Just for Families Issue 5

Win tickets to see The Magic of Moto wn!

s

ndo Joe

Comma

10 Top Tips When Buying Property

ust Families J for

Incorporating The UK Forces Education Guide Issue 5

Book your tickets now and Reach Out for The Magic of Motown!

M

usic fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town! Seen by over one million people throughout the world & recently performed at the Royal Variety Performance 2016 party.

Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience.

Celebrate the sound of a generation as the timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and many more are sensationally recreated for you by an exceptionally talented cast and band.

This breath-taking concert spectacular takes you on a musical journey through all your favourite songs, including: Ain’t No Mountain, Signed Sealed Delivered, Grapevine, Get Ready, Dancing In The Streets, My Girl, Blame It On The Boogie, Uptight, Endless Love, My Cherie Amor, All Night Long, Heatwave, I’m Coming Out, Loco In Acapulco plus many more.

MOTOWN THE MAGIC OF

Celebrating the Sound of a Generation At Salisbury City Hall on Saturday 24th June 2017 at 8:00pm | Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7TU Box Office: 01722 434434 www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

Win Tickets!

We are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to see ‘The Magic of Motown’ Simply answer the following question...

Can you finish the title of this famous Motown hit ‘Blame it on the ...’ and address either via email to Send us your answer, along with your name, telephone number Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, competitions@forcespublishing.co.uk or in the post to: 0RU. Closing date 12/06/17 Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northants NN10

JustFamilies for

Welcome to Issue 5! The biggest of all issues so far! Here are just a few of the articles you will find within...

Following on from World Book Day, your poppets pictures can be found on page 7, and a competition to win books follows just after.

Susie Buchanan reminds us that no matter how busy life is we should make time to slow down and read a book whilst Amy Nolan has designed a doodle for adults to have a go.

There seems to be a lot of movement within the forces at the moment (more than normal if that’s possible) so we have included an article on Moving with Children. We have also been lucky enough for Sally Francis, senior writer at MoneySavingExpert.com. to write 10 top tips when buying property, this is featured on page 16.

The lovely Jacqueline Hurley is back with another amazing print competition, we love her work here at Just for Families and are amazed by her progress, read more on pages 24-27 Lisa Dolby, Personal Trainer & Group Fitness is our ‘Interview with’ this issue. She offers exercise classes with a twist, no longer do you need childcare, you can bring them along! Read Page 30 for more information.

Don’t forget Father’s Day, we’ve included a gift guide and a few special dads can find their pictures on pages 52 & 53 Top secret missions, team-building obstacle courses, motivational role models…. No, this is not Army boot camp, it’s a day in the life of a Commando Joes ‘recruit’. We meet the man who is doing what the armed forces does best to support the learning and development of thousands of children in the UK’s classrooms – pages 46-49 The holidays are long looooonnnnggg whether it be Easter/Whitsun week/Summer holidays and trying to think of things to keep our children entertained can be tough. We have included an A-Z of Family Experiences, this will hopefully help you with a few ideas. These cover all budgets. However if all these don’t work please see pages 7072 for advice on Managing Meltdowns.

The Magic of Motown are offering one lucky reader a pair of free tickets to see their show! The competition can be found on page 78.

Sally Just For Families Military Mag *permission of children taken from our Facebook competition were received before going to print

Incorporating The UK Forces Education Guide

World Book Day

7

Books for your Little Readers

Giveaway!

8

Storybook Wings

9

Relax Just Doodle it

12

The Busy Mums Book Club

13

Little Troopers

14

10 Top Tips when Buying Property

16

Moving with Children

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Thunderbirds Are Go! Says Air Tattoo

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Jacqueline Hurley

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Win!

Love on The Front Line

28

An Interview with Lisa Dolby

30

Women Lead The Way

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Style and Substance - Coming Over All Creative

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The National Trust and Cadbury Team offer Families a Fun Easter Weekend

40

Commando Joes

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Fathers Day Gift Guide

50

Fab Dads!

52

A to Z of Family Experiences

56

The Forces Children’s Trust

60

Style and Substance - Daisy’s Pick of the Bunch

64

Allergies on The Rise

66

Managing Meltdowns

70

Walking with the Wounded

74

British Style Collective

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Win! The Magic of Motown Win!

78

I

would like to introduce to you our newest contributor Carly Stevens.

She’s a very old friend of mine who has written for major National Newspapers and I’ve managed to talk her into writing for us too!

She’s a fashion editor, stylist, writer and currently renovating her first home as well as recently becoming a Mummy for the first time to Daisy.

She loves anything grey, Scandi inspired.

She’s a little bit camera shy with a penchant for a flamingo. She’s also a big fan of the great British High Street and regularly scours it for amazing finds to prove you can have Style & Substance...

Please see pages 39 & 64

www.styleandsubstance.uk Supporters of

Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northants NN10 0RU. Tel: 01933 419994

www.forcespublishing.co.uk

Editorial: Sally Haynes

Design: Hayley Smith

Articles and photographs reproduced by kind permission of the contributors © No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the publishers or printers. Advertisements are included in good faith.

The MOD or any Service Establishment is not responsible for the advertiser or its advertised product or service.

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More Affordable Boarding Choose a state boarding school and save more than 50 per cent on fees.

W

hilst boarding is an attractive option for many military families seeking stability in their children’s education, some can find the ongoing costs prohibitive.

This is where state boarding, with its fees of around £4,000 per term, is an attractive option. Fees are less than half the cost of comparable independent boarding schools and well below the maximum Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).

As with any boarding school the MoD still requires those qualifying for CEA to pay 10 per cent of charges but with state boarding this means term fees of just £400 or less. In addition, some forces’ families receive extra assistance in the form of Childcare Vouchers and these can also be put towards the parental contribution, further reducing costs.

Fees are kept at this manageable level because the education in state boarding schools is paid for by the state and parents are only asked to cover the cost of boarding. That’s why this value doesn’t come at the cost of quality.

Indeed state boarding facilities are now indistinguishable from those in the independent sector following a £20 million programme of investment in state boarding accommodation in recent years.

Fully-equipped health centres and modern home comforts have replaced the outmoded concepts of a ‘visit to matron’ and the chilly school dorm. Top-quality sports and arts facilities underpin a packed programme of worthwhile evening and weekend activities and some also offer comprehensive Combined Cadet Force programmes, particularly popular with military families.

Following the national curriculum, academic performance in the sector exceeds that of many other schools and state boarding schools regularly top league tables of results.

League table-topping academics are common in state boarding

Whilst the quality of the teaching is frequently judged as ‘Outstanding’

by Ofsted, the stability offered by the boarding community also enables pupils to grow in confidence and make the most of their respective abilities.

Another tick in the box for state boarding is that it produces wellrounded, responsible children able to get along with others, often from different backgrounds. As well as the ready-made circle of friends in their boarding house pupils also have a chance to mix with local children attending the school on a day basis and are encouraged to involve themselves in their local community.

Already a popular choice for military families, forces’ children make up around 10 per cent of children in the state boarding system’s 30 plus schools in England and the single biggest benefit state boarding offers children of serving families is the stability so often missing due to the demands of military life.

Indeed it is sudden but unavoidable operational changes that pose the biggest threats to a military child’s education and this is where state boarding is an invaluable option.

Already a day pupil at the coeducational Wellington Academy in Wiltshire, Emmanuella Annan was in Year 13, her final year in school, when her father, a sergeant with the Royal Army Medical Corps, was posted to 33 Field Hospital in Gosport.

Although she had previously moved along with her father’s postings

State boarding enables three brothers from the Paylor family to continue their education uninterrupted

and had spent much of her early life in Germany, Emmanuella had benefited from several stable years at Wellington Academy as a day pupil. A move to another school at this stage of her education would have been profoundly disruptive.

Thankfully Wellington Academy was also home to up to 100 boarders and Emmaunella was swiftly found a space in one of the school’s two state boarding houses, right in the middle of term, allowing her to continue her studies uninterrupted at this critical time.

Now, three years later, Emmanuella is close to completing her time at Wellington as she approaches her final term of school, surrounded by firm, life-long friends and her sights set firmly on her future career.

As well as stability, state boarding also offers affordability, a key consideration for families with more than one child.

Emmanuella Annan became a boarder midway through her final year in school

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Having joined the RAF in 2001, Sergeant Paylor has moved camp no less than seven times in the last 16 years. As a father of three sons

this meant two pre-schools and four primary schools, so the affordable stability offered by state boarding was a clear advantage.

Today Adam is in Year 12, Joshua is in Year 10 and Christopher is in Year 7 at Keswick School in the picturesque Lake District, a coeducational comprehensive which is also home to 50 state boarders, nearly 20 per cent of which have military connections.

Termly boarders, all three children are now able to enjoy the luxury of weekend exeats following their father’s recent eighth posting from the Outer Hebrides - some nine hours’ travel time from the school – to just an hour away.

So, whilst mobility remains a career necessity for serving families, frequent changes of school need not be as state boarding offers the reassurance that children are well cared for, are learning and achieving their potential, all without the burden of high fees.

To find out more go to

www.stateboarding.org.uk

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as Anna’s children arts He of n The Quee r de Va rth Da and

Daxon aged 9 with his personalised book and Jazmine age 6 as a Book Fairy!

Stacey’s children as Willy Wonka and Verucca Salt

Eleanor 3 and Isabelle 5 as Wally and Wender

WORLD

BOOK DAY

Bobby age 6, e Hat as The Cat In Th

Jack, age 4, as Big Skeleto

n

Natalie’s

bby

son as Do

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B

OOKS For Your Little Readers

Just Like Daddy

FROM

In this new story, a big change is afoot in Edith’s life – a New Bedroom with a Big Bed. As Edith is only little, she’s going to need some help settling in.

By Lucy Freegard

“A joyous, funny tale all about a child’s love for their father.”

The Bookseller Who wouldn’t want to be just like daddy, when daddy is strong and silly, kind and practical? But he also knows how to have fun, and even if he makes a mistake, it’s never a big deal.

Just like Daddy captures a child’s love, as seen through their own eyes, for their daddy – from big gestures to little, everyday things, this youngster is full of love and awe for their father.

Daddy can deal with the scariest of monsters (well, spiders at least), keeps his eyes open on the rollercoaster (most of the time), and puts on all the silly voices when he reads a bedtime story.

When I grow up, I want to be just like daddy.

Because no matter how big he is, my daddy still remembers how much fun it is to be little, just like me!

This debut picture book from Lucy Freegard is funny and charming. The story joyfully captures the special relationship between parent and child, and shows that having fun doesn’t have an age limit.

The perfect gift for any father, and a lovely reminder that children cherish the little moments as much as us adults do.

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My New Room

By Lisa Stickley Designer Lisa Stickley published her first children’s book, Handstand, in 2016.

Reviewers praised her quirky, charming voice and stylish illustrations:

Edith’s toys – familiar and comforting – are all arranged around her new room. We join Gary Guardsman, Osbert T Octopus, Major Ted and all the other toys as they give us a guided tour of the new room and explain the role each of them plays in keeping Edith’s bedroom a safe, tidy and happy place. She’ll feel at home in no time!

Whether you’re moving house, upgrading to a Big Bed, or facing another of life’s big events when you’re only small, this warm, gentle and reassuring tale will help you along the way. Full of friendly characters, and beautiful vintage-inspired collage illustrations, My New Room is another irresistible tale from a hugely talented new story teller.

“A super stylish counting book (of sorts).

Beautiful texture and design.” Picture Books Blogger “There’s a carefree confidence to this ingenious counting book … Edith’s voice is distinctive, curious and engaging, mirrored by the illustrations’ adventurous, unusual use of line, colour and pattern.” Book Trust

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William Bee’s Wonderful World of Trucks

By William Bee William Bee loves his vehicles. In this first book in a brand new series from the author-illustrator of Migloo’s Day and the Stanley series, William Bee shows off his extensive collection of trucks, with a little help (or not) from his gang of unruly traffic cones and his dog.

There’s William Bee’s tanker truck, which carries all the fuel he needs for his vehicles – in fact it holds enough fuel for 650 cars!

Then there’s his coal-fired steam truck, his amphibious truck, which can swim, his truck with its very own crane and his snow-blowing truck, plus the truck that carries all of his racing cars, and not forgetting his jet-powered truck that can reach 370mph! And that’s just the beginning of his collection.

Perfect for every child who is fascinated by vehicles large and small - but mainly large! This is the ideal first motoring manual, with jam-packed illustrations and plenty of details to spot.

William Bee’s Wonderful World of Trucks is the first in a brilliant new series all about amazing vehicles and inventions, with beautiful graphic illustrations.

Look out for William Bee’s Wonderful World of Planes, Trains and Boats in autumn 2017!

! y a w a e v i G Pavilion Books have three copies of ‘William Bee’s Wonderful World of Trucks’, ‘My New Room’ and ‘Just Like Daddy’ to give away to our readers!

For your chance to nab a copy of one of these great reads simply send us your preferred book, name, telephone number and address either via email to competitions@forcespublishing.co.uk or in the post to: Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northants NN10 0RU. Closing date 12/06/17

For those who haven’t heard, Storybook Wings is a marvellous initative put in place to maintain links between serving RAF parents and their children whenever the parent has to work away from home. Parents can record bedtime stories, along with personal messages for their children to listen to while they are away, helping to ease the anxiety caused by separation.

The Association provide all the recording equipment - all you need to do is choose your story and record it. It is then sent off to our volunteer editors to work their magic and add music and sound effects. Once ready, the CD is sent to the child in a personalised CD cover, or digitally via email, ready for them to listen to whenever they like.

Last year was our record-breaking year, where we sent out a massive 567 stories! This year we are hoping to have even more stories recorded, especially with its expansion to Storybook Grandparents.

This will enable those staying at our Wings Breaks Hotels to record stories for their grandchildren too!

Currently, Storybook Wings operates at around 40 stations worldwide, and it is a FREE service. Our most popular story is The Gruffalo, and the most popular station recording stories is RAF Waddington – well done! More recently, RAF Akrotiri have been in touch and are currently working on reviving and restoring Storybook Wings. How exciting!

Lastly, a huge celebration last month was World Book Day. Being World Book Day, Storybook Wings decided to get the 20th involved by inviting children to draw on an A4 sheet, a picture representing their favourite Storybook and its title. Once received, they’d be displayed in our Storybook Wings office at RAF Wittering. We are still accepting pictures, so if any of you do have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, please send pictures to: SMandhu, RAFA Headquarters, Atlas House, 41 Wembley Road, Leicester, LE3 1UT.

Any questions or queries can be sent to storybookwings@rafa.org.uk.

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, x a l e R

Just Doodle it

by Amy Nolan, creator of Ginger Rainbow

Over the last few years, colouring in for adults has gotten huge and it shows no signs of slowing down. The benefits of colouring in for us poor, stressed out, grown ups have been widely documented, especially the relaxation aspect. I think this is pretty amazing stuff really. In my view anything that gets people digging around for their art materials can only be a good thing.

The thing is, I don’t actually find colouring in all that relaxing! There are all the special pens,beautiful pricey books and all the tiny lines you have to stay inside. If anything it makes me feel frustrated and even more stressed than when I started. But that’s ok, because for those of us who can’t get on with colouring in, there is Doodling!!!

I bet you used to doodle all the time as a kid without even thinking about it.You can doodle anywhere, on anything and with the most basic of biros or kids crayons.

I’ve designed this quickie doodle challenge just for you. Grab your beverage of choice and enjoy adding to the doodle below. Have a go, I bet you’ll feel a bit less stressed after and if you have kids, give it to them afterwards and get them to colour it in. This should buy you another few moments of peace. Win Win!!

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b lu C k o � B ’ s m u M y s u B T he

By Susie Buchanan

R

unning around after our families usually means the first time we get to ourselves is when our heads hit the pillow at the end of the day.

If you have an ounce of energy left, you’ll manage a couple of pages of a book before falling asleep with it still in your hand, the words forgotten by the morning.You may read the same few pages again and again, sometimes taking months to reach the long-awaited conclusion. Sound familiar?

Since my children came along, a lot of my ‘grown-up’ books have stayed firmly on the shelf, gathering dust. Instead, my reading repertoire has been dominated by the likes of Julia Donaldson and Oliver Jeffers. I’m not complaining, I love their books, but reading for my own pleasure took a back seat. I’d fallen into a literary rut, picking easy reads as there was more chance of me finishing those than anything more challenging.

I realised other mums were feeling the same way, and so ‘The Busy Mums’ Book Club’ was born. It started with six and has steadily grown - new members are always welcome.

I used to think book clubs were something my mum’s generation did to escape their grumpy husbands, but they’ve become so much more than a mind-numbing analysis of the classics over tea in china cups. They are a disguise for something far more exhilarating. Mentally, they challenge you, you may read books you would never have chosen otherwise, and socially they remind you that you are so much more than just a mum.

: Top Tips

Initially, the reading daunted me - I wondered how I’d manage to get through an entire book in such a short space of time.

So, when the first book arrived, ‘Before I Go to Sleep’ by S J Watson, it felt like I was back at school and had homework to do.

I found myself squeezing in a few pages at every opportunity: over lunch, in the car waiting outside school, in the bath and even on the loo! I always carried the book in my bag, just in case I found a spare five minutes.

Some of our group always finish in a matter of days - the last time I’d done that was on holiday pre-children when I had nothing better to do than lie on a sun-lounger gazing out to sea – and one mum even reads the end first!

The evening of the first meeting, my husband put the kids to bed whilst I got ready, swopping my usual evening attire of jogging bottoms and slipper socks for skinny jeans and heels, spritzing on some perfume and adding a smattering of jewellery. Dressing up, seemed to renew my normally flagging energy reserves. My head full of thoughts about the book, I was excited and nervous at the same time.

Would everyone else have more clever things to say?

I needn’t have worried, for the first hour we didn’t even discuss the book! And when we did, it was easier than I thought.

Our combined opinions making for lively discussion. We all take it in turns to host an evening and choose the next read. A girls’ night, away from the kids and the husbands is such a rarity, everyone tries to make the evening special: nice cheeses and canapes, a few bottles of wine and some scented candles…

The Busy Mums’ Book Club hasn’t only given me something else to talk about other than kids and school, it’s given me friendship. It’s deepened friendships which were otherwise restricted to quick chats at the school gate. At out to o g ’t times these have proved invaluable, n ca d you an issue an ke on li is e n re o ca particularly when my husband has been d al il If ch g a virtu give , try joinin b to u s cl k o k deployed.

Having a monthly reading o o b o ab have thors They often au e th challenge has given me a focus when I’ve h it Mumsnet. hats w live web-c . m p really needed it, and knowing we’re all in 9 away and nth at once a mo it together pushes you to succeed. But I may need to buy a bigger book shelf as a consequence!

ok ideas, sites for bo b u cl k s get o o Scan b . Member judy.co.uk d an pies d ar co ch re x or mo such as ri order ing si ics of p en h to w r ts fo discoun ggestions su in ta n oks co . and the bo discussion

Just for Families 5 2017.indd 13

With some books, like ‘The Girl on the Train’ by Paula Hawkins, we’ve been to see the film too. We vary the type of books we read and always give ourselves a lighter one for Christmas and Summer holidays – something like ‘Christmas in the Snow’ by Karen Swan, which has enough mountains, romance and glitter to make you instantly book a skiing holiday. Our current book, ‘Exposure’ by Helen Dunmore, is a spy thriller set in London in the 1960’s in the height of the Cold War. A family is torn apart when the father is arrested on suspicion of being a spy.

But don’t worry, I won’t tell you how it ends…

The Busy Mums’ Book Club tried and tested reads: The Little Paris Book Shop by Nina George The Muse by Jessie Burton Me Before You by JoJo Moyes I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt The Light Between the Oceans by ML Stedman Longbourn by Jo Baker Life After Life by Kate Atkinson The Girls by Lisa Jewell Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 13

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This is an example of the information sheets available from Little Troopers as part of the Little Troopers at School project.

These sheets are free to download to empower parents and educate schools on various topics surrounding service children in education settings; Service Pupil Premium, Challenges faced

by Military Children and generic topics associated. Applicable to all three services, regular or reserve these sheets will benefit any military family and any education setting.

These information sheets are the first stage of the project which will expand as 2017 progresses you can read more and view the sheets via Little Troopers www.littletroopers.net.

The sheet you can view here is the parents sheet with information regarding the Service Pupil Premium.

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TOP TIPS

when Buying Property Sally Francis, senior writer at MoneySavingExpert.com

1

Work out what you can afford before you start looking and don’t forget to factor in stamp duty.

Talking to a broker can help as they’ll be able to tell you how much you’ll be able to borrow.You can also get an indication using online mortgage calculators.

2

Carefully consider the pros and cons of using Help to Buy schemes.

You may be able to borrow money from the government towards your new house, which in turn means you could access better mortgage deals. However you do need to pay the loan back, in addition to your mortgage.

The Armed Forces Help to Buy is aimed at military service people buying for the first time. It allows you to borrow 50% of your salary up to £25,000, repayable interestfree over 10 years.You’ll need to satisfy its criteria, but do weigh up the costs. If you’re buying a new home, they may include it when you’re talking about pricing. Just don’t get involved until you understand all the details. Do a little research yourself first so you go in knowing the key points of the schemes and if you can realistically afford it.

3 4 5 6 7

Prepare to compromise.You’ll look at places with a whole list of things you want in a new home but the chances of getting it all are slim. It sounds obvious but you do get caught up when you’re looking.

Look beyond the decor someone else has chosen. Try to picture it how you would want it. Likewise, if something is well decorated, look beyond that too.

If the seller is there when you’re looking round, be friendly and make conversation. If they end up with similar offers, they’re likely to go with the people they liked more.

Offer a decent price and prepare to negotiate - not just on cost, but on what basis you’re willing to buy the place. For example, are there things that could be done if you offer the asking price?

Talk to family and friends and use a lawyer/conveyancer recommended by them. It’s easy to go with firms affiliated with a broker or estate agent but often they’re firms that churn out

hundreds of cases with various departments covering different elements of your sale/ purchase.You may find you’re pushed from pillar to post. Buying a house is stressful but having conveyancers who don’t make that worse helps.

8 9 10

Go and see your potential new home a couple of times. Ask every question you can think of. Think of it as personal due diligence for your own piece of mind and note anything that could ring alarm bells.

Prepare for it to take longer than you think. It could all go through in six weeks or it could take six months and you may not really know why. Push the conveyancers and don’t feel bad about it - you’re spending a lot of money.

Have money saved just in case. There are often costs you haven’t factored in - a house survey, fees to get documents, indemnity cover if necessary.

It’s a big ask when many already have just enough, so if you do have to borrow it, ensure you do it as cheaply as possible and budget to pay it back as soon as you can.

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Moving WITH

Children Moving house.

For some of us it fills us with dread, and for others they get the itch and can’t wait to go.

However it makes you feel, the one thing we have in common is that we all want to support our kids through it.

We have been lucky to only move twice with my now 2 year old. As a baby, to be honest, the move was incredibly easy. As long as I was around, he was happy enough (if you follow our YouTube channel you’ll have seen him crawling around having a whale of a time). As a toddler however, it was totally different ball game.

He was more aware and my husband would only be home for 1 week after moving before he was on exercise. I thought as we all go through this process at some point, I’d share the practical things that worked

for us for a move during the toddler years.

1

Tell the children early and introduce some books to help them picture what will happen. Toddlers can find it hard to imagine what’s going to happen, so reading about families moving home can take the fear out of it.

2

Visiting the new place…..now I know this isn’t always possible. Not just because it can be far away but well, we all know housing can sometimes (stressfully) be

organised last minute. We were assigned our place 2 weeks before the move, which is quicker than some! If it’s too far to visit, you could try using Google Earth to have a look at the outside and show them what’s nearby.

3

Let the kids pack a box of their favourite things.

The things they might worry about disappearing into the sunset on a lorry. For us it was Josh’s cuddly dog, book, a snack and drink. This came in the car next to him on the seat so he wasn’t worrying. We also

included a nightlight in the box ready for the new room.

4

Pack a suitcase for the first week so you’ve got your essentials and can unpack the rest slowly, just as if you were going on holiday. We took this in the car with us so if there were any issues with the house when we got there, we were ready for a hotel.

5

The day of the move, it could be safest to have your little one go to play at a friend’s house. If that’s not available, and you are using the

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“

Josh slept in wi th

us th e first night.

So many people

‘warned’ us that if

we let that happen, h e would wan t to

co-sleep forever, but h e was fine so do

what feels right for your family.

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full packing service, arrange to say let the removal men in, then go out to soft play etc and come back to see the lorry off. If you do need to be home, pack a survival box the night before so that you can stick close to the routine with their usual food, toys and blankets ready and help them get involved by being on ‘teddy alert’ to make sure non get left behind or decorate the boxes with some crayons.

6

Ask the removal company to pack the kids’ stuff last, so that it can be first off the lorry at the new place.

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Before you leave, take some photos outside the house on your phone, so if they miss it, they can have a scroll.

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Children tend to worry about where they will sleep and their tummies!

Unpack the kitchen and the kids bedroom first if you can and show them there is food in the cupboards and play games on the bed so their room becomes familiar before bedtime. Josh slept in with us the first night. So many people ‘warned’ us that if we let that

happen, he would want to cosleep forever, but he was fine so do what feels right for your family.

9

If you plan to decorate or you’re hiring a decorator, get them to paint the kids room first. That way the second day you can get the room fully sorted without having to disrupt the kids again in a week taking them out to paint. We painted Josh’s room the first night and it was so lovely to see him settled in a finished room so quickly.

Venture out slowly.

I made a mistake at the beginning.

Josh had been going to gymnastics near the old place so I took him to one near the new house the first week we moved.

He was incredibly clingy and upset within a few minutes. He just needed to be home, have picnics in the garden or to go for short walks the first few weeks. We started using the first fortnight as a good time to explore, to find new parks etc and to show him all the fun stuff near his new home.

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If you have a dry garage (our last one constantly leaking, cheers CA!), put some of the boxes in there to keep the house safe and clear and unpack them one by one.

It can be lonely when you first reach a new place, so you are welcome to come and find me over on my YouTube (youtube. com/gigglesfamily) and Facebook and Instagram (@ julesfurness) for a natter if you like. You’re not alone.

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Forces Help to Buy available at Cornelian Fields Kebbell Homes is encouraging Forces personnel to enquire about the Government backed Forces Help to Buy scheme at its Cornelian Fields development in Middle Deepdale, Scarborough.

The Forces Help to Buy scheme enables service personnel to borrow up to 50% of their annual salary, to a maximum of £25,000. This can be used towards a deposit and other costs such as solicitor’s and estate agent’s fees.

Launched in April 2014, the scheme has now been extended to 2018 and aims to address the low rate of home ownership in the armed forces.

Cornelian Fields is an aspira onal collec on of three and four bedroom family homes where impressive design and a superior specifica on come as standard.

With prices star ng from £187,500, just a handful of homes remain for sale on the current phase.

Linda Tillisch, Sales Manager at Kebbell Homes, said: “These homes are perfect for military personnel and we are delighted to offer Forces Help to Buy at Cornelian Fields.

“Cornelian Fields is a fantas c development and we are experiencing a real surge in interest from homebuyers wan ng to find their ‘forever home’. I would urge homebuyers to enquire now to avoid disappointment!”

Homebuyers at Cornelian Fields can enjoy the benefits of the charming seaside town of Scarborough. Complete with award winning beaches on your doorstep, you can explore the harbour and relish in living so close to cultural delights such as Scarborough Castle and the res ng place of interna onally acclaimed author and poet Anne Brontë.

The showhome is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. For more details please visit www.kebbell.co.uk or call 01723 586858. You can also search for us on Facebook at Kebbell Homes, h ps://www.facebook.com/kebbellhomes.

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Thunderbirds Are Go! Says Air Tattoo

Plans to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo were given a huge boost following the announcement that one of the world’s most popular display teams will make a rare trip across the Atlantic to take part.

The Thunderbirds’ performance at the Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 14-16, will be the team’s only UK appearance this year and will be part of the airshow’s official tribute to mark the US Air Force’s 70th anniversary. As well as seeing a range of operational and historic US Air Force aircraft in the air and on the ground, Air Tattoo visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the key role the air arm plays in a range of international coalitions and partnerships.

Flying six F-16 Fighting Falcons, elite pilots from the US Air Force will perform a mix of formation flying and solo routines that highlight the maximum capabilities of the USAF’s frontline, multi-role fighter jet. The team, which is based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, has only appeared at the Air Tattoo once before – in 2007.

He said: “The history – and success - of the Air Tattoo is inextricably linked to the US Air Force, on whose base the event takes place each year. I am pleased that we’ll have the opportunity this summer to mark their 70th anniversary.”

For details, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said the announcement of the Thunderbirds’ participation demonstrated the incredibly strong bond that exists with the US Air Force.

Formed in 1953, the team is renowned as much for its choreographed pre-flight ground routine - performed with pinpoint accuracy - as it is for its stunning aerial displays.

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Challenge yourself to a challenge event If you’re thinking of ways to kickstart a new fitness drive or what sort of challenge you would like to set yourself for 2017, the RAF Association is here to help. We have many events to choose from to keep fit and raise money for a worthwhile cause.

The Wolf Run combines a 10km race with natural and manmade obstacles set in the beautiful midlands countryside. It is the ultimate test of teamwork, as you work together to get over, under and through each of the obstacles. Wolf Runs are held quarterly, so whether you want to run in the sunshine or prefer the freezing cold, there will be a run to suit you.

If you’re more of a climber than a runner, then the Three Peaks Challenge in June, might be more your speed. Designed to test your mental and physical strength, it’s a tough event as you attempt to climb the highest peaks in Scotland,

England and Wales in just three days.

The Snowdon Triple Challenge in August is an exciting multi-activity event and not for the faint hearted.

Taking on the landscape of this beautiful national park by foot, bike and kayak. With steep climbs and gruelling hills over a 36km route, the sense of achievement you feel at the end will be worth the pain!

For something a little further afield, we have a range of overseas challenges.

One of the most popular trips is trekking the Great Wall of China. Nine days of demanding hikes, along the ancient and beautiful wall, with a little time to explore the wonders of this historic and breath-taking country.

To kick-start your 2017 get in touch with the team via email jules@rafa.org. uk or call 0800 0182 361. Minimum fundraising amounts apply.

FREE MONTHLY LEGAL SURGERIES ON BASE EVERY 1ST WEDNESDAY

Television House, 269 Field End Road, Eastcote, Middlesex HA4 9XA

“Helping you, your business and your family” We offer advice and assistance across a range of areas; including in particular, matrimonial and family problems; the purchase and sale of residential and commercial property; Wills and Probate/Estate administration.

FREE monthly surgery on base on the 1st Wednesday of each month, the next dates are 7th June, 5th July and 2nd August 2017.

Contact Edlynn Zakers on 07825 906060 to book up an appointment with one of our experienced and friendly solicitors for an initial FREE meeting.

CONTACT US ON: 020-8423-6666/1616 EMAIL US AT: admin@cameronsjones.co.uk

WHY NOT VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT - www.cameronsjones.co.uk 23

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It is wonderful to be invited back

by Just For Families to tell you what has been happening with my work as a remembrance artist.

Jacqueline Hurley

I

started painting The War Poppy Collection in October 2014 following advice from my doctor to find a therapeutic activity to help conquer severe depression, anxiety and panic attacks. My first remembrance painting was inspired while recalling the tragic death of my friend Royal Marine Neil Dunstan

whilst he was serving with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force in Afghanistan in 2008. Neil was killed in an IED explosion that destroyed his Jackal vehicle while undertaking a routine patrol with Afghan National Security Forces. The first painting ‘We Remember, We Fight On’ was painted as a tribute and personal thank

you to him. I am often asked by people why I started this collection of paintings and it is wonderful to be able to talk about Neil and help keep the remembrance of him alive through my artwork.

It is important for me to thank our troops, veterans and their families, and my artwork has allowed me to reach out to people all over the world who I never would have been able to communicate with otherwise.

Visual art can be a powerful means of communication as well as speaking a universal language. My War Poppy Collection paintings are tributes to our heroes in our Armed Forces and a remembrance to our fallen.

My paintings use texture and layering as an integral part of my expressionism style, demonstrating that the hidden aspects are as important as those immediately visible; representing the mind and the long term suffering which is often inflicted by war. The red remembrance poppies are juxtaposed against highly textured, gritty impressionistic landscapes. I don’t paint faces on my figures. Silhouettes help people connect with the works in a more personal, emotional and sentimental way; encouraging the people I paint for to relate the subjective nature of the paintings and the impressionism which have often been described as poignant and emotive.

My painting can become a place you know, a person you love, it could be you.

Although the images I paint depict war, I try to bring a sense of peace to my work, this being what we all hope for and what precious lives have been sacrificed for.

Credit National Memorial Arboretum

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After only painting the first few paintings in my War Poppy Collection, I made contact with The Royal British Legion who I now have a Commercial Association Agreement with and The Royal Marines Association.

Although I wanted to keep the collection of original paintings together, there was an increasing demand for prints of my paintings which were being shared all over social media. It was a fantastic opportunity to help raise funds for these two wonderful charities.

At a conference I attended for the Royal British Legion, the former Director General saw my remembrance art and invited me to exhibit my ‘Recent Conflicts’ work at the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance 2015. This was such a huge honour and the first time my artwork had gone on public display just a year after first starting painting. I met so many lovely people and was able to personally thank a lot of serving personnel and veterans. It was here that I made the decision to commemorate WW1 and WW2 in further paintings in my War Poppy Collection.

As soon as I returned home from London I began painting the first of my WW1 paintings.

One of my great grandfathers was a Crack Shot during the Great War, another served with the Home Guard and another was a Stretcher Bearer. Thankfully, my great grandfathers who had served on the Western Front all came home at the end of the First World War. My great grandfather William decided he wanted to continue the work he had been doing on the battlefields and trenches so trained as a psychiatric nurse, working with soldiers with what is now known as PTSD. I have received wonderful comments about the

Just for Families 5 2017.indd 25

Credit Koin Ltd

remembrance art in my 19141918 War Poppy Collection from many people who have been touched by and connected with it. It is continuing to keep remembrance in the forefront of people’s minds not just one day a year but every day.

Around this time mainstream galleries started to contact me and I feel blessed and honoured that my remembrance art is now reaching a wider audience through art galleries across the country as well as being sold by many military giftshops including The Royal Marine’s Shop, The RAF Museum Online Store and a number of regimental PRI Shops. Again this is a fantastic opportunity for my artwork to be used to help raise funds for various forces charities. Last Spring, AC Framing Gallery in Centre

MK Shopping Centre in Milton Keynes also had a ‘Meet the Artist’ exhibition of my work. This was a wonderful opportunity to meet so many lovely people who came to say hello and talk to me about my work.

A few weeks earlier I had been contacted by Koin Ltd who produce World Challenge Coins asking if I would be interested in licensing some of the paintings in my War Poppy Collection to feature on silver and gold medals commemorating the upcoming 100 Year Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, in support of SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity. I absolutely loved the high quality collectables they produced and discovered that the Managing Director of the

company, Ross Davies had served as a Royal Marine and known my friend Neil, who inspired the first painting.

The commemoratives were a huge success with thousands of people wanting to continue collecting so a second and third volume were produced. Since the release of the War Poppy Collection commemoratives in July 2016, over £40,000 has been raised for SSAFA. If any readers are interested in these commemoratives, more details can be found at www. warpoppycollection.co.uk During this time I had begun working on my most recent War Poppy Collection 1939-1945.

I had grown up in a very close family and my grandparents had often shared memories with me of their lives during WW2. My grandpa Les joined the Royal Navy at the start of WW2 serving as an able seaman. He was later commissioned as a gunnery officer. During the war he served on the aircraft carrier HMS Furious at the time the spitfires were launched to save Malta. He also served for two years on the Arctic convoys to Russia and another two years mine sweeping from Dover. My grandpa often talked of his time

Credit National Memorial Arboretum

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It has always been very important to me to thank and pay tribute to our servicemen and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom we are blessed with today. I am still currently painting this collection and I know my grandparents would have been very proud of my work and what it represents. I am just sorry that they are no longer here to share their thoughts and ideas with me.

in the Royal Navy before he retired as a Commander. It was a very special part of his life and he was extremely proud to have been able to serve his country.

My other grandfather, grandad Jack also served during WW2.

He was in the Territorials before the war and served with the Royal Engineers at the start of the war, later serving with The Royal Signals in North Africa.

Grandad Jack didn’t talk about the war very much although he did learn some very rude jokes and rhymes which I won’t repeat right now! He had a wonderful sense of humour.

My Nanny Doris worked in a

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parachute factory in London during the war and told me how she made silk knickers with the offcuts of fabric for when my Grandad came home!

She also told me of the time she was forced to jump two floors, like Wonderwoman, when the whole side of her flat was bombed. My other Nanny

Joy worked as a secretary in Southampton. One day she went off on her bicycle to post the mail and when she returned her office had been bombed and wasn’t there anymore.

Another story my grandparents told was when my great grandparents, who lived through both world wars, had been asleep in bed during The Blitz when a bomb came through the roof of their home, making a hole right through their house to the ground floor. Amazingly and thankfully it didn’t explode!

I had the huge honour of again being invited by The Royal British Legion to exhibit my latest works in the War Poppy Collection at The Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance 2016.

My new pieces my were very well received and I met many more wonderful people who helped to raise more funds for the RBL by purchasing prints of the artwork. It amazes me how many people approach me because they recognise my work. It is lovely that people want to talk to me about it and share their own personal experiences and memories of loved ones with me.

As previously mentioned, I had been keeping all the original paintings in the War Poppy Collection together as I

It is lovely to be able to share this with you. WW1 and WW2 are part of this country’s history and heritage and too much has been sacrificed, for the freedom we are blessed with today, for those who lived and fought through these times to be forgotten. I feel it is so important to pass these stories onto our children and grandchildren as they need to understand what generations before them lived through, and that our freedom wasn’t free.

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wanted to share them in a place epitomising what they represent.

The Royal British Legion have been wonderful in facilitating this and I am delighted that my 41 paintings in the War Poppy Collection will be exhibited at The National Memorial Arboretum from 11th March until the 11th July 2017. I feel hugely honoured as this is such a special place, being the UK’s year-round Centre of Remembrance; a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service

and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country. During the time my paintings are on display, I will also be leading a children’s art workshop and being available for a ‘Meet the Artist’ tour of my work. At the end of this exhibition the original paintings can be purchased with donations being made to The Royal British Legion. Enquiries can be made through my website www.poshoriginalart. co.uk where prints and Signed Limited Editions of all my remembrance art are also available.

The last couple of years has been an incredible journey for me. It has been filled with happiness and tears. I had reached the lowest point in my life and my paintings have drastically turned my life around. I have met inspiring and wonderful people, and have received so many messages from people who have been touched by my work. It is fantastic that my remembrance art has also been able to help raise tens of thousands of pounds for Armed Forces charities. I am blessed with an extremely loving and

supportive family who have been helping and encouraging me. To have been described as being widely regarded the UK’s foremost remembrance artist is amazing and I would like to thank so many of you for your support. No words could possibly thank our Armed Forces and their families enough for the sacrifices they make for us all. I hope my paintings paint a thousand words, words of thanks and appreciation in each sensitive and respectful stroke of my paintbrush.

We are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a signed print of ‘Raid of Rememberance’ Simply answer the following question...

What flower is the symbol for war time remembrance?

Send us your answer, along with your name, telephone number and address either via email to competitions@forcespublishing.co.uk or in the post to: Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northants NN10 0RU. Closing date 12/06/17

Check out our Sister Magazine…

JustHer for

Directory for the Wives, Girlfriends and Families of Military Personnel www.facebook.com/ justforhermagazine

www.justforhermilitarymag.co.uk

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OVlineE Lfront on the

With many couples meeting in the workplace, it’s no wonder there are so many marriages between partners serving in the armed forces. But what happens when they start a family? How do their irregular and demanding hours fit in with the challenges children bring? We meet one family in this situation to find out how they manage ‌

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Without taking children into consideration there are already hurdles to overcome. With two people in the relationship facing deployment, time apart is more likely. If someone is forced to relocate because of their job, then the couple must face the difficulties involved with a long distance relationship.

But, add kids to the equation and these pitfalls of a military marriage take on another dimension.

Questions such as ‘who will look after the kids when one parent is deployed or on exercise’ and ‘how will they manage if parents are posted in separate parts of the country’ need, obviously, to be handled with great care as well as concise planning.

Two people who understand this difficulty all too well are James Priest and his wife, Rachel. The pair met 11 years ago when they served together in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy and they married four years later.

Despite both having demanding roles the pair managed to maintain their relationship through the ups and downs of Navy life, including several deployments. In fact, the familiarity both James and Rachel had with each other’s jobs meant not only were they able to empathise with the other more easily but they understood more about what would happen during tours.

James said: “My wife deployed to Afghan twice with her squadron a few years ago. I managed okay as I knew she was relatively safe in Bastion and I know how good she is

at her job and how she would handle herself in a scrape.

“Also, I’ve done a number of high risk tours in Afghan so I know what really goes on out there. I think, for Rachel, it put my tour and some of my attitudes into perspective.”

“

Things got more complex, however, upon the arrival nearly two years ago of the couple’s daughter. She arrived when the pair were both going through extremely exciting times in their careers.

James had accepted a job offer as a Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot a role which he took so he could support his wife’s career. Then their child was born and soon after Rachel was offered a tour in command which meant she had to relocate to another base where she took up married quarters with their daughter.

It meant the couple were not only conducting a long-distance relationship but Rachel was also, for most of the week, a single mum.

But armed forces families are nothing if not resilient. And, so, it was not long before plans were put in place to ensure they maximised their time together both as a family and as a couple.

So, now depending on James’ shift, he is able to travel to see his wife and daughter and spend two days a week with them. What’s more, they have an au pair who not only helps out with the childcare but means James and Rachel have a babysitter for the occasional date night.

But, while they have got the organisational side down to a tee, the arrangement doesn’t come without its emotional challenges.

“It’s hard,” admits James, “as you kind of build up so much pressure on yourselves to make

“

If having one parent in a family working for the armed forces is a logistical nightmare then having both serving is a challenge that would test the strategic skill of the military’s finest brains.

My wife deployed to Afghan twice with her squadron a few years ago. I managed okay as I knew she was relatively safe in Bastion and I know how good she is at her job and how she would handle herself in a scrape.

the most of the limited time together.”

first and who is left holding the baby when the chips are down.

“My wife tries to bias the time so I get to spend time with my daughter to maintain the relationship.”

When the couple met, James was more senior to Rachel and she was the one supporting his career and promotion chances.

Now the boot is on the other foot.

Crucial also to managing their long stints apart has been technology. Apps such as Facetime have revolutionised the way armed forces families connect and the Priest family are no exception.

Being able to speak to his daughter via an iPhone means James can keep in daily contact with his family and doesn’t miss out on any big developmental changes – a new tooth, or those first steps.

Meanwhile, with James and Rachel being so busy and having such irregular hours, text messaging has become the main way they keep in touch. This means they can reply at times which are convenient.

James said the Fleet Air Arm, in which he and Rachel both once served together, is like one big family. As such, although he has now moved on, he at least knows most of the people in his wife’s team. This, he admits, takes away a lot of the worry many armed forces spouses might have.

An interesting challenge the couple have faced, which is also common in military relationships, is having one partner who is more senior to another. In this case the question is whose career comes

“I left the Navy and my new job has a flexible roster so I now have the chance to be the one supporting my wife’s career.

“When I go as Mr Rachel to some of the socials, it still takes people a while to twig I am now just a spouse so I’m now aware of some unconscious sexism in my old workmates as they assume I’m there as I am still in the service.”

James has noticed, in supporting his wife’s career, just how much hard work is involved in being a solo mum in the armed forces.

“Rachel has to perform to the same level as the men during the day, then come home and run a successful home and effectively try and keep up with the mums on the married patch,” he said.

But, equally, James must miss seeing his daughter as regularly as other dads. This must require its own level of strength and resilience.

James is pragmatic: “We know it’s hard and are focussing on the fact that this will only last another 12 months until the command tour is up and we can move back together.”

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Lisa Dolby An Interview with:

Personal Trainer and Group Fitness

When Did You Set The Business Up? I originally set the business up in Bury St Edmunds, July 2015, but re-started after the move, September 2016. I now have 3 fitness classes running in the mornings. I mix the classes between circuit training and boxercise.

Where Are You Currently Based?

I am currently based in Hereford, and have lived here since July 16.

How Is Business Going?

We used to be based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. I lived in Suffolk for 7 years, so when I decided to become a Personal Trainer / Fitness Instructor I found it easy to spread the word via friends. As soon as my friends and clients turned into Success Stories, word of mouth naturally built my business, in and around the village I lived in.

Since moving to Hereford, It’s like starting the business all over again but without my known contacts to help build it. I’ve struggled to promote my business as Facebook

Unsung Hero Business Course to help re-invent the business.

The classes are steadily increasing in size and are gaining popularity. The first class is always a free of charge, trial session. Many mums think that bringing their children will be hard work, but they soon find out it’s no problem at all. After that it’’s £5 pay as you train, no need to book.

was my main advertising tool and when I moved here I didn’t know many people to ‘spread the word’.

How Did You Find Out About The Unsung Hero Course?

Being a military wife, I asked about advertising at the Hive, they suggested going on the

What Advice Would You Give to Other Military Wives?

I would say to other military mums ‘Go for it!’ The course also gives you ongoing support after you’ve finished, so if you need help or advice it’s there for you.

How Do You Find Fitting In Being a Mum And Running Your Own Business?

It’s hard being a military wife and mum and trying to find work. A lot of companies do not want to employ you as they know you maybe posted, so setting up your own business is a great way of getting back into employment. Personally I love the social aspect of working and meeting new people.

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Lisa runs classes at: Saxon Hall- HR2 6HE. Monday is circuit training from 9:30-10:15am, Friday is Boxercise from 9:30-10:15am and Madley Village Hall - HR2 9PH she alternate’s circuits and boxercise each week again 9:30-10:15am.

All welcome along with your children too!

“Brilliant “I can PT! Lisa is really not rate lisa high approachable and gives enough she has without a loads of support in helping you doubt changed my views on personal achieve your goals! Great classes training. She understand her clients - varied and suitable for a range needs, is kind and compassionate, great fun of abilities - Lisa will get you and makes you want to push yourself that working hard!” - Jennifer little bit harder. She totally gets being a Duffy woman but best of all she becomes a “Best great friend. Don’t hesitate to give thing I have ever done. it a go” - Julie Howlett I had an hour pt session a week plus attended the mummys excercise class “I .. and went from a 16 to a 12 in clothes.. never love Lisa’s have I felt so body confident .. had the odd bad week class! Great fun for as i am human but was supported 100% at all times .. the kids to!” - Sam sessions were torture,fun,painful,mucky,but full of laughter Downes and you gain a friend .. and I miss it so much.. from experience with Lisa I can 100% say .. she will GET YOU TO YOUR GOALS. As all my life I have yoyo dieted and battled with my weight .. And i’m now “Lisa is healthier, stronger and slimmer.. DO IT girls fab!! Her classes are you wont regret it” - Amy Mcfulcher really good fun and a fantastic “Classes work out. I have been doing two classes are fab, Lisa a week with Lisa for over 6 months and is amazing and not one class has been the same, always varied can’t recommend highly and the results are brilliant. I am fitter, have lost enough!” weight and am now stronger and more toned. Lisa Ashley Gallagher always gives encouragement and makes you “I really want to achieve your personal goals. have no hesitation She is a fantastic personal trainer and to recommend Lisa.

She has a a lovely person too” - Geniene genuine skill to motivate without being Gooderham aggressive. She gives total commitment “Great without being pushy. She has knowledge without classes with Lisa, arrogance. She has a sense of humour (ok … highly recommended. maybe not hee! hee!) Be under no illusions....you Brilliant idea that you can will have to work hard, you will feel pain, you bring the little ones with you will hate her at times...but that will tell you to the circuits morning what a great job she is doing! I think classes!” - Rosie she is an undercover Ninja!” Jones Sally Garnham

Here at Just for Families we wish there was a business that offered the same as Lisa, locally to us. Being a mum always puts a halt on exercise, and being able to take your little one to socialise whilst you work out sounds like a brilliant idea to us One to one personal training sessions also available

@lisadolbygetfit

T 07834 812779 31

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W

Women

Lead The Way

Notonthehighstreet.com Welcomes its

20th Million-Pound Business As Female Unemployment Hits Ten-Year Low Twenty UK small creative businesses have now reached the £1m annual sales milestone with notonthehighstreet.com – the leading curated online market place that connects 5,000 small creative businesses in the UK with millions of customers in more than 150 countries. Seventeen of the 20 million-pound businesses are founded and run by women – many of whom started their companies in order to pursue their careers in a way that preserves a better work-life balance. This news comes as latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that unemployment levels for women are at the lowest in over a decade. Data also shows that the number of

self-employed people increased YoY by 129,000 to 4.75 million (15.0% of all people in work).

Of the 5,000 Partners selling on notonthehighstreet.com, 89% are businesses run by women – a figure that demonstrates how more and more women all over the UK are empowered to set up and scale their own companies, thanks in part to technological innovation and the marketplace model.

Founded over 10 years ago, notonthehighstreet.com enables creative entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses by connecting them to customers worldwide, providing expert advice, marketing insight and support, and the technological

capabilities that businesses need to sell and scale online. Today, Notonthehighstreet.com is one of the fastest growing online platforms in the UK.

The latest businesses to reach this significant £1m a year sales milestone are:

• Tillyanna, an ethical business based in the Monmouthshire Hills that makes personalised or locally influenced cushions and homeware, bags and clothing made from high quality ethically sourced materials, printed using classic typography design. Helen Parker founded the business in 2012 when her youngest daughter was due to start school and she was worried about finding the

money needed for Christmas that year. She had to make a decision on whether to return to work after parental leave or try to earn enough income on her own. She chose the latter and, following a number of evenings of research, made her first cushion. Within six months Tillyanna was part of the notonthehighstreet.com community and is now one of the best-selling businesses on the site. Tillyanna was also the winner of the Ethical Business award at the notonthehighstreet. com Make Awards 2015.

• Ellie Ellie was founded by sewing bee and fashion graduate Danielle Plowman in 2012, determined to succeed despite the challenges of finding a job

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W as a young designer. With just her sewing machine and a small space in her studio flat, Danielle began to make clothes, starting out by selling in a local arcade in West Sussex. Following a stint travelling, she returned to the UK with renewed drive and enthusiasm, and Ellie Ellie was formally born. The business now has 13 full time members of staff and takes up an impressive 2,225 square feet in a converted soap factory on the south coast, hitting the £1m turnover milestone this summer.

In 2015 Lisa Angel, who is based in Norwich making high-quality jewellery and scarves, became the first femalefounded notonthehighstreet. com Partner to reach the £3m turnover mark.

Ella D’Amato, Chief Commercial and Partner Officer at notonthehighstreet.com, said: “The UK is a hotbed of creativity and the market for small creative businesses is thriving. Over the last ten years we’ve seen a new kind of business model develop that has enabled thousands of creative entrepreneurs to set up and run highly successful businesses by connecting them with millions of customers all over the world. In turn, these businesses are providing thousands of jobs in all corners of the UK and contributing millions

of pounds to national and regional economies.

“Now, more than ever, customers are valuing products made by skilled craftsmen and women and people with interesting stories to tell. I believe that this, coupled with the access that businesses today have to a wide range of digital tools needed to thrive online, means that there has never been a better time to set up a creative enterprise.”

Ella added: “As a business founded by two women, we are particularly proud that so many of our most successful Partners today were set up by women, many of whom wanted to fulfill their careers but in ways that preserved that all-important work life balance.

We are discovering amazing new talent every day and I look forward to celebrating many more £1m Partners in the coming months and years.”

Top stats about notonthehighstreet.com’s biggest selling Partners: - Together they employ over 350 people, providing jobs and careers in 20 different towns and cities across the UK - A third started their businesses by selling on notonthehighstreet.com - In total they have achieved revenue of over £28m in the last year, shipping more than

14m products to homes around the world - Products range from jewellery and homeware to clothes, food and toys – more than 60% of which can be personalised Helen Parker, owner and founder of Tillyanna, said: “I cannot even begin to explain what it means to be a £1m partner on notonthehighstreet.com.To be able to see how proud the children are of what we have achieved is amazing and you can already see our work ethic in them, we have a 10-year-old daughter who is ready to take over! We still manage to do the school run every day whilst running a busy office and I know so many parents who wish

they were able to do this. We are all passionate about the business succeeding, which means everyone gives it everything they have.”

Danielle Plowman, owner and founder of Ellie Ellie, said: “I had no real business knowledge when I first started the company, so having the notonthehighstreet.com community to turn to has been invaluable. In the future I plan to keep growing Ellie Ellie, creating more jobs for young people in Brighton and Sussex.

Next year we hope to move part of the business to a large warehouse space, so we can continue to design and develop new and innovative collections, and grow our product offering. It’s an exciting time!”

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Queen Victoria School, Dunblane Donald Shaw, Head Master

Admissions Deadline 15th January Each Year Queen Victoria School (QVS) is a co-educational boarding school fully funded for tuition and boarding by the Ministry of Defence to provide stability and continuity of education for the children of UK Armed Forces personnel who are Scottish, or who have served in Scotland or who have been members of a Scottish regiment.

There are 277 pupil places in the School, ranging from Primary 7 through to S6. Age-ranges within each year-group are wide, however, because of the very varied and inevitably disrupted educational backgrounds from which the pupils come. One pupil came into S3 having been to 13 different schools; others into P7 having been to eleven different schools – and these are not just different schools, but different education systems as well.

If QVS pupils were not at the School, they would be attending whichever was the local school in the area in which their parents were posted. QVS has a particular brief from the Ministry of Defence to care for those eligible families who could not otherwise afford boarding education.

Ceremonial – piping, drumming, Highland Dancing and drill – constitutes an important part of the life of the School and is a visible link between the pupils and the work that their parents have chosen to do, in the UK Armed Forces. The Pipes, Drums and Dancers of QVS are internationally renowned, having played at tattoos both at home and abroad, and have previously played in the Basel Tattoo.

Academic results are consistently well above the national averages, however, and there is a wide programme of extra-curricular activities, Games and the Combined Cadet Force. Major sports are rugby – where QVS is generally considered to “punch well above its weight” as a small school – and hockey, although there is a growing commitment to football as well.

QVS pupils and their families greatly value the strength of mutual support in a school community where all recognise the reality of Service life.

Set in 45 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside, Queen Victoria School is easily accessible by road, rail or air.

There is no substitute for visiting a school, meeting its pupils and staff and picking up the atmosphere. If you would like to know more before travelling to Dunblane to visit us, however, please contact our Admissions Secretary on +44 (0) 131 310 2927. Alternatively, you can write to: Admissions Secretary, Queen Victoria School, Dunblane, Perthshire FK15 0JY, United Kingdom, or visit our website www.qvs.org.uk

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STYLE & SUBSTANCE COMING OVER ALL CREATIVE…

T

his season patches, badges and pins have been everywhere.

Everything from denim to bags and phones have been targeted and decorated. The benefit to this trend is that the options are limitless – the Great British High Street is awash with pieces that are already adorned or you can get creative and go as wild or as subtle as you wish to your own clothing/accessories. Even the least artistic among us (like me) can get on board with this trend. The rules are simple: if you have a patch stick it wherever and to whatever you like. With this in mind and on a recent trip to Hobbycraft I was inspired to get creative…

For her first birthday I wanted to do something special for Daisy that she would have for a while and I found the perfect gift idea upstairs in the haberdashery department. There I spotted the Jennie Maizels iron on letter patches and a plan was hatched….

I love the circus style font and how each letter is different.

Once I had got the full set, I bought a plain denim jacket

from Gap. Unlike some others I had looked at, this one is made from a really soft denim that gets even softer over time so is comfortable but also durable (a must with a wriggly one year old!). The beauty of a denim jacket is it can be layered now with jumpers but will take her through to the summer time too.

For the record, I’m no Kirsty Allsop, I am very much on entry level when it comes to subjects like this but putting it together could not have been easier. Simply peel the letter off the sticky background, place them when you want them and then iron – it’s that straightforward! They are wash resistant too so I don’t have to worry about handwashing (thank you Jennie, no mummy has time for that!).

I’m so pleased with the end result – it will be something that I will keep forever and will no doubt plague her with when she’s grown up!

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London and South East Bodiam Castle, East Sussex Cadbury Easter Dragon Hunt, 1 - 17 April, 11am - 4pm Calling all brave knights and dragon hunters. This Easter Bodiam Castle needs your help. Rangers have found some unusual eggs hidden around the grounds, and after expert examination they believe they’re dragons’ eggs. Help find all the eggs to save the castle from a fiery end and receive a delicious Cadbury treat.

Price: £3 (normal admission fee applies) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/bodiam-castle

Chartwell, Kent Cadbury Egg Hunt - rabbit, friends and relations, 1 - 17 April, 11am - 4pm

The National Trust and Cadbury Team Offer Families A Fun Easter Weekend It’s almost that time of the year again when the National Trust teams up with Cadbury to offer families the ultimate day out with their ever-popular Cadbury Egg Hunts.

This year, the Cadbury Egg Hunt (14 – 17 April*) will be inviting families to join in the fun through muddy woodlands, around mystical lakes, along nature trails and through spring gardens blooming with life.

There are over 250 Cadbury Egg Hunts to choose from

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across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, guaranteeing a fun-filled Easter for everyone.

You could fight fiery dragons at Mount Stewart in County Down, or help throw a carnival at Polesden Lacey in Surrey.

What’s more, every time you head out on a Cadbury Egg Hunt, you’ll help the National Trust fund vital conservation work to protect special places.

To discover a Cadbury Egg Hunt at a National Trust property near you, visit: www. cadbury.co.uk/easter

This Easter help Bunny find the Churchill family and discover what their nicknames were on an outdoor adventure around Chartwell. The Cadbury Egg Hunt will wind through the natural play areas and finish with a delicious Cadbury treat.

Afterwards why not stick around and explore Chartwell house, the former home of Sir Winston Churchill? With so much history to discover inside and big gardens to run around outside, it’s sure to be a great day of family fun.

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chartwell

Polesden Lacey, Surrey Cadbury Egg Hunt Carnival Capers, 1 - 17 April, 10am - 3pm The animals of Polesden Lacey are getting ready to party. But this isn’t just any old party; they’re throwing a carnival inspired by the amazing celebrations in South America. Can you help Bunny find suitable carnival outfits to dress his woodland friends for the festival of a lifetime and you’ll receive a delicious Cadbury treat.

Price: £3 (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/polesden-lacey

Stowe, Buckinghamshire Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 - 17 April, 10am - 4pm Delve into a world of fairy tales, myths and legends at Stowe this Easter. Courageous young princesses and knights are invited to embark on a quest through the garden and around mystical lakes. Follow the trail of the brave knight as he finds his love while

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it’s perfect for a nature walk and a splash in the sea.

Price: £2.50 For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/studland-bay

East of England Blickling Hall, Norfolk Cadbury Egg Hunts, 14 - 17 April, 10am - 3pm

avoiding the wicked witch and conquering the ferocious dragon. Brave heroes and heroines can claim their delicious Cadbury treat and finish on a happily ever after.

Price: £2.50 (normal admission fee applies) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stowe

South West Avebury, Wiltshire Cadbury Egg Hunt, 8 - 23 April, 11am - 4pm Have you begun to see the first signs of spring as nature wakes up? Daffodils are blooming, lambs are leaping and birds are singing in the trees. Now Avebury needs your help to look for spring hares on the Cadbury Egg Hunt.You’ll receive a delicious Cadbury treat at the end.

Afterwards, there’s plenty more fun to be had, with family activities and crafts galore.

Price: £2.50 (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/avebury

In 1957 the National Trust began looking after Saltram, making 2017 its 60th birthday.

To celebrate, Saltram is stepping back in time to the 1950s for a vintage-style Easter egg hunt. Head down to this magnificent mansion for a hunt around the garden and to claim your delicious Cadbury treat at the finish line.

Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/saltram

Studland Bay, Dorset Cadbury Egg Hunt, 7 - 23 April, 10am - 3pm Take a bunny hop into springtime on Studland’s Cadbury Egg Hunt. Follow the clues around the nature reserve and see the world through Bunny’s eyes, then collect your delicious Cadbury treat at the end.

Why not make a day of it and explore the bay afterwards? With miles of wild heathland and sandy beaches to discover

When spring is in the air, it’s time to dust off those winter cobwebs and have an outdoors adventure. Head out on this special hunt around Blickling’s 55-acre gardens to discover the creatures that live on the estate. Once you’ve found them, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious Cadbury treat.

Keep the fun going afterwards and enjoy a family picnic, or see if you can build a secret den in the woods.

Price: £2.50 (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/blickling-estate

Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire Cadbury Egg Hunt: s igns of spring, 14 - 17 April, 11am - 3pm Discover the signs of spring at Dunstable Downs on this special new hunt through the trees. The Cadbury Egg Hunt will take you on a journey through Chute Wood to find nest boxes and learn about the important nature conservation work the National Trust carries out here. At the end of the hunt you’re sure to receive a delicious Cadbury treat.

Price: £2.50 per participant.

For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate

Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, Wiltshire Lacock Cadbury Egg Hunt, 8 - 23 April, 10.30am - 5.30pm The Easter bunnies are back. They’ve been inspired by the Lacock, camera, artists trail and are capturing their own memories in the abbey grounds. Have a go at the hunt and see how many cheeky bunnies you can spot - you’ll even get a delicious Cadbury treat as a reward for all your hard work.

Price: £2 (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/lacock-abbey-fox-talbot-museum-and-village

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Midlands

North

Berrington Hall, Herefordshire Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 - 16 April, 10am - 4pm

Gibside, Tyne & Wear Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 - 18 April, 10am - 4pm

Children from the 18th-century didn’t have the modern-day toys that are around now, they had to make their own fun with toys from the ‘knack shops’. Follow the hunt map to discover the knack shop hiding at Berrington and look out for Bunny’s hidden eggs along the way. Take a map and follow the clues to find them, a delicious Cadbury treat will be waiting for you at the end.

Explore the wild landscape at Gibside and follow the Cadbury Egg Hunt clues to find a delicious Cadbury treat at the end.

Plus, don’t miss the annual Mouse House Building Competition taking place each day. Go wild and search for sticks, twigs and leaves to create a dream mouse house and be in with the chance of being crowned the champion builder of the day.

Price: £2.50 (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.

Price: £2.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/gibside

org.uk/berrington-hall

Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 - 17 April, 11am - 4pm Get outdoors this Easter and enjoy hunting all around the house, garden and along Lady Spencer’s wood in the ever-popular Cadbury Egg Hunt. There will be a delicious Cadbury treat waiting for you at the end of the hunt. Stick around afterwards for a spot of nature-themed Easter crafts or head to the family woodland play area for a run around and a picnic.

Price: £3 (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/hardwick-hall

Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses, Staffordshire Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 - 17 April, 11am - 3pm

Lyme, Cheshire Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 - 17 April, 11am - 4pm Get exploring this Easter just like Lyme’s fearless adventurer, Thomas Legh, who lived at Lyme in the 19th century. Can you solve Bunny’s cunning Easter challenge to claim your delicious Cadbury treat? If you’ve still got some energy to burn off afterwards, try family orienteering in the deer park, tick off some more of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ?’ and let off steam in Crow Wood playscape, with its giant slide, badger den and tree house complete with a fireman’s pole.

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/lyme

Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 - 23 April, 10.30am - 5pm The Nunnington scarecrows are hoping to protect their crops from cheeky Bunny who has been trying to gobble them all up. Will you help save them? Embark on this brave quest around Nunnington’s gardens to help the scarecrows and claim your delicious Cadbury treat.

Price: £2 (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/nunnington-hall

Sticklebarn and The Langdales, Cumbria Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 April - 17 April, 12pm - 4pm The naughty Langdale Herdy lambs have taken some of the Easter Bunny’s chocolate eggs and hidden them all around Stickle Ghyll. Now it’s your mission to follow the clues and see if you can find them. Bunny will be so grateful that he’s sure to reward you with a delicious Cadbury treat at the end.

Price: £2 For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/sticklebarn-and-the-langdales

Northern Ireland Castle Ward, County Down Easter at Castle Ward, 14 - 21 April, 12pm - 4pm

Go on a woodland hunt to learn all about the wildlife of Kinver Edge, and find your delicious Cadbury treat awaiting you at the end. Afterwards discover the unique rock houses, carved by hand out of the sandstone ridge, and let off some steam on the Adventure Play Trail.

Price: £3 per hunt (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/kinver-edge-and-the-rock-houses

Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors, Derbyshire Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 - 17 April, 10.30am - 3.30pm Celebrate the arrival of spring with a run around the Longshaw estate, plenty of fresh air and the promise of a delicious Cadbury treat at the end. Take a map and follow the clues on the Cadbury Egg Hunt, looking out for the signs of spring along the way.

Price: £3 For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors

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Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd Cadbury Egg Hunt Weekend, 14 - 17 April, 10.30am - 3.30pm Penrhyn is a ‘hive’ of activity this Easter bank holiday weekend. The new honey bees have moved into the walled garden and have been busy helping Bunny hide his clues amongst the flowers and trees around the castle. Can you help him and claim your delicious Cadbury treat? As well as helping Bunny you can learn more about Penrhyn’s new nectar gathering friends during bee talks and tuck in to some honey products in the café.

Price: £2 (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/penrhyn-castle

This Easter, Castle Ward has lots on to get everyone in the Easter spirit. Have a go at the Cadbury Egg Hunt and receive a delicious Cadbury treat at the end, or get creative with kids craft activities. Make a day of it and visit the farmyard animals or bring along a picnic and relax by the shores of Strangford Lough.

Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/castle-ward

Mount Stewart, Co. Down Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 - 18 April, 11am - 4pm This Easter Mount Stewart is home to some pretty fiery guests… dragons. Follow the Dragons Egg Hunt around the Lake Walk and see how many you can spot.You’ll be rewarded with a delicious Cadbury treat at the end. There are Easter crafts to get stuck into afterwards, or you could challenge your family to a game of croquet on the North Lawn.

Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/mount-stewart

Rowallane Garden, Co. Down Cadbury Egg Hunt, 15 April - 17 April, 10.30am - 3pm

The Argory, County Armagh Cadbury Egg Hunt, 10 - 23 April, 12pm - 5pm

Plas Newydd, Anglesey Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 - 17 April, 11am - 3.30pm

Where could be better to enjoy Easter than in the beautiful wooded estate surrounding this country house in County Armagh.

Solve the clues to find a delicious Cadbury treat on this fun-filled hunt along Blackwater River and around The Argory estate.

That cheeky Bunny has hopped over the Menai Strait to see his furry friends the Red Squirrels and left all sorts of fun clues, games and hunts for you to follow along the way. Help him and there may be a delicious Cadbury treat for you at the end. Join in for a fabulous Easter weekend full of hunts, red squirrel activities and Easter fun.

Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/argory

Wales

Price: £2 (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/plas-newydd-country-house-and-gardens

Erddig, Wrexham Cadbury Egg Hunt, 14 - 17 April, 10am - 5pm

Tredegar House, Monmouthshire Easter Holidays, 8 - 23 April, 11am - 4pm

The Easter bunny will be hopping over the wall into Erddig’s 13.5 acre garden to offer families the ultimate day out with a Cadbury Egg Hunt. Unleash your inner explorer to solve the clues dotted around the garden and outbuildings to claim a delicious Cadbury treat. While bunny has hidden clues, his friends - the Easter chicks, are inside the historic house. See if you can spot them when you visit.

Throughout the holidays Tredegar House has a basketful of goodies to get the whole family in the mood for Easter. Follow the Cadbury Egg Hunt between 14 and 17 April to receive a delicious Cadbury treat, or if you’re visiting on other days there’ll be nature-filled ‘50 things’ activities and spotter trails to try. From building dens and making mud pies to hunting for bugs and setting up a snail race, there’s so much to have a go at.

Price: £2.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/erddig

Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/tredegar-house

Hop along for a day of family fun exploring the nooks and crannies of Rowallane’s beautiful gardens. Simply follow the Cadbury Egg Hunt clues to get a special surprise, a delicious Cadbury treat.

Afterwards, make the most of your visit to Rowallane and discover all the wildlife that calls it home. From hedgehogs and squirrels to frogs and bugs there’s so much to spot, especially in the springtime. ?Price: £1 per child (normal admission charges apply) For more information, please visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/rowallane-garden 43

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COMMANDO

JOES Top secret missions, team-building obstacle courses, motivational role models…. No, this is not Army boot camp, it’s a day in the life of a Commando Joes ‘recruit’. We meet the man who is doing what the armed forces does best to support the learning and development of thousands of children in the UK’s classrooms.

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Have you ever wondered how yours or your partner’s armed forces training and experience might be put into action to benefit your children’s education?

Perhaps you have considered how the mindset you use when faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge could come in handy when your son or daughter is stuck on a maths puzzle?

Or what if the emphasis the military puts on team work could inspire your child with more drive and enthusiasm when playing sport.

Well, one former Royal Engineer has taken this idea and not only run with it but completed an entrepreneurial marathon using the concept of taking the armed forces ethos into schools.

His vision is simple but effective: by getting veterans to pass on the benefits of their unique skill set, children could gain vital attributes which

would not only complement the amazing work of their teachers but also arm them with vital skills for life.

Mike Hamilton established Commando Joes back in 2009 when he left the army following eight years’ service with the Commandos, in bomb disposal and as PTI instructor.

Upon leaving the forces he landed a job lecturing on a Pre-Services degree course at a further education college in Manchester. Delivering outdoor adventurous activities, team development, PE and citizenship skills to students on a regular basis gave him an idea…

Mike trialled this idea at some local primary schools and feedback was so positive, he decided to take a plunge. He packed in the day job, took out a bank loan, sold his car and bought a van. Commando Joes was born.

But what started, in 2009, as a man in a van delivering fun

fitness sessions for kids using military-style obstacle courses spiralled into something almost as awe-inspiring as the Top Secret Missions offered as part of the Commando Joes package.

Zoom forward another eight years and Commando Joes has 70 staff – ‘Joes’ and ‘Janes’ working across 300 UK schools with thousands of children benefiting from its refreshing approach.

Today it is a little bit more than an obstacle course. Commando Joes provides mentoring, team building challenges, characterbuilding missions and reading support to a range of schools.

The tailor-made packages, which run for a minimum of 12 months, can be designed to support children from difficult backgrounds who are struggling at school or to provide personal development for those with less challenging backgrounds.

The results speak for themselves.

For not only have teachers been reporting better grades and behaviour from participating

children, apparently independent research can vouch for its effectiveness too.

In 2010 Mike asked Swansea University to carry out independent research into the outcomes of students involved in Commando Joes. The results, published last year, revealed a 68% decrease in problem behaviour. There was also evidence it boosted grades and attendance too.

Mike explained: “At three months there was a clear impact on behaviour, at six months attendance improved and at the nine-month point there was lots of evidence to suggest there was a change in young people.”

By ‘change’ Mike is referring to children’s motivation. At first the research showed when Commando Joes first visited a school the children would start arriving on time and listen more in class because of their Joe or Jane.

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do it for themselves not for Commando Joes, the research showed.

“For me, that’s key,” said Mike.

“It’s one of our major finds.”

Talking to Mike it is clear there are many success stories.

Children who have faced exclusion or were being suspended regularly and who were expected to leave school without qualifications have gone on to get Cs and above in their GCSEs. Mike says many have also gone on to college and university.

Mike is careful not to devalue the work of the teachers, pointing out that these achievements are also down to the ‘fantastic’ teaching at the schools he works with. “But”, he added, “we played a key role in that.”

So what is the secret to Commando Joes? What makes children and young people who are disengaged with both school and society make such a dramatic u-turn?

This is a question one consultant from the Department for Education (DfE) asked Mike when he applied for funding – a process he has been through several times and which also led to an appearance on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.

Baffled as to how they got such good results, the DfE consultant asked Mike why his instructors were so different to a teacher or a teaching assistant.

To demonstrate, Mike invited him along to a school in Yorkshire to see Commando Joes in action. It happened that on that day the school’s lollipop lady was sick. Eager to help, the instructor arrived early, donned the fluorescent jacket, grabbed the lollipop stick and saw the children across the road himself.

He said good morning to everyone crossing the road, calling every child by their name and making friendly, motivating comments such as ‘well done for being early’ or ‘be careful crossing the road’.

The consultant was suitably wowed!

Mike said the education consultant could clearly see the obvious impact of someone who is different to the teachers – all staff wear combat trousers and a Commando Joes t-shirt – but who was also very positive, yet softly spoken.

In fact the way staff speak is crucial to the success of Commando Joes. Mike said children do not respond to shouting, yelling and the various other stereotypes often associated with order-barking sergeant majors.

Instructors are trained to speak in a soft, yet animated voice.

They must be approachable, have the ability to inspire and be a model of outstanding behaviour – demonstrating this by, for example, holding open doors, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

“It’s about being disciplined but in a soft way,” explained Mike.

“Shouting doesn’t really work in education. The old vision of the military where everyone shouts and screams doesn’t really work with young people.”

During training, staff are instead encouraged to get into the character of their best teacher at school – the teacher who had huge passion for their subject and who was not afraid to be a bit silly.

This method of delivering military skills through modern teaching methods seems to work well. However, Mike explained that Commando Joes staff do not discuss their former careers.

“We are not here to talk about what we did in the military,” he said. “We are here as people who have worked on team work and communication in really demanding situations.

“For me the military does things wrong, but they also

do some fantastic things really well.”

Staff are not exclusively recruited from the pool of armed forces veterans.

Currently, an ex-police officer and former firefighter are on the team.

Mike said he would never turn down anyone purely because they weren’t military. In fact, he is not a big believer in polished CVs – a principle he practises as well as preaches.

“We’ve probably interviewed 1,000 people for Commando Joes,” he said, “but I’d rather have someone sat in front of me who has got some life experience, someone who wants to come and work for my organisation.

“They might not have the best CV in the world, but if when you see them face-to-

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“Instructors are trained to speak in a soft, yet animated voice. They must be approachable, have the ability to inspire and be a model of outstanding behaviour – demonstrating this by, for example, holding open doors, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.”

attributes in the young people they work with at the many primary and secondary schools across the country.

The acronym of RESPECT provides a prompt for the seven qualities Commando Joes aims to develop in every child - resilience, empathy, selfawareness, passion, excellence, communication and teamwork.

face they are polite, they’ve got an amazing work ethic, they’ve got spark and some real passion and they convince you by saying they’ll go to night school, they’ll be in at 7.30 in the morning and they’ll work a 15 hour day then I’ll have them over someone with a perfect CV who just sits there.”

This work ethic, resilience and diligence is not just something valued by the boss – it’s the exact qualities Commando Joes is attempting to inspire in its pupils.

In fact, Commando Joe’s character-building activities aim at bringing out these and other

It complements the Government’s drive within education of developing the whole child, something many teachers struggle to deliver alone because of the pressures they have to achieve results on the academic side of their job.

Commando Joes, as part of its programme, supports teachers by helping to build those values and behaviours. They help pupils go through a series of journeys where they discover honesty, integrity and passion.

This may be through a recreation of Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ Everest mission or Ed Stafford’s adventure along the length of the Amazon or it could be through a course of one-to-one mentoring.

Either way, it is making a difference. And not just to the children, but to Mike’s team of enthusiastic and passionate instructors too. “It’s an amazing job,” said Mike. “After a day’s training and shadowing, one ex-artillery commando said he went home to his two little girls and felt for the first time since leaving the military some pride from actually doing something worthwhile and good.”

For more information about Commando Joes go to the website www.commandojoes.co.uk

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FATHER’S

DAY

Dads Smelly Bottom ‘The Remedy’ Candle www.notonthehighstreet.com

Gift Guide Just for Families have teamed up with

&

Personalised Father’s Day Keyring £12 www.notonthehighstreet.com

to find you the best gifts for your dads this Fathers Day. Their websites are full of thoughtful gifts to inspire you and show your dad just how special he is!

Happy Father’s Day Babygro £15.00 www.notonthehighstreet.com

The Beard Bib £24.99 50 www.fi rebox.com

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The Original Moustache Guard Mug £14.99 www.firebox.com

12/04/2017 15:07

Father’s Day Hand Print Tree £16 www.notonthehighstreet.com

Ray Gun Nose Trimmer £12.99 www.firebox.com The MasterPan £44.99 www.firebox.com

Personalised Father’s Day travel Mug £20 www.notonthehighstreet.com

Pac Man Ghost Light £19.99 www.firebox.com

Man ‘V’ Steak £26 www.notonthehighstreet.com

Father’s Day Cuffliks Personalised £18.00 www.notonthehighstreet.com

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Pooch Selfie £12.99 www.firebox.com

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to celeb f their dads o s to o h p e som 3

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11 10 9

1. Gee back a day early on R&R from Iraq with daughters Tana and Keisha 2. Michael and son Ted 3. Adam with son Lewis 4. Mike with his sons Jake and Ben 5. Jay with his sons Jared and Jensen 6. James and his daughter Primrose and son Finlay 7. Adam with daughter Lily 8. Joey and his children Oliver and Paige 9. Michael and daughter Florence 10. Ryan with his son Leo 11. Greg with his daughter Darcy and son Riley 12. Gary with his children Thomas and Louise 13. Gary and daughter Louise 14. Ryan with his step-son Ryan. These guys are due to be a daddy again and a big brother in May this year! 15. Adam with son Lewis 16. Jonathan and his children Ollie and Rosie 17. Jonjo and his son Leo

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ish all the w to e k li ld u milies we wo a F r fo t s u J t ther’s Day! Here a a F y p p a H a nd far, dads, near a

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www.LosePoundsLookGood.com This Completely Natural Weight Loss Secret Is Helping People Just Like You And Me Finally End Their Weight Struggles.

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Combining great products with a great culture, Arbonne offers a unique opportunity that can help make anyone’s vision for the future a reality.

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Dean Valley Panorama Guest House has everything to offer in the heart of the Forest of Dean.

Relaxation as well as exploring the offerings of the forest and surrounding areas. Simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings or get out and about on bikes or by foot, horse riding, climbing or a simple round of golf. There is so much to see and do.

For more information visit our website www.deanvalleybnb.co.uk and book direct or call Helen on 01594 564980.

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Beano

The Clown Children Parties • Street Show Corporate Entertainment • Cabaret Act Bernard Sabran Edinburgh Tel: 0131 657 2665 Mob: 0794 807 0569 beanosab@hotmail.com

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01842766714 | 07769782848 asewinghabit@live.co.uk A Sewing Habit offers a range of bespoke products that are practical, durable & unique. Repairs, custom items & much more. Quality, stylish & affordable.

A Sewing Habit demand the highest standards of every bespoke item. Whether it’s a custom-made harness, or a classic Alaskan or Canadian type collar, professional multi functional training lead to our everyday straight lead. Harness’s for walking to racing sled dogs. All items are made to order. Each piece is completely made and finished by hand.

www.asewinghabit.co.uk

Butterwell Barn

Butterwell, Davidstow,Camelford, Cornwall PL32 9YF

Butterwell Barn is an old converted stone barn on the northern tip of Bodmin Moor near Roughtor and Brown Willy. It is 6 miles from the sea, Tintagel and Trebarwith Strand. It has a large garden with trees, a swing, a hammock and a tree house. It has 2 bedrooms downstairs while upstairs is the spacious living/kitchen area. There are toys, books and games. There is no road nearby, access being gained via the old runways of the WWII Davidstow airfield. The RAF Davidstow museum and a growing army museum are both nearby. At the right time of year your hosts will take you to see a large bat roost or a huge starling murmuration.

www.cottageguide.co.uk/butterwellbarn butterwell.barn@btinternet.com | 01840 261307

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Z A to

a

Afternoon Tea

b

There’s over so many locations to choose from, so you can hop in a basket at sunrise or sunset at a launch site near you. Float on Balloon air and celebrate after landing Flights with a traditional Champagne toast.

Drift over pictureperfect scenery and share this adventure with your family.

Forget material things and make memories in style.Your adventure awaits. www.virginballoonflights.co.uk www.redletterdays.co.uk/Ballooning/ Experience-Day https://www.hotair.co.uk

e

FAMLIY

s e c n e i r e p Ex

Afternoon Tea doesn’t just have to be for the grown up-s, take a look at the website below and find Family friendly tea’s across the UK. http://afternoontea.co.uk/blog/theafternoonteacouk-team/top-ten-familyafternoon-tea-venues/

of

c Colour Run

Everyone no matter how small or large, short or tall, fit or unfit you are, should take part in at least one Colour Run. They are so much fun and definitely one to tick of your Bucket List. They really are suited to everyone, so don’t be afraid and go for a giggle. http://thecolorrun.co.uk/events/ http://www.runordye.co.uk/

Driving Experiences

d

Did you know they now do driving experiences for children too? I never knew there were so many! Age restrictions seem to start at 10, please check each experience individually. https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/kids-driving https://www.intotheblue.co.uk/driving-experiences/just-for-kids/ https://www.trackdays.co.uk/driving-experience/junior/

Eagle Handling Days

Come face-to-beak with magnificent and regal birds of prey on an incredible falconry day. As well as learning about the history of this extraordinary predator, you’ll be able to handle them and fly a bird to the glove. Alternatively, why not spend an evening in the company of owls, listening to their calls and getting up close and personal with this fascinating bird? Animal experiences with falcons, eagles and hawks are also available for an incredible adventure where you’ll get to appreciate the speed and power of these wonderful creatures.

https://www.redletterdays.co.uk/experience/animals/birds-of-prey | http://www.predatorexperience.co.uk/eagle-experiences/ http://www.cheshirefalconry.com/

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f

Fall In Style

There’s a place with a slide that’s not just for kids. ArcelorMittal Orbit. Fall in style and descend the world’s tallest and, at 178m, the world’s longest tunnel slide with this family admission to The Slide at The ArcelorMittal Orbit. Spiral down what is also the UK’s tallest public artwork, shoot through light and dark breathing in dramatic cityscape views as you go. During your 40 second trip, you’ll cruise at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour, weaving your way through the ArcelorMittal Orbit’s iconic loops and curves.

Build up some momentum in the corkscrewing ‘bettfeder’ or ‘bedspring,’ before finishing up your run with a 50m hurtle straight back down to earth.

h i https://arcelormittalorbit.com https://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/ arcelormittal-orbit

Glamping Recently, a global trend that has really taken off. Glamping offers outdoor enthusiasts an upgrade on rest and recreation. Glamping,a new word for a new kind of travel, defined as glamorous camping. When you’re glamping, there’s no tent to pitch, no sleeping bag to unroll, no fire to build. Whether in a tent, yurt, airstream, pod, igloo, hut, villa, cabin, cube, teepee or treehouse, glamping is a way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing luxury. https://www.canopyandstars.co.uk/glamping | http://goglamping.net/

j

g

Jet Setter Take a flying lesson – age restrictions usually start age 12. Feel the adrenaline rush as you take the controls of your light aircraft and soar across the sky, you’ll receive one-to-one training with a Civil Aviation Authority licensed instructor and will spend approximately 30 minutes in the air. What you learn will depend on your chosen location but all participants receive flying time that counts towards a Private Pilot’s licence. This experience has been described as “… exhilarating, a little scary but a lot of fun” and “A fantastic experience from beginning to end”. https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/introductory-flying-lesson http://www.goflyuk.com/looking-for-exciting-flying-experiences/ https://www.intotheblue.co.uk/flying-experiences/fly/flying-lessons

Harry Potter Find a fantastic Harry Potter day out. There are a variety of experiences including Harry Potter Walking Tour, Harry Potter Studio Tour with Afternoon Tea and Harry Potter Bus Tour. https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/ https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/ harry-potter

Be a Keeper for the Day and experience the thrills of this amazing job yourself. It’s sometimes cold, often dirty and animals can’t thank you for looking after them, but a zoo keeper’s job is still the best in the world. Zoo Keepers get close to some of the most endangered species on the planet every day, and now you can too! *Please check their age restrictions as all zoo’s appear to be different. http://www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk/animal-experiences/keeper-for-a-day https://twycrosszoo.org/visit-us/experiences/keeper-for-a-day/ https://www.zsl.org/experiences/keeper-for-a-day

Indoor Skydiving

If you’ve ever wanted to feel the rush of freefall without having to jump from a plane, then you’ll love exhilarating wind tunnel experiences.

twinwoodsadventure.com/ https://www.iflyworld.co.uk/

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k

Keeper For A Day

l

London Eye

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It offers you amazing views right across London, inside the pods are Ipad’s telling you about all the buildings and businesses you are looking at. Interesting for all members of the family. Another Merlin Attraction so look out for the offers before you go. https://www.londoneye.com/

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m

The simple combined definition would be a series of confusing paths created within a field of corn, but in fact its much much more than that.

Visiting a maise maze is a summer day out. In the UK maize mazes typically open in July each year once the maize plants have started to grow.

By September the short maize maze season is coming to a close and the maize plants harvested for animal feed. Use the Amazing Locator map to find a maize maze near where you live or near where you will be taking your holiday or short break. Read the information about the maize maze you are interested in visiting on this site, then follow the links to their own website. It truly is an attraction for all ages and one of a very few types of attraction that allows the whole family to participate simultaneously - interaction is key if you are to find your way through this King of all puzzles!

o r q n p Maze’s

http://maize-maze.com/ Not wanting to exclude the children but did you know about this………..The Crystal Maze is back and it’s in both London & Manchester! The ultimate team challenge, in which you and your friends face challenges testing your skill, mental and physical ability across four adventure time zones: Aztec, Industrial, Futuristic and Medieval. For each challenge completed your team will earn a Crystal. The more Crystals you earn, the more time you’ll get in the final challenge – The Crystal Dome! (Age restrictions over 18’s only- but I couldn’t leave it out!) http://the-crystal-maze.com

National Trust

There are so many adventure the National Trust offer, Walks, Camping, Easter Egg Hunts, Halloween Treasure Hunts.

Walking and old buildings don’t have to be boring. We always try and include their various activities in Just for Families but be sure to take a look for yourselves, Experiences don’t have to be expensive! https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Pony Trecking and Horse Riding

With a minimum age limit of just 10 years old, this exhilarating activity really can be for the whole family.

I personally started Scuba Diving at the age of 11, and to be honest the thought of going back to it is scarier now at the age of 33. Scuba Diving opens a lot of doors, the photography is amazing and the life experiences are second to non. Most Scuba Diving Clubs practice in local pools until you are confident enough to go out into the open water.

There are many websites that offer you experience days but personally I would recommend training with either BSAC or PADI. An experience that I personally would love to do with my daughter is the Snorkle with the sharks experience at Blackpool Sealife centre. https://www2.visitsealife.com/blackpool/tickets/shark-

experiences/snorkel-with-sharks/ its not as exhillerating as openwater diving but it would be a nice introduction and what an experience!

This is an activity that appeals to all, whatever level of skill, whether you are an experienced rider or this is your first time on a horse the stables are able to offer expert tuition to suit your ability.

Open Water Scuba Diving

http://www.cannockchasehorsetrekking.com/ http://www.adventureokehampton.com/pony-trekking-89957

River Cruise

Quad Biking

For a unique way to experience the countryside, hop on a power-packed quad bike for some of the messiest fun you’ll ever have

http://www.experiencedays.co.uk/quadbiking-for-the-family-surrey https://www.intotheblue.co.uk/drivingexperiences/atv/quad-biking https://www.thewrightevent. co.uk/.../quad-biking

Treat you’re loved ones to an unforgettable day out in London with a Family Thames Cruise Sightseeing River Red Rover Ticket.You’ll enjoy unlimited travel on a ‘hop-on hop-off ’ river cruise along the Thames for an entire day as you pass by some of the capital’s best-loved landmarks.Your ticket will be valid for three consecutive days. Take a seat on the openair deck or shelter inside and enjoy the view through panoramic windows as you pass by The London Eye, The Tower of London, The Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and many more on this fun journey through the heart of the city.

https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/family-thames-cruisesightseeing-river-red-rover-ticket-sp16

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Segway

s

Get off the beaten track for an hour of fun with our Forest Segway Experience. Explore the forest on the latest in green technology – a selfbalancing electric Segway. From two legs to two wheels –the ultimate forest adventure on a rugged all-terrain Segway in beautiful forests. https://goape.co.uk/adventures/forest-segway https://www.experiencedays.co.uk/segwayexperiences

w

t

u

Wembly Stadium Tour

There is only one way to get near to experiencing what it’s like to play at Wembley and that is by taking the tour behind the scenes of England’s national stadium.Your fully guided tour will follow in the footsteps of legends and take you into areas usually reserved for the biggest and best names in football. Take the family on the Wembley Stadium Tour and let them glimpse what it is like to be football stars!

Wembley is the most famous football stadium on the globe. Its spectacular architecture is visible across London; the stunning arch measuring 440 feet high and over 1,000 feet across. Be amazed by the large open concourses and stunning views from all of the 90,000 seats. Learn about the history and legacy of Wembley Stadium and feel the magic as you take the tour through all the areas usually off limits to the public. Feel the excitement as you walk through the players’ tunnel, take a sneak peek at the changing rooms, and sit in the seat of England’s manager in the conference room.

Along the tour you will get the chance to relive some of football’s greatest moments and create some new memories with this fantastic family experience. https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/familywembley-stadium-tour www.goldentours.com/Wembley-Stadium/Tour www.expedia.co.uk/Activities www.buyagift.co.uk/footballtours

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Theme Parks

Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland, Drayton Manor, Paultons Park, Flamingo Land, Lightwater Valley, Pleasure Beach, there are so many great days out to be had. Make sure you research the cheapest way to go as there are usually offers everywhere, whether it be on cereal packets, using Tesco’s Vouchers, GroupOn etc etc . Also check out Merlin Passes, if you’re going to visit more than one Merlin attraction in a year then they pay for themselves. http://www.themeparks-uk.com/

Underground

Visiting Wookey Hole Caves includes over 20 fantastic attractions in the one ticket price! With access to Circus Shows, Kids Play Areas, Mirror Maze, Penny Arcade and much much more, Wookey Hole is a great day out, whatever the weather!

4D Cinema, showing “Happy Family” NEW for 2017! – Using the latest technology you are taken to a land far away on an adventure of a lifetime. http://www.wookey.co.uk/

y

v View From The Sharrd

Experience London’s highest viewing platform at the top of The Shard - Western Europe’s tallest building. It’s the only place to take in over 1,000 years of the capital’s history all at once. – This is suitable for all ages but also look at the other experiences The Shard has to offer. The Silent Disco is probably the best night I’ve ever had out. https://www.theviewfromtheshard.com/

x

Marks The Spot

A Modern day Treasure Hunt. Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”, at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world

z

https://www.geocaching.com/play

Yachting

Experience the beauty and freedom of the open sea with our great range of sailing days and yacht racing experiences - the perfect idea for anyone who loves life on the ocean waves! Anyone who has ever wanted to learn how to sail will be able to learn a range of new skills as they spend an exhilarating day on the water.

https://www.redletterdays.co.uk/experience/water/sailing-and-yachting https://www.coastalpursuits.co.uk/solent-day-sailing?gclid=CN3m7Ye8tdICFQsTGwodSCgP2g https://www.buyagift.co.uk/adventure/round-the-world-yacht-sailing-experience-br-10121631.aspx

Zip World won international acclaim when it opened Zip Zip World World Velocity at Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda in March 2013.

Offering riders the closest experience a human being can get to skydiving without actually leaping out of a plane. It involves flying head-first, for just under a mile exceeding speeds of 100mph down a mountain and then straight over a cliff, 500ft above the quarry lake with spectacular views as far out as Ireland. *Please check age restrictions on the various activities they offer.

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t s u r T s ’ n e r d l i h C s e c r o The F ...what does it have to

offer?...

Six months after Antz tragically lost his life, I found myself with our two children, Macy & Jack nervously embarking on our first meeting with the RAF Widows Association at their Spring Meeting in Chester. It turned out to be the first lifeline to be thrown to us, one of many guides to accompany us along the turbulent path of grief.

Browsing through a copy of the “Contact” magazine, I came across an article about the Forces Children’s Trust (FCT), a charity founded in 2004 by Mr Denny Wise, devoted to helping children whose father or mother has died, or sustained life threatening injuries whilst serving as a member of the British Armed Forces.

Although independent and private by nature, I realised that both our children felt quite isolated at school being the only children to have experienced the death of a parent, and how important it was for

them to be able to spend time with children who could truly understand how lost and confused they felt.

Wrestling my nerves, I made the phone call. I’m not entirely sure what I expected, needless to say, I was somewhat surprised to find myself talking to Denny Wise himself.

Easy to chat to, empathetic and incredibly passionate about what the charity aims to do and indeed achieves for the children, I felt incredibly positive that in making the call, I had accomplished something very worthwhile that over time would prove to be invaluable ... 4 years later, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that this has been the case, and continues to be so.

Our first event with the FCT was at LegoLand, a place that Antz and I used to frequent regularly with the children, a favourite haunt. Consequently, there was a good degree of anxiety bubbling away in the background; however it was the beginning of a wonderful relationship with a family of people brought together through tragedy and loss. Denny prides himself on the charity and its members being a family, this is not by any means a large charity run by administrators, it is borne out of the hard work and personal touch of Denny, his immediate family and the trustees/patrons.

My anxieties were gone within an hour or two of arriving and despite the internal battle of rationalisation regarding my fear of sharing a room with another family I had never met, both I and the children left with huge smiles on our faces. The family we had shared with were not only lovely but they also put an end to my relentless search to find someone who made memory quilts! The other crowd of parents and children were all equally friendly and clearly appreciative of the opportunity to meet and spend time with others who had also experienced significant loss.

Although the charity is there to serve the children, in doing so, and putting a smile on the faces of these children, it also helps the remaining parent enormously. Of course

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it also provides parents the opportunity to share experiences, discuss coping strategies and just generally exchange information without being intrusive. I have never felt pressured to discuss or share information that I wished to keep private; quite the opposite, members are incredibly supportive of one another and some of the children have gone on to make strong friendship bonds whilst living considerable distances

“Although the charity is there to serve the children, in doing so, and putting a smile on the faces of these children, it also helps the remaining parent enormously.” apart. In an era where so many youngsters communicate via some form of on-line application or social media, the experiences and natural friendships formed through the FCT are invaluable and will undoubtedly help them learn the importance of “real” communication.

Having talked about what the emotional benefits are to both children and their parents, how does this all happen?

Over the year, the FCT, through Denny, arrange various trips for the children.

Since our time there, these have varied tremendously but have included a 5 day PGL outward bound course, a trip to the House of Commons and No 10 Downing Street, a flying day at RAF Benson, an opportunity to attend a STEM day at RAF Scampton with the unexpected treat of meeting the Red Arrows and joining them for their aircrew brief prior to conducting a flying display, and worthy of a special mention are the annual Christmas Parties in London.

In addition to the above, the FCT can also offer those families in need of a break, the opportunity to spend a week in their timeshare apartment in Spain. Using money left to the FCT in a legacy, Denny has also established a fund to provide assistance with meeting the cost of “educational” needs.

This could be as simple as a request for help with buying school uniform, funding a school trip or paying for transport if a child is not covered by Local Authority support. It could be more complex in that the request may not necessarily be deemed “essential” such as a new laptop or ballet lessons. It is with thanks to the existence

of this fund and the FCT trustees that our son Jack has been able to pursue his love of gymnastics and represent the West Midlands at the Nationals this year, something that I could not have been able to do on my own.

It is difficult to pinpoint a particular highlight of being a member of the FCT; there are so many, but I think if you were to ask the children, they would respond that their recent attendance at the Royal Variety Performance would be fairly high on the list!

I appreciate that the early months of grief for many are just so consuming that the thought of joining something remotely connected with the military may be a step too far. The idea of surrounding yourself with other grief stricken people when you really don’t want to accept your new situation would be the worst thing imagineable, however it may just prove to be the answer to one of your prayers, it certainly was for us.

Details of the Forces Children’s Trust can be found on Facebook, www. forceschildrenstrust.org or by contacting Denny Wise on 01737 361077.

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Contact Julie to find out more

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baby Aveeno range it was only available in America but as luck would have it some of the products are now stocked in Boots – hurrah.

range is perfect. Creating loads of bubbles and lightly scented this does not irritate or dry her skin out and is nearly all natural.

We’ve been using this for a while in a warm bath (heat doesn’t help) and this nonscented, creamy body wash for face and body leaves her skin super soft afterwards before we moisturise her. It’s an emollient and contains natural oatmeal so it leaves a creamy film over her body that prevents her skin from drying out.

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W

ho doesn’t love a new beauty purchase? I for one am a sucker for a pretty beauty product so when the opportunity to baby beauty shop came about I was giddy – with so much loveliness out there it’s hard not to get excited. However, a matter of weeks into her short little life Daisy developed eczema – it’s not uncommon in babies but miserable for her and painful for us to watch. With no known cure, prevention is key, so Daisy already has a stealth collection of tried and tested toiletries and lotions. Unfortunately a lot of the ranges avaialble available for babies can be harsh on their sensitive skin. Now I’m no beauty expert but given this is such a common problem for little ones I thought I would share a few of the products we are currently using and loving*…

Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Wash available at Boots

After altering our washing powder and trying plenty of prescribed potions a friend mentioned Aveeno to me as it had worked for her little one.

At the time we discovered the

Just for Families 5 2017.indd 64

Burt’s Bees Nourishing Baby Oil available at Burtsbees.co.uk

Before dressing her in the morning I apply this product and it smells delicious. The apricot and grape seed oil helps to moisturise her but doesn’t leave a greasy residue so we can put her clothes on soon after (something we have to do quickly as the fresh air makes her really itchy). We have most of this range (it came highly recommended) and alternate between the Burt’s Bees bubble bath and the Earth Baby one above. I have the Mama Bee version of this oil and have been applying it to my skin since Daisy arrived so I can definitely vouch for it.

Sadly it’s not available here but it is on Amazon and I would highly recommend.

Earth Friendly Baby Soothing Chamomile Bubble Bath available at Waitrose

I recently learned that chamomile is another natural remedy for eczema and sensitive skin so the Earth Friendly Baby

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Pure Potions Skin Salvation available at Holland & Barrett

A make up artist friend recently suggested this so we have only been using it a short while. but it appears to be helping when she’s particularly itchy on warmer days. Created by a mum with an itchy allergy prone child this remedy was born in her kitchen. The rich beeswax formula works to create a barrier so the skin underneath can heal. (It is recommended that you patch test this product before using.)

Since writing this piece we discovered Daisy is allergic cow’s milk. From this we then established that any diary I was eating was having an adverse effect on her when she breastfed and contributing to the eczema rash all over her body. Within weeks of stopping breastfeeding and changing to a dairy free formula Daisy’s skin healed up significantly which is a huge relief but she’s still prone to itchiness in classic eczema prone spots such as behind her knees and the inside of her elbows. Oddly enough we’ve noticed it flares up when she’s teething too so we still use

products that are kind to her skin so as not to aggravate it.

I’d love to hear from you so if you have any suggestions that are good for a baby with sensitive skin please share your tips and tricks.

Happy Shopping x *For babies with sensitive skin it is recommended that a patch tested is carried out on a small area of skin before applying any of these products

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s e i g r e All

It is estimated that as many as half of UK children are diagnosed with

an allergic condition. With so many

families being affected, it is becoming more and more essential that both adults and children are educated on the dangers of allergies, but also how they can be managed. We hear how one mum whose son has a peanut allergy, had a lightbulb moment that is helping raise awareness of this potentially life-threating condition.

For most parents, giving a son or daughter their first taste of ice cream would be a happy, albeit messy, moment which the family would treasure.

For Caroline Brown, a mumof-two from Streatham, South London, giving her baby son Callum his first taste of this popular treat was a terrifying experience which resulted in him being rushed to A&E and drastic changes being made to their lifestyle.

The family was on holiday in Doha when Callum had his first taste of ice cream. But no sooner had he tried it than he began screaming uncontrollably, his complexion turned to red and he began burning up.

Panicking, Caroline tried to give him paracetamol, but he was having difficulty breathing making it impossible to medicate him. Instead, she called

on the rise

emergency services and Callum was rushed to hospital.

sensitive skin and she had avoided using products with fragrances.

Caroline’s little boy, it emerged, had suffered what is known as anaphylactic shock in response to an allergy to tree nuts and peanuts. The seemingly innocuous ice cream contained one of these ingredients.

What’s more he would reject certain foods, such as baked beans, which are part of the legume family. It transpired, Callum had a ‘cross reactivity’ – where proteins in one type of food are so similar to those in another they trick the immune system into thinking it is the same ingredient. Legumes are a member of the peanut family.

At the hospital Callum was administered with adrenaline before being given a series of tests which revealed his allergy.

It was not something Caroline, who also has an older son, Kameron (now 16), had come across before. Although she had heard of people having allergies and had a family history of eczema and asthma there were certainly no problems with foods.

“I listened to all the advice during my pregnancy,” she explained, “and excluded nuts from my diet. This is why I never thought twice about giving Callum his first ice cream. I was so surprised he was allergic to nuts!”

But after the diagnosis, Caroline’s mind began to recall events which might have provided clues to his allergy.

For example, as a baby Callum had

Back home, Caroline took Callum to the GP, who referred him to an allergist and consultant.

This gave Caroline a better idea of exactly what Callum was allergic to and how she could cope with his condition.

“They informed me that a mild allergic emergency antihistamine should be made readily available at home,” Caroline said.

She was also given advice on alternative medication, adrenaline, and told she must keep an autoinjector pen (sometimes known as an EpiPen, which is a brand name) with Callum at all times.

But it wasn’t just a case of keeping medication handy.

Caroline also had to make lifestyle changes – managing Callum’s food, altering his diet and searching out substitute ingredients.

To ensure there were no allergens that could harm Callum, Caroline had to read labels on food and other household items.

Food labelling laws require

manufacturers to declare the presence of 14 major allergens in bold so it is obvious if items pose a risk.

But with an older son in the house too, it wasn’t possible for the home to be entirely nut free. So Caroline had to employ a meticulous regime of surface cleaning and handwashing. What’s more everyone was encouraged to use separate crockery, cutlery and chopping boards for different foods and to cover food to avoid cross contamination.

Outside the home there were many risks too. For example, when Callum was invited to friends’ homes.

“It was important,” said Caroline, “for me to teach my family, friends and anyone whom Callum was in the care of to know how to respond to his allergies and what to do in case of an emergency.”

She has given close friends’ parents and family demonstrations of how to use the auto-injector pen. She has taught her son Callum, who is now 7, to recognise his symptoms and how to use his allergic medicine.

“Callum, family, friends, as well as his school, always prepare for an emergency and so his allergic medication is at easy reach,” said Caroline.

Despite taking control and putting tools in place immediately to support her son’s

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condition, Caroline admits she felt confused about what had happened, and was particularly concerned about telling Callum he couldn’t eat all the things his friends did. How would simple things like sharing a packet of sweets with friends be possible?

She said: “Essentially, I thought how will my son cope with having an allergy and live life like any other child without an allergy?

“My fear was driven by wanting to protect him, not only from the allergens, but from his social environment. Particularly his school life as well as playdates, where it involves handing over the responsibility of your child’s allergens to someone else.

“The first thing that comes to mind is that you don’t want your child to feel different and be treated differently because he or she has an allergy.”

Above all, Caroline felt there needed to be more education to help remove these concerns for all children to ensure it didn’t damage their social and emotional wellbeing.

“I soon realised,” she said, “that it wasn’t just parents and adults in a position of care who needed informing but the children themselves, and their friends, in order to promote understanding and acceptance.”

Caroline, who has a professional background in working with children having been a social worker and a child counsellor as well as an active member of the Youth Justice Referral Panel,

Just for Families 5 2017.indd 67

chose to ‘become proactive’ – a move partly driven by Callum’s allergy, but also by her work.

She decided to write a book, focussed on allergies but with a serious message and began penning Nutti the Squirrel Who Couldn’t Eat Nuts.

“Nutti the Squirrel was created,” explained Caroline, “because despite his name and destiny, defined by nature, it’s ironic that he cannot eat nuts.”

“I wanted children to be able to say and understand some of the words which they would hear relating to their allergy, such as ‘histamine’ – illustrated by a snake.”

Like many authors, Caroline fell in love with her character and was able to visualise his physical appearance, personality and thoughts as well as his emotions and relationships. She even had a Nutti the Squirrel mascot made up!

Caroline launched her own company, Oswald Publishing, in order the get the book on the shelves and she employed the services of an illustrator to create a book that is appealing to children as well as adults.

Just before it went on general sale in October 2016, it was endorsed

by Allergy UK, a national charity which represents people with allergies, food intolerances and chemical sensitivity, and was also given the thumbs up by Anaphylaxis Campaign.

Caroline said the book has been described as a fun storybook for parents to read with their young children as well as for nursery and primary school teachers and extended families.

Nutti has been well-received by the public and has attracted the interest of some companies which manufacture nut-free goods.

There is even a Nutti the Squirrel nut-free chocolate bar in the pipeline.

But the biggest endorsement of all for Caroline has been from her own children who, she said, are incredibly proud of their mum.

As we wrote this article, Caroline was planning a tour, in which she would visit schools to promote the book and its very important message. Caroline is particularly keen to raise awareness in schools, where she believes there is much work to be done in supporting children with allergies.

as a health educator. So, most often teachers depend mainly on information given by their parents or the allergic child.

“It shows that a lot still has to be done in the school environment to reduce exposure to students to allergic risks.”

In the meantime, Caroline advises parents of children with allergies to speak to their child’s teacher, nursery or anyone else who cares for them about their condition – even giving them a copy of Nutti the Squirrel – to help them understand more about managing the allergy.

Caroline added: “I hope this book appeals to everyone as it is not only for children with allergies but also their friends.

She said: “Many early years providers and schools have nutfree policies in place to prohibit children sharing food.

“My advice to any parent is to listen when your child has an obvious dislike or reacts to a particular food, especially the known allergens.

“Hopefully, schools adhere to good practice and have a list of special dietary requirements for each child displayed clearly where food is being prepared.”

“This may not be due to them being fussy, it may be something that needs to be listened to and explored.”

“Unfortunately, some schools no longer have a full-time nurse and, if they do, they are not there

For more information visit NuttiTheSquirrel.com or visit http://www.cantputitdown.co.uk/ nutty-the-squirrel-caroline-brown.html

12/04/2017 15:09

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M

anaging

eltdowns

It’s the moment we all dread as parents – when our child’s emotions spiral out of control and they have the dreaded tantrum! But far from seeing these meltdowns as a product of bad parenting, we could actually be using our toddler’s tantrum as a learning opportunity…

Here we look at how to manage tantrums and how to turn them into positive parenting experiences.

“An uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration” is the dictionary’s definition of a “tantrum”. To anyone who has been through the storm that is a toddler on full-throttle tantrum mode, this description might seem like something of an understatement.

For nothing – and let’s face it, we’ve overcome challenges galore in the armed forces – can really prepare a parent for the sheer force that is a toddler meltdown.

It’s as heart-wrenching as it is tiring. It’s as baffling as it is torturous. And then there’s all those onlookers and passers-by who seem to be judging us on our terrible parenting skills. It takes all of our determination and composure not to have a full-on meltdown ourselves.

But there is some good news for anyone currently thinking they are ‘losing’ at parenting because of toddler meltdowns. It turns out, tantrums are normal.

And, not only are they normal, but they are a very important process for children to go through in order to develop into well-balanced, sociable and happy grown-ups!

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pain from teething or an ear or throat infection or being chesty or teething.”

Sarah Beeson, a former health visitor and author of Happy Baby, Happy Family, explained that tantrums are supporting our children with their emotional development.

Making sure your child has filling meals – especially a good breakfast - and regular drinks could reduce many windows of tantrum opportunities. There’s a good reason why so many parents keep snacks in their bag!

“It’s a learning process,” she said.

“Tantrums are helping a child to cope with feelings that are flooding into them – frustration, annoyance, anger. They go off like a pressure cooker because everything’s too much! But, it really comes down to the fact it’s a learning process.”

And if your child’s tantrums seem more frequent than normal or are more prolonged it might be worth checking their temperature or seeing your GP or health visitor to check they are not ill.

Sarah believes that the way parents handle tantrums, and the build-up up to them, can have a very powerful effect. It’s just a case of understanding why your toddler is having the meltdown and not punishing yourself as a parent.

With this in mind we have compiled some tips on how to manage your child’s emotions and hopefully reduce or even avoid completely the dreaded tantrum.

Meeting Your Child’s Emotional Needs

Divert Them If you notice the tell-tale signs of a tantrum brewing, the eventual eruption can often be quelled by diverting your child’s attention.

By being aware of these rights and needs, Sarah said, and having them in your mind during the tantrum it will really help you approach the meltdown from a mindset which is far more likely to help your child and reduce, rather than escalate, the anger.

Don’t Take It Personally

All children have physical, social and emotional needs and the latter is incredibly important when dealing with tantrums.

Sarah describes emotional needs as love, security, praise and recognition, the chance of new experiences and the need to take responsibility.

As we have already mentioned – tantrums are a learning experience for our children.

In fact everything they do is helping them to learn and understand the world around them. They learn through play for example.

Alongside this, however, she includes your child’s rights – and this is crucial. “Your newborn baby has equal rights to you and you are the custodian of those rights” said Sarah.

The difference with tantrums is that because of their very nature, because they are loud and tearful, we as mums, dads and carers see a meltdown as an insult to our parenting.

“When we have to help our child to overcome whatever difficulties – annoyances, temper tantrums being one of them – we have to have in the back of our mind that this child does have rights, you can’t just impose your will or treat someone in a way you wouldn’t dream of treating another person.”

Sarah explained: “You think you are doing something wrong.

But, no, you are not doing something wrong – your child is learning how to cope with the frustrations and the anger and the annoyances and the feeling out of control that’s going to be terribly useful when they get older.

“And actually handling it, not feeling upset and annoyed and belittled in your parenting skills, not feeling you are the problem and you’re to blame can help to manage the tantrum,” added Sarah.

The fact is that nearly all children will have temper tantrums. Instead of feeling a failure when your child has one, think to yourself that it is another opportunity for your child to learn. Use it as window of opportunity to support your child’s development.

Address Any Physical Needs Although we need to ensure our children’s emotional needs are covered, sometimes a tantrum can be easily avoided by dealing with one of our toddler’s physical requirements.

How many times have you felt a bit ratty because you need something to eat or because you are thirsty?

Sarah said: “Often when a child has a tantrum they are dehydrated, hungry or in a bit of

If you are indoors, suggest in an excited voice that they come and look at, for example, a book.

If you are out, try showing them something in a shop.

It doesn’t matter how you distract the child, the crucial factor is to include yourself in the diverting activity. Sarah said: “Don’t say ‘you go off and play’ because they won’t do it.You have to be involved for these few minutes.

“If you are involved for those few minutes you might divert it, you might make it less and it might be easier to handle.”

Sarah believes that giving them some attention may be just what they are craving and – even though it might seem inappropriate when your child is about to throw a wobbler – she says giving them a cuddle can be incredibly effective.

“People are surprised when I say this,” said Sarah, “they say ‘why should I give them a cuddle if they are being naughty?’.

“By giving them a cuddle or a loving word you will stop them from being naughty.

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on the floor, kicking, screaming and lashing out.

It’s essential if this happens not to panic and not to worry about anyone else around you (or what they are thinking).

Many childcare experts, Sarah included, believe letting the tantrum run its course is the best way of dealing with it once it’s in action. Provided you reassure your child at the end, when they are usually exhausted and confused after the exertion, by giving them a hug they will not be harmed by the situation.

Children need affirmation, touches, hugs – hundreds a day!

Cuddling can help children learn they are valued and loved and that you are meeting their emotional needs.”

supermarket when they are dehydrated, tired and grumpy and they don’t want to get out of the car seat because they were having a little nod, and you then have to drag them around.”

It’s also important, Sarah said, to blame the behaviour not the child. By using harsh words about the child themselves you can make the child feel unworthy or bad. It’s far more helpful to express disappointment at what they are doing.

“If they are old enough and you have to do the shopping, make a game of it. Let them have responsibility, let them have a new experience.”

Instead of telling them off for being naughty, say “that behaviour is not so good, you’re really good and kind – but that behaviour is not good”.

Set Yourself Up For Your Child To Succeed You may have noticed certain places or situations that are more likely to spark a tantrum in your child than others.

Advice is often to avoid these scenarios – but this isn’t always possible.

Sarah advises, instead, to set yourself up to succeed – or even partially succeed – by taking some very practical and positives steps.

As an example, she explained: “Don’t take your child to the 72

Just for Families 5 2017.indd 72

Sarah suggests, before leaving the house, cut out some labels from their favourite foods to use as a child-friendly shopping list, give them their own bag or basket and let them have responsibility for finding those foods at the supermarket.

You can do different versions of this for different situations. The key is to get them involved in what you are doing.

“If you go in a rush, or if you are feeling grumpy,” said Sarah, “this is not going to be a happy experience. Set your self up to succeed. If you take the trouble and include them they will not feel this is an endurance test.”

Managing Mid-Meltdown There are, of course, going to be times when your best efforts to divert, distract or coax your child away from a meltdown, simply don’t work and they are

If your child, however, is in the midst of a very physical tantrum, it is important to ensure they and others are safe. “If a child is on the floor, and there are obstacles that they could hurt themselves on,” Sarah said, “you are going to put some cushions around, you are going to talk in a gentle voice, you are going to try and do some deep breathing yourself and try and keep calm.

Don’t shout!”

If things really escalate and your child seems uncontrollable, Sarah advises either removing the child from the situation or removing the situation from the child.

A child having a tantrum at toddler group following a disagreement with another child can be taken out of the room.

Or, if your toddler has a toy or something else that they are using to lash out with, the object needs to be removed.

If you find yourself in a situation where the child cannot be taken away – on public transport, for example, just do your best to calm your child by putting a hand on them and talking to them in a soothing voice.

Dealing With Judgmental Stares One of the most mortifying consequences of a tantrum is when passers-by show disapproval, either by making unhelpful comments about your parenting, giving ‘a look’ or tutting.

In all these situations ignore, ignore, ignore! If you feel you really must say something, avoid aggressive “what are you looking at?” statements (as tempting as they might seem). Sarah suggests, instead, making comments such as a breezy “sorry, we are just having a bit of a meltdown here” or “it’s a phase we are going through”.

As a health visitor and parent herself, Sarah is adamant that unsympathetic and judgmental people are not something you should be worrying about.

“That’s their problem,” she said, “I wouldn’t give in to other people’s views.”

Sarah believes you should instead focus on being calm, ensuring your child’s safety and – most importantly – giving yourself a pat on the back for your superb parenting!

“Give yourself credit,” Sarah said, “tell yourself ‘I can handle this’. I might not have done it perfectly the first time but we improved this time – it’s getting better!”

And it will get better… with some confidence, a strong mindset and a few deep breaths, you can do this!

Sarah Beeson MBE, is the author of parenting book Happy Baby, Happy Family and two memoirs The New Arrival and Our Country

Sarah added: “If you can do it without being a sergeant major, it rather helps. Don’t fan the flames. If you can do this it will be over rather quickly – it might feel like ages, but it’s usually a minute or two.”

Nurse about her career as a nurse and a health visitor.

Sarah is also mum to Amy and grandmother to five-year-old Ava. You can connect with Sarah on social media or visit her website sarahbeeson.org

12/04/2017 15:09

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The Cumbrian Challenge Cumbrian Challenge Supports Fix The Fells perfect example of responsible fundraising and really helps Fix the Fells keep the fell paths repaired and maintained.

We are undertaking work on some of the many paths around Grasmere this year and next, particularly following the damage caused by the December 2015 floods. Our thanks go to all the organisers of this event.”

T

he Cumbrian Challenge is Walking With The Wounded’s fun and testing, annual fundraising event in the Lake District for teams of four.

Every team that takes part supports another wounded veteran back into work and independence. Teams can tackle one of three routes, “Peak” (1 peak, 16km), “Tough” (3 peaks, 23km), and “Tougher” (4 peaks, 29km).

The event, presented by BAE Systems, brings more than 600 people to the Lake District every year in aid of vulnerable veterans. As part of being a responsible event organiser Walking With The Wounded makes a contribution to Fix the Fells in recognition of the impact the event has on the Lake District paths which get used.

Manager of Fix the Fells, Joanne Backshall, which is a partnership project led by the National Trust and the

Lake District National Park said: “We are very grateful to Walking with the Wounded for pledging a donation to fix the Fells from their popular 2017 Cumbrian Challenge event. It is wonderful that they raise so much for their own excellent cause but also recognise their event has an impact on the Lakeland fells and make a contribution towards their upkeep. This is a

Walking with the Wounded’s Partnership and Events Manager, Andy Sloan said: “The Cumbrian Challenge is an important event for us and is growing year on year thanks to the phenomenal support of our participants. While the event brings significant business to Grasmere and the local economy and raises a serious sum for wounded veterans we are conscious of

our environmental impact and are always looking at ways to minimise this by working with local partners like Fix the Fells.”

To celebrate the fifth year of the event, participants brave enough to take on the Tough and Tougher courses will head for ‘Hel’ and back, conquering Helvellyn - at 950m the third highest point in England and the Lake District behind Scafell Pike and Sca Fell.

At the summit of Helvellyn, the communications infrastructure experts from Arqiva - will man a ‘summit selfie station’ where, using satellite technology, they will provide stable and secure access to the internet to post photos or videos of participants’ big moment to social media.

Andy Sloan, Events Manager, Walking With The Wounded, said: “Not everyone can climb a mountain so we are always looking at ways to make our events accessible to all. Arqiva’s technology will allow friends and family to join in the views and sense of achievement in scaling one of the UK’s iconic summits. Whether the weather will play ball is anyone’s guess but this will hopefully engage a lot more people in the event and its outcomes, supporting vulnerable veterans.”

For more information and to sign up a team, visit www.wwtw.org.uk

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er Majesty The Queen has given permission for a unique new walking challenge at Balmoral Castle to mark Armed Forces Day next summer.

The ‘Balmoral Challenge’, organised by military charity Walking With The Wounded, will see up to 100 teams of four compete over one of three mountainous routes on HM The Queen’s estate in the Cairngorm National Park - with each team supporting a vulnerable veteran to regain their independence and reintegrate into society.

Teams will meet and compete against the charity’s beneficiaries from across Scotland and hear first-hand how they have overcome physical, mental and social injuries such as homelessness to get back into work and independence.

Duncan Slater from Muir of Ord near Inverness lost both his legs serving in Afghanistan when his vehicle hit an IED. He recovered to become the first double leg amputee to ski to the South Pole as part of WWTW’s South Pole Allied Challenge in 2013 and helped recce the routes for the Balmoral Challenge ahead of its launch – challenging others to get involved.

He said: “The area is stunning and finishing in front of the castle is very special. It will be a great way for people to show their support for our veterans and have a really memorable experience at the same time.

Everyone has their own challenges and fitness levels but it’s important people have a goal to work towards and this will be a fun one to take on as a team.”

The challenge celebrates the history of the estate with the three routes making the most of the historical landmarks which dot the map. It will include a ‘big’ route of 33km which climbs over three Munros, a ‘thinking’ route calling on teams

The Balmoral Challenge Mark Armed Forces Day at Balmoral New ‘charity challenge’ event at Balmoral Castle on Armed Forces Day 2017 The ‘Balmoral Challenge’ will support 100 more vulnerable veterans Scottish double amputee challenges you and your firm to get involved to think strategically and pick up as many points as they can within a set time limit and a ‘family’ route for over 12s in the forests above the castle.

Balmoral Estate Factor, Richard Gledson, said: “We are delighted to be working with Walking With The Wounded on what will be an exciting new event helping to raise funds to support our wounded servicemen and women. We look forward to welcoming all the participants to Balmoral and to getting our very own Team Balmoral into training!”

Walking With The Wounded CEO and Co-Founder Ed Parker said: “We are very honoured to have this wonderful opportunity. Our programmes have expanded to support more

and more Scottish veterans, and we work in partnership with a number of other military charities in Scotland. We hope this challenge will inspire more people to come and meet our beneficiaries, be inspired by their determination despite adversity and to test themselves and their teams in the hills for a very worthy cause, helping us raise a significant sum of money to further expand the services we offer.”

Walking With The Wounded was set up in 2010 by former army officers Ed Parker and Simon Dalglish after Ed’s 26-year-old nephew lost both legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2009. Last year it staged the “Walk Of Britain”, which saw four wounded Brits and two wounded American

veterans walk 1,000 miles across the UK, starting from the Glenfiddich distillery in Dufftown and finishing at Buckingham Palace, to raise funds and awareness for the charity.

The charity’s expeditions are all funded entirely by corporate sponsorship, with fundraising going to its programmes supporting vulnerable veterans who have been physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged by their service.

The charity assists them in gaining independence through new long-term careers outside of the military. This includes providing support to homeless veterans and veterans in the Criminal Justice System.

Entries for the Balmoral Challenge are now open.

For more information on the challenge, or to sign up, please go to www.wwtw.org.uk 75

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Liverpool, 7-9 July 2017

If you’re a lover of all things designer, head to the beautiful St George’s Hall, where you can shop must-have designer collections, listen to inspiring trend reports, witness designer catwalk shows from Sorapol and Liverpool’s very own Philip Armstrong, and enjoy intimate ‘audiences with some of the most recognised names of the fashion and beauty industry. Experts on hand include Hilary Alexander OBE, Antonia O’Brien and Glamour magazine’s editor Jo Elvin.

Get ready to experience a fashion and beauty event like no other…

British Style Collective presented by The Clothes Show, in association with Alcatel, will descend upon Liverpool for the first time this July to host a three-day, citywide fashion and beauty festival like no other… and you won’t want to miss it!

Taking place 7-9 July 2017, the hotly anticipated event will take over some of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks for a celebration of all things fashion, beauty, fitness, health, celebrities, industry experts and education in the creative arts, along with a jam-packed programme of vibrant nightlife, entertainment and music across the city into the early hours.

Pave your own career path in the industry with a visit to the show’s Creative Hub, a one-day pop-up event taking over the Baltic Triangle on Friday 7th July. Hear from industry insiders as they share insider tips and host a series of fun, interactive workshops for students, as well as unveil the next generation of ‘ones to watch’ in fashion design, photography, journalism, art and film.

At the heart of the action, the city’s hit music station Capital Liverpool will host the iconic Alcatel Fashion Arena for two show-stopping performances each day in its new home, Echo Arena Liverpool. Capital Liverpool presenters will be on hand to get the crowds roaring with an exclusive set before welcoming models and dancers to the stage for an hour-long fashion-meetsmusic spectacle, Rock the Runway, styled by the TIGI International Creative Team.

The impressive arena will also showcase the hottest looks on the high-street this summer in a dedicated trends report brought to you

by Liverpool ONE, where you can then shop the looks straight from the catwalk.

Inspired by the magical designs of a bygone era? Celebrate the very best in vintage fashion as HemingwayDesign presents Fine Tuned in the historic setting of Albert Dock Liverpool, featuring fiercely independent designer makers, street food vendors, vintage traders and performers.

With all this and more to be revealed, British Style Collective is not to be missed from your calendar this summer!

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! Just for Families has teamed up with British Style Collective in association with Alcatel, to offer two lucky readers and their plus ones the chance to attend Britain’s biggest fashion and beauty festival.

To be in with a chance of winning, send your name, telephone number and address either via email to competitions@forcespublishing.co.uk or in the post to: Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northants NN10 0RU. Closing date 12/06/17.

If you are picked you will receive a FREE pair of tickets for Friday 16th June 2017. What are you waiting for?

Send your entry today.

Sound like the ultimate treat for you and your fashion-savvy friends? Here’s what to expect...

Whether in search of summer wardrobe must-haves or the latest hair and beauty products, visitors can expect a truly immersive shopping experience. River Island, Oasis, Elemis, Andrew Collinge, Monsoon and Accessorize will join a line-up of more than 300 high-street, online and boutique brands in Exhibition Centre Liverpool. A whole host of new and luxurious feature areas will add to the shopping buzz, including the Expert Studio and Digital Catwalk & Bubbles Bar courtesy of the show’s official drinks sponsor, Halewood Wines & Spirits.

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For more information, visit www.britishstylecollective.com Don’t forget to follow British Style Collective on Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest show updates.

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usic fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town! Seen by over one million people throughout the world & recently performed at the Royal Variety Performance 2016 party.

Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience.

Celebrate the sound of a generation as the timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and many more are sensationally recreated for you by an exceptionally talented cast and band.

This breath-taking concert spectacular takes you on a musical journey through all your favourite songs, including: Ain’t No Mountain, Signed Sealed Delivered, Grapevine, Get Ready, Dancing In The Streets, My Girl, Blame It On The Boogie, Uptight, Endless Love, My Cherie Amor, All Night Long, Heatwave, I’m Coming Out, Loco In Acapulco plus many more.

MOTOWN THE MAGIC OF

Celebrating the Sound of a Generation 78

At Salisbury City Hall on Saturday 24th June 2017 at 8:00pm | Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7TU Box Office: 01722 434434 www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

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Book your tickets now and Reach Out for The Magic of Motown!

M

usic fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town! Seen by over one million people throughout the world & recently performed at the Royal Variety Performance 2016 party.

Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience.

Celebrate the sound of a generation as the timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and many more are sensationally recreated for you by an exceptionally talented cast and band.

This breath-taking concert spectacular takes you on a musical journey through all your favourite songs, including: Ain’t No Mountain, Signed Sealed Delivered, Grapevine, Get Ready, Dancing In The Streets, My Girl, Blame It On The Boogie, Uptight, Endless Love, My Cherie Amor, All Night Long, Heatwave, I’m Coming Out, Loco In Acapulco plus many more.

MOTOWN THE MAGIC OF

Celebrating the Sound of a Generation At Salisbury City Hall on Saturday 24th June 2017 at 8:00pm | Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7TU Box Office: 01722 434434 www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

Win Tickets!

We are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to see ‘The Magic of Motown’ Simply answer the following question...

Can you finish the title of this famous Motown hit ‘Blame it on the ...’ and address either via email to Send us your answer, along with your name, telephone number Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, competitions@forcespublishing.co.uk or in the post to: 0RU. Closing date 12/06/17 Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northants NN10

Win tickets to see The Magic of Moto wn!

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