FREE • NORTH EAST SOMERSET EDITION • ISSUE 42 • APRIL 2015
INSIDE What’s On this Easter Suzie’s Diary The Beauty of Boredom WOW Photos
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Photograph depicts a typical Bovis Home interior. Elevations are for illustrative purposes only and may differ to that shown. Prices, specification and availability correct at time of going to press. *Help to Buy - purchaser has up to 25 years to buy the remaining 20% equity share, or repay it when the property is sold. The Help to Buy Equity scheme has specific terms and conditions and is subject to affordability criteria as prescribed by the Homes and Communities Agency and is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Subject to specific mortgage lender conditions and qualification. Home Exchange is subject to specific terms and conditions. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Please see sales advisor for further details.
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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 01761 410141 | info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Graphic Designer Pamela Evans Published by Ignyte Limited Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset Business Address: Ignyte Ltd, Second Floor, 2 High Street, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, BA3 2LE 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 7000 families through primary schools and other outlets in North East Somerset. The next edition is in May & is filling fast.
The sun certainly seems to be gracing us with its presence now and we can start to look forward to Spring. It is always wonderful to see the trees begin to turn green again and the spring flowers make an appearance. Enjoy some family time in the garden or take a trip to the park, the fresh air always makes us feel so much brighter. Easter is just around the corner and this edition of HEY! Magazine brings you some great ideas of things to do and places to visit during the extended school holiday. Don’t miss our competition page and take some time to enter each one, you never know, you could be the lucky one this term. You can enter the competition on our website at www. heymag.co.uk or through our smartphone app, simply download the HEY! App onto your phone and enjoy all of the great things the app has to offer. Follow Suzies story in her diary where she recalls the beginning of her cake baking business and the daily juggle and stresses of a family life with 3 active children. Our craft pages showcase some wonderful ideas for Easter crafts and gifts for families and loved ones. Many of our schools also have Easter craft projects, maybe you could use one of these ideas for your entry this year? The nights are getting lighter and we can look forward to more time spent outside and with the onset of the BBQ season, family laughs will, I’m sure, be heard across our region. Enjoy your Easter holidays, why not arrange to get together with friends and visit one of the fabulous days out mentioned in this magazine….. but most of all, have lots of fun.
Tina Hey Magazine
@hey_tweeter
www.heymag.co.uk
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Classes for children aged 18 months to 6/7 years Interactive story telling & yoga make this a fun way for young children to access all 3 prime areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, including physical development Yoga aims to relieve tension from body & mind, creating the calm alert state that is optimal for learning – supports staff in creating an ideal teaching environment
Barrett & Coe have a great offer to celebrate Easter and springtime! Why not keep the kids occupied and help to raise money for your school at the same time? Purchase a family portrait gift experience for just £9.95 and the voucher sale will be donated straight back to your school’s PTA! The studio in Midsomer Norton is run by Marisa Taylor and she will help you make the most from your photography session, consulting with you to ensure you and your family are photographed in a style that appeals to the whole family. There is a superb range of traditional and contemporary frames to ensure that the images you choose will look fantastic in your home. To book now call 01761 418778.
Supports children’s learning, development & wellbeing FREE TASTER sessions available for schools, preschools & nurseries/other organisations; see for yourself how your children & staff could benefit from regular Adventures in Yoga
Deborah Maddison deborah.jnm@hotmail.com 07835 961730 www.adventuresinyoga.vpweb.co.uk
Unleash your child’s potential with Kumon At your local Midsomer Norton Study Centre, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes which are tailored to your child’s age and ability. Established for over 50 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their study skills and confidently tackle advanced work. The worksheet-based study programmes are designed to pursue the potential of each child. Central to the Kumon Method is the principal of giving students the confidence and courage to confront new challenges and pursue their own goals. Kumon develops children through the acquisition of independent learning skills, rather than teaching
in the conventional sense. Your child will therefore be equipped with the ability to learn for themselves so they do not become dependent on – or limited by – the skills and knowledge of others. The Midsomer Norton Study Centre is located at Somervale School, Redfield Road, Midsomer Norto, with classes running on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3.45pm to 5.45pm.
Boost your child’s confidence
For more information, contact Instructor Janet Russell on 01761 453720 or email midsomernorton@ kumoncentre.co.uk.
Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.
kumon.co.uk
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 5
THE BEAUTY OF BOREDOM H
ow having nothing to do could be good for your child.
For many families, 3pm doesn’t just mean the end of school. It means the start of a journey to a club or other after school activity. Similarly, the weekend isn’t necessarily for kicking back and relaxing, the regime of extracurricular commitments may well continue whether its football, ballet or gym. More and more child development experts are asking the question, when does the amount of stimulation that a child receives become too much? Should children be allowed to have more downtime in their week; is it actually good to be bored sometimes? A number of high profile commentators and experts in child education have certainly made a case for the goodness of boredom.
“Right to be bored to give them the stimulus to be inventive, resourceful and self-reliant” According to Dr Mary Bousted, the general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, children have no less than a ‘right to be bored to give them the stimulus to be inventive, resourceful and self-reliant’. Dr Teresa Belton, a senior researcher at the University of East Anglia’s School of Education and Lifelong Learning, has recently argued that getting bored actually aids children’s creative development following a study that looked at the role of boredom in the formative experience of artists. Belton’s work suggested that boredom gave individuals a chance to reflect and develop an ‘internal stimulus’ like noticing what
was going on around them in terms of others’ behaviour, the changing seasons, colours and sounds, and interpreting their experience of the world. It is an ability for children to find interest and meaning in the world - under their own steam – that many experts say underpins the importance of boredom. When a child is free from stimulation, their mind begins to wander and daydreaming begins. Boredom teaches a child that they are able to create their own entertainment, and that they are fully-capable of creating enjoyable ways in which to stay busy. Being bored can be an uncomfortable feeling, but through experiencing boredom and letting it in, children are then propelled by the need to be productive. The result is often imaginative play, hands-on learning, critical thinking, problem, and/or creative expression. Of course, with smart phones, tablets and laptops at the ready, many children would rather ‘plug in’ than feel bored. But this would be to side step the value of boredom. Unstructured free play and adequate time to think provides children with opportunities to act out their fears and sort through their emotions. Consider the value of unstructured outdoor play too. Although children may complain (beforehand) about outdoor trips like
going for walks as ‘boring’. They will be instinctively pulled into the rich sensory environment in which they find themselves, which is actually the opposite of boring. Here, no toys or equipment are needed in order to have a good time. If not overly inhibited by adults’ warnings of danger or dirt, children will start to explore. In short, nature stimulates the imagination. In fact, the ‘loose parts theory’ of play devised by leading architect Ben Nicholson, suggests that the degree of inventiveness and discovery made possible by any environment is directly proportional to the number of its elements which can be combined in different ways. And nature is full of loose parts: sticks and stones, moss and leaves, puddles and streams, mud and sand, slopes and caves. Given the opportunity, children are programmed to engage with them. So what of the argument for having structured play, clubs and other activities? Well, too much free time can get boring to the point of being frustrating. And after school clubs, sports and other activities can offer a valuable opportunity for children to explore and develop their talents, as well as the chance to meet new people. As with so many things, it’s all about balance. So whatever your weekly schedule, bear in mind the wise words of Maurice Sendak, author of the ‘Where the Wild Things Are’, who wrote, ‘Everybody should be quiet near a little stream and listen.’ At least once in a while anyway.
Bath Taps into Science Science for all the Family in March
Are you looking for things to do during British Science week 2015? Then look no further; on 18 March Bath Taps into Science, the annual mini-science festival in Bath, will begin. The festival, aimed at families, is trying to encourage people to think about science and how it is useful in our everyday lives. The mini-festival is made up of two main events: • Wednesday 18th March Family Talk at the University of Bath • Saturday 21st March Family Science Fair in Victoria Park, Bath
Family Talk – “Stuff Matters” On earth there is stuff that we call life, and non-living stuff that we call rocks, tools, buildings and so on. This distinction is now becoming blurred and in the future bionic people with synthetic organs, bones and even brains will be the norm. The FREE talk at the University of Bath reviews the changes to the material world that are coming our way and is suitable for people of all ages. The talk begins at 6pm on Wednesday 18th March and there will be refreshments and some fun science to get hands-on with from 5:30pm.
Family Science Fair On Saturday 21st March we take our fun science down into central Bath. There will be hands-on science to take part in Victoria Park (near the band stand) in Bath City Centre showcasing some of the cutting edge research that goes on at the University of Bath and across the South West. Come and see us with your family, young and old, to interact and play with fun science on the stalls run by staff and students from the University of Bath, as well as local and regional Science and Engineering companies. We will also have some research that you can actually take part in! No booking is required for the Family Science Day; just turn up to Victoria Park in Bath and take part in the FREE activities on offer.
Andrew Ross, Bath Taps into Science Project Manager says, Bath Taps into Science is a great week of events for all the family. We hope that people of all ages will be able to get hands-on with some fantastic science being undertaken around Bath.
For more information, to book your free place on ‘Stuff Matters’ or watch our science videos visit http://go.bath.ac.uk/tap-into-science 01225 385418 /bathtaps @bath_taps
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 7
ANIMAL MAGIC
THE BENEFITS OF HAVING THE RIGHT PET FOR YOUR HOME
A
fter saying ‘no’ to my kids’ many pleas for a pet, I finally relented when a friend put a fluff ball of a kitten (in need of a good home) into my arms. She mewed and her fate was sealed – she was coming back to ours. This was a classic situation where the heart suddenly gets to be in charge of the head, but six months on and the whole family is enjoying our fluffy addition. And perhaps that’s not surprising; study after study suggests that owning a pet has a range of benefits for children – and the rest of us. If you make the right choice (more on this in a bit). Firstly, there are obvious health benefits to owning certain types of companion pets. Dogs need to be walked, and cats (some of them anyway) like to play. There are even official ‘petsercise’ programmes you can join, for example the Pet Health Council runs a fitness course that encourages people and their pets to get fit and healthy together. Pets can also encourage children to spend more time in the ‘real’, rather than the ‘virtual’ world, if you feel this has become an issue in your household. A Finnish research report, published in 2012, has also shown that pets have an important role to play in building up a child’s immune system. Children who live with a cat or dog in their first years of life have a lower incidence of hay fever and asthma and are less likely to develop animal-related allergies.
owning families are more stable than those of children from non-pet owning families – suggesting that pet-owning children are better able to fend off illness. Interacting with pets can also help to release endorphins (feel good chemicals) into the brain. In fact, a number of hospitals now include a pet therapy programme; the aim is to make young patients feel relaxed and comfortable by having animals around in a medical environment. Positive interaction with pet animals has also been proven to speed up the patient recovery process, and generally reduce stress and promote overall wellbeing. It’s for this reason that retirement homes for the elderly often arrange animal visit through the charity Pets As Therapy. So there are lots of scientific reasons to take on a pet. But perhaps the most compelling case is simply the emotional connection that a child can develop for an animal. A dog, cat or hamster will not judge them, will not
‘break friends’ with them, and will not tell tales. An animal’s presence is quite simply a source of comfort. But before you dash to the nearest pet shop there are a host of practical considerations to take on board. Consider issues such as the space you have available for an animal; the cost of its food and vet bills; a pet sitter (or equivalent) for when you go on holiday; and the temperament of the kind of animal that would work best in your household. So a rabbit is relatively low cost but not all rabbits like to be handled, a Labrador is a great companion but arguably needs access to a garden… A terrapin turtle needs heat lamps, doesn’t like to be handled and has a life span of 10-20 years! Ultimately, for a busy parent or carer, a pet can at times just feel like another mouth to feed and look after. But once you have found an animal that can fit in with your lifestyle, the payback can be immense. Enjoy!
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Other studies also show that the immune systems of children (particularly those between the ages of five and eight) of pet-
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What’s On March 21
April 4
Exciting interactive science fair for all ages Royal Victoria Park Bath Taps into Science take fun science down into central Bath. There will be hands-on science to take part in at locations in Bath City Centre showcasing some of the cutting edge research that goes on at the University of Bath and across the South West. There will be interactive science stands, demonstration talks and an intimate inflatable dome where researchers will present their current research in under 10 minutes! No booking is required for the Family Science Day; just turn up to to the venues in the centre of Bath and take part in the free activities on offer.
Easter Market @ Temple Cloud Village Hall, 1pm - 5pm Raffle, hot drinks, cakes, easter goody store, plants and more. £10 to set up a stall. Profits go towards funding a trip to Tanzania.
March 27 Easter disco party @Junction 21 6-8pm £7.50 a ticket. Strictly ticket only. Dancing, party games, hotbox meal, unlimited squash and an Easter gift for every child. Children must be accompanied by a child.
March 28 Paddington @ 2.30pm Palladium at the Town Hall, Midsomer Norton.
March 28 - April 6 Easter Eggstravaganza @ SeaQuarium Weston Why not bring your Eggsplorers along and help us find the eggs that have gone missing deep in our tanks? For those who are clever enough to crack the Easter password in our Eggsplorers Trail, an Easter reward will await! Plus, there will be a chance for you to make your very own Easter Bonnet in our Eggsplorers Craft Club.
April 6 - 7 My Friend Mole @ The Egg Theatre, Bath Mole is my best friend, he is brave and funny. Mole goes everywhere I go. No one can see him apart from me. Using live music, storytelling and a rich visual language that will delight and surprise it’s audience. www.theatreroyal.org.uk.
April 8 Family Activity: Springtime @ The Bishops Palace We’ll be thinking about the changes that take place in Spring and how the changing seasons affect the living things in the garden. Craft activities will include making daffodil bunting, wooden peg butterflies and caterpillars, and herb and lavender bags. Included with admission. 11am-3pm.
April 11 Family Fun @ Bath City Farm., 11am-3pm Have a go at being a farmer for the day! Booking required. £8 per child/£4 concessions. Bring a packed lunch.
April 11 Tinker Bell and the Legends of the NeverBeast 4:30pm Victoria Hall, Radstock.
April 1
April 25
Minibugs @ Bishops Palace Our family activity this week will focus on Minibeasts that you might find in our gardens! Take part in craft activities such as grass caterpillars to grow and bug hotels for the garden at home, there will also be a rock bug painting activity, particularly good for little ones. Included with admission. 11am-3pm.
Penguins of Madagascar @ 2.30pm Palladium at the Town Hall, Midsomer Norton.
April 3 Maximum One Direction 1D Tribute Show Good Friday. Prepare yourselves for the Maximum 1D experience! Simply the best Tribute act to the biggest group on the planet right now. Paulton Rovers FC, Winterfield Rd, Paulton, Bristol, Avon, Somerset BS39 7RF.
May 4 Big Bank Holiday Family Fun Day in association with Jessie May @ Bath Racecourse Join us this Bank Holiday for a day the whole family can enjoy. We’ll have lots of entertainment as well as 7 exciting horse races. PLUS Peppa Pig will be making appearances at intervals on the day in the grandstand enclosure, to see her young fans!
May 16 Paddington 4:30pm Victoria Hall, Radstock.
gg Hu E r e nts t s a April 2 - 6
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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 9
1000 Easter Egg Hunt @ Haynes Motor Museum The Museum will be filled with baby animals and delights for children - young and old to discover. This year features a new springtime baby animal trail, grab a trail sheet and see if you can find all the creatures around the museum to earn a chocolatey prize, we have 1000 Easter treats to give away.
April 3 - 6 Cadbury Easter Egg Trail @ Tyntesfield Follow the clues, answer the questions and complete the challenges to find your way to a prize just for you! Trail Cost: £2.50, 10am - 4.30pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield
April 3 - 6 Easter Yarn Bombing weekend @ The American Museum, Bath Our Easter trail features springtime creatures and creations hand-crafted by Museum volunteers. Grab a trail sheet and see if you can find all of the knitted delights decorating the grounds to earn a chocolate egg. 12noon- 5pm included in gardens only admission American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath.
April 4 Noah’s Chocolate Trail @ Noahs Ark Zoo Farm Hunt through the Easter trail and discover a chocolaty and sweet surprise! Adults and children can take part in the novelty games and get creative making some fun Easter crafts. Plus look out for the new born Easter chicks, bunnies and lambs!
April 4 Easter Egg Rolling @ Prior Park What better place to be on Easter Saturday morning than racing your very own eggs down Prior Park’s big hills. Bring the family as well as your own home decorated eggs to see who will roll the winner. 11am - 1pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park/
April 4 - 5 Easter Egg Hunt @ Midsomer Norton Train Station Bring the kids along to hunt for clues and find the Easter Egg stashes.
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Taylor Wimpey terms and conditions apply. Computer generated image of the street scene is indicative only. Internal image may include optional upgrades at additional cost. *Eligible applicants will be offered an equity loan of up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price (based on the open market value). Applicants are required to fund at least 80% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings and any deposit where required. For the first five years there is no fee charged on the equity loan component. At the start of year six a fee of 1.75% is payable on the equity loan, which rises annually by RPI inflation plus 1%. The equity loan is provided by the HCA and is held as a second charge. This offer are subject to status and are only available on selected developments and properties in England only up to the value of £600,000. These are not offered with any other promotion. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. †This offer is subject to status and is only available on selected developments and properties. It is not offered with any other promotion unless by special arrangement by us. March 2015.
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Suzie’s diary Dear Diary! Spring in the air and there’s a sense of new beginnings. I love this time of year – it makes me pull my finger out and get things done… Finally, after months of procrastinating, I’ve launched a website for my cake baking business and the effect has been almost too positive. Now that people can see what I do, the orders have come piling in and I’m struggling to keep on top of things. I’m going to have to start turning away business if I’m to keep my sanity. My business is supposed to work around the family and not the other way round. But I don’t mean to sound ungrateful for the custom, I just wish I could control the flow of interest! As for the kids. Scarlett has now confirmed that she is now definitely a vegetarian. That means extra work too. I want to respect her decision but at the same time it means cooking her a different version of any meat (or fish) dish we have. Still, it’s become such an important thing to her that I’ve decided the best option is for us all to eat less meat. Chickpeas for tea tonight (I can almost hear my other kids groan!). Archie is actually causing me more of a headache. He just doesn’t seem interested in reading or writing. He won’t knuckle down to homework and I know that his literacy isn’t where it should be. But then again, he is only seven. I was hardly studious at that age, and maybe it’s because the school’s spelling tests are a bit, well, abstract. Maybe if they were all connected to football or bmx-ing, I hope he’d find them more meaningful and just possibly remember them. I’ve decided to try and not stress too much about it. He’s happy and healthy, that’ll do for now. Dropping Poppy off at nursery has got a bit better, which is just as well. I really need the time for my business. She’s got really attached to her ‘key worker’ – it’s wonderful to see. And with the days getting longer, I’m getting out to do a bit of running as soon as hubby gets home. I’ve even managed 3 miles without getting a stitch – an achievement for me! I’ve got six months before my first running event (a 10km) since I was a teenager. Running time is me time, I love it.
Suzie xx
Craft Corner
Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for full instructions on how to make these crafts
Cress Egg Heads
Easter Basket Cupcakes
Easter Balloon Basket
Easter Egg Tree
Easter Bunny Mask
Easter Bonnett
Easter Door Decoration
Easter Table Runner
Paper Plate Bag
Easter Chicks
BOOK BONDING
THE ONGOING VALUE OF READING ALOUD TO YOUR CHILD W
orld Book Day on 5 March saw the joy of reading celebrated up and down the country, and beyond! It was a wonderful occasion to mark, but, of course, a good book can be enjoyed any, and every, day of the week, and reading aloud to your child can bring special rewards whatever their age. That’s because when we talk to children about the pictures, scenes or characters in books, we’re giving them the time and the opportunity to ask questions about what they see, and make connections with the world around them. Sharing books with younger children is not necessarily about ‘teaching them to read’, really it’s about helping children to make sense of the things taking place in the story and, possibly, how these things might relate to the ‘real’ world. A good story feeds a child’s imagination (and interests), and talking about a book encourages them to ask questions. Older children benefit too from hearing stories read out loud. They also enjoy the time and undivided attention it means you are giving them - along with the chance to discuss and explore aspects of the story with you. Reading aloud is truly a shared experience. Stories not only help children learn about the world and themselves, but also learn about language and how books work. Through hearing stories, children are exposed to a rich and wide vocabulary. This in turn helps them build their own vocabulary and improve their understanding of diction, and tone, as they listen. This comprehension is vital as they
start to read independently and develop their own reading skills. Even if children don’t understand every word, they’ll hear new sounds, words and phrases which they can then try out for themselves. It’s important for children to understand how stories work as well, for example, the use of chapters to organise a story and the role played by a narrator. Older children will soon begin to understand the difference between fact, fiction and myth; there’s no reason to stick to reading aloud just fiction, a great book about the Vikings will be just as fascinating as a piece of creative writing!
In short, sharing a book with your child – at any age - helps opens their eyes and minds to different people and situations and stretches their horizons. Numerous research studies have proved that children who enjoy reading do better at school in all subjects, and lifelong readers tend to have richer, more empathetic, lives. Yes, reading together increases literacy skills but it does so much more - it helps to build a strong and loving relationship with your child. For ideas about how, and what, to read to your child, visit www.booktrust.org.uk.
HEY! competitions WIN FAMILY TICKETS TO THE ROYAL BATH AND WEST SHOW!
WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEAQUARIUM!
4 family tickets to be won The 2015 Royal Bath & West Show takes place from Wednesday 27 May until Saturday 30 May at the Bath & West Showground. From the country’s finest livestock, over 600 trade stands, the British Cheese Awards to the UK’s biggest cider competition, there really is something for everyone - family or food lover.
What town is The Royal Bath and West Showground in?
SeaQuarium Weston is situated on its own unique pier on Weston-super-Mare seafront. The aquarium features Freshwater, Tropical and Marine species in 30 exhibits across 10 themed zones including the Tropical Reef Zone with Puffer Fish, Rainforest Zone with Piranha and Underwater Ocean Tunnel with sharks. The “Hands On” team are available throughout the day to bring you closer to many of our creatures and to share their unique experiences of caring for the animals at SeaQuarium!
What type of fish was Nemo and his dad in the film Finding Nemo?
WIN A SWEET BEES KEEPSAKE PICTURE! Generic or personalised This Sweet Bees framed picture can take pride of place on the party table, brighten up a bedroom or on the wall of a playroom from Feather Grey Parties. They offer simply stylish party supplies, decorations and gifts. Everything you need to throw a super stylish party for all. www.feathergreyparties.co.uk
Name 3 other items you can buy in the Bumble Bee range from Feather Grey Parties
Holly Hobbs Trowbridge Zachary Rafferty Frome Oliver Perry Frome Fin Martinez Kirby Bristol Calum Hockey Longwell Green Luke Telford Street Samuel Bird Shepton Mallet
WIN A PRINCESS PARTY FROM BOUNCE-A-ROO PRINCESS PARTIES 1 party to be won - one standard Princess Appearance Let us help celebrate your child’s birthday. Invite your child’s favourite Princess to their party giving them fairytale memories to last a lifetime. We offer Princess character appearances for all budgets with a variety of packages to choose from. For more information visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/bouncearooprincessparties. Make your party or event magical by winning this amazing prize. Prize valid until 30/4/16.
How many princesses are on Bounce-a-roo Princess Parties facebook cover photo?
WIN A FAMILY PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE WORTH £185 WITH BARRETT AND COE An hour in the hour in the studio and a framed 10” portrait. Barrett & Coe Bath is owned by Marisa Taylor. The studio was established in June 2009 and caters for baby, portrait and wedding photography.
Can you name three different types of photography offered by Barrett & Coe?
WINNERS
Tayla Maisey-Smith Radstock Eddie Heath Chew Stoke
HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning these fantastic prizes, simply visit www.heymag.co.uk and click on the Competitions button, complete the form and enter your answers. It couldn’t be easier! Closing date for entries: 13th April 2015
COMING SOON TO A CHILD NEAR YOU...
ALLERGY A
llergy Awareness Week, which this year takes place on 20th26th April, has never had a more urgent mission. Each year, the number of allergy sufferers increases with as many as half of all those affected being children. In fact, according to the charity Allergy UK, the latest surveys show that the rates of allergy are increasing throughout the world, affecting up to 30-35% of people at some stage in their lives. This increase was initially seen in countries such as the UK, Europe and USA, but can now be found in all countries undergoing industrial development. In the UK, it is estimated that up to 21 million adults have one or more allergies. The pattern of allergy is also changing. Initially, the increase was in asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). However, recent studies have confirmed a significant increase in the incidence of food allergies, particularly amongst children. With allergy such a widespread problem, it is important to understand more about the condition, and how it differs from a food intolerance. An allergy is the response of the body’s immune system to normally harmless substances, such as pollens, foods, and the house dust mite. Whilst in most people these substances (allergens) pose no problem, in allergic individuals their immune system identifies them as a ‘threat’ and produces an inappropriate response. When a person who is allergic to a particular allergen comes into contact with it, an allergic reaction occurs. This begins when the allergen (for example, pollen) enters the body, triggering an antibody response. When the allergen comes into contact with the antibodies, these cells respond by releasing certain substances, one of which is called histamine. These substances cause swelling, inflammation and itching of the surrounding tissues, which is extremely irritating and uncomfortable. Anaphylaxis is an extreme and severe allergic reaction. The whole body is affected, often within minutes of exposure to the substance which causes the allergic reaction (allergen) but sometimes this reaction happens after several hours or more. Physical reactions to certain foods are common, but most are caused by a food intolerance rather than a food allergy. A food intolerance can cause some of the same signs and symptoms as a food allergy, so people often confuse the two. A true food allergy causes an immune system reaction that affects numerous organs in the body. It can cause a range of symptoms. In contrast, food intolerance symptoms are generally less serious and often limited to digestive problems.
“An estimated 21 million adults have one or more allergies.” The complicating factor about allergies is that symptoms (including anaphylaxis) can either be immediate, or delayed. This, of course, makes a diagnosis more tricky. So what do you do if you suspect an allergy in your child? Immediate allergies to food are usually quite easy to spot because of how quickly they happen after the food is eaten. If you think that your child has had an immediate reaction, it is best to avoid the food until you have seen a doctor. If you suspect that something in your child’s diet is causing more delayed symptoms such as eczema or reflux then it can be helpful to keep a food diary to see if the relationship between having the food in the diet and the symptoms is consistent. If it is, then the diary will be helpful to the doctor. With ‘immediate’ type allergies, testing can be done by a blood test or by a ‘skin prick’ test, where food extracts are placed on the skin of the arm and gently pricked. This can help confirm if the allergy is present. Unfortunately, with delayed allergies, things are less straightforward as there are not any reliable straightforward tests. However, careful exclusion diets, where the suspected food is completely taken out of the diet may be recommended with the assistance of an experienced dietician. The key thing is seek professional medical help, and be prepared for the possibility that an exact diagnosis could take time.
FAMILY FUN THIS EASTER M
SHOW INFORMATION
ake the most of the Easter break by spending some quality time with the whole family, it’s the perfect time to try something new or something you wouldn’t normally have time for.
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Here are some ideas for great family days out that break the mould.
GREAT
s
BRITISH
et
VOLUNTEER TOGETHER
AGRICULTURE Consider this quality time squared: you get to spend theENTERTAINMENT day with your children, they learn about the joy of helping others, and you all makeFOOD the& world DRINK a better place. When choosing an activity, take a cue from the things that your children love. If 27-30 MAY 2015 they’re keen on dogs, they’ll enjoy helping at an animal shelter, while kids who love a welly walk might enjoy spending the day with a nature conservation charity. SHOW INFORMATION
design enquiries – www.onedotdesign.co.uk
GREAT
BRITISH AGRICULTURE
CHILDREN GO FREE WITH ENTERTAINMENT ADVANCE TICKETS
FOOD & DRINK
27-30 MAY 2015
Children go FREE with Advance Tickets
A great
WWW.BATHANDWEST.COM
family day out! FREE KIDS SWORD SCHOOL & CRAFT TENT! WWW.BATHANDWEST.COM
Visit www.bathandwest.com to buy tickets or call the Ticket Line 0844 77 66 777
GO ON A PICNIC
Really do your homework. Research a place that has it all; history, interesting terrain and nooks and crannies to explore. Think Enid Blyton and go all out with the food, taking everyone’s favourite dishes and get the kids involved with the preparation of the nosh (to up the anticipation). And take lots of layers and blankets. Nothing spoils a great picnic spread more than feeling the cold. A flask of hot chocolate will help keep the chills out too.
GET ARTISTIC
Pack up your family’s pens and crayons, grab a wedge of paper and head out to one your favourite local beauty spots to enjoy some artwork together. Take cardboard too to fix down the paper so it doesn’t fly off with the first gust of wind. Draw each other, draw the landscape or just doodle, but have fun and take lots of snacks!
CREATE YOUR OWN NATURE TRAIL
Kids can be reluctant to go for walks if it’s not clear what the purpose is, so create one. Do some research together beforehand about a particular bird or animal that lives in the countryside local to you, and head out on a mission to find it (or at least evidence that it lives in the area). Other missions could include looking for, and tracking, animal footprints; searching for a particular wildflower, or looking for the best tree for climbing in your area.
Wolvershill Road, Banwell, Weston-super-Mare
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 19
GET ON YOUR BIKES
It can be well worth putting your bikes in the car and driving out to a canal or cycle path that you don’t normally visit so that you can explore new ground. And by taking wheels, you’ll cover a lot more ground even if your kids are on very small bikes. Oh, and visit a nice cafe to refuel and reward all your hard work.
DISCOVER GEOCACHING
For the uninitiated, geocaching is a treasure hunt for the digital generation. All you need is a handheld GPS (which can be readily downloaded onto most smart phones) and a sense of fun. A geocache or ‘cache’ is a small waterproof treasure box hidden outdoors. Geocachers seek out these hidden goodies guided by a GPS enabled device which uses coordinates, or ‘waypoints’ downloaded from www.opencaching.com or www.geocaching.com. Think there are no caches near you? Think again.
MAKE A TIME CAPSULE
(Because everyone needs a rainy day activity up their sleeve). Preserving your artefacts is a fun way to celebrate your family now and later but it’s probably best not to bury them (you’ll probably end up with a soggy mess). Pile everything into an archival box, then stow it away in a cool, dark place. Include the big stuff (artwork, school reports, notes to your future selves) and the little (like film tickets, a printout of a Facebook page). It’ll be another rainy day activity in ten years time to open it up again!
Cheddar Crazy Golf Family Fun for all ages
18 hole course in attractive setting Open daily from 11am
EASTER DISCO PARTY!
Only £3.50 per player
A Disco Party with great music and your children get full use of all the play equipment!
01934 741112 7 Queens Row The Cliffs, Cheddar
27th
Friday March 2015 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Disco Party Includes: * Dancing, Playing & Party Games * A Hot Box Meal For Every Child * Unlimited Squash * An Easter Gift for every child
info@cheddarcrazygolf.co.uk
£7.50 A Ticket STRICTLY TICKETS ONLY! Limited number available! (Children must be accompanied by an adult)
Tel: 01373 453 670 Graphic House, Station Approach, Frome, BA11 1RE (Next to Railway Station)
www.wellowtrekking.com
Accommodation & Riding Holidays Pony Trekking Riding Lessons Picnic and Play Area Refreshments Corporate Facilities Parties 01225 834376 Birthday RDA Centre
20 | HEYMAG.CO.UK
Sweet2eatCakes
Get 10% OFF
Finest cakes whatever the occasion from cupcakes to wedding cakes Kids Baking Classes Tracy Waller 01761 412993 07557 782901
www.sweet2eatcakes.co.uk sweet2eatcakes
New Bumble Bee Party Collection
use discount code HEY10 at the checkout
Piano & Music Theory teacher Ali Boyce
Tel: 01761 436895 Mobile: 07817884936
F E AT H E R G R E Y PA RT I E S . C O . U K
Book a real scientist for your child’s party!
Let us entertain your child and their friends with lightning, slime making and much more! prices Packages include: ‘Chemical Reactions’ from only £80! ‘Amazing Electrics’ ‘The Science of Sweets’
www.fun-science.co.uk
07708214840
info@fun-science.org.uk
KIDS GO FREE! The Falmouth Hotel
Perfect for a fun packed family break during the school holidays. Join us for a host of activities such as, story-telling, nature trails, crafts and gingerbread decorating, movie nights, games and much more. The hotel also offers an outdoor play area as well as an indoor swimming pool and an indoor play room with books toys and games. www.falmouthhotel.com Easter break from £159
The Grosvenor Hotel
Our family friendly hotel is in a superb location with access to the seafront, all the local attractions and amenities and just a short stroll to the nearest beach. With heated indoor and outdoor pools, both with changing facilities, spacious gardens with play areas, an indoor play room, you don’t have to venture far to spoil the little ones. www.grosvenorhoteltorquay.co.uk Easter break from £125
The Grand Hotel
Superbly located offering stunning views of the Bay from the outdoor pool and terrace, the elegant Compass Lounge, 1881 Restaurant and sea view bedrooms. The Grand also boasts a Spa, indoor pool, sauna and hot tub and spacious family rooms. Again, The Grand Hotel is also just a short stroll from the Bay’s many attractions, the town of Torquay and all the local beaches. Easter break from £169 www.grandtorquay.co.uk
To book call 0800 005 2244 or email reservations@richardsonhotels.co.uk
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 21
News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS
EVENTS
ART WINNERS Oliver, Millie and Josh from Farrington Gurney Primary School won the school art competition to provide a painting which will be framed and displayed at the new Council building in Keynsham. The children each received a ÂŁ20 book token and a certificate of achievement from the Council.
SWIMMERS WIN
DIARY DATES
YOUR SUCCESSES
HI-VIS VESTS Welton Primary School received a donation of hi-vis vests with their school logo printed on the front from Avon and Somerset Constabulary. This will enable the school to ensure children can be seen whilst on trips outside of school. The children would like to express their thanks to Avon and Somerset Constabulary for their kind donation.
FOOTBALL SUCCESS Well done to Farrington Gurney Primary school football team who played a home match against St Julian’s and finished the match 2-1 to Farrington Gurney.
Christian, Matthew, Nathan, Oliver, Aimee, Megan, Natasha and Terri all took part in the inter schools swimming gala and successfully represented Farrington Gurney Primary school and came 2nd overall. Well done to all.
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Catherine McKeever Tuition
Primary teacher with 20 years experience and excellent references offering one to one tutoring for children aged 5 to 12 in a structured, nurturing and supportive environment.
Programmes are available to: consolidate term time learning meet specific learning needs and build confidence provide catch-up during school holidays preparation for Common Entrance 01761 471690 / 07849 836415 catherine.mckeever@homecall.co.uk Based in Timsbury
Mogghill Nursery School St Benedict’s Primary School, Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton • 35 years in outstanding childcare • Experienced & qualified staff • Brilliant Ofsted reports • Secure outdoor play area • Stimulating activities • Safe & happy environment for your children
Spaces available for September 2014
01761 232176 mogghill@aol.com • www.mogghill.com Also at Peasedown St John
SALLY TEALLS BABY MASSAGE A BOND FOR LIFE
Tuesdays - Methodist Church Hall, MSN Baby Reflex & Yoga 9.30 – 10.15am Baby Massage 10.30 - 11.30am & 12 – 1pm
BONDING • SOOTHING • SENSORY STIMULATION • EASE COLIC DIGESTIVE ISSUES • SLEEP PROBLEMS • TEETHING
Mon - Farrington Gurney, Thurs & Fri - Somer Centre, MSN
Todder Yoga 9.30am - 10.15am CALL 07974820944 TO BOOK YOUR PLACE www.sallyteallsbabymassage.co.uk
- Ballet - Choir Rocks - Tap - Musical Theatre - Street Hip Hop - Private Singing - Jazz - Breakdance - Adult Ballet - Adult Tap - Adult Belly Dancing - Pre School Music & Movement - Ballet with Mummy 18 months+ www.susanhillschoolofdancing.co.uk suehill.dance@btinternet.com 01761 438885
Saturday 28th March
Family Showcase 2.30pm: Paddington (PG) Evening Showcase 7.30pm: The Imitation Game (12A)
Saturday 25th April
Family Showcase 2.30pm: Penguins of Madagascar (U) Evening Showcase 7.30pm: Mr Turner (12A)
Saturday 23rd May
Family Showcase 2.30pm: TBC Evening Showcase 7.30pm: The Theory of Everything (12A)
Full size cinema screen, surround sound, comfy armchair seating, cafe, ice-cream & popcorn - the complete cinema experience! Tickets: £5 adults, £3 children, £12 family (2 adults, 2 children)
www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk
01761 419133 @MSNCommTrust
Midsomer Norton Community Trust
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 23
VIP VISIT As part of class 1’s Frozen book topic at Farrington Gurney Primary School, the children received a special visit from Elsa! They were all very excited to have such a wonderful character in their classroom. The children asked her lots of questions, sang songs, played games and enjoyed ‘Frozen’ cakes.
HOME ENERGY ADVICE BOOST Residents can now get extra support to help cut their energy bills and make their homes more energy efficient thanks to the new Energy at Home Advice Service supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council. The Energy at Home Advice Service offers a wide range of energy related guidance and can help you find out what grants and finance options are available. For example Bath & North East Somerset Council is currently offering a generous top-up grant of up to £7,000 for solid wall insulation. The Advice Service has already received hundreds of enquiries from residents wanting to know how to make their homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run. Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Council, said: “The Advice Service is part of the Energy at Home Scheme, which Bath & North East Somerset Council has been developing with local partners over the last two years. The B&NES Energy at Home Scheme is designed to make it easier for our residents to make energy saving home improvements. “This helps us address a number of potential issues including fuel poverty, the risk of illness to people living in cold homes, and the level of domestic carbon emissions. At the same time it will be helping local businesses to benefit from the work this creates.”
INCLUSION QUALITY MARK Welton Primary School have been presented with the Inclusion Quality Mark which has been awarded in recognition of their dedication to ensuring everyone at Welton is listened to and cared for. This includes all pupils, staff, parents and carers.
The Energy at Home website www.energyathome.org.uk is full of useful information about the different energy saving measures, grants and finance available to help install energy saving home improvements, and guidance for if you live in an old property. The Advice Service is available Monday to Friday 9am-6pm, and on Saturday mornings 9am-12pm. To get in contact freephone 0800 038 5680 or email advice@energyathome.org. uk. To speak to an advisor face to face, you can drop in to the One Stop Shop on Manvers Street, Bath, on the first Friday of each month between 10am and 12pm. Where appropriate, the Advice Service can book you in for a home energy assessment, that produces a report showing which energy saving measures are suitable for your home. This additional service is free to those in receipt of qualifying benefits. The Advice Service can talk you through the report and help you understand your options. If you want to have some of the measures installed, they can help you find a certified installer. Local businesses in the construction trade are encouraged to get in touch with the Energy at Home Trade Support Team who can offer highly subsidised training in sustainable construction and Green Deal certification, and reduced membership to the Council’s Trading Standards “Buy with Confidence” scheme. Freephone 0800 038 5688, emailtradesupport@energyathome. org.uk or visit www.energyathome.org.uk/trade-support for more details.
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FORD FUEL OILS
www.fordfueloils.co.uk Suppliers of Home Heating Oil, Agricultural Diesel and Lubricants Also: Oil Tank replacement service Monitored top up service Boiler servicing and waste oil collection can be arranged
Farrington Fields I Estate Farrington Gurney
01761 452222
Docky’s
01761 419944 Children’s Lunch Boxes Only £3.50 10% off with this voucher
CINEMA
@ VICTORIA HALL RADSTOCK Sat 14 March If you go down to the woods today... Easter Forest School Club 2015 For 5 to 15 Year Olds
BOOK OF LIFE U - 4.30pm GONE GIRL 18 - 7.30pm
Mon 30th March to Weds 1st April (5-10 year olds)
TINKERBELL AND THE LEGENDS OF THE NETHERBEAST U - 4.30pm THE IMITATION GAME 12A - 7.30pm
Thurs 2nd April £35 Green Woodworking & Tool Skills (10-15 year olds) £30 for 1 day. £25 for additional days Lunch included Ed Harding 07925 417 261 edfreerangers@gmail.com www.freerangers.org.uk
Free Ranger BA3 2BW
Sat 11 April
Sat 16 May PADDINGTON PG - 4.30pm THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 12A - 7.30pm
Tickets £3/£5 from Bath Box Office 01225 463362 bathfilmfestival.org.uk Tickets may be available on the door victoriahallradstock.co.uk
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 25
WOW
EMAIL US YOUR WOW! PHOTOS AND DETAILS TO INFO@IGNYTE-UK.CO.UK
WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Amelia Meacham aged 7 has achieved her stage 5 in swimming and also her 600 meter’s swimming award, well done.
Ashlyn Dawes aged 8 has achived her collectors badge at Brownies for collecting and reporting shells.
Bethany Pink aged 7 has passed her modern theatre dance exam with a distinction, good work Bethany.
Bradley Hancock aged 7 has achieved his level 2 award in football, well done Bradley.
Carys Price aged 8 has achieved her level 4 in gymnastics and her stage 4 in swimming as well as her grade 3 in water skills.
Charlie aged 7 has achieved his 5 metre swimming award, well done Charlie.
Cherry Evans aged 11 has been awarded the highest award at an international sports competition, well done Cherry.
Cicely Langley aged 6 has passed her angelfish 1 in swimming, great work Cicely.
Dylan Bailey aged 6 has passed his stage 2 in swimming, well done Dylan.
Edward Gould aged 6 has passed his stage 1 in swimming and also his 5 meter rainbow swimming award.
Ella Grace Baker aged 8 has passed her tap dance exam with distinction, well done Ella.
Ella Hansford aged 5 has achieved her level 5 on the bar in gymnastics, well done Ella.
Ellie Ashwood aged 8 has passed her level 3 on the bar in gymnastics, well done Ellie.
Ellis Price aged 6 has achieved her level 4 on vault, grade 2 in water skills, level 5 in gymnastics and stage 3 in swimming.
Elsie RhymerNott aged 6 took part in the swimming gala at Norton Radstock Swimming Club and also achieved a badge for skiing.
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Emilia Kingman aged 8 has passed her level 4 on the vault, grade 3 in swimming, her dance exam and also attended a swimming gala.
Finley Wilkinson aged 7 has been awarded the player of the year award for Midsomer Norton Football Club under 7’s.
Harijs Bermaks aged 9 has been awarded a medal for playing in a football tournament, well done.
Harry Harmer and Thomas Biddle aged 9 and 10, have both been awarded with the silver award at Cubs.
Harry Voss aged 5 has achieved his 5 meter swimming award, well done Harry.
Hollie Oatway aged 7 has been awarded a trophy for always helping at Stardust Majorettes, well done Hollie.
Holly Minall aged 8 was awarded with the cutest baby award, well done Holly.
Izabella Gardiner aged 6 has achieved her level 4 on vault and also a holiday award, well done Izabella.
Izzy Dargue aged 9 has achieved her grade 1 in dance, well done Izzy.
James Shepherd aged 10 has achieved 1st place at Cubs in the archery competition, well done James.
Jeanette Ford aged 7 has passed her ballet exam with distinction, well done Jeanette.
Joe Bishton aged 8 has been awarded for playing as part of the Radstock rangers under 8 football team.
Joe Evans aged 6 has achieved his award 4 in football, well done Joe.
Joel Fenton aged 10 plays rugby for Bath’s junior team and has been awarded the player of the week trophy for the under 11’s.
Joesph Moore aged 6 has been awarded the student of the year award in Tae Kwon Do, well done Joseph.
Joshua Singtathong aged 11 has been awarded the highest award at an international sports comp, well done Joshua.
Katie Allen aged 4 has achieved her level 5 on the bar in gymnastics, well done Katie.
Lacey Hatcher aged 7 has passed her ballet exam, well done Lacey.
Supporting you and your family...
...DURING THE HARDEST OF TIMES At FDC Law we can help you resolve family disputes by understanding the issues and working with you towards an amicable agreement. We use our extensive experience to provide the best outcome for you and your children, as quickly and sensitively as possible. We oer a free initial consultation of up to half an hour, by appointment.
For conďŹ dential help or advice, speak to our family team.
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