MID SOMERSET EDITION
ISSUE 58 • JULY/AUGUST 2018
summer prizes to be won!
FORMERLY
RECIPE IDEAS FOR THE KIDS
www.familymatters-uk.co.uk
WOW! ACHIEVEMENTS
WELCOME The summer holidays are stretching in front of us and for some, this is the end of an era, with many children moving to secondary school or changing classes and some others preparing to go to school for the first time. It’s a sad, but fun time of year for us all as we think back on the past school year and everything that has been achieved and we’re sure we’re all glad to see the end of exam season so we can while away the summer doing something a bit more fun! Speaking of fun, this is another packed issue for you full of things to do during the summer, including some fun indoor activities in case the good old British weather lets us down! Also in this edition, we have a selection of great children’s books to help with summer reading challenges, some advice for avoiding tick bites while enjoying the countryside and much more! As always, we hope you’ve enjoyed the magazine over this academic year and we’ll see you again in our Back to School issue, where we can reconnect with those of you moving to a new class and welcome all the new children starting in September! For now though, relax for a few weeks, until the panic buying of school uniforms and stationery begins again of course…
p5 back to school ready
p7 lymes disease
p13 benefit of grandparents
p21 mental health funding Published by Ignyte Media Ltd - email: info@ignyte-uk.co.uk call: 01761 410141 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.
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Summer Family Fun at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells If the thought of the long school summer holidays is filling you with dread, look no further than The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, which has a huge range of fun-filled activities on offer this year from July through to the end of August! The first of the weekly “Make it Mondays” Family Craft Activities begins on Monday 30th July with a theme of ‘Animals at the Palace’ when families will be invited to join in the fun crafting activities in the Undercroft, to include making handprint swans, bushy-tailed squirrels and Maisie the cat masks. Other themes over the holidays include ‘Jesters & Fools’, ‘Minibeasts’, ‘Medieval Life’. Each Make it Monday runs from 10:30am3:30pm and is included in standard admission. Also running weekly are Nature Ninjas Family Garden activities every Friday from 11am-3pm. On Sunday 5th August, the South Lawn will be given over to our Midsummer Mayhem Summer Family Fun Day with fun & games for all ages, This will be the third year that the event has taken place, and last year over 1,000 visitors enjoyed a fantastic day of fun-filled family activities. This year’s day of fun will include a bouncy castle, a giant inflatable slide, crazy golf, balloon modelling, mini croquet, giant games, dressing up and face painting. The event will also be attended by Wookey Hole Circus School who will be teaching circus skills all day, so if you’ve ever fancied learning to Stilt Walk, Walk the Wire, Unicycle, Juggle and much more, come along to find out how!
Visitors can make a day of it by bringing a picnic, visiting The Hungry Dragon snack bar in The Dragon’s Lair play area, or heading over to The Bishop’s Table café. There will also be a candy floss and snow cone van available to tempt little taste buds! To bring the holidays to a dramatic close, why not head along to the Palace during August Bank Holiday Weekend and prepare to be wowed in true medieval fashion by the daring antics of historical re-enactors Bowlore Medieval. With stunning sword and archery displays, this skilled troupe will keep visitors enthralled, entertained and just a little bit nervous as they demonstrate the ancient art of sword-fighting, weaponry displays and William Tell-type archery skills! Visitors who are feeling brave can also take part in their ‘have a go’ sessions of long bow archery and sword fighting. The costumed group will set up camp on the South Lawn of the Palace for the whole long weekend and are always happy to answer any questions, help you to try on authentic heavy chainmail or even let you stroke their tiny owl! On Bank Holiday Monday (27th August) the Palace Moat is also home to the annual Moat Boat Race, where a whole host of teams from the Wells Community race home-made rafts along the Moat to compete for the honour of being named Champions of the Moat!
OPEN DAILY
5th August "Midsummer Mayhem" 25th-27th Aug Medieval Weekend
Join us this Summer for weekly family trails through the grounds, Monday craft activities and Friday gardening fun! Make use of The Dragon's Lair Play Area and relax in our family-friendly Cafe.
FAmily Crafts every monday Nature Ninjas every friday New family trail every week!
The Bishop's Palace, Wells, Somerset BAS 2 PD 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk
be back to school ready We know it feels like school has only just ended, but before we know it, the new term will roll around again, don’t forget to start prepping your child to get them back into the swing of the school day before the holidays are out. It’s much less stressful to get ready for the new academic year if you do it gradually instead of waking up in a cold sweat in the first week of September with the realisation that the children have to be at school in three days and you don’t have any stationery, lunch boxes or uniforms in the house. It’s a lot less stressful for the kids as well if you start gradually getting them used to the school routine again. If the kids have gotten used to sleeping in, make sure to start getting them up a little earlier every day so they can get back into the morning routine, if you can get them used to having lunch at a certain time and going to bed at a certain time too, it will make their transition back into school much easier.
One good thing about starting your shop for the new school year during the holidays, is that you’ll have the kids with you, no more realising on the morning of their first day that their trousers are now several inches too short or that their school shoes no longer fit their growing feet. You can also get them excited about returning to school by letting them pick their lunch box or pencil case for the new term. Be sure to encourage them to work on projects throughout the summer so they don’t get overwhelmed with the idea of home work when school starts again. Some schools will send the kids home with a reading list to be completed over the holidays but getting them involved in the Summer Reading Challenge or learning something else to present to you when you get home from work will get them used to the idea of doing homework again and will keep their productive mindset.
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TR AV EL TH RO UG H TIM E ER ! TH IS SU MM R SHO E
STA MP YOU MU SEU M PAS SPO RT AS YOU TRY ON 8 PAI RS OF SHO ES FRO M FAR FLU NG PLA CES
J O I N U S F O R 5 ‘ W O R L D W E D N E S D AY S ’ 1st August MY MUSEUM (transform a shoebox for a summer holiday collection) 8th August JOURNEY TO JAPAN (make an origami aeroplane) 15th August LEI DAY (make a paper Lei necklace) 22nd August SUN, SEA AND SANDALS (make some sandals using our examples to guide you) 29th August PICTURE POSTCARD (Add stickers and a stamp to your postcard design) All for age 3+ and free of charge (donations welcome) no need to book Monday - Friday THE shoe MUSEUM10am - 4.45pm 10am - 4pm Saturday
THE shoe MUSEUM THE shoe MUSEUM
Closed Sundays and bank holidays 40 High Street, Street, BA16 0EQ (opposite The Bear Inn) www.the-shoe-museum-org
easy summer recipes to make with the kids Banana and Strawberry crunch
Apple and Yogurt Ice Lollies
No cooking involved, full of fruit and allows for the fun of bashing biscuits and mixing in cheese!
This does involve a bit of heating and stirring, but the result is a tasty and healthy treat that the kids can help prepare and then demolish! You will need: 4 apples 2 tbsp lemon juice 100ml water 100g caster sugar 500g Greek yogurt Start with peeling, coring and cutting the apples, put these in a sauce pan with the water, lemon juice and sugar, cover and simmer, stirring ocassionaly until the apples are soft and set them aside to cool. Then get the kids involved, put the mixture into a food processor and blend until smooth, fold in the yogurt and then pour into lolly moulds. Freeze these for 6-8 hours and then enjoy!
You will need: Digestive biscuits (as many as you like, depending on how thick you like your biscuit base) Sliced strawberries 3 sliced bananas 250g mascarpone cheese 300ml crème fraiche Chocolate (melted to decorate) First, crush your biscuits – I’m sure there will be a child that will enjoy the process of putting biscuits in a bag and whacking them with a rolling pin! Once the biscuits are crushed, squash them into the bottom of a pie dish, or individual ramekins. Cover the biscuits with a layer of strawberries and then bananas. Mix the mascarpone and crème fraiche together and spoon over the fruit. Melt the chocolate in a microwave so the children can get involved and drizzle over the top and then refrigerate for an hour before enjoying.
Chocolate and Vanilla ice pop Yes, you did read that right – think of this more like an American cake pop than what we Brits would consider an ice pop, these are a low fat treat and perfect for the heatwave we’re all waiting for this summer! Plus, kids love things they think are bad for them! You will need: 2tbsp cocoa powder 2tbsp sweetner 350g low fat vanilla yogurt 1 tsp vanilla extract
This is a great recipe to get the kids to do while you supervise, though I can’t guarantee how clean the kitchen will be afterwards! First, put the cocoa powder, half the sweetner and 3 tablespoons of water in a bowl and stir. In a jug, put the yogurt, vanilla extract and the remaining sweetner. Swirl the cocoa mixture through the yogurt and pour into ice lolly moulds, insert a lolly stick into each mould and freeze until firm. Et voila!
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World Horse Welfare
Glenda Spooner Farm
MILLFIELD
HOLIDAY COURSES
A fun family day out! See the horses & ponies, eat in our bistro, join us for a behind the scenes tour, meet adoption start Clippy, and enjoy a walk around the farm Open Wednesday – Sunday, all year round Bistro open from 10am - 4pm Farm open from 11am - 4pm
FREE ENTRY!
SUMMER COURSES
BOOK ONLINE NOW
millfieldenterprises.com/courses
Summer Activities for Family Fun Dig & Discover!
Make a Lavender favour
Make a paper plate rabbit
Explore a Medieval Kitchen Garden
Make a fondant flower
Make a paper Sunflower
Fri 27th July
Fri 10th August
Fri 24th August
Make a Corn Dolly
Fri 31th August Normal admission applies
Fri 3rd August
Fri 17th August
Mon 27th August
The Bug Hunt
Every Wednesday in August
www.glastonburyabbey.com
Registered Charity No: 1129263
World Horse Welfare Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre Brincil Hill, Kingsdon, TA11 7LA t: +44 (0) 1935 841442
Athletics, Badminton, Cricket, Football, Golf, Hockey, Mini-Multis, Multi-Activity, Netball, Rugby, Squash, Tennis
LYME DISEASE
& ticks
Summer is the ideal time for walks through woodland and frolicking through foliage, but with the recent surge in news about Lyme Disease, many parents might feel a bit apprehensive about letting their children enjoy more rural areas. It is true that there has been much more awareness over recent years about Lyme Disease, a condition brought on by infected tick bites that which left untreated causes all manner of debilitating symptoms, but that doesn’t mean we should be scared of letting the kids run wild in the outdoors. According to Public Health England, no more than 10% of ticks have the bacteria that cause Lyme Disease, but there is no harm in checking your children or pets to make sure they haven’t got any tell-tell bite signs and to teach them to be aware of areas with long grass. Ticks live in grass or other grassy plants, typically grass that has been left to grow wild. They grab hold of any animal that brushes past them. Not every tick is infected and not every insect bite you children might receive from playing outside will be from a tick, but to be on the safe side, it is something you can talk to them about before letting them enjoy the outside.
W
h
to ere
check for
In & around the hair and ears
tic k
s
Under arms Around waist & back
To remove a tick safely, use fine tipped tweezers to grab it as close to the head as possible without squeezing its body or twisting, the aim is to get the whole tick. You only need to see a GP if a rash or flu like symptoms develop, like most things, the earlier any infection is treated, the less likely it is that you’ll develop adverse symptoms. The majority of cases can be cleared up with a course of antibiotics and are first spotted by noticing a rash which is often described as looking like a bulls-eye. The most important thing is to not panic and to make sure your children are aware of their environment.
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Inside belly button
Between legs & back of knees
Feet & between toes
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Summer Passes
Children’s Parties Toddlers’ Parties Standard Parties Themed Parties
Play All Summer Long £20 per child
Family Deal 1st child £20 others £10 each
Wednesday 8th August 10am - 5pm
Taunton Racecourse ADMISSION FREE
24th July to nd 2 September
See web-site for details
www.redhotmediamarketing.co.uk
Soft-Play Centre Shepton Mallet Open 7 days a week The Blue Tower, Townsend, BA4 5SB
9.30-6.00 except Sunday 10.00-5.00
Café Free WIFI Toddlers’ Mornings NEW Climbing Wall & Extended Play Frame!
CHECK OUT OUR WHAT'S ON PAGE FOR MORE SUMMER FUN FAMILYMATTERS-UK.CO.UK
01749 344433 www.hullabaloojungleplay.co.uk
Tony Stockwell
psychic medium
The popular star of TV’s 6ixth Sense, Street Psychic and Psychic Academy.
www.tonystockwell.com
14th November 2018 - The McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater 01278 556677 • www.mcmillantheatre.com 17th October 2019 - The Memorial Theatre, Frome 01373 462795 • www.fmt.website
TS Harrow Times 320 x 259.indd 1
01/05/2018 15:19
Enter now at www.familymatters-uk.co.uk
Win Prizes
Win 4 unlimited wristbands for The Grand Pier The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare, is the ideal destination for indoor family theme park fun. This North Somerset pier, is a truly iconic destination for family days out. Discover everything the Grand Pier has to offer, including: • The very latest amusements - including giant screen Space Invaders • Thrilling rides including: Sidewinder, Freefall and Robocoaster • An amazing two level 300 metre indoor Go-Kart track • Seaside favourites, including: dodgems, house of horrors and helter skelter • A three level soft play area with dedicated adult seating area • A choice of places to eat and drink - we even serve your favourite Costa coffee!
Win a family ticket to see Milkshake! Live at The Octagon Theatre Milkshake! Live, The Magic Storybook, stars Milkshake! favourites Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Toyland Detective, Fireman Sam, Shimmer and Shine, Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Wissper as well as Milkshake!’s very own Milkshake! Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters at every show. The show will take audiences on a journey through their favourite fairy tales featuring much-loved stories that will be familiar to everyone – young and old. With music, singing and dancing, Milkshake! Live, The Magic Storybook is the fourth nationwide live tour from Channel 5’s Milkshake! (Tickets are for the 15th Sept.)
WIN a year’s subscription to Whizz Pop Bang – the awesome science magazine for kids!
Bring science to life in your home with Whizz Pop Bang, the awardwinning UK science magazine that makes science fun and engaging for children aged six to twelve (and their parents, who regularly tell us they love it too!). Each month’s magazine is bursting with hands-on experiments, facts and science news, as well as interviews with real scientists to spark those imaginations and help to inspire a love of science in your child. Find out more at whizzpopbang.com Competition only open to applicants within the UK.
WIN 10 PARTY-BAGS of chocolate treats from popachoc. Each party bag contains one chocolate moustache, one chocolate-filled test tube, and a coloured chocolate building brick. Popachoc’s brilliant novelty chocolates are handmade in Somerset and always put smiles on faces. Using chocolate couveture made from the Cocoa Horizon Foundation’s sustainable cocoa programme, Popachoc chocolate not only tastes incredible, it’s helping scale impact and drive change to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farming communities. Now that’s something to feel happy about. Bite in to one of their chocolate toy bricks, horseshoes or burgers, enjoy a ‘naked’ praline, and pose for a selfie with some chocolatey accessories. Bow tie or moustache on a stick, anyone? Visit popachoc.co.uk to shop its choc-tastic treats.
WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO BRISTOL AQUARIUM Head to Bristol Aquarium this summer holidays and get involved with our one-of-a-kind, all-weather, family fun festival - The Festival of the Fishes! Check out the main stage and get hands on in our rockpool, touch some real shark’s teeth and have a go at our activities too! Chill out with some traditional festival games and head to the picnic area to have a bite to eat. All this, PLUS enjoy over 40 naturally themed displays featuring thousands of marine life from pufferfish and stingrays to terrapin turtles and tropical sharks! Take a look on our website for full details: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk
TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING THESE FANTASTIC PRIZES, simply visit www.familymatters-uk.co.uk, click on the Competitions button and complete the form. It couldn’t be easier! Closing date for entries: 24th August 2018
'Tyntesfield time' Add some through colour to kids-only day camp
your weekend this Get out of the house summer and see autumn at this Gibside Tyntesfield through the eyes of its past visitors Select dates in July and August
on this kids-only day camp for 7 -12 year olds. The day includes following a trail across the Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest estate, finding activities like harvesting and teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking tasting and modelling. routes forfood all ages andclay abilities.
nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside Call 0344 249 1895 to book or for details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield When youvisit, visit,donate, donate,volunteer volunteer join National Trust, When you or or join thethe National Trust, youryour support helpsus usto tolook lookafter after special places theregion> South<like West such support helps special places <ininthe as Dyrham Park, Lacock andZ>Avebury forfor ever, for everyone. property X, property Y andAbbey Proeprty in for ever, everyone. © National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Photography © National Trust Images\Arnhel de Images. Serra.
#nationaltrust #nationaltru t
THE BENEFIT OF A BOND BETWEEN YOUR PARENTS AND YOUR CHILDREN The summer holidays are almost upon us and the stress of finding someone who is able to provide adult supervision to the little folk in your family while you try and fit your work life around their holiday time is something we all feel. Some of us are lucky enough to have retired or semi-retired parents who can help take the strain off of childcare, but have you ever really considered how beneficial the bond between a child and a grandparent can be? A study published in 2016 by Boston College in America found that relationships between grandparents and grandchildren can help reduce depressive and stress symptoms in both age groups. The study found that the connection between the two generations allow both grandparents and grandchildren to be exposed to different views and changes in culture which can help the older generation keep their brains sharp and the younger learn more about socialising with people outside of their age group. An Australian study published in the same
year showed that when postmenopausal women spent time with younger people, especially children, they had a lower risk for developing Alzheimer's and other degenerative conditions. In addition, children receive different types of interactions with their grandparents as opposed to their parents. Parents are often involved in other aspects of the house hold, keeping it clean and tidy, making sure the children are disciplined etc as well as having to go to work and maintain the house budget. However, grandparents, especially those who are retired can focus solely on the children and let’s face it, whose grandparents didn’t spoil them rotten with sweets and toys that mum and dad would never normally allow? So, next time you can’t rearrange your shifts and have to ask your parents to keep an eye on the children, don’t feel guilty, it’s actually good for both of them!
what’s on
14th July Music, Theatre & Picnic Day! The Bishop’s Palace will play host to a range of cultural activities designed to entertain and delight visitors of all ages. www.bishopspalace.org.uk
17th July The Adventures of Dr Dolittle Join Illyria Open Air Theatre at Marlborough College for their amazing performance of The Adventures of Dr Dolittle. Suitable for cheeky monkeys aged 5+. Marlborough College. summerschool.co.uk/entertainment 20th July - 22nd July Bristol Harbour Festival The festival is a 3 day extravaganza of dance, music, theatre, circus, ships and boats, arts and delicious food. The harbour is alive throughout the weekend with entertainment at every turn. Free all day event. Bristolharbourfestival.co.uk 22nd July ‘The Princess and the Giant’ at Hestercombe Filled with music, puppetry and wonderful characters, this family show is one not to be missed! Bring a picnic and enjoy the show on the Orangery Lawn. 5pm - 7.30pm. Hestercombe Gardens. www.hestercombe.com 26th July Family Fun – Awesome Archaeology Crafts and activities for all the family. 11.00am -1.00pm and 2.00-3.30 pm. Normal admission applies. Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury.
27th July Family Activity - Dig & Discover How does an archaeologist record what they’ve found. See what you can find in the finds tray, then record and draw it. 11.00am – 1.00pm. Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury. www. glastonburyabbey.com
28th July Bowoods Summer Garden Party A fun celebration for all the family to kick start the summer holidays! Located within Bowood House & Gardens. Normal House and Gardens Admissions apply. Bowood House and Gardens, Wilts www.bowood.org/events 31st July - Young Ranger School at Tyntesfield Join the rangers at Tyntesfield for a hands on conservation session. Find out how our rangers protect this special place and help out with some practical ranger tasks. 10.30 - 12.30pm. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield 1st August TYNTESfest A brand new event for 2-5 year olds and their families.There'll be storytelling, events, crafts and games inspired by your favourite nursery rhymes. Booking is essential, morning and afternoon time slots are available. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ tyntesfield 2nd - 5th August Sat in a Field Festival 3 stages of live music and dedicated kids tent. Sat In A Field is a small and intimate family friendly festival with good causes at its heart. It has a real family fun feel and supports local charities in the Somerset. Cheddar, Somerset www.satinafield.com
For further information about each event
2nd - 3rd August Play with clay at Barrington Court Come and have fun at the Clay Club. Using air-drying clay, you’ll be able to take your creations home on the day to dry and decorate later. Barrington Court, Somerset. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court 2nd - 4th August Seussical at Frome Memorial Theatre Based on the works of Dr Seuss. A fantastic show for all the family with amazing musical numbers, hilarious characters, show-stopping choreography and, of course, the stunning Spellbound costumes! www.fmt.website 5th August - Midsummer Mayhem Family Fun Day This year’s day of fun will include a bouncy castle, a giant inflatable slide, crazy golf, balloon modelling, mini croquet, giant games, dressing up and face painting. www.bishopspalace.org.uk
6th - 10th August Off the Streets A week of workshops & performance for children, families & youth of Glastonbury & nearby. See full details at www.facebook. com/childrensworldcharity
12th August Somerset and Dorset Railway Family Fun Day Family Fun Day with sand, water, face painting, train rides and much more with Wansdyke Play Association. Silver St, Midsomer Norton.
18th - 19th August, Diggers and Dumpers at Bowood The perfect day out for all digger and big machine fans! JCB Antics, Digger World Cup, tug-of-war, tractor & trailer rides, bouncy castle, digger den and much more. Bowood House and Gardens www.bowood.org/events
19th August Trowbridge Soapbox Derby Make you cart and enter, or just watch and have fun. See www. facebook.com/TrowbridgeCarnival for full details Castle Street, Trowbridge. 20th - 29th August Colourscape at Holburne Museum A labyrinth of coloured chambers on the front lawn at The Holburne Museum in Bath. Tickets can be purchased from the entrance of Colourscape for £5 on the day (no advance booking). www.holburne.org/events/colourscape 25th - 27th August Grandparents Weekend Well-behaved Grandparents travel for half price when accompanied by at least one paying child. Bring them along for a fun ride on one of our steam trains! www.avonvalleyrailway.org 8th Sept The Gruffalo at West Somerset Railway The Gruffalo will be making personal appearances at intervals between 10am and 4pm at Minehead Railway Station. West Somerset Railway. www.westsomerset-railway.co.uk/events 8th September Frome Cheese Show The Frome Cheese Show is an incredible day out for all the family. www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk
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The summer reading challenge returns this year with the theme of Mischief Makers, the theme changes every year and children can read whatever they like – fiction, graphic novels, picture books, audio books… it doesn’t matter as long as they’re borrowed from the library! They then receive special awards each time they finish a book and there’s a certificate for everyone who completes the challenge! Children’s reading can dip during the summer holidays, which is where the annual Summer Reading Challenge comes in. The challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries to keep up with their reading skills and to gain more confidence in their abilities before the next term begins. This year’s theme is inspired by the Beano which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, children can explore a map of Beanotown to find the mysterious buried treasure and become ultimate mischief makers! They will be helped on their quest by familiar characters from the Beano, including Dennis, Gnasher and their friends!
The challenge runs between 14th July and 9th September and there are events happening across the library network and events are open to all primary school aged children, the events are designed to be accessible to all, no matter what their ability is. Make sure to check your local library to find out the full calendar of events and read, read, read!
... Speaking of reading Here are some books to help your child fall in love with reading. If your child is interested in taking part in a summer reading challenge, either individually or as part of a school initiative, here is a selection of some of the highest rated children’s titles ever! From classics, to your childhood favourites to some new arrivals, this list has something for everyone and will help awaken a love of reading! A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snickett Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt The Turbulant Term of Tyke Tyler by Gene Kemp A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine Charlie Bone series by Jenny Nimmo Coraline by Neil Gaiman Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr Suess The Chronicles of Narnia by C S Lewis Charlotte’s Web by E B White The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien The Dinosaur that Pooped a Planet by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Harry Potter by J K Rowling Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl The Cat in the Hat by Dr Suess Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Holes by Louis Sachar Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Suess Matilda by Roald Dahl The Giver by Lois Lowry Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan The BFG by Roald Dahl Inkheart by Cornelia Funke The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr The Gruffalo by Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson Goodnight Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian Gangsta Granny by David Walliams Skellig by David Almond The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken Mog by Judith Kerr
How many books can you tick off the list? Have we missed any of your child’s favourites? Let us know! Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.
Livestock & Horse Showing - Arena Acts - Music Stage Jem from CBeebies Swashbuckle - Fun Fair - Shopping Tractor Ted - Cheese - Food & Drink - Country Pursuits
FROMECHEESESHOW.CO.UK
WEST WOODLANDS SHOWGROUND - FROME - BA11 5ES
Colourscape
20 to 29 August £5 (available on the day) A celebration for the senses. An amazing experience of colour, light and music for all ages.
Wolvershill Road, Banwell, Weston-super-Mare
Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB
Playday is back! Playday, the national day for play is held on the first Wednesday in August, right in the midst of the school holidays! It is the biggest play event in the UK and highlights the importance of play in children’s lives – so grab some games and get playing! To celebrate Playday, there are hundreds of community events across the country ranging from street parties, festivals, mass adventures in woodlands, beach days and games held in village greens and community spaces. These can be small scale events to huge ones, with thousands of children joining in! You can find a Playday event near you by heading to www. playday.org even if you’re not at home this summer, there are events happening all over the country, so perhaps your children can make a few new friends while having some fun!
1
2018
If you can’t make it to a Playday event, you don’t have to miss out, you can join in with just about anything! Grab your kids and find some everyday items to have a good time! Get some blankets and chairs and spend the day making dens to play in, or if you have access to a big outdoor space, some water, some tarpaulin and some washing up liquid will make a great waterslide! Or if you have you some rope, a tug of war challenge with the other neighbourhood children will always result in a good time! Can't get to the beach? If you have sand and buckets, you can bring the beach to you or just simple bat and ball games will suffice as long as your taking part in play!
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Improved mental health care funding for new mums It is no secret that mental health provision across the country varies wildly and there have been several reports of individuals going without the proper care or being moved hundreds of miles from their families due to a lack of beds. There has also been cases of young children being housed in adult care facilities or having to stay at the other end of the country to their parents for treatment. However, that could all be about to change, especially for new and expectant mothers in England. According to a report from NHS England announced earlier in the summer, new and expectant mothers will be able to access help with mental health problems more easily within the next year. More than £20m has been earmarked to be spent on services in under-served parts of the country. The announcement follows commitments to improve the help offered to mothers by both the former Prime Minister, David Cameron, and more recently, Theresa May, the funding builds on the £40m announced for these services by the treasury in 2016. It has been reported that one in five women will experience a perinatal mental health problem, which is a mental health issue that occurs either during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth. The most common problem is depression or anxiety, but perinatal problems include a wide range of 20 |
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conditions. Some expectant or new mothers can also see an increase in symptoms from existing mental health conditions, such as OCD. The NHS advises that if left untreated, depression and anxiety can have significant and long-lasting effects on the woman and her family, as well as long-standing effects on their children's emotional, social and cognitive development. Despite this, services were extremely patchy in England, with only 3% of the country judged to offer good access to care. In 2016, NHS England announced that £40m would be spent on more nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists to provide help to mothers and families both in the home and in maternity units. The money would also cover social workers, occupational therapists and nursery nurses who can aid those suffering from mental health problems. So far more than 7,000 women are believed to have accessed specialist help through new or expanded services. The Department of Health say the release of a further £23m should mean that by April next year, pregnant women and new mums across the whole of England would have access to specialist care and support.
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How to find the right nursery for your child Much like getting the right fit when it comes to your children’s shoes, you also need the right fit when it comes to nursery. Many parents feel pressured to make a quick decision, they need to get back to work, or have family pressures to have their child attend the same nursery as their cousins. Don’t fret though, millions of children attend nursery in the UK and all of their parents went through the same stress of choosing the right place for them. The first thing you should do is research what is available in your local area, you can contact your local Children’s information Service, who will be able to offer you a list of nurseries and preschools for you to choose from. If you have concerns that your child might need additional support, make sure to check which nurseries and playschools in your area have the facilities you desire. Attending nursery can be very beneficial for children, they will be given a wider range of play equipment and toys than they are likely to have at home and will learn essential skills, like sharing and communication. Children who attend nursery and pre-school have also shown to be better at problem solving, forming relationships with others, more confident and more independent. It will also help for the HEY 2018_longscroft.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 16:28 Page 1 transition into full time education.
Nursery care and education from 3 months to after school We have created a stimulating environment where children learn through play and explore outside in all weathers.
We provide activities which are central to the child’s interests, from the youngest to the budding schoolchild.
NDNA MEMBER OF NATIONAL DAY NURSERIES ASSOCIATION
We provide up to 30 hours funded sessions for 3-4 year olds and 15 hours for eligible 2 year olds. To find out more about Longscroft Children’s Nursery School and arrange a visit please call
01225 777698
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LATEST SCHOOL NEWS
EVENTS
DIARY DATES
YOUR SUCCESSES
News and Reviews ASHCOTT ARCHITECTS On Monday 11th June, children from Ashcott School took part in a series of exciting architecture workshops throughout the day. The sessions were led by Alice Grant who travels around the country, carrying out a variety of architecture activities for schools. Each class at Ashcott worked collaboratively to create 3-dimensional structures using wooden canes. The structures were then combined to build a class structure using all of the children’s work. The children were able to investigate the mathematical properties of the shapes whilst they worked, as well as interacting with the structure itself. The children would like to thank SOAP (Supporters of Ashcott Primary) for funding the workshops and Mrs Chamberlain (Maths Subject Leader) for organising a fantastic, fun-filled day!
ROYAL FAMILY FUN DAY AT ASHCOTT PRIMARY SCHOOL On Saturday 19th May, Ashcott School PTA (Supporters of Ashcott Primary - SOAP) held its annual Family Fun Day with a ‘Royal Wedding’ theme. There was a fantastic turnout of people, many of whom came dressed in red, white and blue and joined in the fun. They all took part in a variety of fun activities, including: the coconut shy, face painting, the tombola, penalty shoot-out, a plant stall, the raffle, and a host of other stalls. The event began with an excellent performance from the country dancers who encouraged several of the parents to join in with the last dance. Many children then joined in with running the stalls along with a host of parents, staff and members of the local community. At 12.00 everyone gathered in the school hall to watch the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the big screen. The school would like to say a big thank you to all of the children, parents and staff who helped to run the stalls and to all of the family and friends who turned up to join in with the fun. Thank you, in particular, to members of the SOAP committee: Abby Davis and Georgina Stevens for organising yet another very successful event!
CHEEKY CHIMPS NEW OUTDOOR AREA On a chilly Saturday in March, a number of enthusiastic volunteers braved the cold (and snow!) to improve the outdoor area at Cheeky Chimps. The willow den was trimmed and raised beds weeded ready for planting. The outdoor toys were sorted and tidied but most exciting of all work started on our brand new sandpit! This is something we’ve been looking into for a little while and had researched what would be needed and where to source the materials. Fortunately for us, Wollens Buildbase Glastonbury kindly donated all materials free of charge! Buildbase Wollens are proud to support community projects and they are pleased to be able to make a difference to local organisations. Many thanks to Buildbase Wollens for their generous donation! Cheeky Chimps Manager, Caroline says: "The children absolutely love their new sandpit. It has been a huge hit and the learning opportunities it provides are endless, I would like to thank everyone that has given up their spare time to create this fantastic new addition to our engaging environment." 22 |
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CROSCOMBE SCHOOL REVEALS BRAND NEW MEMORIAL GARDEN
ALL THINGS FRENCH AT ELMHURST SCHOOL!
In 2013, aided by a grant from Viridor, Croscombe CofE Primary School became custodians of a newly formed conservation area within Croscombe School Field. In the middle of this space was a tree, planted in the memory of Riley Roberts - a six-year-old pupil of Croscombe School who, in 2012, sadly passed due to a brain tumour. Over the years, with pressures of teaching and the lack of outside help, this conversation area slowly became a forgotten gem. Even Riley’s tree, the one shining glory in this wasteland, was damaged during a break-in by some rogue cows. This was, needless to say, a blow to Riley’s parents Tuesday and Alex Roberts. In 2017, parent-volunteers Craig Stevens and Gemma Pearce made the decision to transform this neglected conservation area. They have both worked tirelessly to turn this area into a true Memorial Garden for Riley, while keeping in mind the area’s true purpose - to attract wildlife and create a safe haven for the diverse range of both flora and fauna it now has. With the help of weekend working parties and a huge amount of dedication, Craig and Gemma have managed to create a true conservation area, complete with wigwams and working spaces for the children of the school. Over the past year, green woodpeckers, newts, frogs and even slow worm have begun to move into the space. This special central part of this new area is, of course, Riley’s special tree. In a weekend BBQ launch party in June, families of Croscombe School gathered to celebrate the opening of, what is now named, Riley’s Retreat. Riley’s mother, Tuesday Roberts, commented: ‘Craig and Gemma have done such a wonderful job. Riley always loved nature and he would have loved what they have achieved. We are forever grateful for helping us remember Riley in such a way as they have.’
Elmhurst Junior School had a lovely week with their friends from Albert Schweitzer School, between 11th and 15th June. After a long journey on Monday, the children were treated to a delicious chili cooked by Ms. Prime with the help of various family members. An early night was then in order to prepare for the busy schedule of Tuesday; a trip up the Tor, a visit to the Rural Life Museum, followed by a BBQ for year 5 friends and family during the the evening. The children were blessed with sunny weather for the BBQ (a significant change from last year) and it was lovely to see so many friends there, including various members of the Twinning Society. The visitors spent the day in school on Wednesday and Thursday, singing, making art projects and playing various games on the school field with the whole of year 5. It was a very busy few days, only made possible by the willingness of everyone (staff, family members, parents and community groups) being willing to get involved. Thank you to everyone who baked cakes, prepared and cooked food, helped out with donations and various other things. It was a wonderful week!
Crispin • ASPIRATION • COMPASSION • EXCELLENCE
Open Mornings/ Evening Thursday 20th September 09:30 - 11:30
Wednesday 3rd October
Outdoor Clubs for Children and Teens in the SW For South Somerset areas including: Crewkerne, Ilminster, Chard & more contact: Outdoors SW www.outdoorssouthwest.com outdoorssw@gmail.com 07870 415 377 For the Mendip area contact: Glastonbury Forest School www.glastonburyforestschool.com glastonburyforestschool@gmail.com 07870 415 377 Find us on facebook Saturday Clubs, Home school groups, Holiday Clubs, Under 5’s, Fire, Tool use, Knife work, Dens/camps, Crafts and much more! ukfamilymatters |
09:30 - 11:30 & 18:30 - 20:30
Tuesday 9th October 09:30 - 11:30 We are holding our next Open Days on the above dates. There will be an opportunity to meet students and colleagues, and tour Crispin to find out more about a variety of aspects of the school’s work. Consistently strong academic performance Wide range of enrichment activities Strong learning environment Caring supportive atmosphere
Church Road, Street BA16 OAD Tel: 01458 442714 www.crispinschool.co.uk
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AT THE BATH & WEST WITH EVERCREECH CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Children from Evercreech Church of England Primary School were lucky enough to win first prize at The Village School Marquee at the Bath and West Show. Evercreech Church of England Primary School chose sea life as their theme. The children and Mrs Morris produced an amazing whale made out of plastics hoops and empty milk bottles to emphasise the problems caused by the plastic that is harming our sea life. Children from Oak Class produced the coral reef and children from Pine, Sycamore, Mulberry and Cherry classes produced some beautiful fish and sharks to complete this magnificent display. Children from Holly Class were inspired to create a bird café after a blackbird chose to make its next in a duplo box in their outside area.
Picture of Coral Reef by Oak Class and Pine, Sycamore, Mulberry and Cherry classes produced fish and sharks to complete display.
EVERCREECH LEARN ABOUT THE STONE AGE Children from Sycamore Class at Evercreech Church of England Primary School visited the Cheddar Gorge and Caves as part of their Early Footprints theme. During the trip, they toured the caves, watched demonstrations of how Stone Age people lived and took part in a workshop based on this theme. Some of the quotes from the children are as follows: 'I enjoyed the dream hunters cave, where past generations were shown on the cave walls by projectors' - Molly 'I loved the amazing Stone Age workshop, it was really fun putting on the animal furs!' - Maggie 'It was brill, I absolutely loved it! The cave was my fave!' - Sebastian 'I loved the cave because it was full of so many beautiful crystals' - Lilly 'It was so funny when we all dressed like Stone Age men!' - Jack G
6-10 August
Contact us today to book your magical memories: www.littlegemprincessevents.co.uk littlegemprincessevents@hotmail.com CALL US ON 07498295839
Free - £8
Join us this Summer! A week of workshops and entertainment for young Workshops for 8’s and over Eventsin and near Glastonbury people Cookery £8 Night Walk at Paddington Farm £2 Farm Day £5 Magic £5 Street Dance £5 Music £5 Explorium £5 Circus Skills £5 Drama £5 Parkour £5
(12’s and over)
Southwest Bass at•Red Brick Farm Day • Science Dance • Circus • Night Walk Building £3 (16’s and over) Youth Group •Flash Music Nature • Scrapstore • Parkour Mob £5 (All•ages) Drama • Storytelling • Magic • Cookery • Flash Mob
Workshops for 7’s and under Drama and Storytelling £3.50 Farm Day £5 Adventures in Science £3.50 Wildlife Encounter £3.50 Boogie Bum Bums £3.50
Little Gem Princess Events littlegemprincess
Join us this Summer! Contact: Children’s World A week of workshops, 28 Northload Glastonbury BA6 9JJ entertainmentSt, and celebration
for all children and young childrensworldcharity.org 01458 833693 adults in the Glastonbury area. info@childrensworldcharity.org
Off The Streets
For information and booking @OffTheStreetsUK
Website: www.childrensworldcharity.org Telephone: 01458 833693
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Off The Streets @offthestreetsUK
Reg. charity no. 1172322
Authentic Princess Party Character Hire from £40
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CELEBRATING THE ROYAL WEDDING ON THE MENDIPS!
PERFECT SUCCESS FOR PRIDDY AND ST LAWRENCE
Children from Priddy School and St Lawrence's School all got into the spirit of the Royal wedding weekend by making 'Royal' hats and crowns to wear to school. The children had a lovely day and wish Harry and Meghan happiness for the future.
Priddy & St Lawrence's Federation are celebrating as they were awarded First Place with the Gold Award for their creation at the Royal Bath & West Show - Thriving Trolleys Competition 2018. The theme was 'Perfect Partners: Plants, People and Pollinators'. The children worked hard during their forest school sessions designing, growing plants from seed and making resources to link into the theme and gain a better understanding of pollination and pollinators. The children then went to the showground to build their creation, which was then displayed within the Horticultural Village over the 4 days of the show. The children were very excited and proud when they visited the show and realised that they had won!
TRAMPOLINING AT ELMHURST SCHOOL Well done to Olivia and Evan who have both made it through to the South West Trampolining Quad! This is excellent news and the school wait with anticipation to hear how they get on at the Regional Team finals in June, good luck to you both!
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WOW
UPLOAD YOUR WOW! PHOTOS AND DETAILS TO OUR ONLINE WOW! FORM VISIT WWW.FAMILYMATTERS-UK.CO.UK
WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Evie and her mum took part in a sponsored swim where Evie was the only child on the team. She swam so well, her determination to keep going was amazing! We are all very proud of her!
Names: Kimberley, Abigail and Bethany Ages: 9, 10 and 10 Achievement: Participated in the Writhlington sports leader festival 2018. Well done to Jess who has progressed through all of the Wells City Band Intermediates work sheet and Theory, she is now a full playing Member of Wells City Band and was given her Blazer at Wells Mayors' Concert .
Name: Kayleigh, Age: 6 Achievement: Freestyle Slow 7th Place.
Nme: Chloe Age: 5 Achievement: 5 metres award in swimming and level 5 vaults apparatus proficiency awards.
Name: Lily Age: 6 Achievement: Passing gymnastics levels 8, 7 & 6 and now in a higher level gymnastics group!
Name: Jessica Age: 8 Achievement: Completed Swim England 'Learn to Swim' : Stages 1 and 2.
A huge well done to Olivia who was part of the cast of Titanic at the Memorial Theatre recently. Olivia played the part of one of the children in this fantastic musical performed by Frome Musical Theatre Company.
Name: Tiah Age: 7 Achievement: Tiah is now a brownie and remembered her promise really well.
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