FREE • FROME AND WEST WILTS EDITION • ISSUE 39 • APRIL 2017
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WELCOME Director Tina Veater 07834 542955 | tina@ignyte-uk.co.uk Editorial Team Tina Veater info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Advertising Team Zoe Jenkins Theresa Saadeh Jane Groves 01761 410141 | info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Graphic Designer Pamela Evans Published by Ignyte Media Ltd Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset Business Address: Ignyte Media Ltd, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH 01761 410141 info@ignyte-uk.co.uk While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in the publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Ignyte do not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher. Distribution: We deliver to 9500 families through primary schools and other outlets in Frome and West Wiltshire and surrounding villages. The next edition is in May & is filling fast.
Spring is on the way and this is the time when we start to look forward to lighter nights, evenings in the garden, milder weather and some gorgeous flowers to brighten our day. Easter is not far way and it is always a great time of year to spend time as a family visiting some of our many attractions and enjoying days out. In the center pages of this edition you will find lots of ideas for places to go and things to do over Easter. Don’t miss the What’s On pages too where you will also find a host of events that are taking place throughout April. Easter is the time of year when we eat significantly more chocolate then at any other time of year. Make sure that you limit the amount of chocolate your children eat each day. It is also important that children understand the meaning of Easter, let them read the piece on pages 6 and 7 so they have a better understanding of what Easter is really all about. It is ‘Walk to School Week’ in May and you can read all about it in the magazine. This is always the perfect opportunity to leave the car at home and enjoy the early morning sunshine while strolling to school with the children. It is also recognized that children are more ready to learn when they have had some morning exercise, so if the walk is to not too onerous, maybe it is something you can do everyday? I certainly hope that the spring will bring some sunshine for us all to enjoy. Have a wonderful Easter break and enjoy as much time outside in the fresh air as you can.
Tina
Hey Magazine
@hey_tweeter
www.familymatters-uk.co.uk
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HATS ON FOR BRAIN TUMOUR RESEARCH! W
ear A Hat Day returns on Friday 31st March 2017 for the eighth year and it will be bigger, bolder and HATTIER than ever before with new celebrity ambassadors backing the campaign, including Debbie McGee, John Newman and Ed Balls, and new ways to get involved. Debbie McGee, who lost Paul Daniels to a brain tumour in March last year, has teamed up with the charity Brain Tumour Research to produce a special ‘Rabbit in a Hat’ badge as a tribute to the great magician. Ed Balls, Sheila Hancock CBE, Linda Robson, Sarah Beeny and Dr Dawn Harper will be featuring in the Wear A Hat Day advertising campaign. Singer, songwriter and record producer John Newman, currently awaiting treatment for his second brain tumour, will also be raising awareness of the disease in the run-up to Wear A Hat Day. Focused on raising funds and awareness, the charity has partnered with Hobbycraft, the UK’s largest craft retailer, for their 2017 Wear A Hat Day campaign. Stores up and down the country will be running free in-store events and donating a percentage from sales of their exclusive Brain Tumour Research ‘Pink Glitter Side Hat’ to the charity. Hobbycraft’s hat-making workshops will take place between 12-3pm every Saturday in March. Celebrated milliner to rock stars and royalty, Stephen Jones OBE, has created three one-off hats made from Hobbycraft products to celebrate the occasion. Fenwick, the independent chain of department stores, will be supporting the charity for the second year running.
Easter Fun Down On The Farm
Sue Farrington Smith MBE, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Research, said: “Having such influential names embracing this campaign is a game-changing opportunity to raise awareness of this devastating disease and its chronic underfunding. The money raised, simply by having fun with hats, will go towards sustainable research that will bring us closer to a cure for brain tumours.” Wear A Hat Day was launched by the charity Brain Tumour Research and is the culmination of Brain Tumour Awareness Month. The big day will see schools, workplaces, families and individuals across the UK fundraising and taking part in fun events to raise awareness of brain tumours and help fund lifesaving research. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Funds raised through Wear A Hat Day 2017 will develop the charity’s network of world-class brain tumour research centres in the UK. To get involved, or donate, please visit: www.wearahatday.org Or text HAT to 70660 to donate £5* * Texts cost £5 plus network charge. Brain Tumour Research receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payer’s permission. Customer care 01908 867200. Charity no. 1153487 (England & Wales) SC046840 (Scotland).
Saturday the 8th - Sunday 23rd of April 2017
Join us and The Easter Bunny for Easter Egg Hunts, Quizzes & adorable baby animals! see So much to nd me a and do, co fun! join in the
Find us online for more information, events, competitions & more!
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Telephone: (01980) 629 438 Email: info@choldertoncharliesfarm.com Beacon House, Amesbury Road, Cholderton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0EW
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THE BENEFITS OF B VITAMINS WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF B VITAMINS?
There are eight different vitamins in the B vitamin group and all support vital functions in the human body. They are: Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (folic acid) and vitamin B12. B vitamins are integral to keeping our skin, eyes and nervous system working. They also help us to release energy from the food we eat. Vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 are important in the formation of healthy red blood cells. Folate also plays a crucial role in fetal development.
around the mouth. It can also cause depression, confusion, anaemia and lower your immunity to infections. Folate is crucial for pregnant women – too little leaves developing babies at risk from central nervous system defects, such as spina bifida. If you are trying for a baby you should take 0.4mg folic acid from the time you stop using contraception, until week 12 of your pregnancy. Low levels of folate can also cause anaemia, which is characterised by breathlessness and fatigue. A lack of B12 often leads to anaemia, which can cause confusion, depression, irritability, weakness, extreme fatigue and tingling in the hands and feet. Long-term deficiency can cause damage to the brain and nervous system.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN SOURCES?
B VITAMINS AND MENTAL HEALTH
B vitamins are found in natural foods. Many are found in dark green leafy veg, meat, dairy, eggs, nuts and seeds, oily fish, legumes and fortified breakfast cereals (check the labels). Most B vitamins are not stored in the body for future use, so you need to include them in your diet every day.
WHAT ARE THE DEFICIENCY RISKS?
Most people should be able to get enough B vitamins from eating a healthy, balanced diet. If you suffer from dietary diseases such as Crohn’s, do not eat a varied diet or eat a restricted diet (such as vegan) it is worth seeking advice on the supplements you should take. Always consult your GP before adding any supplements to your diet. As B vitamins can help us to release energy, a lack of them in the diet can cause fatigue and general ill health. Some B vitamin deficiency can have other serious implications for the body. A B6 deficiency can cause skin disorders and a rash or cracks
The relationship between the B vitamin group and depression isn’t clear, however it is known that these vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and brain function. It is thought that vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies can increase the risk of poor mental health. The best way to ensure you get enough of these essential vitamins is to eat a varied, healthy diet. Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. If your GP suspects this, they will perform a blood test and then treat you accordingly. It is important to talk to your doctor before you take any B vitamin supplements as too much of certain B vitamins (such as B6) can lead to serious conditions such as liver damage, increased sensitivity to the sun or a loss of feeling in the arms and legs.” Dr Alexandra Phelan is a working NHS GP and Online Doctor with Pharmacy2U. For more information go to www.Pharmacy2U.co.uk.
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ALL ABOUT EASTER I
t’s a fact that for many of us Easter is first and foremost about chocolate. Confectionary eggs and bunnies of every size and colour festoon the shops, while children delight in gathering in as many chocolates as they can from family members. According to some sources, over 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made each year. But dig beneath the focus on sweets and chocolate and there is a wealth of fascinating stories, customs, traditions and science (namely astronomy!) that together explain why we celebrate Easter.
RELIGION
Easter is Christianity’s most important holiday and celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead three days after he was executed. The Easter story is at the heart of Christianity. After Jesus was crucified on the Friday (now known as Good Friday), his body was taken down from the cross, and buried in a cave tomb. The tomb was guarded by Roman Soldiers and an
enormous stone was put over the entrance, so that no-one could steal the body. On the Sunday, Mary Magdalene, followed later by some of Jesus’ disciples visited the tomb and found that the stone had been moved, and that Jesus’ body had gone. Jesus himself was seen that day by Mary and the disciples, and for forty days afterwards by many people. His followers realised that God had raised Jesus from the dead. Christians came to call this the Resurrection. Easter is really an entire season of the Christian church year, as opposed to a single-day observance. Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday, is a time of reflection and penance and represents the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness before starting his ministry, a time in which Christians believe he survived various temptations by the devil. The day before Lent, known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, is a last hurrah of food and fun before the fasting begins.
THE INDUSTRY
In addition to Easter’s religious and cultural significance, it also has a thriving commercial side, as evidenced by the mounds of chocolate eggs and rabbits that appear in our shops each year. The most popular chocolate egg worldwide is Cadbury’s Creme Egg, they first went on sale in 1971. The Bourneville factory can make 1.5 million Creme Eggs every day, 500 million are made each year with one third being exported overseas.
EQUINOX
An equinox is an astronomical event in which the plane of earth’s equator passes through the centre of the sun (in other words, the sun is exactly above the equator), which occurs twice each year, around 20 March and 23 September. On an equinox, day and night are of approximately equal duration all over the planet. The March equinox marks the moment when the Northern Hemisphere starts to tilt toward the sun, which means longer, sunnier days. In the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox is called the vernal equinox because it signals the beginning of spring (vernal means fresh or new like the spring). The September equinox is called the autumn equinox because it marks the first day of autumn.
The week preceding Easter is called Holy Week and includes Maundy Thursday, which commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. The 50-day period following Easter Sunday is called Eastertide and includes a celebration of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Easter has been called a moveable feast because it doesn’t fall on a set date every year, as most holidays do. Instead, Christian churches in the West celebrate Easter on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal (spring) equinox (more info on this in the box below). Therefore, Easter is observed anywhere between March 22 and April 25 every year. Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar to calculate when Easter will occur and typically celebrate the holiday a week or two after the Western churches, which follow the Gregorian calendar.
PAGAN ROOTS
The exact origins of the Easter bunny are clouded in mystery but one thing is certain – he is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. One theory is that the symbol of the rabbit stems from pagan tradition, specifically the festival of Eostre—a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny. Rabbits, known for their energetic breeding, have traditionally symbolized fertility. But the bunny is not the only animal to have an association with Easter and collecting eggs. In Switzerland, Easter eggs are delivered by a cuckoo, and by a fox in parts of Germany.
CALENDARS
The Gregorian Calendar, also known as the Western or Christian Calendar, is the most widely used calendar in the world today. Its predecessor, the Julian Calendar was replaced because it did not properly reflect the actual time it takes the earth to circle once around the sun, known as a tropical year.
ENIGMA SCHOOL OF POTTERY Easter Workshops
Good Friday 14th April
Saturday 15th April Easter Sunday 16th April 10am until 4pm
THE NAME
Similarly, the exact origins of this religious feast day’s name are unknown. Some sources claim the word Easter is derived from Eostre, as mentioned above – a Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility. Other accounts trace Easter to the Latin term hebdomada alba, or white week, an ancient reference to Easter week and the white clothing donned by people who were baptised during that time. Through a translation error, the term later appeared as esostarum in Old High German, which eventually became Easter in English. In Spanish, Easter is known as Pascua; in French, Paques. These words are derived from the Greek and Latin Pascha or Pasch, for Passover. Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection occurred after he went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover (or Pesach in Hebrew), the Jewish festival commemorating the ancient Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt. Pascha eventually came to mean Easter.
Make and decorate an Easter model or pot in clay (£10 including firings) or Choose from a range of ready‐made ceramics to paint your own (items priced individually)
15 Vicarage Street, Frome, BA11 1PX Tel: 07791699770
Find details on www.enigmapottery.co.uk
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30 HOURS FREE CHILDCARE IS MOST DEFINITELY NOT FREE C
harlotte Lucas, Founder and Coowner of Welton Free Rangers talks to us about the governments new plans for childcare. It's an interesting read and especially important for parents looking for childcare. “From September 2017 the Government's promise of 30 hrs "Free" childcare is due to start. This latest initiative alongside the release of a new, poorly thought-out funding formula has meant the Early Years Sector across the country is up arms. They are concerned that the Government's demands will drive down the quality of childcare, discourage highly qualified staff from entering the profession and make their businesses unsustainable. Everyone stands to lose if this scheme is rolled out in September and those set to suffer the most will be children. In the West local nurseries and early years
settings are working hard to collaborate to raise awareness of these crucial issues, through a group called Best For The West. https://www.bestforthewest.com. One member of Best for The West, nursery owner Charlotte Lucas from Free Rangers Forest School Nursery said: "The free childcare hours are far from free. There is a significant shortfall in our hourly going rate and what the government pays us, as a business we can't swallow it for the next four years. Then we must factor in business rates increases, pension pay ins and the increase of minimum wages. Settings will have to cut costs and inevitably it would mean decreasing the quality of childcare and education or driving up costs for those not entitled to funding. Either way we need families to get involved and demand a sensible level of funding from the government or for the government to reverse their promise of free childcare and describe it as subsidised."
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Another member, Clare Crowther from Atelier Nursery in the centre of Bath commented, "Families are coming to us asking to reserve a 30 hrs place for their child or children. Bath & North East Somerset are still unable to tell us our definite funding figure or the terms and conditions under which we must deliver the initiative, there is no way we can plan, forecast or even inform families of the way we'll progress until we have this vital information." To conclude it appears that Early Years Settings across the Southwest desperately want to get on with what they do best, which is providing high quality Early Years Education. But they need the support of families when it comes to understanding the unrealistic demands being made on their businesses and how that might affect the level of education their children access or the additional charges they most likely will incur”
Friday 14th April to Monday 17th April Open 11am to 5pm
Bowood House & Gardens Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ
01249 812102 www.bowood.org Normal Bowood House & Gardens admission apply
WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK J
oin thousands of teachers and children across the country celebrating the benefits walking brings during this year’s Walk to School Week (15 – 19 May). Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking and takes place during National Walking Month each May. Last year, over 14,000 classes took part; that’s around 400,000 children walking to school. Walk to School Week 2017 challenge packs are available and perfect to further encourage children to give walking a go. Each challenge pack contains everything you need to run the five-day walking challenge for a class of up to 30 pupils, including a classroom wall chart, teacher and pupil wall chart stickers, pupil activity diaries and teacher instructions. This year’s challenge will take pupils on an imaginary journey from the dramatic skylines of the city, via rolling countryside, to charming coastal areas. Each day, activities and games will enable pupils to explore key features of each environment, whilst also enjoying the many benefits of a daily walk to school.
Step up the fun during Walk to School Week by taking part in Happy Shoesday. On the Tuesday of Walk to School Week, primary school pupils, parents and teachers across the UK raise money for our walking projects by wearing their happy shoes and donating £1.
Schools become healthier and happier places when children walk to school. Walking to school is a free, accessible and easy way for children to build more activity into the day, helping them maintain a healthy weight, plus physically active children are more alert, ready to learn and achieve better grades than those who are driven.
Shiny, decorated, colourful, cartoon, gorilla feet - whatever gets them smiling on their walk to school. Register your school and we will send you a free fundraising pack, plus all sorts of fun materials to help make running the day a big success. The money raised from Happy Shoesday goes to Living Streets to support the charity’s work with schools, disability groups and local communities, and campaigning work to make UK streets safer for everyone.
A huge 23 per cent of peak-time traffic is made up from those on the school run, so the more children walking, the less congestion and pollution there is on local roads, making school gates a safer place. Despite all these benefits, the number of children walking to school is in serious decline. Just 46 per cent of children walk to school now compared to 70 per cent of their parents’ generation. We want to reverse this decline and prevent the problems associated with inactivity, and Walk to School Week is a great way to start.
Challenge your school to walk every day during Walk to School Week and make a real difference to your children's happiness and wellbeing.
Find out more about Walk to School Week at www.livingstreets.org.uk/walktoschool
SHOP AROUND & SAVE A GRAND! A
lthough it might seem to make sense to shop around, many people are missing a few financial tricks by not taking the time to make sure they are getting the best price for the things they are buying - whether on a day-to-day basis or for special occasions. There are plenty of simple ways to make significant savings on your regular spending that could clear the debt many times over in less than a year. For example, are you getting the best deal on your mortgage? Have a look around, because switching could save literally thousands of pounds. Another regular cost worth looking at is fuel bills. The domestic market is competitive and you can change supplier easily online. You could also have a water meter, particularly if you have a larger home and the family is reducing in size. Most water companies have calculators so you can see if you can save money. When buying food, make a shopping list and stick to it. As a nation we spend money on products we didn't intend to buy -
thanks to the great marketing efforts of the big supermarkets. And is it really worth buying brands or designer labels? Own label products are usually just as good but considerably cheaper. If you do have some branded goods why not sell them? If you haven't used the stuff in your cupboard for over a year, the chances are you never will. Insurance is important but you don't have to keep renewing with the same company year after year. Shop around - you'll be surprised at the possible savings on anything from house and motoring insurance to pet, travel and life cover. Other ways of saving include taking advantage of offers on websites such as Groupon and Wowcher - which have a range of offers every day from hairdressing to fashion, holidays and more. Of course it takes a bit of commitment to look for the best deals but if you are facing the average debt and are prepared to put the effort in, you could clear it within a year and still have everything you wanted.
Mini Flippers session
Opening times
during term time means you can bring your little ones whilst its quieter at a reduced rate
Mon-Thurs 10am-9pm Fri & Sat 10am-10pm Sun 10am-6pm Last bounce starts one hour before close
After Dark Disco’s Birthday Parties, FlipFit fitness classes & special events
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healthy & awesome fun for all the family . fully accessible . no age restrictions . wall to wall trampolines trampoline pyramid . foam pit with two Olympic trampolines . practice your flips dedicated kid’s arena & smaller foam pit . under 5’s can bring a FREE adult with them Free adult Mon - Fri in term time only . refuel in our cafe!
TEN TIPS FOR
THE PERFECT FAMILY DAY TRIP I
t’s Spring! School is out and already the children are bored. Perhaps your ‘big’ holiday is already done and dusted, or is some way off. Either way, it’s time to think about a family day trip. And whether your trip is to a local beauty spot for a picnic or somewhere further afield, be sure to prepare thoroughly for the perfect day out.
PLAN YOUR DAY
Allowing bags of time. The greatest thing you can take – whether sightseeing or getting from A to B – is extra time. Young children love to explore and don’t care for the time pressures of travel, so you’re more likely to all retain your cool if you factor the faffing, toilet stops and, dare we say it, tantrums into your timeframe.
BOOK/RESEARCH AHEAD
If you’re going to a special event, place or restaurant, it pays to book ahead, or check opening hours if this is more relevant. If you arrive at your destination to find you can’t get a seat, need to wait an hour for lunch, the museum is closed on Mondays, or whatever, then tempers will soon flare. And there’s nothing more demoralising than having to hit the road again with tired, hungry children melting down in the backseat. So, where you can, do your homework before you leave home…
BAG OF ESSENTIALS
For going anywhere, even on a very short trip, keep a small bag containing all your essential ‘bits’ - a couple of wipes, tissues, some kitchen towel, sun cream, anti-septic cream, plasters and any prescription medicines/inhalers etc.
INVOLVE THE KIDS
When you’re planning your trip, encourage your children to find out about where you’re going. Let everyone choose one activity, if that is viable, so it’s truly a family trip that involves everyone.
DOCUMENT YOUR TRIP
Hang on to bits and pieces from the day as keepsakes: tickets, brochures, a couple of postcards, etc. Your children can then make create a way to remember their day when they get home – and share their experience at Show & Tell at school or nursery.
LET THE KIDS TAKE SOME PHOTOS
If you have a suitable device or camera, or the kids have their own device, encourage them to take some pictures. It’s another way to get the kids more fully involved with the day, and allows them to record the trip from their perspective, which will be very different from yours!
GET ALL YOUR DUCKS (AND DUCKLINGS) IN A ROW
If you’re going on holiday with another family, make sure you discuss the basics before you go - for example what everyone wants to do, whether you’ll all stick together each day or whether you’ll spend time doing things apart, what you’ll do for meals…
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CONSIDER NEEDS OF TODDLERS AND VERY YOUNG CHILDREN
For young children, even if they are generally good walkers, it’s often a good idea to still take a buggy. It’s always useful for carrying your bags and is good if they need a rest or get tired in a restaurant.
TAKE SOME ACTIVITY STUFF
Whether it’s to cover a long wait in a café for food, or you’re trapped in a delayed train, you never know when you might need to suddenly occupy the kids. So take paper pads and crayons. A must-have for any urban trip!
TAKE HEALTHY SNACKS AND WATER
Similarly, you need to be prepared for any delays to normal mealtimes, so take plenty of healthy (ish) snacks like breadsticks, carrot sticks, grapes, raisins etc. Filling up on sweets and chocolate could mean kids are more likely to get travel sick, or get a sugar rush at an inopportune time.
CHILDREN UNDER 4 GO
FREE
NEW ENCOUNTERS MORE BIRDS BIGGER DISPLAYS Witness world-class flying demonstrations, relish 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow and over 130 birds of prey. An inspiring day out for the whole family.
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CHARITY NO: 1092349
PUZZLES Crossword Find the answers to the questions below and fill in the crossword. 1 2
3
4 5
6
7
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11
Colour me i n !
ACROSS 2. Baby sheep 5. Colour of grass 6. Eating too much will give you tummy ache 7. The season Easter is in 8. Easter is on this day 10. Animal that has large ears and a fluffy tail
DOWN 1. What do you do with an Easter Egg 3. Easter ? What you wear on your head 4. Boiled egg holder 6. Religious symbol 9. Yellow spring flower 11. Hot cross ___
HEY! competitions WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO YEOVILTON AIR DAY RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day on the 8th July is an action packed day out for all the family. Thrilling flying displays will include the Sea Vixen, Red Arrows, Typhoon, Spitfire Hurricane, Lancaster and the Swiss Air Force display team – The Patrouille Suisse. There is also plenty of ground attractions to keep you entertained all day long.
To win, answer this question: What type of aircraft is a Sea Vixen?
WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO THE ROYAL BATH AND WEST SHOW! Over 4 days from 31st May to 3rd June, there are action packed events for all of the family, and a haven for all enthusiasts of rural life. Agriculture is at the heart of the Show with over 4500 Livestock, Sheep Shearing, machinery from the past 100 years and the very latest farming technology. Entertainment is on tap with attractions in the main ring ranging from top class Show-Jumping to the grand parade of prize winning animals, whilst the Living Countryside arena showcases the Great British Countryside.
To win, answer this question: What town is the show held in? HOW TO ENTER
To be in with a chance of winning these fantastic prizes, simply visit www.familymatters-uk.co.uk and click on the Competitions button, complete the form and enter your answers. It couldn’t be easier! Closing date for entries: 28th April 2017
WINNERS FROM THE LAST ISSUE: Amelia Manfield, Darcie Benson, Edward Nielsen, Lily Seaward, Ruby Gaisford, Jessica Brown The13th 13thAnnual Annual The
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LOOKIT COOKIT I
t doesn't take you long to realise that Judy Jackson's attempt at getting kids interacting with food has a very different approach to other cook books. In fact, one look at the 'Un-contents' alone (a list of what isn't in the book) will suffice:
faces thanks to its decidedly unhealthy youngsters, and the constant relationship between edibles deemed to be "fun" and junk, it was only really a matter of time until someone came along with an idea like this.
No long recipes or lists of ingredients you don’t have. No mention of eating five-a-day or hiding vegetables in a sauce. Fruit and the green things are not to be taken like medicine, before you’re allowed dessert. No instructions for making Chocolate Rice Krispies - if you want to get messy fingers there are more exciting things to cook - like Sticky Chicken Wings or Blueberry Pancakes.
So by developing these unique tasks and challenges, which are in themselves recipes, the author has created a somewhat psychological road map to instilling good eating habits in our little ones. Rather than simply being a case of explaining which ingredients need to be mixed in order to serve up a dish, instead they are given an insight into why flavours are the way they taste, various methods of cooking, and how a healthy, mixed diet can be delicious, exciting and doesn't need to involve parental tricks. Thus appealing to their desire for independence.
With that in mind, it's probably best to focus on what Lookit Cookit does offer, which is plenty. Jackson, a food writer herself, has compiled over 25 kitchen games, 130 photos and innumerable hours of research to deliver a publication that aims to do two key things: encourage children to enter the kitchen, and get them interested in food. Not least, what goes into a dish and why those elements may appeal to their palate. The idea presumably being that when people are more aware of what it is they are eating, their diets usually reflect this with a focus on healthier options. Given the ongoing problems Britain
Each "game" comes with a star rating, making it easy to work out the age a child should be in order to take it on. The selection offered ranges from the simplest tasks to preparing an entire three-course meal, the latter best reserved for older youngsters. The final tasting, then, is an addition to the culinary bookshelf that families are likely to revisit time and time again, making for both a worthwhile investment in advance of inevitable rainy days to come, and a shrewd purchase on the part of anyone that wants their kids to understand that they are what they eat.
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April 1
What’s On
1st Easter Egg Hunt at East Harptree Woods Enjoy a walk through the beautiful woods of East Harptree woods searching for clues... and your reward will be chocolate eggs for the children and cakes for the adults. Tickets are £3 in advance for children (£4 on the door) adults are free. Tickets are available from East Harptree shop, the nursery or from committee members. The route is not buggy friendly so backpacks for infants will be required. All in aid of East Harptree Nursery Preschool and Forest School.
April 1 - 17
Easter Trail at Hestercombe The Easter bunny has dropped the contents of his basket around the Hestercombe gardens. Can you find everything that has fallen out? Follow the clues and collect a chocolate treat and an egg to decorate at the end. Trail: £1.50 per child. Normal admission applies.
April 3
Forest School for all the Family, 2pm - 4pm Join in the fun and follow our trail-game along the Sweet Track to discover some of its wildlife and the mysteries of ancient man living on the marshes. For further information and to book a place please contact Julie Merrett by e-mail: julie.merrett@ naturalengland.org.uk or telephone 01458 860120.
April 3
Nature Ninjas at The Bishops Palace Join Amanda in our Community Garden for activities including pond dipping, minibeast hunting, seed sowing and a garden trail.
April 4
Family Fun Day at Carymoor Environmental Centre Join us for 2 hours of crafts, trails and activities as we celebrate the arrival of Spring! Booking essential: For more information or to book a place for your family phone 01963 351350 or e-mail: education@carymoor.org.uk
April 7
Bonnets & Baskets Family Fun Friday at The Bishops Palace. Join our team in the Stable Yard Room for this Easter Holiday Family Fun Friday with a theme of “Baskets & Bonnets.
April 8 - 23
Go Wild - Grow Wild at Farrington Farm Join us for springtime fun throughout the Easter holidays. Make a clay flowerpot, Easter Trail, Farm trailer ride, free entry to Farm Park. Cost £5 per child. 10am - 3pm daily.
April 8 - 23
Lacock Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt The Easter bunnies are visiting Lacock and are having great fun on the Lacock, camera, artists trail around the abbey grounds. Please note that there is a charge of £2.00 per trail, this is on top of the normal admission charge. 10.30am - 5.30pm. Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG.
April 8
Bristol Rocks Rocks, fossils and minerals can tell us the most amazing things about our planet… and they look pretty stunning too! This family Geology Take Over day at the museum is for all ages, with loads to do and see including dressing up, games, tours behind the scenes of the museum and chatting with geologists. Bristol rocks! 11am - 4pm Bristol Museum.
April 12 - 15
Phoenix Keynsham Youth Theatre presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Broadlands Academy, St Francis Rd, Keynsham. Book tickets on 07437 958 046 or e-mail phoenixkyt@outlook.com £10 each for adults or £8 for concessions.
April 13
Holiday Family Fun at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Explore our fabulous collections and exhibitions through creative and hands-on activities. Holiday Family Fun is suitable for 3-10 year olds with accompanying adult.
April 14
Medieval Falconry at The Bishops Palace Join us to welcome the Raptor Foundation for a day of fantastic flying displays, entertaining information and beautiful birds in the romantic setting of the palace.
April 14 - 16
Easter weekend pottery at Enigma Pottery Drop in Pottery Painting or Making 10am until 4pm. Paint a premade pottery piece (prices range from £5 to £50, no studio fee) or make something from scratch (£15 per hour including materials and firings). 01373 452079 jbarton@enigmapottery.co.uk
April 14 - 17
Bowoods Easter Trail Visit Bowood House and Gardens this Easter to take part in an Easter Bunny Trail through the beautiful grounds. Normal House & Gardens admission applies. Complimentary to Season Tickets Holders. 11am - 5pm Bowood House & Gardens, Calne, Wiltshire.
April 15 - 16
Glastonbury Medieval Fayre featuring Knights Jousting, Guns & Cannons Longbow Archery, Medieval Falconry, Melee Battles, Wicker Weaving, Living History Medieval Market, Cafe & Hog Roast, Medieval Tavern, Live Music and Medieval Cookery. Tickets available on the door. 10am - 6pm. Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury.
April 15
See The Gruffalo at West Somerset Railway Join us at the West Somerset Railway for a great family day out at Minehead Railway Station. The Gruffalo will be making personal appearances at intervals between 10am and 4pm.
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News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS
EVENTS
DIARY DATES
YOUR SUCCESSES
LIVE RADIO BROADCAST FOR FROME SCHOOLS Oakfield Academy hosted an internet safety day and welcomed pupils from other Frome area schools to work together to produce a live radio broadcast on Tiger Radio. Children worked collaboratively to record interviews and report articles on internet safety. It was a fantastic and memorable day for all those who participated. A link to the broadcast is available on the Oakfield Academy website www.oakfieldacademy.co.uk.
Go bunnies Addlooking somefor colour to on the Cadbury Egg Hunt at your weekend this Lacock Abbey this Easter
autumn at Gibside
Saturday 8 - Sunday 23 April
How many Easter bunnies can you spot having fun on the Lacock, camera, artists trail around Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover Lacock's abbey grounds? You can claima aforest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking delicious Cadbury treat when you're done. routes for all ages and abilities. £2.00 per trail, normal admission applies.
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#nationaltrust #nationaltrust
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'FUTURES' DAY BY THE UNIVERSITY OF BATH Lucky Oakfield Academy year 8 pupils were invited to a 'futures' day by the University of Bath as part of the universities 'widening participation scheme' to inspire young people to go into further education. Pupils were given a tour of the campus and sporting facilities as well as taking part in numerous workshops and activities to get them thinking about their futures and the different paths they might want to take once leaving school. University staff remarked on the excellent behaviour of our pupils and we were all impressed with the way they contributed to the activities and discussions. A fantastic and informative day was had by all.
HOMEBASE HELPERS Together with a number of their fellow pupils and staff, Oakfield Academy pupils Lily Angell and Gabriella Brown are pictured raising money for the refurbishment of the school's main toilet blocks. The school council requested that they be re-decorated, and the pupils were set the challenge to raise funds for new mirrors and fittings etc. Homebase very kindly allowed the children to do a bag-pack and carry-out service on Saturday, and the pupils raised an incredible ÂŁ416.
COCO MEETS BETH Twelve year old Coco Painter from Oakfield Academy attended a gymnastics camp run by Olympic and World Gymnast, Beth Tweddle MBE, which was held at Baskervilles Gym in Bath. Coco was coached by Beth on the beam, and was lucky enough to have this amazing picture taken during the camp.
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FAMILY LEARNING EVENING Vallis First School held a Family Learning Evening looking at maths and art. The children and their parents enjoyed discovering how to be creative with 2d and 3d shape, multiplication tables, compasses and geometry, reflection and symmetry. No need to worry about maths when it can be so much fun!
WESTWOOD WITH IFORD SCHOOL TAKES TO THE BATH FORUM STAGE! The fantastic dancers of Orchid class at Westwood with Iford School recently took to the stage once again to perform at the annual West Wilts Dance Festival at the Forum in Bath. The children had been expertly trained and encouraged by Karen Hobson, who had put together a fantastic routine. With the penultimate slot of the evening to look forward to, the children dominated the stage, dancing to No Money by Galantis, playing out a story to the Dare to Dream theme for the eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proceedings. The performance was both electric and inspirational, drawing an enormous cheer from the audience, which was so very well deserved and filled the auditorium. All of the children showed such
confidence and made us so proud in the way that they represented our school. Our school was also prominently represented on stage throughout the evening as two of our children were selected to compere the event, introducing each act to the stage and seamlessly linking between acts. We must congratulate Oscar and Freddie who were just incredible, standing on an enormous stage in front of 1000 people to read their script with eloquence, confidence and humour, exciting the crowd and bringing on the cheers. We were all so incredibly proud of both of them and they represented our school with sheer professionalism.
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WESTWOOD WITH IFORD SCHOOL CELEBRATES WORLD BOOK DAY Once again staff and pupils at Westwood with Iford Primary School have all enjoyed immersing themselves in stories to celebrate World Book Day. An assembly to start the day was a wonderful experience and it was so lovely to see how everyone – children, staff and adults – had made such a superb effort to all come as their favourite book character to celebrate this annual event. With everyone from Where’s Wally to Goldilocks and The Boy in the Dress to Harry Potter, all types of books and stories were represented and it demonstrated what a love of reading our school has. In class the fun continued throughout the day, with the staff all having planned some fantastic learning activities for the children, all centred on reading and books. Furthermore, a whole school reading session, with older children pairing with younger children made the day even more special and a special announcement of an extreme reading award has now got everyone thinking how best to create that perfect photo of themselves reading! It was another day to be proud of what we have at our school and a perfect way to mark the occasion. We are already looking forward to next year!
WORLD BOOK DAY AT OAKFIELD Oakfield Academy enjoyed their biggest and most successful World Book Day on the 2nd March. Prizes were given to pupils and staff wearing the most imaginative outfits. Pictured is Mrs Kay EvansBentley (Queen of Hearts) together with winners from Years 5 and 6.
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FROME ROTARY CLUB YOUTH SPEAKS
SELWOOD ACADEMY WINS JULIAN WORT TROPHY!
Well done to Poppy, Theodora and Owen from Selwood Academy who won the Regional heat of the Rotary Public Speaking competition and now go through to the next round. Selwood entered 2 teams and were delighted to compete with 2 teams from Frome College. Poppy was also awarded the coveted ‘best speaker prize’.
Selwood Academy’s year 8 rugby team competed in the annual Julian Wort Trophy match between Oakfield and Selwood. In a tough encounter Selwood’s boys won 25-0. This was a great team performance and a fantastic display of running rugby!
SECOND PLACE FOR SELWOOD GYMNASTS!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MENNA, SAM AND TOM!
Gymnasts from Selwood Academy attended a South West event in Bideford last weekend. They were placed second overall in the Under 11 girls category and they have qualified through to the National Finals as part of the South West Schools team. The four girls, Menna Yr 6, Esme Yr 6, Melissa Yr 6 and Amelie Yr 5, performed brilliantly on floor (2nd) and vault (1st) and were a real credit to the school. The next stage of the competition will be held in March.
Last November over 63,000 children in Years 5 and 6 nationally, including selected children from Selwood Academy, sat the Mathematical Association Primary Maths Challenge. As stated on their website ‘The PMC is a nationwide challenge for pupils who want to get involved in some interesting and stimulating mathematics. It is a test with multiple-choice problems which interest pupils and are mathematical. Aimed at the top 60% of pupils in Years 5 and 6 England and Wales’. Following this stage all children who achieved 76% or more were invited to sit for the next stage which happened on Wednesday 1 February 2017. This is a fantastic achievement for our children and Menna, Sam and Tom are duly congratulated. Well done!
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WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Solace Deneka aged 9 from Oakfield School received her bronze badge and a certificate for accelerated reading, which she worked very hard for. Excellent work Solace.
Oakfield Academy Year 6 pupils Carys McLoughlin and Lana AlAsaad were presented with certificates for being the winners of the 'Championship Times Table Award'. This was a great achievement by both girls and represented a huge amount of hard work on their behalf. Well done to you both.
Oakfield Academy were delighted to present top Year 6 pupils with their Achievement Cups and Certificates at a Praise Assembly attended by parents this week. (L- R) Olivia Lawrence-Greenwood, Chelsie Moyes, Jasmine McAlpine, Daniella Backhurst, Nathaniel Phelps and Sam Hutton.
Carys McLoughlin age 10 from Oakfield Academy, who has been awarded a Green Blue Peter Badge for a project she completed on Bees. This environmental award recognises the knowledge that Carys has gained on the insects and the shelters that she has helped her mum create in their garden. Well done Carys
Mylee aged 9 has achieved a level 3 certificate for beam appartatus proficiency. Keep up the hard work Mylee.
Lachlan aged 8 has won five medals from the Wells swimming championships and one from Midsomer Norton and District swimming gala. Fantastic Laclan, keep up the amazing work.
Archie aged 8 has been awarded his stage 3 swimming certificate. Well done Archie.
Rowan Murtagh, aged 9, has won the Wansdyke District cub Monopoly competition. He is a cub at the 1st Radstock cub group. Well done Rowan.
Herbie Norris in Falcons class aged 7. He was awarded this trophy for playing rugby. Excellent work, Herbie.
Ava Bissex aged 6, took place in her first ever HEY! gymnastics competition and was very successful in winning a gold on floor and a silver overall in her age group. Well done Ava.
Connie aged 9, won first place for her miniature garden at the Girl Guides skills competition. Well done Connie.
Lilyanna aged 10, was awarded a certificate for the best recovery of a fall when performing with the Timsbury Theatre Group. Well done Lilyanna.
Mya aged 10, won second place for baking and vegetable carving and 1st place for her table decoration from the Girl Guides skills competition. Excellent job Mya.