FREE • FROME AND WEST WILTS EDITION • ISSUE 43 • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
Read more at www.familymatters-uk.co.uk
From Monday the 23rd - Tuesday the 31st of October, come in FULL FANCY DRESS (parents & kids!) and recieve HALF PRICE ADMISSION on the door! Join us for ‘Pick Your Own Pumpkin’ throughout half term!
Halloween Wriggly Worms Tea Party! Saturday the 28th of October! Kids entertainment, games, pumpkin carving, food, fancy dress, competitions, disco and much more... Find us online to book tickets today!
www.choldertoncharliesfarm.com Tel: (01980) 629438 Amesbury Road, Cholderton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0EW
events@choldertoncharliesfarm.com
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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 our December/ January 2018 issue & is filling fast.
The first term is nearly over and we hope all the children have settled back into school smoothly and successfully. New teachers, new routines and learning new things can be a stressful time, so make sure you take time out to talk with your children about any worries they may have. All of the Year 6 children and parents will hopefully have made their choices for secondary school. If you have not informed the local authority yet, do so soon as the deadline is the 31st October. This season has so much happening and so many exciting things to look forward to. We have Halloween and Bonfire Night coming soon, an extra hour in bed as the clocks go back at the end of the month and Christmas is just around the corner. If you are taking your children trick or treating, please ensure you only visit properties which are showing willingness to partake in Halloween and be careful not to frighten the elderly. Make sure you take torches with you and avoid secluded areas. Please do not let your children go out on their own. Many places hold Halloween parties or activities and these are always a fun but safe environment. If not, why not hold your own party and invite some friends around. This is also the case with fireworks. Going to an event run by experts is always the safest way to go. Panto season is also nearly upon us and taking children to the theatre for the first time can be a little daunting, so take 5 minutes to read our article with hints and tips about how you can get the best out of this amazing experience for the children. Christmas is a word that will be making more and more of an appearance over the next few weeks and shops have already started to display gift ideas. If you make a start on shopping now, you could save money, not panic buy and hopefully enjoy the week run up to Christmas. Take a look at our article about why being organised for Christmas is a good idea. With the darker, colder nights on the way, children can get bored and restless easily. Make sure you still keep them and yourself active. It's great for your body and soul on the dreary days. Indoor play, swimming, indoor climbing, karting and laser arenas are all fun things to do in the warm and dry. Don’t forget we love to hear from our readers, so do send us any news of what you have been up to or any achievements your children have earnt. They could be the next star in our WOW! section.
Tina Hey Magazine
@hey_tweeter
www.familymatters-uk.co.uk
Call 07825768711
8 Weeks to Walking
WELCOME TO COME TO DROP-INS
18 Months – 2.5yrs
Mondays 1.15pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30am.
2.5yrs – 3.5yrs
Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30am
3.5yrs – School age
Mondays 2pm, Tuesdays + Thursdays 11:30am
Parent participation
DROP-IN PLAYTIMES Mondays 10am-12pm, Fridays 10am-12pm
HOLIDAY SCHOOLS 1.00PM - 3.30PM • £11.50 EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY • DURING ALL HOLIDAYS (EXCEPT CHRISTMAS)
(Subject to cancellation)
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Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 4-4.50pm, Saturdays 9.30-10.20am Tuesdays 4.30-5.20pm (4-6yrs)
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Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 5-5.50pm Saturdays 10.30-11.20am Tuesdays 5.30-6.20pm (6-8yrs)
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Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 6-6.50pm Saturdays 10.30-11.20am
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ADULT GYM
Thursdays 7.30-8.30pm Drop-in Class, £5.00
See booking form in the gym/or book by txt 07825768711 or email libertygymnasticsclub@hotmail.com Payment required when booking. Please bring a drink & snack. Cash/card or bank transfer payments accepted. Appropiate clothing must be worn. Non-members welcome.
PARTY
SCHOOL AGE
GYMNASTICS
Age groups are judged on ability as well as age, gymnasts are moved up a group when we feel they are able and there is space in the appropriate class. Price £6.00 per class. All gymnasts in structured termly classes require a british gymnastics membership. October 2017-September 2018 - £19.
libertygymnasticsclub@hotmail.com Unit D, Vallis Trading Estate, Robins Lane, Frome
1 hour of coached gymnastics & games. 45 minutes for your party tea & free play. In our fully equipped gymnastics centre. All for only £110 for 10 children. Additional children £5.00 each. We supply the venue & coaches, you supply the party tea!
A British Gymnastics registered club with fully qualified BG coaches. Many of our qualified coaches are ex-gymnastics who have a wealth of experience at competition standard. We offer a wide range of gymnastic lessons, from pre-school to adults. We are dedicated to giving all gymnasts the opportunity to fulfil their potential by improving their co-ordination, physical condition and concentration in a friendly and safe environment whilst having fun! Our development program aims to reach national grade level. This program is by invitation only. The coaches will recognise talent in the recreational program and extend an invite to gymnasts for the chance to attend a trial session.
**NEWS FLASH** Development squads 2017 achievements: SOUTH WEST NATIONAL GRADES, MARCH – Liberty entered 12 gymnasts over 3 Grades. Ellie-Mae Kondratowicz in Grade 2 taking 2nd place and represented the South West region at National Finals in May. Sophie Hobbs Simpson in Grade 2 in 5th place and travelling reserve at National Finals. Freya Arnold place 9th overall at Grade 4 out of a field of over 40 gymnasts. SOUTH WEST REGIONAL GRADES, JULY - we sent 21 gymnasts to Regional Grades with 13 achieving distinction & 8 commended. LIBERTY HAVE JUST HELD THEIR 4TH CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS - 160 recreational and development gymnasts competing on floor, vault & trampett. **NEWS FLASH**
www.libertygymnastics.co.uk
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STAYING ACTIVE THIS WINTER T
he importance and need for physical activity in our lives, especially for kids, is a message we hear time and time again. Research continues to prove kids who eat a well-balanced diet and are active for at least 60 minutes a day tend lead a healthier life and perform better academically. As parents or caregivers it’s essential that we do our part to ensure our kids stay active outside of school.
get the physical activity they need, never have to leave the house and have fun doing it!
During the winter months we need to get creative and work hard to ensure that our kids – and we as adults – get the exercise and physical activity that is so important. What to do when the weather outside is frightful and prevents you from enjoying those outdoor activities? Here are a few ideas on how to keep your kids (and yourself) active indoors during the colder and wet months:
Soft play can be life saver for younger children. Many places offer play areas that feature obstacle courses and plenty of opportunity to run and climb. Another option is to visit indoor facilities that offer trampolines, slides, climbing and other interactive games. Go ice skating (or roller skating) – it’s a lot of fun and you can get quite a workout! Make full use of swimming pools during the cold months. Swimming is one of the very best athletic interests to cultivate in your kids, and you can even take advantage of scheduled activities organized by the pool operators.
Places for People Leisure Ltd working in partnership with Wiltshire Council
#ActivePlaces
“Building their confidence.” Intensive swimming lessons, during October half term
www.placesforpeopleleisure.org Bradford on Avon Swimming Pool 01225 862970 Melksham Blue Pool 01225 703525 Contact us to find out more Whatever place you’re into
Trowbridge Sports Centre 01225 764342 Warminster Sports Centre 01985 212946
Westbury Sports Centre 01373 822891
J397841
Interactive video games can help to keep kids moving. Kids can virtually play games like basketball, tennis or baseball. Another favourite is Just Dance – your kids will get quite the workout keeping up with the dance moves on the screen. Kids will surely
Get creative with active indoor games. Set up an obstacle course, build a fort out of cushions and blankets, put together a DIY puppet show or even set up a game of mini golf or mini bowling with bits and pieces from around the house.
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ANTI-BULLYING WEEK: ALL DIFFERENT, ALL EQUAL • Anti-Bullying Week is coming from 13-17 November 2017 • This year the theme celebrates difference and diversity with the tagline: ‘All Different, All Equal’. • It is expected that campaign will be celebrated in over half of schools in England. Martha Evans, Coordinator of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: ‘We’re so excited by the response we’ve had to our plans for AntiBullying Week from young people and schools: this year’s them really strikes a chord with them and they are ready to tell the world that we are all different, and that this should never be used as a reason for bullying.' Get involved at www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk, on Twitter @ABAonline #AntiBullyingWeek #AllDifferentAllEqual, or Facebook www.facebook.com/anti-bullyingalliance
H
alf of schools in England are expected to mark AntiBullying Week 2017 in November, which this year celebrates difference and diversity with the tagline: ‘All Different, All Equal’. Anti-Bullying Week is coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and takes place from 13th - 17th November and, this year, is supported by SafeToNet. Anti-Bullying Week shines a spotlight on bullying and encourages all children and young people, teachers and parents to take action against bullying. The theme this year is 'All Different, All Equal' and aims to empower children and young people to celebrate what makes them, and others, unique, and to understand how important it is that every child feels able to be themselves without fear of bullying.
THE AIMS ARE TO:
• empower children and young people to celebrate what makes them, and others, unique • help children and young people understand how important it is that every child feels valued and included in school, able to be themselves, without fear of bullying • encourage parents and carers to work with their school and talk to their children about bullying, difference and equality • enable teachers and other children’s workforce professionals to celebrate what makes us ‘all different, all equal’ and celebrate difference and equality. Encouraging them to take individual and collective action to prevent bullying, creating safe environments where children can be themselves.
THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN ANTI-BULLYING WEEK 2017:
• Teachers can access free Anti-Bullying Week lesson and assembly ideas, cross curricular activities and other useful resources • Share your Anti-Bullying Week work on social media using #AntiBullyingWeek #AllDifferentAllEqual and tagging @ ABAonline in your posts. • Raise funds for the work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance • Order Anti-Bullying Week merchandise.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL CHILDREN’S BUREAU
The National Children’s Bureau is a leading children’s charity working to build a better childhood for every child. We champion children’s right to be safe, secure and supported, by using evidence and our expert knowledge to influence government policy, and help practitioners to do the best job possible, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people. For more information visit www.ncb.org.uk
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C
GET READY FOR CARNIVAL TIME!
arnivals are the highlight of the year around here, and one of the most exciting displays of amateur entertainment anywhere in the world. There are various organised carnivals every year, some with over a hundred brilliantly lit and decorated floats – ‘carts’, we call them – and exotically dressed performers from the local carnival clubs. The carnivals operate on a circuit, travelling from town to town, so you are sure to be able to catch one near where you are staying. The festive spirit first breaks out in September, and we keep it up during October, with the Guy Fawkes carnivals until late November, just when your spirits need lifting - that’s how carnivals started, as one of these prehistoric ‘winter’s coming, let’s have a festival’ occasions. The ingenuity and design skills of the carnival clubs will take your breath away. Whichever carnival you choose, check the route, arrive early as some roads may be closed, dress warm, be prepared for big crowds and a show lasting several hours. Above all, bring plenty of loose change. It’s all done for charity, and it’s a free show, so give generously. Fri 13 October 7:30pm Wincanton Sat 14 October 7:00pm Castle Cary Sat 14 October 7:30pm Chard Fri 20 October 7:30pm Salisbury Sat 21 October 7:00pm Trowbridge Sat 21 October 7:00pm Taunton Sat 28 October 7:00pm Warminster Sat 04 November 7:00pm Bridgwater Mon 06 November 7:30pm Highbridge & Burnham-on-Sea Fri 10 November 7:15pm Weston-super-Mare Sat 11 November 7:00pm North Petherton Mon 13 November 7:30pm Midsomer Norton Wed 15 November 7:30pm Shepton Mallet Fri 17 November 7:00pm Wells Sat 18 November 7:00pm Glastonbury
Saturday 21st October Procession starts Canal Road 7pm finishes at Cradle Bridge Procession route: Canal Road – The Down – Islington - Timbrell Street - Church Street Silver Street - Market Street - Castle Street and ends at Cradle Bridge Information / entry forms from Maryrose 07866 698278 Or via the email address below
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What’s On October 11 - 30
October 21 - 29
October 13
October 23 - 31
Lacock Abbey Sorcerer's Shield family trail Witches and wizards, do you have what it takes to join the Lacock Abbey sorcerer's shield? Before we let you into our world, you need to find out which of our four shields you belong to. Will it be Knatchbull or Talbot, Thynne or Boyle? To help us decide which shield you belong to, you will need to pass the tasks set for budding witches and wizards. Decide who your magical sidekick would be, what your signature spell is and how you would like to magically travel. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Walwayne Court School Scarecrow Trail Gaming Through Time theme. Lots of interactive fun and games along the way. Food and drinks available as well as children's crafts to brighten up the night trail. 5.30 -8pm.
Embracing autumn; from Add some colour to landscape tales to spooky youratweekend trails Avebury this
autumn at Gibside
There are sculptures and apple celebrations in Avebury Manor Garden and landscape walks around the World Heritage Site this autumn. During half term we've got spooky cat trails, mask making Go crunching throughin fallen and discoveror a forest and creepy corners the leaves manor. Indoors outside wildlife and autumn colours, walking -teeming there'swith always something going on atwith Avebury. routes for ages andfor abilities. Check theallwebsite details of all our events.
Call 01672 539250 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury When you visit, donate, volunteer join the When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the or National Trust,National your support your helps us to look after special <in after the region> <like Trust, support helps us places to look special propertysuch X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for for everyone. places as Avebury for ever, forever, everyone. © National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Photography © National Trust Images\James Images. Dobson.
#nationaltrust #nationaltrust
Spookley returns to Farrington’s! After its huge success last year, the Spookley Pumpkin Festival returns to Farrington’s Farm Shop this autumn! Pick from thousands of home-grown pumpkins from their pumpkin patch, carve Spookley shapes and try some seasonal pumpkin dishes. Or cosy up and listen to the heart-warming story of Spookley, the square shaped pumpkin. The pumpkin festival will be taking place at Farrington’s over the weekend of 14th and 15th October and the half term week from 21st – 29th October Farrington Farm, Farrington Gurney.
Spooktacular on the Farm Come in FULL Fancy Dress to receive HALF PRICE Admission on the door, available for parents AND kids! Pick your own pumpkins from our pumkin patch - available throughout half term! Cholderton Charlies Farm, Amesbury Road, Salisbury, SP4 0EW.
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November 22 - 24
October 23
Half Term Scarecrow Trail Explore Bowood House & Gardens and discover scarecrows at work! A lovely day out for all the family during October Half Term, following a trail through the beautiful autumnal grounds. Normal House & Gardens admission applies, complimentary to Season Ticket Holders. 11am to 3pm Bowood House & Gardens, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ.
October 28
Owl-O-Ween at Hawks Conservancy 6pm - 8pm Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween. Create your own spooky crafts, listen to some ghostly story-telling and marvel at our owls as they put on a beautiful flying display against the backdrop of our moonlit grounds. All children must be accompanied by a full paying adult. Visitor Centre, Weyhill, Andover, SP11 8DY.
October 28
Halloween Parties on the Farm Kids Wriggly Worms Tea Party 5pm - 7pm, ONLY ÂŁ5.95 per child This Spooky Halloween Party will be hosted by the fantastic kids entertainer, Disco Dion and will include the following: Kids entertainment, Kids disco, Prizes to be won with lots of Halloween Games!Fancy Dress Competition And Wriggly Worms Tea Party (buffet food) Cholderton Charlies Farm,Amesbury Road, Salisbury, SP4 0EW.
Bowood House Christmas Extravaganza Join us for a wonderfully unique festive shopping spree! The Marchioness of Lansdowne invites you to Bowood House Christmas Extravaganza, to enjoy the family home decorated for Christmas, with the opportunity to indulge in a fantastic shopping experience. There will be a variety of stunning stalls filled with an array of goodies, including handmade toys, Christmas treats, candles, festive decorations, wrap and ribbon. 4 -8pm Bowood House & Gardens, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ.
November 25
Christmas Craft Fair Kick off the festive season with us down on the farm for our Annual Christmas Craft Fair! To book a stall for this event, then please do get in touch by emailing Sue on events@ choldertoncharliesfarm.com for prices and availability or call us on (01980) 629 379 Cholderton Charlies Farm, Amesbury Road, Salisbury, SP4 0EW.
December 9
Elmhurst Winter land Fair 2pm - 4pm. Free Admission. A great family day out. There will be a variety of craft, gift and decoration stalls, to help you with your Christmas shopping. Plus Santa's Grotto
Scarecrow Trail Bowood House & Gardens October Half Term Monday 23rd October to Sunday 29th October, 11am to 3pm Explore Bowood House & Gardens to see if you can find the scarecrows at work! Normal House & Gardens admission applies
Bowood House & Gardens, Derry Hill, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ 01249 812 102 houseandgardens@bowood.org www.bowood.org 6961 - Bowood House - Advertising September 2017 Scarecrow Trail Hey! Advert.indd 1
26/09/2017 17:02
HAVE SOME ME TIME Part-time courses to help you unwind and broaden your mind
WILTSHIRE.AC.UK â&#x161;« 01225 350035
THE HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN H
alloween is not exactly a typical holiday. Other holidays, like Christmas and Shavuot, celebrate an event. Halloween celebrates a lot of things, including the lives of people who aren’t with us anymore. The history of Halloween is not entirely a clear one. But here’s how it is thought to have started. Many hundreds of years ago, people called the Celts lived in Europe and on the British Isles. The Celts believed that the souls of the dead visited Earth on the last day of October. They had a festival in honour of these souls of the dead, and they called it Samhain. In time, the Roman Empire conquered the Celts and took over some of their beliefs as well. This included Samhain. The Romans combined it with their own festivals. And since the Roman Empire spread across a great part of the known world, the idea that the souls of the dead visited Earth on the last day of October spread far and wide.
Many ideas from the Roman days still survive in the Western countries. Halloween is one of them. But how did we get the name Halloween? In the 8th Century, the Catholic Church declared November 1 to be All Saints’ Day. The church calendar had a number of days honouring saints already. November 1 was picked to be the day to honour all saints who didn’t already have a day named in their honour. And the mass that the Catholic Church celebrated on November 1 was called Allhallowmas. This meant ‘mass of all the hallowed [saintly people.]’. It was commonly called ‘All Hallows’ Day.’ And somewhere along the line, the night before became known as Allhallowe’en, which was short for ‘evening before All Hallows’ Day.’ It was then shortened to what we now call Halloween. One last question: Why do people dress up as ghosts, goblins, vampires, and other scary creatures?
The people who started all this Halloween business many years ago believed that if they appeared scary, they would scare away the spirits of the dead who were roaming the earth on All Hallows’ Eve. These people also carried food to the edge of town and left it there, hoping the spirits would eat that food and not come and raid the village. In Great Britain, Jack-O-Lanterns are traditionally made from turnips. The Halloween custom came to America through Irish immigrants, and since turnips weren’t cheap state-side, Americans used pumpkins. Today, pumpkins are used worldwide, to the disappointment of turnip farmers everywhere.
HALLOWEEN GAMES THE MUMMY WRAP GAME
SKELETON SCAVENGER HUNT
SNAP APPLE
MUSICAL PUMPKINS
You will need at least one roll of toilet paper per team (two would be even better). Divide the children into teams. One child to be the mummy and the others to wrap them up with the toilet paper. You could either make it a race to see how fast you use up the roll or judge by how covered up the mummy is.
Instead of bobbing for apples in a bucket of water (which can really wreak havoc on costumes or face paint!), have kids try to “snap” a bite from an apple hanging on a string. You’ll need apples with stems—tie the string to the stem, then loop it around a tree branch (outside) or a broomstick or suspension curtain rod (inside).
PUMPKIN BOWLING
Choose smallish pumpkins with short stems (depending on the ages of your party guests). Set up 1- or 2-litre bottle and tape off a starting line for an instant bowling alley. Fill the bottles with a bit of sand or rice if they topple over too easily. You can work with the children to decorate the bottles with stickers, markers, and other art materials.
The children can search the garden or the house on the hunt for skeleton parts (cut from paper, or plastic ones purchased from a toy store or craft shop). For an extra challenge, see if the party guests can reassemble their bony treasures into a complete skeleton set.
Cut pumpkin shapes from paper and arrange them on the floor; children must move from pumpkin to pumpkin while music plays, just like in musical chairs. To keep children from being excluded, allow them to share pumpkins as you remove a pumpkin for each round. By the end of the game, all the children have to squeeze onto one spot. For variety, you could also use spider webs, tombstones, or witchy cauldrons for targets.
RELAY RACES
Get creative with this one—there are lots of silly ways for children to get from the starting line to the finish! Try having them stagger like zombies, fly on broomsticks like witches, or hop like toads.
S upcoming seasonal events DON’T MIS at the Hawk Conservancy Trust E DETAILS VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MOR
Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween.
Includes spooky crafts, flying display and refreshments PRICES FROM
£7.75 at Feathers Restaurant between 16 and 24 December*
Each ch ild will rece ive an earl y Christm as present
Bring the little ones along for a bite to eat, see Father Christmas in his grotto and meet an owl. *check website for dates and times
Each Christmas event ticket comes with a half-price entrance voucher valid until 29 March 2018* * TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY – PLEASE SEE WEBSITE
We are located just off the A303 near Andover, Hampshire
01264 773 850 www.hawkconservancy.org @HawkConservancy
uk
kzoofarm.co.
www.noahsar CHARITY NO: 1092349
MAKING THE “BANK OF MUM AND DAD” WORK FOR YOU
W
e often hear about the difficulties faced by first-time buyers trying to take that first step on to the property ladder. In many respects, the property market has adapted over time in recognition of this, but whether you feel that options including shared ownership, the Help to Buy initiative and specialist mortgage products go far enough will be a matter of personal experience. However, if you’re faced with the challenge of buying your first home, a solution may be closer than you realised. According to recent studies, the so-called ‘Bank of Mum & Dad’ is now the UK’s 9th largest mortgage lender and whilst it won’t be an option for all first-time buyers, if this is a path that you’ve toyed going down, you’d be well advised to do your homework first. Here’s our advice on what you should consider. The first thing to bear in mind is that the Bank of Mum & Dad can take a number of different forms and you’ll need to consider your own situation (and that of your parents or other willing friend or relative!) to gauge which is best for your own circumstances. It is at this stage, before you make any potentially life changing decisions, that you should seek expert advice from a financial advisor who will objectively consider the pros and cons of each option, for all parties involved. So that you’re prepared for that conversation, however, there are a few options which you may wish to consider. Firstly, whether a financial transaction linked to the deposit should be a gift or a loan and if the latter, whether interest will be charged. The advantage of gifting the money is that for the purchaser, they’re likely to be able to bring their purchase forward and proceed more quickly than if they’d had to save up for the deposit themselves. The downside for the parents or other donors, however, is that their cash reserves, which they’ll have no doubt built up over many years, will be quickly depleted.
The Bank of Mum & Dad can, however, also be utilised in other ways and both equity release and loans against existing family properties can prove advantageous in this respect – depending, that is, on the individual’s circumstances. In the case of releasing cash from the family home via equity release, the impact to both the parents and other family members further on in life needs to be factored in to avoid surprises and disappointment at a later stage. Another option to potentially consider would be purchasing the new property in joint names with both the first-time buyer and parents appearing on the mortgage and title deeds. However, with changes to taxation around owning more than one property having come in to force in recent times, any parent considering this option should seek expert legal and financial advice to fully understand the tax implications of owning two homes. With the range of options fully considered, there’s another major question to ask yourselves and that is whether tapping in to the Bank of Mum & Dad is likely to place undue stress and strain on this important family relationship, especially if personal circumstances on either side alter in the future. The importance of the Bank of Mum & Dad in today’s property market can’t be underestimated and its future importance is unlikely to wane. However, in the same way that a ‘traditional’ financial agreement would be entered in to with safeguards, due diligence and necessary checks and balances, it is prudent to seek both expert financial and legal advice before assuming that this could be an easy option for gaining access to the property market. If this path to owning your first home is something you’ve considered, or you’re just keen to discuss your property and financing options with an expert, then visit your local Andrews office or visit www.andrewsonline.co.uk for expert advice and guidance.
PUZZLES Colour me i n !
Quiz Time! Have a go at answering these Halloween questions. What word beginning with letter C describes a large metal pot used by witches to brew potions and cast spells? Which large orange fruit is associated with a Jack O' Lantern? What traditional Halloween activity involves children dressing up in scary costumes and calling on neighbours houses? What bone, found in the head, is often used as a symbol of Halloween? True or false: Halloween is the Eve of All Saint's Day? Can you unscramble the following word to reveal a method of transport popular with witches: CKBRMOSOTI? What mammal is able to fly and is associated with Halloween? What traditional Halloween game involves a tub of water and apples? Complete the following witches chant: double, double, toil and ...?
Maths Quiz Place the maths symbol in the box to make the sum correct.
10 12 65 22
5 = 50 4=3 41 = 106 3 = 19
77 124 21 9
11 = 7 3 = 372 0 = 21 7 = 63
HEY! competitions WIN FAMILY PASS TO ICESCAPE (2 ADULTS + 3 CHILDREN) Coming to the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare this Winter, is an exciting new festive destination. With the UK’s largest Winter ice rink, a Santa’s grotto and an igloo bar, there is something on offer for all the family. The giant snow slide will get friends and family racing to the finish and the festive food stalls and fairy-tale carousel will make this event a truly magical experience. Tickets can be purchased from our website www.icescape-tropicana.co.uk
To win, simply answer this question: What is the name of the Icescape penguin skating aid?
WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SANTA'S CHRISTMAS WISH AT THE ATHENAEUM Santa’s Christmas Wish is a brand new song-filled interactive show particularly suitable for 2-7 year olds followed by a special meet, greet and treat with Father Christmas himself! Christmas is a season of joy, love and sharing but what would Santa himself like for Christmas? Dasher the Reindeer has an idea…Pompom the Penguin thinks he knows… Or maybe Snowy the Snowman has the answer? Mrs Claus needs all their help – and yours – to find out! Join the adventure to give Santa the very best Christmas, then meet him afterwards when every child will receive a special present from Santa himself after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever!
To win, simply answer this question: What makes Rudolph the Reindeer so special?
WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE ALADDIN AT BRISTOL HIPPODROME (4 TICKETS) Jump aboard a high-flying magical carpet headed for Old Peking and make tickets for this year’s spectacular Bristol Hippodrome pantomime Aladdin one of your three wishes. Starring Joe Pasquale as Wishee Washee, Marti Pellow as evil sorcerer Abanazar and Hayley Tamaddon as princess Jasmine, Aladdin is a spectacular adventure featuring a beautiful love story, flying carpets, a wish-granting genie and a lamp packed full of spectacular family entertainment. Don’t miss your flight aboard the magic carpet! Fly to the Box Office and book your tickets today!
To win, simply answer this question: What group does Marti Pellow belong to?
FIVE A FAMILY TICKET TO LIGHT UP LANSDOWN AT BATH RACECOURSE AND A PACKET OF DONUTS (2 ADULTS AND 2 CHILDREN) On Fri 3rd Nov - Light up Lansdown is the bonfire night event of the year in Bath. Enjoy some good old Fawkes’ fun with fireworks, food and family entertainment, including fairground rides, circus tricks, face painting and loads more! With family fun available from 5pm, there will be an official lighting of the bonfire, before a spectacular show of colours over Lansdown at 7.30pm. A range of bars and eateries will be available, from mulled wine and frothy hot chocolates to toffee apples and hot pork rolls.
To win, simply answer this question: What is the name of the brand new stand at Bath Racecourse?
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: 27th October 2017
HE'S BEHIND YOU! PANTO SEASON HAS STARTED
T
he theatre is full. The audience is made up of children, parents, grandparents, friends and schoolmates, full of excitement, chattering and rustling sweet papers. Suddenly, the music begins; everyone focuses on the stage as the lights in the theatre grow dim. The Panto has begun! Pantomime or 'Panto' for short, is a traditional British Christmas play and a chance for people to go to the theatre. But it really came from very un-British traditions, nothing to do with Christmas whatever! It can be traced back to the ancient Roman 'Saturnalia' midwinter feast, at which everything was supposed to be turned upside-down. Men dressed up as women and women as men. Just like the Pantomime Dames (men comically dressed up as women) and principal boys (young women dressed up as boys) of the modern day panto. Pantomime first came to Britain in the 18th century from the 'commedia dell'arte', the Italian tradition of improvised theatre. The stories of the commedia dell'arte had many 'stock' characters in them such as clowns and jesters and a 'baddie'. Traditional plots got mixed up with fairy and folk tales and gradually evolved into the panto we know today. Pantomime is now a popular family entertainment. They are performed not only in the best theatres but also in village halls throughout Britain. Whether a lavish professional performance or local amateur dramatic production, all pantomimes are well attended. Audience participation is a very important part of a panto. The audience are encouraged to boo the villain whenever he enters the stage, argue with the Dame (who is always a man) and warn the Principal Boy (who is always a girl) when the villain is behind them by shouting out "He's behind you!" Slapstick is another important part of a British pantomime - the throwing of custard pies, the ugly sisters (who are always played by men) falling over, lots of silly costumes including of course, the pantomime horse which is played by two people in a horses costume. By the end of the pantomime, the villain has been defeated, true love has conquered all and everyone lives happily ever after.
A spectacular family panto! Martin Dodd for UK Productions in association with Theatre Royal Bath proudly presents
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
from ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
from EASTENDERS
JON HARRIET NICK THORPE WILTON MONIE as THE WICKED QUEEN as MUDDLES as DAME DOLLY
7th Dec â&#x20AC;&#x2122;17 Box Office: 01225 448844 to 7th Jan â&#x20AC;&#x2122;18 www.theatreroyal.org.uk Theatre Sponsor
Goody Bag Sponsor
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TAKING YOUR CHILD TO THE THEATRE A
visit to the theatre has the potential to be a life-changing experience, as well as an opportunity for a unique kind of learning. It can touch the imagination, arouse curiosity, or fire an artistic impulse in your child.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHOW. Toddlers through age 4 do best with shows that include lots of opportunities for participation and are short – 30 to 50 minutes. Many older children can enjoy a longer children’s play – 60 to 75 minutes. Also, shows created for children will expect some noise and wiggling – it’s all part of the experience! GET A SEAT NEAR THE AISLE. This will be helpful in case you need to leave the theatre for any reason (remember: their bladders are smaller than yours!). Theatre Etiquette Discuss the differences between going to the theatre and cinema, and how they can do their part to be a good audience member. Be sure to tell your child that the lights will dim right before the show starts – this lets everyone in the audience see the action on stage better!
IF YOU MUST BRING A SNACK FOR YOUR CHILD, MAKE IT A 'QUIET' ONE. Sweet wrappers or crisps can be surprisingly loud in the theatre Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your show time. This gives you time to hang up your coats, find the toilet, take a look around, and find your seats (theatre doors open 30 minutes prior to most shows).
SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION AND ENTHUSIASM for the performance by providing attention,
as well as participation and applause at the proper times. Remember to watch your child’s face as they see characters come to life on stage. You will cherish these memories! NOT THE RIGHT DAY. Sometimes it’s just not the right day for sitting quietly. It’s okay to excuse yourself when your little one’s attention has run out. Try taking a stroll out to the reception, sometimes a little break is all it takes. AFTER THE SHOW. Try following up on your outing by reading a related book or planning an art, music, or dance project. Provide dress-up clothes, props, and other materials so children can re-enact the performance – or create their own, unique one!
Step back in time this Christmas at Tyntesfield
28th Dec 2017 to 1st Jan 2018 Evenings 7pm Dec 28, 29, 30 Matinees 2pm Dec 29, 30, Jan 1 & 4pm Dec 31 Morning performance 11am Dec 31st Ticket prices: Adult £13, U16 & OAP £11, Family ticket (4 tickets no more than 2 adults) £40, Group bookings (10+) £10
FROME MEMORIAL THEATRE 01373 462795
BOOK ONLINE: www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk
www.fromemtc.co.uk
#nationaltrust
There's immersive festive fun for all the family at Tyntesfield this Christmas, with Victorian storytelling, dancing, singing, crafts and games. Call 01275 461900 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield
© National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\Paul Blakemore.
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SORTED.
WHY IT PAYS TO SHOP EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS
I
t’s still autumn but Christmas goodies are already creeping onto supermarkets’ shelves. Retailers are bringing the start of the festive shopping period ever forward, and it could be worth following their cue. Here are some reasons why it pays to start your Christmas shopping early. 1. A relaxed approach. We’ve all seen, or been in, the huge queues that form at bus-stops and in shops, or experienced the gridlocked traffic that all happen in the final run up to Christmas. Getting started early means you can avoid all that stress. 2. A head start. The must-have toy or gadget of the year can sell out in the weeks leading up to Xmas, so as soon as you know that you need to get someone something very specific – go buy it. If it’s the must-have thing, it’s unlikely to be in any pre-Christmas sale, so don’t dally.
3. Save money. Be on the look-out for deals like 3 for 2 and make the most of them. Yes, there are deals to be had in the run up to Christmas, and online retailers will often have flash sales, but other popular products may actually be left out of the deals you see around today. 4. Spread the cost. Aside from buying presents, December is an expensive month with many families paying out extra for trips to see relatives, extra miles in the car, bigger food bills and Christmas parties. According to YouGov, the average family spends £820 on Christmas. Starting your Christmas present buying early means you can soften the impact on your bank balance. 5. Time to check your goods. If something you buy is faulty, it is much better to sort this before Christmas Day rather than see the disappointment in someone’s face when it transpires that the gift doesn’t work. 6. Sort your Christmas cards too. With shops stocking Christmas goods early, you can get stuck into your Christmas card list now. The deadline for second-class post within the UK is 19th December. But beat the queues for stamps, and get yours done for the 1st. 7. Satisfaction. There’s something supremely satisfying in hitting 1st December knowing you’ve got Christmas sorted. But try not to look smug about it!
AUTUMN & WINTER 2017 4 & 5 November
be pulling A variety of locomotives will on ns trai ght frei and ger sen pas d this special weeken
DECEMBER
MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS ONE TO REMEMBER WITH THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAY
AUTUMN GALA
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NOVEMBER
(All events subject to change or cancellation without prior notice)
Join the Avon Valley Railway this festive season for a ride on one of our steam-hauled trains and enjoy a special visit from Father Christmas! Each child receives a quality gift. Tickets available NOW at www.avonvalleyrailway.org
NEW EVENTS 2018 *
Jump onboard the Brick Express and try your hand at building with the world’s favourite construction toy, as you travel the line. What will you build? Admire the latest creations from Bristol’s master-builder Tom Poulsom!
WIZARD ADVENTURE WEEKEND 27 & 28 OCTOBER 11am & 2.45pm Get your wands at the ready and help in the search for the missing magic as you join the Grand Old School of Wizardry! Board the steam train, meet the characters and enjoy the adventure. For children 5+.
1997
9 & 10 JUNE
October
June
BRICK EXPRESS
are trademarks * Lego, the LEGO logo, the brick and knob configuration and the Minifigure event. of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse this
T: 0117 932 5538
www.avonvalleyrailway.org
Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HD
THE EGG CHRISTMAS SHOW Thurs 7 Dec - Sun 14 Jan
LITTLE MERMAID Co-produced by the egg and Pins & Needles Productions Co-devised by Pins & Needles and Bea Roberts Written by Bea Roberts Co-directed by Emma Earle and Cameron Carver Designed by ZoĂŤ Squire
Theatre Sponsor
AGE 5+
the egg's Christmas Show for the youngest children
Aurora
Friday 15 December - Sunday 7 January 6 months - 4 years
Supported by the egg's Incubator Programme for the Leverhulme Arts Scholarship
Box Office: 01225 823409 www.theatreroyal.org.uk
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News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS
EVENTS
DIARY DATES
YOUR SUCCESSES
CRITCHILL SCHOOL CATERING VAN IS A SUCCESS The Critchill Catering van provides the students with the opportunity to undertake real-life work experience within the local community whilst supported by highly trained staff. Students will be able transfer skills learnt in school whilst also working towards a range of accredited qualifications. Since recently acquiring the van, students have designed waffles and Paninis that they make and serve. They have already successfully attended their first pitch at The Giant Jam Festival in July. Critchill School provide the opportunity for a specialist education, enabling all children to develop a full range of academic, functional and independent skills. Their holistic, aspirational approach to education enables students to make a positive contribution to school and community and fully prepares them for future success. Students become independent and valued members of society having achieved their potential.
An with Father Addaudience some colour to Christmas at Lacock your weekend this This December, join Mother and Father Christmas for a story and a present in their cosy festive kitchen at the heart of Lacock Abbey. Each session has a Go crunching through fallen leaves discover ais forest maximum of 12 spaces, soand booking teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking essential. routes for all ages and abilities.
autumn at Gibside
Call 01249 730459 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock When you visit, donate, volunteer join the When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the or National Trust,National your support your helps us to look after special <in after the region> <like Trust, support helps us places to look special propertyfor X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. places ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Photography © National Trust Images\Arnhel de Images. Serra.
#nationaltrust #nationaltrust
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SUMMER SPORTS A HUGE SUCCESS IN WILTSHIRE Thousands of young people across Wiltshire enjoyed a fun-filled summer thanks to a range of programmes offered by Wiltshire Council. The Get Active holiday programme provided youngsters with the opportunity to take part in a range of different sports and activities in their local community. At Wiltshire Council leisure centres, the Camp Activate holiday programme saw 4,841 visits to the six themed weeks; which included activities based around the World Athletics Championships, being eco-friendly, super heroes, movies and staying safe. Meanwhile, sports camps offered 668 young people the chance to try athletics, basketball, cricket, football and tennis. The most popular session was the free swimming for under 16s, which encouraged young people to be active and healthy during the school holidays, and saw a total of more than 44,000 attendances at the county’s 16 swimming pools. There were also activities on offer for young people with disabilities; 81 young people attended activity days, including tennis in Corsham, athletics in Chippenham, and a multi-sports event in Salisbury of boccia, dodgeball, volleyball and football. While some of the activities took place at leisure centres, sport visited 27 villages across Wiltshire with Fun in the Sun. These 90-minute sessions for children aged five to 11 were provided in partnership with Wiltshire Cricket and the Bath Rugby Foundation, and saw the children enjoy fun sports and games. Although the sun didn’t always shine, the rain didn’t dampen the children’s spirits, as
994 children took part, and there was a total of 1,652 attendances – an increase on the previous year. The Fit and Fed programme, run in Trowbridge and Salisbury, developed by the sports charity StreetGames, to help combat hunger, isolation, and inactivity saw fun sessions run with Salisbury City Council. Anybody Can Cook, Tesco Farm to Fork, Active Trowbridge, Learning Curve and Selwood Housing helped more than 90 children learn new skills about heathy eating and physical activity. Cllr John Thomson, cabinet member for leisure, said: “Encouraging young people to take part in sport, wellbeing and leisure activities is vital in helping them to be healthy and more able to socially interact with their peers and in their local community. “The huge numbers of young people that took part in this year’s wide ranging summer programme evidences the popularity of the sports and activity opportunities that were offered in Wiltshire. “I am delighted that the council continues to support the free swimming for under 16s and by working with partners and other organisations we can provide these sessions that help young people to become more active and healthy.” Free swimming and Camp Activate will be provided in the October half-term. For more information, or to apply for a free swimming card, seewww.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-free-swimming. For further information about any of our sports programmes, please email sportsdevelopment@wiltshire.gov.uk.
DYSLEXIA-FRIENDLY STATUS FOR BERKLEY FIRST SCHOOL The school successfully received re-accreditation of Dyslexia-Friendly Status on Wednesday 13 September, following a rigorous inspection process. This was a real testament to Mrs Langton, who led on the initiative and gathered all the evidence and indeed all the staff who thoroughly embrace dyslexia strategies. Indeed, the inspector was struggling to come up with further targets for the school. Dyslexia strategies are embedded in the schools practices and they will hold this award for another three years.
Is your child a star? Have they received a medal or certificate? Let us know info@ignyte-uk.co.uk
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MINT DAY AT WESTBURY PRIMARY It was the first MINT day of the academic year at Westbury Junior School. This stands for Maths Is Number 1 Today and the whole school dedicate the morning to marvellous maths! The day started with a Times Tables Assembly where the whole school cheered on the children taking part in a times tables race. Prizes were won and four times tables champions were named. Following the assembly, each year group spent the rest of the morning engaged in a variety of fun maths activities including online maths games, outside maths, Top Trumps, card games, Roman numeral activities and even creating rockets using different 2D shapes. Head of maths, Hannah Duffy, said "It's just great to see children enjoying using their mathematical skills."
SCIENCE WEEK AT WESTWOOD WITH IFORD SCHOOL
estwood with Iford School
OAKFIELD PUPIL TO APPEAR ON GOOD MORNING BRITAIN As if meeting Prince Charles at Clarence House wasn't enough excitement for one, Royal Mail Christmas stamp design winner from Oakfield Academy Ted Lewis-Clark got another surprise. The Royal Mail have arranged for him to appear on the sofa at the 'Good Morning Britain' studios on Thursday 26th October. All the staff and pupils at Oakfield are very excited - and looking forward to seeing Ted on the box! Ted's winning design - he won £1,000 for himself and £1,000 for the school.
Hello again from Westwood with Iford School! We have got straight back into another exciting year ahead with some incredible hands-on learning and recently we held a science week for the whole school where everyone had a huge amount of fun with wonderful science. Thanks to Mrs Tyler who has organised some fantastic events and resources and to the staff, who planned some fun and informative days, everyone was able to immerse themselves in experiments, activities and plenty of hands-on learning that has stimulated both questioning and a thirst for learning. From visualising sound with bungee cord to lunchtime experiments with cola and mentoes and a range of Terrific Scientific experiments, everything was brilliantly interesting and perfect for keeping our children engaged, interested and it inspired great learning. To increase the level of excitement, every child in the school was able to experience working with a famous fossil expert where they could get up close to some real-life and very old fossils. Jules Howard, our visiting expert for the day was wonderfully informative and ensured that the whole school had a memorable day. This is the second time we have held a science week and each one has been hugely successful and is just the beginning of another innovative and exciting year at Westwood with Iford School.
ol! We have got straight back into another exciting year ecently we held a science week for the whole school
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WOW
EMAIL US YOUR WOW! PHOTOS AND DETAILS TO INFO@IGNYTE-UK.CO.UK
WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Oakfield's Charlie Haines recently attended the BMX South West England Championship at Bideford. Charlie is now 16th for the whole of the South of England - a great achievement. Charlie said his dad does most of the maintenance on his bike, but he has to keep it clean! Charlie has been competing for 1½ years now, so all staff and pupils look forward to following his career. Frank Pitts, Max Evans and Bruce Pitts , who all attend Hayesdown First School, participated an amazing fun run in Frome. All their families and friends were very proud of them.
Ollie F in Year 6 at Selwood Academy has been selected for Bath & Wiltshire Boys U11 Football Squad 17-18 season. Well done Ollie!
Hansel and Gretel Based on the story by The Brothers Grimm
MERLIN THEATRE
THURSDAY 7 to SATURDAY 16 DECEMBER
Suitable for a family audience Running time approx 2 hours
Direction Claudia Pepler Choreography Amy Morgan-Bell Musical Direction Joseph Church Stage Design Felix Byrne Book Claudia Pepler
Illustration by Mary McQuillan
Tickets from £5.50 School daytime performances with ‘teachers go free’ Group bookings: Buy ten tickets and get the eleventh free!
Music and Lyrics Allison Herbert & David Hynds Additional Music Joseph Church Arrangements and Orchestrations Joseph Church & David Hynds
Box office 01373 465 949 www.merlintheatre.co.uk BATH ROAD FROME SOMERSET BA11 2HG