Country Child Autumn 2021

COUNTRY CHILD Autumn 2021

Essential For Rural Families

Issue: 44

DELIVERING DIVERSITY

Challenging Stereotypical Views

SELF-HELP BOOKS

for Youth Mental Health Day

HAPPY FAMILIES Parental Courses

RECEPTION READY A Headmasters Advice to Help Out

GREAT OUTDOORS Hug 100 Trees Campaign

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Well Hello Again!

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it has happened! We've gone fully digital and what delights do we have to share in this online array of parenting information? We have collected a mix of emotional and some serious issues but also as ever some fun thrown in too. See what you think.

The Country Child family is a line of long haired humans and we have always battled the stigma of having a boy with longer hair. We find it surprising that still in this day and age our son should find himself the butt of his peers jokes for wanting to wear his hair as he wishes. So we talked to Clare Willets founder of 'Not only Pink and Blue' who shared her experience on challenging the stereotypical views about gender in general. Turn to page 8 and 9 for an insightful read on the matter and how we can make a change.

We have recently lived through some turbulent times, which finally feels like it is getting better. The 7th September is Youth Mental Health Day and Toppsta, one of the UK’s leading children’s book review sites have helped collate some of their top 10 self-help books to help support your childs mental state, should they be suffering with all this upheaval.

That is all on page 12 and 13.

Another form of self help is looking for family parenting courses to aide you and your loved ones through the tough times that we all face. The great news is, is that the Twin Group have extended their 'Reducing Parental Conflict' pilot programme for

another year. Read pages 16 and 17 to find out how you could get on board.

Recent reports suggests that due to the pandemic we are surfing the wave of a baby boom, therefore on page 9 we looked at some helpful, handy and humourous wares for baby and mum too!

Soon these tiny babies grow into small little beings who are itching and keen to to start school. Turn to page 31 for Headteacher Sophie Baber's piece on how to help our children ease into their first year.

It is delightful to see that as the world returns to some form of normality, we have all been able to have some fun over the holidays at festivals and outside events. Even the indoor entertainment has been back with a bang, therefore our events coverage is brimming once again on pages 20 and 21.

As ever we have loved compiling this issue, please do get in contact should you have anything you wish for us to cover. Take care for now.

Meet the team...

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@countrychildmag @countrychildmagazine @countrychildmag

Neither Country Child Limited (trading as Country Child Magazine) nor any of its predecessors, affiliated companies, directors or employees, shall be liable for the accuracy or reliability of any of the content (including advertisements) published in Country Child Magazine or other information accessed directly or indirectly from Country Child Magazine, nor shall they be liable for the quality of any products, information or other materials displayed, purchased or obtained by any consumer, as a result of an advertisement or any other information or offer in connection with the service or products. Country Child Limited shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions contained within any content (including advertisement) published in Country Child Magazine.

PUBLISHER

Jo Leigh jo@countrychild.co.uk

Media Sales Matthew Cull

matthewcullmedia @gmail.com

Contributor Sophie Baber

Cover Photography by

Millie Pilkington

CONTRIBUTORS: Georgina Atwell, Sophie Baber, Clare Willets, CPRE Hampshire and Rainforest Trust UK CREATIVE ARTWORK: unsplash.com freepix.com all-free-download.com

PBC (Primary Biliary Cholangitis) is a long-term, auto-immune condition which affects the liver. The PBC Foundation is the only UK organisation exclusively dedicated to providing support and information to those affected by PBC

Find out more about PBC and how you can support the day to raise awareness and well needed funds

www. pbcfoundation.org.uk 3

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Contents

Autumn 2021

10

Youth Mental Health Books to help your family

25

19

Hedgerow Heroes Photography Competition!

Interior Ideas Granny Chic

9

What's in Store Baby Boom!

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Great Outdoors Rainforest Trust UK's Hug 100 Trees challenge!

7 Family Ramblings - Charlotte Blake explains if an extension is worth all the stress.

8 & 9, Delivering Diversity - Challenging the stereotypical views about gender.

11 What's in Store - Beat the Baby Boom rush!

12 & 13 Youth Mental Health - Celebrating Youth Mental Health day with the best in self-help books.

15 Country Child Loves - A selection of our favourite discoveries.

16 & 17 Happy Families - 'Reducing Parental Conflict' pilot programme extension.

19 Food Glorious Food - The spookiest of scary Spider Cheesecake cheats.

Food 20 & 21 What's On - Exciting events are back on with a bang!

Glorious 23 Hedgerow Hereos - CPRE Hampshire's national Hedgerow Heroes Campaign Food 25 The Great Outdoors - Michaela Strachan supports the Hug 100 Trees challenge.

Spiderweb 27 Window Shopping - Prestigious apartment abodes for any family member.

Cheesecake 29 Interior Ideas - Grandmillenial or Granny Chic interiors are on trend.

Cheat 31 Reception Ready? - Headmaster Sophie Baber, preps us for the start of school.

33 Open for Business - Business news from your local area.

34 Top Marks - News from the local schools.

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Family Ramblings...

Written by Charlotte Blake

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ne of the biggest decisions in family life has to be the dilemma of when to move, if to move or if to extend your home (where possible)...

We also toyed with the idea of combining forces with in laws, however we chose to save our family relationships and go it alone, stay where we are and extend. It takes a close and brave family to merge their ways of lives. I salute you!

On day one we realised rather quickly that you not only need to leave your dignity at the door throughout the process, but have nerves of steel and get on board with the open door policy swiftly.

"Morning!" I half heartedly replied as I opened the door at a brisk 7am! Who functions at 7am? These early mornings were left behind some 12 years ago, now the kids have grown out of it, I'm out of training.

I'm barely half dressed at best this early and usually with toothpaste smudged on my chin or nightwear. Well at least I was setting the scene of things to come for these poor unsuspecting builders.

Each morning I found myself bumbling around gathering up last nights remnants of child paraphanalia which can only be best described as left over carnage from a great party. Pity there had been no party for all to enjoy, although, I am sure my presentation of motherdom said hangover most days.

Soon though these tradesman, to which we became quite familiar with, got the jist of our routine and we all teetered around each other as dust flew, drilling ensued and various deliveries of materials all got dropped off like we were just another factory line.

The mix of these worlds on paper should not work but it was interesting to see our rituals eventually bed in; the dry morning acknowledgement, the wave to the kids as they set off for school, the greeting (well warning bark) from the dog, passing over the post, signing for a delivery and the regular milky coffee with two sugars. Soon we were a well oiled machine of creativity!

After two months of upheaval as kids slept on blow up mattresses, the juggle of one toilet, the open elements and the loud

continuous bangs, drilling and inevitable set backs, the question we get asked most is - was it worth it?

100% yes! As one to always make do and mend plus a purveyor of recycled and renew, the sheer delight in having a section of the house that is brand new is a novel concept but we do love it. Not only does the space make up for all the stress and worry but it means we have gained on so many levels. Space, money, time, stress (moving and packing into boxes does not say fun to me) and future security.

We now look at the rest of the house and everything else now seems like it is screaming out for a makeover. Or have we just been bitten by the renovation bug?

Time will soon tell if we have another extension or refurb in us, however I have yet to disclose this to my husband. I wonder if he will agree quite so eagerly as me?

Charlotte Blake is a new writer on the scene, a frazzled mum of two children, her dog is her best friend and her husband is the biggest kid on the block. Which can all make for one thing - many funny but also moving memories to share.

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Delivering Diversity

Clare Willets from online retailer 'Not only Pink and Blue' shares her experience on challenging the stereotypical views about gender.

I

t’s not that long ago that it was illegal for women to wear trousers. The law in France banning women wearing trousers was over-turned in 2013!

We assume that these rules are a thing of the past and we often focus on girls being empowered; but from hairstyles to careers and pockets to sports, if we take a look at the messages we give our children we can see how pervasive these stereotypes still are.

60% of parents are worried about gender stereotyping

An increasing number of parents who are aware of gender stereotypes. A recent Fawcett Society study found that 60% of parents are worried about gender stereotyping. We often acknowledge the limitations that gender stereotypes place on girls’ but we are also starting to see the limitations they place on boys as well.

Research carried out by Let Toys be Toys looking

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at toy catalogues found that only 13% of children playing ‘caregiving’ activities were boys. Yet a study

by Dr Paola Escudero and researchers from MARCS BabyLab found that five month-old boy babies were more engaged with images of dolls than cars. When we look at the way clothes and toys are divided in our shops and online stores it’s easy to see how stereotypes can be reinforced.

It’s around 3 or 4 years old that children start to understand the concept of boys and girls and they quickly learn which of those categories they fit into.

Equally as quickly the short cuts for those (pink or blue, caring or active, quiet or boisterous) fall into place around how they are ‘supposed’ to act. We only have to look at the slogans on clothing to tell us. The pink tops with ‘cute’, ‘smile’, ‘love’ and the blue tops with ‘adventure’, ‘hero’, ‘boisterous’ are clear for us all to see and that language gets imbued into the colours in-turn becoming short cuts for those stereotypes – pretty in pink.

The world wasn’t always blue for boys and pink for girls.

Some people will tell you that boys ‘just don’t like pink and dresses’ when in fact the world for boys wasn’t always blue, short hair and trousers. It used to be a world of dresses for both sexes until the turn 1900’s. There are images of F. D. Roosevelt at 2 years old in a dress with long hair.

In 1884 boys and girls wore white dresses until they were around 6. It was practical with easy access to nappies and white could be bleached.

The world changed and, believe it or not, blue became a colour for girls and pink for boys. The view in 1918 was summed up in Ladies Home Journal “There has been a great diversity of opinion on the subject, but the generally accepted rule is pink for the boy and blue for the girl. The reason is that pink being a more decided and stronger color is more suitable for the boy, while blue, which is more delicate and dainty, is prettier for the girl.”

Stereotypes create limitations for our children

One of the main reasons we need to challenge stereotypes is because they create limitations for our children. By “age 7, children’s career aspirations appear to be shaped and restricted by gender-specific ideas about certain jobs.”

The ‘Drawing the Future’ study showed that boys overwhelmingly aspired to traditionally male dominated sectors while girls drew more ‘nurturing’ sectors. It shows that we have to be mindful of the how we talk around our children, what they see and hear and the if we really want to stop children limiting their own options very early, even before they have had a chance to explore what these different careers are like.

Stereotypes can be unlearnt

There is good news though, we can change this. The brain is malleable, can un-learn these stereotypes and remove the limitations that are placed on each individual.

As Gina Rippon says in her book ‘The Gendered Brain’: “We now know that, even in adulthood, our brains are continually being changed, not just by the education we receive, but also by the jobs that we do, the hobbies we have, the sports we play. The brain of a working London taxi driver will be different from that of a trainee and from that of a retired taxi driver.”

The brain is always learning.

And for parents that’s really positive because even though stereotypes are often reinforced in cartoons, fairy tales, books, toys and clothes with a conscious effort we can encourage our children to challenge and question these stereotypes enabling them to become the individual they want to be.

Clare is CEO and Founder of notonlypinkandblue.com an online retailer challenging stereotypes in children’s clothes, books and toys. Clare set up not only pink and blue to challenge the tradition of dressing girls in pink and boys in blue. After all, there are 11 colours and over 10 million shades to choose from! As well as all the colours, she wanted to see more inclusive books with diverse role models, and toys that feed imaginations. Not only pink and blue, has also developed a parental leave programme that encourages uptake of shared parental leave and they also work with leaders from multiple fields to map out and promote the benefits of a world that does not stereotype children.

Clare’s top three tips to challenge stereotypes with your kids:

Clare’s top three product tips:

 Be aware of your language – do you use different language with boys are girls? Be aware of using more emotional language with girls and encouraging more active behaviour with boys. It’s always good to ask yourself – would I say this if they were a boy/girl.  Reinforce that all colours are for all children. Pink and blue become the short cut for gender stereotypes so by demonstrating that all colours are not gendered we also challenge the associations with these colours.  Try to mix up your toys and play time so that there is a mix of active, crafting, kitchen and building play.

Put them together so that children can move between them with ease and they don’t see a ‘girls’ set of toys and a ‘boys’ set of toys.

 It’s so hard to find colourful, fun, practical kids shoes which is why we love these canvas sneakers and shoes.

You can buy them here  Dolls are great for all children and this Fair Trade, soft and tactile doll with other clothes options such as a basketball kit and football kit. You can find them here  All children like adventures and this comic book adventure series is great for a bit of fun and escapism.

You can find the series here.

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What´s in Store Baby Boom!

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 1. Mummy To Be Sweater £29.99 homeofthemall.com  2. KIMBALL 1304312 02 Ph Dungarees Organic Cotton WK11 £17 primark.com  3. Little Bundle Box specialise in beautiful baby gifts presented in signature Keepsake Cases or delightful baby gift boxes. £32 littlebundlebox.com  4. Poco Nido Mini Shoes Available in UK sizes 1-8 £20.00 Stockist: poconido.com  M&S Collection Maternity Pure Cotton Striped Shirt £25 marksandspencer.com  The National Trust Discovery Appliqué Top-Baby £20, Toddler £22, Kid £24 Stockists: welovefrugi.com  Project Panda Kids Elephant Romper £22 projectpanda.co.uk  SweetDreamers Ewan the Sheep Truly Unique Sheeping Bag RRP: 0-6 months £21, 6-18 months £25 Stockist: sweetdreamers.co.uk  Unisex Blue Clouds Baby & Child Leggings £13 lilcubs.co.uk

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Youth Mental Health The 7th September is Youth Mental Health Day, so we asked Georgina Atwell from Toppsta, one of the UK’s leading children’s book review sites to share 10 of their favourite books that support youth mental health

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e are all aware that looking after our mental health has never been more important. Books are a fantastic way to help children with anxiety and to spark conversations about mental health in general. Check out these book recommendations by Toppsta

Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Halls and illustrated

by David Litchfield is a really reassuring picture book about a girl and a fox. The illustrations are beautiful and it has a really clear message about not giving up hope.

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The Problem with Problems

by Rachel Rooney and Zehra Hicks is a bright and fun picture book that will get children talking about their problems. It’s a great conversation starter and encourages children to look at problems from different perspectives.

Ruby’s Worry: A big Bright Feelings Book.

This is a fantastic series

by Tom Percival and this book cleverly captures how important it is to acknowledge our worries and not ignore them, if we want them to disappear.

The Worries by Jion Sheibani, shows what happens when your worry doodles come to life. Funny and warm-hearted, this is a great book with lovely illustrations, for ages 7+

Rainbow Magic: Ivy the Worry Fairy. This a great chapter book for ages 5+ in this incredibly popular series by Daisy Meadows.

The stories are very gentle and introduce various techniques for dealing with worries, including mindfulness.

Jelly by Jo Cotterill was nominated for the CILIP Carnegie medal and deservedly so. It’s a great book for any child starting secondary school with a strong message about daring to show the real you and accepting who you are.

You Are Awesome is an inspiring non-fiction title written by the journalist Matthew Syed. It’s a great book for showing children 8+ that no-one is born talented, and that by changing how you view yourself, you can achieve anything.

Truth Pixie by the brilliant Matt Haig is a really sweet, rhyming story about a very special pixie who is cursed with telling the truth. With gorgeous illustrations by Chris Mould, this book is perfect for ages 7+

Worst. Holiday. Ever. written by Charlie Higson is a funny story for children aged 10+ about a boy called Stan who writes a list of the 30 reasons why he’s terrified of going on holiday with his friend Felix.

Looking After Your Mental Health is, as you would expect from Usborne, an excellent reference book with lots of practical advice covering a variety of issues around friendship, social media, bullying and eating disorders.

To read book reviews and recommendations for the latest children’s books, visit Toppsta.com

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Mist Lifting off the Blackmore Vale in Dorset by Graham Hatherley.

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SPARKLY BUBBLES

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ith the start of school here, you might be looking for ways to bring back the the balance on all the indulgence over summer.

Luckily, SodaStream is on hand to provide a sparkling solution.

At the push of a button, kids can become the new house resident mocktail mixologist, making refreshing sparkling water on tap. What’s more, with SodaStream’s selection of flavours including Orange and Blueberry & Lime, they can create tasty, healthier alternatives to traditional fizzy favourites too. Plus, using a SodaStream machine provides plenty of enjoyment in itself. Why not set the kid’s potion challenges? From the Teddy Bear Juice Mocktail, to the Virgin Watermelon Berry Fizz, there’s a tasty drink for everyone and it’s fun that keeps the kids busy - a win, win! Not to mention, SodaStream is great for the environment too. Each machine saves the use of thousands of single-use plastic water bottles from the planet, and one gas canister makes up to 60 litres of sparkling water, so you can teach your EDITOR'S kids to look after the world around them at the same time. SodaStream PICK helps you stay hydrated by having refreshing, sparkling water available at the touch of a button. Simply add ice and a slice for a refreshingly simple drink, or explore the range of delicious syrups and flavours. The sparkling water makers can be delivered straight to your door from SodaStream.co.uk and come in a range of bright and fun colours that the kids will love! The SodaStream Spirit is currently available from sodastream.co.uk for £99.99 in black, white, red, blue, green, grey and for a limited time only, a white and gold colourway.

A CONTENTED AUTHOR

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he last eighteen months has been polarising for creative talents, many of whom have suffered with little-to-no work while others have used their skills and entrepreneurial spirit to diversify.

Hampshire resident and freelance creative Daniel Tidbury put his skills to good use when his work dried up and now he’s celebrating the release of his debut children’s story, The Contented Pig. What began as a ‘make it up as you go along’ story with his own children at bedtime slowly developed and found its way onto paper.

The Contented Pig follows a little pig who is envious of his farmyard friends and longs for a warm coat like theirs before realising he’s better off without. It’s a fun, educational story with a positive moral ending.

Daniel Tidbury an all-round creative, typically working as a graphic designer, photographer and abstract artist, so he was able to typeset the words and create some wonderfully stylised illustrations before professionally designing the book covers and pages ready for print.

The Contented Pig which has been entirely self-funded and selfpublished is currently available in paperback from danieltidbury.co.uk

THE PHOENIX COMIC

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ountry Child magazine recently got creative with The Phoenix Comic…

Here at Country Child, we understand the support our readers give our platforms, from print to digital. That is why we had to get on board with the ever growing weekly publication for children - The Phoenix Comic.

This weekly 32-page comic for children aged 7 – 14, features some amazing and creative story strips, competitions, how-to-draw guides and there is even a non-fiction strip thrown in too! We are always keen to find ways of tearing kids away from screens and getting them reading, learning and creating. Many of the illustrations will be drawn by Neill Cameron, The Phoenix’s incredibly talented artist, whom we caught up with recently for a step by step drawing masterclass.

To get involved in the action we experienced you can subscribe not only to receive the magazine straight to the door but to the Skillz Hub online. There is a lot to learn and get involved with. The Country Child family were thrilled to join in on an hours masterclass where we were asked to test our creativity to collectively set about making a short story, design it, draw and share the characters and story line.

It was a fantastic way to engage the children in using their imaginations without restriction.

Check out the range on offer and if you want to find a weekly hit of digital free fun for children then we can highly recommend joining the Phoenix family.

Join in the fun at thephoenixcomic.co.uk

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Happy Families Twin Group have extended their 'Reducing Parental Conflict' pilot programme for another year. Read on to find out how you could get on board.

“

Participant of the Programme

E

xpert help is at hand for Dorset parents struggling with family relationships, with many experiencing further tensions as a result of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions.

Twin Group, an award winning provider of peoplecentred services, has received additional Government funding to extend the Reducing Parental Conflict pilot for another year. This suite of free programmes

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“

The course has really helped me understand not only my child’s, but also my own reactions to certain situations. A worthwhile course tailored around my own time, in the comfort of my own home.

aims to help participants improve communication between themselves and the other parent.

Branded Happy Families, Happy Futures, this inclusive intervention has been designed for parents, who are in a relationship or separated; includes both step and adoptive parents; and those who have also support for expectant parents in a relationship or who may be separated; includes both step and adoptive

“

Participant of the Programme

parents; and those who have caring responsibilities such as grandparents and other individuals where there is a residence order. There is also support for expectant parents in a relationship or who may be separated.

Since its launch in 2019, the programme has helped more than 400 participants and is managed by local partners throughout the South West of England.

In Dorset the intervention is delivered by WhiteheadRoss Education and Consulting.

Individual sessions are managed by local partners who provide skilled facilitators to help participants evaluate their relationship with the other parent, and improve ways of communicating, to ultimately benefit their children.

NEW APPEAL

Now Twin Group is launching a two-fold appeal to both potential participants and professional practitioners who are in contact with parents.

“There is no doubt that the pandemic has put an extraordinary strain on many family relationships,” said Samantha Stevens, Contract and Partnership Manager with Twin Group. “We are now promoting that this effective and groundbreaking programme has been extended for another year. We are alerting professional practitioners, health visitors and social workers for example, or those involved in another capacity with families, such as teachers, to continue to make referrals. We are also urging parents to register an interest with their professional support contact if they feel that such an intervention could benefit them or simply send an email to

RPCEnquiries@twinuk.com”

“

Thank you very much for understanding and never judging us. You have really helped me and us as a family and, hopefully, made us a lot stronger as a family. We could not be more thankful.

INTERVENTION

There are four types of intervention available depending on the family’s individual circumstances: • Family Transitions Triple P: advice and guidance to deflect the pressure of divorce or separation away from children.

• Incredible Years Inc. Advance: support and techniques for parents working together to do the best for their children in their early years.

• Within My Reach: helping parents to understand healthy relationships and the positive impact for their children • Family Check-Up: building parents’ skills to support positive behaviour.

Samantha Stevens added: “The Happy Families, Happy Futures programme can be very effective at helping couples to improve how they communicate and reduce conflict within the family. During the pandemic we have changed our mode of delivery to online sessions which have proved very successful with participants and enabled us to continue our much needed service during lockdown. However, it is important to stress that this programme is not appropriate for parents dealing with incidents of domestic abuse, where there is an imbalance of power and one partner may feel fearful of the other.”

The local delivery partners are: Exeter Community Initiatives; Home-Start and Whitehead-Ross Education and Consulting.

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Food

GLORIOUSFood

Spiderweb Cheesecake!

W

hen it comes to Halloween, we’re all kids at heart. There’s nothing more exciting than getting the family involved in something spooky on the 31st – well, except having the chance to feast on your own Halloween Toblerone Cheesecake!

This tasty desert has the added benefit of being freezer-ready, meaning preparation for this showstopping spider-themed cake is only 10 minutes! The perfect treat for a last-minute Halloween party or keeping your own little monsters busy.

Here's how to create a Spiderweb Toblerone Cheesecake ideal for a quick and simple Halloween desert!  Defrost shop bought cheesecake thoroughly by taking it out of the freezer and put into the fridge for 5 hours.

 Melt 100g milk chocolate in a microwave stirring every 20 seconds or in a bowl over a pan of boiling water.  In a separate bowl melt 50g white chocolate in the same way.  Prepare a piping bag with a small circular nozzle or simply snip off the very corner once you’ve put the white chocolate into it.  Place the Toblerone cheesecake on a large plate and pour the milk chocolate directly onto the centre of it, let it flow over the edges.  Starting in the middle, pipe a white chocolate

circle about the size of a 5 pence.  Moving outwards approx. 1cm away from the centre circle, pipe concentric circles around the cheesecake 1cm apart.  Drag a chopstick in a line working outwards

from the centre circle through the circles of white chocolate approx. 10 times.  Turn the plate after every line until you’ve completed the spider’s web design.

The Toblerone® Cheesecake is available in Asda, B&M Stores, Morrisons and Tesco stores and has a recommended retail price of £3.50. Serves 4-5 people.

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What's On Showtastic

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ighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts, has announced some great shows this Autumn, here are our two favourite.

Molly and Bingo the dog would like you to join them for a very special ‘I Spy With My Little Eye’ party to celebrate Molly's sixth birthday. With lots of games, giggles and all your favourite sing along songs, it's going to be the best day ever. I Spy With My Little Eye is showing on 25 September.

Using the classic elements of Pinocchio – a poor woodcarver, the tell-tale growing nose, the dream of becoming a real boy – S&N add their hallmark hilarity, cleverness, puppetry, music, fantastic staging, outstanding performers and extraordinary physical tricks, in their most ambitious production to date.

Age guidance: 3+. Pinocchio is showing 2nd October.

Book tickets here: lighthousepoole.co.uk

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Spotlight on Entertainment

Country Call

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he ever-popular Hampshire Country Sports Day returns to Bereleigh Estate, East Meon, near Petersfield, on Sunday 12th September.

After a two-year gap, Jonathan Marshall will be demonstrating his spectacular hat an experience horseback falconry skills, Chris Green the it would be to Countryman will give talks on wildfowling run around the and Gilly Bate & Beaky Allesch–Taylor spectacular, illuminated, will give a fishing demo. Canine attractions night-time woodland trail include a gundog demo and the hugely at the Forest of Light run in popular terrier racing. Olympic Medal Moors Valley Country Park Winner and World Champion at Sporting this October. Perfect for all Clays, Richard Faulds MBE and his team ages and abilities and with an will be running the clay shoot for the first epic lighting display all the time this year, The Meon Valley Airguns way round, you can run the will also be giving advice and demos and 2.5k magical route as many Raven Field Archers will be providing times as you’d like within the “have a go” archery, shooting at roundels 2 hour time frame. Race time and 3D animal targets.

7.45pm on the 2nd October.

Anyone with a dog is welcome to Book via letsdothis.con enter the Family Dog Show, with classes including Prettiest Bitch, Handsomest Dog, Best Child Handler, Waggiest Tail, Scruffiest Dog, Best Puppy and Best Veteran. The Gun Dog Scurry is open to all breeds of gundog from the general public, with Pick Up, Scurry and Steeplechase classes to enter. The Coursing Crew will be running the Lurcher and Terrier Show too!

As ever there will be large variety of food and drink stands and many stalls selling the best wares and much more.

Tickets are limited, so please book via ticketsource.co.uk/hcsd

W

Hatching Open

H

atch House will host the Annual Open Garden event in aid of Salisbury Hospice Charity who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.

It is a great family afternoon whatever the weather! There will be famous second hand and vintage clothes marquee and indulge in a cream tea whilst you take in the stunning Wardour valley views. Adults £5, Children £1 each. Two day event 11th and 12th September 2-5pm.

Visit hatch-house.co.uk for tickets and more information.

Literally Great

T

he children’s programme has always been an integral part of Marlborough LitFest, but the past two years have, according to the Institute of Government & Public Policy, ‘been the most disrupted years for children for nearly a century’.

Promoting the joy of reading and literature to young people has perhaps never been more important than it is now. As well as the public, ticketed events taking place during the festival weekend, the LitFest also gives local primary schools the opportunity to bring pupils along to free author events and the annual primary schools competition is running as usual.

Here is a little more about what Marlborough LitFest 2021 has in store for youngsters: Every year, LitFest is proud to offer free events with popular authors for invited local primary schools. Since its launch in 2010 the festival has reached more than 3,500 local children with these author talks. This year, Tom Palmer, award-winning author of D-Day Dog and After The War, will be sharing valuable tips for research, planning, writing and editing, as well as introducing his new book Arctic Star to children in Marlborough Town Hall.

Natasha Farrant, author of The Children of Castle Rock, will be talking to local primary schoolchildren from Pewsey and the surrounding area about her latest book The Voyage of the Sparrowhawk - a thrilling adventure story that follows an epic and perilous voyage from England to France in the aftermath of WWI..

Join Emma Carroll, renowned as the Queen of Historical Fiction and award- winning author of Letters from the Lighthouse and Secrets of a Sun King, as she shares tips for writing and introduces her

enthralling new historical adventure, The Week at World’s End. Inspired by her mum’s account of living through the terrifying days of the Cuban Missile Crisis in the 1960s, Carroll’s hotly anticipated new thriller explores life under the threat of war. Suitable for 9+ years old.

Bestselling children’s author and illustrator, Eileen Browne, has written and illustrated many books for children including Handa’s Surprise and Handa’s Hen, both of which have been translated into over 20 languages. She is a local author who champions female representation and diversity in children’s picture books. Bring your little ones along for a funfilled hour with Eileen to hear animal sounds from Eileen’s latest book, Handa’s Noisy Night, find out where Handa lives, do some drawing and take part in some music and movement activities.

The full 2021 Marlborough LitFest programme has just been released and the box office opens on 2nd September, more information: marlboroughlitfest.org

Suggestions on this page are in line with social distancing rules applicable at the time of going to press. They may change so please check before travelling.

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Hedgerow Heroes How to take part in a photography competition launched by CPRE Hampshire as part of a new national Hedgerow Heroes Campaign

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PRE Hampshire, the countryside charity, are behind a new campaign to help save the humble hedgerow, acknowledging the vital contribution hedgerows make to the health and diversity of our countryside, and even our climate.

The photography competition, open to all ages, is part of the celebration of the role hedgerows play in our everyday lives.

A defining feature in the landscapes around us for over a thousand years, hedgerows are often undervalued. In reality, they are the unsung heroes of the countryside, playing an enormous role in providing pathways, shelter and sustenance for wildlife, as well as protecting the soil, cleaning the air and absorbing carbon emissions.

Hedgerows are the most versatile nature-based solution to climate change we have to offer.

Since 1945, we have lost half our hedgerows, intensifying nature's decline and hindering the fight against climate change. CPRE Hampshire

is determined to help in turning this round by drawing attention to the important role hedgerows play, as well as undertaking projects around restoring and planting.

They are already working on an ambitious project in the South West of Hampshire to restore and plant hedgerows on the Meyrick Estate, involving two local schools, the local Young Famers and a team of volunteers.

Boyd McCleary, CPRE Hampshire Vice-Chair said: “Hedgerows need our help. Around 50% of this country’s hedgerows have disappeared since the Second World War and many more have been seriously degraded or are otherwise under threat. Through our work with hedgerows, we are hoping to demonstrate their value and bring their plight to many more people.”

The CPRE Hampshire Hedgerows Photography Competition is your opportunity to submit

photographs that capture a hedgerow moment, whether it’s part of the landscape, a close up, the plants, the wildlife, the roots or the leaves.

It might be sad, funny or uplifting.

There are four age categories and you don’t need to be a professional or experienced photographer - anyone and everyone can enter.

Meanwhile, as part of a national campaign, CPRE Hampshire are pushing for government to set a target to increase the hedgerow network by 40%, by 2050 at the latest. This means over 4,000 miles of new and restored hedgerows every year, starting right now. The public are able to support this campaign by signing our petition on the CPRE Hampshire website cprehampshire.org.uk

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The Great

Hug 100 Trees? The Rainforest Trust UK tells Country Child more about this years important campaign supported

by Michaela Strachan

Outdoors

S

pringwatch presenter Michaela Strachan is encouraging people across the UK to hug 100 trees this year to raise money for rainforest protection.

“We've all missed hugs in the last year” says Michaela, “so let's celebrate hugging by doing Rainforest Trust UK's Hug 100 Trees challenge! The natural environment has been such a huge source of comfort and brought so many of us peace and calm in our recent uncertain and chaotic lives. It's time for us to give back, and what a great way to give back - raising money while giving hugs!

C'mon, get tree hugging for the planet!”

The Hug 100 Trees campaign, which is organised by conservation charity Rainforest Trust UK, is a great way for children of all ages to spend more time in nature this year, and help the planet at

the same time. You can hug any trees you like – in the local park, a nearby woodland, a beautiful forest, your garden, even in the street. You can hug all your 100 trees on the same day, or spread your tree-hugging throughout the year – the only rule is that they must be 100 different trees.

It only takes a minute to set up a Hug 100 Trees JustGiving fundraising page, which can then be shared with friends and family asking them to sponsor your – or your children’s – tree-hugging efforts. All those taking part will also receive a free limited edition Rainforest Trust UK Hug 100 Trees T-shirt to wear while they’re out tree hugging for the planet Chris Redston, the Executive Director of Rainforest Trust UK, says, “We’re asking the British public to join Michaela Strachan in supporting this fun family-friendly campaign over the year. The money raised will be used to protect the planet’s most threatened rainforests, which not only stores hundreds of billions of tonnes of carbon, but also provide vital habitat for thousands of endangered species, such as tigers, elephants, orangutans, chimpanzees, macaws and jaguars.

So release your inner

tree-hugger and join our campaign to save the rainforests today!”

All money raised in the Hug 100 Trees campaign will be directed to the charity’s Rainforest Climate Action Fund, which supports the planet’s most important rainforest protection projects. Rainforest Trust UK guarantees that 100% of every donation will be used to protect our planet’s most threatened tropical forests, as they cover all their running costs through donations from their Board of Trustees and Gift Aid – and all donations will be matched 1:1 by generous supporters of the charity, meaning every pound donated saves twice as much rainforest.

Haddon Spender, Hug 100 Trees campaign manager at Rainforest Trust UK, adds, “Deforestation causes about 15% of all net global carbon emissions, which is the same as every bus, train, car, plane, ship and truck on the planet combined. Rainforests are currently being destroyed at a rate of about 70,000 acres a day, mainly through deliberate burning and clearing for cattle ranches, soy plantations and palm oil. Protecting our remaining rainforests is probably the most effective and cost-efficient way to fight climate change and save endangered species at the same time.” rainforesttrust.org/hug100trees

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EVENT LISTING Did you know we offer FREE event listings on our website?

As the entertainment world opens up, we want to hear from you about what is going on in your area.

Please get in touch to find out more on this free service and about more online editorial, brand and promotional

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WINDOW SHOPPING Country Child scan the counties for prestigious apartment living.

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The Moresby Tower is Southampton's premium residence and this apartment is one of the most breath taking in the building. Situated on the 24th and 25th floors this three bedroom penthouse offers spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the city, Southampton water and further into The Solent. The apartment is situated over two floor and has the advantage of three bathrooms along with the three generously proportioned double bedrooms with panaramic view.

Poundbury, Dorset

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Malmesbury, Wiltshire £675,00

A rare opportunity to acquire an elegant ground floor garden apartment offering most spacious accommodation over 3 floors (plus a mezzanine) with a charming private garden in one of the most sought after roads in Bath. Contained within a fine Georgian townhouse, the property enjoys wonderful views over the adjacent allotments and Royal Victoria Park and offers substantial and versatile 2,355 ft² in the heart of the city.

Charlton Park House dates from early 17th Century and was built for the Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire, who continues to own and farm the surrounding estates. The south west front entrance dates from 1607 and has striking Jacobean style towers joined by a long open fronted loggia.

Further alterations were made to the house between 1772 and 1776 and in 1975 the property was converted into 19 apartments.

Bath, Somerset

whiteleyhelyar.co.uk

savills.com

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Ready for Reception?

Sophie Baber, Headteacher of Brookham School, Hampshire preps us for reception...

T

he more preared a child is for their first day of reception, the easier the transition will be for both child and parent.

This can be exciting for all, if not a little daunting, but a child’s first experience of school is important, and it’s in everyone’s interests to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible. As a parent, you play a crucial role in making sure your child approaches school with a spring in their step.

But this doesn’t mean starting a rigorous routine of phonics and maths.

Sophie Baber feels that reading is the most important skill to help your child be ‘reception ready’.

"If there is one word that your child should be able to read when they start school, she says, their name is top of the list. It will be printed on every available surface in class. Their register label, table, chair, pegs, books and obviously their uniform, beautifully labelled by you, will all be adorned with their name in a variety of fonts.

The first letter is the starting point, but don’t stop there. Teachers are, by nature, organised creatures, so Isabel, Isabella and Isabelle will have their coat pegs positioned neatly all in a row. While these parents are bound to become your best friends, you may not want the daily stress of returning various items of clothing. Follow the school’s example, and label everything. If it doesn’t move, put your child’s name on it. Just remember to use the same name that you’ve put on your child’s registration forms. There is little point teaching your child to read Teddy when every label at school will say Edward.

Just as important is engendering a love of language. This starts with the good old-fashioned nursery rhyme. You have probably been singing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' and 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' for the last four years. But what about 'Hickety Pickety' or 'Sing a Song of Sixpence?

Nursery rhymes are great fun to sing, while having the added bonus of being key to building the foundations for learning phonics. The more a child hears, the more they tune in their ears to phonic rhyming patterns.

Speaking of tuning in the ears, learning to listen is another vital prerequisite to reading and autumn is a wonderful time to practice listening. Residing in the garden listening to the wildlife and the birds singing is a lovely way to encourage a young child to practice sound discrimination. This skill will, in turn, help a child learn the units of sounds in words as their auditory discrimination becomes more finely tuned.

Teach your child to love books – this is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Cuddling up for the bedtime story should be a treat for both of you, and the big bonus is that you are doing a huge amount to support your child’s learning at the same time.

You will be modelling how to hold a book, turn the pages, use the illustrations to support the text but, most importantly, you are filling your child with a wonderful array of language.

But what should you be reading? The honest truth is, it doesn’t matter, it’s whatever sparks your child’s interest and imagination. Just read!"

Find out more about Highfield and Brookham Schools at highfieldandbrookham.co.uk.

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TOP

Marks

Mighty Merger

B

ryanston and Knighton House pre-prep and prep school have confirmed arrangements to complete a formal merger of the two Dorset schools with effect from September 2021. The move will increase the agility, strength in depth and operational efficiencies of both schools and follows Bryanston’s acquisition of the land and buildings of the neighbouring Knighton House campus last year. The merger will help to ensure both schools are well placed to rise to the new challenges and constantly evolving priorities within the world of education with confidence.

In advance of the new academic year, a new headmaster has been appointed at Knighton House and arrangements are being made for an experienced figure from the prep school sector to join the governing body of Bryanston.

“This is an exciting and significant development for both schools,” says Julian Greenhill, Chair of Bryanston Governors. “As next door neighbours, Bryanston and Knighton House have enjoyed a close and productive relationship over many decades. The decision to proceed with a merger is a logical and forward-looking step that will enrich the experience and deliver significant benefits for all pupils. It will also enable both schools to build on their respective strengths and to capitalise fully on shared

Gardens Grow

H

ampshire Gardens Trust is delighted to announce the launch of its new ‘Garden Plans for Schools’ project which aims to inspire young people to take a closer interest in their surroundings by giving them an opportunity to become directly involved with growing vegetables, fruit and flowers. This exciting new initiative has started its first pilot scheme with the creation of an ‘Edible Playground’ at Oliver’s Battery Primary School and Nursery School just outside Winchester.

The Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Vivian Achwal, who attended the official grand opening of the ‘Edible Playground’ last Friday, says “It is so important to encourage children to develop healthy eating habits, so understanding of their local environment and where their food comes from is crucial.”

For more information: hgt.org.uk

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Village, primary, pre prep, private or state we want to know your school news, email: info@countrychild.co.uk

resources, facilities and expertise to provide a complete, distinctive and compelling educational offering for children from 3 to 18 years old.”

From September, Knighton House will be renamed Bryanston Knighton House, and all existing teaching and support staff at the school will be TUPE-transferred to Bryanston. Will Lockett, a former housemaster at Bryanston, has returned to Dorset and been appointed as the new Headmaster of Bryanston Knighton House. For the past six years he was Headmaster of Abberley Hall coeducational prep school in Worcestershire where he played an instrumental role in forging a new strategic relationship with Malvern College.

The Lex Factor

C

layesmore, a co-educational, all through day and boarding school, will be introducing LEX; a bold and ambitious weekend programme to equip every Clayesmorian with the essential skills to live their lives well.

Clayesmore has torn up the rule book of a traditional 6 day a week independent education, and replaced academic lessons on a Saturday with a supercharged weekend of trips, experiences and events. All designed to enable pupils to seize new opportunities, develop new skills and provide them with memories and mastery to draw upon forever.

‘It has become abundantly clear that alongside a strong core academic curriculum, young people need more than ever to be outdoors; developing an appreciation and a passion for the environment with all the opportunities for physical fitness, exhilaration, adventure and sheer good fun that includes!’ Jo Thomson, Head of Clayesmore The initiative will aim to ignite new interests, enable meaningful accomplishments and equip young people positively to thrive in a modern world. LEX will also combine practical and theoretical learning with emotional and physical wellbeing, adventure and achievement all the while aiming to provide a bridge to adulthood, and give pupils the edge they need to prosper in this increasingly challenging world.

THE DIGITAL DELIVERY Step further into the digital arena with Country Child.

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Making the right decisions can be stressful at the best of times, but we are here to help.

Whatever’s on your mind, just ask.

PETER HARDING WEALTH MANAGEMENT Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

30 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs, Dorset BH13 7LP Tel: 01202 830730 40 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG Tel: 01747 855554 9 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PU Tel: 01935 315315

Email: peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.peterhardingwm.co.uk

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The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the title ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd.