Country Child Summer 2019 by Country Child

COUNTRY CHILD Dorset/Somerset

Your Local Free Family Magazine

Summer 19 - Issue: 36

FLOWER POWER

Floral remedies for your family's needs

BORED GAMES

Is it ok for kids to be bored?

LET'S TALK

Communicating with our children

TAKE THE PLUNGE

Making a career change later in life

TREASURED ISLAND

Family time on the Isle of Wight this summer 1

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

Give your child the best possible start

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Set in an exquisite rural location, our self-contained purpose-built Nursery is surrounded by 62 acres to explore.

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Weekly sessions of Forest School set in our nearby beech wood. A focus on individual attention enabling children to develop and progress at their own pace in a safe and nurturing environment. We also run FREE ‘Bushy Tails’ play sessions for under 5s featuring Emma and her Magic Bag! Every Friday during term-time. 9.30am - 10.30am 2

Delicious hot and healthy lunches to help energise growing bodies and minds. Before and after school care to help busy working families (8am - 6pm).

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Welcome to Summer

urrah! Summer is here! Schools across the country will soon be shutting their doors and bidding their pupils farewell. Yes, for a couple of months, the daily routine can go out of the window and we can don the flip flops, kick back and enjoy what this wonderful time of the year has to offer. Here at Country Child HQ, we’re really excited to share this season’s mag with you. As ever, we’ve worked with some fabulous contributors and we’re sure you’ll enjoy what we’ve packed into the pages! Chris McGuire is back! He’s asking if parents today are trying too hard to entertain their children. Did our own parents spend as much time (and money!) keeping us amused in our free time? What do you think? Turn to page 13 for a great read. Those contemplating a career change, but not too sure where to begin, should head to pages 27 and 29. Hannah Woolven has been doing some fabulous research and has some great advice to offer those who are keen to start afresh in the workplace. Families who have yet to decide on their summer holiday destination this year may well find our double page feature (pages 16 and 17) on the Isle of Wight rather tempting. Close to the mainland and yet far enough away from the humdrum of every day life, the Isle of Wight clearly has something for everyone. After all, if it was good enough for Victoria and Albert…

Aimee Strongman is soon to be welcoming a second child into the fold. Fellow soon-to-be second-time Mums will enjoy reading Aimee’s Top Tips of things to do before baby #2 makes his/her appearance. Turn to page 31 and get clued up! Communicating with our children isn’t always plain sailing, and sometimes we could all do with a little help on the subject. I’ve been reading some fascinating books and blogs and share some of my findings with you on page 15. Here’s to a stress-free, communicative summer holiday for all! Whilst we’ll hopefully be enjoying the summer’s rays over next few months, Mike Dilger is asking us to spare a thought for our underground neighbour, the mole. Seldom seen and yet the inspiration for so many children’s books, Mike reveals some of this adorable little creature’s quirky characteristics on our Great Outdoors page on 39. And whilst you’re there, why not enter our competition to win a brilliant book, Days Out Underground. Above ground however, Saskia Marjoram has been working with flowers all of her life and for many years worked as Prince Charles’ florist. Fascinated by flowers and their interaction with humans, she started to make her own flower essences back in 2003. She tells Country Child about some of her favourite floral remedies, suitable for all of the family. If you’re tempted by tinctures, turn to page 41 for a fascinating read. And finally a fabulous competition, so festival lovers listen up! We are giving away a weekend family ticket (worth £260) for the amazing Verve festival in Wiltshire. Taking place on 7th and 8th September, Verve celebrates health, wellness and the great outdoors. With food stalls, music and bags of entertainment for all of the family, a weekend at Verve is surely the best way to ease yourselves back into the school term. Head to our packed events section from page 19 for more information and where you'll also find more enticing entertainment for all of the family in your area – diaries at the ready, it’s going to be a busy time! Have a wonderful summer and we’ll see you on the other side.

Meet the team... PUBLISHER

Jo Leigh jo@countrychild.co.uk

EDITOR

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

@countrychildmag @countrychildmagazine @countrychildmag

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

Media Sales Matthew Cull

matthew@ aroundtheclockmarketing.co.uk

Writer

Hannah Woolven

Writer

Hanne Bonczoszek

Cover and Feature Photography by

Millie Pilkington

CONTRIBUTORS: Mike Dilger, Lee Keeling, Aimee Strongman, Chris McGuire, Holly Thatcher, Red Funnel, Wightlink, Anna Hayward, Jennifer Smith, Angela Harwood, Keri Jones, All Hallows Preparatory School, Stroud School, Hazlegrove Preparatory School, Bloomsbury Publishing, and Saskia Marjoram. ARTWORK: Jo Vincent Art and Julie Freemantle DISTRIBUTION: Katherine Shean, Jessica Rowland, Jennifer Oakes, Geoff Humphries, Rick and Micky Poyser. Charity No:1158837

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Contents 28

Summer 2019

Country Child Loves Sensational summer picks for this season

Interior Ideas Golden glows for summer

Second Time Around Becoming a Mum for the second time

Great Outdoors Going deeper underground plus a competition too!

Treasured Island Family fun on the Island of Wight

What's in Store The wonderous world of water

Food Glorious Food 'Free From' foods, recipes and WIN a cook book!

7 Family Frolics & Fiascos - Hanne B and her family make a splash. 11 Country Child Loves - Sensational summer picks for this season. 13 Bored Games - Chris McGuire asks: 'Is it ok for kids to be bored?' 15 Let's Talk - Miranda looks at ways we can communicate with our children. 16 & 17 Treasured Island - Focus on the Isle of Wight for your summer staycation. 19 Inside Out - Places To Go and Things To Do. 20 & 21 Calendar Pull-Out - What’s On this summer season. 22 Toddler Timetable - Your local parent and toddler group activities PLUS a fab competition! 23 Show and Tell - Live and local entertainment for the family in and around your area. 24 Top Marks - All the news from the schools, plus Meet the Head interview. 25 Bookworms - Book reviews from children at a local school. 26 Open For Business - Booming business news and the latest financial advice. 27 & 29 Take The Plunge - Hannah Woolven explains how to make a career change. 31 Second Time Around - Mum Aimee Strongman talks about becoming a Mum again. 33 Food Glorious Food - Delicious ‘Free From’ recipes to try at home and you can WIN the book! 35 Interior Ideas - Golden Glows: A hot summer trend for 2019. 37 Window Shopping - We find some fabulous homes with superb summer houses or studios. 39 Great Outdoors - Mike marvels at moles and sends us underground. PLUS win an amazing book! 40 & 41 Flower Power - A local gardener recommends floral remedies for your family's needs.

Show and Tell Local and live entertainment

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Family Frolics & Fiascos By Hanne B

would say that my husband and I generally agree on the bigger things in life. Where to live, what schools to send the kids to, how to keep said kids alive, which Nordic Noir series to watch next on Walter Presents, etc… But when it comes to family holidays, I am definitely the tent and a toothbrush type, whilst he, most certainly, is the warmth and wifi type. A few years ago it was his turn to decide how to spend those precious two weeks in August. We drove to his chosen luxury spa hotel in the South of Germany. The reason for driving was born from the romantic idea of having the flexibility to stop off at historical castles and natural beauty spots along the way. But with this idea of ours we had somehow not accounted for the time spent actually in the car. After 13 hours or so, we had listened to the soundtrack from Moana on repeat and had now decided it was easier to say the radio needed charging. We’d had to stop the car each time my daughter lost Bunny and convinced herself that he had somehow escaped through the window that she had repeatedly opened, despite being firmly told not to. And each time we’d stopped, we’d taken the opportunity to add further support to the luggage wall we had built between the kids to stop them from strangling each other whenever one spotted the blue car first or the other ate the last egg in the Haribo packet. ‘Hey kids!’ My husband spoke in that tone all parents know. The one when you’ve somehow managed, with all your might, to turn rage in to excitement with which to distract them - the one that makes you think you are winning at parenting. ‘Think of that pool from the brochure, kids! We’ll be there in less than an hour and you two can jump straight in! Mummy and I will unpack. All you have to do is put on your swimsuit and your swim shorts and go! But only if you be

quiet and let Daddy concentrate for the rest of the journey. OK?’ The silence was absolute bliss! We arrive. The hotel is stunning, the fountain in the lobby is absolutely beautiful and the views from the restaurant are second to none. I am momentarily distracted by the cocktail list, whilst my husband checks us in at reception. ‘You OK, mum?’ My son gives me a gentle squeeze and I know we are going to have a fabulous time. ‘Sure’ I say. ‘Where’s your sister?’ ‘In the pool.’ ‘In the pool?’ I ask, a little puzzled. I look towards my husband as he receives the key cards from the receptionist. ‘But we’ve only just checked in?’ ‘She went in that one.’ My son turns and points to the fountain. I see the images before me in slow motion as my gut fills with panic. My 4 year old has opened her Gruffalo suitcase, dug out her Peppa Pig swim suit, placed her Winnie The Pooh skirt and t-shirt on a bench next to an older and slightly perplexed hotel guest and jumped straight in the fountain. I am mortified yet also impressed by how well she has folded her clothes on the bench. ‘I love this hotel Mummy!’ She squeals. ‘We need to come back here every year!’ From the look on the receptionist’s face, I don’t think he agrees. My husband looks at me with some degree of disappointment as he spots the cocktail menu, which had caused my distraction to begin with, still in my hand. Sometimes you win at parenting. Sometimes you don’t.

anne Bonczoszek is a local author whose first Children’s book ‘Esther’s Invisible Grandma’ is available via facebook. com/invisiblegrandma. Hanne lives in Salisbury with her husband, her two children and a Cockapoo named Enzo.

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Bored Games Photography: Millie Pilkington

In a world full of families trying to live life to the fullest, Chris McGuire wonders whether all the entertainment and stimulus given to our children is too much? with my own company that has stood me very well in adult life. Thanks Mum and Dad! That said, I can’t help but wonder how contemporary kids would cope if they were placed into the childhood surroundings that we, their parents, knew so well. How my own son would regard ‘The Triangles’ is a case in point. I’m sure he’d let his imagination run for a while, before crying out to watch ‘Paw Patrol’ on Daddy’s phone. I doubt he’d have the patience to watch a countdown clock on BBC 2 waiting for the arrival of the one (and only) children’s programme on TV that afternoon. I’ve seen my son try and get pages on ordinary paper books to ‘play’ as if they were apps on a tablet computer. The boredom of my youth would be a major adjustment for him. Yet, I’m not without hope that the capacity to develop a thriving imagination is lost with our new highly-stimulated, over-parented generation. In one way, my son is very much like me at his age. Give him a large cardboard box and he’s in ecstasy. The packaging for some dull flat pack furniture quickly becomes a fort, a car, a helicopter, played with more gusto than any of his more techy toys. When it comes to playing with boxes the differences between the generations drop away. Well, almost. When my son plays in his cardboard fort, I play along with him. It may not be what my Dad would have done, but it’s the way I do things. Perhaps it’s a vestige of all that boredom in my own childhood – I’ve never really grown up! Chris McGuire juggles writing for a living with life as a stay at home Dad to his two young children. A keen (but very unfit) cyclist, Chris’s passion is explored in his hilarious new book: "The Modern MAMIL: How to look pro" Chris knows he looks terrible in Lycra, but understands life’s too short to care. For more from Chris see his blog outofdepthdad.com.

“ If I’m honest, when I look back on my childhood, the biggest thing I remember is being bored. My parents seemed far more willing to embrace boredom than I’ve been with my own kids. And I’m beginning to worry that all this stimulation isn’t a good thing. Chirs McGuire

“

he Triangles’, as I knew them, were a huge part of my childhood. Although they may sound like a suite of classical music, ‘The Triangles’ were merely the three equilateral patches of grass that divided the concrete parking spaces outside my childhood home. For hour after hour, I’d play on ‘The Triangles’, where tufts of grass became forests in which The A-Team could take cover, and broken kerb stones transformed into ramps that allowed my Knight Rider car to heroically leap any number of death-defying obstacles. I lost teeth, scuffed knees, argued, won (and lost) friends, not to mention Panini trading cards, on ‘The Triangles’ – all (crucially) without the direct supervision of my parents. Today, as I wear myself out trying to keep a (very demanding) almost 3-year-old entertained while simultaneously attempting to keep my 3-month-old asleep, I can’t help but be greeted by the same thought, over and over again: “I don’t remember doing this with my parents.” I don’t remember playing for hours on the floor with Lego. I don’t remember my Mum and Dad building train tracks or diligently colouring-in WITH me when I was a kid. My memories are of my folks saying: “Go and play,” NOT leading the activities. Now, it’s perfectly possible that I’m purely misremembering and hour upon hour of active play with Mum and Dad was simply not stored in my memory banks. But, after recent chats with my dad, I’ve come to the conclusion that my generation IS parenting differently. “We just left you to it,” my Dad recalled. “That’s what people did.” Now, before anyone worries that I’m trying to elicit sympathy – please don’t. My childhood was a happy, loving time. It just wasn’t micro-managed in the way we do today. My parents weren’t scared of us children being bored. Dealing with boredom, after all, is a life-skill each of us must learn to manage in our own way. Boredom led to me developing a strong imagination, a love of reading and a contentedness

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14/01/2019 14:40

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Let's Talk Communicating with our children isn’t always plain sailing. Miranda shares some tried and tested tips for engaging cooperation from our offspring. Photography by Millie Pilkington

ne evening recently, once the children were, at last, in bed (PLEASE tell me these summer evenings are playing havoc with your kids’ bedtime routines as well??), I sat down to have a much needed catch up with an old university friend of mine. Due to the craziness that is term-time, she and I can easily go for a month or two without speaking and so, when we do find a mutually convenient time for a proper chin-wag, we’re most definitely on the phone for the whole evening! Talk inevitably turned to the fact that school was nearly ‘out’ and the summer holidays were soon upon us, whereupon my friend lowered her voice and quietly admitted she was absolutely dreading the long break. She went on to say that communication between her and her children was at an all-time low and the thought of two months of 24/7 kids was too much to contemplate; “No matter how many times I ask them to do something, it still doesn’t get done. No matter how loud I raise my voice, the pyjamas remain on the floor, the homework remains in their school bags and the lunch boxes are left at school. You could say that my stress levels are going through the roof!” Well, I don’t know about you but I completely ‘got’ what my friend was saying. Until recently, I would lose count of the times I’d ask my children to put their shoes on, clean their teeth and brush their hair each school morning. And, on the way home from school, I’d struggle to elicit much more than a couple of grunts from any of them as to how their school day had been, despite my fervent questioning. And then I stopped. In one of those ‘lightbulb’ moments it dawned on me that clearly, whatever I was doing, however I was communicating with my children simply wasn’t working – and something needed to change. A few months prior, a friend had lent me the book How to Talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, and so I took it down from the bookshelf and started to read. I have to say it’s brilliant and I really recommend you put it on your ‘To Read’ list. Much of the authors’ suggestions are so ‘obvious,’ (as you’ll see on the right) and yet we frequently need the obvious to be pointed out to us! I also turned to trusty Google and found some fascinating information on the web; unicef.org offers comprehensive, age-appropriate advice for parents and caregivers alike as do kumon.co.uk, childdevelopmentinfo.com and the Australian site raisingchildren.net.au. Whatever you may be struggling with in life, it’s always reassuring to know that you’re not alone, and when it comes to communicating with your kids, there are literally millions of parents across the globe going through exactly the same trials and tribulations as you are. The global parenting community is quite a force and taking time to read tips and advice from both parents and parenting professionals

can be hugely beneficial. I quickly started to implement some of the advice I was reading in the book and online and, rather like magic, improvements started to happen and my parenting life started to get that bit easier. For those of you who feel you could do with a little help on the communication front, here are four ways to Engage Cooperation from your children... Describe what you see and the problem to your child INSTEAD OF: "You haven’t taken the dog out all day. You don’t deserve a pet."

DESCRIBE: "I see Rover racing up and down near the door."

"How many times do I have to tell you turn the bathroom light off after you use it?"

"The light’s on in the bathroom."

Give information INSTEAD OF: "It would never occur to you to give me a hand with the housework, would it?"

GIVE INFORMATION: "It would be really helpful if the table were set for dinner now."

"That’s disgusting! Look at the apple cores on your bed. You live like a pig!"

"Apple cores belong in the rubbish bin."

Say it with a word INSTEAD OF: "Look at you! You’re walking out the door without your lunch again. You’d forget your head if it weren’t attached to you."

SAY IT WITH A WORD: "Jamie, your LUNCH!"

“I’ve been asking and asking you kids to get into your pyjamas and all you’ve been doing is clowning around. You agreed that before you watched TV you’d be in your pyjamas and I don’t see a sign of anyone doing anything about it!”

“Kids. PYJAMAS!”

Talk about your feelings INSTEAD OF: "You’re rude! You always interrupt!"

TALK ABOUT EMOTIONS: "I feel so frustrated when I start to say something and can’t finish!"

"What is wrong with you? You always leave the door open!"

"It bothers me when the door is left open. I don’t want the flies around our food."

Treasured Island Enjoy family time on the Isle of Wight this summer.

In partnership with

ith the summer term fully in swing, thoughts turn to the summer holidays and if you've not booked anywhere yet, consider the nearby island of the Isle of Wight for some precious family time together. The island offers a variety of activities and events this year to suit all ages and interests; children and parents are guaranteed to have an amazing summer season on the Isle of Wight. 2019 is a jam-packed year, hosting endless family fun and adventures, especially this summer. Holiday activities include kayaking, tree-climbing, stargazing or even to discover the Island's dinosaur footprints and fossils. This summer will also see family-friendly festivals of all types, from Isle of Wight Pride in July to a brand new festival with TV legends Dick and Dom in August. Being only 13 miles from north to south and 27 miles from east to west, you’ll never be short of things to do on the Isle of Wight – with beautiful beaches, sites of Special Scientific Interest, royal palaces and foodie hotspots all just waiting to be explored. Here's a Beginners Guide with plentiful recommendations for an action-packed visit to the adventure isle.

Places to See Fossil Hunting Often dubbed ‘Dinosaur Island’, the Isle of Wight has the most substantial number of dinosaur remains in the UK - and significant dinosaur discoveries have been made by children as young as six years old! Once upon a time, the grounds of the island were part of a big river valley complex situated at the latitude of North Africa, where prehistoric creatures roamed the leafy lands and hid in rivers, ponds and swamps. Together with GO Outdoors, Red Funnel has put together a Guide to Fossil Hunting on the Isle of Wight, which features the best fossil beaches on the island along with preparation tips and a list of guided fossil walks. redfunnel.co.uk/en/isle-of-wight-guide/dinosaur-hunting-guide Jack Up The Summer Festival Parents can enjoy throwback tunes and introduce their kids to the 80s at the hugely successful Jack Up The 80s Summer festival, perfect for lovers of 70s and 80s music. The event presents various great headline bands performing live in concert on two consecutive nights over the weekend of 10 and 11 August. Head line acts confirmed so far are Nick Heyward, Aswad and East 17 amongst others. For more visit: jackupthesummer.co.uk West Wight Alpacas Open all year round, West Wight Alpacas is the perfect holiday activity for all animal-loving families. The farm is home to around 60 alpacas, 13 llamas and many other animals, and visitors can choose to either go on a trek with the adorable animals or just watch them roam around the farm. Entry to the farm is free for under 4s, £5 for 4-14 year olds and £7.50 for adults. Alternatively, visitors can choose from a variety of guided walks and activities such as llama agility, short and long farm walks or even, by prior arrangement, longer treks off the farm. The farm also has its own on-site bistro, The Llama Tree, which serves delicious wood-fired pizzas, perfect for a family-friendly day out. westwightalpacas.co.uk

Dinosaur Isle The Isle of Wight has a diverse geology that contains a wealth of fossils just waiting to be found. There are giant dino footprints scattered around the Island’s shores and plenty of opportunities to take home a piece of history. Dinosaur Isle, Britain’s first purpose built dinosaur museum and visitor attraction, hosts guided fossil walks at sites of palaeontological interest on the Island – a fun activity for dinosaur enthusiasts young and old. There are two walks planned for this half term, each lasting around 1.5 hours. dinosaurisle.com

Stargazing The Isle of Wight is one of the best places to see meteor showers in the UK, with dazzling ‘Dark Sky’ sites scatered around the south of the Island revealing thousands of stars on crisp clear nights. During a meteor shower you will be able to spot ‘shooting stars’– these are in fact meteors streaking through the night sky as they burn up in the earth’s atmosphere. To enjoy this year’s meteor showers while they’re at their most beautiful, why not see them from the Isle of Wight. Red Funnel’s stargazing guide features insider tips on what to bring, where to go and how to stay safe. redfunnel.co.uk/en/isle-ofwight-guide/stargazing Monkey Haven Monkey Haven is a family favourite on the Isle of Wight. Visitors can enjoy heart-warming animal rescue stories, Keeper talks, Keeper for the Day experiences and much more. Tickets are just £8.95 for children (aged 3-14) and £10 for adults (aged 15-60), with a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) costing £37. monkeyhaven.org Osbourne House Visit a residence fit for a queen and not just any queen. The Isle of Wight was the favourite destination of England’s secondlongest reigning monarch, Queen Victoria. At Osborne House, Victoria and Albert’s palatial holiday home, you can get a glimpse into what royal family life was really like for the much-loved sovereign and her nine children – from the nursery and family rooms to Victoria’s private beach, where the young princes and princesses learned to swim. 2019 marks the 200th anniversary of the births of both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and there are special events planned at Osborne throughout the summer. Find out more at english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne

Things to Do

Places to Stay

Afternoon tea at The Needles Old Battery The Needles Rocks are one of the Island’s best-known landmarks and they create a stunning backdrop for a delicious afternoon tea. The menu includes a selection of cakes, sandwiches and scones, all served with tea or coffee. The quaint team-room will take visitors back to the 1940s with its décor and, paired with the breath-taking views of the Needles, there’s no better place to tuck into a tasty treat. nationaltrust.org.uk/the-needles-old-battery-and-new-battery

Seaview Hotel, Shanklin The idyllic Seaview Hotel is situated in the heart of the beautiful sailing village of Shanklin. Seaview is offering a fabulous getaway at their coastal retreat. Just two minutes from the beautiful Isle of Wight coast, it’s the ultimate casual yet sophisticated Island break. seaviewhotel.co.uk/offers.

Get pampered at Liz Earle’s flagship store Families can give Mum a pamper this holiday with a trip to the Liz Earle store in Ryde. The well-known beauty brand has its roots on the Isle of Wight, so visitors are sure to get five-star treatment in the Union Street store. With complimentary skincare consultations and mini treatments on offer, it’s a wonderful way for Mum to enjoy some quality time away. For added relaxation, families can book a special treatment such as a massage or facial for their loved ones. The full range of Liz Earle products is also available to purchase in-store, making it the best place for a last minute pick me up. uk.lizearle.com/content/isle-of-wight Explore the Island’s beautiful scenery by foot or bike Half of the Isle of Wight is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it the ideal location to enjoy a day out as a family. From rugged coastal paths to enchanting forest trails and magnificent beaches, the Island has a variety of landscapes that can be explored in a number of ways. There are plenty of walking routes available, from gentle strolls to harder clifftop hikes, as well as specially designed routes that include a historical element, such as the Dinosaur Safari, or those perfect for fourlegged friends. The Lonely Planet has recently named the Isle of Wight as one of the 10 best cycling destinations in the world. The diverse terrain offers a great variety of road cycling, touring and mountain biking. There are cycling routes, paths and trails for all levels of rider, from family leisure cycling to downhill mountain biking, dirt jumping to road racing. Hiring bikes on the Isle of Wight is easy. Most cycle hire companies have modern mountain, hybrid or road bikes and will include locks, pumps, puncture repairs kits and maps. Some hire companies also offer child seats, tag-alongs, trailers and more. Red Funnel’s website has 12 you can try out: redfunnel.co.uk/en/isle-of-wight-guide/activities/cycling-andmountain-biking Have a gastronomic experience It’s best to arrive hungry to the Isle of Wight – it’s the ultimate foodie destination. Being the sunniest place in the UK means there is an amazing array of local produce on offer, from the juicy ripe tomatoes grown in the Arreton Valley and sold by the Tomato Stall, to the aromatic home-grown garlic found at the Garlic Farm. Climb aboard for a guided tractor tour to learn about garlic growing, or visit the Education Centre where you can learn about the history of the farm and how garlic came to the Isle of Wight. You can even try their famous garlic ice cream! thegarlicfarm.co.uk

The Royal Hotel, Ventnor Anyone looking for a grand gesture should look no further than The Royal Hotel. Situated in the town of Ventnor, the hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the pretty seafront, filled with cafés and ice cream parlours. Ventnor is one of Britain's most famous Victorian health resorts due to its unique micro-climate, so it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing family weekend. royalhoteliow.co.uk/offers. Tom's Eco Lodges Stunning sea views, space to roam, and sandy beaches nearby make Tom’s Eco lodge the perfect farm stay for a back-to-nature family holiday or a laidback group get together. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodation such as modulogs, safari tents, eco pods and wood cabins that will help disconnect and downtools. All the accommodation is located at Tapnell Farm, a diversified former dairy farm which is now home to donkeys, goats, wallabies and much more – a no-brainer for families and nature-lovers. tomsecolodge.com

Getting There By Car There is a fast passenger ferry from Southampton to West Cowes and both vehicle and passenger ferries to East Cowes which depart hourly during the day. The car ferry crossing takes 55-60 mins, pre-booking is recommended and car fares include up to 7 people. For more information or to book, visit redfunnel.co.uk By Foot Travelling to the Isle of Wight on foot gets 'Kids Go Free*' offers throughout 2019 with Wightlink during all school holidays in 2019. *Based on Hampshire school holiday dates. Under 5s always travel free with Wightlink but when the schools break up, families can take up to two children aged 5-15 for free with every adult foot passenger day return ticket. wightlink.co.uk With a brilliant offering of places to see, things to do, events and places to stay, families wanting to escape for a few days or more this summer need look no further than the Isle of Wight.

Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds stagecoach.co.uk/blandfordforum blandfordforum@stagecoach.co.uk 07702 104572

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

H A N F O R D Summer Camp for Children Aged 4-11 17th-19th & 24th-26th July

ART

painting 'en plain air', pottery, drawing and mixed media

SPORT

including: cricket, archery, swimming, lacrosse and tennis

RIDING*

pony care, lessons and hacking appropriate to ability *available only 17th-19th July camp

The camp is non residential running 9am to 4.30pm, for ages 4-11. The cost is ÂŁ180 for the three days with a discount for sibling bookings. Contact camps@hanfordschool.co.uk to book or for more details. www.hanfordschool.co.uk

Inside Out Places To Go Things To Do

Doggy Day Out

he ultimate doggy summer festival returns with a bonanza of shows, displays and activities for 2019. DogFest, now entering its sixth year, will take place in the grounds of Ashton Court stately home estate in Bristol and once again promises a packed schedule of celebrity appearances and expert talks, jaw-dropping dog displays, educational sessions and fun, have-a-go activities. All this plus great live music sets, cool street food and shopping galore for pooches and people alike. Special guests, Noel Fitzpatrick and Clare Balding are back to open the festival, with Clare leading the Great Dog Walk, where she’ll chat to people all around the course - it has 2k and 4k courses. She’ll also award prizes for DogFest’s acclaimed ‘Fun Dog Show’. Noel is set to deliver a special, insightful talk for fans purchasing VIP tickets. New for 2019 is the Big Dog Dig, where pups can catch the scent of buried goodies to get to the loot! And a ‘Pup Park’ where pups of all breeds, shapes and sizes can meet other youngsters in a friendly and relaxed environment. (All must be inoculated and protected). But it's not all about the fur babies there's plenty for all the whole family too. Under 6's go free and family tickets cost £58.50. 23 and 24 June. dog-fest.co.uk

Grandparent Games

n exciting new event is planned this summer for the over 60’s! Salisbury City Council have announced the launch of their “Senior Games”, an Olympic style event designed to increase physical activity in older members of the community. The event is aimed at those aged 60 plus in the Salisbury area and will give participants the opportunity to take part in various activities, including New Age Kurling, Boccia, Bowling, adapted Discus and many more. It’s set to be a fun, inclusive activity designed to target potential inactivity in the older generation by engaging them in different and interactive experiences. There will also be plenty of opportunity for the participants to meet and interact with each other, with a free lunch provided for all taking part. Booking for teams is now open. So, if you have a senior family member or members who might like to take part contact the City Council’s Physical Activity Team on  01722 417100, or alternatively email bhc@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk 20 August.

DIY DOC

he award-winning Operating Theatre Live is bringing its live human interactive dissection show to Talbot Heath School, Bournemouth this summer. Fresh from being seen on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, Operating Theatre Live are conducting the UK’s only touring surgical experience offering an academically rigorous educational experience matched to UK exam specifications. During this unique opportunity, your child could be taking on the role of a trauma doctor bringing the systems of the human body alive through dissections. This incredible, immersive operating theatre experience will give your child the opportunity to dissect real specimens led by human anatomist Samuel Piri and his team of clinicians. Ages 14-19 or on ‘Access courses’. 22 June. Tickets from £74.99 from operatingtheatrelive.co.uk

Active Art

Race for All

ver 1,500 boats are expected to participate in the world-famous Round the Island Race around the Isle of Wight this year. Known as a ‘race for all’, the Round the Island Race attracts celebrities and professional sailors as well as families and first-time sailors from around the world. An entertainment programme will provide a festival of sailing at the race village in Cowes and include live music and an array of food stalls. This will start at midday on Friday 28th June 2019. Main race 29 June. roundtheisland.org.uk

et creative at one of hundreds of arty events being held in venues in the area for Children's Art Week this summer. Venues will be hosting interactive workshops for children of all ages to encourage everyone to #GetKidsCreating. Children’s Art Week events are free whilst some may have a small charge to cover the cost of materials. To find your nearest event visit: childrensartweek. org.uk 8 to 16 June.

JUNE

WHAT'S ON EVENT GUIDE MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY FRIDAY

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JULY

Estate Agents

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

1 Celebration Ballet Central’s International Tour Bridport Arts Centre Sturminster's Big Weekend Glastonbury Fringe 2019 Frome Carnival Fun Day Sturminster Marshall Fête Pumpkin Play’s ‘By The Sea’ Events, Dorchester

2 The Spring by Opera at Chilmark Hatch House Open Garden Day, Wiltshire Coastal Foraging and Edible Seaweed Course, Studland Mendip Challenge

3 Stock Gaylard House Public Opening till 9th

4 Salisbury International Arts Festival

5 Salisbury International Arts Festival Frome Roller Disco

6 Fonthill Garden Party Bat Walk, Wimborne, Yoga, Knoll Gardens

7 Salisbury International Arts Festival Poole Harbour Boat Show Loverocks Festival, Ferndown

8 Salisbury International Arts Festival Poole Harbour Boat Show Loverocks Festival, Ferndown Swanage Fish Festival Corscombe Fest, Dorchester

9 Glitter Run Remix Wells Salisbury International Arts Festival Poole Harbour Boat Show Swanage Fish Festival Bridport Food and Beer Festival

10 Children’s Art Week Bridport Food and Beer Festival

11 Children’s Art Week Bridport Food and Beer Festival

12 Children’s Art Week Wake Up To Organic, Bristol Bridport Food and Beer Festival Herbal Remedies in Medieval Times, Glastonbury Abbey

13 Children’s Art Week Yoga, Knoll Gardens Bridport Food and Beer Festival

14 Top of the Gorge Festival Bridport Food and Beer Festival Drive In Movies, Christchurch FlowerFest, Christchurch

15 Motcombe Village Fete Drive In Movies, Christchurch FlowerFest, Christchurch Chedington Open Gardens & Studios Harry Paye Pirate Day, Poole Sturminster Newton LIterary Festival

16 FATHERS DAY Rockpool Ramble, Kimmeridge Drive In Movies, Christchurch Father's Day Haynes International Motor Museum Falmer Plamers Free Entry for Dad's

17 Badger Watch, Buckland Newton, Dorset

18 Badger Watch, Buckland Newton, Dorset

19 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Frome Roller Disco

20 Yoga, Knoll Gardens Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

21 Dorset Midsummer Music Festival Vdub at the Pub, Wimborne till 24th

22 MidSummer Music Picnics, Compton Marbling, Wiltshire Celebrating the Arts, Sherborne Artslink Leweston Summer Fest, Dorset Dinghy Dayl Pumpkin Play’s ‘By The Sea’ Events, Bridport

23 Frome Children's Festival Food & Drink Festival, Longleat Dorset Polo Festival DogFest, Bristol

24 Barnardo’s Big Toddle Stock Gaylard House Public Opening till 30th

25 Barnardo’s Big Toddle Beaminster Festival of Music & Arts

26 Barnardo’s Big Toddle Beaminster Festival of Music & Arts Frome Roller Disco

27 Barnardo’s Big Toddle Yoga, Knoll Gardens Beaminster Festival of Music & Arts

28 Barnardo’s Big Toddle Round the Island Race, Isle of Wight TANKFEST, Tank Museum, Dorset Moon, Bournemouth

29 Barnardo’s Big Toddle Medieval Falconry, Corfe Castle TANKFEST, Tank Museum Dorset Dubfest, Swanage Dorset Moon, Bournemouth

30 Barnardo’s Big Toddle Coastal Foraging and Edible Seaweed Course, Studland Medieval Falconry, Corfe Castle Music on the Lawns, Kingston Lacy

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

1 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

2 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

4 Frome Festival Yoga, Knoll Gardens Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

5 Frome Festival Shaftesbury Fringe Quay For My Car, Poole UK Boogie Woogie Festival Sturminster Newton Dorset Moon Sherborne Abbey

6 Pumpkin Play’s ‘By The Sea’ Events, Weymouth Boogie Woogie Festival Sturminster Newton Sandbanks Beach Volleyball Festival Dorset Moon Sherborne Abbey

7 Frome Festival Shaftesbury Fringe Music on the Lawns, Kingston Lacy UK Boogie Woogie Festival Sturminster Newton Gold Hill Fair, Shaftesbury Glitter Run Remix Taunton Dorset Moon Sherborne Abbey

8Frome Festival Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

9 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury Badger Watch, Buckland Newton, Dorset

10 Frome Festival Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Frome Roller Disco Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

11 Frome Festival Yoga, Knoll Gardens Cerne Abbas Music Festival Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

12 Frome Festival Quay For My Car, Poole Cerne Abbas Music Festival Jurassic Fields Music Festival, Bridport Dorset Moon, Nothe Fort, Weymouth

13 Frome Festival Cerne Abbas Music Festival Witchampton Village Fete, Bridport British Beach Polo Championships Dorset Moon, Nothe Fort, Weymouth RNAS Yeovilton Int Airday

14 Frome Festival Coastal Foraging and Edible Seaweed Course, Studland Music on the Lawns, Kingston Lacy Cerne Abbas Music Festival Dorset Moon, Nothe Fort, Weymouth SandFest, Sandbanks

15 Frome Festival Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

16 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trailv Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

17 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Frome Roller Disco

18 Yoga, Knoll Gardens Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

19 Quay For My Car, Poole Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival

20 Senior Games, Salisbury Toy Barn Maize Maze Opens, Sherborne Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival Leigh Food Fair & Vintage

21 Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival 3km Superhero Adventure Run, Ferndown Lancaster Insurance Classic & Supercars Show Wareham Carnival

22 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail

23 Dorset Opera Festival Australian Summer Longleat Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

24 Dorset Opera Festival, Super Summer Dinosaur Hunt Dorchester Australian Summer Longleat

25 Yoga, Knoll Gardens Dorset Opera Festival Summer Dinosaur Hunt Dorchester

26 Curious Creatures, Blandford Corn Exchange Dorset Opera Festival Ballet Under the Stars, Hatch House

27 Kayak, Fish, Forage & Feast Studland Dorset Opera Festival Ballet Under the Stars, Hatch House Milton Abbas Street Fair

28 Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week Australian Summer Longleat Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show, Brean Ballet Under the Stars, Hatch House

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CALENDAR SUMMER 2019 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

29 Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week Swanage Carnival & Regatta

30 Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week Swanage Carnival & Regatta Australian Summer Longleat The New Forest and Hampshire County Show

31 Bing and Flop at Adventure Wonderland Superslam Wrestling, Bournemouth The New Forest and Hampshire County Show

1 Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week Burton Bradstock Church Fete The New Forest and Hampshire County Show

2 Galactic Classics - BSO Proms in the Park, Bournemouth Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

3 Great Dorset Chilli Festival, Wimbourne St Giles Foraging and Edible Seaweed Course, Studland Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

4 Great Dorset Chilli Festival, Wimbourne St Giles Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week Party in the Park Weymouth

5 Bat Walk, Wimborne Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week

6 Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week Mister Magnolia, Portland

7 Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show, Brean

8 Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show, Brean

9 Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week Purbeck Rally, Wareham

10 Kayak, Fish, Forage & Feast Studland Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week Purbeck Rally, Wareham

11 Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week Purbeck Rally Wareham

12 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail

13 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

14 Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Show PAW Patrol at Adventure Wonderland

15 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

16 Quay For My Car, Poole Australian Summer Longleat

17 Coastal Foraging and Edible Seaweed Course, Studland Bridport Carnival Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

18 Bridport Torchlight Procession Australian Summer Longleat Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

19 Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show, Brean Family Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury

20 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Australian Summer Longleat

21 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Australian Summer Longleat Frome Roller Disco

22 Melplash Show, Bridport The Great Dorset Steam Fair Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show, Brean

23 Curious Arts Festival The Great Dorset Steam Fair Cinema under the stars, Corfe Castle

24 Curious Arts Festival TThe Great Dorset Steam Fair Cinema under the stars, Corfe Castle, The Oak Fair, Stock Gaylard

25 Curious Arts Festival The Great Dorset Steam Fair Cinema under the stars, Corfe Castle The Oak Fair, Stock Gaylard

28 Superslam 29 Bournemouth Wrestling, Air Festival Bournemouth Australian Peppa Pig at Summer Longleat Adventure Wonderland Frome A&S C Child hlf pg Summer 2019 .qxp_Layout 1 07/05/2019 11:49 Page 1 Roller Disco

30 Quay For My Car, Poole Bournemouth Air Festival Lyme Folk Weekend

31 Coastal Foraging and

26 The Great Dorset Steam Fair Australian Summer Longleat

27 Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail Australian Summer Longleat

Edible Seaweed Course, Studland Bournemouth Air Festival Lyme Folk Weekend

AUGUST

MONDAY

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Call 01258 830860 abbotandslater.co.uk STURMINSTER NEWTON

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Toddle Tastic

ittle feet can make a big difference this June as the annual Barnardo’s Big Toddle returns to raise money for vulnerable children Last year’s Barnardo’s annual Big Toddle fundraiser saw thousands of under-fives take part in short, sponsored “toddles” to raise money for the UK’s largest children’s charity, which supports more than 301,000 children, young people, parents and carers across the UK. The charity is now once again calling for children, families and nurseries to join in the fun with an animal theme from 24 to 30 June. bigtoddle. org.uk or call  0800 008 7005.

Monday

9.30-11.30 Toddler Workshop, Shaftesbury Arts Centre toddlerworkshop.co.uk 9.30-11 Stay & Play, Tisbury Children’s Centre 9.45-11.30 Tiddlers & Toddlers, Lecture Hall, Mere

Feel the Verve

ERVE is a brand new festival to hit the country scene on the 7th and 8th September that celebrates health, wellness and the great outdoors for the whole family. Children can enjoy yoga classes, storytelling with Joyce Hutchensen author of Yoga Adventures of Rupert & Pip, foraging, fire building, tree identification and more with Bushcraft Initiative, art and craft workshops and mindfulness. Grown ups can also partake in yoga & meditation, Pilates and exercise classes in the woods and fun farm runs too. VERVE’s experienced speakers will cover a range of topics over the weekend including Sleep, Nutrition and Gut Health, Sex, Mental Health, Confidence Building, Habit Breaking and more. There will also be a wild spa, boutique, local artisan food trucks, champagne bar and on the Saturday night guests will dance under the stars to the fabulous DJ Emma. All activities are designed to be a valuable alternative to a family's screen time and enable children and their families to learn new skills in a fun and safe environment. The perfect weekend for healthy hedonists and their families at Manor Farm, Ebbesbourne Wake, Wiltshire PLUS it's free entry for under 15's. Ticket prices vary so visit: feeltheverve.com

This fab festival is offering Country Child readers the chance to win a weekend family ticket (worth £260) by answering this question

Who is running VERVE's bushcraft kids sessions?

T&C"s Email: info@countrychild.co.uk with your contact details no later than the 10th August 2019. Winner drawn at random and Editor's decision is final.

Tuesday

10-11.30 Monkey Doodle, Wylye Village Hall, Wylye

11.30-12.15 Pre-School Ballet, TLW Dance Shaftesbury 2-3.30 Stay n Play, Community Kids Pre School, Bruton 2.15-2.45 Rhyme Time, Warminster Library

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

9.30-11 Sandroyd Pre Prep Swim & Play Baby, Toddler & Parent Session

9.30-11 Tummies, Tiddlers and Toddlers, St George’s Primary School, Bourton

9.30-11 Bishops Caundle Toddler Group, All Saints Primary School. TT

9.30-11 Sandroyd Pre Prep Parent and Toddler Group 9.30-11.30 Jigsaw Toddler Group, Sturminster Newton Methodist Church

9.30-11.30 Little Rascals Durweston 9.15-11.15 Saplings Parent Village Hall & Toddler Group, Okeford 9-11.30 Stower Vale Baby & Toddlers, Fitzpaine Sch Hall Stower Provost School Hall 9.30-11.30 Marnhull Baby 9.30-11.30 Pimperne B&T Group, & Toddlers, Marnhull Village Village Hall Hall 9.30-11.30 Play and Learn, Mere 9.30-11 Stay and Play at Children’s Centre Ludwell Primary School

9.30-11.30 Jigsaw Toddler Group, Sturminster Newton Methodist Church 9.30-10.30 Bushy Tails Playtime, Clayesmore School. Emma and her Magic Bag. TT

9.30-11.30 Little Cherubs Group, St 10-11 Time Together Castle Mary’s School Room, Gillingham Cary Primary School 10-11.30am Bright Beginnings, 9.30-11.30 Piddle Valley Salisbury Cathedral School 9.30-12 Bumps and Babes, Tisbury 10am Munchkins at Tiddlers, First School, TT Children’s Centre Buckhorn Weston Village 10-11.30 Friday Fun Cllub, 9.30-11.30 Toddler Workshop Whitesheet Academy, Zeals 10-11 Toddler Gym, Motcombe Park Hall Shaftesbury Arts Centre Sport Centre 10-12 Motcombe Toddlers, 10-11 Toddler Gym, Motcombe toddlerworkshop.co.uk

9.45-10.30 Squirrels Sing & Dance, Hazlegrove Prep TT

10.15-10.45 Rhyme Times, Gillingham Library 10-11 Emma & The Magic Bag 10-11.30 Toddler Time, Climb Aboard, West Stour

Toddler Timetable

9-10.30 Scarecrows Pre School 9-11.30 Messy Church Toddler 9-11 Leweston Pre-Prep, Toddler Group Cheselbourne Group, Child Okeford Com Centre Parent & Toddler Group Vlillage school and Toddler Tunes

9.30-11.30 Baby & Toddlers, Child Okeford 9.30 - 11 Mini Explorers, St Mary's Catholic Sch, Marnhull Community Centre 10-11 Toddler Gym, Motcombe Park Sport Centre

WIN

10-11 Messy Play, Youth Centre, Sturminster Newton

10-11.30 Little Wrigglers Music, Shaftesbury Arts Centre Congregational Church Stalbridge 10-11 Music & Messy play Zeals 10-12 Evercreatures, Evercreech Village Hall Village Church 10-12 Toddler Group, Batcombe Jubilee Village Hall 10.30-11 Baby & Toddler Rhyme & Story Time, Wincanton Library 10.30-11 Library Gets Lively, Sherborne Library 11.30-12.20 Minnows Water Play, St Marys Shaftesbury

Motcombe Memorial Hall

Park Sport Centre

10.15-10.45 Library Gets Lively, Gillingham Library

10-12 North Barrow P& T Grp, Village Hall

2-2.45 Tiny Tots Gymnastics, 10-12 Toddler Stay and play, Tisbury Leisure Centre Shaftesbury Child Centre

2.30-3 Rhyme-time, 10-12 Caterpillars Parent & Toddler Shaftesbury Library Group, Fovant Rainbow Centre 10.30-12 Sunny Hill Prep Toddler Group, Bruton 2-3.30 Squirrels P&T Group Hazlegrove TT

10-11.15 Knighton House School, Baby & Toddler Group 11.15-12 Minnows Water Play, St Marys Shaftesbury 2-3 Bumps and Babies Mere Children’s Centre 2.30-3 Story & Rhyme Time at Milborne Port Library

Show and Tell

Judgement Day

his year's Frome Festival headlining acts include DJ Judge Jules, with a ten-piece live band at the opening night party on the Friday 5th July, followed by major indie act The Coral. On Monday 8th and on Friday 12th July the chart- topping Scouting for Girls will perform - all at the Cheese and Grain venue. Acts are varied with The Memorial Theatre presenting Danceworks and perennial favourite, Cornish comedian Jethro. In a post- Festival “Encore” the theatre will also host The Drifters on Saturday 19th. The Frome Festival in general will also celebrate the 200th Anniversary of JW Singer and the foundry that dominated the Frome skyline for many years, casting some of the world’s most famous statues. This year, a new novel feature will be a Comedy Crawl where comedians will be engaged to visit various bars or shop premises along Catherine Hill in rotation to expectantly awaiting audiences during the course of one evening. From the 4 to 15 July. All the details and ticket information can be found at: fromefestival.co.uk.

Ballet at it's Best

Photo Credit: Alice Pennefather

he Covent Garden Dance Company celebrates a decade of dance with the 10th Anniversary of staging ‘Ballet Under the Stars’ in July. This world class evening of ballet and dance is held in Hatch House’s 17th Century walled Dutch garden in Wiltshire and is transformed by the Covent Garden Dance Company with a covered bespoke canopy creating a 430 seat dinner theatre where guests enjoy not only the setting but breath taking ballet, dance and fine dining. Book your tickets now and fall in love with this magical evening. It’s spellbinding and bursts every misconception about dance. Little wonder it’s considered the ‘Glyndebourne of Ballet’. 26, 27 and 28 July. coventgardendance.com

A guide to local live entertainment

Fabulous Fringe Fun

D Summer Vibes

he Cherubim Trust has a full year of concerts in store, and one we feel will be a wonderful evening is MidSummer Music Picnic, at Compton Marbling Courtyard in Wiltshire. The Saturday evening sees a celebration in the 50 years of the moon landing with a concert of amusing lunar tunes given by Boisterous Brass led by the tuba Adam Collins (CM). Or check out the Sunday Brunch performances where you can rock with the ricochets in the courtyard as the trust's two percussion stars Toril Azzalini-Machecler (CM) & Sehyogue Aulakh (CM) hit the high notes on marimba and vibraphone. 22 and 23 June. cherubimtrust.org

otted around Dorset’s picturesque Saxon hilltop town of Shaftesbury is the town's delightfully decorated and magical atmosphere of the Shaftesbury Fringe 2019. With hours of family fun and child-friendly events which range from dance, inspired by a Disney movie, singing bears, Alice in Wonderland and flamingos! The 2019 Shaftesbury Fringe 'family highlights' confirmed include ‘Mary Poppins’, a ballet and jazz show performed by students from Shaftesbury-based TLW dance. The show will be the debut performance of TLW’s musical theatre group. “It will be great for children and well worth coming to. Come and see how talented Shaftesbury children are,” said TLW's Tiffany Longley-Wolff. Brave Bold Drama is hosting ‘Wonderland’, a multi-sensory show suitable for children aged 3 years of age and older. Writer Gill Simmons says the show is also dementia-friendly and she hopes that the entire family will sit together and enjoy the production’s, “playful gentle movements” set to a lot of music, “and not too many words.” The hour-long show includes tunes that all generations know, such as ‘Lavender’s Blue’, 'Hot Cross Buns' and ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’. And the show’s flamingos proved a popular subject for selfie-takers at Swindon Fringe! ‘Bear North’ is an ‘otherworldly, whimsical’ show that has delighted crowds on the other side of the world. It won ‘Best Ensemble Production’ at New Zealand’s Wellington Fringe. A free version of this family-friendly show will be staged outside Angola ’76 at 4 pm on Sunday 7th July. The improvisation-based hour features a dancing buffalo, a wolf and a singing bear. Organisers expect this year’s event will be even bigger than before. Last year's Fringe offered an incredible choice of 155 performances over three days. 5 to 7 July. Check shaftesburyfringe.co.uk for all the show dates, venues and prices.

TOP

Generation Game

hildren of First Friends Day Nursery in Barford St. Martin faired well on a recent visit to Braemar Lodge. The residents, staff and Companionship Team member Claire Connor, welcomed the nursery, putting the children at ease with their kind and enthusiastic manners. The children have been visiting on a regular basis since 2018 when the Manager at First Friends Day Nursery, Tobie Keel, first approached Braemar Lodge to instigate regular contact between the nursery children and the residents. Five of the older nursery children spend lovely afternoons painting, sticking

Marks

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

Wonderful World

S and gluing whilst singing a range of nursery rhymes with the residents. As recently evidenced in media coverage, interaction between the young and old is mutually beneficial. The children soon become very comfortable sitting next to a senior resident with possibly a 100 year age gap. One charming resident of 103 puts her longevity down to a ‘positive mental attitiude’. The inter-generational buzz is palpable and it provides an opportunity for energy, stimulation and interest for all.

t Mary’s Primary School, Marnhull took the warmer weather opportunity to investigate the great outdoors as part of their ‘It’s a Wonderful World’ topic. Children from across the school spent the day in the school grounds and the adjoining nature area to experience pond dipping, making bird feeders, creating natural art and investigating the wildlife! They rounded off their day toasting marshmallows on the open fire and drinking hot chocolate.

MEET THE HEAD

New Head Liner

umpton School, Dorset has announced Mr Christian Saenger as the new Head from September 2019. Mr Saenger joins Dumpton from York House School in Hertfordshire, where he is Deputy Head Academic. He will be taking over from Andrew Browning who announced in September 2018 that he will be stepping down after 14 years as Head of Dumpton.

Mr Trevor Richard All Hallows Preparatory School, Somerset

ow long have you been at the school? I began teaching at All Hallows in 1993 as Head of Geography, although I returned to university to train full time to become an Educational Psychologist in my late 30s. I have not only been a teacher and Deputy Head at the school, but I was also the first practitioner to be employed as a school psychologist by a single mainstream setting in the UK. hy did you decide to become a teacher? I wanted to make a difference and loved being around young people. My teachers had infected me with their passion for learning and I wanted to do the same. hat do you find most rewarding about teaching? I believe teachers make a difference every day that they come to work. Seeing your impact on young peoples’ growth, development and well-being is incredibly fulfilling. hat are your own hobbies and interests? I find spending time in the gym at the end of the day a fantastic way to switch off. I took up Olympic Weightlifting 3 years ago and now lift at Bath University twice a week. Spending time with friends is always good for the soul. When I have the opportunity, I also like to watch Bath play rugby. hat do you bring to the school and into the future? Being a qualified Educational Psychologist brings a unique insight into the role of leadership at All Hallows, which permeates out into the everyday life in the school and through the way we think about child development. As well as drawing directly on psychological approaches in all we do, we aim to focus on the whole-child, we are concerned simultaneously with both maximising academic progress, well-being and broader child development, and we appreciate that the best learning environments are built on positive relationships, a growth mindset,

innovation, creativity, an inherent warmth and a sense of community. I hope that in addition to the quality of academic results, my work with parents and teachers are also promotes more ethereal outcomes of schooling, such as long-term well-being, a sense of self, a moral compass, a degree of resilience, preparation for some aspects of work and even an appreciation for philosophy, culture, creativity and civilisation. These products of schooling are no less valuable because they are difficult to quantify and will be increasingly important in our children’s next steps!

W W W

FUN FACTS: What is your favourite

….

...Food? Tapas – you never get food envy

...Animal? Gorilla. ...Colour? Blue. ...Book? Steve Peter’s “The Chimp Para dox”. I draw on it frequently to help children understand and manage their emotions, thinking and behaviour. Even our youngest pupils refer to their Inner Chimp! ...Movie? Apocalypse Now. ...Music? Very eclectic – 60s Soul to the Foo

Fighters.

BOOKWORMS

Hazlegrove Preparatory School, Somerset

Mackenzie’s evil plots to ruin Nikki’s life be all too much for a dork! ? Jemima Halford-Macleod Year 5

ncouraging a love of reading is central to all that takes place at Hazlegrove Prep School. Director of Studies, David Edwards, says, ‘Putting a reading book into a child’s hand is a wonderful privilege and a great joy. Every time we do so, we set them off on a journey with pirates across the oceans, through smoky Victorian London streets in the service of Sherlock Holmes, or on thrilling adventures to rescue hostages in enemy territory. The possibilities are endless. Wherever the book takes them, we have given them the opportunity to step into somebody else’s shoes, to understand what it means to be another human being, and in doing so hopefully to better understand themselves. Reading makes us better human beings: it strengthens our bonds with our fellows, deepens our curiosity, develops our imaginations, challenges our pre- and misconceptions. It gives us pause, offers a change from the norms of everyday life, connects us with the past and the future and, most importantly of all, it offers something new and something wonderful everyday of our lives, from cradle to grave’. Hazlegrove School, Hazlegrove, Sparkford, Somerset, BA22 7JA 01963 442606 hazlegrove.co.uk

Dork Diaries series by Rachel Renee Russell Dork Diaries TV Star is my favourite of all the Dork Diaries books. It is about a young girl called Nikki getting her own TV show! The problem is will the TV crew follow her into her personal life and make fun of her secret crush Brandon, or will

The Girl who Rode the Wind by Stacy Gregg This book is about a young girl called Lola and her grandmother (Doretta) who go on this amazing trip to Italy. While in Italy Lola discovers her grandmother’s history and decides to follow in her footsteps. Will Lola have what it takes to complete her destiny? This book will give you a mixture of warmth and bravery in your heart and test you to your limit. Florence Hedderwick Year 5 Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo This book is about a boy called Thomas who goes on an adventure of a lifetime when he gets chosen to be in the army, fighting for his country. Just a 12 year old boy only just gone to school away from home with his brother Charlie he sees life and death. Is it too much for his brother big Joe who gets bullied by the people in the village. I loved this book because it was full of adventure and it made you want to read on and on. Mali Jones Year 6 Bodyguard – Ambush by Chris Bradford A thrilling read full of adventure action and betrayal! The main character is a boy who becomes a bodyguard by joining a secret organisation. On his mission he has to protect two children in Africa but when diamond smugglers get involved it turns into a dangerous place to be. It is my absolute favourite of the series. Freddie Hope-Hawkins Year 7 Murder Most Unladylike series by Robin Stevens I love the Murder Most Unladylike stories and this (book 1) is one of my favourites. It is jammed packed full of murders and mysteries

and you can also solve your own mysteries and try and see who killed who. In this first book Hazel and Daisy try to solve the murder of the dead body of Miss Belle. It is set in a boarding school and it is their first ever ‘proper case’. It is really exciting and a bit spooky and you just can’t put it down. Skye Perry Year 7 Famous Five series by Enid Blyton This is one of my favourite books because it is full of adventures on every page. The first one Five on a Treasure Islansd is where Julian, Dick and Ann spend the summer holidays on a mysterious island. What will happen when they find hidden treasure in a strange dungeon? What will happen when one of them gets stuck in the dungeon. Will their cousin and her dog be able to help? Emma Gidlow-Jackson Year 7 The Medusa Project series by Sophie McKenzie This is an amazing series and The Set Up is the first one. When Nico finds out he has a special power he starts wondering where he got it from and what he can do with it. Soon he meets others with different powers and together they advance on a wonderous adventure. However, with double crossing baddies and goodies around who is trustworthy and who is evil? You will need to read it to find out. I just couldn’t put it down. May Haddon Year 6 Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood This book is about a young bunny whose father was killed by the Gorm (evil bunnies). Podkin and his siblings Paz and Pook travel down a tunnel to try and hide. They find a retired fighter and try to find more of the twelve gifts of the goddess. Podkin owns the Starclaw, a magical dagger which the Gorm are after. It is so exciting and I can’t wait to read the second one. Alice Moorhouse Year 5

Mary Poppins by P.L Travers I love this book because it is about a magic nanny. You think you know it but you don’t. The book is completely different to the film and is full of surprises. You never know what is on the next page. There is a dancing cow, a magic gingerbread shop, babies that can hear the winds whisper and lots more fun. Everyone must read it. Emily Shaw Year 6 Theatre Shoes by Noel Streatfield An amazing story about three children called Holly, Mark and Sorrel who go and live with their grandmother who is an actress. They are sent to a stage school to learn drama and dance. They were not expecting to perform or to enjoy it but at Christmas they get a great surprise and will it be the best time of their lives. Flora Weymouth Year 6

Be A Bookworm This page provides an opportunity for local schools to promote themselves through their pupils' book reviews. If you would like us to feature your school, please email info@countrychild.co.uk for further details.

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

OPEN for Business Child Benefit: Why new MONEY MATTERS parents should register

ince 2013 an individual who has taxable income of more than £50,000 has incurred a tax charge if they, or a lowerearning partner they live with claims Child Benefit. The tax charge means that once an individual’s income exceeds £60,000, the full amount of Child Benefit received effectively has to be repaid, so many new parents see little point in registering for the benefit in the first place. There are, however, differences between disclaiming Child Benefit and simply not registering with the Child Benefit Office, which can create problems for the future. Where an individual who is not working registers for Child Benefit but subsequently chooses not to receive payments (if, for example, their partner earns more than £60,000), that individual will still receive credits on their National Insurance record until the child reaches the ages of 12, which will then count towards qualifying years for State Pension purposes. Without registering for Child Benefit, these credits may not be available. A further issue arises when an individual is self-employed. Due to the variable nature of business profits, it is possible that in some years the individual’s income will be well over £60,000 but in other years may drop below this figure. In those tax years where the individual’s income is less than £60,000 the tax charge will be lower than the Child Benefit entitlement and so it is therefore beneficial to claim the payments; however, if the individual has not previously registered for Child Benefit, arrears can only be claimed for a maximum of 3 months from the date of claim. Where Child Benefit has been disclaimed, an individual can backdate a claim to start receiving payments for up to 4 years, so payments can be claimed for earlier tax years once business profits for those years have been established.

This is only general advice and should not be relied upon; for specific advice tailored to your personal circumstances please contact: Lee Keeling at Andrews and Palmer, The Square, Gillingham, SP8 4AR Tel: 01747 823147 andpal.co.uk Lee@andpal.co.uk

C H A R T E R E D A C C O U N TA N T S

The Pony Club celebrate is 90th anniversary this year. Baby Steps in Sherborne moves premises to 24B Cheap Street. Go check out this fab new independant. Purple Elephant Productions, the people behind the Children’s Festival and Toy Library in Frome was recently spotlit by a local resident, John Clarke who bravely skydived at GoSkydive, Salisbury to help raise funds. A brand new business created by local Mum Bethany Carter, Pumpkin Play will be hosting its first sensory play events in West Dorset this June

The Show Must Go On

tagecoach Shaftesbury says goodbye to Di Waterman who ran Stagecoach school for 22 years. As she retires a new principal arrives in the form of theatre arts school’s dance teacher Anthony Steventon who has taught at Stagecoach Blandford for the past 6 years. Anthony is a qualified gymnastics coach although originally trained with Cornwall's Jason Thomas Performing Arts and went on to perform professionally in pantomimes, on cruises ophia Palmer and in cabarets. proprietor With some prestigious productions at Jessalli from Stagecoach Blandford, both dance Handmade has schools offer a lot more to come. been making beautifully crafted bespoke Anthony explains "Coming up in the personalised items for many years. When summer term we have professional requests rolled in for her to teach her skills workshops teaching us some material in various venues and fairs, how could she from “Sister Act” and “We Will Rock resist. This soon moved on to more private based tuition groups for children and adults You” as well as a performance in our venue (The Blandford School). We are which became very popular as a culture of also starting a performance troupe sewing and crafting evolved. which is aimed at those children who Sophia says "I think so many people wanted to learn to sew, but with art subjects are looking to move into a performing career and more! Over the summer disappearing in schools and the lack of the workshops are always popular and ‘modern crafts’ on offer, a lot of people felt there wasn’t anywhere to go. So after driving pupils can look forward to another successful and fun time, putting on a around for hours every week to these group show in just one week! For autumn bookings, I decided to take a huge plunge we are returning to Bryanston School and open up a bright, fun Sewing School." with another production by both "I wanted a place full of colour and the morning and afternoon schools. inspiration where children and adults alike would just dive into creativity and leave with The children really enjoy these opportunities to perform and it is great new skills and a buzz for making!" that we are able to offer them. " And how Sophia has delivered; the new premise at 26 Glenmore Business Park, Blandford, Dorset offers a Mum and Baby Club on Tuesday mornings, an After School Club on Wednesdays and Fridays and Holiday School Club for children age 6 to 11. The new school is a real family run affair as Sophia is joined by her mum and her partner's mother whom have both come with some new tricks of the trade, amongst the laughter and fun. Why not check out this relaxed, friendly and creative new environment, but be quick waiting lists are growing! Good luck Sophia! jessalli.co.uk

Sew Good

Take The Plunge Hannah Woolven uncovers how parents can make a career change later in life. Main story over the page....

Photography by Millie Pilkington For School Notices

STUNNING FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY  www.hesterphoto.co.uk  hester@hesterphoto.co.uk  07977 267 847

Life Coach, Youth Coach and Private Tutor Life Coaching

Life coaching enables an individual to gain the confidence and practical knowledge to live life to the full and to set and reach their goals. With my friendly and pro-active approach, clients find themselves empowered to achieve their potential.

Youth Coaching

Celebrating the Arts Saturday 22 June 2019

11.00 am—4.00 pm Digby Hall, Sherborne DT9 3AA family clay studio • art exhibition artist demonstrations • talks mini tea dance • all day cafe Full programme from:

FREE event for all ages

Join us to talk, listen, see and do!

01935 815899 www.sherborneartslink.org.uk

This specialised programme is designed to provide opportunities for a young adult to explore their values and make decisions to shape their future.

Sherborne ArtsLink Ltd

Charity no. 1007680 Company no. 2471382

Private Tutoring A lack of confidence is frequently the main factor which inhibits a child from achieving their academic, social and emotional potential. For this reason, I trained as a life coach to provide an inspirational and unique tutoring service. I specialise in 11+, 13+, Pre-test Preparation and English Common Entrance and GCSE and can offer one-to-one, online or face-to-face tuition.

Mrs Charlotte Trump BA (Hons), PGCE, M.Ed. Please contact me for more information:

contact@ctlifecoach.co.uk

www.ctlifecoach.co.uk 28

TURNPIKE Kennels And Cattery * Safe & happy environment for your pets. * Doggy daycare available. * Four secure grass exercise areas for dogs. * All vaccinations, including kennel cough must be in-date.

* Special dietary needs catered for on request. * Viewing always encouraged. * Prices inclusive of pet’s bed, bedding, food, heating, insurance and VAT.

TEL 01747 854768 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8.30AM - 11AM / 3PM - 6PM

Take The Plunge

Hannah Woolven uncovers how parents can make a career change later in life.

ith more people choosing portfolio careers, and with increasing opportunities for flexible working and further study later in life, new career adventures are very much still an option for the over 30s, 40s, 50s and even into our 60s. Research by recruitment firm Tempo has shown that, by 2020, millennials will comprise over 50% of the UK workforce. This is shifting the entire concept of what a career looks like. The research revealed that over half of people aged between 18-34 expect to be moving jobs in the next two years. In fact, over a quarter of millennials have already had 5 or more jobs. With the retirement age rising, many of us with 20 years of working life behind us will still have 30 years in the working world. And with changes in family circumstances and a whole new world of work out there than the one we entered all those years ago, it’s little wonder so many of us are starting to reassess our values and priorities. Perhaps the job we have been doing is not entirely fulfilling, or perhaps we are simply ready for a new challenge. It could be that the balance between work and family life isn’t quite feeling right, or that new goals have become apparent as we head towards the “elevenses” or even the “afternoon tea” - of our working lives. Well, the good news is that there are countless opportunities just waiting to be grasped by those of us with a little more grey hair (sorry, I mean... “experience”). The most daunting challenges might be: firstly, having the courage to take a leap out of that comfort zone, and secondly, deciding which direction to leap in. From setting up an online business, to retraining as a teacher, or becoming a pilot - as the Blind Date compère used to say: the decision is yours. It should be noted, however: there is good news and bad news for those considering a career change.



I ncreased confidence at a later age can help you make a switch more easily (although if you have had a career break to become a parent, you may be feeling under-confident. Don’t under-value all those skills you have gained: working mothers are known to be amongst the most efficient employees). ven if you need to retrain for a new career in your 40s or 50s, E you still have many years ahead before you reach retirement to reap the rewards of your hard work.

 A career change can positively affect your health, relationships and lifestyle.



on’t buy into the misconception that everything you’ve done D up until now has been for nothing if you throw it all away and do something different. Think transferable skills. Are your friends always telling you that you’re an amazing listener? A natural with children? Have you realised that spending time in your community is making you feel good inside? These sorts of things can be helpful to identify, both when thinking about a new career path and also when applying for new roles: capitalise on the experiences you have gained as a human being, as these may make up for apparent shortfalls in other areas.

 Handling the change if you still have younger children at home can be a challenge.  Continuing to make enough money to cover your costs can be harder later in life when living expenses are typically higher than they are for younger people starting out in life.  You may need to take time off from your current job to prepare for a new career – or you may need to juggle full-time work with further study. If the cons don’t put you off: where to begin when considering that new career? 1. Self assessment Consider what careers appeal. Think about what parts of your job or life make you happy, what your goals are, how you would like to spend your day. Consider taking a career test or visiting a career guidance officer, or taking a look at a website that helps support career changes such as careershifters.org/ 2. Access Learn how to access your potential career. Will you need to retrain or gain new qualifications? Are there internships or apprenticeships available? Can you attend a local college or online courses that will fit around your current commitments? As Dr Seuss says: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” 3. Constraints How much time do you have available to commit to study or invest in the career change? Consider constraints such as childcare, current employment, how much time you need to rest and recuperate, any other commitments or responsibilities. 4. Funding Are there grants, bursaries or loans available to you for further study? There are government Advanced Learner Loans available to people aged over 19 years. Talk to your local college to see if they can advise you or offer specific grants you may be eligible for, or get some finance tips from moneysavingexpert.com/family/ grants-education 5. Networking Don’t underestimate the power of “who you know”. Spread the word that you are on the hunt for new opportunities and get talking to new people too. 6. Evaluating Research the prospects of potential careers. Will you make a return on any financial investments in this career? Can you be confident of finding work in this area? 7. One more thing Your new career could be closer than you think. If your current employer values you and your skills and has capacity, she may be willing to invest in your personal development and help you change roles within the company. She might even create a new position just for you. If you don’t ask, you don’t get – so it’s worth swinging by your boss’s office for a friendly chat before you jump ship.

Useful websites:: gov.uk/browse/education monster.co.uk moneysavingexpert.co.uk and ginibee.co.uk

CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

Music

Storytelling

Movement

Crafting Play in a Day

A range of workshops for ages 1-11 years across the summer holidays 29 July to 20 August For more information visit our website or call the Box Office.

At family goals we offer non judgemental help, support, guidance and training for child anxiety, child attachment, child sleep and child trauma.

Our website includes a weekly blog and a link to our community Facebook group.

Second Time Around

Photography: Millie Pilkington

Aimee Strongman blogger of One Mama's Kingdom, caught up with Country Child to talk about becoming a mum for the second time.

he joy you feel, knowing you are able to have another baby is wonderful. The 12 week scan still holds the same buzz of excitement and I still love hearing the baby’s heartbeat and the magic that sound has when I play it back on my phone. It’s still fun thinking about names and whether it might be a boy or a girl. I still smile when I feel the baby move inside me (although it feels like baby is somersaulting this time round). I’m still revelling in my changing body and the awesomeness of the female form and all it can do. So why is there this lingering doubt?... Where are the ‘How To’ guides to being a second-time mum? Are we all supposed to be experts now because we have done it once before? Yes, I know what’s coming and I sort of know more or less what I’ll need to have ready/buy. I have revised my hypnobirthing techniques and practised my breathing but do I really know how to love two children? Is there actually enough space in my heart? I am hoping this is another of Mother Nature’s miracles and with a new arrival there is a new bloom of love in our hearts and there will be plenty to go around. Enough for me too, I hope. This time around I have decided to be kinder to myself. I think last time I was in such a rush to get out there and do things because I feared I’d lose myself otherwise if I didn’t, but now I have accepted living a little slower and I’m going to really try and savour those new-born days. The sleepy midnight feeds, the fresh baby smells, the gentle snuffles and grunts, the leisure wear worn for days, my 20minute daily walks in nature and the closeness of those initial cuddles. However, I am certainly under no illusion … life will change with two mouths to feed, two nappies to change, two little people to give my love and attention to but wow am I excited.

So, to all you Mums out there expecting number two, you’ve got this! Top 5 things to do whilst waiting for baby number 2:  Take a trip (without the little ones) - quality time with your other half is so precious, especially after you have children, so make the most of it. It might just be a night away but try and squeeze it in before the new arrival and enjoy being a couple and relaxing together.  Talk to baby number 1 about baby number 2 – My little boy has really taken an interest in the bump as it has got bigger and now likes to see it, kiss it and touch it too. It’s a great way to start preparing for the new arrival, so it’s not such a shock.  Spend some time ‘love bombing’ your first born – this is a term coined by psychologist Oliver James and it basically means giving your undivided attention to your child and I love it. I took my boy on a day out just us and a picnic and we just played and laughed, and I think it was special for both of us. I am going to try and keep it up when number two arrives.  Go through your old baby clothes – it’s a long job but will help you figure out exactly what you need. I found sorting them all into age groups helped with organisation Marie Kondo style!  Finish that scrapbook/photo album – If you don’t do it now I fear it might never get done!

ALL HALLOWS Come and discover just what makes us so different and why our children our achieving above and beyond expectations. FREEDOM TO LEARN

Call Jackie on 01749 881609 for more information and to arrange a visit.. All Hallows is an independent day & boarding school, for boys & girls aged 3 to 13, mid-way between Bath, Bruton and Frome

Food

GLORIOUS

Food

'Free From' Foods

here is a plethora of information out there regarding healthy living, making better dietary choices and eliminating certain foodstuffs that may be causing you harm. But what of those for whom there is no choice? The Ultimate Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Collection by Grace Cheetham contains over 200 GFDF recipes, perfected and mastered by Grace herself, a longtime sufferer from food intolerances. The book is everything you need to know, from the must-have ingredients for a GFDF cupboard, to bread mixes and unmissable recipes for cakes and bakes. Available from amazon.co.uk £17.99 Here's a simple summer Rhubarb Sable Tartlet teaser to get you started. Serves 4. Prep time 20mins plus 30mins chilling. Cook time. 35mins GF-DF-V.

Ingredients

→ 250ml/9fl oz/1 cup plus 2 tbsp dairy free cream → 80g/2¾oz/5 tbsp dairy free cream cheese → 3 tbsp icing (confectioner’s) sugar → 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) → 400g/14oz rhubarb, chopped into 6cm/2½in lengths → 300g/10oz/1½ cups caster (superfine) sugar → zest of ¼ lime, to decorate

FOR THE PASTRY: → 200g/7oz/1½ cups Sweet Shortcrust Pastry Mix → 1½ tsp gluten free baking powder → 100g/3½oz/½ cup caster (superfine) sugar → 100g/3½oz/scant ½ cup dairy free margarine, plus extra for greasing → 4 egg yolks, beaten

or the pastry, sift the sweet shortcrust pastry mix, baking powder and sugar into a mixing bowl and mix well. Add the margarine and, using an electric mixer, blend until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolks and blend for 20–30 seconds until the mixture comes together to form a sticky dough. Shape the pastry into a ball, wrap it in cling film and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4 and grease four 10cm/4in tart tins (pans) with margarine. Liberally dust a clean surface with sweet shortcrust pastry mix and gently roll out the pastry to about 5mm/¼in thick. Using a pastry cutter that is slightly larger than the tartlet tins, cut out 4 pastry circles. Be gentle, as the pastry will be slightly sticky. Lift a pastry circle into each tart tin and press down gently to remove any air pockets. Neaten the edges with a sharp knife, then prick the bases with a fork. Line each pastry case with baking parchment and cover with baking beans. Put the tins on a baking tray and bake for 12 minutes. Take out of the oven, turn the oven down to 160°C/315°F/gas 2–3 and remove the baking beans

and parchment. Bake for about another 12 minutes until lightly golden. Leave to cool. Meanwhile, make the cream filling. Pour the cream into a heavy-based saucepan and add the cream cheese and icing sugar. Heat over a low heat for 3–4 minutes until just starting to boil. In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with 2 teaspoons water and stir until smooth, then add it to the cream and whisk continuously for about 10 minutes over a low heat until the mixture has thickened. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and leave to cool completely. Put the rhubarb and sugar in a large saucepan. Pour in 300ml/10½fl oz/1¼ cups water and bring to the boil over a medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and poach for 4–5 minutes until softened, but still holding together. Remove from the heat, drain and discard the liquid. Leave to cool. When everything is cool, spoon the cream into the pastry cases, top with rhubarb and decorate with lime zest.

It's Time to Kidchup !

100% natural, BBQ-inspired spin on your kid’s favourite ketchup, without all the nasties. Sweetened with only apples and dates, it has a delicious, naturally smoky flavour kids will love, without being packed with the usual refined sugars and syrups. At 7g of naturally occurring sugar per 100g, BBQ’D Kidchup has 75.6% less sugar than the market leader and no artificial sweeteners in sight. No refined sugar, no artificial sweetners, no syrups, so no nasties. Here's the ingredients; tomato, tomato puree, water, balsamic vinegar (wine vinegar, cooked grape must), apples, onions, dates, black garlic, tamarind, smoked salt (sea salt, smoke), spices, mustard and celery seeds. May contain allergens. GF and no GMO. £3.65 available from millycundall.com. Natural tomato ketchup also available.

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

Markets now in the following towns and cities: SaliSbury, ameSbury, TidworTh, warminSTer, andover, wincheSTer

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.

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To book a table for any of the markets contact Emily on emilyg@littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk

www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk

Interior

IDEAS Golden Glows

 This Treehouse Cabin Bed is available in 20 brilliant colours of your choice £1,650 cuckooland.com  Black Wedding Cabinet with Gold Hardware £2,795 orchidfurniture.co.uk G lobe Light in Arctic White & Brass £69.95 cuckooland.com  S arah Miller Geese embellished cake slice with rich 22 carat gold detailing £16.50 daisypark.co.uk M arble Tray with Gold Antlers £24.99 homesense.com P ersonalised Initial Cushion, Gold Geo Pattern £9.99 gettingpersonal.co.uk M etallic Wings Gold Book Ends £30  oliverbonas.com Z ebra Storage Box £7.99 homesense.com  L ewis & Fitz Rocking Horse £99.95 gettingpersonal.co.uk  Yellow Wooden Rectangular Stool £185 orchidfurniture.co.uk

C SH O O M W IN H G O SO ME O N

CONTEMPORARY LIVING IN THE HEART OF BRUTON A striking collection of bespoke 3 and 4 bedroom houses, intelligently and individually designed to be energy efficient and highly sustainable both internally and externally. Offering contemporary rural living, in the sought after Somerset town of Bruton. Homes at Cubis Bruton are available on Acorn’s Assisted Move Scheme, where we help you sell your home and Government backed Help to Buy, allowing you to buy with a 5% deposit. 3 & 4 bedroom houses from £330,000 For further information contact: T: 0117 244 0400 E: bruton@lodestoneproperty.co.uk W: acornpropertygroup.org Prices correct at time of publication. Computer generated image used for illustrative purposes only. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Subject to status, Help to Buy Terms & Conditions and available on selected properties in England only. Eligible applicants will be offered an equity loan up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price (based on the open market value). Applicants are required to fund at least 80% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings/ deposit where required. The equity loan is provided by the HCA and held as second charge. Full details will be provided on request.

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WINDOW SHOPPING Country Child hand pick out some local properties with superb Summer Houses or Studio's

Tarrant Monkton, Dorset £925,000

Substantial six bedroom family home offering extensive and versatile accommodation in excess of 3,000 sq ft including annexe/guest accommodation plus beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds of 1.14 acres. With river frontage and range of rooms including a garden/games room with mezzanine floor, covered porch and workshop to one side, a childrens' play house and timber storage.

Nr Yeovil, Somerset £850,000

A Victorian former vicarage in mature grounds of about 1.6 acres on the outskirts of the small town of Ilchester about 6 miles north of Yeovil. There is also an attractive Coach house which currently provides a billiard room, garage and stores but has plenty of scope for other uses. There are other garages and a summerhouse and plenty of parking space.

abbotandslater.co.uk

Salisbury, Wiltshire £799,950

roderickthomas.co.uk

Fovant, Wiltshire £739,000

A detached residence offering 2,332 sq. ft. of accommodation set in approximately a quarter of an acre of landscaped gardens located in an ideal position in the much sought after hamlet of Charlton All Saints. A key feature of the garden is the substantial studio. This additional space is currently used as a work studio and would make a brilliant home office or gym, or a substantial summer house for garden entertaining.

hamptons.co.uk

An exceptional four bedroom detached house located on a plot of approximately 1/4 acre, within the ever sought after Nadder Valley, benefiting from flexible accommodation as well as breath-taking views of the Prestigious Fovant Badges and the surrounding countryside. Includes private and enclosed south facing rear garden, large timber outbuilding/ summer house and timber garage with power, plus off road parking.

boatwrights.co.uk

Fi BOYLE GARDEN DESIGN Garden Landscape desiGn & consuLtancy Working with you to create the garden of your dreams

Stourhead Estate Office, Stourton, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD Tel: Office 01747 840202 Mobile: 07787 913027 Email: fi@fiboylegardendesign.com www.fiboylegardendesign.com

The

Toy Barn

Sherborne

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THE TOY BARN Blackmarsh Farm Sherborne DT9 4JX 01935 815040 toy-barn.co.uk 38

The Great Outdoors

ith the sun currently rising early and setting late, summer is that joyous time when daylight is able to briefly banish darkness to the wee, small hours. For those of us who either adore rising with the lark or spending balmy evenings outside, without the need for artificial illumination, these long, lazy days are nothing short of a delight. But while enjoying this season’s bright, warming rays, do spare a thought for the one animal that positively shuns the light, casting itself instead into a world of almost perpetual darkness. In fact, our only truly subterranean mammal is so secretive that relatively few people have ever set eyes on a live mole. Far more familiar of course are the spoil heaps dotted across the countryside, which are formed as these industrious little tunnellers go about their business. Owing to their antisocial nature, their existence is not just a dark one, but is mostly solitary too, with the short breeding season being the only time they will ever contemplate company. Initially working as both architect and builder of their subterranean citadels, moles are supremely designed for a life below ground. Their broad spade-like forelimbs function as the main digging tools, and are attached to both muscular shoulders and a deep chest bone, whilst their cylindrical-shaped body allows a smooth and rapid passage through the tunnel system. It has been calculated that an actively burrowing mole can move around 6kg of soil in just twenty minutes, while by comparison, a 70kg man would need to manually shift more than four tonnes of earth over the same period, just to keep up! Once the burrow system is deemed complete, the mole then switches from designer and excavator to caretaker.

Going Deeper Underground WIN

Marvel at Moles this season, as Mike talks about these subterranean mammals. There is a common misconception that moles find their earthworm prey by actively unearthing them, but their means of finding breakfast is far more ingenious than ‘pot luck’ and instead relies upon the appliance of science. The mole’s labyrinthine system not only operates as a means of getting around, but also doubles up as an elaborately laid trap. Many earthworms show a distinctive pattern of movement in soil, as they rise to the surface at sunset to feed and mate, before then retreating back into the soil with the approach of dawn. While making these daily, vertical movements, many worms frequently plop into the tunnels, and rather than burrowing back through the wall again, simply squirm along the tunnels until collected by the resident mole on one of its regular patrols. Vulnerable to predation, the only time moles will ever reveal themselves to the summer sun are either when the young are dispersing, or when either collecting nesting material or ejecting topsoil. So, any Country Child spotting a mole above ground must consider themselves as one very lucky Naturalist. Mike Dilger is a Naturalist, Writer and Presenter and best known as the Wild Man from The One Show. Despite having travelled the world, he is every bit as passionate about the wildlife close to home in the heart of the Chew Valley - and has seen a mole above ground!

Travel writer Peter Naldrett releases this quirky and original treasure trove of inexpensive ideas for families looking for something a little different to do over the summer months.

ho would have thought that beneath our feet are secret worlds which you can visit. This unique guide explores 50 underground attractions; caves, nuclear bunkers, abandoned mines, secret railways, labyrinthine tunnels and ancient crypts, all brilliantly described and portrayed with incredible colour photography. The adventures in the book are not just for intrepid potholers and daredevils as hidden beneath Britain are plenty of attractions open to everyone. Peter explored each location and describes them with evocative, light- hearted context that reveals the fascinating history of why these places came to be constructed, or how they were first discovered. As well as information about facilities and accessibility, Peter also includes essential advice about how to get there and when to go. In addition to the helpful boxes that highlight precisely why you should visit, as well as things to look out for when you do. Days Out Underground has something to excite everyone, especially families – here's how you entertain the kids on those inevitable wet-weather weekends! Available in hardback from £16.99 amazon.co.uk

To win one of two copies of Days Out Underground, answer this question:

How many underground attractions are in the book?

T&C"s Email: info@countrychild.co.uk with contact details no later than the 1st July. Editor's decision is final.

Flower Power Saskia Marjoram has been working with flowers all her life. She talks to Country Child about her favourite floral remedies and why they could be a welcome addition in our homes.

lower Essences are getting more and more attention. For a long time they were considered something that only hippies or alternative health types used and then word started to get out that they really do work and maybe it would be worth giving them a try. I first started using flower essences (or flower remedies as they are also known) when my sons were approaching their teens –they were ‘spirited’ boys (read out of control, learning difficulties, no clear boundaries, parents who were learning as they went along), my relationship with their father was falling apart, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life and we needed HELP with a capital H. A friend who was a homeopath suggested we try using the Bush Flower Essences from Australia. Just a few drops under the tongue twice a day and patterns and behaviours that I thought we were stuck with forever dissolved. As a florist and gardener I knew about flowers from their roots up. Reading books about essences it seemed that making them wasn’t that complicated. We gave it a go being women who made things rather than buying them.... THEY WORKED.... the rest is history as they say. More than fifteen years on I am still amazed at what these magic drops can achieve, how gentle yet powerful they are,

what patterns they can shift and what awareness they can bring to situations. Flower Essences contain the unique vibration of the plant they are made from (and don’t smell). This vibration is held in water as a memory and generally they are taken as drops under the tongue (like Rescue Remedy). They are completely safe for all the family to use even if you are taking other medication as they work on an energetic rather than physical level and they are generally used to address emotional/behavioural issues. So how can they help you and your family? Modern family life is busy and chaotic, children have more and more stresses to deal with, working mums hardly have time to breathe let alone do a yoga class or find an hour to meditate, relationships hardly get a look in. If all you had to do was to remember to take a few drops from a bottle twice a day and things would change that would be do-able, right ? Well, from my experience over the years, this is sometimes all it takes. Flower essences can address all sorts of issues. From self esteem to creating clear boundaries, from letting go to feeling safe, from feeling like you deserve to be heard to letting you know you are loved ....and everything in between. Every flower has lessons it can teach, and if you choose the right ones for the

issues that you and members of your family are struggling with you I can assure you will notice the difference. So which essences might you need? Of course that would depend on your particular circumstances but there are definitely some I would recommend for family life. Calm and Confident helps with anxiety and panic and for going into new situations. We recommend it for exam stress, social anxiety, panic attacks and for new mums when there is so much to learn and deal with it’s a definite go-to. People often use Rescue Remedy for these sorts of things but that is much better for physical shock and trauma (our version is called Shock Release and is very similar – great to carry around for childhood bumps and bruises) Focus, Energise, Create is fabulous for giving good motivation when there is resistance to coursework, revision, household chores –anything really that needs focus and clarity and reenergising . For stress and worry and extreme tiredness I would suggest taking our Breathe Deep, Seek Peace at the end of the day to help forget all of the things that have passed and just chill out. Many people find it really helps with sleep problems and all those thoughts that go round and round.

Some of the single essences that are particularly good for family life are:

Nettle - for clear boundaries and firmly stating rules without getting angry. I find that mothers of older children and teenagers really benefit from this. As we know all children thrive when they feel safe within clear boundaries.

Walnut is one of the Bach remedies that children find very useful when starting a new school or term as it stops them worrying about what everyone else thinks and helps them feel protected.

Red Chestnut, a native tree or shurb mainly found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, is great for parents who worry too much in general or about other people and situations.

Willow helps to lower negative thought patterns, keeping us flexible and open to other people’s opinions - always a good characteristic for any busy and challenging family life setting.

Holly is very good for calming angry situations - it brings compassion and awareness to how the other person is feeling and is great for helping the ‘terrible two’s’ and sibling jealousy.

Lots of people like using essences in spray form where they are absorbed through the skin. Our award winning My Personal Space spray can be incredibly useful in awkward family situations - for those times when you just want to escape but can’t. It can bring calmness and acceptance and is held in English rosewater that we distil ourselves so smells gorgeous too. For children who are having a hard time at school they can be sprayed with it before they leave the house or carry it in their school bag. For problems sleeping, especially for small children and babies our Easy Sleep lavender spray with flower essences to help you relax has had incredible feedback and is definitely worth a go. If you need help deciding which essences might be good for you or anyone else do please get in touch. I am always willing to help whenever possible. Somerset based Saskia Marjoram is a professional gardener and was also a florist to HRH Prince of Wales for a long time. She started making flower essences in 2003 fascinated by how plants and humans interact. Her own range of flower essences can be found here: saskiasfloweressences.com

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Unique Nurturing Experience

Experts in Preparatory Education for Boys

In September 2019 Horris Hill will be offering its unique nurturing and academic experience from Reception upwards. The School will welcome day boys from 4 to 13 years of age with the option to board (transition, weekly or full) from Year 3 upwards.

Why Horris Hill will give your son the best possible start to his education: We recognise that boys develop and learn differently to girls at this age.

Our class sizes are deliberately small to allow every boy to be taught and developed as an individual.

Experts in Education for Boys

Why Horris Hill will give your son the best possible to130his education: We have anstart outstanding year track record of academic success. age.  We recognise that boys develop and learn differently to girls at this offer a richand tapestry of co-curricular as an individual.  Our class sizes are deliberately small to allow every boy to beWetaught developed opportunities and an extensive list of activities.  We have an outstanding 130 year track record of academic success. welcome day boys from age 4-13.  We offer a rich tapestry of co-curricular opportunities and an We extensive list of activities. We offer transition, weekly or full  Horris Hill offers flexibility, wrap around care and an outstanding nurturing environment for all boys. boarding for boys age 8-13.  Exceptional 85-acre rural setting for outdoor and co-curricular learning. Horris Hill offers flexibility and wrap around care and an outstanding nurturing environment for all boys.

We believe the period from 4-13 years are the most critical in any boy’s life. We invite you to come and see for yourself what Horris Hill, Newtown, Horris Hill, Newtown, Tel: son. 01635 40594 Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9DJ a difference a Horris Hill education could make for your Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9D J www.horrishill.com To see for yourself what a diﬀerence a Horris Hill education could make for your son, please come We sit in an exceptional rural setting in our own 85-acre and visit us. Simply email registrar@horrishill.com to arrange an appointment. estate that is ready to be explored and supports outdoor and co-curricular learning.

Working in partnership with

COUNTRY CHILD

To see for yourself what a difference a Horris Hill education could make for your son, please come and visit us.

Tel: 01635 40594 | www.horrishill.com

Simply email the Registrar Lisa Lee-Smith at registrar@horrishill.com to arrange an appointment. We look forward to welcoming you to Horris Hill.

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PUTTING FAMILY FIRST Whether you’re looking to help younger family members onto the housing ladder, contribute to a grandchild’s education or wedding, or help an older relative with later life planning, St. James’s Place Wealth Management has designed a range of family-oriented products and services that enable the generations to support each other and work collaboratively.

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

36 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 andregulated 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.