq in the courtyard or meals available in the bar or restaurant. www.iamgloucestershire365.com/blog/74297

Travelling this Easter?

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new website has been set up to address every conceivable need of parents when travelling with little ones. From travel cots with canopies to sunshades and travel backpacks, www.contentandcalm. com is packed full of products to help your little ones remain content and calm when on the move. Content and Calm was born when founder Solvej Biddle realised there were very few products on the market designed to make travelling easy and stress-free for her and her children. Now, with the help of some of the products on the site, you can make travelling a breeze and, if you are going on holiday this Easter, check out the site’s top tips for travelling with babies and for ensuring a restful night’s sleep – for all of you! I particularly like the award-winning TrayKit – an all-in-one kid’s carry-on backpack and play-tray solution. The pack can strap to train and plane tray tables as well as hang from the seat in front in a car to provide an extendable play surface with raised sides to give kids their own play space. No more toys on the floor! Pack the bag with familiar toys, pop in a few new ones and it can make the perfect holiday travel accessory. The TrayKit is available in Pink Polka Dot or Blue Camouflage for £24.99. www.contentandcalm.com Now available at Boots, 38-46 EASTGATE STREET GLOUCESTER GL1 1PU Boots, 197-199 HIGH STREET & 12-15 NORTH STREET CHELTENHAM GL50 1DB

Junior Gym for Heroes

PLAYahead…. helping get your children out to play!

9th to 22nd July 2011

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e all know how important it is to encourage our children to get outside and play. Outdoor play is essential for our children’s well being and of course if the children are happy and entertained, parents are happy too!

Gloucestershire company PLAYahead, can come to the rescue by designing a spectacular, adventure play environment for your garden which will keep the children stimulated and provide endless hours of fun all year round. ….….if you and your children can imagine it, PLAYahead can build it! Stroud based owner of the company and a dad himself, Jerry Butling, knows only too well about the benefits of outdoor play. He said “Climbing, running, jumping and exploring not only improves physical development but can also boost children’s confidence allowing them to stimulate their imaginations within a safe environment”.

unior Gym for Heroes is a fund raising challenge aimed at school children of all ages to raise funds and awareness for Help for Heroes and get fit in the process.

Junior Gym for Heroes is part of a nationwide challenge, Gym for Heroes which in 2010, raised over £100k for our wounded heroes.

In July 2011 they’re opening the doors to school children to give them an opportunity to do their bit.

Here’s the way .it works in a nutshell. Schools register, an email is sent to the school which includes full instructions/guidelines, links to sponsorship forms, a printable promotional poster and a certificate of achievement which can be edited to add participants and school name.

It’s completely free for both schools and pupils to take part. The challenge can be any type of cardio vascular event for the duration of one hour and in which you feel suitable for children of any age to take part.

Some challenge suggestions are running, swimming, bike ride, skipping, ball bouncing, threelegged walk/run, egg and spoon walk/run, hoop shoot, hop-scotch...or your own idea.

For all information and registration please visit www.gymforheroes.co.uk

Call Jerry on 01453 882282 or visit www.playahead.org.uk

post natal support

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hile becoming a parent for the first (or second!) time can be very exciting, many of us also find it an immense challenge. With concerns over everything from breastfeeding to broken sleep, parents often need somebody to talk to, and this spring the NCT has set up a new Postnatal Line for all parents. “New parents often feel they are getting everything wrong, while everyone else has the right answer,” says Juliet Pollard, NCT Postnatal

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Leader. “At NCT, we think there is no right answer.” Staffed by qualified NCT advisors, the Postnatal Line offers support and information to new parents on everything from sleeping to feeding, establishing baby routines and body image after birth. The helpline number is 0300 330 0772 and is open 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday, with calls charged at local rates. “Remember, you are not alone,” adds Juliet. “Many new parents feel overwhelmed, and the NCT’s

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

recent postnatal care survey of first time mums found that emotional support, physical care and information provided to mums was sadly lacking, leaving many of them feeling abandoned and uncertain.”

For more information go to www.nct.org.uk.

Enjoy QUality time with your kids this easter by joanne Parry

Whether you’re a working parent looking to spend time with your brood over the Easter weekend, or a full-time mum desperate to fill a long school holiday, here are a few ideas to try out with your children.

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ith a bit of planning and a few inspired ideas, you can avoid the tantrums and arguments and tear your darlings away from the TV and the Wii and enjoy the Easter break, rather than finding yourself counting down the days until school starts again!

Plan the day The holidays are a great time to bring back some of the old fashioned games and spend real time with your kids. It can be hard at first, throwing yourself into games and activities, but this is the stuff that childhood memories are made of. It is important to plan your day: write out a holiday timetable of activities such as painting and board games for the morning and playing in the garden and a small amount of TV in the afternoon. If you let them drift from one cartoon to the other they’ll get frustrated very soon!

make tickets and prepare snacks before putting on your favourite DVD. • Apple bobbing. Float an apple in a bowl of water and get your kids to try to bite it without using their hands. If you don’t mind mess you can repeat the game with a chocolate or grape in a bowl of flour!

• Get outside and get active - check out the ideas on pg 6 & 7 of this magazine.

• Borrow the nearest friendly dog and go for a walk, or set up an obstacle course in the garden with buckets, chairs, tables, gardens rakes…anything goes really!

• The holidays are the perfect time to clear out old toys or games and replace them with new finds from the charity shop or swap with friends. Take the chance to reintroduce some traditional board games and toys into the mix.

• Encourage your kids to dig a vegetable patch of their own in your garden.

• If you don’t have any outside space, make a mini garden by filling a plant tray with earth and arranging small sprigs of leaves, daisies and grass over the soil. Try small pebbles for paths and foil for a pond.

Give them some jobs to do for pocket money Children like to earn their own money and to get a bit of responsibility – they will often jump at the chance to do a chore that you have been putting off for ages.

Happy Easter!

Activities at home With a little thought, you can come up with dozens of fun things to do at home, from building castles out of rubbish to dens in the garden, but when you run out of ideas, here are a few more.

Let your hair down and release your inner-child.

• Roll around in the garden with your kids, make mud pies, dig for worms and make dens out of sheets and washing lines.

• Invest in some Play-Doh, art supplies and face paints and get creative • Hardboil some eggs and paint with food colouring. When they are dry they are great for egg rolling - if you haven’t got a hill, a slide will do!

• Water painting - paint with a clean paintbrush and a pot of water outside on walls, paving slabs, fences. It’s very effective and the sun removes the evidence!

• Put a cloth on floor as a picnic rug and serve lunch on living room floor. Or in the garden.

• Home camping – hang a tablecloth over furniture, add a torch and a sleeping bag and have some fun!

• Decorate biscuits by mixing icing sugar and water in a bowl to make runny icing and decorate with sprinkles or smarties.

• Pass the parcel. Why save it for parties? Your kids can do the wrapping too using old newspaper, with prizes as simple as a sticker or packet of raisins.

• Make pasta jewellery • Roll a sheet of newspaper into a ball and play volleyball over a washing line.

• Make salt dough with 3 cups of plain flour, 1 cup salt and 1 cup water. Model it like playdough and dry out finished models in a cool oven. Then paint and varnish.

• Treasure hunt - hide toys or sweets around the home and give your kids clues to find them. Kids like setting the hunts too. Alternatively, devise a nature trail where they have to find a series of items such as different coloured leaves.

• Set up a home cinema in your living room: close the curtains, rearrange the furniture, www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

March/April 2011 5

FGACTIVITIES

Glorious Gloucestershire Where to go and what to do!

Spring has arrived – time to leave the house without needing waterproof trousers – well almost!.

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n Gloucestershire, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to outside space. From the Cotswold escarpment to the orchards at Newent, from ancient oak forests to the cliffs overlooking Symonds Yat, it’s time to get out there. Whether it’s chasing around on top of an open common, kayaking on a lake or maybe even hurtling down a hill, we’ve got loads of ideas for fun and fresh air.

Simply Space

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ome days you just need to get out of the house and find somewhere to run – or at least the kids do while you just keep up. Most families have a few regular spaces but why not try someone else’s favourite this spring?

Emma Bradshaw of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust hits the nail on the head: “Children are like dogs in that they’ll always find the muddy puddle or stream. Our nature

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www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

By Rebecca Gardner

reserves are fantastic places for just letting them run and get dirty” she says. With more than 60 reserves throughout the county, you’ll need help to choose. Luckily, a new and free guide to all their nature reserves has just been published – contact the Trust for WestonbirtArboretum: Credit Rob Cousins your copy At this time of year, Emma recommends Sicarridge Woods near Stroud, Lower Woods near Wickwar and Chosen Hill between Cheltenham and Gloucester for ‘fabulous bluebells’. Of course, the reserves aren’t meant to be all singing and dancing attractions with cafes and gift shops but are perfect for picnics. Also recommended – linking a visit to a great Gloucestershire pub. At The Swan at Coombe Hill near Tewkesbury, a lane leads down to the Coombe Hill reserve, and back again, for lunch or a hot chocolate. If you’re really determined to find that muddy puddle, head to Greystones Farm reserve, near Bourton on the Water. Its water meadows and streams are great for ‘Poohsticks’.

For areas that are a little more pushchair friendly, try one of the area’s country parks, many owned by the county council. Hidden in the ‘Planning, Environment and Waste’ section of the council’s website, look for the full list of parks and illustrated walking leaflets to download. Crickley Hill, in particular has some short pushchair- friendlyTreasure walks Trails signposted from their small visitor centre. Robinswood Hill Country Park near Gloucester, Broadway Tower Park and Cirencester Park are all suggestions for those with wheels as well as feet.

Time outdoors can be also be great fun in towns and villages, particularly when you’re on a treasure trail, spy mission or murder investigation. Selecting one of 20 trails around Gloucestershire from Treasure Trails Gloucestershire, families solve clues on a fun walk, up to 2 miles long. Work together to find answers on historic buildings and monuments. To win one of ten Treasure Trails, make sure you enter the competition on page 7.

Discover more trails in the Forest of Dean, starting at the excellent playground at Beechenhurst Lodge.

Toddlers and others have the excellent playground for clambering on wooden animals.

Lunch is your choice – the large picnic and barbecue area or the Gavellers café. Afterwards, try 2, 3 or 4.5 miles along the inspiring Sculpture trail. Motivating young walkers is easier with a huge sculpted stone acorn, the large giant’s chair and the stained glass panel up in the trees to find. Have a go on ‘Melissa’s swing’ in case you haven’t time for the full trail – up the side path from the car park.

The Forest of Dean is also ideal for family cycling, particularly with the comprehensive range of bikes hired out by Pedalabikeaway. Practically any combination of babies, toddlers and independent cyclists can be accommodated with their range of trailers, tandems and tricycles. The centre is on the forest’s popular family cycle route and their excellent website allows advance booking.

Water, Water Everywhere

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ather than simply walking or riding, you can get out on the water and you’re truly spoilt for choice with 140 lakes at Cotswold Water Park. From kayaking to sailing, keen juniors can contact one of the park’s centres including Waterland Outdoor or South Cerney Outdoor. On dry land, the cycle hire centre sets you off on trails that link lakes, beach parks and bird watching hides, although after a few April showers this still isn’t necessarily a dry option.

At Croft Farm Water Park near Tewkesbury, their relatively small lake is not too imposing for families trying out Cotswold Water Park :Rebecca Sedman something new. Families can start by hiring a pedalo with officially recognised canoeing and windsurfing courses also available. Potential windsurfers can start from as young as eight, although as Tom, who runs the sailing school, explains,” they do have big stable boards and the sails are so tiny they look like pocket handkerchiefs sailing across the lake.”

For more water, Gloucestershire also has the Severn and the Wye. In the Wye Valley at Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat, try canoe hire including pre-arranged half day trips. For a really short taster on the water, the hand pulled cable ferry takes you across the river border between Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.

A Grand Day Out

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or a family day out amongst some of Gloucestershire’s real gems, visit the National Arboretum at Westonbirt. The huge grounds have plenty of space and facilities for both those looking for tranquillity and also families like yours, whose exploration of the natural world usually involves more noise. Near the hub of facilities such as the indoor Maples Restaurant, outdoor Courtyard café and gift shop is the relatively recent Exploratree toddler play area. Elsewhere, follow the innovative play map to find spots under the trees, set aside deliberately for making dens, playing in tree forts and jumping over logs. Children can really explore nature with these wonderful detours and distractions alongside the regular pathways. Suggesting ‘going for a walk’ takes a lot less cajoling.

At the Slimbridge Wetland Centre , facilities similarly accommodate both play and quiet contemplation of the scenery and birdlife. Slimbridge has two play areas – one conveniently near two hides where older siblings can take their binoculars while younger ones swing and climb. Elsewhere, Welly Boot land has water running through the artificial rocks and branches suitable for wellies on colder days and bare feet when the sun comes out. (Top tip: get the roundabout spinning to get the water flowing faster!) From Easter, the Canoe Safari opens for the season – glide around the wetlands, inches from moorhens nest making amongst the reeds.

Annual subscriptions are well worth considering for these outdoor attractions as each season brings new discoveries.

Usually by your third visit the card has ‘paid for itself’ and popping Slimbridge Wetland Centre in for a few hours for a picnic becomes an option rather than having to see everything.

For other outdoor spaces worth signing up to for a year’s play, try Batsford Arboretum near Moreton in Marsh, Puzzlewood near Coleford and Prinknash Bird and Deer Park. Joining the National Trust is another option to explore some beautiful local gardens.

Looking for something a little bit different?

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re-schoolers are satisfied with an interesting stick; older children might like something else to do with all that fresh air. If you’ve found plenty of open space away from trees,

telegraph poles and horses, Peter Whitaker recommends that you go fly a kite. As chairman of the Golden Valley Kite Fliers, Peter has advice for first timers. “Flying a single line kite is ideal for children. Pocket kites (or Pockites) are great. The cells just inflate with the wind and you’re off,” he says. If older children want to try a two line kite, Peter cautions that practice is needed and the kite must be set up correctly; the two lines must be exactly the same length. For interested fliers, the club meets at Tewkesbury school once a month.

For a few more thrills and spills, try adding more speed or more height.

Hurtling down a hill, more commonly known as grass sledging, is open to most ages at Bugsboarding in Maisemore. If children can’t control the large plastic toboggans on the beginners run they just sit in front of Mum or Dad to go down. For more of a challenge, Bugsboarding is also a mountain boarding centre. AJ, one of the centre’s owners, describes it as “a crossover between snowboarding and skateboarding but easier to pick up than both.” Both activities need to be booked in advance and remember AJ’s tip “Wait for a dry day – it’s no fun in the wet.”

If you’ve a head for heights and a confident pre-teenager, try climbing up into the treetops at Go Ape in the Forest of Dean. After passing age and height requirements (10 years and 1.4m) and Bugsboarding listening to the comprehensive briefing, Jenny, 11, and dad, Richard navigated the ropes, treetop walkways and zip lines above the forest. “I thought it was amazing being so high up. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done,” says Jenny. Choose one accompanying adult who’s also happy to climb 15m in the air; the less adventurous can walk around below taking the “Look at me!’ photos. hatever you choose and wherever you go, now is the time to get out there.

Remember to check opening times – some activities don’t get started until around Easter.

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk Golden Valley Kite Fliers www.gvkf.org.uk Cotswold Water Park www.waterpark.org Bugsboarding www.bugsboarding.co.uk Westonbirt Arboretum www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt Slimbridge Wetland Centre www.wwt.org.uk/slimbridge Croft Farm Water Park www.croftfarmleisure.co.uk Pedalabikeaway www.pedalabikeaway.co.uk Go Ape www.goape.co.uk Treasure Trails www.treasuretrails.co.uk

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FAMILIES GLOUCESTERSHIRE COMPETITION How many Treasure Trails are currently available across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds? www.treasuretrails.co.uk/Gloucestershire/things-to-do.html

Send your answer, along with your name and address, to ttglos@treasuretrails.co.uk The first 10 correct answers to be drawn from all those submitted by 15th April will each win a Trail of their choice from the Gloucestershire catalogue

Bach Flower Remedy treatments

Funny female experienced clown ideal for the little ones aged 3-5.

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Bach Flower remedies are a simple and natural method of healing. They are gentle and safe for children, animals and adults. They are especially effective for emotional problems such as: anxiety, trauma, sleep difÞculties, exam nerves, lack of conÞdence, hyperactivity, poor concentration, anger and fears.

For further information contact Nikki Ashworth on 07976685537 info@balancingblends.co.uk or visit

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Mark A. Musty General Garden Maintenance Firewood Supplies

01453 519621 Mob. 07923 446181

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

March/April 2011 7

Forest Schools

Tucked up in warm coats, hats, gloves and wellies, a reception class from Kempsford Primary School file in for their next lesson – but this is no ordinary classroom. As soon as they get through the gate, the children are pelting down a muddy path through woodland, racing each other to the circle of benches at its centre.

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his is a Forest School, run by the Gloucestershire-based education charity the Ernest Cook Trust. Every Wednesday afternoon these children have their lessons in Horseshoe Wood, in the heart of the Trust’s 4,200-acre Fairford Park estate.

The woodland is very atmospheric. Sited on the edge of a former World War II airfield near Fairford, the ghostly, hulking remains of pillboxes have become dens for the children to play in. Through the trees, they can glimpse giant models of a spider on the roof of a wooden shack, and insects in the trees. The whole area is set out with fun in mind, but it is also self-contained, fenced off and totally safe.

Liz MacKenzie, an education officer with the Trust, sits the class down for their regular talk about safety and Forest School rules. “When the whistle blows, we always come back to base camp, don’t we?” she says.

Then they split into teams and Liz hands out whistles and percussion instruments for a game of ‘listening hide and seek’. A member of each team is given an instrument, then they run off into the woods while the rest count to ten. Then the others hare off to find them, tracking them down by the sound of their instrument.

As the wood echoes to the sound of whistles, excited yelling and laughter, Anne Newman, the Trust’s head of education, explains that all Forest School activities are designed to fit in with the National Curriculum. Horseshoe Wood has regular weekly visits from reception, year 1 and 2 pupils from local primary schools. Visits take place come rain or shine, and they are totally free of charge.

“Young children need opportunities to practise their developing skills,” says Anne. “These facilities allow them to do this in a safe environment. And learning outdoors helps them look at things in a very different way. They become conscious of the weather and how it changes, and how the seasons change. Many children aren’t aware of that – for most of their lives it’s just home, car, school.”

Louise Akerman, reception teacher at Kempsford Primary, says even just the chance to run around outdoors is of great benefit.

“Some of them don’t get much outdoor play. When they first came here, we asked them how many had climbed a tree, and none of them actually had. Our parents love it – absolutely love it. I was worried to start with that they might be a bit doubtful about them coming in bad weather, but we do warn them that it carries on in all weathers bar thunderstorms and strong winds.”

The Ernest Cook Trust’s Forest School programme is just one aspect of this charity’s burgeoning education work. Each year 12,000 pairs of wellies track across fields and woodlands on its estates in Gloucestershire, Leicestershire and Dorset.

The Trust, whose head office is in Fairford, is one of Gloucestershire’s best-kept secrets. It was set up in 1952 by Ernest Cook, a grandson of Thomas Cook, who founded the wellknown travel agency. Having become wealthy through the business’s banking arm, Ernest bought up landed estates to conserve them and their rural way of life.

These he bequeathed to his Trust, along with his ethos of quiet, unassuming philanthropy.

Today the Trust’s estates in Gloucestershire include 4,200-acre Fairford Park, 3,850 acres at Hatherop, 2,480 acres at Slimbridge and its 900-acre estate in the village of Barnsley.

8 March/Apr 2011

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

Countryside education is at Ernest Cook Trust’s heart – its central message is ‘Learning from the Land’ – but that is only part of the story. While income from rents on its estates is ploughed back into its free education programmes, the Trust also donates £1.4 million a year to charities, schools and other not-for-profit organisations which foster young people’s interest in the environment and the arts, or which raise levels of literacy and numeracy. As the Trust prepares to celebrate its 60th birthday in 2012, it is increasingly supporting the development of rural skills.

The Trust also keeps the highest standards in maintaining its estates and has an ethical and sustainable approach to its local communities. For example, generally it only lets properties to those who live and work in the community, many tenants go back several generations, and over a third of its 22,000 acres are organically farmed.

Its education programmes cater for children of all ages, with a range of facilities. For example, the Redwood Education Centre at Slimbridge has its own wetland area where children can wade in and discover wildlife close up. And every Christmas, visiting children get to take part in the Trust’s own version of the Nativity – staged outdoors with a real stable, a manger and a donkey.

Ernest Cook Trust’s director Nicholas Ford said: “Ernest Cook himself would have been very proud to see the great benefits his legacy had, and continued to have, on future generations. The countryside is a vital resource, and it’s really important that our children and young people understand it, learn from it and also – most crucially - enjoy it.”

For more information visit www.ernestcooktrust.org.uk

Contact Sarah Turner

01666 840851 01173 700630

Sarah@harmonyathome.co.uk www.harmonyathome.co.uk Offices in Gloucestershire City of Bristol/Wiltshire

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Book Reviews A selection of books reviewed for Fami l ies mag AZINE by parents

The Second Baby Survival Guide

By Naia Edwards Published by Rodale ISBN 978-1-905744-67-1 RRP £10.99 Clear and informative, this guide provides helpful advice for parents considering ,or already on their way to, having more than one child. Different temperaments, different routines, and different sleep patterns all came to mind during the first few months following my second child’s birth. I had naively thought that it would be easy with a second child as I knew what to expect, and that the new baby would magically slot in.

This book suggests many coping mechanisms, which include planning a sibling strategy; understanding rivalry issues; managing sleep with two; and looking after two or more children while sustaining your marriage.

Families Rating: 4 out of 6 Reviewed by Emilie Amos

Maths For Mums And Dads

By Rob Eastaway and Mike Askew Published by Square Peg ISBN 978-0-224-08635-6 RRP £10.99 Many adults claim that they are ‘hopeless’ at maths, convincing themselves they are in no position either to understand or help their children with maths homework. This book sets out to challenge that premise and to clarify mathematical principles. It suggests that learning should be fun but that anything worth learning requires effort.

Problems are there to be solved – not getting it right first time does not translate into ‘incompetence’. Whether it removes the terror for the maths phobic, I am not sure, but I have greatly enjoyed this book and have found it enlightening, challenging, instructive and fun, and would highly recommend it to any parent wanting to increase their knowledge and confidence in maths.

Families Rating: 5 out of 6 Reviewed by Rosie Elphinstone

Stress Free Parenting in 12 Steps

By Christiane Kutik Published by Floris Books ISBN 978-086315-762-2 RRP £7.99 Modern day parenting, with all the pressures of 21st century life, is undoubtedly stressful and I value any book that successfully advises how to avoid the pitfalls that exacerbate the stress levels. This book does so very well, largely because it draws on sound, traditional values with clear roles, rules and respect. Each chapter starts with a familiar challenging scenario; the author then demonstrates how deftly to handle these potentially stressful situations, remembering that the parent should always remain in control. I found this book deeply insightful and the advice, in its simplicity, so helpful and achievable, and I would highly recommend it.

Families Rating: 5 out of 6 Reveiwed by Rosie Elphinstone

Baby’s Here! Who Does What?

By Duncan Fisher Published by GS Press ISBN 978-1-905550-05-0 RRP £8.99 (All the profits from this book go to fund Family Info Ltd) Duncan Fisher suggests challenging tradition, taking a step back and looking at ways to accommodate both parents. Sharing care is something I think every new parent should look at. He is humorous and points out; the unrealistic ideas prospective parents have, the rut that can so easily develop, and the valid point; “If we haven’t been hands-on with the little ones, we are rarely in a good place when it comes to dealing with stroppy teenagers”. So true.

He looks at the laws around paid leave and how both parents can work and it’s all laid out in short burst chapters with excellent summing up.

Families Rating: 5 out of 6 Reviewed by Maggie O Brien

Cyberbullying

By Vanessa Rogers Published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN: 978-1-84905-105-7 RRP £9.99 This is an informative book that once dipped into makes it feel like an essential read.

Described as a valuable resource particularly to people working with children and teens, it soon becomes apparent that it would be useful for all parents. It is packed with practical exercises that explore different hypothetical scenarios; how to deal with all kinds of cyberbullying and how to deal with being the bully. It is punchy and inventive helping young people face this issue without being alarmist.

I found some of the cyberbullying examples mirror recent cases in the press and this makes it very real.

Families Rating: 4 out of 6 Reveiwed by Maggie O Brien

Babynomics - Money Saving Tips for Smart Parents

By Madeline Thomas Published by White Ladder Press ISBN 978-1-90541-065-1 RRP £9.99 If you are shocked by the terrifying fact that it costs up to £200,000 to raise each child until the age of 18, then this book is definitely for you. It

illustrates how you can cut the alarming cost of bringing up children so you can give them the quality of life you want. Great money-saving tips are given, including how to feed a family of four for under £50 a week and how to organise a memorable birthday party for under £30.

Invaluable advice is also given on financial topics ranging from statutory maternity pay to making a will.

Families Rating: 5 out of 6 Reviewed by Emilie Amos

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

March/April 2011 9

Clubs and Classes

Taking a look at some clubs and classes in Gloucestershire which we think you’ll like Little Tiger Cubs karate, the fun and safe fitness training programme for children, 3 to 5 years old.

Little Tiger Cubs is a basic karate training programme specifically designed for 3-5 year old children. It is a mixture of simple training exercises and games designed to assist in the physical development, improved health and increased fitness of each child.

The programme is designed to encourage the development of motor skills, balance, endurance, flexibility, strength, and the coordination of eye, hand and foot.

Through this development, each child should find greater self-confidence and self-esteem and, ultimately, have great fun.

Contact 07919 282 151 www.msdkarate.com Monkey Music Lots of monkey fun for little ones. Monkey Music introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy. Classes are now being held in Highbury Church, Leckhampton, Up Hatherley, Charlton Kings, Churchdown, Bishops Cleeve and Bourton-on-the-Water. Monkey Music was the 2010 winner of ‘Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity’ in the What’s On 4 Little Ones National Awards. Music makes us feel good, whatever our age. Come and join the fun! For more details and to book your complimentary session:Contact Sian on 07768 457403 or email sian.ferris@monkeymusic.co.uk .

The Foodworks Cookery School, housed in a stunning, light and airy timber-clad building on the Colesbourne Park estate, offers a range of courses including a fantastic selection of sessions for children and their relatives. Choose from short ‘Budding Chefs’ (ages 11+) workshops on pasta making, working with chocolate and easter treats or Family Days (ages 8+) where family members bring an older/younger relative to work with to have fun, develop skills and sit down to eat the fruits of their labour for a lovely lunch together - it’s what family meal times are all about!

Contact :01242 870538 www.foodworkscookeryschool.co.uk Shine on Stage As well as their popular Saturday Stage School in Stroud, SHINE ON STAGE brings fantastic Holiday Workshops to the young performers of Gloucestershire. This year THE EASTER MASTERCLASS SESSIONS (14th + 15th April) introduce Dominic Spin (currently touring in HAIRSPRAY and regular teacher at PINEAPPLE STUDIOS, LONDON) and Simeon John Wake (an exceptional dancer who arrives in Stroud with techniques and styles direct from New York) to the main school groups (Ages 7 – 18yrs). The Sparkles (Ages 4 – 7), meanwhile, will spend two days ‘under the sea’ as they create a magical performance full of fishes, crabs, mermaids and mermen. SUMMER SCHOOLS (1st – 5th August) promise even more! But hurry as places sell out!

Contact 0845 519 6455 www.shineonstage.co.uk alice@shineonstage.co.uk

For further information and to book a place on any of the above courses please call 01242 870538 www.foodworkscookeryschool. co.uk We also run adult Cookery courses for Beginners or for the experienced chef! Please check out our website for our forthcoming courses.

10 March/Apr 2011

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

FOR AGES 4-18YRS

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Young Chefs Academy for Easter Holidays 12th April: Easter treats 3–5.30 (11+) 14th April: Family day 10–2 ( 8+) 15th April: Budiing chefs 3–5.30 (11+) 19th April: Budding chefs Choc treats for Easter 3–5.30 (11+) 21st April: Budding chefs Pasta Extravaganza!

3–5.30 (11+)

CE! ACT !

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PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOPS

SING! D

Rugbytots is the first of its kind; a specifically designed play programme using the multiple skills of Rugby to create a fun and enjoyable environment whilst developing basic core motor skills. The Rugbytots programme has been designed to develop your child’s physical, psychological and social attributes, as well as gently encouraging rugby specific skills such as running with the ball, finding space, kicking, catching, scoring a try and much more. Classes available in Cheltenham and Coleford Contact 0845 313 3242 www.rugbytots.co.uk

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Work with Performers from shows such as: HAIRSPRAY, LES MISERABLES, MAMMA MIA, FAME and teachers from PINEAPPLE STUDIOS LONDON. Be inspired, grow in confidence and learn new skills. · Easter Masterclass Sessions 2011 - 14th-15th April in Stroud · Summer Schools 2011 - 1st-5th August in Stroud

With competitive prices and unrivalled access to amazing tutors, places sell out quickly!

Book early to avoid disappointment!

Contact us now for more information or to book a place.

t: 0845 519 6455 e: alice@shineonstage.co.uk

www.shineonstage.co.uk

Puddle Ducks’ fun and friendly parent and child swimming classes are held both weekdays and Saturday mornings in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire.

The thirty minute weekly sessions are packed full of fun with lots of songs, rhymes, splashing and kicking, as well as gentle submersions, for children from newborn up to five years of age. Babies and children can join the small, structured swimming classes at any age.

Puddle Ducks are now taking bookings for the Spring 2011 term.

Contact: 0117 971 7165 or visit www.puddleducks.com. Quote “Families Glos” to receive a 10% discount off your first course.ww Cinderford TKD Cinderford School of Tae Kwon-Do is run by 1st Dan Mr Ken Penman at the Heywood Centre, Causeway Road in Cinderford.

Tae Kwon-Do is a martial art for all ages and abilities. In children it promotes confidence, social skills and focus. For adults it’s a great form of self defence, and is a wonderful fitness regime, improving balance and coordination, and is fun for all the family.

We train on Tuesday, 6-7pm, and Sunday, 3-4pm (Beginners) and 4-5pm (Intermediate grades). We offer a free taster session with no obligation, and special family rates.

Contact 07787 151284, or email info@cinderfordtkd.co.uk .

Jo Jingles Fun music, singing and movement classes with an educational slant for children (aged between 3 months and 5 years).

Jo Jingles teaches children to play percussion instruments expressively, to sing songs, hold a tune and find the rhythm to move and dance to. Most importantly children have lots of fun and everybody joins in. Classes are held weekly during term time and last for 30/45 minutes; Gloucester (Quedgeley on Monday), Coates (Monday), Eastcombe (Monday), Box (Stroud on Wednesday), Bishops Cleeve (Thursday) and Cheltenham (Hatherley on Friday).

Contact Virginia on jojingles22@aol.com or 01453 839464. www.jojingles.com/centralgloucestershire

Tumble Tots I’ve been taking my son Luca to Tumble Tots for around 18 months now and it is definitely one of the hilights of our week together. Luca certainly knows what day of the week it is when we lay out his Tumble Tots member t-shirt for him to wear on the morning of his session and it is so lovely seeing him having fun and keeping fit with the other Tumble Tots! It has been a great opportunity for him to socialize with local children of his own age – some of whom may well end up in the same school as him. The sessions are well structured, always upbeat and fun and Luca has picked up some really useful physical skills from the sessions. He is now far more confident when climbing, balancing and generally having a go at the activities Tumble Tots set out, which is great to see. - Written by a Mum whose son attends Tumble Tots Contact Catherine Byrne 0844 984 0338 www.tumbetots.com

Sing Along with Jo Jingles!

Fun Music, Singing & Movement Classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years Develop your child’s • Social Skills • Confidence • Co-ordination • Language • Listening Skills • Imagination Children’s Parties & Nursery Sessions also available!

NO JOINING FEE!

Classes in: Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham (Hatherley), Coates, Gloucester (Quedgeley) & Stroud (Box & Eastcombe) For details call Virginia on 01453 839464 jojingles22@aol.com www.jojingles.com/centralgloucestershire TT>A5 generic ad 07 aw:Layout 1

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The springboard to confidence for your child Tumble Tots is Britain's leading National Active Physical Play Programme for children from 6 months to 7 years ◆ Using specifically designed equipment your child will learn agility, balance, climbing and co-ordination skills appropriate to their age ◆ A structured programme designed to build self confidence and develop essential listening and language skills ◆ Supervised by trained staff in a fun and caring environment

For your nearest Tumble Tots centre call CATHERINE BYRNE 0844 984 0338 www.tumbletots.com

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

March/April 2011 11

Forget Protesting – Start Saving

By Joanna Parry

W

ith the recent student protests against increased tuition fees still rumbling around us, more and more parents are growing concerned about their children’s future education. As a result of the higher tuition fees, plus exploding living costs, students now face the prospect of finishing university with total debts of well over £30,000. Although the Government insists that students won’t have to begin repayments until they are earning a decent wage packet, and that poorer students will be better off than they were under the previous Government’s fee structure, it is still a terrifying figure to be faced with. With such huge sums of money looming in front of parents, many are deciding to start saving now.

But the figures are jaw-dropping: if you want to provide your child with the money to leave university debt free, you need to save at least £200 per month from your child’s birth until their 18th birthday (assuming inflation of 2.5% pa and net investment returns of 5.5% pa). And if you don’t start at day one the figures are even worse - delaying the start until your child’s 5th birthday means that you would need to save a whopping £377 per month!

Perhaps it’s time to open that Child Trust Fund…

The UK’s first rugby specific play programme for young children Rugbytots® is a weekly play session for children between the ages of two and seven.

Separated into three age groups, Rugbytots® combines the multiple skills used in rugby with a fun, energetic and structured play programme designed to enhance your child’s social and physical skills.

Whether the next step for your child is mini-rugby or ballet, Rugbytots® aims to provide the foundations which will enable them to progress with confidence.

All Rugbytots® classes are fully insured and will be run by an RFU qualified lead coach who is trained in paediatric first aid and has been CRB checked.

For further information please call

0845 313 3242

david@rugbytots.co.uk • www.rugbytots.co.uk

Parties Feature - in the next issue!

F

aced with planning your child’s next birthday party but scratching your head for ideas?

Our next issue (May/June) will include tops tips and local contacts which should help to make the process much easier.

Front Cover Photo Competition

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he winners from our Front cover photo competitition, in partnership with Two Front Teeth Photography (Jan/Feb issue) will be contacted after the closing date of 4th March 2011 - good luck and watch this space!

Women in Business

W

ith childcare cost escalating and a recent survery suggesting that the average UK family manages to spend just 49 minutes quality time together a day, it is little wonder that women are looking for creative and flexible ways to earn a living. Kelle Gargaro is an independent distirbutor of Forever, which also allows her to be a full-time mum to Luca (4) and Sofia (2).

Before she started 15 months ago she knew nothing about running her own business let alone the health and wellness industry but now she is proud to be earning more than she ever earned working full time in a management role, whilst running a part-time business from home with amazing support from the company.

Imagine the flexibility of your work responsibilities totally fitting around the needs of your family without having to arrange childcare so you can always be at the school gates. Imagine never having to juggle work around school holidays, sports day and the Christmas nativity. Imagine being able to halve your hours without halving your income. Imagine owning your own car but your company pays for it and receiving a • You’ve got young percentage of the company’s turnover for helping others children? become successful. Imagine being rewarded for your • Struggling to balance efforts with 5 star holidays. Imagine being able to plan a your job, role as a future of financial freedom for you and your family with an parent or finances? amazing residual income.

• Been made redundant Imagine being a working Mum or Dad with complete or just fancy a change? flexibility - being your own boss means that your family If a rewarding job with true security …Sound familiar?

CAN be your priority. that provides you with the work/life balance, Kelle believes our children should be the reason we want flexibility and control over your own destiny to achieve, not an excuse not to! You may be looking for sounds appealing – contact Kelle Gargaro today. just a few hundred pounds a month or a few thousand, Contact Kelle for more info You can work part time, around your existing work or either way there are some fantastic opportunities. family commitments and there is no financial investment. On 07852 300888 or email: If you’re looking for any of the above or have any questions kellegargaro@hotmail.co.uk then please get in touch with Kelle for more information Find out how Kelle’s children can always be her on 01633 718081 / 07852 300888 or email kellegargaro@ priority – working part-time hours to suit her family commitments – you too could change your life! hotmail.co.uk

Want to earn up to £1,500pm for p/t hrs?

12 March/Apr 2011

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

The Cotswold Chef talks to Families!

Finally, Spring is on the way after an incredibly cold winter… and hopefully you managed to try out some of my delicious recipe ideas from the last issue with your children.

Spring is a great time to rethink the types of dishes you cook and to make use of the wonderful array of fresh seasonal produce which is becoming available in the shops now – lovely pink rhubarb, tender spring lamb, and nutritionally rich “superfoods” like purple sprouting and spinach to name a few. It’s always worth a stroll around your local farm shop or take the kids to your nearest Farmers’ Market, where you can see a huge display of enticing delicacies which will help to inspire and extend your cooking repertoire. Somewhere like Primrose Vale Farm Shop and Over Farm have brilliant outdoor activities for the children also. The earlier you expose your children to a wide range of foodstuffs, the less likely they are to develop into fussy eaters.

By the way did I tell you that many School Cooks are ‘curing’ our young people of being fussy eaters by encouraging tasting session in schools of their new menus – simple and effective – so ask your school to try it.

The traders at markets will often encourage your children to taste some of the products on sale and, if you start to involve your children in some of the food purchasing decisions (time consuming and frustrating though it may be) they are far more likely to be willing to try your finished dishes – especially when you remind them that it contains the ingredients they helped to choose!

There are many tasty dishes you can make using fruits and vegetables in season and it’s also a great time of year to re-connect your children to the great outdoors –maybe even plan what you can grow in the garden this year and get out and do some digging in preparation. Research has shown that those children who are involved in growing and/or preparing their food are much more likely to want to try new things. Gardening is also great exercise and it’s amazing what you can grow in a very limited space, using some clever techniques www.verticalveg.org.uk. Also check out www.theediblegardenshow.co.uk (18-20th March) for a fun day out.

Other interesting events to look out for in March are “Fairtrade Fortnight” (28th February -13th March)www. fairtrade.org.uk and National Butcher’s Week (13th-20th March), so check out what’s happening locally as there are bound to be some exciting offers to tempt you to try new ideas.

Sometimes a twist on a familiar recipe is all that is needed – so, as a change to the usual Spaghetti Bolognaise try this version: In a wok, stir fry some strips of chicken for a couple of minutes then add some purple sprouting spears and cook for another few minutes. Mix together equal quantities of sweet chilli sauce and water and a splash of soy sauce, then add this to the pan, along with some

beansprouts. Final add some cooked, drained spaghetti (wholemeal preferably) and sprinkle with chopped spring onion and sesame seeds.

Gnocchi (an Italian product made from potatoes) makes a change to mash or jacket potatoes and is often something children enjoy. Try boiling some gnocchi in water for a few minutes, drain and place in an oven-proof dish. Sizzle some chorizo in a pan then add chopped garlic, a can of chopped tomatoes and some lovely baby spinach. Pour this over the gnocchi, scatter with some mozzarella and bake until golden brown.

Mother’s Day and Easter feature on the calendar in April/ May and although we don’t want to encourage too many sweet things, it’s all about balance and not labelling foods as either “good” or “bad”. Children would love to help make a special Mother’s Day cake – make a Madeira cake, or individual cupcakes ( check out www.cirencestercupcakes. co.uk for their classes on how to make cupcakes), cover with fondant icing or glace icing and then crystallise some flowers to place on top. To crystallise - wash some edible flowers such as rose petals, pansies or primroses and brush with egg white. Then sprinkle caster sugar evenly all over on both sides and place the flower onto waxed paper to dry for a few hours, or overnight.

If it’s chocolate that you want, then have a go at making your own Easter eggs or Easter lollipops, using moulds which are now easily available from specialist kitchen shops or on-line. Children will love decorating these and, wrapped in cellophane with some ribbon, they will make

the perfect gift for friends and family.

Finally, it’s Spring so there has to be a pudding based on rhubarb. This really under-rated ingredient, which is technically a vegetable, has many uses other than just in a crumble. Simply roast chopped rhubarb with a little butter, zest and juice of an orange and a little sugar or local honey.

Cook for about 15mins, until tender and, once cool, divide into glass dishes. Lightly stir some good quality lemon curd (Kitchen Garden Preserves make a delicious one) into a tub of mascarpone cheese, to give a ripple effect. Spoon this on top of the rhubarb and scatter with some crumbled stem ginger biscuits…yum!

Have a very Happy Easter and enjoy some “foodie” activities with your children.

Rob Rees MBE is The Cotswold Chef™ www.thecotswoldchef.com and on www.twitter.com/thecotswoldchef

The Cotswold Chef Courses Chocoholics Course : April 1st (6pm-9pm) @£45 per person The Cotswold Chef Junior Chefs Programme: April 12th, 13th and 14th (10.30am-3.30pm) £47 per day or £135 for all 3 days for ages 11-16 Cupcake and Baking Session (Cirencester Cupcakes) April18th (10am - 5pm)

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

March/April 2011 13

The Sleep Clinic

your questions answered!

WE ASKED IF YOU HAD ANY ISSUES RELATING TO YOUR BABy OR TODDLER’S SLEEP. HERE ARE YOUR QUESTIONS and answers!

comforts them . But some babies do become very reliant on them and don’t want to give them up, waking their parents endless times to pop it back in! I think that the only way to eliminate a dummy is to go cold turkey, otherwise the child will not know when he is or isn’t allowed the dummy. This can be a scary step, especially for parents! Depending on how old the child is you can get them involved with getting rid of them, enacting a story where the dummies are put away and not coming back. If your child is too young to understand this then you may have to stay in the room with them to help them settle.

Try to keep them in their cot, giving them enough comfort to help them settle but not too much meaning that they are swapping their dummy for you. Do this each time they wake, be patient and hopefully within a few nights they will have forgotten about the dummy and so will you!

If my toddler wakes in the night she only wants to be settled by me and no one else. If my husband goes in she will just scream for me and get herself in a state so the easiest and quickest way to settle her is for me to do it each time. She will happily be comforted by my husband at other times but at night it has to be me. How can we overcome this or is it just I’m about to give birth to our second child (in March). Any tips on how to co-ordinate the a passing ‘clingy’ phase? baby’s sleeping pattern with my 2 1/2 yr old - I’m dreading the thought of them waking his could well be a passing phase, but could very quickly become a habit where your each other up and having no sleep at all ! daughter realises that she can rule the roost in the middle of the night! Unless she has ongratulations! What an exciting time for your family. Your worries are those I hear been poorly or you know that something else has been unsettling her then there should be often and something that many parents who are no reason for her to be awake and needing you or your husband. The problem is when expecting another baby dread! The surprising thing is you are feeling so tired it is difficult not just to take the though that most children do not actually wake one easier option of following her wishes and staying with her another. Many twins share bedrooms and I have heard till she settles, but doing this long term is unrealistic for one screaming whilst the other sleeps peacefully, and you all. So I would suggest going in to see her but telling this is more often than not the case with siblings too. her it is sleepy time. You could do a gradual withdrawal, Before your baby arrives ensure that your toddler’s sitting next to her for a few nights and gradually moving bedtime routine is really strong and that he is able till you are sitting in her doorway and eventually leaving, to settle himself without you there. If he does wake or you could do a put back to bed, quickly tucking her back then at two and a half he is old enough to explain to in and leaving each time till she stays in her bed and sleeps. that babies do wake in the night for food and you will Whichever method you choose you must be consistent or all soon be asleep again. I would suggest that he om aby.c inab .stell www your daughter will become confused as to what is expected mere Comfort Blanket from Picture credit: Pralina Cash goes back to his room and you will visit him for a quick of her. I would begin with you doing the method and when kiss once the baby is fed (he may well be back to sleep again whilst waiting!). Try not to she knows what is expected then your husband can also take part. Try to stay quiet, not get into habits of letting him jump in next to you, getting him milk etc. If you are clear getting into conversation with her. Have a drink of water ready upstairs and any other from the beginning then he will quickly realise that being up at night is not much fun and things she made need as comforters, trying to lessen the messing around! Good luck! staying asleep in bed is the place to be!

T

C

Help - night time dummy!

How do we break the habit of a night time dummy? ersonally I am a fan of the dummy, and with the advice from the FSID (Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths) to use them to help settle your baby to sleep then they are being more widely used http://fsid.org.uk/Page.aspx?pid=416. Babies love to suck, it

P

Family Lives is a leading organisation in the development and delivery of support for families. Do you have a little spare time in the day to help us help parents? Our volunteer programme offers: • Induction Training

• Opportunity to support others & meet new people • Support and supervision

• Presentation skills training • On-going training

• Reference after six months Contact our friendly team on 01453 768160 Parentline, free from landlines and most mobile networks: 0808 800 2222

14 March/Apr 2011

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

Camilla Rabey runs Night Nannies in Gloucestershire, Avon, Dorset, Somerset and West Wiltshire.

Night Nannies is the only agency in the south west that speciialises in finding nannies who are highly qauliified and experienced in offering families the valuable service of night time guidance and respite 01179 394845 www.nightnannies.com

Quality childcare you can trust at Busy Bees in Quedgeley • Open 7am - 6pm, Monday to Friday • Individual fully equipped play areas • Freshly prepared, nutritious meals every day • CCTV and secure access • Fantastic outdoor adventure play garden • Full and part time places available

Come along and see our fantastic Adventure Garden!

Book a place for your child to play, learn and make new friends Call Mickie on 01452 725533 or visit Busy Bees Nursery, Merlin Drive, Quedgeley www.busybees.com

WHAT’s ON1

What’s On March -April 2011

Please always check with the venue for prices, in case details have changed or we simply got it wrong...

Theatre

Alderman Knight School 8th March, 7pm Inclusive Evening of Music, Dance and Drama with Alderman Knight School, Mitton Manor Primary, Tewkesbury C of E Primary, Tewkesbury School, Tredington Primary and Twyning Primary Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. www.rosestheatre.org Tel: 01684 295074.

STEP UP 2 INSPIRE Friday 11 March to Saturday 12th March 7.30pm Inspire Dance Studio presents their premiere production of their version of “Step Up”, a highly entertaining evening of Disco Freestyle and Street Dancing, choreographed by two Gloucester dance teachers and performed by local children between the ages of 5 - 16 years.

Kings Theatre, Gloucester Step Up 2 Inspire Box Office 07769 208895 and 07974 557192 Aesops’ Fables 12th March, 2pm A Mouse, a Lion and a Tortoise are thrown together and tell some of the most famous moral tales in history, with their own rather quirky spin.

These animal raconteurs take us through a multitude of Fables involving wily wolves, dopey dogs, haring hares, flattering foxes and even silly humans. As relevant now as they were centuries ago, these bite sized tales are presented with effervescent verve and a touch of knockabout and slapstick, whilst remaining true to the spirit of Aesop.

Suitable for ages 3-8 Presented by: Theatr na n’Óg Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. www.rosestheatre.org Tel: 01684 295074.

Elmer the Elephant Wednesday 30th March at 10.30am Blunderbus Theatre Company Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham Box Office: 01242 258002 www.bacontheatre.co.uk Show Starters 2nd April, 3pm A Bronze Arts Award performance project incorporating circus, theatre and visual art and involving a cast of 15 young performers from Tewkesbury and The Forest of Dean.

Presented by: The Roses and Cinderford Art Space Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. www.rosestheatre. org Tel: 01684 295074.

Little Howard and the Magic Pencil of Life and Death Tuesday 12th April, 2pm Following the success of their TV show ‘Little Howard’s Big Question’ (BBC1) real human Big Howard and animated six-year-old Little Howard are bringing their family comedy show to Gloucester Guildhall.

With interactive stand-up, 3D animation and lots of songs this really is a show that all the family can enjoy.

Gloucester Guildhall 01452 503050 Cinderella Vienna Festival Ballet Wednesday 13th April at 7.30pm Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham Box Office: 01242 258002 www.bacontheatre.co.uk His Dark Materials 16th and 17th April Based on the Trilogy of novels by Phillip Pullman Adapted for the stage by Nicholas Wright The Roses Youth Theatre presents the remarkable epic His Dark Materials.

Using film, live performance, puppetry and mask, our 100 strong talented cast of 5–19 year old actors will thrill, chill and excite you. An experience not to be missed!

Presented by: The Roses Youth Theatre Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. www.rosestheatre.org Tel: 01684 295074.

which side you want to fight for as you bring to life one of Shakespeare’s most famous stories Aged 8–11 years Tewkesbury C of E Primary School Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. www.rosestheatre.org Tel: 01684 295074 Bouncing Bunnies Baby Disco 23rd April 2pm - 5pm

Bored of the usual playground routine? Why not try something different and get into the groove with our Bouncing Bunnies Baby Disco. Easter Egg hunts and fancy dress with a prize for best dressed child. Baby friendly snacks provided at the bar. This is a social event to bring families together to share the fun of dancing.

Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. www.rosestheatre.org Tel: 01684 295074.

Gloucester Gang Show Tues 26th – Sat 30th April at 7.15pm (Sat Mat 2.15pm) Gloucester District Scout Council Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham Gang Show Box Office: 01452 304024

Art and Culture

Drop in Family Workshops: Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud.

Families with children aged 5-12 years. Limited places so book ahead on: 01453 763394. www.museuminthepark.org.uk

Alice in Wonderland [U]EASTER FAMILY FILM Thursday 21st April - Activities 1.00pm, Film 2.00pm Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham Box Office: 01242 258002 www.bacontheatre.co.uk

Secret Garden Family Printmaking Workshops 27th March 2011 Using objects and leaves found in the Museum’s secret garden, you’ll produce delightful and colourful relief prints to take home. A rare opportunity to explore what lies behind the garden wall... Not to be missed! Workshops led by GPC printmakers. For families with children aged 5 - 12, younger and older children welcome but children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Accompanying adults get to take part for free! Bring your outdoor coats and wellies, as it may be cold and muddy in the wild and wonderful walled garden. Places limited so advance booking necessary - do book ahead to avoid disappointment! Call 01453 763394. Part of the MINI IMPRESS Festival www.gpchq.org

Gnomeo and Juliet: A Shakespeare in Performance Workshop Friday 22nd April This fun and lively drama workshop explores the story and characters of Romeo and Juliet and gives it a modern twist. Are you a fierce Capulet? Or are you a tough Montague? Choose

Gloucester Folk Museum Gloucester Folk Museum has a fun filled programme of different events for families throughout the year. However, during the school holidays you’ll find that there is even more to do, so why not pop down and discover something new. 01452 396868

The Lost Sock Princess Thursday 21st April, 2pm.

Meet the Lost Sock Princess and all her friends in a lovely story, filled with imagination and wonder, told through the medium of sock puppets and video. A delight for children and their families to enjoy together.

Suitable for ages 3+ Presented by: Puppet Lab Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury . www.rosestheatre. org Tel: 01684 295074.

Westonbirt Arboretum 01666 880220 www.westonbirtarboretum.com Conifer Capers Tuesday 12 - Thursday 14 April 10:30 - 16:00, age 4+ Explore our magnificent trees and discover the remarkable world of conifers. From the oldest to the tallest, biggest to some of the rarest, join our conifer capers trail to find out more! Then have a go at creating a family of cone creatures.

Free after admission Easter Challenge Thursday 21 - Monday 25 April, 10:30 - 16:00, age 3+ With spring in full swing why not venture out with us this Easter as we spring forth to discover the awakening forest - from buds bursting, and rising sap, to colourful blooms and wildflower carpets.

Explore with microscopes and create a variety of spring crafts. Solve our Easter challenge for a sweet rewards and enter our Easter prize draw.

Free after admission

Slimbridge Wetland centre Slimbridge Wetland Centre , 01453 891900 www.wwt.org.uk/slimbridge Astronomical evening Saturday 5 March, 6pm Ever wanted to know more about the night sky? Then join WWT Staff and members of the Cotswold Astronomical Society for an evening of discovery. The evening starts with an astronomy talk in our cinema followed by a chance to use the telescopes and binoculars out in the centre grounds. Must be pre-booked on 01453 891223 or email eleanor.wise@wwt.org.uk National Science Week Friday 11 – Sunday 20 March Sixty second science - Enjoy activities such as construct a paper aeroplane and make it fly for 60 seconds , build a structure in 60 seconds, balancing for 60 seconds like a Flamingo, speak about your favourite topic for 60 seconds, complete our flamingo puzzle in 60 seconds, make a rainbow fish and try to complete the various colour themed challenges.

Reptile Encounters Sunday 13 March, 11.30 am to 4 pm Free with admission Enjoy the opportunity to get close to and even handle lizards, snakes and tarantulas - just drop

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March/April 2011 15

WHAT’s ON2

What’s On March -April 2011

Please always check with the venue for prices, in case details have changed or we simply got it wrong...

in to the Get Closer room at any time. Not for the squeamish!

Slimbridge wcont’d Easter holidays Saturday 9 – Monday 25 April (Easter weekend) How many pictures of birds eggs can you find hidden in the grounds?

Count them up to win yourself a chocolaty prize.

All holiday: Spot the signs of Spring around Slimbridge trail. Look out for daffodils, shooting buds on the trees, first families etc.

Make some spring flowers; weave an Easter placemat, make a rocking chick, Make a funny bunny, colouring and paper activities Spring Safari Monday 11 April, Wednesday 13 April, Friday 15 April, Monday 18 April, Wednesday 20 April, Saturday 23 April. ALL at 8 am Enjoy the opportunity to go out into the reserve in the company of an expert warden and enjoy views of the wild birds that live on the banks of the Severn, Brown hares boxing, spring springing in to life – all from the comfort of a seat in the covered trailer. Must be pre-booked on 01453 891223 or email eleanor.wise@wwt.org.uk.

Reptile Encounters Sunday 10 Apri11.30 am to 4 pm Free with admission Enjoy the opportunity to get close to and even handle lizards, snakes and tarantulas - just drop in to the Get Closer room at any time. Not for the squeamish!

Animal Antics Saturday 23 April 10am – 4pm Free with admission (drop in anytime) An opportunity to meet millipedes, come face-to-face with cockroaches and hold snakes and reptiles. This interactive animal workshop will bring you closer to nature than you have ever been – beware!

Berkeley Castle

Friday 22nd - Monday 25th April 2011 Family Fun Activities 01453 810332 www.berkeley-castle.com

CORINIUM MUSEUM Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BX Tel: 01285 655611 Email: museums@ cotswold.gov.uk

16 March/Apr 2011

Website: http://coriniummuseum.cotswold. gov.uk Science and Engineering Week Sat 12th March 10am - 12pm A family drop-in Join the Museum, team for a morning of fun activities celebrating National Science and Engineering week. Family drop-ins are suitable for children aged 3 and above. Cost £1 for activity only or included in the price of admission. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Roman Myths Shadow Puppets. A family drop-in Tue 12th April 2.30 - 4pm Shadow puppetry is considered the oldest form of puppetry in the world. It began thousands of years ago in China and India. In China the shadow plays are often folk-tales and legends of the past. In Britain shadow puppetry enjoyed popularity during the 1800’s when the art of cutting silhouettes out of paper was fashionable. Come and join us to make your own shadow-puppet based on characters found in Roman myths. Family drop-ins are suitable for children aged 3 and above. Cost £1 for activity only or included in the price of admission. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Easter Cards. A family drop-in Thu 14th April 10.30am - 12pm Join us for this seasonal drop-in to make your own card to send to someone special. Easter cards arrived in Victorian England when a stationer added a greeting to a drawing of a rabbit. Family drop-ins are suitable for children aged 3 and above. Cost £1 for activity only or included in the price of admission. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

A History of Easter Tue 19th April 10am - 12pm A Corinium History Hounds workshop Find out about the different traditions of Easter, and make your own Easter bonnet to take home. Corinium History Hounds is a club for 8-16 year olds who are interested in exploring different aspects of history; including archaeology, local heritage and the museum collections. Initial membership costs £5 and then each session cost £2.

Easter Bonnets.

Tue 19th April A family drop-in 2.30 - 4pm Find out about the different traditions of Easter, and make your own Easter bonnet to take home. Family drop-ins are suitable for

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children aged 3 and above. Cost £1 for activity only or included in the price of admission. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Stretchy Bunnies and Chicks. A family drop-in Thu 21st April 10.30am - 12pm Spring is here and the sun is shining, so come along to this fun drop-in to make a stretchy Easter bunny or chick to take home. Family drop-ins are suitable for children aged 3 and above. Cost £1 for activity only or included in the price of admission. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Dean forest Railway

Thomas the Tank Engine trips 15th, 16th, 17th April 01594 845840 www.deanforestrailway.co.uk

At-Bristol At-Bristol 0845 345 1235 www.at-bristol.org.uk All About Us – Opening 10 March 2011 The biggest news of the year, At-Bristol will launch its new £1.5 million exhibition ‘All About Us’, funded by the Welcome Trust. Discover just how amazing you are in this new family-friendly permanent exhibition. Visitors will be spoilt with over 50 new hands-on science exhibits, allowing you to test human phenomena and engage in real science. Visitors will be able to investigate how their brain and bodies work together and how we relate to people and the world around us.

Bang and Boom show Running until 21 May. Usually 12.30 and 3.30 weekends and holidays Expect bangs and blasts, flames and fizzes a plenty as At-Bristol explores the wonders of chemistry with the Bang and Boom show.

How do you make nylon? What burns on water? All these questions and more will be answered – it is sure to be explosive fun!

Watch out for the special ‘slimetastic ending’!

Toddler Takeover – Super senses!

March 25th 2011 Come and play in this fun-packed day of activities exclusively for under 5s. From spotting twinkly stars in our Little Stars Planetarium show to going on an imaginative adventure in storytelling.

This month’s theme is Super Senses! Looking, listening, smelling, tasting, touching! Explore the way our bodies experience the world

around us!

Force field Running until 30 April Explore more about pushes and pulls, squeezing and squashing, dragging and dropping, investigate the power of forces, every day with a member of the At-Bristol team.

Storytelling 11.30am Weekends and holidays Are you sitting comfortably? Then get swept in a story with At-Bristol. Let the Live Science team take you on an imaginative adventure, filled with sounds and actions - perfect for engaging little earsw Spring night sky Planetarium shows: Running daily until 14 March Embark on an amazing journey around the Universe in this presenter-led show, including some simple star spotting techniques so you can identify the constellations in your own back garden this spring.

Little Stars At-Bristol Running weekends and holidays 2pm All tiny explorers welcome for our ‘Little Stars’ trip to the stars, come get star struck with At-Bristol specially designed under 5’s Planetarium show Little Stars. Join us on a colourful, musical journey making new friends along the way!

Exciting Easter Trail Come take part in the At-Bristol Easter trail, with plenty of amazing exhibits to distract you, keep your eyes peeled to find and follow the clues around the venue for the chance to win a prize!

Easter Face-painting Fun! Come to At-Bristol and have your face-painted throughout the Easter holidays. No design is too great or too small whether you want a fluffy chick, amazing egg or bouncing Easter bunny!

If you would like to include any events in future issues of Families Gloucestershire please send details to the editor: editor@familiesgloucestershire. co.uk