Country Child Summer 2020 - Special Digital Edition! by Country Child

COUNTRY CHILD AL SPECIAL DIGIT

Summer 2020

Your Local Free Family Magazine

EDIT ION

Issue: 39

YOUR SUMMER STAYCATION Taking holidays in the UK

LOCATION LOCATION Upping sticks with family and pup

ART ATTACK

Get crafty with arty activities

BOOK CLUB Reviews to suit everyone

HYPED UP Self-Hypnosis, The Anxiety Bicycle and more...

FAMILY DOGS Choosing the right pooch for your family

WHAT’S ON ■ SHOPPING ■ HOME ■ SCHOOLS ■ FOOD ■ GARDEN ■ COMPETITIONS ■ HEALTH

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Welcome to Summer

elcome to our exclusively online summer magazine – a first for us, in our 10 years of publishing! In this topsy-turvy world of ours, we felt it was more important than ever to find a way to share Country Child with you all, and going online was, of course, the obvious answer. We hope you’ll enjoy ‘scrolling’ through the pages; it’s a packed issue with lots of great ideas to keep your brood entertained in the coming months. With parents up and down the country having taken on the role of Teacher, we felt a compendium of Arts and Crafts ideas would be a sure-fire hit with you all. Turn to page 22 to see what brilliant suggestions art guru Suzie Brown recommends you try with your pupils! The activities are easy to follow, they don’t cost the earth and, most importantly, they are guaranteed to be FUN, a win-win surely?! Uncertain times such as these that we’re living in can naturally cause feelings of anxiety and uncertainty amongst all ages. We’ve spoken to two hypnotherapists who share their thoughts and advice on how we can help ourselves to remain calm in these unsettling times. Turn to pages 16 through to 19 for a really interesting, thought provoking read.

With holiday travel overseas looking unlikely for the foreseeable, now is the time to embrace what’s on our doorsteps! Naturalist Jeni Bell shares her camping wisdom with us on page 11. If you are on the fence about whether to go all out and buy a tent, this is an article you have to read! If you’re not quite ready to embrace a holiday under canvas, fear not, we’ve handpicked some great self-catering getaways for you. Whet your appetite on pages 12 and 13 and enjoy your break away. For those looking to relocate over the coming months, mum of three Maria Booth has done just that. She and her family, (with dog and puppy in tow) have recently upped sticks from Hampshire and moved to the Lake District. She shares her journey and her top tips with you on page 32. Are you looking for a dog to join your family? Unsure what pup to purchase? Jasmin Mason from Paragon Dogs looks at the best family-friendly breeds on page 45. Send us photos of your new additions – we’d love to see them! With these beautiful blue skies and warm sunny days, al-fresco eating comes into its own. Get the kids involved in the kitchen this summer with some simple salad prep. The Cooking School in Warminster have suggested some delicious eats for the whole family to enjoy. And there are home-made ice lolly recipes too – you’ll find them all on our Food page 40. As ever, we’ve been hunting out some fab interior ideas for you – and have gone all out rainbow this summer, it seems the perfect nod to our wonderful NHS. Bring a little rainbow into your homes; inspiration can be found on page 37. Bookworms of all ages will love our Book Club suggestions on page 28. As well as some movie recommendations too on page 25, there’s something for everyone – we hope you like what you see and read! In the meantime, stay safe, enjoy this time with your families and soak up the warm weather – the British weather gods are doing pretty brilliantly at the moment!

Meet the team... PUBLISHER

Jo Leigh jo@countrychild.co.uk

EDITOR

Miranda Avis miranda@countrychild.co.uk Follow us

@countrychildmag @countrychildmagazine

Media Sales

Matthew Cull

matthewcullmedia @gmail.com

Contributor Jeni Bell

Writer

Hanne Bonczoszek

Cover and Feature Photography by

Millie Pilkington

@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.

CONTRIBUTORS: Strike Media. Silverlakes, Luxury Lodges, Fi Boyle, The Cooking School in Warminster, Suzie Brown and Victor Leigh CREATIVE ARTWORK: Hanne Bonczoszek, Flora Pilkington and all-free-download.com

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Contents

Summer 2020

Art Attack Crafty activities to keep you all busy

Great Outdoors Get out in the garden

What's in Store Skin treaments for the family

Interior Ideas Over the Rainbow

Country Child Loves Summer Hits!

Your Summer Staycation Holidaying in the UK, camping, glamping and a bit of luxury

Location Location Location A family's relocation story

7 Family Frolics & Fiascos - Hanne B reflects on her new lockdown life. 9, 11, 12 & 13 Your Summer Staycation - A guide ro holidaying in the UK. 15 What's in Store - Skin care remedies to repair our tired skin. 16-19 Hyped Up - How to improve our happiness and mental well-being in these times. 21 Country Child Loves - Some of our picks for the summer season. 22 & 23 Art Attack - Get crafty with these arty activities. 25 Movie Magic - Reviews of the latest streaming films and what's to come. 27 Going Live - A guide to live online entertainment. 30 & 31 Great Outdoors - The wonder of a wormery and let's get gardening! 32 & 33 Location Location Location - A family's journey on relocating. 35 Window Shopping - Our search for the best homes with great gardens. 37 Interior Ideas - Somewhere Over the Rainbow... 39 Open for Business - Business news from your local area. 40 & 41 Food Glorious Food - Summer Salad Selections and lots of lolly recipes. 43 Top Marks - News from the local schools. 45 & 46 Choosing the Right Dog - Which breed will work for your family?

Book Club Reviews for all the family...

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Family Frolics & Fiascos

By Hanne B

can’t tell you what day it is. I’d hazard a guess that it’s April, although it seems it has been April for quite some time now. The year I know. It’s 2020. One I won’t forget in an instant. You see, 2020 is the year when I realised that I don’t know my times tables as well as someone my age really ought to. It is the year when I realised spelling is actually quite hard when you are not allowed to use auto-correct and that I should probably have paid more attention in History. I didn’t pay attention in Geography, and it turns out I didn’t need to because all the countries have changed anyway since the 80's. My roots are grey; I’ve forgotten where I left my make-up bag and I now wear my gym pants every single day despite the fact that the gym itself is a distant memory. We are pretty much institutionalised by now. I home-work in the morning, we home-school in the afternoon, we walk in the park, we watch Harry Potter in the evenings and we clap on the doorstep every single Thursday to thank those who keep us safe. We’ve pretty much nailed it, and, to boot, I know more about Harry and his friends than I ever thought possible (or necessary)! Today, while the kids write up their project on Boudicca, I decide to bake some bread. ‘Who taught you to bake?’ My daughter asks. ‘My grandmother.’ I say. ‘Was she nice?’ My kids look at me and I realise I might not have told them about her. So I tell them about her cinnamon buns, her elderflower cordial, all the trips to the graveyard on Sundays and the pretty dresses she made for me.

‘Did she know Boudicca?’ My daughter asks. My son is quick to respond. ‘Of course not. Mum’s grandmother lived in Denmark and that’s like a thousand miles from Norfolk.’ ‘Right, you clever-clogs.’ I say as I place a cloth over the dough. ‘While that proofs, we should go for our daily exercise.’ As we walk, we name the flowers and the trees and the ones we don’t know we google on my son’s phone. We get to the hills a short distance from our house and before I have had the chance to remember that the A&E department is well and truly shut for self-inflicted injuries my son turns to his sister and says ‘Race you to the bottom!’ And they are off. And of course, half way down the hill, my daughter tumbles and rolls over once or twice before landing flat on her back. I run towards her from the top, my heart in my mouth and my son runs from the bottom. ‘Are you OK?’ we exclaim simultaneously and my son follows it up with ‘jinx, padlock, 1-2-3, no returns.’ My daughter sits up and tries to brush the grass stains from her knees to no avail. ‘I’m fine,’ she says. ‘I just ran so fast I couldn’t keep up.’ My son and I smile at each other and take a sit next to her. Then we lay ourselves down and as we look up at the plane-free sky and listen to the birds singing louder than ever before we promise each other that, when this world opens up once more, we will never again run so fast that we can’t keep up. Hanne is a local author who lives in Salisbury with her husband, her two children and a cockerpoo named Enzo.

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Your Summer

Staycation Photography: Millie Pilkington

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We've compiled a Summer Staycation guide to taking holidays in the UK. There are some great ways to holiday, places to stay and ideas to keep the kids entertained too. Jeni Bell starts us off with some wonderful camping tips…

Camping

hatever your age, a night under canvas is always exciting and sharing that experience with your family will create memories for years to come. Ok, some of those memories might be of wet weather and burnt sausages but there’s also the crackling campfires and star-filled skies. With ancient forests, sweeping chalklands, Jurassic coastlines and serene countryside vistas all on our doorstep, there’s plenty of excuses to keep it local. And what better way to get up close and personal with them than a family camping trip? With a few tips you can help to ensure your adventure is more shooting stars than soggy socks. The Tent Unless you’re planning to brave the open elements, you’re going to need a tent. Now, bigger isn’t necessarily better. Big tents take up more space in the car, are heavier to carry, and usually require lots of hands to assemble. Wrestling with a tent, instructions and keeping an eye on the kids isn’t setting the tone for the rest of the holiday. Plus, some campsites charge extra for larger tents as they take up more space. Opt for a tent designed for your family size, perhaps with a couple of bedroom compartments so those that need an early night can snooze away without being disturbed. Practice makes perfect and it’s always worth setting your tent up in the garden at home before heading out into the wilds. Especially if you’ve just dug yours out of the deepest darkest corners of the shed – you’ll want to check that one for holes! The Campsite Not only is wild camping illegal across the majority of England and Wales, it’s probably a bit ambitious for the family’s first (or even second, or third for that matter) camping trip. I mean, where are you going to go when you run out of marshmallows, or worse…toilet roll!? Just because you’re staying on a campsite doesn’t mean you can’t have a wild adventure. There are plenty of sites that have minimal facilities in rural locations which are perfect for those wanting to get back to basics. However, if it’s your very first time camping then somewhere like Norden Farm near Corfe Castle in

Dorset would be a better bet. With full facilities, onsite shop and café you can be sure there’s always a back-up plan. Not all campsites allow campfires or BBQs so double check the site rules before booking your stay to avoid disappointment. Comfort The key to camping is to be comfortable enough that you want to stay, but not so comfortable that you feel like you’re at home. Sleeping bags are ideal but duvets will work just as well – don’t forget the pillows, no one wants a stiff neck. You’ll want something to raise yourself off the tent floor; roll up sleeping mats are a basic option but for more comfort invest in an air bed (just remember to pack the pump). Wet weather is inevitable, there’s no escaping it but there are waterproofs so make sure you pack them. Although don’t forget the sun cream for those wonderful sunny days that we do have. The more comfortable you are the more you’re going to enjoy your holiday. Cooking Whether you’re toasting marshmallows, cooking up a hearty bowl of pasta or serving bacon sarnies, camp cooking is all part of the experience. Block off your cooking area with a windbreak (never cook inside your tent), not only will that help shelter it from the elements, but it’ll also help prevent any stray footballs or children wandering through it. A simple gas stove is fine for cooking your meals, but if you’re feeling adventurous (and the campsite allows it) then try an open fire or BBQ. Although there’s no harm in finding out where the nearest fish and chip shop is just in case. Some campsites have onsite restaurants and Tom’s Field in the New Forest has a pizza van at the weekends – you are on holiday after all.

Your Summer

Staycation

Continued...

Getting back to nature in our wonderful British countryside is great but having a few creature comforts is always welcomed. Here are our top six places to check out in the south west.

rue natural wonders await at the Silverlake development in Dorset. This relatively new local offering at Silverlake is a collection of sustainable holiday homes set among Dorset’s historic heathlands, woodland and lakes - the ultimate retreat for families craving a slice of the real British outdoors. Get children outside for the ‘Dormouse trail’, where they are invited to take wildlife rubbings at five points along it or head to The Island where families can have a lakeside beach picnic and enjoy the zip wire and climbing frame. Embrace everything the estate has to offer, including wildlife spotting, paddle-boarding, cycling, kayaking and swimming in the Hurricane Spa’s large outdoor pool which is heated year round. What’s more, with the stunning Jurassic coastline nearby, guests can head out to go sailing, climbing and coasteering. Any of these outdoor pursuits can be followed by a warming sauna session or a spa treatment from French beauty brand Caudalie at the Hurricane Spa. Whilst all the properties on the estate are self-catered, guests can still head to the rooftop bar for a great selection of drinks and snacks or enjoy a pizza from the onsite pizza oven. Prices from £1060 per week habitatescapes.com

he @The Cowshed site is a group of inviting and comfortable Shepherd Huts, all handcrafted and traditionally built, situated in the rural Wiltshire village of Kilmington. Kilmington borders the National Trust Estate of Stourhead House & Gardens and is in the beautiful Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. @The Cowshed is the perfect place to explore the area on foot, on bike or by car. This is a step up from camping but still back to the wild enough. Prices from £75 per night atthecowshed.co.uk

ravel a little further afield and your trip will be well worth the drive when you stay with Luxury Lodges whose estates provide locations reaching from the coast of Cornwall to the historic Lake District. Luxury Lodges provide the optimal indulgence in self-catering getaways. Their lodges offer spacious, stylish and truly luxurious living spaces perfect for families, friends and couples looking to escape the ordinary and rediscover luxury. Luxury Lodges has also been recently awarded bronze at the Cornwall Tourism Awards for Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year 2019. Prices from £2039 per week luxurylodges.com

elcome greetings await at the award-winning Greenwood Grange, a collection of 17 luxury four and five star stone-built self-catering holiday cottages near Dorchester in Dorset. These farm buildings built by Thomas Hardy’s father in 1849 were transfomed to provide unique accommodation and there’s a property for everyone; whether you’re a couple looking for a cosy cottage, a family looking for adventure or a group of friends celebrating. Many have hot tubs and are dog-friendly too, so no one gets left behind (you can even bring your horse). Prices from £1055 per week greenwoodgrange.co.uk

tonehenge Campsite is a multi award winning, family run park. The site offers pitches for tents and tourers, as well as pods, yurts and bell tents. Stonehenge Campsite is a favourite for the summer solistice worshippers but book early now for 2021 as they go fast! Prices from £80 per night stonehengecampsite.co.uk

S Y

et in the southernmost foothills of Somerset’s Quantock Hills, Secret Valley Glamping started with six Wigwams to currently providing the option of Wigwams with or without hot tubs, shepherds hut, yurts, lodges or belle tents. Secret Valley suits both peace seekers and adventure chasers, with the outdoor activity centre and surrounding hills providing a variety of activities. Enquire for prices. secret-valley.co.uk

ou’ve got your accommodation booked, you've remembered to pack your wellies, now all that’s left to do is head out and embrace the elements. The more you get stuck into your UK holidays, the more you’ll get out of it and hopefully it’ll be a holiday that’s talked about for years to come.

Activities • Take it in turns to tell spooky stories by torchlight. • Head into the woods and build a den using all-natural materials. • Set up a family game of rounders or quick cricket. • Fly a kite. • Spend a night stargazing • • • • • • • • •

Bike rides and routes are popular wherever you are. Try your hand at tree rubbing. Create your own a Hansel and Gretal trail by leaving a trail of natural items to retrace. Collect items from around you, stones, twigs and beach rubbish for your very own treasure hunt. Roast marshmellows on the fire. Have a sing song around the fire pit or log burner. Nature bingo, spot the wildlife. Create a mini mud kitchen for some mud pie fun. Read a story book to the family.

Photography: Millie Pilkington

Melanie Aldridge Photography Celebrating family life www.melaniealdridge.com Email: melaniealdridge8@gmail.com/ Tel: 07470497554

What´s in Store Summer Skin Care

EDITOR'S PICK 5

7 9

 1. Vitamin C+ Brighten Mini Collection, £20 superfacialist.co.uk  2. Pure Anada Shea Unscented Hand Cream from Live in the Light £8.00 liveinthelight.co.uk  3. Nourishing Multi-Purpose Balm for Face & Body, £25 petitjovial.com  4. ABCDerm Moisturising Mild Milk Care 200ml £8.50 lookfantastic.com  5. The ZoCo. Mother and Baby Bag includes: Little B Hair and Body wash for Children by Bramley: Organic Hand and Body Wash - The Spring by Bloomtown: Gentle Organic Skin Balm by Nathalie Bond: Gentle Soap bar by Nathalie Bond: £40 zocowellbeing.com  6. Childs Farm 50+ spf roll-on sun lotion £8.33 childsfarm.com  7. Burt's Bees Mama and Baby Set £40 burtsbees.co.uk  8. Baby Cow Organics Milky Body Lotion (200ml) £10.50 cowshedonline.com  9. Hand-made in small quantities in Somerset by Tam Mason, these nourishing Sugar Hand Scrubs feed your hands with longlasting results. Packed with the very best natural ingredients, including Vitamin E to condition, protect and soothe, sore and tired hands will be restored to their natural softness.. £15 per pot tammason.co.uk 

Hyped Up

Creative Artwork: Flora Pilkington

We chat to two hypnotherapists about how to improve your family’s quality of life and mental well-being in stressful times. First up, Dorset based hypnotherapist Trevor Bedford shares his expertise.

he quality of our lives can be seen in terms of our circumstances, our thoughts and our genetics. Sometimes we can change circumstances to improve our lives. When we cannot change circumstances, then we need to change how we think. Genetics determine the pre-disposition to being happy. Corona virus puts us all in a situation where we have little or no control over circumstances, so this leaves our thoughts as the variable we can control. Rumination - as in repetitive negative thoughts - is known to be the biggest cause of anxiety and depression. The reason for this is that our brain functions in many ways like a computer, what we input is processed and the output is determined by the input. That means our thoughts, imagined or real is the input. What we think, determines the chemicals our brain produces to help us cope with any situation. The difference between anxiety and excitement can be very small, however the chemicals produced are very different. Take for example two people taking a flight. The first cannot wait to go on holiday, it’s going to be great. At the airport they look forward to the flight, the peace, movies and the general anticipation of the adventure they are

starting. Everything they have imagined is real and positive. Their brain produces happy chemicals and they feel excited. The second dreads going on the flight the minute they hear they are going on holiday. They tell all their friends and constantly repeat their fears. At the airport, they see the plane, they see the thin outer layer of the plane that is going to fly at 600 miles an hour at 30,000 feet, with closed doors and filled with highly flammable fuel. That is just dangerous, their brain produces the chemicals needed to cope with danger. Everything they have imagined is also real, but negative. They feel fear. Both parties are in the same situation, the way they think about it changes how they feel and behave. The input is different, therefore, the output is different. The first gets on, relaxed and calm. When they hit turbulence, which is normal, they get scared and probably do not enjoy the sensation, however, they cope. The second person is already in their fight, flight or freeze mode, negative stress chemicals produced and in a high state of anxiety. When they hit turbulence, they can no longer cope. What we think controls the chemicals in our bodies, in turn controls how we feel. How we feel results in how we behave.

Self−Hypnosis Guide Preparation

Plan what you are trying to achieve. This can be a very specific objective – to do an hour’s exercise and look forward to it. It could be a very general objective – to wake feeling good, confident and calm. You can write down exactly what you want to achieve, record it or just think about it. Once you know what you want this session to focus on make sure you are in a safe place and have the intention to go into hypnosis.

Hypnosis

Many people like to start by breathing 7/11. Breath in

How do we change our ruminative thoughts – which produce negative stress chemicals - to more productive ones that produce happy chemicals? • Imagination Learning to take active control of our thoughts means becoming cognitively aware of your thoughts, as in recognising when you are constantly worrying or having fearful thoughts about the corona virus. Taking control of your thoughts takes practise and gets easier the more you do it. I like to start by using breathing techniques, like 7/11. Breath in through your nose counting to 7, imagining cool, relaxing air filling your lungs with oxygen and energy, breath out through your mouth counting to 11, imagining

counting to 7, imagining cool, relaxing air filling your lungs with oxygen and energy, breath out counting to 11, imagining breathing out all the worries, troubles, pains and fears. Expelling all the carbon dioxide and poisons, emptying your lungs. Repeat three or four times so you can start the hypnosis in a calm and relaxed state of mind. Close your eyes. Then relax yourself, start at the top of your head and imagine all your muscles relaxing, ending at your toes. There are many induction protocols you can use, they focus on you telling yourself in different ways that you are relaxed and calm. This can take five minutes. Keep telling yourself you are relaxed and calm, and it starts to happen. Just relax and enjoy the peace for a while before allowing yourself to go deeper.

breathing out all the worries, troubles, pains and fears. Expelling all the carbon dioxide and poisons, emptying your lungs. Repeat three or four times so you can start the hypnosis in a calm and relaxed state of mind. This has been shown to reduce anxiety levels to normal, is simple and very effective, takes your mind off the Corona worries. Once you have taken back control, then you can more easily rationalise the situation and start to think about what you can do, rather than the issues beyond our control. Some other powerful ways to take back control of your thoughts is through hypnosis, self-hypnosis, mindfulness and meditation. There is a short guide to selfhypnosis at the bottom of this page. • Being valued in our community This is based on our evolving into beings where we work in communities, for the good of the whole. One person learns to make shoes, others can hunt and gather more food more easily, they return and provide all with food. Our chances of survival increase, we feel good about what we have done – gathering food or making shoes -and our status in the community goes up. We produce happy chemicals which increase our confidence and motivation as well. It is important to stop and take a good look at ourselves regularly. Remembering the good and happy things and times. Remind ourselves that we are worthwhile, we are good enough, we do approve of ourselves. Look to the communities we are connected to and how much we are valued by family, friends, clubs, sports groups, charities, work etc.

• Laughter This is a wonderful way of producing happy chemicals. Just smiling causes the muscles in our face to move and there is a resultant burst of happy chemicals. It is believed that children on average laugh about 400 times a day compared to an adult who laughs only 15 times a day. Even false smiles and laughs result in this happy chemical production, so we can all start by looking in a mirror, feeling a bit stupid and just smiling until we see that genuine smile or hear that laughter start. Try it, and while you do, why not use this during your exercise outside, to look at the person across the road and smile at them. They will return an involuntary smile, so not only have you cheered yourself up, but a stranger too. • Diet Certain types of happy chemicals are produced in large quantities in our stomachs. It makes sense to look at our diets and keep a balanced, healthy and tasty diet. People who constantly fill themselves with large quantities of unhealthy food and drink will effectively be reducing the amount of happy chemicals the stomach can produce. We need to think about food in a good way, use our imaginations to look forward to those healthy foods, healthy snacks. Rename unhealthy “treats” to “indulgences”. Rather than think “ I must not eat that donut”, which results in the mind fixating on the donut, think “I would love some tasty fresh fruit, or a delightful plate of salad, fish and rice. The key is to focus on what you do want, not what you don’t want.

Re-enforce you are safe and in control

• I am in a deep hypnotic trance and I am in full control • I will respond only to my intended suggestions. • I am fully protected from any random thoughts, images and sounds becoming hypnotic suggestion. To go deeper into hypnosis, allow yourself to imagine whatever you find relaxing. These can include: •C ounting down from 10 to 1, imagining going deeper with every step down • S eeing yourself becoming more relaxed by imaging each part of your body, the muscles, tendons and ligaments all relaxing one by one • E njoy a scenario that is right for you, a walk through a forest, sailing on a lake, flying into space.

Deliver your “script”

Read, play back a recording or remember a title to deliver your planned objectives for the session. Use the voice

• Exercise In theory this could once again well originate from our evolution. When we encountered danger and had to flee, we produced many stress chemicals to help us run faster, further and longer. If we escaped, then the stress chemicals returned to normal levels and we felt really good and happy that we had survived. That is why when we take appropriate exercise so many people feel really good afterwards. It is important to exercise, whilst making sure it is appropriate for your age and health. It does not need to be painful or hard, not every session need be a test of our personal best. Sometimes it can be fun to exercise at a pace that is enjoyable and doing things that you like doing. • Music One of our first ways of communicating was through sound and rhythm. Hearing birds and animals, tapping drums, understanding other peoples’ tone of voice, even before language became developed. Listening to any music that you like will produce happy chemicals that help you feel relaxed and calm. By getting your balance and using your thoughts and imagination for your own benefit, you can become more relaxed and calm about the lock down and the consequences of the corona virus. It does take practise and can sometimes be hard work, but it is worth it. Consider what you achieve when worried, scared and stressed compared to when you are relaxed and calm. It really is in your own best interest to look after yourself.

inside your head to deliver the message in a way that is meaningful to you. Use passion and purpose. If you are motivating, then use passion. If you are focusing on sleep then use a quiet and relaxing voice. Really imagine everything you are suggesting, be appropriately enthusiastic and assure yourself of it. Be convincing.

Enjoy the re-orientation

You don't need an elaborate routine to emerge from meditation. You might find it takes a few moments to get your bearings, if you've been extremely deeply relaxed, of course. You can just open your eyes when you feel ready and perhaps stretch, rub your eyes, or take a few deep breaths. Alternatively, you can count yourself out of selfhypnosis by counting from one to five (or ten) while you imagine becoming more active and alert.

Hyped Up

Continued...

Creative Artwork: Flora Pilkington

f you have always had doubts about hypnosis or think it is a stage act then you are mistaken. The clinical side is a serious form of therapy for all, including children and teenagers. Gone are the days when hypnotherapy was about taking control of a person’s mind and making a fool out of them. Hypnosis stems from Ancient Culture – Indian, Greek and Egyptian sleep temples. Many accounts date back to the Bible with references of relieving pain and healing by touch. This form of therapy, which is now a First Line Intervention, is used to help people with all sorts of life issues, from overcoming anxiety, depression, exam stress or a phobia to losing weight. It can even reduce chronic pain and help with motivation and concentration. Hampshire-based Hypnotherapist Mark Williams

talks us through it. “As a Hypnotherapist, I help people make positive changes to their lives, enabling them to fulfil their ambitions and reach their full potential, irrespective of their age. I’ve worked with children as young and 8 and adults over 90. Just recently I helped a 12-year boy old stop chewing his school clothes, something he’d been doing for over two years and had tried many other forms of therapy before turning to hypnotherapy. I work with a lot of teenagers to help them overcome exam anxiety as well as helping with their memory. Other common problems that hypnotherapy can help with are things such as bedwetting, school stress, depression, bad habits and self-belief to name a few. Once I have a client on board, they are part of me for as long as they want. On average, a client will need at least 3 to

4 sessions. Each session is an hour and is a mixture of CBT, NLP and hypnosis. Children tend to leave their parents in the waiting room and the child is made fully aware that they can leave the session at any time or have their parents with them for certain parts. I want my clients to be passionate about my hypnotherapy sessions and to enjoy them. There is so much evidence and research to show that it works, it’s about giving people self-belief that they can make the change they want to make. Why wait till you are 90 for help when you can at 8!” As a father, I really enjoy interacting with children and seeing the positive results that hypnotherapy can offer so many. Hypnotherapy will work for anyone who wants it to work. It is the same with anything, if you believe it will be more effective."

revor explains "We all experience anxiety many times a day. It is critical to our survival and necessary. Some people cope with anxiety better than others. Why is this and how can we improve? Anxiety and excitement can be very closely associated, hence one person seeing a fair ground ride gets excited, another sees pure terror. Being aware of nervous sensations is important, then allowing ourselves to see them in positive ways can change terror to excitement in certain situations. We can use anxiety in certain situations, to be positive and help us perform to a higher standard, or we can let anxiety rule and become a destructive negative force, controlling our behaviour. People suffering panic attacks are very scared, but they are not actually in any danger. How about not being anxious about being anxious, just be anxious? Trevor's Anxiety Bicycle is intended to help people with anxiety, suffering from destructive negative thoughts which may be causing them to end with panic attacks, homesickness, loss of confidence and many other symptoms. You can sit in a traffic jam and be angry, or you can sit in a traffic jam."

The Anxiety Bicycle

hen we start getting anxious, we all mount that bicycle. Some people will peddle slowly until the situation or issue comes to a natural end so they can brake and get off. These people have empty stress buckets and can control the bicycle. Other people mount that anxiety bicycle and start to peddle. They need to peddle and speed up. They may peddle so hard their muscles burn and ache. They may use the gears to speed up even more. Some people start to go so fast they get really scared. The wheels start to wobble and their fear of crashing becomes real and imminent. There are techniques we can use to change this cycle. The first step is to stop peddling so hard. By being aware of one’s thoughts and how negative, repetitive thoughts are powering our legs, we can immediately start to be aware it is us that is powering the bicycle. The second step, after becoming aware of our thoughts, is to stop peddling. The easiest and safest way of doing this is to focus on our breathing. Whatever technique works for you. I like the 7/11 technique mentioned earlier. Breathing in, counting to 7 whilst imagining cool calm air filling your lungs. Breathing out, counting to 11 and imagining all those fears, worries, pain and anxieties being expelled. Do this as many times as you like. Four or five times and already your natural body stress hormones will have started to return to normal. After a few cycles change to breathing in, counting to seven and imagining oxygen, positivity and control filling you. Exhale to 11, imagining all the poisons, carbon dioxides leaving your body. This natural focus of our thought on our breathing stops our negative repetitive thoughts. We have safely stopped peddling and our natural inertia means that our anxiety bicycle is now slowing down, without us having done very much at all. Now that the bicycle is travelling at a safer speed, we can

start to think about braking safely, at our own pace. There is no need to stop immediately, braking too hard can be scary and we don’t want to or need to risk flying over the handlebars. Think about which brakes are the right ones to start using first. The rear brakes are usually safer. This is the moment when you can start to look at your options because you are no longer thinking about the dangers. You can start to think about solutions. How can you see a situation differently? What can you do about it? Even the smallest potential solution means that brake is being applied. Now the rear brake is slowing your bicycle down at a pace that is right for you now. Even the smallest change in speed gives you confidence that your solution focused thoughts are helping you to brake. As your confidence builds, you have so much more control now, you can start to feel pleased with the actions you have taken. You are ready and can start to brake using the front brake as well. You can do this by looking at the situation you were in and see it from a completely different perspective. What did you do well this time? What was good about how you handled it? What can you do even better next time? Being kind to yourself, recognising improvements and being so much more positive means that your anxiety bicycle comes to a safe stop. You can climb off, knowing that you have done really well. Knowing that in future you do have the skills and abilities to control that anxiety bicycle. Maybe next time you won’t peddle so hard, maybe not at all. It’s your choice.

Both hypnotherapists are available for over the phone consulations, please contact them if you have any concerns or need further advice. Mark Williams is based in Lymington markwilliamshypnotherapy.co.uk and the Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire: fourseasons.com/hampshire and Trevor Bedford is based in Sherborne, Dorset trevorbedfordhypnotherapy.com

Allotment www.shopallotment.co.uk www.instagram.com/allotmentsomerset Prockters Farm, West Monkton, Somerset, TA2 8QN 20

Fore St, Topsham, Exeter, EX3 0HY

FACEMASK FASHION

hese handmade triple layer neon poly cotton colour facemasks are brought to you by Designed in Dorset, local online retail market from artisan Thomas and Mae and are exceptionally good quality. The triple layers and 100% cotton with a bendable nose wire for better fit. are super comfortable and provide you with a feeling of safety. (They are not medical masks) £12.50 each designedindorset.co.uk

DASHING DECKS FOR DAD

ell summer just got a whole lot more comfy! If laces aren’t Dad's style, try these lightweight, super-soft canvas shoes as a gift for Father's Day. Teamed with jeans or shorts Dad will be the coolest seafarer on deck. £35 weirdfish.co.uk

EDITOR'S PICK

TU GOOD TOO BE TRUE

end your little one on a Safari adventure with Tu's new Baby Safari Collection From khaki rompers to printed sleep-suits, there's something for every little explorer! tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk

PERFECT PACKAGES

Everyone loves a delivery to the door, but a delivery that keeps the kids entertained, well that's double perfection. ittle Cooks Co is a monthly subscription based recipe kit that’s posted through the letterbox, direct to kids, in a neat 100% recyclable box with compostable packaging. The box is packed with all the natural and healthy dry ingredients of that month’s delicious and nutritious recipe for kids to bake in the home. littlecooksco.co.uk new book subscription box and podcast run by Book Box Club launched this year. The new venture called Tales by Mail is a bi-monthly service, delivering two new reads, exclusive author content, games and activities and small bespoke gifts to young book-lovers around the world. Tales by Mail will also have an accompanying podcast with interviews with guest authors and reading group chats with UK schools. Subscribe now at: talesbymail.com

L A

BEDTIME BLISS

ay hello to Young Living’s cutest essential bedtime aid yet. It’s an essential oil diffuser called Feather The Owl. Tuck your little ones in each night with this multi-function diffuser – it’s a humidifier, scented diffuser, night-light, and white-noise machine, all in one. It’s quite possibly the cutest diffuser on the market and is convenient and easy to use with adult supervision. The Owl Diffuser has ten different LED light options to fit any mood along with a builtin speaker allowing you to choose from five sound variations: rain, birds, ocean waves, fan, and lullaby. And it comes with touch-sensitive power and can function as a nightlight, independently of its diffuser mode. Dreamland is only a few drops away with Young Living’s Seedlings Calm 5ml bottle sold with every diffuser which provides calming, soothing effects - great for solving the sleep-time challenge. This gentle scent was formulated with the littlest members of your family in mind. Like a bottle of lullabies, this signature blend of soft, relaxing, floral notes can help the whole family unwind together. RRP £62.76 For stockists: youngliving.com.uk

Art Attack

Local illustrator, artist and all round creative guru Suzie Brown has shared some of her favourite lockdown creations for for you and your family to enjoy making this summer. Enjoy!

Jasmine Bath Bombs 90g Bicarbonate of Soda - 30g Citric Acid (This can be purchased online) - Essential Oil (Jasmine, Lavender or your choice) - Food Colouring, Rose Petals, Lavender Flowers or Similar - Water Equipment: Bowl, Spatula, Spray Bottle, Silicone Moulds, Tissue Paper (optional but lovely for presentation as a gift!) Measure out in a bowl the Bicarbonate of Soda and Citric Acid, add a couple of drops of food colouring and essential oil, rose petals, dried lavender flowers or other petals if available. Stir the mixture well to break down the oil and food colouring and integrate it with the soda and citric acid, you may like to use the back of the spatula for this…keep going until it looks spread fairly evenly. The Bicarbonate of Soda and Citric Acid want to react with water and fizz, so by adding a fine mist of water a little at a time and stirring the mixture, you can combine the ingredients to form a sticky dough that holds together enough to add to the silicone moulds. The silicone moulds work effectively to release the bath bombs once they have set, 45 minutes later. Wrapping the bath bombs in tissue helps to protect them!

Jam Jar Lanterns Glass Jar - Tissue Paper - PVA/water based craft glue - Glue Brush - Paper Scissors - Wire 50cms approximately - Pliers Beads - Jewels/Bio glitter (optional) - battery operated night lights First clean and remove sticky labels from your glass jar and dry it. Choose your colour theme and cut some tissue paper shapes to apply to the outer surface of the jar with glue. If you don’t have tissue paper you may like to use drawings you or your children have made. You could also use Sharpie or craft marker pens that work on glass. Black paper cut in silhouettes of a theme you like also look effective! Brush an even layer of glue to the outer surface of your jar and start to lay the paper shapes flat on the surface! If they overlap this is fine, you just add to the lovely colour selection available to enjoy once your project is complete! Leave to dry! Once dry – measure the wire around your jar and enough wire to form a handle you will be adding beads to, plus enough to twist a finish at the end of the rim and the end of the handle so the beads and wire don’t fall off! Add on a border of glitter or perhaps inside if you choose.

DI Y Kaleidoscopes Kitchen Roll Tube, Mirrored Card or use aluminium foil backed on card - Scissors Three discs the same size as the circumference of your tube, 2 x Transparent, 1 x Semi Transparent 5cms diameter approximately! (you could use baking or tracing paper) Measure your roll first as diameters may differ. - Transpaernt Beads and Sequins Black sugar paper or opaque card to make a circle for the view finder - Tape/Sellotape - Ruler Have fun decorating your roll with paper and glue or paint or pens! Cut a piece of mirrored card 21.5cm long and 13.5cms wide, score it along the width twice at 4.5cms, tape to together to form the prism. Insert the mirrored card or foil backed card in to the roll. You will have a gap at one end to add the clear plastic disc. Add your beads and sequins on top of the clear plastic disc in the roll – you do not want too many and you do not want too little – try out assembling the semi transparent lid on top and see how it looks turning it in your hand as if complete! Attach the semi transparent disc and second clear plastic disc on top to seal the bead end of your Kaleidoscope, you can do this with tape! Cut a circle of black sugar paper to fit the diameter of the view finding end of your Kaleidoscope and tape or glue in place!

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Biscuit Baking Solar Oven Sunlight - Small shoe box - Large box (that the shoe box will fit inside) - Packaging for insulation – Tape - Black paper to line the shoe box - Glue Stick - Repurposed Clear plastic to create a viewing window - Scissors First line the shoe box with black paper, glue in place. Place insulation packaging in the bottom of the larger box and add the small shoe box in the centre. Build up the packaging around the shoe box. Place in your cut cookie dough biscuits. Seal up the shoe box with tape and a piece of clear plastic so you can keep viewing the progress of your cookies! Seal up the outer box with tape and place in your sunniest spot! Be prepared to change the angle as the sun moves! Last but not least keep an eye on your cookies but be prepared for it to take all day or maybe even 2-3 consecutive sunny days! (What materials you use for insulation are the key here and thin cookies will be faster to bake too). Yummy!

Microwave Salt Dough Fun 1 Cup of Plain Flour - Half a Cup of Cooking Salt - Half a Cup of Cold Water - Flour to dust the rolling surface. Equipment: Microwave Oven - Cookie Cutters - Knife - Rolling pin or similar - Watercolour Paints or similar - Paint Brushes - Craft Glue/PVA to seal the dough once painted - Items such as felt tip pen tops, fabrics scraps, scissors or a pencil to make textures in the salt dough. Measure and pour in to a mixing bowl your flour, then the salt. Add the water and mix the ingredients together to make a dough. Then flour a surface to roll the dough out flat with a rolling pin and cut out shapes with cookie cutters or a knife to create or model any shapes you like. Keep the thickness of the shapes fairly thin 0.5 – 0.75cms. Time to decorate them with any texture and any made holes you would like to hang them or adorn. Now place the shapes on microwave proof plates and batch microwave – Only microwave 30-40 seconds at a time, not too much more as they will burn. Your shapes will start to look drier and lighter in appearance now so turn the shapes over each time they have been in the microwave before heating them again. You are looking to have your shapes dried out evenly on both sides and biscuity. Your shapes will also gain a salty looking texture. Watercolours give the best results due it being a lighter substance, or you can blend and water down acrylics, just don’t add too much water otherwise the baked dough gets too soggy. Have a go with any paint you have at home available, you can even use marker pens and try a wet brush to blend the colours! Gradients of colour are effective and using a dark colour for indentations with a lighter colour or removing colour with a brush to create highlights by wiping away paint. Have fun with this stage of the process too! Consider using some silicone moulds normally for fondant/cake decorating to make smaller shapes that could be glued to the larger shapes to add detail. Once the paint is dry coat your shapes in craft glue to seal them and this will make them a bit more durable.

ollow Suzie Brown and her bloomin' great arts and crafts blog online, giving you some great activities whilst the children are at home. Bloom is the creative hub, devised and owned by Suzie Brown and started life as a shop on the High Street in Overton, Hampshire. Currently only trading online Suzie and her friendly business has a passion for building confidence through the medium of arts and crafts. Support her new blog journey at littleblooms.blog 23

Movie Magic We review some of the current family flicks available to stream and some new films to look out for in the coming months

Dream Stream's Sonic the Hedgehog

"Jim Carrey is scarily funny in his relentless chase to capture Sonic. Great mix of graphics and family fun entertainment. Ideal for rainy summer days." Streaming on: £ 4.99 on Virgin Best Part: Fight scene at end... Rating: 9/10

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker "The last in the third trilogy set of the Star Wars empire and it does not dissapoint. Answers lots of questions from the previous two films." Streaming on: F ree on Disney + Best Part: Rey's Acrobatics... Rating: 10/10

Aladdin

"A strange role for Will Smith but eventually you get into it, lots of funny parts for all ages to understand. Another fantastic Sunday afternoon flick for the family to enjoy!" Streaming on: F ree on Disney + Best Part: Magic Carpet Ride... Rating: 8/10

The Willoughby's

"Surprisingly dark to begin with but then due to a great story line turns itself around to be a very funny feel good movie with good morals incorporated." Streaming on: F ree on Netflicks Best Part: Happy Ending... (spoiler) Rating: 8/10

Jumanji: The Next Level "The follow on from the very popular first movie in 2017, this dynamic and hit team delivery funny plots and comedy capers that will deliver again and again." Streaming on: £ 4.99 on Virgin Best Part: Hanging Rope Bridges... Rating: 10/10

Abominable

"Superb animation and graphics, make this film a feast for the eyes, all ages will be engaged with the colours, plot and journey the Yeti and friends embark upon." Streaming on: £ 4.99 on Virgin Best Part: The Solo Violin Song... Rating: 9/10

Watch out for...

Vic the Viking - The Magic Sword Based on the ever-popular European children’s book and TV series, Vic the little Viking stars in his first feature length film - his biggest and most colourful adventure yet! Release Date: 2 5th May Digital, 6th July DVD

Paw Patrol: Ready Race Rescue It's the Adventure Bay 500 and legendary race car driver, The Whoosh, can't compete! Can Marshall take the championship trophy in this all new paw Patrol movie! Release Date: 2 5th May DVD

HANFORD SHOW JUMPING AT HANFORD

to arrange a visit call Karen on 01258 860219 or email her admissions@hanfordschool.co.uk

Watch and Learn

et the experts take over from the Home Schooling for a moment and schedule in some online live shows, classes and lessons. Our first of three is the The Restless Giants - Nature Live Online hosted by the Natural History Museum, London, showcasing violent volcanoe eruptions to breathtaking lava flows.Suitable for ages 6+ bit.ly/Nature-Live-OnlineFB Next is a new, community driven initiative that supports and showcases minority voices and arts. Available through the Liberally platform watch Music Shed with Lucy Burtt. Classes for children aged 4 months - 3+ years. These are 12-week pre-recorded sessions and will be guaranteed to get all the family singing and dancing! artsliberally.com Lastly you can enjoy some of the world’s best theatre productions, for free, without the worry of catching the last train home as the National Theatre offers streaming performances. So, you can enjoy Academy Award-winner Danny Boyle directing Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller in Frankenstein or Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo as Shakespeare's fated lovers in Antony & Cleopatra from your living room. nationaltheatre.org.uk/ntat-home

Going Live A guide to live online entertainment

Sunrise Streaming

he summer solstice at Stonehenge, Wiltshire is set to be have a livestream this year. This is the first time the pagan festival has ever delivered this type of offering and English Heritage are hoping this will discourage sun worshipers from visiting. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Home Festivals

any festivals this year are on hold or cancelled but that shouldn't stop the Festival Fun from continuing. Join the BBC's 50th television broadcast on the 26th June and Glasthomebury 2020 as they merge forces to raise money and enjoy the festival action online. Visit: glas.to/ bbc2020 for all the events, times and festivities. Put up the fairy lights and get the music on for Big Little Tent Festival 2020. This initiative by the Caravan and Motorhome Club club is a community festival to bring smiles to faces and inspire the whole family to enjoy the great outdoors this summer. Whether you’re in your living room or garden, Big Little Tent Festival is the perfect opportunity to keep the little ones (and the big ones!) occupied and connected with family and friends. caravanclub. co.uk/whats-on/big-little-tent-festival

WEBCAM WONDERS

ur top three best wildlife webcams, check them out:

Panda, Penguin, Koala and Tiger watch cameras are set up here: edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams Wildlife in action across the British Isles. wildlifetrusts.org/webcams So many animal cameras for hours of nature watches. zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams

SUMMER BOOKCLUB For Mum...

(and any other female adults!) Where the Crawdads Sing Delia Owens "A painfully beautiful first novel that is at once a murder mystery, a coming-ofage narrative and a celebration of nature . . . Owens here surveys the desolate marshlands of the North Carolina coast through the eyes of an abandoned child. And in her isolation that child makes us open our own eyes to the secret wonders-and dangers-of her private world." - New York Times Book Review Perfect for fans of Barbara Kingsolver and Celeste Ng, Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Letter. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Rachel Hore and Kathryn Hughes, this pageturning, moving novel of separation and long-buried secrets will stay with you for ever. The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah (Editor’s choice) An unforgettable portrait of love and war. - People Without a doubt, one of the best books I have ever read. This book follows two sisters as they fathom their way through the atrocities of war. Brilliantly

researched, hauntingly atmospheric and devastatingly sad…but excellent! Chalk it up! The Seven Sisters, Lucinda Riley "Riley is one of the strongest authors in this genre of historical fiction . . . excellent historical detail, heart-wrenching romance, and an engaging mystery" - Historical Novel Society Maia D’Apliese and her five sisters gather together at their childhood home - a fabulous, secluded castle situated on the shores of Lake Geneva - having been told that their beloved adoptive father, the elusive billionaire they call Pa Salt, has died. Each of them is handed a tantalising clue to their true heritage - a clue which takes Maia across the world to a mansion in Brazil . . .

Children 5 to 8... Dog Man, Dav Pilker Howl with laughter with the FIRST book in the hilarious full-colour illustrated series, Dog Man, from the creator of Captain Underpants! George and Harold (the co-stars of the enormously popular Captain Underpants series) are in big trouble again! George and Harold have created a new breed of justice -- one that is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!

Slime, David Walliams “I absolutely love David Walliams’s books. In a few more years they will become classics.” - Sue Townsend, author of Adrian Mole The latest deliriously silly adventure for younger readers from the unstoppable duo of Walliams and Ross finds a young, wheelchair-bound boy taking a very slimy revenge on his adult tormentors. The Twits, Roald Dahl We couldn’t possibly compile a Summer Reads list and not include an offering by the word wizard himself, Roald Dahl. Take a dive into the world of The Twits; the most revolting and mean pair of humans you could ever meet. This is a book that the whole family will enjoy reading – and you’ll be onto your next Dahl masterpiece before you can say Snozcumber!

Children 9 and up... Refugee Boy, Benjamin Zephaniah The playful, obstinate and courageously humorous tone of Zephaniah’s writing shines through ... hilarious and later heart-breaking * Alfred Hickling, - Guardian on REFUGEE BOY"

Life is not safe for Alem. His father is Ethopian, his mother Eritrean. Their countries are at war, and Alem is welcome in neither place. So Alem is excited to spend a holiday in London with his father - until he wakes up to find him gone.

(And for those who love Refugee Boy..) We simply had to include this book… because it’s amazing…! The Boy at the back of the Class, Onjali.Q Rauf ‘Rauf ’s book is at once tearjerking and chuckleinducing and will go a long way to restore faith in human nature.’ - The Sunday Post When a new boy joins their class, a group of children try to befriend him. They soon learn that Ahmet is a refugee and has been separated from his family. None of the grown-ups seem to be able to help him, so the friends come up with a daring plan, embarking on an extraordinary adventure. Based in part on the stories she encountered when working in refugee camps, Onjali Q. Raúf ’s remarkable debut deserves to be ranked as a modern classic. Told with humour and tenderness, it is an unforgettable story of hope, curiosity and the importance of kindness. Tom’s Midnight Garden, Philippa Pearce A timeless favourite Good Housekeeping When Tom is sent to stay at his aunt and uncle’s house for the summer, he resigns himself to endless weeks of boredom. As he lies awake in his bed he hears

the grandfather clock downstairs strike . . .eleven . . . twelve . . . thirteen . . . Thirteen! Tom races down the stairs and out the back door, into a garden everyone told him wasn’t there. In this enchanted thirteenth hour, the garden comes alive but Tom is never sure whether the children he meets there are real or ghosts . . . This entrancing and magical story is one of the best-loved children’s books ever written. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, Charlie Mackesy ‘Simply, the world needs Charlie’s work right now.’ - Miranda Hart Voted Waterstones Book of the Year 2019, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a book to bring people together, Charlie Mackesy’s wonderful paintings and beguiling text are a celebration of kindness, compassion and understanding, conveying an essential message during these testing times

For Dad...

(and any other adventure-loving junkie) I Am Pilgrim, Terry Hayes ‘The best thriller I’ve read in ten years... An astonishing piece of work.’ - Linwood Barclay Pilgrim is the codename for a man who doesn’t exist. The adopted son of a wealthy American family, he once headed up a secret espionage unit for US intelligence. Before he disappeared into anonymous retirement, he wrote the definitive book on forensic criminal investigation. But that book will come back to haunt him. It will help NYPD detective Ben Bradley track him down. And it will take him to a rundown New York hotel room where the body of a woman is found face down in a bath of acid.

The Salt Path, Raynor Winn ‘The Salt Path is a life-affirming tale of enduring love that smells of the sea and tastes of a rich life. With beautiful, immersive writing, it is a story heart-achingly and beautifully told.’ - Jackie Morris, illustrator of Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane An inspirational memoir, ideal for fans of H is for Hawk, The Salt Path is an engrossing story about losing everything and finding yourself between the elements of sea and sky. For Raynor Winn and her husband Moth, the cruellest of diagnoses and the simultaneous collapse of their business opens an unexpected door to salvation through a journey which over its length transforms into a sweeping narrative of inner courage and nature’s ability to heal. Shoe Dog, Phil Knight ‘You can’t help liking him enormously… fantastically wellwritten, a relentless page-turner and light-keeper-on-er.’ - Management Today In 1962, fresh out of business school, Phil Knight borrowed $50 from his father and created a company with a simple mission: import high-quality, low-cost athletic shoes from Japan. Selling the shoes from the boot of his Plymouth, Knight grossed $8000 in his first year. Today, Nike’s annual sales top $30 billion. In an age of start-ups, Nike is the ne plus ultra of all start-ups, and the swoosh has become one of the most ubiquitous and recognisable symbols in the world today.

The Great Outdoors

Miranda takes us through the wonders of the common-or-garden earthworm.

arthworms are amazing little critters, underground garden heroes you could say. These funny little wrigglers break down your decaying garden waste and bring life to the soil by fertilising it with much needed nutrients. What’s more, worms breathe though their skin, can eat their bodyweight in soil in a single sitting and if you happen to chop one in half with your shovel, its head end can regenerate…amazing eh?! Well, we thought that this summer is the perfect time for us all to watch these little wrigglers at work. And it’s easy! All you need is a wormery, which is basically a little worm house. And we’re going to show you how to make one.

You will need... • 2 litre clear, plastic bottle • Compost or soil and some sand

• Scissors • Black (or very dark) card • A few worms per bottle • Spray bottle • Worm food – grated carrot, vegetable peelings, dead leaves, shredded newspaper Your first mission is to go looking for some worms in your garden or local park. Take a trip to the compost heap if you have one as these are super popular with worms. Failing that, turn over some stones, or dig a hole, you’ll strike lucky somewhere! Cut the top ¼ off your bottle and snip a slit up the side of it. Put it to one side – this will become your lid and the slit you’ve made will help it to fit back over the bottle. Now, take your bottle and fill it up with alternating layers of sand, soil, sand, soil, sand etc. Spray each layer with water so that it is damp. Here comes the fun: Take a few

worms and add them to the top of the bottle and watch them burrow down. Then add the ‘food’ to the top. This could be a mix of carrot peelings, potato peelings, dead leaves… Wrap the black card around the bottle to make it dark. Worms do not like light and the card will entice them to burrow around the outside of the bottle so that you’ll be able to see them when you want to have a peek! Worms like to be kept toasty so make sure you put the wormery in a warm place. You can take the cardboard off when you want to have a look at what they are up to, but always replace it once you’re finished. Check that the contents are damp and that there is always something there for them to munch on. After 1 week, take the worms back into your garden and look for some more if you’d like to try the experiment again!

Get Everyone Gardening

Landscape garden designer Fi Boyle encourages us all to get gardening.

ith longer daylight hours and sunshine, we are now at the start of summer and in these strange times, we find ourselves at home with time on our hands and for those of us lucky enough to have a garden it is time to make the most of them and get outside.

For the Parents...

Strategic Planning for your garden Start a garden diary, walk around the garden each week and really observe what is emerging and when. Have a long, slow walk round taking photographs if possible, make notes on what is looking good and where. But even more importantly make notes about areas where you feel interest is lacking. Under planting shrubs with bulbs and early flowering ground cover plants will greatly increase spring interest. As the garden develops continue your visual and written diary to keep track of where the gaps are. It may be that you decide that a border needs a bit more wow factor and by having this dairy you will then be able to go back and address this as and when. It maybe that you want to rework part of the

For the Kids...

garden and use it in a different way, such as creating an entertaining space or putting a bench in a quiet corner so you can have time out. Catching up on garden jobs This is also the perfect time to look at all your shrubs and see if they need a remedial prune because they have become congested. Whilst others may just need a good prune to bring them back into shape. The majority of early flowering shrubs flower on last years growth so the ideal time to prune them is straight after they have flowered. For woody shrubs prune out a third of the old stems down to the ground, this should open up the plant as well as encourage new growth. Buying Plants & Garden Supplies Whilst most local nurseries are now open and delivering plants and produce, if you are struggling for ideas, give them a call to see if they can help out. Alternatively there are lots of UK nurseries who offer a mail order service. Here are a few you could try:- plantsforshade.co.uk specialplants. net hardysplants.co.uk woottensplants. com burncoose.co.uk claireaustinhardyplants.co.uk bethchatto.co.uk

A garden is so much more than just the plants within it. Consider the wildlife that lives in it or that you would like to encourage to take up residence. When planning plants consider if they will attract bees, butterflies and other insects. There are a plethora of plants to choose from. Lavender and Nepeta are commonly used, but you could also use Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’, Monada’s, Salvia and Sedum to name but a few. Spend time out in the garden spotting insects and butterflies with your kids so they learn to recognise the different kinds. Recently I have already seen quite a few Peacock butterflies as well as the little Chalk Hill Blues, along with a Hawk winged Humming

Bird moth which is such a joy. Bird feeders, baths and boxes are an easy way to attract our winged friends, who at this time of year are providing a joyous soundtrack in the garden. Don’t forget hedgehogs too. A quiet corner with a pile of wood and leaves will provide a welcome home for them to hibernate over winter and perhaps produce some hoglets in June. Their champion slug-eating will more than repay you. Building a bird box or hedgehog house could be a great lockdown project with or without children. Make the most of getting out into the fresh air. Spending time in your garden will not only make you feel better but it will make it even more lovely than it already is.

Puzzle Perfection

he Covid-19 crisis has forced many of us to stay at home but for those days when we cannot get outdoors, Fi Boyle has commissioned some 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles, featuring this stunning but deliberately challenging image of one her designs. All profits raised will go to NHS Charities Together to show the appreciation for those incredible heroes who are continuing to save lives Why not send one to a relative or friend who isn’t able go out or doesn’t have a garden themselves? Puzzles cost £25. Order via: admin@fiboylegardendesign.com

HELP NHS

Location, Location, Location Mum of three Maria Booth (with husband, dog and puppy in tow) talks about upping sticks from Hampshire to the Lake District. Finding schools, scouting the area, boxing up and heading off.... Photography: Millie Pilkington

oving can be a huge upheaval particularly in our case with three young children aged 7, 5 and 3; one Springer Spaniel; and Granny and Papa, just to add in to the moving mix. After ten years together enjoying life down South, Mark and I decided to relocate at the end of 2019 to the North. This wasn’t a random idea. There were discussions, research, and many, many Northern holidays to confirm our decision. Mark is originally a Northerner after all so the thought of heading in that direction wasn’t completely out of the blue. I am 100% Southern; born in Hampshire, and although I moved abroad in my younger years, my family home was in Hampshire. Friendships started and continued down South. I worked in London, married in Winchester and made a home in Hampshire. Having children meant our roots became firmly fixed in the area; becoming heavily involved in the local community (forever fundraising) and School life; recruiting more friends and starting the Mummyhood journey with them; knowing everyone and loving our routine. In short, life was great. Yet family time started to become rare with Mark’s work taking him away at weekends, either to London or to the North. It became apparent that the family unit had to follow but life in the Big Smoke just did not appeal. And the North? We knew it well; the stunning scenery, quiet roads, outdoor pursuits on the doorstep; a similar set up to our Southern life but with a different backdrop of mountains and fells. After much discussion, looking at Right Move every night, reading articles about ‘Life up North’ and revisiting our chosen potential patch with realistic ‘should we live here’ eyes as opposed to the romantic holiday glaze, we took the plunge and agreed to make the move to the North. I secured a job within weeks of

confirming our decision and suddenly we were ordering boxes and planning a move. Before Christmas. With my parents in tow. Two properties to pack; seven people; one dog; two days before Christmas. Easy. It was intense. But we did it and just in time for Christmas. Tree and all the trimmings; the children even met Father Christmas (who lives in a cave up North). The hard work, tears, and several trips to the tip paid off and we started the New Year in full swing. We were up North. I found it hard to believe we weren’t on holiday despite all my belongings around me. Although it seemed bonkers to move before Christmas, the timing was perfect. A time when families are together and life shuts down for a while. No pressure to make friends or be anywhere or with anyone other than with your family. So we explored; made the most of having no friends and spending a LOT of family time together. It was special. The seven of us and the dog spent this time to get to know our new patch; explore local walks; eat at local restaurants; practice the school run and find the best route for my retail fix! It allowed us all to adapt to the new environment before the new routine commenced. I felt nervous about the children starting their new school but in true Northern style (and it is true, people are friendly up North), we received a warm welcome on their first day and the children have been happy ever since. Phew. A huge weight lifted knowing the children are OK. Four months in and the family are feeling settled. Prior to lockdown, the children had been getting on well at school; Granny and Papa like their new home; Mark has found his balance; and I am happy. My family are thriving up North; I miss the South but mostly the friendships; all those special girls I have picked up along the way from my school

days all the way through to the mummy days. Thank goodness for Whatsapp, Facetime and nowadays Zoom chats! Overall, the North suits us. A different pace of life; a less hectic life. Although, we have just welcomed a new puppy to the family…

Top Tips... Be open to change; don’t be scared to take the plunge especially if it means your family will hugely reap the rewards. Read about your chosen area – find out about the area, look at your nearest GP and Dental Practice, Veterinary Centre if necessary, and supermarkets and shops. Research is essential as a second to spending time in the area. Talk to your children about the move - make them feel involved. Research and visit Schools – attend Open Days, meet the Headteacher, try and speak to locals about schooling in the area. Contact local Lettings and Estate Agents; register your interest early. Join the local Facebook page (if one exists) – this can provide information on local events, children activities and clubs, useful contacts like plumbers and electricians. Social media can be a great tool to connect with a new area. De-clutter your home – pack only the things you like and will use in the future! Spend as much time with your friends as possible! You will miss them so bank those waves at the school playground, coffee dates and suppers.

Dry Stone Walling ☐ Landscaping ☐ Paving Contemporary and Traditional Stone Cladding

Dry stone walls are one of the most charming features of the English countryside and an ancient skill that the English Heritage is keen to keep alive. All types of stone walling and paving including boundary walls, retaining walls, garden features / projects, cladding of existing buildings/structures, steps, insurance work, lime and mortared walls, repairs, contemporary/traditional stone cladding.

Yenstone Walling

01963 371123 ☐ 07791 588141 ☐ patrickhouchen@btinternet.com ☐ yenstonewalling.co.uk

WINDOW SHOPPING Country Child's seasonal search continues, this time for homes with great gardens.

Ilminster, Somerset £825,000

Bruton, Somerset £845,000

This historic old five bedroomed house set in vast countryside is believed to date back to the early seventeenth century and is certainly worthy of its Grade II listing. Impeccably restored by the present owner, the house boasts simple gardens and meadows in a quiet rural village location.

The Old Smithy is a fabulous four bedroomed barn conversion with an additional annex, outdoor swimming pool and surrounded by beautiful extensive lawns providing wonderful space for children to play and explore. An outdoor swimming pool is secluded and private and there is a paddock too.

jackson-stops.co.uk

lodestoneproperty.co.uk

Tisbury, Wiltshire £895,000 Backing onto fields, this handsome five bed detached country residence is believed to have been built around 1901/02. Altered and improved over the years, the well-proportioned and elegant accommodation offers versatility as well as scope to make further changes. The gardens are a particular feature.

ruralview.co.uk

Chalke Valley, Wiltshire Starting bid £585,000 ONLINE AUCTION T's &C's apply. Shortsmead Cottage is a particularly attractive Grade II Listed country residence believed to date from the late 17th Century and was originally a pair of cottages. The property is approached via a gravelled drive and the attractively landscaped garden is a delight and a particular feature of the property complete with play castle.

ruralview.co.uk

FI BOYLE GARDEN DESIGN

Fi Boyle Garden Landscape Design & Consultancy

Stourhead Estate Office, Stourton, Warminster, Wilts, BA12 6QD T: 01747 840202 | M: 07787 913027 36 fi@fiboylegardendesign.com | www.fiboylegardendesign.com

Interior

IDEAS Over the Rainbow

 Rainbow Blanket £12.99 tkmaxx.co.uk  Rainbow Neon Light £50  shop.nationaltheatre.org.uk  Rex London Kids Home Clock Hot Air Balloon Wall Clock Portrait £24.95 rexlondon.com  Teachers Appreciation Range Mug £1 poundland.co.uk  Rainbow Flag Printed Roller blind from £105 artylicious.co.uk  Cali Rainbow Bath Mat £42 peachyparrot.com  UNpaper towels from Live in the Light £25 liveinthelight.co.uk  Rainbow Plant Pot £22 redcandy.co.uk  Rainbow Mirror £55 redcandy.co.ukk  TK Maxx Fluro Fabric Foot Stool £279.99 tkmaxx.co.uk  Chasing Rainbows Night Light £13 redcandy.co.uk

Mist Lifting off the Blackmore Vale in Dorset by Graham Hatherley. Available for purchase on designedindorset.co.uk.

More than just another online shop, Designed in Dorset aims to support Dorset’s plethora of local businesses from local produce to soft-furnishings and jewellery to gin! Why promote your business on Designed in Dorset? • • • • • •

Reach thousands of new customers Expand your online presence Be part of a growing local community of local businesses No sale, no fee! A percentage of profits will go towards local charities Run by Dorset people for Dorset people

If you are as passionate about Dorset as we are, then get in touch to see how we can work together. 01722 580521 hello@designedindorset.co.uk designedindorset.co.uk

OPEN for Business

Going Zoco...

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS Salisbury City Council reopened the Charter Market in mid May and was a great success. The Walled Garden at Mells are now partially open from Sunday to Wednesday 12pm till 4pm. BP Rolls Group, Hampshire are now open for car servicing and MOT Testing. Cranbournes gift shop Shaftesbury are now selling kids masks. Coffee and Co in Netheravon,Wiltshire are now open and serving hot drinks, pastry, cake and ice Cream. Paloma Lily Florists are also open for orders and deliveries as usual.

Join the Revolution

oCo. was founded on a passion for quality tarted from a friendly Christmas Fair one natural products, beautiful scents, and a year, Designed in Dorset, the new online belief that taking time for yourself and marketplace has organically grown to celebrate keeping a close connection to nature has Dorset and give a voice to entrepeneurs across real benefits to body and mind. the county. Founder Zoe Founder says: "Having suffered Now the online marketplace built to promote the from eczema all my life I started to investigate what splendour of green and fair county business people the chemicals inside many of today’s products were will help locals to shop local and boost the local doing to my skin. I was horrified by what I learned. economy. Jim Chetwoode partner says "We want to Sadly, the most commonly used brands and easily encourage small business owners to take on the likes accessed goods are filled with ingredients that do both of Amazon and Google and have somewhere they can internal & external damage to consumers. Natural trust to sell their wares. This county is full of some and botanical ingredients not only smell better but of the most gifted makers, builders and growers in also have fantastic aromatherapy qualities that deliver the UK and we want to help push their products and benefits to body & mind. I wanted a place where I produce to new audiences throughout the globe." could buy trusted brands that made products that If you have a business and would like to join the actually nourish the body and soul. A place that crusade Jim and team are creating in supporting was small, uncluttered and had a personal touch. and encouraging people to shop locally and benefit ZoCo. was born. Here in the beautiful rolling hills of the local economy, sign up for FREE now at Dorset ZoCo. is a place to find the very best natural designedindorset.co.uk and receive a FREE Listing wellbeing brands from near and far. The rigorous on the Country Child website through summer too! curation process means that we only stock the very best products that we try. All orders are wrapped up personally in our 100% organic cotton bags. Here we champion small batch production in the capsule wardrobe with llotment retail South West; sourcing the highest-quality, natural and each season Kirsten initiative started ethical products and bring these products to you. Thompson owner originally from ZoCo. is a place where you can find thoughtfully delivers customers some a kitchen table to bring curated gifts for family & friends. Everything great hero pieces with a unique collection of is stamped, wrapped, written and sent by us." a subtle nod to current accessories and knitwear zocowellbeing.com trends underpinned to local customers. Fast with some hardworking forward over four years wardrobe basics; true and with their Somerset buy now and love forever store and another items. beautiful boutique in Alongside clothing the town of Topsham, and accessory collections Devon, their ethos of their lifestyle ranges now bringing easy, wearable stock an extensive range casual clothes with a of beauty and gift items. strong emphasis on Online currently but luxury fabrics and soon to open the doors! modern classics is still shopallotment.co.uk a hit! Championing the

Luxury Mumwear

Food

GLORIOUS

Food

Salad Selection

hen it comes to summer dining, why not get the kids involved? We asked The Cooking School in Warminster to suggest some family-friendly salads for our readers to get making this summer. These eye-catching, nutritious and delicious salads are easy to make and look amazing on any table – what’s not to love??

Roasted Butternut Squash Panzanella (Italian squash, bread and

separate baking tray. Drizzle about 3 tbsp of oil over the squash and 3 tbsp more over the bread. Bake the squash for about 25 minutes, until soft – and the bread for about 7-8 minutes until crisp and golden. Set them tomato salad) both aside to cool. This is a lovely summery salad that is as simple as it is Trim the celery and peel to remove any stringy bits. special. Slice it thinly and put it into a nice salad bowl. Peel the onion and slice it thinly. Add this to the bowl. Top and Ingredients 1 red onion tail the pepper, remove the seeds and cut it into strips.  1 small butternut 1 red pepper squash 250g cherry tomatoes Add to the bowl. Cut the tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl.  2-3 slices stale country 1 small cucumber Cut the cucumber in half along its length, scoop out the loaf, sourdough or 2 garlic cloves, crushed seeds and slice it. Add the slices to the bowl. Stir in the French stick 3 tbsp red wine vinegar cooked squash and the crispy bread.  120ml extra virgin Pinch caster sugar Mix the crushed garlic with the red wine vinegar, rapeseed or olive oil  Handful freshly torn caster sugar and remaining oil and add to the bowl. Stir 2 celery sticks basil leaves to give everything a good coating. Leave for 20 minutes or so, until the lovely flavours of the dressing have been reheat the oven to 190C. Peel the butternut squash absorbed and the bread has softened slightly. Garnish and cut it into chunky dice. Arrange over a baking with lots of fresh basil and serve. tray. Tear the bread into pieces and arrange over a You could add pieces of ripped mozzarella too!!!

Butterfly Past Broccoli and

This is a lovely salad t as a pasta dish. You c cooked ham or crumb it too.

Ingredients  2 tbsp sultanas 1 large head broccoli 400g dried farfalle  3 tbsp extra virgin rapeseed or olive  2 medium

ut the sultanas int them with hot wa Break the broccol large saucepan of wa florets and cook for – exact timing will de florets. Drain and le

ta, Courgette, sultana salad

Bring a separate saucepan of water to the boil and cook the farfalle according to the instructions on the packet, until the pasta is soft but still has a little bite (al dente). Drain and transfer to a nice big salad bowl. Toss in t he cooled cooked broccoli. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan or wok over a medium heat and cook the courgette slices for 4-5 minutes until nice and golden on both sides. Stir them into the pasta. Drain the sultanas and add them to the pasta. Put all the ingredients for the dressing together in a screw-top jar and shake well until the mixture has emulsified. Add to the pasta and toss everything together until well coated. Scatter with fresh basil leaves and serve.

that can also be served warm could also toss cooked chicken, ble your favourite cheese into

e n oil

courgettes, sliced For the dressing  6 tbsp extra virgin rapeseed/olive oil  Zest & juice of ½ lemon (2 tbsp) Pinch sugar Fresh basil leaves

to a small dish and cover ater to help them plump up. li into small florets. Bring a ater to the boil, drop in the 3-4 minutes, until just tender epend on the size of the eave to cool.

A Lorra Lollies!!

hen the sun’s shining and the kids are pining, healthly, home-made lollies will be sure to put a smile on every little, sun-blushed face.

Mini Milks

250g mascarpone cheese 350ml whole milk 150g caster sugar

Whisk together until smooth and freeze in lolly moulds

Strawberry and Watermelon Lollies Whizz a punnet of sweet ripe strawberries and 2 big sliced of deseeded watermelon together. Freeze in lolly moulds.

Sugar Free Banana Ice−Cream

Put over-ripe blackskinned bananas in the fridge. Whiz until thick and smooth for a delicious no-sugar ice-cream.

Fizzy Apple lollies

 600ml unsweetened apple juice 200ml sparkling water

Stir together and freeze in lolly moulds. Photography: Millie Pilkington for Lucinda Miller

TOP

Marks

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

Building Brilliance

he new KS1 building at co-educational independent school for 3-13 year olds, Stroud School, Hampshire are beginning to take shape and is hoped to be ready for September 2020. Following on the success of its new KS1 building a couple of years ago, the pupils are eagerly watching - online - the process of the new building in the school grounds. What should strike visitors immediately on entering the building is how light and bright it will feel: the design includes a large amount of glass to allow natural light to stream in. All classrooms will have direct access to undercover outside areas, allowing all pupils to learn outdoors in all weather. The materials and colours have been chosen carefully to fit in with our natural woodland surroundings. The soundproof, folding walls between teaching rooms enable collaborative interaction across more open and flexible spaces. These have been used successfully in Finnish schools, which regularly feature in the top five within world education tables. These walls also offer an interactive space, where students and teachers can write together to build topic knowledge. Chris Hopper, Operations Manager, says: "This

Masked Heroes

ocal schools Poole Grammar, St Aldhelms Academy, Poole High and Corfe Hill have used their resources to make protective equipment for Poole based charity, PramaCare, whose care support workers continue to work tirelessly on the frontline to support older people in the community who are in need. The charity have been around for nearly 40 years, supporting older people in the local area, helping them to remain independent in their own homes. As well as their existing clients, Prama have recently recruited additional care staff and are working closely with the BCP council and NHS to offer additional support to those returning from hospital and in need of short or longer-term care. The schools have collectively donated 150 protective face shields, which will be worn by PramaCare staff to keep both themselves and those in their care safe, whilst they continue to carry out their important work in the local community. A further 30 shields have been donated from a member of staff at Bournemouth University, with links to a German company Cuttall. Neil Stevens, Director of Care for Prama says: “Our staff continue to be out in the community, supporting people with essential everyday tasks, so having

building will considerably improve existing provision, and is a further development as part of an ambitious period of investment from King Edward VI School to update facilities for future generations.” Stroud has been awarded the ‘Council for Learning Outside the Classroom’ (CLOtC) Silver Award, a national accreditation that has been endorsed by the Department for Education. This award sits perfectly alongside the School’s ‘Eco Schools Green Flag’, which it has maintained for the past ten years. Stroud School will be holding a 'Stroud in Action' Open Morning on Wednesday 17 June, 9am-12pm. For more information, email: registrar@stroud-kes.org.uk or telephone 01794 528360. additional equipment like these shields ensures we can do that as safely as possible. It has also been encouraging to benefit from other members of our community applying the different skills and resources that they have, to contribute to handling the situation we all find ourselves in. We are grateful to these groups for having stood with us at this time and played their part in the Prama team”. If you are able to offer support to Prama with donations of PPE, please contact 01202 207300 or email info@pramacare.co.uk. You can also help by making a donation to the charity via justgiving.com/campaign/ masksforcarers

OPEN DAY SAT 19 SEPT 10 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 NOON

Your child at our heart

Contact the Registrar on 01722 555300 admissions@salisburycathedralschool.com www.salisburycathedralschool.com CO-EDUCATIONAL PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN AGED 3 TO 13

Choosing The Right Breed of Dog For You and Your Family Photography: Millie Pilkington

Jasmin Mason, CEO of Paragon Dogs, provider of reward-based training and behavioral services for dogs, talks to Country Child about finding the right family dog.

Continues overleaf... 45

hen it comes to choosing the perfect dog for your family, it can be difficult to know where to begin. To make things easier for you, I’ve come up with a list of my favourite breeds for families welcoming their first dog. It’s important to note that with any breed, there is a difference between working line dogs (who have the traits to do the work for which they were originally bred) and show dogs (dogs with perfect breed conformation). As working line dogs are typically more intense, energetic and require more time for training and exercising, we recommend finding a good breeder and choosing dogs from show lines for those introducing their first fluffy companion.

Golden Retrievers From movies to service dogs, you will have seen Golden Retrievers just about everywhere, and there’s a reason for that. Not only are they a smart, gorgeous and affectionate breed, they also have friendly temperaments and a laid-back nature. Originally bred as working gun dogs, they typically have a soft mouth - so they didn’t bite into the game they were retrieving and a keen desire to learn, meaning they are easily trained.

Labrador Retrievers In 2019 the Labrador Retriever was the UK’s favourite furry companion, and why wouldn’t you want the cute, adorable puppy shown on the Andrex adverts? Anyone who owns a Labrador will tell you just how much of a foodie they are: because they are so highly motivated by food, training them to become a social and polite member of society is a breeze. Due to their love of meal-times, it’s important to stick to clear food guidelines in order to prevent them piling on the pounds.

Cocker Spaniels Cocker Spaniels are a highly energetic breed perfect for active families who love the outdoors, and their smart and playful natures make them great companions for children. Due to their bubbly personalities, they are most suited to countryside living where they have space to roam. Being a busy and speedy dog, they are also prone to chasing and flushing out wildlife so it’s important you spend time training them to be obedient.

Greyhounds Many see Greyhounds as racing dogs, which is often the case for their early lives. Once retired, and having found the perfect home they are often seen as couch potatoes, living the lazy life and enjoying their rest. They are easy-going dogs who enjoy occasional jaunts in the countryside but are also more than happy to spend the afternoon sunbathing in the garden. However, when you are out and about, be mindful of small animals and wildlife, as Greyhounds have a huge desire to chase.

Great Danes Great Danes are larger than life lap dogs. They are laid-back dogs that require minimal grooming, enjoy a snuggle on the sofa and are happy to potter about at your local Sunday market. Of course, there are a couple of downfalls to being the size of a small horse; with size comes power so it’s important you put in the hard work training them to do a lovely loose lead walk. Their strength means they should never be walked by small children. Remember that at home everything you may consider to be ‘out of bounds’ is easily within reach for these gargantuan canines, so it’s important that you are mindful of where you place your food!

Boston Terriers Ahhh the Boston terrier… a clown-like, lively and entertaining hooligan. These dogs are totally full of character, incredibly playful and are bound to keep you on your toes. Along with this high level of energy comes a need for physical exercise and mental enrichment, which we can supply through games with the children in the garden and woodland adventures. They are an awesome all-round companion and can adapt to both apartment living and rural life.

Paragon Dogs is a highly-successful Hordle-based company specialising in reward-based training and behavioural services for dogs of all breeds and ages. Jasmin specialises in science and ethics-based training that focuses on forming positive life skills - behaviours to help dogs be well-mannered, happy and social - rather than punitive-led instruction. info@paragondogs.co.uk or call 07532 825702

15%F OF 47

PROTECTING THOSE THAT MATTER We know that family is the most important thing in your life. So it’s good to know that, with the right advice, protecting your loved ones should the unthinkable happen can be easy – as well as immensely reassuring. We offer a friendly and approachable service backed by the strength and security of a FTSE 100 company, St. James’s Place Wealth Management. And being local means we’re here whenever you need us. Together we can identify your protection needs, introduce you to the full range of options, and most importantly, create a tailored solution speciﬁcally for you. We can’t prevent the unexpected from happening, but we can help you be fully prepared to face the future if it does.

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

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.

Country Child Summer 2020 - Special Digital Edition!

Articles inside

46 Choosing the Right Dog - Which breed will work for your family?

31 Great Outdoors - The wonder of a wormery and let's get gardening

Going Live

33 Location Location Location - A family's journey on relocating

Interior Ideas

41 Food Glorious Food - Summer Salad Selections and lots of lolly recipes

23 Art Attack - Get crafty with these arty activities

Country Child Loves

19 Hyped Up