FREE • SOUTH BRISTOL EDITION • ISSUE 39 • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 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 6,500 families through primary schools and other outlets in Keynsham and South Bristol. 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
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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. During the winter months we need to get creative and work hard to ensure that our kids – and we as adults – get the exercise
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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: 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 the physical activity they need, never have to leave the house and have fun doing it! 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. 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.
OFF £10 OY ENJ
BETTER SWIM SCHOOL JOIN TODAY AND ENJOY £10 OFF SWIM LESSONS Sign up to Better swim lessons at Keynsham Leisure Centre by direct debit in October and November and you’ll receive £10 off your first payment when you enter promotional code OCT10AD at the online checkout.
Find out more or book online at better.org.uk/swimschool The £10 discount is only available on swim lesson memberships when you join online and quote the relevant promo code. Offer is valid until 30th November 2017. Full terms and conditions are available at point of purchase. Centre and swim safety rules apply. Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398
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THE MYSTERIES OF YOUR BODY EXPLAINED Y
ou may think of your body as just skin and bones, a vehicle which gets you where you want to go, but it’s also capable of jaw-dropping feats and mysteries. When someone told us that the length of your foot matches the length of your forearm, we had to check it out. (It’s true!) That made us wonder what other amazing (or amusing) things we might not know. Why we sneeze? Or how it is that yawning is contagious? Here are just a few of the weirdest most wonderful things about the human body and why we do them.
WHAT’S THE POINT OF GOOSE BUMPS? Goose bumps occur when tiny muscles at the base of the hair follicles tighten, causing the hair to stand erect when a person is cold, scared or excited. By observing animals, scientists concluded that we get goose bumps when cold because the hair traps air to create insulation and when in a state of high emotion - in animals - to make one appear larger and more intimidating, a leftover from our earlier incarnations.
WHY DO WE SNEEZE?
The common cold is a virus and these cannot generally speaking be ‘cured’ (at least so far) - the only hope against any virus is vaccination. However there are so many strains of cold - around 200 at last count - that it is extremely difficult to find a cure-all without vaccinating a person 200 times.
Put simply, sneezing is a defence mechanism which removes foreign particles that irritate the lining of our nasal passages. We most often sneeze due to a cold - sneezing eliminates bacteria - but allergies also cause sneezing and even those who do not test positive for allergic rhinitis can react to allergens by sneezing. One in three people inherit ‘photic sneezing’, believed to be a congenital defect, which causes sneezing on exposure to bright light.
WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO CURE THE COMMON COLD?
WHY IS YAWNING CONTAGIOUS?
Contrary to popular belief yawning is not a sign of tiredness but designed to keep us awake by cooling the brain and helping us to work more efficiently. Therefore some scientists believe that contagious yawning is triggered by empathic mechanisms which maintain vigilance in a group. Only half of human adults are prone to contagious yawning.
WHY DO MILK SHAKES GIVE ME BRAIN FREEZE?
Caused by eating or drinking extremely cold substances, brain freeze or an “ice cream headache” occurs when something cold touches the roof of the mouth or is swallowed. The effect is a result of the rapid freezing and then warming of the blood vessels in the palate which nearby pain receptors send to the brain, which then reads the message as referred pain in the forehead.
WHY DO OLD PEOPLE GET UP SO EARLY?
It’s a common myth that the elderly sleep less than younger adults. In fact it’s a combination of earlier nights, daytime naps and a change in hormones which has pensioners down at the newsagent at the crack of dawn. Melatonin and growth hormone affect the way we sleep and a lack of both make older people tired earlier and awaken earlier. Conversely, it is the amount of melatonin in their bodies which keeps teens in bed until midday.
WHAT MAKES ME HICCUP?
Excessive eating and drinking, stress or excitement can cause hiccups which scientists suggest may be caused by the fact that our distant ancestors lived in the sea. A similar system has been observed in amphibians who use the action for gill ventilation, but the fact that hiccups still exist points to the reflex’s usefulness in helping mammals learn to suckle.
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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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October 21 - 29
What’s On
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.
October 21 - 28
Pumpkin Fest at Noahs Ark Zoo Farm We’re super pumped to invite you to Noah’s Ark for our first Pumpkin Fest this autumn Half Term. From the 21st – 28th October. During the days get involved with Pumpkin Painting and decorating (£1.50), Pumpkin themed animal enrichment, Pumpkin sports and warming seasonal treats in the café. Whilst you’re here don’t forget to enjoy our heated indoor play areas, over
100 species of animals, free animal talks and shows and the UK’s longest hedge maze. Noahs Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall.
October 21
Bristol Casefile: Live Mystery Game 12 SECRET LOCATIONS across Bristol Shopping Quarter will be taking part in this thrilling live mystery game for adventurers of all ages. Piece together the trail by examining the casefile, questioning real witnesses and solving ingenious puzzles. Casefile: The Mystery of the Star-Eaters is a one-day event where you play as a ‘consulting detective’ for the local constabulary. There is also a BEST DRESSED PRIZE for teams - A 100% REFUND ON YOUR TICKETS! The more creative the better. Tickets from as little as £7 per person - Under 12s go FREE! Players will be able to collect their casefiles at any time in the morning from 10am-12pm and begin their adventure by following the threads of information wherever they may take them. The game will take approximately 2-3 hours to play with players free to complete it at any time until 4pm. A trail sheet is also provided for 4-8 year-olds that they can play alongside the main game.
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
0003
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
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10am - 4pm Adults £10 Under 12s FREE Team Tickets (Max. 6 Players) £40. Broadmead Bristol BS1 3DX.
October 23 - 27
Half Term Creepy Critters week at Puxton Park Monday Fancy Dress Spooky Discos – 11-12pm and 2-3pm Tuesday The Creepy Crawly Show 2-3pm, and 3.30-4.30pm. Enjoy comedy, music, get me out of here style challenges and don’t forget the animals, with snakes, tarantulas, scorpions, lizards, giant African snails, hissing cockroaches, turtles and much more. Wednesday Crocodiles of the World 12-12.45pm, 1-1.45pm, 2-2.45pm, 3-3.45pm. Seeing the crocodiles up close and outside of the context of the zoo enables you to appreciate the beauty in their form, and the remarkable adaptations they have evolved. Thursday Slithering Snakes, 11.30am, 3.30pm. They will talk about the natural animal behaviour and habitats, encourage interaction and bust any myths surrounding these amazing giants of the jungle. Friday Beautiful bugs 11.30am, 3.30pm Max the Millipede, Dave the Madagascan Hissing Cockroach, the Giant Indian Stick Insects and our African Fruit Beetles all have an important evolutionary role to play. Do you dare handle one?
October 24
Spooky Half Term Trains at Avon Valley Railway 10am - 4pm FREE train rides for children in fancy dress plus a spooky trail around the station. 24th – 26th & 28th – 29th October. Avon Valley Railway, Bitton.
October 26
Torchlight Tour for Kids Join us for a torch lit tour of Arnos Vale. Find out about its woodland creatures, hunt for some grave clues, hear some scary stories and learn about the secrets in the vaults. Suitable for 7+ (but may contain some scary bits, caution advised). Bring a torch, feel free to dress up and come along for a bit of a scare. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Arnos Vale Cemetary, West Lodge, Bath Road, Bristol.
November 3
Downend Round Table Fireworks 2017 Bristol’s biggest display along with a children’s show and live entertainment from Radio Bristol and Circus Uncertainty. Huge bonfire, food and bar. Full information available at www.downendrt.co.uk.
November 4
Public Firework Display - Our Lady of Lourdes School Kingswood. A perfect Saturday night in November for all the family, BBQ, licensed bar, Pocket money stall of glow fancies and more including a fantastic face painting duo.
November 24
Keynsham Winter Festival, 6pm – 9pm This year’s theme is a Winter’s Tale. Lots of fun for all the family. For further details see Keynsham Town Council’s website.
BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF
Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage Find out more today: BRISTOL KEYNSHAM 0117 902 8925 bristolkeynsham@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/bristolkeynsham
BRISTOL SOUTH WEST 0117 902 8925 bristolsouthwest@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/bristolsouthwest
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Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.
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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 ’17 Box Office: 01225 448844 to 7th Jan ’18 www.theatreroyal.org.uk Theatre Sponsor
Goody Bag Sponsor
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TAKING YOUR CHILD TO THE THEATRE 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!
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!
Step back in time this Christmas at Tyntesfield
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).
#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. More and more people are discovering Kings Chase Shopping Centre in Kingswood and they are delighted with the range of shops on offer. Kings Chase is anchored by a Sainsbury's supermarket and the hugely popular department stores Wilkinson’s, WH Smith’s and Boots. A brand new Argos store has also joined the centre and there is also a fantastic variety of interesting independent stores where you can always find just what you are looking for. The Centre also hosts a number of seasonal events and half term activities for children to join in along with entertainment and the always enjoyed Light Switch-on. Kings Chase Centre boasts an adjoining undercover car park, allowing for ease of access to the shops within the Mall. The Centre is easy to reach by car or public transport, and has plenty of fantastic offers to ensure you get the most out of that overstretched budget.
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. Time to get it right. Sit down as soon as you can to write your list of who you need to buy for and what they would like. If you don’t know what to buy, make use of the time you have to gather some intelligence by subtly asking what people would like. Do this too close to Christmas and you’ll be found out!
4. Time to hone your present list. If you get organised quickly enough, you might find you can come to an agreement with those beyond your immediate family and friends not to exchange gifts – or set a ‘cap’ on the cost. This doesn’t mean playing scrooge, present buying can easily get out of hand – so try and be realistic. Does everyone on your list really belong there? 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. 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 – particularly battery operated toys or electrical goods for children. Plus, you often need to return a faulty item within four weeks, if the time is already up by Christmas you could have wasted your money. 8. More time for Christmas! Ideally, Christmas should be a holiday – a time to relax and spend time with friends and family. While some of the stresses and strains are unavoidable when there is so much happening within a few short days, taking care of all your shopping early leaves with more time, energy and motivation to prepare for the aspects of Christmas that are fixed in time like the turkey roast! 9. 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. 10. Satisfaction. There’s something supremely satisfying in hitting 1st December knowing you’ve got Christmas sorted. But try not to look smug about it!
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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THE BRISTOL SANTA RUN IS BACK! C
hildren’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is excited to announce the return of its popular Santas on the Run event in Bristol on 10th December.
Santas on the Run is a 2k fun run which all of the family can take part in – including the dog! - and is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season. Join thousands of others running, jogging, walking or dancing round the harbourside and city centre in their Santa suits, which are provided by the charity. Last year over 2,200 people descended upon the city having raised £60k in sponsorship, which went directly to helping the charity fund the services of its local hospice, Charlton Farm.
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s y: anta a s od / p t g .u k u n .or S i g sw .ch ww
Charlton Farm in Wraxall currently supports over 200 families whose children have been diagnosed with life-limiting or lifethreatening conditions. The hospice offers the whole family short breaks, respite, palliative care and, when needed, end of life care and bereavement support. Christmas is always a poignant time of year for families supported by the charity, some of whom may be sharing their last Christmas together. Some families will spend a few days over the Christmas period at the hospice for a festive break. Charlton Farm is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year providing vital care and support to children and families when they are staying as well as supporting them with advice and visits when they are at home or in hospital. Hollie Thorogood, Events Fundraiser for CHSW, said ‘Santas on the Run is such a fun way to start the festive season and get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Whether you are taking part with family, friends or even as a Christmas outing with colleagues, seeing so many Santas all in one place is a sight to behold. Plus you’ll be raising vital funds for the region’s only dedicated children’s hospice.’ To sign up to Santas on the Run, visit www.chsw.org.uk/ santasbristol or www.facebook.com/events/1416515515068923/ prices include your Santa suit, medal and festive treat.
Run, jog, skip or walk our festive 2k fun run for all the family
Raising money for
Sunday 10 December 2017, 1.00pm Bristol Harbourside
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HEDGEHOG HOUSING CENSUS T
he UK’s housing crisis is often high on the news agenda, but this Autumn, a more rustic type of accommodation, home to the UK’s smaller, spikier residents, is taking the spotlight. The first ever Hedgehog Housing Census was launched by Hedgehog Street, a nationwide campaign set up by wildlife charities the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), to help combat the ongoing decline in native hedgehog population numbers. Between now and the 31st October 2017, the Hedgehog Housing Census will dig a little deeper into the world of hedgehogs, and aims to answer several questions about how they live and in particular, their use of artificial hedgehog houses. The results will help the Hedgehog Street team find out what the best type of hedgehog house is and how they can be used to support the conservation of these animals, enabling wildlife enthusiasts across the UK to further help their spikey garden residents.
Broadlands Bears Nursery
Opening November 2017 A new nursery is opening at Broadlands Academy in Keynsham. We will be providing full day care all year round for 30 children aged two to rising five from 7.30 am to 6 pm. 30 hours funding for 3 and 4-year-olds and 15 hours funding for eligible 2-yearolds is available. For more information, please email us or visit our website.
nursery@broadlandsacademy.org www.broadlandsbears.uk Broadlands Academy, St Francis Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2DY
The loss of hedgerows and intensive farming in rural areas, along with tidy, fenced-in gardens in urban and suburban locations, are just some of the threats contributing to the demise of Britain’s native hedgehog.
To take part in the Hedgehog Housing Census, register as a Hedgehog Champion or for more information about hedgehogs, visit: www.hedgehogstreet.org/housingcensus
Kingswood Gymnastics and Trampoline Club Enrolling now for courses in Gymnastics and Trampolining for children 4-12 yrs October Half Term Fundays Tues/Thurs/Fri 10-3pm £14 per child, just come along (bring packed lunch) Saturday Fun Club 10.30-12pm £6 per session
Birthday Parties and Pre-school sessions available, 1-1 Trampoline lessons and Rebound Therapy Call 01179476449 or visit
www.kingswoodgymnastics.co.uk
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News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS
EVENTS
BOOKS AND BREAKFAST The children of Whitchurch Primary enjoyed a morning of ‘Books and Breakfast’, where they were served toast and juice by teachers before adjourning to a soft area to read! This was part of their harvest celebrations where children also donated food products for the Counterslip Food Bank.
CHARITY CYCLE RIDE FOR LONGWELL GREEN MUM At the end of September, Sarah Buscemi, Mum to children in Years 3 & 6 of Longwell Green Primary took part in a 350km Charity Cycle ride in Brazil. Sarah was raising money for Women V Cancer, which supports 3 women’s charities: Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Ovarian Cancer Trust and Breast Cancer Care. Sarah undertook this amazing 350km cycle ride over 5 days, with 50 other women from around the UK. She raised over £4000, but any more donations to this amazing and worthwhile charity will be gratefully received at Sarah’s Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-buscemi
DIARY DATES
YOUR SUCCESSES
NEWS FROM CASTLE PRIMARY SCHOOL There has been loads of excitement in lots of the classes as many of the children have had their WOW Days. Year 1 (Corfe and Lulworth) arrived at school to find that pirates had been in to their classroom and made a terrible mess! They painted a huge pirate ship, made pirate hats and eye patches. They designed treasure maps and followed clues around the school to find the treasure. Arundel and Dover had their WOW Day and learnt all about Ancient Britain. They dug up pots and explored the school site pretending to be ‘hunter/gatherers’ The children also made Stone Age dwellings out of art straws and tissue paper. Windsor Class learnt about Early Britain. They looked at the story of ‘Cave Baby’ and drew cave paintings of the story. They then put on a puppet show for the children in Year R. In Stirling Class their Inquiry was ‘How can we make a difference?’ and during their WOW Day, they built suspension bridges. Yarmouth Class studied the Vikings and on their WOW Day, they played some team building games in the hall, working together to move their ‘Viking ships’ around the hall. They designed and made their own Viking shields and had an opportunity to use the shields out on the field as if they were invaders.
OPEN EVENING AT LONGWELL GREEN PRIMARY If your child is due to start school in September 2018, Longwell Green Primary invite you to their Open Evening on 15th Nov at 6pm. For more information about vacancies in other year groups, please contact the school. 01454 866460.
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NEW PLAY EQUIPMENT FOR WHITCHURCH PRIMARY
GOLD SCHOOL GAMES MARK FOR SALTFORD SCHOOL
The school are delighted that the ‘National Lottery Awards for All’ have donated to their ‘Pick Up Sticks’ playground equipment that will be replacing the old ‘fort’ on the field. These funds have been added to those already raised by the PTA, resulting in them now being able to go ahead with the installation. Keep your eyes on the field! A thank you went to all children and parents who have supported PTA events and the PTA for organising and carrying out the events.
Salford School were absolutely delighted to receive the Gold School Games Mark at the end of last term. This award recognizes their commitment to the development of PE at school as well as highlighting the fantastic sporting achievements over the past academic year. The school would like to thank everyone who helped them achieve this outstanding award. A special Thank you goes to Mrs Brook and Mr Boyle, the schools PE leaders who have worked hard to achieve this mark for the School.
OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW BUILD
On the 15th Sept, Saltford School celebrated the Official Opening of their new build. Chair of the Council, Councillor Cherry Beath, performed a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Councillors, the B&NES Project Team, the architects, the contractors, school Governors and members of the School Council. Following the ceremony everyone enjoyed a tour of the new facilities. The school are delighted with the design and construction of the new six classroom block. The learning spaces are light and airy and have a contemporary feel. Staff and pupils are inspired by these outstanding facilities. Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Wellsway Multi Academy Trust, said: “It is wonderful to see the children and staff settling in to these lovely new classrooms, which are giving Saltford Primary the learning environment it deserves. The headteacher, governors and parents have shown vision and determination in driving forward developments at the school, including a new ‘secret garden’ and early years play area as well as the sports pitch. Congratulations to them all.”
PRAYER STATION AT SALTFORD PRIMARY Rev Daile (and the team from St Mary’s Ian Freementle, Judy Penny, and Karen White) had the opportunity to work with the children in Years 1 - 3 in a prayer workshop. They filled the Hall with a variety of prayer stations. The children spent about 45 minutes working their way round the room experiencing the different stations. The idea of the workshop was to show the children that there are many ways to pray. The children experienced prayers through creating a prayer wall, they thanked God for things through play dough and prayed for the world with post it notes and a jigsaw! Other stations included chalkboards, a fizzy experiment and a tent in which children were encouraged to sit still and in silence for a moment. The children learnt that prayer is not just about talking to God and sitting still with their hands together and eyes closed. They learnt how they can pray in different ways, using words, pictures, silence, their bodies; in fact anything could be used as a way of praying.
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