FREE • MID SOMERSET EDITION • ISSUE 48 • FEBRUARY 2017
Read more at www.familymatters-uk.co.uk
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RED NOSE DAY For m ore i n f or m at i on a n d re s ou rc e s , v i s it r e d n o s e d ay. c om
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nna Budzynska of Comic Relief offers ideas to help you ensure your child has loads of fun this Red Nose Day and starts to understand that, however small they are, they can make a difference. Red Nose Day, which is just around the corner on Friday 24th March, is all about our power to make the world a better place by having a great time. From bake sales and fancy dress to talent shows and sponsored challenges, it’s time to put the fun into fundraising! By supporting your child’s fundraising efforts, you can help them make the most of all the laughing and learning. Comic Relief aims to create a just world, free from poverty, in which everybody is safe, healthy, educated and empowered. By raising money this Red Nose Day, your child will be helping to give vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the UK and Africa a helping hand to turn their lives around. Here are our top ten tips for making the most of the day. 1. GO RED IN STYLE If your child’s school is holding a red dress-up day, don’t leave it to the last minute to sort out an outfit! Go through the wardrobes for red clothing, scour the dressing-up box for costumes and dig out as many red accessories as you can find – hats, scarves, ribbons, badges, socks, wigs… Get up early on the big day, have fun with red face paint and enjoy spotting all the other red children on the walk to school.
2. ADD A NOSE Why not buy your child a Red Nose to finish off their outfit for the day? They’re a bargain at £1 each and this year’s designs are funnier and quirkier than ever, from Sniffer the dog and Snuffles the dragon to Snootankhamun the mummy and Sneezecake the chef. 3. READY, STEADY, BAKE! If your child’s school is holding a themed bake sale, don’t panic! There are a range of simple Red Nose Day recipes at rednoseday. com/schools/primary/fundraising-resources. Alternatively, just stock up on red icing, food colouring, edible glitter and sprinkles and get decorating your favourite biscuits. 4. TAKE TO THE STAGE This year, schools around the country are staging talent and comedy shows to raise money for Red Nose Day. Encourage your child to take part – help them come up with an idea, rehearse their act and be on hand to offer your support on the big day. 5. SUPPORT SPONSORSHIP If your child comes home with a sponsorship form for a fundraising activity, help them to collect pledges from your family and friends (remind people to GiftAid their money if possible). Your child will feel a real sense of achievement when they collect in the money and take it into school for paying in. 6. GO THAT BIT FURTHER Encourage your child to do extra fundraising outside school. Why not help them to organise their own sponsored activity? Perhaps they could give something up for a week, or try to stay quiet for a day?! Or you could offer to make a donation if they help you out with some jobs around the home. 7. TALK ABOUT WHY Talk to your child about why they’re raising money for Red Nose Day. Explain how their money might be used, both in the UK and in Africa, and help them understand that they really can change people’s lives for the better. For ideas and information, visit rednoseday.com 8. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE Tell your child what the cash they pay for could raise: • Just 70p could pay for life-saving treatment for a child with malaria. • £4 could fully vaccinate a child in Africa against five deadly childhood diseases. • In Rwanda, £25 could buy enough seeds for six young farmers who have lost their parents to start growing watermelons for a sustainable income. • £100 could pay for a year’s apprenticeship for a young person living on the streets of Kenya. Why not set a target together? Children are really motivated by knowing in real terms what a difference their money can make. 9. BE A FUNDRAISER YOURSELF Set a good example and get involved yourself! Take part in activities at work and join in with school fundraising if you have the chance. 10. WATCH THE TV SHOW TOGETHER At the end of the day, sit down as a family to watch the Red Nose Day broadcast on BBC One. You’ll enjoy the show even more knowing that you’ve played your part.
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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 7500 families through primary schools and other outlets in the Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Street areas. The next edition is in April & is filling fast.
As I write this piece, the weather is very cold and I’m having to scrape ice from my car each morning. It is always important to ensure you eat well and drink plenty during the colder months to keep the bugs away. Make sure you stay wrapped up and be careful on icy paths and roads. Along with looking after your health, why not take a look at our article about looking after your liver. Some of you may have celebrated the festivities heavily, so the article gives you tips and advice on keeping your liver in tip top shape. February and March sees lots happening with Valentines, St Patricks Day, Mothers Day, Red Nose Day and World Book Day, so it’s a busy few months for some! Please see our articles on World Book Day and Red Nose Day for ways you, your child or your school can join in. We know most of the schools children dress up for World Book Day, so we can’t wait to see the photos in the next issue. We also have a great article about Pancake Day and The Big Pancake Party. All across this country there are families who struggle to put food on the table; children are going to school hungry and parents are skipping meals so that their kids can eat an evening meal. The charity encourages people to raise funds by holding a Pancake Party. We think it’s a great idea and fun too, so why not get involved. Don’t forget to send us any pictures of your childrens’ or schools’ achievements for our WOW and News & Reviews pages. These can be sent to Julie@ignyte-uk.co.uk. All our readers enjoy these pages and children love being included too. Simply send the image with a few words to Julie….it’s as easy as that! Remember to enter the competitions too, as we have an amazing weekend at Ladram Bay to give away and also a family ticket to Dick and Dom Live. Finally, we have some exciting news…we have launched a brand new website called Family Matters. If I say so myself, it looks fabulous and is packed full of information, events, articles and much more. It will replace our current website HEY! Mag and will now be the place to enter our competitions. Please do take a look at www.familymatters-uk.co.uk Have a great few months and in no time at all, the spring and warmer weather will be upon us.
Tina
Hey Magazine
@hey_tweeter
www.familymatters-uk.co.uk
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ESSENTIAL REVISION: UNDERSTANDING PRESCHOOL AND EARLY YEARS EDUCATION
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t’s been a long while since I last needed to think about preschool education. My eldest daughter is now in Year 6 – just months away from ‘big school’, and her primary years have gone by in a flash. My youngest, also a daughter, is just 3. Yes, it’s a big gap and don’t I know it. Things have changed. And this seems to be especially the case when it comes to pre-school education. I can’t remember my eldest having a curriculum as such to follow, but there’s definitely one now. So as I get to grips with her nursery and its way of working, having agonised for months over which one would be best (for more on that theme check out my ‘Questions to consider when choosing a nursery’), I’m also trying to get my head round the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In the process, I’m hoping that all the acronyms that litter her term reports will mean more. After plenty of research and chats with nursery staff, I can safely say, this much I know… Introduced in 2008, the EYFS framework sets out welfare and development goals for children five years and younger in Ofsted
registered childcare. More than ‘just a curriculum’, the EYFS actually covers both the welfare and development of children, with the welfare aspect covering things like the suitability of facilities and equipment, as well as the qualifications and suitability of staff. The development side covers six key areas: • Personal, social and emotional development (PSED) • Communication, language and literacy (CL) • Problem solving, reasoning and literacy (PSRL) • Knowledge and understanding of the world (UW) • Physical development (PD) • Creative development (CD) It follows my first piece of advice to anyone about to send a child to preschool, to learn these acronyms, I guarantee your child’s reports will make a whole lot more sense. It’s also worth knowing an EYFS check is carried out at age two. This bit of the foundation stage was introduced in 2012. It applies only to children in England who attend pre-school, Ofsted registered settings, such as nurseries or childminders; the aim of
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Established for over 10 years Established for over Separate rooms for Babies and Pre-school children 10 years Forest area & large grassed garden with slide, climbing frame and bikes Gardening areaSeparate growing fruit &rooms veg which we at break and lunchChildrens times foreatBabies All of our children enjoy good home cooked food, and children with Pre-school a varied menu to cater for all
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Provides a home from home atmosphere for the children to grow, learn and develop. New facilities, with exciting large indoor space, colourful outdoor area and bright conservatory are all perfect for artistic, energetic and exciting learning through play. Over 50 years of love and care is now coupled with an exciting, innovative setting with direct access to the Infant school site. Come and see it for yourselves at any time by appointment.
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the check is to ensure that any child who may need additional support is identified so when the time comes for them to start school, they will be ready. For those new to the EYFS it will also soon become apparent a Key Person is very central to your child’s preschool education. A key person is the individual selected to build up a strong relationship with your little one so your child always has someone there who they can go to if they are feeling upset, happy or just want a cuddle. The role of the key person is considered to be so important it is looked at as part of the Ofsted inspections. And it makes sense to me – children need a constant, dependable adult they can trust. To be on the safe side though, every child will have a second person allocated to them at nursery as a sort of deputy to the key person in case they’re not available. Generally, the aim of the EYFS is to make sure all children get a good start both socially and academically. Preschool education now certainly seems a lot more involved than when I went to nursery way back in the 1970s. Mind you, all I can really remember is making a mouse with cotton wool and a pipe cleaner tail. It’s a memory I treasure.
Questions to consider when choosing a nursery: • Do the children look well-stimulated? Are they sitting down at activities, engaged by the staff? • How is the day structured? What sort of activities are built into the timetable? • Does the building look well-kept, safe and secure? • How many of the staff are qualified? • Does it have good quality outdoor play areas? If so, how often do children get access? • Does indoor and outdoor equipment appear of good quality? • Is food cooked on the premises? • What are the menus like? Do they include a good combination of fresh (rather than tinned) fruit and vegetables? What about the snacks? • Do you have confidence that the nursery manager possesses strong leadership skills, is well involved and has a 'hands on' approach?
Number Cruncher Diplomat Explorer Space and freedom to learn millfieldschool.com/everyfield
e ar xt s nd ne ing a h ur rn ch rc O Mo Mar Ma n 3 4 pe y ay O a rd d i Fr atu S
To book a Personal Visit or an Open Morning call Hannah Cox in Admissions on 01458 837524
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February 3 - 4
What’s On
Dick Whittington by The Mendip Players A fun-filled family pantomime telling the traditional story of Dick Whittington who comes to London to seek his fortune, accompanied by his talking cat, Tommy. The Memorial Hall, Draycott and Rodney Stoke.
February 11 - 26
Plant Explorers Trail at Hestercombe Become an explorer as you voyage around the gardens and discover which distant lands our plants have come from. Collect your passport from the Visitor Reception and begin your adventure. Normal garden admission applies.
February 15
Wells Cathedral Free Half Term Family Calligraphy Workshop Popular family workshop where you can learn all about medieval writing techniques. See examples of cathedral manuscripts and illuminated lettering, then have a go at creating your own manuscript, even try using a quill! Our workshops are free but donations to help cover cost of materials are gratefully received. No need to book! 10.30am - 12.00pm and 2.00 - 3.30pm.
Classrooms available, parking for coaches, toilets, disabled facilities, picnic area and our mini-marshes discovery zone
Calling All Somerset Teachers Sign your pupils up to nature at RSPB Avalon Marshes
We hold th e LOTC Quality Badge
Spend a day at one of two fantastic nature reserves near Glastonbury – RSPB Ham Wall or Natural England’s Shapwick Heath • Incredible range of birds and animals • Excellent facilities for young people • Visits at RSPB Ham Wall or Shapwick Heath NNR in partnership with Natural England • Pre-school to A-level, supporting a range of subjects linked to the National Curriculum • Half day visits costs from £3.50 per primary child
We can’t wait to help your pupils discover Somerset’s incredible wildlife
Photo courtesy of David McHu gh (rspb-images.com)
Programme: EYFS and Key Stage 1 • Brilliant Birds • Discovering Pond Minibeasts • Discovering Land Minibeasts • Seasonal Sensory Walk • Plant Detectives (KS1) Key Stage 2 • Rocks and Soils • Investigating Minibeasts • Living Things and their Habitat • Pond Habitat Study • Discovering Birds Programmes run from 10am - 12pm and 12.30pm - 2.30pm ALL YEAR ROUND
To find out more contact: jane.allen@rspb.org.uk Tel: 01458 860494. For our full Schools on Reserves Programme visit: www.rspb.org.uk/schoolvists
February 17
Explore Nature Family Fun Friday at Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, Wells. Join the team in the Stable Yard Room to get involved with a range of craft activities based on our Natural World. Taking inspiration from the Gardens and Wildlife, little ones can create Nature Mobiles, Wheel and Shapes to take home with them. Don’t forget to try out the trail around the Palace & Gardens and visit The Dragon’s Lair too!
February 17 - 18
Snowdrop Festival - Shepton Mallet Town Centre Come and see the snowdrops -special planters, decorated shop windows and art displays. Follow the stencilled ‘Snowdrop Trail’ and much more.
February 21
Family Starling Workshop Find out all about the famous starling roost at Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath through games and art activities. End the day with a visit to see the starling murmuration. 2pm -5pm £4 adults and children non members/£2 RSPB members. Booking essential. Email: ham.wall@rspb.org.uk tel; 01458 860494.
Come and join us this half term!
Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th, Wednesday 15th, Thursday 16th & Friday 17th Pony Grooming from 11.00am to 11.30am Behind the Scenes Tour at 2pm Arts and Crafts all day Farm activities all day Donations required for selected activities Bistro open from 10.00am Farm open from 11.00am
Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre Brincil Hill, Kingsdon, TA11 7LA
www.worldhorsewelfare.org
WIN! A SHORT BREAK AT LADRAM BAY HOLIDAY PARK, DEVON
Win a fabulous family holiday for up to 6 people at Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon. Staying in a Comfort plus Holiday Home with access to the Entertainment programme and pool passes for the whole family. There’s lots of indoor and outdoor activities for the family but if you’d like to explore a little further afield there are beautiful coastal walks along the unspoilt Jurassic Coast, and an abundance of attractions and stunning countryside within easy driving distance of Ladram Bay.
Here's why Ladram Bay really is a holiday heaven It’s beautiful setting on one of Devon's most enchanting coastlines has made Ladram Bay Holiday Park a favourite with West Country visitors for over 70 years. And in 2016, following a major £10m investment in luxurious new holiday homes and leisure facilities, the park's appeal has been raised to a whole new level. In the caring hands of the same family since it first opened all those decades ago, Ladram Bay – with its own private beach - is a holiday heaven for both grown-ups and children. You can hire a gorgeous holiday home, leisure lodge, apartment or super-luxury glamping pod and enjoy a short break or longer stay at amazing prices. There are also pitches with picture-postcard views for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents. Or, like increasing numbers of people, you can own a holiday home at Ladram Bay and have the freedom to make holiday escapes right throughout the season. Holiday home owners never need to book ahead, or pay any extra for their stays. Weekend forecast looking good? Then just pack your bags and take off to your own luxury holiday hideaway. But whether you rent or buy, Ladram Bay's superb facilities are there for everyone. The long list of attractions includes a new swimming pool complex and first-class day and evening entertainment. Check out our website at www.ladrambay.co.uk – and make this your most memorable summer yet!
To win this amazing prize simply visit www.familymatters-uk.co.uk and answer this question: On which coast is Ladram Bay Holiday Park located? Terms & Conditions Prize is a short break either Mon-Fri or Fri-Mon, early booking is recommended. Prize based on a family of up to 6 people staying in a Comfort plus Holiday Home. Prize includes access to the Entertainment programme and pool passes for the whole family. Excludes stays within Peak Season (school holidays or Bank Holidays). Prize must be used within the 2017 season. No cash alternative will be offered. Not for re-sale. Standard terms and conditions apply and can be viewed at https://www.ladrambay.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/
www.family matters-uk.co.uk NEW website for family matters. HEY! Magazine have launched a new website platform in 2017 targeted at parents in Somerset, Bristol, Wiltshire and Bath and North East Somerset areas. The new digital platform will replace the previous HEY! Magazine platform as a place to go to access a whole host of information for families. Family Matters brings you lots of parenting information, where to go as a family, things to do as well as local news for your area. We would like you to actively comment on the stories and share your thoughts and experiences with other parents in the area. The What’s On pages will be updated weekly to give you the prefect place to find out where you can visit with your family and the things that you can see and do, without it costing a fortune. Look out for our social media feeds too, we will be pushing our news stories, places to go and things to do on both Facebook and Twitter, so don’t miss out, like our pages today to keep up to date.
Are your children reading comfortably? DID YOU KNOW 20% OF THE POPULATION CAN READ FASTER AND MORE FLUENTLY USING A COLOURED OVERLAY OR TINTED LENS? The most common symptoms coloured lenses can help with are: • Glare from the page • Headaches when reading • Sore eyes when reading • Movement/blurring of print PRICES FROM JUST £35 FOR BASIC SCREENING. YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A PATIENT WITH US. ALL WELCOME. The Irlen Method has helped children and adults worldwide become successful rather than continue to experience enormous difficulties. IRLEN® syndrome can be a part of the problem for people who have Eye Problems, Dyslexia, ADD/HD, Autism, Asperger syndrome, Dyspraxia, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Migraine and Headaches.
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The ten official World Book Day £1 books cater for all ages from pre-school through to young adults. In 2017, the titles for the nation’s youngest book lovers will feature beloved characters Peppa Pig and extraterrestrials from the Aliens Love Underpants series. For readers at Key Stage 1, Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks will contribute a new Princess Mirror-Belle title and Martin Handford has made one of his Where’s Wally? adventures available. They can also pick up some tips from Horrid Henry or catch up with the Famous Five, whereas Key Stage 2 readers will be able to enjoy something new from beloved British authors David Walliams or Dame Jacqueline Wilson. Young Adult titles will come from Michael Grant and David Almond, and the official World Book Day 2017 illustrator is Liz Pichon, children's book writer and illustrator/creator of the Tom Gates series.
WORLD BOOK DAY 2017 TITLES: Peppa Loves World Book Day (Ladybird) It's World Book Day, but Peppa has so many favourite books, she can't decide which character to dress up as! Who will she be? Find out in this Peppa Pig story!
World Book Day UK set to give away 1 million books to mark 20th anniversary of world’s biggest celebration of reading
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orld Book Day UK has announced an all-star line-up of authors and illustrators to help it celebrate its 20th anniversary, with the goal of encouraging greater engagement with reading and ownership of books by children. The reading for pleasure charity has recruited “national treasures” including David Walliams, Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Julia Donaldson to help it reach more children and young people than ever. These authors will each contribute an official World Book Day £1 book, which children can get for free in exchange for the £1 book token available to all school children in the UK and Ireland. Over the past 19 years, World Book Day UK has delivered 13 million £1 books into the hands of young people across the country. In 2016, the number of £1 books given away was 789,738. The charity’s aim for its 20th anniversary is to increase this number to one million. World Book Day was first designated an international event by UNESCO in 1995 after being observed for over 70 years in Catalonia, where giving books to friends and family had become an annual tradition. It was first marked in the UK two years later in 1997, in response to an increasing concern over poor reading and writing standards.
Everyone Loves Underpants by Claire Freedman (Simon & Schuster Children’s Books) This zany, hilarious tale is delightfully brought to life by Ben Cort's vibrant illustrations. With a madcap, rhyming text by awardwinning Claire Freedman, this is sure to enchant and amuse the whole family! In this PANTSTASTIC story, join old friends to celebrate the wonder of underpants! Where’s Wally? The Fantastic Journey by Martin Handford (Walker Books) Join Wally on his quest through magical and bizarre fantasy lands. Hidden in every intricately-detailed scene are Wally and his friends – so let the hunt begin! Full of eye-boggling extras and hours of fun, this third classic Wally adventure comes in a fiendish mini edition and extra puzzling and magical puzzles to play. Princess Mirror-Belle and Snow White by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks (Macmillan) Ellen gets a big shock when her double appears out of the bathroom mirror. But Mirror-Belle is a double with a difference! She is a princess, and a very mischievous one at that. In this story Mirror-Belle comes popping out of Ellen’s mirror to help out with the local pantomime taking the story off script in a hilarious way. Horrid Henry: Funny Fact Files by Francesca Simon (Orion Children’s Books) Horrid Henry is the no.1 expert in pulling pranks, running a cool club and making as much mayhem as possible. And now you can be just like him! This hilarious book is full of fiendish facts about Horrid Henry, plus top-secret diary entries, club passwords and tips for dealing with annoying siblings. Good Old Timmy and Other Stories by Enid Blyton (Hodder Children’s Books) Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog find excitement and adventure wherever they go in Enid Blyton's most popular series. After the Five see a boy being kidnapped at the beach, they set out to find him. But where have the kidnappers hidden the boy? Will Timmy lead them to the answer?
HEY! competitions WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO NOAHS ARK ZOO FARM!
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is a unique hands-on zoo and working farm just outside Bristol set in over 100 acres of beautiful countryside. They are one of the south west's top tourist attractions, welcoming 170,000 visitors a year and giving each one a fun-filled, exciting animal experience in a family park full of adventure play grounds, tractor rides and educational exhibits. To win, answer this question: What are the names of the elephants at Noahs Ark Zoo Farm?
WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE DICK AND DOM LIVE AT THE CHEESE AND GRAIN!
The legends of Children’s TV, Dick and Dom are about to be unleashed on a theatre near you! Touring the UK in a show that promises to get the whole family on their feet, the performance will be full of madcap challenges and audience participation games that will guarantee to have you in stitches. This is a show you won’t want to miss! The show is on the 16th April and will be the 5.30pm showing. To win, answer this question: What are Dick and Doms last names?
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: 1st March 2017
LOOKING FOR A JOB TO FIT ROUND YOUR FAMILY?
If you are friendly, caring, have bags of common sense and your own transport then a job as a care and support worker might be just the thing for you. No experience or qualifications? No problem! We train and support you. Flexible full & p/time hours with good pay rates. Evening/ Weekend-only work also available. Candlelight provides support services to people in their own homes. Visit our website or call your nearest Candlelight branch: Glastonbury/Wells/Shepton: 01458 831201 or Frome/Trowbridge: 01225 776000
www.candlelightcare.co.uk
PA N C A K E D AY T U E S D AY 2 8 T H F E B R U A R Y
PERFECT PANCAKES INGREDIENTS:
110g plain flour Pinch of salt 2 large eggs 200ml semi-skimmed milk mixed with 75ml water 50g butter
TO SERVE: Caster sugar Lemon juice
METHOD:
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl holding the sieve high above the bowl so the flour gets an airing. Make a well in the centre of the flour and break the eggs into it. Using an electric whisk or a balloon whisk, mix the eggs into the flour making sure to incorporate any flour from around the edge of the bowl. Gradually add small amounts of the milk and water whilst still whisking. (don’t worry about any lumps as they will disappear as you continue to whisk). When all the liquid has been added take a rubber spatula and scrape any bits of flour from around the edge into the centre of the bowl and continue to whisk until the batter is smooth and the consistency of thin cream. Melt the butter and add 2 tablespoons of it into the batter and whisk it in thoroughly and pour the remaining butter into a separate bowl for using to lubricating the frying pan. Heat the frying pan so it is really hot, then turn it down to a medium heat. With a wodge of kitchen paper add some of the melted butter to the frying pan. Ladle a small amount of the batter into the frying pan and tip it around to coat the base evenly. It should take about half a minute to cook, then lift the edge with a palette knife and flip the pancake over. The other side will not take as long to cook. Slide the pancake out of the frying pan onto a plate and sprinkle with caster sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Fold or roll, serve and enjoy! All across this country there are families who struggle to put food on the table; children are going to school hungry and parents are skipping meals so that their kids can eat an evening meal. There has been an alarming increase in food poverty in the UK. In the eight years leading up to August 2015, the price of food and nonalcoholic drinks increased by 31% in the UK. That figure, amongst various other factors, has led to serious consequences for many across the country:
Or why not add a savoury filling: 8 slices of smoked ham 8 tbsp grated cheese, either Cheddar or Emmenthal 1 tbsp chopped chives After flipping the pancake in the frying pan add a couple slices of ham and 2 tbsp cheese and chives. Cook until the base is firm. Slide it out of the frying pan, fold in half and serve.
Alternative Sweet and Savoury fillings : Why not try Nutella topped with fresh sliced strawberries, a real treat. Maple syrup is always a winner too, so why not add cream and blueberries or even bacon. Or lightly whip some cream cheese and add some sliced fruit before rolling it.
• The number of children attending their first day of school underweight increased by 16% between 2012 and 2015. • The number of pregnant women with anaemia has reached its highest level in two decades, rising from 19.8% in 2001 to 22.8% in 2011. The Together Network, a series of Joint Ventures between Church Urban Fund and Church of England Diocese, wants to continue its work to stop this and so we’re calling on churches, schools, families, and individuals throughout England to stand up to food poverty – and have some fun in the process. Instead of a low-key pancake celebration this Shrove Tuesday, invite your friends and family to join you and share in the Big Pancake Party. The idea is simple; get together, eat some pancakes, maybe take a few challenges, have a great time, and raise funds for those in need. See more at www.pancakeparty.org.uk
PUZZLES Wordsearch
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If the number in each circle is the sum of the two below it, how quickly can you figure out the top number? You may have to work down the pyramid. See if you can climb the third pyramid in fewer seconds than the number you reach at the top.
Add up
9 7
5
8
1
Arrow Girlfriend Batter Heart Book Lemon Boyfriend Love Chocolate Milk Cupid Mother Daffodil Pancake Day Eggs Race Flip Roses Flour Shrove Flowers Sugar Frying Pan Valentine
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9 1
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Colour me i n !
Cupid's Maze
Cupid's Maze Start
Finish
LOVE YOUR LIVER From the GP’s surgery, By Dr Alexandra Phelan. Is it time to love your liver more? Take the test.
T
he largest internal organ in the human body, the liver has hundreds of important jobs to do. It removes toxins, including alcohol from the body, helps to fight infection and produces the bile that helps breaks down our food and aids digestion. While people generally assume that alcohol is the biggest cause of liver damage, the organ can also be affected by hundreds of other health conditions, such as diabetes and cancer. Hepatitis is one of the most common causes of liver disease along with alcohol, which can lead to cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. The liver is resilient and may be capable of regenerating itself so long as you don’t treat it too badly, although the process is not guaranteed and can take some time.
However, prolonged misuse of alcohol can result in serious and permanent liver damage. Consuming too much fatty, salty and sugary foods/drinks can also have a big impact on the health of your liver.
The simple steps that you can take include reducing your alcohol intake to within safe limits, modifying your diet and taking steps to protect yourself in circumstances that could leave you vulnerable to hepatitis.
The British Liver Trust is a national charity that funds medical research and provides vital support for those living with a liver condition.
Speak to a GP or pharmacist if you are concerned about the health of your liver and would like help in reducing the risks, including cutting down on alcohol consumption.
If you’d like to learn more about liver health you can head online to complete the Love Your Liver Health Screener survey loveyourliver.org.uk. The survey includes questions that will help you to identify whether you are at high risk of developing liver disease, including how much alcohol you consume and whether you are eating a healthy diet.
For further information go online to loveyourliver.org.uk Dr Alexandra Phelan is a working NHS GP and Online Doctor with Pharmacy2U. Visit www.pharmacy2u.co.uk for further information.
Once completed, the health screener survey will make some recommendations about lifestyle changes that could help you to look after your liver.
the egg theatre
The egg is a driving force of creativity, innovation and children’s arts at the heart of the Theatre Royal Bath
Box Office: 01225 823409 www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the-egg
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News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS
EVENTS
DIARY DATES
YOUR SUCCESSES
‘A MIDWIFE CRISIS’ AT DITCHEAT SCHOOL
AFTER SCHOOL SEWING CLUB AT EVERCREECH
Holly and Maple classes joined together to perform ‘A Midwife Crisis’. It was a slightly modern take on the traditional nativity play, but it combined to entertain and amuse whilst creating some moments of awe and wonder.
Some of the Key Stage 2 children took part in a Sewing After School Club before Christmas. They developed some very impressive sewing skills as you can see. The sessions allowed the children to produce their own fabric advent calendar and they look great!
ASHCOTT NATIVITY Children from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 at Ashcott Primary School put on an enchanting performance of The Nativity Story. The performance was very well attended by members of the local community and there were definitely plenty of ‘ahh’ moments for the audience to enjoy! Thank you to all the staff for their hard work in putting on another fantastic Christmas performance.
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LIGHT AND HOPE AT BALTONSBOROUGH The children at Baltonsborough Primary School marked the build up to Christmas by making Christingles and enjoying other activities linked to light and hope. Members of St Dunstan’s Church came into the school to help the children assemble their Christingles, and this was followed by a lovely service at the church, which focused on the meaning of all the different aspects and of Jesus being the light of the world.
LOOKING BACK - 30 YEARS The children at Ashcott Primary School have been marking 30 years of their school building being on its present site. The school moved from its Victorian building in School Close, Ashcott to its present site on Ridgeway in November 1986. To mark the occasion, the school decided to plant an oak tree in the school grounds - pictured here are the GEMS Leaders (House Captains) with Richard Briar (Headteacher), along with Peter Willis (Governor) who leads the school’s popular gardening club.
MENDIP ROTARY CLUB VISIT PRIDDY SCHOOL Last term at Priddy School, some of the children in Forest School had a visit from the Mendip Branch of the Rotary Club to help raise awareness of the disease Polio. Over two days the children planted 1000 purple Crocus bulbs with them because prevention of Polio is through mass inoculation and to identify those treated in countries where the disease is still present, medics place a purple dye (hence purple crocus) on children’s fingers. The children are now looking forward to the Spring when there will be a fantastic show of colour in a high visibility spot in the school trim trail area, which will remind them of the work being done to banish the disease Polio.
MILLFIELD HOLIDAY COURSES SPRING HALF-TERM 2017 FOOTBALL Millfield Prep, Glastonbury Ages 5-14, £80 per person
BADMINTON Millfield, Street Ages 8-16, £54 per person
BROWNES GARDEN CENTRE LARGE SELECTION OF CONTAINER GROWN SHRUBS, CONIFERS & PERRENIALS NEW SEASON ROSES, FRUIT & ORNAMENTAL TREES HUGE SELECTION OF TERRACOTTA & GLAZED POTS, FENCING, PAVING & AGGREGATES SEED POTATOES,ONION SETS & SHALLOTS PLUS ALL YOUR GARDEN SUNDRY REQUIRMENTS Open 9-5pm Mon – Sat, 10-5pm Sun
Book online at millfieldenterprises.com/courses
GLASTONBURY ROAD WELLS, 01749 673050
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NATURE ARTWORK AT PRIDDY SCHOOL
NEW SNUG ROOM FOR CHEEKY CHIMPS
At Priddy Primary School during forest school, children have recently completed artwork inspired by an invitation by the Somerset Wildlife Trust to visit to the Westhay Nature Reserve to look at this habitat in greater detail. This artwork will then be engraved into wooden panels at a brand new two storey hide that has been built on this reserve by the Trust, a wonderful place and somewhere the children have visited in forest school many times. The children are now looking forward to seeing their artwork displayed at the grand opening later in the Spring!
After an extremely busy year; Cheeky Chimps Pre-School in Ashcott realised that they needed a quiet space for the children to work, rest and play in. Using money kindly donated from Ashcott Beer Festival and other fundraising events they raised enough to fit out a whole new sensory ‘snug’ room. The new addition is proving extremely popular with all children that attend the Pre-School and After School Club. Manager Caroline Wills said; “Not only has it given us a great new space for the children to play in, we now have an area we can dedicate to our two year olds that attend who need a quiet space to re-charge their batteries.”
AHOY THERE ME HARTIES!
SUPER STARS AT ST LAWRENCE’S
Children at Priddy have been immersing themselves in the world of pirates! Their literacy focus this half term is on writing reports about pirates, a pirate quest story and instructions on how to be a pirate and how to build a pirate ship!. Later in the term, during creative week, the children will be building & racing pirate ships, learning sea shanties, reading their pirate stories to each other culminating with a ‘Become a pirate for a day!’
The children at St Lawrence’s C of E Primary School were ‘super stars’ in this year’s nativity play. Every child had a part to play and there were sparkling performances all around.
You could be reading YOUR advert. 01761 410141 or email
info@ignyte-uk.co.uk
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WOW
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WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT
Jessica Fouracres from Buzzards age 5 gained her certificate for gymnastics. Well done Jessica.
Toby Needs aged 6 in Falcons class won a Man of the Match trophy in Rugby. Good work Toby.
Callum Webb aged 7 in Falcons class won a trophy from Wells City Football club for the player who makes the best effort at practice, the person who wins it the most and can keep it. Amazing Callum!
Daisy Hewitt-Cooper, aged 6, was achieved a swim stage award and also a merit badge for hard work in everything she does. Keep up the good work Daisy.
Ethan Wright aged 6, has been awarded his Stage 3 swimming certificate. Great work Ethan.
Tigris Erland aged 7, has been awarded her Stage 2 swimming certificate. Well done Tigris.
Sophia Tunell aged 9, has been awarded her Stage 4 swimming certificate. Keep up the hard work Sophia.
Aisha Ceesay aged 9, has been awarded her Stage 3 swimming certificate. Well done Aisha.
Ami Ceesay aged 7, has been awarded her Stage 2 swimming certificate. Amazing work Ami.
Sophia BagatelasCurtis aged 9, has been awarded her Stage 4 swimming certificate. Great work Sophia.
Lily Potter aged 9, has achieved Level 8 in British Gymnastic Trampoline. Amazing work Lily, keep bouncing!
Amelia Pope aged 7, has been awarded a Stage 2 swimming certificate. Well done Amelia.
Elliot Rogers aged 7, has been awarded a Stage 2 swimming certificate. Keep up the great work Elliot.
Willow Huggins aged 8, has been awarded her Stage 3 swimming certificate. Well done Willow.
Noah Browne aged 9, has been awarded a Stage 3 swimming certificate. Great work Noah.
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Maisy Matthews aged 9, has achieved her Grade 1 with merit for playing the flute. Amazing work Maisy.
Jake Harrison aged 10, has been made sports captain for West Pennard School team. Keep up the good work Jake.
Finlay from Yarley class at Coxley School received a trophy for progression in golf. Well done Finlay!
Eliza Strachan aged 6 from Falcon Class with her swimming certificate for swimming 25 metres. Great work Eliza.
Madeleine Green from Buzzards class aged 4, was awarded a swimming certificate for swimming 10m and also a ballet certificate. Keep up the good work!
Anouk aged 7 has passed her stage 2 in swimming, great work Anouk.
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OPEN DAILY
February Half Term Fun at The Bishop’s Palace February Half Term will see the launch of The Bishop’s Palace children’s activity programme for 2017. Family Fun Fridays will run every Friday during school holidays with a variety of themes including Crazy Castles, Wacky Weather and Dastardly Dragons!
17th Feb 'Explore Nature' family fun Friday
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Join us this February Half Term for a Nature themed Family Fun Friday with craft activities for all ages plus a new Half Term Family Trail! Don't forget to visit our child-friendly cafe and to find your way to "The Dragon's Lair" play area, if you dare.....! The Bishop's Palace, Wells BAS 2PD 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk
Later in the year, there will be some new ‘Nature Ninjas’ sessions which will take place in the Gardens, giving children the chance to get up close with a range of nature experiences such as pond dipping, minibeast hunting and seed sowing. For February Half Term, the theme is ‘Explore Nature’ and the Family Fun Friday will take place from 10:30am-3pm on Friday 17th, giving families the opportunity to get involved with a selection of craft activities based on our Natural World. Taking inspiration from the Gardens and Wildlife, little ones can create Nature Mobiles, Wheels and Shapes to take home with them. Children can also enjoy the new trail throughout the Palace & Gardens and shouldn’t miss the stunning new “Dragon’s Lair” interactive play area located in the Arboretum. Family Fridays are included in standard admission and under 5’s are always FREE. A time slot for the craft activities must be collected upon arrival at the Palace.
The
NEW family website in conjunction with HEY! Magazine Family Matters is the one stop destination for your family
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WIN!
www.familymatters-uk.co.uk Family tickets to see Dick and Dom at the Cheese and Grain in Frome on Sunday 16th April! Simply visit www.familymatters-uk.co.uk, complete the competition entry form and you will be entered into our prize draw.
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