Country Child Aut17 by Country Child

COUNTRY CHILD Dorset/Somerset

Your Local FREE Family Magazine

Autumn 17-Issue: 30

PARENT TRAINING

Jo Leigh goes back to the classroom

HEADS UP

One family's journey with the rare condition, Craniosynostosis.

A CHILD IS BORN

Employing the help of a doula

FARM BUDDIES Farming on your doorstep

WIN £150!

To spend on Weird Fish clothing

BUDDING AUTHOR? Enter our short story writing competition!

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

Give your child the best possible start

Nursery

urs rs o h 30 y yea earlundingd f fere of

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

Opportunities to experience dance, music, drama, swimming and a multitude of sports.

Parents of children aged 3 and 4 eligible for government funding may use their 30 hours entitlement.

Twice-weekly sessions in our private indoor heated pool helps to grow children’s water confidence. Our qualified swimming coaches ensure it is always great fun too!

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.

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

We also run FREE ‘Bushy Tails’ play sessions for under 5s featuring Emma and her Magic Bag! Every Wednesday during term-time. 10.30am - 12noon

Call to book your personal visit

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Welcome to Autumn

utumnal greetings from us here at Country Child HQ! We’ve had a lot of fun compiling this season’s magazine and hope you enjoy what’s on offer. I’m really excited to announce the launch of Country Child’s first ever short story competition!! Yes, we’re inviting children aged 11 and under to write a 400-word winterthemed story and local author, Olivia Tuffin has kindly offered to be our judge. What’s more, Country Child have teamed up with Smiggle and have fantastic stationery bundles to give away to the winners. And, to top it all off, we will also print the winning stories in our winter magazine. Good luck to all taking part; we can’t wait to start reading your stories. In other news, Jo recently went back to the classroom and learnt some great parenting tips - read all about her experience, and the subsequent benefits on page 10. For those of you looking for a little fitness inspiration this autumn, Chris McGuire may be able to help. He’s been donning his lycra and taking to the roads on his bike…and by all accounts,

he seems pretty hooked. Take a look on page 15 to see if this form of exercise appeals. This is such a special time of year. With autumn colour just around the corner, it’s really worth getting togged up and spending some time hanging out with Mother Nature. I’ve been looking into the natural goodies we can find in the hedgerows during the next few months and it turns out there’s a fantastic selection to be found. Have a look on the Great Outdoors page to see what’s on the menu. Expectant mums may find our article on doulas an interesting read; the work these amazing ladies do is clearly of huge benefit to some. To find out more, head to page 21. Now, moving house is considered one of life’s big stresses, there’s just so much involved. Rebecca Fletcher is on hand to offer some helpful advice to those preparing for a big move…I only wish I’d read her article before we recently moved house! As ever, the Doc is back to answer your child health-related questions; there are some interesting topics that Doctor Alex is covering this issue – have a read on page 17. For children looking for book recommendations, pupils at Sexey's School in Bruton may be able to entice you with their recent reads – head to our Bookworms page for inspiration! With Christmas not too far away, we’ve got some brilliant gift ideas that will surely be well received by the little people in our lives! Take a peek at our Country Child loves page to see what you think. And, finally, don’t forget our calendar of upcoming events. We always try to cover as much as we can; if you’ve an event coming up and you’d like Country Child to help spread the word, then do get in touch. Have a lovely autumn.

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

Feature Writer

Matthew Cull

Rebecca Fletcher

Guest Writer Chris McGuire

matthewcullmedia@gmail.com 07977 013348

Cover and Feature Photography by

Millie Pilkington

CONTRIBUTORS Alix Austen, Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop C of E School, Adam Smith, Dr Alex Newman, Weird Fish, Smiggle, Olivia Tuffin, Orchard Park, Stephen Sellers, Peter Harding Practice, Sexeys School, Marc Johnson and Rose Duly.

DISTRIBUTION Hugo and Roddy Denness, and Hugo Purdue Headlines the Craniofacial Support Group offers support to those affected by Craniosynostosis. This condition exists where one or more of the plates of the skull fuse prematurely, typically before birth. Some form of craniosynostosis affects roughly 1 in 2000 children born. The charity supports its members by providing information, a helpline, an annual Family Weekend at which members can get to know each other whilst enjoying fun outdoor activities and an annual medical conference where members and health professionals share knowledge and ideas.

For more information about this condition or to become a member go to: www.headlines.org.uk

be en inG tem Op n Sep or 0th M ay 3

Co-educational • Boarding & Day School • Ages 2-13

“A well-balanced education in spectacular surroundings” The Good Schools Guide

nG i n er

b or cto

Buses from Salisbury, Blandford Forum, Dinton & Tisbury Please contact us to book your place at one of our Open Events Tel: 01725 516264 • www.sandroyd.org • office@sandroyd.com

M o h y iT 4t

v y Ti rda

AC Satu

Contents 23

Summer 2017

Country Child Loves Some of our favourite picks yet!

Helping Hands How Intergenerational Wealth Management shares your family's wealth now.

Budding Author? Enter our short story writing competition!

What's In Store The best books on the block.

Parent Training Back in the classroom.

On the Move Top tips for surviving the whole relocation process.

WIN £150! Weird Fish celebrate new clothing line.

Interior Ideas It's a bugs life!

7 Family Matters - Looking at exposing our children to the daily news. 13 Food Glorious Food - What we can do to decrease our salt intake and new food products. 15 Pedal Power - Chris McGuire turns to pedal power to stay fit. 17 Doctor Doctor - Everyday queries answered by the Doc. 19 Competition Time - Win £150 to spend on Weird Fish's new childrens clothing range. 21 A Child is Born - Employing the help of a Doula. 25 & 29 Inside Out - Places to go and things to do. 26 & 27 Calendar Pull-Out - What’s on this autumn season. 30 Toddler Timetable - Library times and activities. 31 Show and Tell - Live entertainment for the family. 35 Window Shopping - Seeking out some Forever Homes. 37 Interior Ideas - It's a bugs life for inspiration. 39 Great Outdoors - Miranda hunts out the edible treats in our hedgerow. 41 Farm Buddies - Social Farming; the newest initiative to hits farms. 43 Heads Up - One local family's journey with Craniosynostosis. 45 Bookworms -Book reviews from some of the children at Sexey's School, Bruton. 46 & 47 Top Marks - Meet the Head Interview, News and updates from local schools. 49 Open for Business - News and advice from the business community. 50 Helping Hands - All about Intergenerational Wealth Management.

Inside Out Places to go and people to see

‘Home to Growth and Learning’

for Nursery & Reception Friday 6th October 2017 at 10am To find out more, please call on 01202 883818

Independent Co-educational Day School age 2-13

An Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ and ISI ‘Excellent’ school in the heart of the Dorset countryside

REGISTE R ONLINE A T

www.dump ton.com Dumpton School is a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England and Wales No. 936623, Registered Charity No. 306222, Registered Office: Deans Grove House, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7AF

Family Matters “ Children and the News...

“

...it's best to be honest with them about what has happened.

t’s been a bleak year for news in this country, with the terrorist attacks in London and Manchester and the horrific fire in Grenfell Tower dominating the headlines in recent months. In an era of constant and instantaneous access to media, our children are inevitably exposed to images and information that we would prefer they were not. But how much should they know and what can we do to ensure they are not traumatised by what they see and hear? Some experts argue that children should be completely shielded from what’s going on in the world, as they are not ready to deal with many of the horrors presented while others argue that such censorship is neither realistic nor desirable in terms of preparing them for life ahead. According to Dr Bernadka Dubicka, chairwoman-elect of the Royal College of Psychiatry's child and adolescent faculty, “They will inevitably learn about it from their friends, so it's best to be honest with them about what has happened.” A quick straw poll revealed that most parents agree, choosing age-appropriate newspapers and television bulletins, such as First News or Newsround, to help explain events and allay any fears. Acknowledging worries and concerns is certainly a far better approach than simply saying everything will be ok.

It can be really interesting to hear your child’s perspective and gives you the opportunity to correct any misinformation or gently challenge any misconceptions they may have. Children get their news from many sources. Assemblies and tutor time are often used in schools to address the issues of the day and reassure pupils that although bad things happen in the world, the chances of getting caught up in them are very remote. As they get older, your kids will probably access material directly from their phones or tablets, without input or explanation from any adult. This content could be inappropriate, confusing or even ‘fake’ so make sure you know what sites they are accessing to get their information. Nicky Cox, editor of First News, emphasises the need to put events into context to demonstrate that life goes on, despite the attempts of others to disrupt our way of living. The paper has just launched its Love Wins! campaign to remind everyone that there is much more good in the world, than bad. “It will draw attention to the everyday acts of love and kindness that go on every day, in every country, in every city, in every town, in every school and every home.” Sounds like a sentiment we should all keep in mind!

TLW DANCE Shaftesbury Academy www.tlwdance.co.uk

BALLET New places now available Pre-school 3yrs + Pre-Primary 4yrs + Primary 5yrs + Grades from 1 - 8

TAP DANCE New 5years + beginners class

STREET Jazz Age 6years +

Good news for kids… First News – a weekly tabloid-size newspaper that provides a great mix of news, interviews, sport, competitions and plenty of photos for children 7-14 (although some may find the content a bit young after 11/12). The Week Junior – for those familiar with the adult version, this follows a similar magazine format with stories explained in a slightly more mature way than First News.

www.tlwdance.co.uk

Newsround – the website has some great topical content and there are regular bulletins throughout the day on CBBC, providing bite-size chunks of UK and international news.

TLWdance@googlemail.com

07584340897 7

What´s in Store Best Books

3 A FA B E R P I C T U R E B OOK

don’t you like?

I LIKE BEES, I DON’T LIKE HONEY!

‘I’ll tell you

what I like this book!!’ Andy Stanton

What do you like? What

‘An important book helping children understand that their feelings and opinions MATTER . . . a great way to help children speak up about their anxieties and worries.’

Francesca Simon

SAM BISHOP

‘I like honey and bees but I LOVE this book’

Harry Hill

FIONA LUMBERS

A glorious celebration of individualit y, this wonderfully interactive picture book is perfect for building confidence and self-awaren ess.

‘Speak as you find. Don’t ever be afraid a

UK £6.99

to speak as you find . . .

great little book . . . beautifully illustrate

Michael Morpurgo

Sam Bishop

d.’

Fiona Lumbers

Alice adores Secret, her spirited young pony, but she’s worried she’ll never be able to train him. Then she meets Finn. He’s a fearless rider with an amazing way with horses. Alice would ask for his help if he wasn’t so rude. It takes a series of mysterious events to bring them together, until they find themselves fighting to save their horses and Finn’s future…

£6.99 www.nosycrow.com COVER PHOTOGRAPHY © MATTHEW BISHOP 2017 COVER TYPOGRAPHY © JOEL HOLLAND 2017

 1. Heads and Tails: Let's STEP Books to Grow On by Madeleine Deny, illustrated by Peggy Nille (Twirl) £7.99. Ages 0+ abramsandchronicle. co.uk  2. The Foolish King: The Secret History of Chess by Martin Brown 6+ £8.99 amazon.co.uk  3. ‘I Like Bees’, I don’t like Honey!’ . By NSPCC and Faber and Faber Publishers. £6.99 faber.co.uk  4. Lockwood and Co, The Empty Grave by Janathn Stroud. £7.99 amazon.co.uk  5. A Pony called Secret by Olivia Tuffin £6.99 waterstones.com  6. Marge and the Great Train Rescue Paperback by Isla Fisher 5+ £5.99 waterstones.com  7. Usbourne Look Inside Collection 'Our World" 5+ £9.99 facebook.com/lillyslittlelibrary  8. A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines, The Folio Society edition 2017 £29.95 foliosociety.com  9. Goodnight Baby Moon by Dorling Kindersley 2+ £11.99 dk.com

£2 ing r th inn fo or w hild w med ry C le fra unt nd and n Co ead! Bu LE d i o r e IGG she ll t iz SM bli a Pr om pu fr ory st

Do you love to write short stories?

Enter our 'Winter Writing' competition!

IG B M DREA with

smiggle.co.uk

Scented Pencil Pack x4 These are Smiggle's best City Pop Out smelling pencils ever! Pencil Pack Freshly updated to create Why limit your creativity? a stronger & longer Keep all your colourful pens and pencils organised lasting scent! Island punch, in a new super stylish City berry, grape, fairy floss, blueberry, and coconut! pop out pencil case!

Competition Rules:  'Winter' Themed short story of 400 words.  Open to children aged 11 or under.

Judged by local author Ollivia Tufﬁn

COUNTRY CHILD Your Local FREE Family Magazine

Send all scanned/photo written entries to info@countrychild.co.uk by the Friday 13th October 2017, Four winners in four counties will win Smiggle Prizes worth £25 including framed winning story published in Country Child Winter 2017 issue and four runner up winners in four counties will receive smaller Smiggle bundle prizes including framed winning story published in Country Child Winter 2017 issue. This prize is non-transferable, cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative will be oﬀered.

DEADLINE 13th OCTOBER 2017

Parent Training Jo Leigh revisits the classroom to learn more about parenting...

Photography: Millie Pilkington

t has always surprised me how little training one gets on how to be a parent. If you were like me, you were too scared to read up on too much, for the fear of realising what was around the corner. However, I did do some research (Channel 4’s One Born Every Minute and a book bought from a supermarket) but initially I relied on my friends and family for advice on what was about to come. In the early days, you have a lot of literature and advice thrown at you from friends and family as well as from the professionals. But after the first year, if all is going well, then aside from regular jabs and age-related checkups, you’re on your own. It isn't until after the first major battles of sleep deprivation, weaning, routines and then toilet training are over that you’re able to concentrate more closely on your child’s behaviour, values and emerging personality. So, just when I thought I had fumbled through working my son out, he starts school and is introduced to a whole new world of influences; teachers, school friends, trends and abilities. I watched as a whole new son started to emerge; one that decided he had his own voice and opinions and quite frankly, mum was out, school was in... I was in need of some tactics, tricks and tips to engage with him on this new level. Fortunately for me, my son’s school was hosting a parenting course called The Parenting Puzzle. My initial resistance and thoughts were; Do I qualify for this? Can I persuade my husband to go? Can I commit to a ten-week course? Is it really necessary? The single answer to all the questions was, Yes. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I signed up. There are many courses available to parents via our children’s schools, both privately and online, and I suppose it depends on your preferred learning method. I am best at learning something when I experience it, so to go to a setting where all my senses were stimulated with group discussions, games, quizzes, tasks, homework and reflection sessions (in a non-judgemental environment), really worked for me, and I was hooked. Discussing our week with other parents was like therapy; we were not alone. Also, hearing how others coped and the strategies they had been trying was encouraging and gave us strength. After the ten weeks were up, we had all gone on a personal journey together and most of the content that had been learnt, tried and tested did, on the whole, work. However, after a lapse of six to eight months, methods slip away and old habits creep in. That's when I found an online course to give me a reboot and refresher. The online course is available at: attachmentparenting.co.uk in a ten-module course to pick up and put down in your own time, in your own home (which is great, as trying to get ten weeks of babysitting can be a tricky ask for most families to organise). Try out this eCourse for a reduced price of only £49 with the Country Child reader code of CHILD50. As a family, we certainly discovered more than we thought we were going to from the parenting courses we partook in. We learned a lot about our own individual parenting styles and how to work those styles together harmoniously. We also learnt to appreciate the emotional intelligence of children at the ages and stages of their life. When I think about starting a new job, I’d expect to get a certain level of training at the beginning and also retrain as systems and policies change and update. So, given that parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world, why do we not look to obtain some training for ourselves? I did, and am now keen to learn more and more from all types of parenting courses.

Founder of Attachment Parenting UK, Michelle McHale explains more about the eCourse: For years we've been asked by parents how to handle tantrums, gain cooperation and find alternatives to threats and bribes which make them feel guilty and don't even work! We designed the Positive Discipline eCourse to fit around any lifestyle and the parenting style questionnaire at the start is often completed by couples who find the results utterly fascinating. The biggest national healthcare trust has recently invested in the course for its nursery workers and one childminder in Hampshire told us "...if only nurseries/childcare qualifications taught this. Years I spent training and there’s more valuable information in these few modules I’ve done than my NVQs.” The benefit to families has amazed and delighted us with parents explaining how the course is "...a fantastic balance of reading/watching/thinking making it engaging and thought provoking." and "...it also opened up some new insights about my parenting that have really helped me move forward in areas I had previously had difficulties." Even if things are ticking along ok and you're a well-read parent the course offers fresh ideas about aggression, sibling rivalry, sleep issues, and the unexpected effects of praise. One mum told us "I would highly recommend the course for all parents regardless of where they are in their parenting journey - you won't fail to take away something valuable!"

The Parenting Puzzle course is available in print format from familylinks.org.uk and is priced at £12.50

2017_SECOND ISSUE.pdf 1 03/08/2017 08:37:38

OPEN DAY

OCTOBER 1.30PM

A vibrant and dynamic mix of boys and girls on a beautiful parkland site Accredited Forest School opening September 2017

Full, weekly and flexi boarding for girls from age 7

Local transport available for day pupils

CMY

“The quality of academic and other achievements of pupils is excellent” ISI Inspection Report

To arrange a visit contact admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk or call 01963 211015

Food

GLORIOUS

Food

Salt Solutions

Miranda delves deeper into the serious side of salt and what we can do to decrease our intake.

id you know that one in three adults in the UK consumes too much salt on a daily basis? And, were you aware that overindulging on salt can have serious ramifications for your health? An excess of this ancient foodstuff in our diet can cause high blood pressure, which in turn puts us at an increased risk of heart disease and having a stroke. Whilst this may make for a sobering read, the good news is that there are a few simple changes that we can all make to our daily routines to help us to cut down on our salt intake and, ultimately, lead healthier lives. The recommended daily allowance of salt for an adult is 6g – which equates to just one teaspoon a day, whereas the allowance for children differs further, depending on their age. Daily Allowance of Salt for Children Alarmingly, 75% of the salt we consume each day is already present in the food we eat – before we’ve even turned the salt mill. Many breads, Babies under 1 year - Less than 1g salt a day soups, cheeses, cooking sauces and meats all contain high quantities of salt, 1 to 3 years - 2g salt a day so taking a little time to read the labels on the back of the food packets 4 to 6 years - 3g salt a day whilst doing the weekly supermarket shop helps to make us more ‘salt 7 to 10 years - 5g salt a day aware.’ Nowadays, food suppliers are beholden to display the salt/sugar/ fat contents in an easy-to-read colour coded (red, green and amber) format 11 years and over - 6g salt a day and striving to buy as many ‘green’ products as possible, is a great place to start. Opting for the reduced salt products, such as breakfast cereals, breads and ketchups is a positive step to take, whilst tomato-based pasta sauces are generally lower in salt than their cheesy counterparts. When choosing a mid-morning snack for the children, fruit or vegetables are the way forwards as crisps, crackers, bread sticks and nuts often boast high levels of salt. Perhaps one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of salt we eat is to refrain from using it when cooking. Whilst this may sound easier said than done, experts believe that it doesn’t take long before our taste buds get used to the reduction in salt and, as a result, we’ll start to become more aware of other flavours in the dishes we eat. When cooking, don’t be afraid to add fresh herbs and spices and season with black pepper instead of salt. Shop-bought stocks and gravy are, more often than not, high in salt so opting for a homemade equivalent, where possible, is recommended. Equally so, removing the salt mill from the dinner table is also a good tip; ‘out of sight, out of mind’ as the saying goes. Of course, eating out is likely to be slightly more difficult. Try choosing vegetable or chicken options over bacon, pepperoni and cheese. Ask for dressings or sauces on the side, as these are often high in both salt and fat, and for those planning on getting a takeaway anytime soon, go for plain rice – it’s lower in salt than pilau or egg fried rice!

Meet: Googly Fruit Family!

ew Googly Fruit Organics tasty and attractive 100% organic fruit and veg snack packs, most important ingredient is ‘fun’, aiming to make fruit and vegetables something fun for children to look forward to eating. Making a lifelong friendship with fruit & veg is paramount in young people today. The snack flavours have been carefully formulated so that they’re appealing to young pallets, and the size of the individual pieces are ideal for small hands and teeth. In addition, their's a friendly family to get to know, with the likes of Bob Banana, Carl Carrot, Charlie Corn and Suzie Strawberry. To follow Suzie Strawberry’s lead, head over to googlyfruit. co.uk to find out more. Available in Superdrugs and Ocado. FRUIT & VEG GET A MAKEOVER

FORGET JAMIE OLIVER AND DELICIOUSLY ELLA, THERE’S A NEW TEAM IN TOWN LOOKING TO HELP OUR CHILDREN MAKE A LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP WITH FRUIT AND VEG … New brand GOOGLY FRUIT ORGANIC are on a mission to help kids make a lifelong

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Pedal Power The Out of Depth Dad, Chris McGuire turns to pedal power to stay fit.

nd suddenly there it is. It wasn’t there last time you checked, but now it seems like a permanent fixture. I’m talking about a ‘belly’, ‘gut’ or ‘tummy’, you suddenly have one and it’s not going anywhere. If this sounds like you, fear not. I’ve found a solution: Cycling. That’s right, CYCLING. I discovered becoming a dad left a distinct gap between how fit I imagined myself and how fit I actually was. I still had that ‘Yeah, I go to the gym’ attitude, until I realised I hadn’t exercised properly since, my son, Sam was born. You know how it is, the days slip by, you’re on a permanent treadmill and ‘me time’ is non-existent. I decided for my own health, and to ensure I could be an effective parent, I needed to ring-fence time for exercise. I made it a priority. It was all very grown up, very un-me. So, why cycling? Firstly it’s low impact, it doesn’t put strain on your joints, which is a good idea if you’ve not been active for a while and carrying a little extra weight. Cycling is also something you can do at your pace, go slowly or quickly it really is up to you! Finally, you can ride by yourself or in a group, at any time. The options are endless. OK, I can hear the muttering, from here. You don’t want to turn into one of ‘those’ cyclists: Lycra louts or MAMILs (Middle Aged Men In Lycra). Fear not, skin-tight clothing is not compulsory, nor is leg shaving. All I would suggest is don’t go without a helmet. That said, I’ve a ‘don’t knock it until you’ve tried it’ attitude when it comes to cycling apparel. Trust me, a

good pair of padded cycling shorts will become your best friend on a ride; preventing you from walking like John Wayne when you leave the saddle. At the end of the day, getting on a bike isn’t a fashion show – it’s all about keeping fit enough to cope with the trials and tribulations of life. Just wear what makes you feel comfortable. What are my tips for getting back in the saddle?  Get your bike serviced, you don’t want it to fall apart on your first ride (especially if it’s been living in the shed for years).  Take a puncture repair kit and pump with you; learn how to use them before your ride.  Build up your confidence on cycle paths before you graduate to busy roads.  Go at your own pace; this isn’t the Tour de France.  Take a drink with you, keeping hydrated is important. You’ll sweat more than you’d imagine.  Enjoy yourself. Finally, let’s return to the big question: How’s my belly? Well, it hasn’t disappeared completely, but it’s certainly smaller than when I first turned to pedal power! Have fun! Writer Chris McGuire lives in Devon with his partner and their son Samuel. You can follow his Dad blog at outofdepthdad. wordpress.com and Twitter: @Outofdepth_dad

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Doctor

Dr Alex Newman answers some everyday queries we, as parents, all worry about... Q. When should I be worried about insect bites being infected?

Q. My child keeps getting mouth ulcers, should I be concerned?

hildren are regularly being bitten by insects, although fortunately in the UK there aren't too many nasties that will cause much more than some local irritation. With regards to infection, its usually worth starting with some over the counter antihistamines as more often than not this will be enough to take down any redness and irritation. Infection would only start to be a concern if the redness spreads despite this and anything under the size of a 10p is more than likely to sort its self out on its own.

Q. What can I do to stop my child getting athlete’s foot?

thlete’s foot is a very common fungal infection, it can be treated directly via the pharmacy with over the counter creams and sprays rather than needing to see a doctor. Ideally, making the environment, usually the feet, as dry and cool as possible is the best way to keep it at bay. This may mean slightly bigger shoes and thinner socks and a few weeks of supervised foot washing, and careful drying afterwards.

pthous ulcers are the most common type of mouth ulcers that people get, they are annoying and painful but unlikely to represent an underlying problem. Very rarely they can be a sign of other underlying issues such as problems with your immune system or signs of bowel inflammation but in reality there are usually much more obvious signs that would point to this. Occasionally, we do blood tests to exclude other conditions but usually they just go away as people get older.

Q. What can I do to stop my child getting nosebleeds?

top them picking it! By far the most common reason that children get recurrent nosebleeds is because their finger is always up there. When examining these children, you can usually see an irritated and inflamed area just inside the nose called Little’s area. Breaking the cycle of itching and irritation is usually enough. It’s worth trying some Vaseline for a week or so initially. If it persists despite this, it would be sensible to see a doctor as occasionally this area can be infected and an antibiotic cream can help.

Q. As the days get shorter should I be thinking about giving my child vitamin D supplements? Q. My 2-month-old has a sticky eye, is it infected?

robably. It’s a contentious topic, the government guidance would suggest that under 5s should probably be taking a daily supplement throughout the year and over 5s should consider it between October and March. However, the factors to consider are how much is your child outdoors, what is your ethnic background and what sort of diet does your child have. Personally, this isn't something I have done with my children but it is very unlikely that doing it would cause your child any harm.

sually not. There is a rare condition that is associated with babies picking up an infection as they pass through the birth canal but this is usually quite severe and noticed within the first few days of life. An intermittently sticky eye that persists like this is usually caused by a blocked tear duct, careful cleaning (just to placate the grandparents!) is a good idea and they usually ‘pop’ open within the first year of life - if not occasionally children have small operations to open them up.

In any child health related issue and if you are not sure or are still concerned always speak to your GP or health visitor for further consultation.

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0566_sherborne times ad-artwork.indd 1

28/03/2017 16:02

A Child is Born

reparing for the arrival of a new baby often conjures up a whole range of emotions; from excitement and intrigue to pure panic and fear. High up on the ‘worry list’ for many new mums is, understandably, the anticipation of labour – regardless of whether it’s the first, second or even fifth time of giving birth. Will the labour be long? How will I cope with the pain? Will the baby be ok? Am I going to tear? And, how am I going to cope with a new baby? The fear of the unknown is such a powerful and, at times, crippling emotion. Added to this uncertainty, is the fact that in today’s society, it’s highly unlikely that an expectant mother will receive continuous support, from just one carer, throughout her pregnancy and labour. And, what’s more, even if a mum-to-be is lucky enough to have the consistency of one midwife through her pregnancy, it’s highly unlikely that the same midwife will be present at the birth. So, what can be done? Well, expectant mothers are increasingly opting to employ the help of a doula to help them through their pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. Doula [pronounced ‘doola’] is a Greek word meaning “woman servant or caregiver”. In today’s society, it refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman or couple before, during and after childbirth; “A doula believes in “mothering the mother” — enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and as a new mum.” However, the role of the doula is, in fact, very old. In bygone days, experienced and familiar womenfolk, from within an expectant mother’s extended family or community, would have been present at the birth, to offer both emotional support and gentle guidance. In the weeks following the birth, support and

guidance would be on tap for the new parents. These days, however, couples tend to live further and further away from their immediate families and, as a result, this very precious support is lost. Sarah Dauncey, from Hampshire Doulas is a passionate believer in the need for doulas; “In a society, which values the scientific reasoning behind the decisions we make in everyday life, knowing that this kind of non-medical support from someone who’s knowledgeable about birth and babies has been shown not just to improve how people feel about the birth and new baby experiences, but to actually reduce the need for certain interventions.” Indeed, the most recent review of the evidence by the Cochrane Library (July 2017) concluded; “Women who receive continuous labour support may be more likely to give birth ‘spontaneously’, i.e. give birth vaginally with neither ventouse nor forceps nor caesarean. In addition, women may be less likely to use pain medications or to have a caesarean birth, and may be more likely to be satisfied and have shorter labours.” In a doula, expectant mothers feel secure in the knowledge that someone constant is there to help, support and ‘be there’ for them when they need it the most. Alex Risebury, a doula and mother of three young children, explains; “My role is to provide continuous physical, emotional and, very importantly, non-judgemental support. Often, I will need to debrief previous birth experiences in order for my clients to understand and overcome their fears, worries and concerns. I support my clients in their decision making and signpost in order for them to make informed choices.” Perhaps, the most important thing a doula brings to both expectant and new mothers is a familiar, trustworthy face; someone who will be there from start to finish; a constant, unwavering support.

“

For more information on doulas, the following websites has a wealth of information: nurturingbirth.co.uk hampshiredoulas.co.uk doula.org.uk

ecently, I was privileged to be asked to be birthing partner to two friends in one year.

The opportunity to see a baby being born into the world is so special. Even though I have birthed my own children, witnessing life coming into the world somehow felt even more profound – maybe it’s because I wasn’t quite on planet earth at the birth of my own children! I realised that whether you have one or two birthing partners, regardless of your personal circumstances, an impartial support network can be of great benefit to both parents. A birthing partner is someone who can help the mother to ensure that her needs, wishes and desires are met; someone who can offer advice and empathy. And, even for the practical parts, a birthing partner can ensure that everyone is fed and watered throughout…allowing the parents to be in the moment together, with no distractions. For me, they were such special times, which I will hold with me forever. Thank you. Jo Leigh, Publisher

“

Increasingly, both expectant and new mothers are employing the help of a doula. Country Child were keen to learn more…

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SEW LOVELY

We love the illustrative designs by Cornish designer Poppy Treffrey. She can just about sew anything to anything. Various gifts, cards and accessories from £1.50. poppytreffry.co.uk

POTTY TRAINING

As the days draw in and the weather gets cooler, on go the feet and leg warmers. Here we've picked our favourites for the season. Houlie Socks are thick luxury cushioned children’s socks to wear indoors and outdoors, in a quintessentially English prep style, designed using colours influenced from nature and wildlife. Great with Wellies! From £12 houlie.co.uk GoBabyGo is a range of crawling products with non-slip rubber pads on the knees, under the feet and on the toes, designed to ensure toddlers get off to a good start when embarking on their next developmental stages. The non-slip design aims to stabilise little ones on all surfaces and strengthens balance and confidence. From £8. gobabygo.co.uk

Originally made to store Khubz bread, these Moroccan Storage Pots are perfect for odds and ends in a childs bedroom, office or just on show to bring a touch of Moroccan colour and culture to your home. £40. postcardshome.co.uk

BRILLIANT BASKETS

Family decor and lifestyle brand Olli Ella bring to the market a new range of woven baskets. The Minichari £35 is ideal for adventerous little ones, pop on a bike, scooter or just as a treasure bag. Team it up with its mama counter part in the Mamachari £45 for a bit of matchy-matchy. olliella.com

WORRY NOT

Worry Plaque is an effective and visual way for children to rid themselves of any worries by simply asking the fairies to take them away. £19.99. argos.com

SWEET TREAT

The perfect starter-kit for mini monsters, each tin in this range contains sweets and specially commissioned stories by bestselling children's authors: ‘The Chills’ by Jeremy Strong, ‘The Night Sweats’ by Andy Stanton, ‘Night Terrors’ by Eoin Colfer, ‘Creeping Dread’ by Charlie Higson, and ‘Alarm’ by Meg Rosoff. Ideal for this years trick or treating. £35. monstersupplies.org monstersupplies.org

Outdoor Learning

Our classroom! Open all year Bruton, Somerset BA10 0BA 01749 812 307 www.millonthebrue.co.uk

L ARMER ER R T REE EE

earning outside the classroom has been recognised as being of huge benefit to young people. Mill on the Brue in Bruton, Somerset, has advocated the practice for many years and there have been numerous studies which emphasise the value of what is often experiential or hands on learning. Links can and are easily made with the national curriculum from archery, to problem solving, maths, English, all are able to be reinforced outdoors. Reviewing is an integral part also of taking part as a group, in an activity, with children encouraged to participate; ‘plan, do, review’ We find at Mill on the Brue, even in a relatively short time, that children develop and change, they begin to understand the importance of listening, working together, trust, support – and they become more independent and willing to tackle what might have been seen as insurmountable. Mill on the Brue is open all year and can accommodate up to 90+ students and staff. With 25 acres of woods, fields, and river valley, and all the activities on site, there is no bussing the groups which means more activity time. There are over 40 fun and challenging activities and tasks JUST DANCE STUDIO to choose from and we also have a strong environmental & ACTIVITY CENTRE ethos, grow our own organic vegetables and fruit and serve delicious home cooked meals. millonthebrue.co.uk

Ballet Tap Ir Streetdance Parties Chasamba Gymnastics Roller Discos Jazz  Dance Classes  After School Club  Birthday Parties  Events & Workshops Emma O’Brien AISTD, FDI (07901 553602)

Church Street, Wincanton, Somerset Facebook – Just Dance Wincanton

www.just-dance-studios.co.uk

Catch the Carnival

Inside Out Things to do Places to go

he highly regarded Somerset Carnivals are considered as some of the largest illuminated processions in the world with carts being up to 100ft in length, 16ft high, and 11ft wide, and some have 20-30,000 light bulbs! Catch the free processions this autumn which runs along three circuits in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. Here's where they'll be and when: 2 Sept Sturminster Newton 19:45 9 Sept Blandford Forum 19:00 16 Sept Mere 19:30 23 Sept Frome 19:00 30 Sept Shaftesbury 19:15 7 Oct Gillingham 19:15 13 Oct Wincanton 19:30 14 Oct Castle Cary 19:00 20 Oct Salisbury 19.30 21 Oct Trowbridge 19:00 28 Oct Warminster 19:00 15 Nov Shepton Mallet, 19:30 17 Nov Wells, 19:00 18 Nov Glastonbury 19:00 For all the information on the processions visit: somersetcarnivals.co.uk

Don't Miss This!

he Early Early Christmas Fair is a great social occasion to get ahead of the festive season prep. Head to Tedworth Park in Wiltshire to grab some inspiring gifts and stocking fillers for the family. Day tickets just £5 26 and 27 Sept eecfair.org.uk

Wirth visiting the Pumpkin Festival

auser & Wirth Somerset announce its annual Pumpkin Festival. The special day includes live music, fancy dress and a host of activities for adults and children, including pumpkin carving, face painting and workshops. Onsite restaurant Roth Bar & Grill will be serving seasonal food throughout the day, as they harvest their wide variety of squashes from their kitchen garden. Locals are invited to bring along their own home grown pumpkins, gourds and other squashes to enter into one of the competitions. Local resident and renowned gardener Charles Dowding will be judging the Grand Pumpkin Competition with categories for Largest, Best-in-Show and Best Misfit. The Pumpkin Festival is part of the national Family Arts Campaign and the gallery is collaborating with FACE – Farming & Countryside Education, a charity that educates children and young people about food and farming in a sustainable countryside. They are also working with the Hubbub Foundation as part of their ‘Pumpkin Rescue’ initiative. 29 Oct hauserwirthsomerset.com

Tribute to Beatrix Potter

The Big Cheese!

he annual big cheese event for autumn lies in Dorset's vibrant town; Sturminster Newton. Retaining the town's dairy roots is the annual Cheese Festival where many people travel from far and wide to experience. This year's kids activities are Alfredos Pirates, Punch & Judy puppet theatre, Face Painting and Lizzie the Lizard Fire Eater, alongside 60 plus craft and food stalls, live music and of course cheese tasting! Tickets cost: £5 only for adults and children under 15 go free! 9 and 10 Sept. cheesefestival.co.uk

urope’s largest Chinese Lantern Festival is back to transform Longleat into a glowing winter wonderland once again! And to celebrate 150 years since the birth of one of the most beloved children’s authors, Beatrix Potter, this years lanterns will include Peter Rabbit and his friends in some famous scenes! Don't miss it! 11 Nov longleat.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

PULL OUT EVENT GUIDE MONDAY

(01747)

THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

1 End of the Road Festival, Larmer Tree Lyme Regis Folk Festival

2 Hauser and Wirth Family Saturday (AM) Lyme Regis Folk Festival End of the Road Festival, Larmer Tree Bridport Hat Festival Dorset County Show 2017 Drayton Street Fair Stogumber Festival, Taunton

3 End of the Road Festival, Larmer Tree Lyme Regis Folk Festival Gillingham Walking Festival Dorset County Show

7 Gillingham Walking Festival Wareham Walls Walk Bestival 2017

8 Night At Glastonbury Abbey Wareham Walls Walk Swanage Folk Festival Bestival 2017 Stogumber Festival, Taunton

9 Glow in the Park Longleat Poole Thai Festival Swanage Folk Festival Bestival 2017 Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival The Burnham Beach Kite Festival Blandford Forum Carnival

10 Poole Thai Festival Swanage Folk Festival Bestival 2017 Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival The Burnham Beach Kite Festival The Bath Dragon Boat Race

14 Wareham Walls Walk

15 Twilight Racing, Salisbury Racecourse The Purbeck Outdoor Weekend Toddler Explorers, Somerset Rural Life Museum

16 Tiger Day V111, Tank Museum What Are Gardens For? Day of the Garden, Hauser and Wirth The Purbeck Outdoor Weekend Day Sail, Weymouth Toby's Garden & Harvest Festival, Forde Abbey Sky Safari At Longleat The Great Somerset Night Walk Mere Carnival

17 The Purbeck Outdoor Weekend Day Sail, Weymouth Toby's Garden & Harvest Festival, Forde Abbey Purbeck Marathon 2017 BBC Radio 3 Big Chamber Weekend At Wells Cathedral School Sky Safari At Longleat

(01747)

851151

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5 Gillingham Walking Festival Treehouse â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pirates Ahoy, Artsreach, Sherborne

6 Gillingham Walking Festival Dorset Forest School Fridays, Dorchester

11 Wareham Walls Walk, Willow Weaving Workshop, Hestercombe Gardens

12 Wareham Walls Walk

13 Wareham Walls Walk Hestercombe Express Trip

18 Here Be Dragons At Victoria Art Gallery, Bath

20 Here Be Dragons At Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Hestercombe Express Trip

22 Here Be Dragons At Victoria Art Gallery, Bath

23 'Horse In Art' Exhibition at Sally Mitchell's Gallery in Tuxford Milton Abbey Open Day (Lower) Day Sail, Weymouth The Heroes Challenge 2017 Dorset Neon Run, Lodmore

24 Day Sail, Weymouth Holnest Country Fayre The Great Inflate-A-Race Yeovil

25 Guided Red Squirrel Walks, Brownsea Island

27 Guided Red Squirrel Walks, Brownsea Island Hestercombe Express Trip

28 'Horse In Art' Exhibit at Sally Mitchell's Gallery in Tuxford

29 Guided Red Squirrel Walks, Brownsea Island

30 Shaftesbury Carnival Sandroyd Open Morning

1 'Horse In Art' Exhibition at Sally Mitchell's Gallery in Tuxford

4 Gillingham Walking Festival

OCTOBER

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

(01747)

824924

(01963)

(01258)

34000

472647

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

2 Guided Red Squirrel Walks, Brownsea Island

3 Here Be Dragons At Victoria Art Gallery, Bath

4 Dorset Forest School Fridays, Dorchester Hestercombe Express Trip

5 Kingswood Prep Open Day, Bath

6 Leweston Open Day Dumpton School Open Morning St Francis School Open Day St Marys Open Morning

7 Hazlegrove Open Morning Gillingham Carnival and Duck Race Bruton School Open Morning Hanford Open Morning

8 Bournemouth Marathon Festival

9 Godolphin Literary Festival Bathwick Tyres Reduced Admission Day, Salisbury Racecourse

10 Hazlegrove Open Morning Godolphin Literary Festival

11 Sherborne Literary Festival 2017 Hestercombe Express Trip

12 Guided Red Squirrel Walks, Brownsea Island Enchanted Floodlit Gardens, Abbotsbury

13 Sherborne Literary Festival 2017 Enchanted Floodlit Gardens, Abbotsbury Wincanton Carnival

14 Hazlegrove Open Morning Chafyn Grove Open Morning British National Ploughing Championships & Country Festival Taunton Sandroyd Activity Morning

15 Sherborne Literary Festival 2017 British National Ploughing Championships & Country Festival Taunton

16 Enchanted Floodlit Gardens, Abbotsbury

17 Guided Red Squirrel Walks, Brownsea Island

18 Enchanted Floodlit Gardens, Abbotsbury Dorchester Literary Festival

19 Enchanted Floodlit Gardens, Abbotsbury

20 Salisbruy Carnival Dorchester Literary Festival

21 Halloween, Adventure Wonderland Haunted Haynes Week King Tut's Treasure Hunt, Dorchester

22 Dorchester Literary Festival Haunted Haynes Week Half Term at The Tank Museum

23 Halloween, Adventure Wonderland Haunted Haynes Week Half Term at The Tank Museum Halloween at Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

24 Haunted Haynes Week King Tut's Treasure Hunt, Dorchester Pottery Parlour Clay Days Halloween at Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

25 The Gruffalo, Adventure Wonderland Haunted Haynes Week Half Term at The Tank Museum Halloween Half Term, Forde Abbey Hestercombe Express Trip

26 Haunted Haynes Week King Tut's Treasure Hunt, Dorchester Halloween Half Term, Forde Abbey Sherborne International Film Festival

27 Halloween, Adventure Wonderland Pottery Parlour Clay Days Halloween at Farmer Palmer's Farm Park Sherborne International Film Festival 2017

28 Haunted Haynes Week The Great Half Term Dinosaur Hunt, Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester Halloween Half Term, Forde Abbey Sherborne International Film Festival 2017 Glastonbury Craft And Vintage Fair Warminster Carnival

29 Hauser and Wirth Pumpkin Festival Haunted Haynes Week Half Term at The Tank Museum Halloween at Farmer Palmer's Farm Park Sherborne International Film Festival 2017

CALENDAR AUTUMN 2017

(01747)

51151

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WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

31 Halloween at Monkey World!

1 Dorset Forest School Fridays, Dorchester

3 Archaeology Unearthed Dorset County Museum

4 Milton Abbey Open Day (Sixth) Glastonbury Craft And Vintage Fair Beckington Bonfire Night, Frome

5 Poole Quay Fireworks

6 Ladies Beginner Running Group, Kingston Lacy House

7 Guided Bird Walk Thorncombe Woods, , Dorchester

8 WOW presents Me & My Girl Weymouth Pavilion

9 WOW presents Me & My Girl Weymouth Pavilion

10 Gillingham Annual Race Night St Marys Open Morning

11 Chinese Lantern Festival, Longleat Tidy Up, Lighthouse Poole Pizza & Prosecco Festival Salisbury

12 Chinese Lantern Festival, Longleat

13 Chinese Lantern Festival, Longleat

14 Chinese Lantern Festival, (01258) Longleat

15 Shepton Mallet Carnival

16 Chinese Lantern Festival, Longleat

17 Compton Marbling Fairs, Clementine's Shop Toddler Explorers, Somerset Rural Life Museum Wells Carnival

18 Compton Marbling Fairs, Clementine's Shop Great Reindeer Hunt, Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester Glastonbury Carnival

19 Chinese Lantern Festival, Longleat

20 Great Reindeer Hunt, Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester

21 Chinese Lantern Festival, Longleat

22 Great Reindeer Hunt, Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester

23 Chinese Lantern Festival, Longleat

24 Compton Marbling Fairs, Clementine's Shop

25 Compton Marbling Fairs, Clementine's Shop Christmas Craft Fair 2017 Bath Cholderton Charlie's Christmas Craft Fair

26 Christmas at Adventure Wonderland

27 Chinese Lantern Festival, Longleat

28 Great Reindeer Hunt, Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester

29 Chinese Lantern Festival, Longleat

30 Christmas at Adventure Wonderland

NOVEMBER

MONDAY

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Hamb CChild Easter BIG

02/02/2012

(01747)

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WWW.HAMBLEDON.NET

NO SALE

(01258)

472647

NO FEE

Toddler Timetable Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

9.30-10.30 Baby Gym, Motcombe Park Sports Centre

9-10.30 Scarecrows Pre School 9-11.30 Messy Church Toddler Group, Toddler Group Cheselbourne Child Okeford Com Centre Vlillage school 9.30-11.30 Little Rascals Durweston 9.30-11 Tummies, Tiddlers and Village Hall 9.30-11.30 Toddler Workshop, Shaftesbury Toddlers, St George’s Primary 9-11.30 Stower Vale Baby & Toddlers, School, Bourton Arts Centre Stower Provost School Hall toddlerworkshop.co.uk 9.30-11 Sandroyd Pre Prep 9.30-11.30 Pimperne B&T Group, Parent and Toddler Group 9.30-11 Stay & Play, Village Hall Tisbury Children’s 9.30-11.30 Jigsaw Toddler Centre 9.30-11.30 Play and Learn, Mere Group, Sturminster Newton Children’s Centre Methodist Church 9.45-11.30 Tiddlers & Toddlers, Lecture Hall, 9.30-11.30 Little Cherubs Group, St 9.30-11.30 Piddle Valley Mere Mary’s School Room, Gillingham Tiddlers, First School, TT 9.30-11.30 Baby & 9.30-12 Bumps and Babes, Tisbury 9.30-11.30 Toddler Workshop Toddlers, Child Okeford Children’s Centre Shaftesbury Arts Centre Community Centre toddlerworkshop.co.uk 10-12 North Cadbury Toddler Group, 10-11.30 Monkey Village Hall 9.45-10.30 Squirrels Sing & Doodle, Wylye Village Dance, Hazlegrove Prep TT 10.30-12 Bushy Tails Playtime, Hall, Wylye Clayesmore Emma and her Magic Bag 10-11 Emma & The Magic Bag 10.15-10.45 Rhyme Music, Shaftesbury Arts Centre 10-11 Messy Play, Youth Centre, Times, Gillingham Library Sturminster Newton 10-11 Music & Messy play Zeals 10-11.30 Toddler Time, Village Church 10-11.30am, Little Wrigglers Climb Aboard, West Congregational Church Stalbridge Stour 10-12 Toddler Group, Batcombe Jubilee Village Hall 10-12 Evercreatures, Evercreech 11.30-12.15 Pre-School Village Hall Ballet, TLW Dance 10.30-11.00 Baby & Toddler Shaftesbury Rhyme & Story Time, 10-12 Caterpillars Parent & Toddler Wincanton Library Group, Fovant Rainbow Centre

A v i st

l a i c e p S

2-3.30 Stay n Play, Community Kids Pre School, Bruton

10.30-11.15 Library Gets Lively, 10.30-12 Sunny Hill Prep Toddler Sherborne Library Group, Bruton

2.15-2.45 Rhyme Time, Warminster Library

2-2.30 Rhyme Time, Blandford 2-3.30 Squirrels P&T Group Library Hazlegrove TT

Friday

9-11 Leweston Pre-Prep, Parent & Toddler Group and Toddler Tunes

9-11 Little Preppers Parent and Toddler Group, Sherborne PrePrep

9.30-11.30 Marnhull Baby 9.15-11.15 Bumps, Babes & Bigs Parent & Toddler Group, Okeford & Toddlers, Marnhull Village Fitzpaine Sch Hall Hall 9.30-11 Stay and Play at Ludwell Primary School 10-12 Outdoor Play Dorchester Children’s Centre 10-11.15 Knighton House School, Baby & Toddler Group

9.30-11 Sandroyd Pre Prep Swim & Play Baby, Toddler & Parent Session 9.30-11 Stay and Play Crossway, Dorchester Child Centre 9.30-11.30 Jigsaw Toddler Group, Sturminster Newton Methodist Church

9.30-10.30 Baby Gym, Motcombe Park Sport Centre

10-11 Time Together Castle Cary Primary School 9.30 Pre School Music, Just Dance, 10am Munchkins at Buckhorn Weston Village Hall

Wincanton.

10-11.30 Friday Fun Cllub, Whitesheet Academy, Zeals

10-12 Motcombe Toddlers, 10-12 North Barrow P& T Grp, Village Hall Motcombe Memorial Hall 10-12 Toddler Stay and play, 10-2 Wildside Explorers Forest School, Shaftesbury Shaftesbury Child Centre (TT only) 9.30-10.15 Emma & The Magic

10.15-10.45 Library Gets Lively, Gillingham Library

Bag, St Andrew’s Primary School, Fontmell 11-12 Mini Movers at Tisbury

2-2.45 Tiny Tots Gymnastics, Sports Centre Tisbury Leisure Centre 2.30-3 Rhyme-time, Shaftesbury Library

2-3pm Bumps and Babies Mere Children’s Centre 2.30-3pm Story & Rhyme Time at Milborne Port Library

Library

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Blandford Dorchester Gillingham

10am-6.30pm 10am-5.30pm 10am-1pm

9.30am-5pm 9.30am-7pm 9.30am-6.30pm

Closed 9.30am-1pm Closed

9.30am-6.30pm 9.30am-5.30pm 9.30am-5pm

9.30am-4pm 9am-4pm 9.30am-4pm

Mere Milborne Port

10am-7pm Closed

9.30am-1pm Closed

9.30am-5pm Closed

Shaftesbury

10am-5pm

9.30am-5pm 9.30am-1pm 2-5.30pm 9.30am-5pm

Closed

9.30am-6.30pm

Stalbridge

2-5pm

12am-12.30pm

3.30pm-6.30pm

Sherborne

10am-7pm

10am-12.30pm 2-5pm 9.30am-1.30pm

9.30am-1pm 9.30am-7pm 9.30am6.30pm 9.30am-5pm 9.30am-1pm 2-5.30pm 9.30am12.30pm 2-5pm

Closed

9.30am-7pm

Sturminster Newton Tisbury

9.30am-12.30pm

2-5pm

Closed

2-5pm 5.30-7.30pm 9.30-1.30pm 2.30-5pm

Closed

10am-1pm

9.30-1.30pm 2.30-5pm

9.30am-1.30pm 2.30-5pm

10am-6.30pm 10am-7pm

9.30am-1pm 9.30am-5pm

Closed 9am-12.30pm

Wincanton Wimborne Warminster

Thursday

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9.30am-1pm 9.30am12.30pm 9.30am-1pm 9.30am12.30pm 9.30am-4pm 9am-12.30pm Closed 9.30am-12pm 9.30am-4pm 9.30am-4pm

Inside Out

Light Up

Kidtropolis 2017

Things to do Places to go

very year the skies light up around early November. With plenty of local displays around to see, here are some of the best firework displays around. West Bay Days organise a huge event on East Bay, Bridport with a truly spectacular bonfire and fireworks display, as well as live music entertainment, out-doorbar and range of food and other stalls. 28 Oct Beckington Bonfire Night near Frome is on the Saturday and starts from 6pm. Along with the enevitable bonfire and Fireworks display, there will be food, sparklers and glowsticks for sale, and a bar selling beer and mulled wine. 4th Nov Poole Quay, Bonfire Night Fireworks Stunningly set off over the water to give double the impact this display is one of the most popular around. As a free event, entertainment starts from 4.30pm with live music, street entertainers, jugglers and fire performances throughout the day into the evening. 5th Nov

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Bristol based Pregnancy2Baby show will be held at the University of Western England exhibition & conference centre where many leading nursery brands will be on display. To add an international flavour, maternity and baby product brands from Spain, Belgium and Germany are also exhibiting. In addition, the latest models from Citroen, Dacia, Renault and Volvo will on display with experts to hand to demonstrate the vehicles as many families change their car when a new baby is on the way. 14-15 Oct. For more details visit: pregnancy2babyshow.co.uk

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL SUN 29 OCTOBER 2017 10 AM – 5 PM COMPETITIONS, LIVE MUSIC GAMES, FOOD WWW.HAUSERWIRTHSOMERSET.COM DURSLADE FARM, DROPPING LANE, BRUTON, BA10 0NL

idtropolis, the UK’s best show for children is back, bigger and better than ever before. Taking place at ExCeL London during October half term, from 23 Oct – 26 Oct, Kidtropolis is a family event for children aged 12 and under and their parents and guardians. Packed to the point of bursting, with live shows, children’s character favourites, exciting entertainment, popular brands and endless activities. Families won’t find this much fun, all under one roof, anywhere else in the UK. And here’s a little taster of what’s to come at Kidtropolis 2017… This year, Kidtropolis is giving families the chance to choose two LIVE Shows when booking tickets, and there are 15 to choose from! Michelle (Victoria Baldesarra), Noah (Myles Erlick), Richelle (Briar Nolet), and Henry (Isaiah Peck) from the cast of the hit television series, The Next Step (produced by Radical Sheep, a division of Boat Rocker Studios) will be joining Kidtropolis to perform LIVE. Some lucky fans will be whisked off for an exclusive meet and greet with the stars too! From London, they have the superstar street dance troop Flawless who will be showcasing their talents and performing their renowned routines, plus they will be joined by the next generation of street dance talent - students from their very own school of dance, The Flawless Dance School. There’s the naughty and quick-witted Basil Brush Show, Peppa Pig’s story time, Marvin’s Magic Live show with the award-winning Michael J Fitch as seen on Channel 4’s brilliant “Freaky Magic”, the interactive mini musical Octonauts™ show, the Sylvanian Families special show and there’s massive bubbles, pies and science from Captain Calamity. And if that wasn’t enough, there are the much-loved family favourites, Postman Pat® and Jess the Cat who are bringing their Special Baking Service mini show to Kidtropolis, plus Fireman Sam will be celebrating his 30th anniversary on stage. Sooty, Sweep and Soo will be visiting from CITV, with their brand-new show, accompanied by TV’s Richard Cadell. KIDZ BOP, the music brand for kids that record kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest pop music hits, will be bringing The KIDZ BOP Kids live show for all to see, too! Children’s TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson is bringing her Wild and Scary Show to life; packed full of fun and surprises as Naomi shares her most exciting wildlife experiences and even introduces the audience to some of the most fierce and frightening animals she met along the way! Kidtropolis is the ultimate day out, to book tickets, check show schedules, and for more information visit kidtropolis. co.uk 23 Oct - 26 Oct From £13.50.

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he Christmas pantomime at Salisbury Playhouse this year will be Jack and the Beanstalk again from the creative team behind their past panto hits Cinderella and Aladdin. As always, this year’s pantomime promises to be a funfilled hit for all of the family. Packed with songs, adventure, comedy and traditional pantomime fun, Jack and the Beanstalk runs from 2 Dec to 7 Jan with a range of morning, afternoon and evening performances. For younger theatre goers, new musical Little Robin Redbreast, in which Robin links advent calendar pictures in a magical quest, comes to The Salberg from the writers of last year’s The Night Before Christmas. 11-13 Dec salisburyplayhouse.com.

A guide to local live entertainment

odolphin School in Salisbury is delighted to announce the line-up for its second Literary Festival. There are a number of author events for school children and three evening talks open to the public: Giles Hattersley on feature writing and interviewing the stars; Tracy Chevalier on her latest novel, ‘New Boy’ and Joel Morris and Jason Hazeley on their Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups. Tickets are £5 and free to under 18s but must be booked. Amongst many more, the festival also supports awardwinning illustrator, Jennie Maizels who is well known for her pop-up books of London and New York. Jennie’s first job after art school was to design and make the window displays of Harvey Nichols for London Fashion Week: The Body Shop. Working for Dillons Bookstores followed, and soon her talent for 3D progressed to pop-up books. She also designs funky iron-on patches for children's clothing. 9 – 11 Oct ticketsource.co.uk/ godolphinliteraryfestival litfest@godolphn.wilts.sch.uk 01722 430630

cherubimtrust.org/cmf17

Izzy Wizzy!

et's get busy! The Sooty Show is back in a brand-new event with guaranteed giggles for the whole family! Direct from CITV, Sooty, Sweep and Soo head into town accompanied by TV’s Richard Cadell. Mr Slater has put Richard in charge of running the show but nothing going to plan! Sooty's magic tricks turn very messy and Sweep's escapology act has him all tied up. Maybe Soo and her tap dancing will save the day? With special guest stars Butch and Ramsbottom. 30 Sept, 11am & 2.30pm lighthousepoole.co.uk

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On the Move Moving house is very rarely plain sailing. Rebecca Fletcher is on hand to offer some top tips for surviving the whole process unscathed!

oving house is cited as being one of the top five most challenging life events. It’s exhausting and stressful and requires a serious amount of organisation and patience…and that’s all before you’ve even got to the upheaval of moving day itself! Endless paperwork, solicitors, negotiating, praying it doesn’t all fall through, the list is endless. Then there’s the small matter of relocating an entire family, furniture plus belongings and, in many cases, pets too, from one abode to another. Things never seem to run smoothly either. On our moving rollercoaster ride, we were left ringing removal companies with less than a week’s notice and begging until we found one to move us on a bank holiday weekend. A month later and with the last of the boxes finally unpacked, I can categorically state that I am staying put forever. Moving house is not for the faint-hearted! With that in mind, I thought I might share a few tips to help make moving house more of a doddle.

Be prepared

Finding the right way to involve children is key to a smooth transition. Unable to remember the last time we moved, my little one was convinced that our things would be left behind for the new owners, and was distraught at the prospect. I’m not entirely sure that they would have been happy to inherit her entire Playmobil farm, but it just goes to show that talking to your children about moving is an important part of the process.

Looking forward

Involve your child with some of the decision making. We’re not talking where to buy or which house to go for but more simple things like bedroom colours or where they’d like to put their furniture and toys in their new room. Older children may be sad or nervous. Why not try to highlight all the good things about moving and ask them what they might look forward to? Explore your new area (and house if you can get access to it before you complete) together so that they can see moving as something positive rather than focusing on the things which they might miss. Look out for fun things to do – parks, playgrounds and local activities.

Do your homework

Don’t put off finding a new school, nursery or day care provider until after you’ve moved. This may seem obvious but I can think of lots of friends who have left this until they are settled in their

new home, only to find that local schools are oversubscribed, have waiting lists or strict catchment areas. It pays to find out more information before you move. Investigate all your options locally and slightly further afield, look at Ofsted reports, join local chat forums and post questions. Get information on the ground from local families too. Trial mornings and open days are a great way to meet the staff as well as new parents and to check out new environments before a child’s first day. Do a trial run of any potential routes to school to make sure the first morning runs smoothly.

Enlist professionals

When it comes to boxing up the contents of your home, packing services are seriously underrated. We only paid a bit extra for this but it was worth its weight in gold and the removal men were far quicker at packing boxes and putting up beds than we ever could have been. A top tip, which our removal company shared, is to label boxes with a numbering system so you know immediately which cupboard is boxed up in each box. Work from left to right so that the first cupboard you pack is 1 and so on. This was invaluable when I couldn’t find the corkscrew and I could visualise which cupboard/drawer it had come from and look for the numbered box.

Help on hand

Try to make the process as painless as you can by enlisting a bit of help. Whether it’s having an extra pair of hands on moving day or asking friends or family to have the children for a few hours – it’ll help you to tackle the bigger jobs faster. Make arrangements for any pets to be looked after too.

Last but not least

Pack all essential items into a box and take this in the car with you; tea bags, a couple of mugs and glasses and snacks to keep you going. We packed phone chargers, local takeaway numbers, a handful of toys, a laptop and some DVDs to keep the children entertained so we could focus on unpacking and moving things round before it was time for bath and bedtime rituals. The best advice I can give you? Don’t feel you have to do all the unpacking at once – only tackle the necessary rooms first. Make time for yourself and for goodness sake, pop the corkscrew into your handbag. You’ll want that glass of wine to hand – it’s the key to your survival!

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The Great Outdoors

ith the days now getting shorter, there is often the temptation for us to batten down the hatches and focus on activities within the comfort of our own homes. Yet, during the autumn months, Mother Nature still offers us plenty of al fresco activities to get involved in and, with the right attire – ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!’ – you can guarantee a fun-filled family day out. During this time of year, our hedgerows and woodlands really do come to life, their branches weighed down with jewel-like, edible treats. A day spent foraging for food is one of the most fulfilling autumnal activities a family can do! Armed with little more than a foraging guide and bounty-collecting containers, adults and children alike can look forward to sampling the delights of the natural world at this particularly beautiful time of year. Early autumn is often considered by many to be the best time to go foraging and in September the beech nuts are at their

This season Miranda will be heading out into the hedgerow to uncover an abundance of edible treats. Children will love hunting for these tasty and natural snacks!

best! Every 4-5 years, a beech tree will produce a bumper crop of nuts, which can be picked and eaten immediately. Simply scrape off the outer brown skin and munch on the triangular seed within or, alternatively, roast them back at home and add to risottos and salads. You’ll have to be quick off the mark, as these tasty snacks are a firm favourite of squirrels, badgers and birds. The sight of sloes growing in the hedgerows will be sure to catch the parents’ eyes! These tart, acidic berries are generally collected after the first frost and are used to make the delicious, autumnal drink, sloe gin. The blue-black berries can be collected from the end of September right though to December. Look out for the thorns, which grow around the berries, as they have a habit of being particularly vicious. October is the month for collecting edible wild mushrooms. Extreme caution needs to be applied when foraging for these fungal delights as the edible varieties can often be easily confused with those that are poisonous to humans. Mushroom identification takes both time and practice so arming yourself with a comprehensive guide book (or even better, a foraging expert!) will help you on your way. Fungal favourites to look out for are Bay boletes, Charcoal burners, Penny buns and Field mushrooms, as these all possess distinctly individual flavours. November sees the arrival of the sweet chestnut – a firm Christmas favourite, which was brought to the UK by the Romans many moons ago. This festive treat can be roasted, boiled, baked or even put in the microwave! The sweet chestnut is a versatile nut, which can be enjoyed on its own or used in puddings and pies – and for those with a sweeter tooth, it can be stored in syrup and enjoyed for months to come. Sweet Chestnut trees start dropping their nuts from October right through to the early winter. Of course, a foraging adventure isn’t complete without a basketful of freshly picked blackberries. How many families have set out on a Sunday morning with the intention of collecting these delicious treats for making a blackberry crumble…only to glance down at the children’s purple-stained faces and quickly realise that the crumble will have to wait for another day! Whatever natural treats you go in search of, here’s to a successful and fun-filled foraging adventure.

Creative Carvers Wanted!

ave a spooktacular start to Halloween with Orchard Park’s Pumpkin Carving Workshop in Gillingham! Choose from a selection of fun designs to carve into a pumpkin that you can take home with you. They supply the hollowed pumpkins, carving tools and refreshments. The workshop will be on Friday 27th October at 10.30am to 11.30am and again 12.30pm to 1.30pm; this is a pre-booked event charged at £7per child – spaces are limited so advise booking early to avoid disappointment! The workshop will be undercover but wrap up warm as it will be outside by Orchard Café and all children are to be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times during carving. To find out more or book visit: orchardpark.biz

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Down on the Farm with Care Farming is an exciting new initiative, which is enabling youngsters to spend time working in the great outdoors.

esearch shows that time spent in the countryside can have beneficial effects on both the body and mind. This can be particularly true for individuals with extra needs; quality time outdoors can help promote confidence, self-esteem and a respect for the world. The National Social Farming Initiative (also known as Care Farming) was founded in 2005. This inspirational enterprise aims to help individuals with additional needs by involving them in short and long-term projects on farms. Shortly after the launch of Care Farming, Stephen Sellers and his wife, Mary, founded FarmBuddies, an organisation which helps match individuals to the right farm, wherever they live in the Southern Region. The FarmBuddies programme usually consists of a farm visit one day a week throughout term time. The day is divided up for participants into a welcome drink and chat, followed by looking after the animals and various other short-term jobs around the farm, such as shed painting.

Often, a longer-term project, which lasts the duration of the programme (e.g reviving an old orchard or pond) is also incorporated into the experience. At any time, participants can take a break to chill out, sit down and watch, or just go for a walk. There is usually a simple hot, nutritious healthy lunch, which might be grown, prepared, cooked and eaten by the ‘farm helpers’ themselves! Currently, over 9000 individuals are using Social Farming across the UK each week, with plans to triple this number over the next five years. The changes to people’s lives can be quick and humbling - Social Farming can really work wonders. To end with a plea to parents and carers from Stephen and Mary; “Don’t overlook this new opportunity; it may not be advertised by big corporate budgets – but Social Farming can really work wonders for your son or daughter.” More information from FarmBuddies visit: farmbuddies.org.uk

"S is really enjoying his time at the farm. I am going to try to secure funding for him to be supported for the second placement next year.” Parent "The short version is that our visits are fantastic!! M is great and the activities she arranges for J are many and varied and perfectly suited to him, keeping him interested and occupied.” Parent "It's been SUCH a great experience for C and he really has done extremely well there. D is great and keeps them very busy. It's so lovely to see the boys complete MEANINGFUL work which they can see the reason for. Thanks so much for sorting out the placement.” Parent

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Heads Up One family's journey with the rare condition, Craniosynostosis.

n 2014, we were delighted when our family expanded to three; the arrival of our son, Monty brought a new sense of purpose to our daily musings and activities. However, it quickly became apparent that all was not as it should be… At six weeks, Monty was given a CT scan, which confirmed that the bones which make up his skull had suffered premature fusing, causing him to have a very triangular shaped forehead and inset eyes; a condition known as Craniosynostosis. Fusing of the skull plates at such an early age can cause pressure to build up between the brain and skull (intracranial pressure) with the potential also for developmental challenges, if left untreated. After researching the condition and finding the charity, Headlines, I became aware that there were 4 specially-funded units (known as supra centres) where those with Monty’s condition can receive multi-disciplinary care. Sadly, it seems many health professionals are unaware of these supra centres and, as a result, it can be hard for parents to make informed choices about the care available to them. This is something Headlines, as a charity, is working hard to change. We remained persistent in our request to be referred to one of the four specialist centres, based in Oxford, and finally, to our relief, our G.P made it possible. Monty is always seen by the multi-disciplinary team in one appointment at Oxford, which means we only ever have to journey up to Oxford once for the combined professional team reviews, making it so much easier to access appropriate information and keep everyone involved updated. There are four main types of Craniosynostosis, some syndromic and some non-syndromic with around 1:2000 children being born with a form of the condition. Within the last 2 years we have become aware of 5 other families in our local area through friends of friends, who have children with various types of Craniosynostosis, all finding the journey to find out about/receive treatment from the supra centres difficult. When the time came for Monty's operation (it occurred at 13 months old - the optimum operative window for his type of Craniosynostosis due to the point of skull growth/infant development) we were understandably concerned but felt well supported and informed by the Oxford craniofacial team. We had two days of pre-op appointments and on the third day Monty’s operation took place. The operation involved removing Monty’s skull, cutting it up and replacing it to create a regular skull shape to allow for future development and normal growth. We accompanied him to theatre at 9:30am and we saw him again in HDU at 5:30pm straight after the operation. It was a long day, which we spent quietly reflecting on things and mostly just being incredibly thankful for the amazing team around our precious son, and anxious to know everything would be ok. Due to the extensive reconstruction, Monty did look very different after his operation and with all the drains, drips and monitors he had in, it was initially upsetting to see. But, the fact that our little boy had come through with no complications soon took over and relief set in. During the operation, the anaesthetist ensured appropriate

blood transfusion amounts were given, the neurosurgeon protected Monty’s brain during removal and re-application of the skull, keeping the dura (membrane protecting the brain) safe and the plastic surgeon gave Monty brow bones (which he hadn't had before), a new rounded forehead and replaced the rest of his skull all to ensure his brain could grow to its optimum. He spent four days in children's HDU, one night following on the ward and then we were discharged to continue care at home. It was an incredibly short stay for what was major surgery; one of the most complex surgeries the nurses in HDU see on a regular basis. The resources in the hospital were amazing with play therapists helping distract Monty through painful tests or taking him to sensory spaces (garden or room) when he was recovering. The entire staffing teams we encountered were considerate of our needs and helped us manage and digest difficult information, and they kept Monty as comfortable as possible throughout. To ease our stresses in preparing and managing through the operative period we were able to stay in the Ronald McDonald family housing within the hospital - never before had we seen the amazing impact of the penny collection pots from McDonald's. It's fantastic home-from-home accommodation, which really helped during our stay; giving us somewhere to go to sleep and eat whilst being close to HDU and later the wards. Monty will now receive checkups by the team until he finishes growing. He has to be careful with impact sports - no scrum position in rugby for him, and we have to be vigilant around any possible intracranial pressure being evident. Other than that, all that is visible for others to see is his zig zag scar from ear to ear, which is only evident when he has a hair wash! We have been astonished at the speed of recovery and how well Monty coped with things like the significant swelling post-op, which temporarily impaired his visibility. We have been delighted with his development since the operation. Soon after he had his operation, Monty was confidently walking and now at just over two years old, he is such a happy little chatterbox who is desperate to explore and investigate the world around him, completely oblivious to the ordeal he endured just over one year ago. We won't know what the long-term implications of Monty’s condition are for him, but for now he is happy and healthy and growing well, which is all we could have hoped for. Support can be found at : headlines.org.uk nhs. uk/conditions/craniosynostosis/pages/symptoms.aspx changingfaces.org.uk

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL Whenever anyone visits Warminster School there’s one thing everyone agrees on, and that’s our sense of community. Visitors always comment on how special it is, how unusual. And it’s not just our teaching staff – from prep pupils to catering staff, our sense of warmth and our values are evident in whoever you cross paths with – be it our groundsmen, matrons, sports coaches or sixth formers. Because we all work together closely to keep those values alive. We embrace all of our pupils – whatever their talents. Working together to create a safe and nurturing environment where our pupils can fulfil their full potential. Please reserve your place online for our 7 October Open Day so you can discover just how special our sense of community is. 01985 210160 admissions@warminsterschool.org.uk www.warminsterschool.org.uk

BOOKWORMS Sexeys School, Bruton, Somerset told in a down-to-earth way. By Benjamin Miller, Year 8 The One Dollar Horse by Lauren St John

(Pictured: World Book Day at Sexey’s School)

stablished in 1891, Sexey’s School is a Church of England, co-educational state boarding and day school for students aged 11-18. It is located in the beautiful Somerset town of Bruton. Sexey’s School is a ‘reading’ school. Every Key Stage 3 lesson begins with silent reading, English homework includes reading for pleasure every week and our library is a well-used, busy place. Sexey’s students always have a reading book in their bag and can be found at break and lunch-time reading outdoors and in. The weekly Library Lessons for our younger students introduce them to the workings of libraries and the abundant choice of books, fiction and non-fiction, available to them. We know that this approach to reading embeds habits that lead to life-long pleasure of books. The English corridor also has a free lending library of around 200 books to borrow and to return whenever is convenient – there are no deadlines, no fines, no checking in. New students into Year 7 at Sexey’s will read Beowulf, Kensuke’s Kingdom, The Tempest and The Odyssey, while Year 8s look forward to The Woman In Black, Macbeth, The Hound of the Baskervilles and a six week independent reading project. Year 9s read Of Mice and Men, Romeo and Juliet, The Pearl, Stone Cold, and a selection of American and WW1 poetry, as well as Roald Dahl’s wonderful short stories.

exey’s School, Cole Road, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0DF .sexeys.org Headmaster: Irfan Latif

When You Dead, You Dead by Guy Martin This non-fiction book covers motorcycle racer Guy’s World Record attempts as well as his travels around the world. I particularly enjoyed his tales of India where he joined in a motorbike dirt track race, followed by a visit to a truck yard where he met a woman who was replacing a tyre using her bare hands. He compared the two worlds. I recommend this book for boys and girls who enjoy practical challenges and real-life adventures

This book is about a girl who finds a horse, emaciated, and with the help of her elderly friend, Angelica Smith, she nurtures the horse back to full health, while trying to fulfil her dreams of becoming a top eventer. However, with her horse, Storm Warning's shabby appearance, and her repeated low scores at events, other riders scorn and doubt her. The One Dollar Horse combines a traditional horse story with a modern twist, making it a unique read. By Emily Dillon, Year 7 Mad Dogs (part of the Cherub series) by Robert Muchamore

situation, Sara continues to use her imagination to make her life and the lives of those around her happier. Her amazing perseverance, even in her darkest hour, proves that she truly is a little princess. By Rose Beedle, Year 8 Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs This fantasy story is about a parallel world to us, which is home to Peculiardom or peculiars. They have magical abilities like invisibility, manipulating time and seeing the deadliest monster – which is what 16 year old Jacob discovers is his talent after his grandfather’s mysterious death. He then travels to the Welsh island of Cairholm to unmask his grandfather’s past. I’d recommend this trilogy of books to readers aged 10+ who can handle small font and cliffhangers!

“Cherub” is a fantastic series filled with mystery, comedy and action. I love this series and have read every book more than once. My favourite book in the series is Mad Dogs where James (the main character) is sent to infiltrate a ruthless gang called the Mad Dogs and arrest their leader Sasha Thompson. I recommend this book to anyone aged 13+ who is into agent genre books or have read the Anthony Horowitz "Stormbreaker" series.

By Phoebe Marsh, Year 7

By Hylas-Jack Hanaway, Year 8

By Nisha White, Year 8

A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett This book is about Sara Crewe, a rich heiress who finds herself poor and orphaned. Forced to work as a servant, Sara continues to act with kindness to everyone she meets. Despite her terrible

The Lion Children, by Angus, Maisie and Travers McNeice This is a great story about the McNeice family living in an idyllic 300 year old cottage in the Cotswolds. But in 1995, their biologist mother took an opportunity to study lions in Botswana and, in the space of three months, changed the family’s life forever. Read as they take you on their journey.

including the Cheshire Cat, March Hare and Mad Hatter. After running away from a tea party, Alice watches servants painting roses red to appease the Queen of Hearts, who later accuses Alice of being a tart thief. Alice wakes up realizing it was all a dream. By Colette Mason, Year 7 Billionaire Boy, by David Walliams Billionaire Boy Joe is a really rich kid who’s got everything he could ever ask for including pet sharks, a 2,300 metre swimming pool and a Formula 1 racing car that Jensen Button once raced. But he realises that even with all these luxuries he has never gained any friends. When he moves to new school he meets up with an unpopular boy called Bob, who everybody calls Blob. Gradually, they become friends. However, Joe does not know that his Dad has paid Bob to be his friend. The book describes what happens when Joe finds out and the two boys discover the true meaning of friendship. I think the moral of this story is that money isn’t everything. By Nicole Crombie, Year 7

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll Alice’s Adventures opens on a scene of Alice reading over her sister’s shoulder. Alice sees a white rabbit scurry down a hole and follows him. In Wonderland, she meets an assortment of strange characters

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.

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

New Toddler Club

new monthly garden club for tots has launched at Knoll Gardens in Wimborne. Bugs and Buds aims to inspire a love of nature from an early age with tots enjoying planting, nest building and bug hunting as well as activities specific to the changing seasons at Knoll. The club is part of a programme of activities being run by a charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation that encourages sustainable, wildlife-friendly gardening based on the methods used in the garden at Knoll. The monthly club will run from 10.30 – 12 noon on the last Saturday of each month and costs £4.50 per child. It is aimed at tots ages 2 – 4 and their parent/carer. More information can be found at knollgardensfoundation.org

News In Brief

 The Friends of Hazlegrove ball raises a staggering £32,000 for local charity PROMISEworks  Sandroyds Year 8 Common Entrance candidates all won places into their first choice school.  Createful are proud to announce the launch of a brand new website for the South Coast’s largest childcare provider, Tops Day Nurseries 

Structured Schooling

upils at Clayesmore School in Dorset have been getting hands on and creative over the summer term with the building of their very own shepherd hut. Years 9, 10 and 11 at the school have been building a self-build hut by Blackdown Shepherd Huts which will be used for a range of things on school grounds when it’s complete - from Open Days to a bird hide at the school lake, as a stage for music events, cinema, fieldwork centre for Biology, Geography, as a reading room for all ages, and a play centre for the Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep School. The children say: ‘We’ve loved building our Blackdown Shepherd Hut. We came across many challenges, including the window frames and wall cladding, but Mr Burton's judgement, Miss Horwell's patience and Mr Richards' brainpower made sure that we soon overcame these obstacles.'

MEET THE HEAD

Adam Smith Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop School, Wiltshire

How long have you been at the school? I joined the school in February 2016, having previously worked in primary schools as a senior leader and class teacher for 18 years. The post at Chimark and Fonthill Bishop is my dream role, having the chance to build a team and a school which achieves excellent results in a nurturing environment. What is the ethos of your school? We believe in developing the whole child, nurturing them into confident and self-reliant individuals. Being a Church school, faith, kindness and duty to others underpins the expectations we have of ourselves and the pupils. How do you help ensure that every child meets their full potential? We have a curriculum that is designed to develop confidence and independence in learning. I believe that learning has been successful when the individual can independently and consistently apply what they have learnt - I expect to see this happening not just in the lesson but also in the following days, weeks and months. The future skill set needed to be an adult in the 21st century is one that will require pupils to have more skills than those in the current National Curriculum. We teach more than the basic

curriculum and develop the whole child, through confidence in public speaking, manners, independence, resourcefulness, and problem solving skills. We promote academic excellence, sportsmanship and have a wide and engaging arts programme, which allows all pupils to show their full potential. What do you find most rewarding about teaching? The best and most rewarding aspect of teaching is energy. Children are excited by learning and, to achieve great results, we also need to be excited by the new challenges that we face each day. Honestly it is hard not to be excited when the pupils are discovering new skills. Working in an environment like this is thrilling and very rewarding. What are your own hobbies and interests? I am a family man and enjoy spending time with my wife, three children and naughty puppy. I am also keen to learn new skills and have over the years learnt to climb, kayak, and have recently taken up car mechanics my latest project being a 20 year old land rover defender (called Olive - because she is green!) What does the future hold for you and your school? The school is undergoing a rapid period of improvement; as shown by our latest SATs results. The next step is to maintain this growth and provide excellent results for the future year six pupils of Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop School.

An Arts and Academic Alliance

great deal of the talk currently surrounding schools is about funding, cuts and lack of time to look beyond the core subjects of English and Maths. What is sometimes missed is that schools are constantly looking at new ways to make the curriculum exciting, vibrant and inspirational. Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop Primary School, a small village school near Tisbury, is doing just that and have collaborated with Messums Wiltshire, (a local inspirational and innovative Art Centre) by aiding the school to host an exhibition of work created by the pupils, led by the school’s artist, Vivienne Haywood. The portraits were framed and hung in the gallery, much to the delight of the pupils and parents, then sold at the school fete, but not at Cork Street prices! Founder Johnny Messum is building Messums Wiltshire to be a cultural institution in the South West of England, celebrating the importance of making and the creative endeavor with a programme of international as well as local art, design and performance. Adam Smith, Headteacher at Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop Primary School, approach is to raise standards, by employing experts in music, musical theatre and art to work each week with the pupils. This is part of his philosophy that building confidence and creativity in a child also raises academic results - something that has already been demonstrated by the schools recent SATs results. The two leaders creating a unique partnership linking the Arts to Academic success.

Speech Day Speaker

ort Regis School was delighted to welcome a special guest to their end of term Speech Day. Michael Morpurgo, former children’s Laureate and bestselling author of wonderful classics such as ‘War Horse’ and ‘Private Peaceful’ was a hugely entertaining and charismatic speaker who enthralled parents, pupils and staff alike. After handing out the annual awards, he encouraged everyone not to get too caught up in winning prizes; success comes in many different forms and at all stages of life. He also spoke movingly about what he wishes for our children and recited ‘I Wish for You’, a letter he has written as a grandfather to his granddaughter, urging us to protect the people, places and life we love from climate change for generations to come. Stephen Ilett, Headmaster of Port Regis said: “Michael was a thoroughly engaging and thoughtful speaker and we feel very privileged to have him join us for Speech Day. I’m sure the children will have some great memories of his visit to Port Regis, inspiring them in so many different ways.” Michael’s charity, Farms for City Children, is Port Regis’ charity of the year from September. This wonderful charity offers children from towns and cities all over the country a unique opportunity to live and work together for a week on a real farm in the heart of the countryside.

The school aims to continue to build links with Messums Wiltshire and is now adding visual media into the curriculum, with its own Chilmark TV channel. Johnny is keen to promote the ability of young people to understand the visual language of art and discuss its meaning so the pupils latest project was to review work in Messums’ latest exhibition. Adam Smith comments: "The pupils at Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop School are all experts at talking (as many children are!) and have taken on the challenge." What is beyond doubt is the value of the relationship with Messums Wiltshire and the impact that a wider arts education brings to the pupils. When schools are facing cuts and increasingly ambitious expectations, investing time in satisfying the needs of the whole child seems to be proving itself to be an excellent way to gain better results and develop confidence and self-esteem. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Marnhull has been awarded an ‘outstanding’ judgement following their recent Diocesan inspection.

Performance of Poppies

arminster School’s Sports Hall recently became an epic installation of the Front Line, with audiences greeted at the door by a poppy cascade and WWI Sergeant Major Ben Pearson and Privates Alfie Dackcombe and Hugh Stott. The scene was perfectly set for the Lower School production of Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful The play’s exploration of love, loss, war and courage was realised by the cast’s vibrant and compelling performance and Mrs Harris, Mrs Griffiths, Miss Simons and Mr Hill must be congratulated for directing and coordinating what was a very complex and thought provoking production. Emily Harris, Head of Drama at Warminster and Director of the play commented, “This is a play with 41 scenes and in planning it I had a light bulb moment. I remembered the wonderful set used in Waterloo Station for “The Railway Children”, and knew it would work if I could just find a long enough space… The Sports Hall was perfect and the PE Department have been very generous to allow us to use it.”

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

Paloma Lily Florist has opened up a new shop in West Street, Wilton. Free Range Business Accounting receive runner up awards at the Mendip Buisness awards for both Small Business of the Year and Training and Development Excellence. Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) have presented a cheque for £500 to Julia’s House, the children’s hospice caring for families across Dorset and Wiltshire.TLW Dance Studios launch new ﬁtness studio, offering a wider range of classes to teenagers and adults

Tentalisingly Good

ACCESSIBLE AFFORDABLE EDUCATION • Independent CoͲEducational • Small class sizes

• Day & boarding school • Caring family community • Strong academic achievement • Situated near RNAS Yeovilton • Forces discount available • New site opening September

Call 01935 423514 or email admissions@parkschool.com The Park School, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1DH

Unlock your child’s potential

WestcountrySEN provides specialist tuition for a range of difficulties that impact on a child’s education such as: Dyslexia/Dyscalculia/Dyspraxia Reading and writing difficulties Auditory/visual processing difficulties Maths phobia / anxiety Social anxiety / school phobia Low confidence Victims of bullying Emotional and behavioural difficulties Long standing physical illnesses Mental health problems Bereavement

Specialised support is available for all academic stages: ■ Early years ■ SATs ■ Common Entrance ■ GCSEs ■ A levels ■ General Tuition

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

Pippa Bealing BSc Hons, MSc, MSc, MBPsS  01747 859102 07717 723759 westcountrysen.com pippa@westcountrysen.com 31 Wincombe Business Centre, The Wincombe Park, Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 9QJ

arolyn and Clive Bourchier recently launched a luxury safari tent glamping experience at Bittles Brook Farm, overlooking the Blackmore Vale. Originally purchasing the farm in 2010 as a riding school the couple now look to host glamping experiences. Both proprietors have travelled extensively; Clive grew up in Mexico and later travelled the globe working on yachts, whilst Caroline was brought up in Bahrain and worked as an air stewardess for British Airways. As a result, the pair appreciate what is required in the world of hospitality, décor and service. The farm is still home to horses, sheep and chickens as well as a British Large Black Pig called Beauty – hence the name of the new business, ‘Black Pig Retreats.” And have expanded the equestrian venue to allow visiting professionals to run clinics. Clive says, “Our land overlooks stunning views of the Blackmore Vale and the sunsets are to die for. I have installed gas-powered hot water and heated towel rails in each bathroom. The extra large deck has outdoor dining for six, but if it’s chilly then guests can relax on comfortable sofas in front of the roaring wood burning stove, or sit at the dining room table. This is a far cry from camping!” The three tents are available to hire together or individually, whilst the unique straw bale building, ‘The Shearing Shed’ lends itself to group celebrations. Find out more here: classicglamping.co.uk

Beehold, New Online Toy Shop!

ituated in the heart of the West Country, comes a new online toy shop! The new Beehive Toy Factory is run by Richard, a father and grandfather who also runs the successful Beehive Self Storage company with branches in Child Okeford, Taunton and Lopen. Beehive Toy Factory offers customers a uniquely designed range of high quality traditional, soft toys, wooden toys, craft toys and gifts. Co run by a team of mums, dads, aunts and uncles, their mission at Beehive Toy Factory is to provide safe, high quality toys and gifts for the young, (and young at heart!) at fair prices. All the toys comply with EN71 European Toy Safety regulations and, where appropriate, carry the CE Mark. The wooden toys use non-toxic paint and stains and the soft toys are made using only safe, flame-resistant materials. Check out beehivetoyfactory.co.uk for current deals and offers!

Shh it's a Secret!

OPEN for Business H

HMRC’s “Making Tax MONEY MATTERS Digital” Project

MRC and the government are changing how the tax system works. The project is called Making Tax Digital (MTD) and is being phased in from April 2018. It is expected to include all taxpayers, both personal and corporate by 2020. Instead of allowing tax payers to complete self-assessment tax returns long after transactions happen, the two big changes ahead are: - Making quarterly reports in the year, and - Having to keep accounting records on software which enables you to make direct uploads to HMRC. You will also have to do a final report to HMRC after the year end. These changes will affect all but the very smallest businesses and landlords. Latest announcements from the Chancellor confirm the first people entering the new system, from April 2018 onwards: - Self-employed traders with turnover over £85,000 p.a. and - Anyone receiving rental income (before any expenses) of over £85,000 p.a. If you are in this group, and are not already using computerised accounting systems, now is a good time to review your approach to record keeping. Cloud based accounting packages will give you better information about your growing business, and they will help you to adapt to MTD. Smaller businesses and landlords are expected to have to join the new system from April 2019 onwards, but Government plans about how the changes will apply to this group are not yet clear, and the political climate makes the future less clear. At present, everyone with turnover or rental income of over £10,000 is expected to be included, but this could be relaxed. Very simple free MTD linked software packages will be made available. They are expected to suit only the smallest businesses. Spreadsheets will also be brought into the system, but it remains unclear how they will be able to link to HMRC. Neither of these solutions are likely to work for people in the first group to be affected. The good news, for now, is that it is clearer that tax payment dates will be unchanged. There are plans to introduce voluntary pay as you go, but the scheme looks unsuitable for most people.

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

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

spirited Alice adores Secret, her d young pony, but she’s worrie him. she’ll never be able to train

a fearless rider with Then she meets Finn. He’s . Alice would ask an amazing way with horses It takes a series so rude. for his help if he wasn’t bring them together, of mysterious events to fighting to save until they find themselves future… their horses and Finn’s

Tops Day Nurseries showed their support by holding various activities across their settings to help the children to gain a better understanding about disabilities and how to help those living with disabilities for Disability Awareness Day in the UK. £6.99

www.nosycrow.com

Cheeky Monkey

ocal Christchurch mum, Becky Smart, launches new start-up kids clothing brand, Austin & Monkey this year. Inspired by her own young son, Austin, and his friends, the designs are fun and engaging and the t-shirts are super comfortable to wear. The designs can also be personalised with children's names, initials or ages, offering a bespoke, yet affordable, product that can't be found on the high street. The t-shirts are ethically sourced and made from 100% cotton. As a mum herself, Becky understands what parents are looking for in clothing for young children: quality, durability and washability, as well as tactile, comfortable designs that will appeal to a toddler on even the stroppiest of days. The products have been thoroughly tested by toddlers and made with mums and dads in mind. Becky says, "Being a mum to a toddler brings many challenges, including daily battles over getting dressed. Having witnessed first-hand how much easier it is to dress a child in something they want to wear, I set about creating a series of designs aimed at pre-school children and the response has been fantastic. My two year old can identify each of the animals from his storybooks and tell me which one he wants to wear, which means one less battle in the mornings, and his friends all love them too!" Austin & Monkey hand prints its products in small numbers from Becky's workshop in Dorset. austinandmonkey.co.uk

ocal Dorset author Olivia Tuffin launches a brilliant new pony series for horse lovers everywhere. The book is based on a little girl, Alice who adores her young strawberry roan pony, Secret, even though he’s always getting into trouble! Alice dreams of a more exciting future for her and Secret ... if only Secret was easier to train. But a chance encounter with the mysterious rider Finn changes everything. He’s the most daring horseman Alice has ever seen, and different from anyone she’s ever met. He’s so rude though she’s not sure if she really wants to ask him for help. Does Finn hold the key to Secret’s future success? A series of mysterious events brings them together, and they find themselves fighting to save their horses and Finn’s future… Olivia Tuffin lives in Dorset with her husband, who’s a farmer, their daughter and three ponies, two dogs and a pet sheep called Florence. She never outgrew the pony mad stage and her favourite thing to do is to ride off for hours deep into the countryside. She’s always loved writing and seeks to write the kind of pony stories she adored as a child. She gets plenty of inspiration from her own ponies and their antics. See page 8 on how to get a copy.

Advertisement Feature

Helping Hands

Martyn Hurll, Financial Adviser at Peter Harding Wealth Management explains how Intergenerational Wealth Management shares your families wealth - in your lifetime.

ignificant wealth has traditionally passed from one generation to another after death. However, as UK demographics change, wealth is increasingly being transferred between generations during our lifetimes and a growing number of families are now seeking advice on how best to manage their wealth collaboratively across the generations. There are two reasons why this is happening. First, medical advances and healthier lifestyles mean that we are generally living longer which whilst welcome, raises fundamental questions such as when we should retire and how to make our wealth last longer: particularly given the increasing likelihood of how to fund long-term care costs. The second reason is more complex. It is becoming increasingly clear that there is a generational wealth gap in the UK. Members of the so-called ‘baby-boomers’ generation have benefitted greatly from rising asset prices and good pensions. Conversely, those aged between 20 and 35 face a very different economic reality; characterised by stagnant economic and income growth, student debt and spiralling house prices. Why are families transferring wealth? We may be helping our children onto the housing ladder, contributing to a wedding or to a grandchild’s education. As well as giving the younger financial assistance, we are increasingly helping our own elderly parents, often by helping with long-term care needs. This is all happening whilst trying to make sure our own wealth lasts through what could be many years of retirement. Intergenerational wealth management is about how families use their collective wealth to support each other during their lifetimes. There are many reasons why you might want to use your wealth to support your family now but the best solution may not be the obvious one. For example, a son or daughter gets engaged and wants to buy their own home but they don’t have enough money for a

deposit. You could help them with a gift but this might require you to sell assets, perhaps creating an unwanted Capital Gains Tax liability. There are now new types of mortgages available, specifically designed for just this purpose. Helping with childcare, school and university fees is a natural motivation for intergenerational support which might take the form of a tax-efficient savings and investment plan for a grandchild and also help reduce a potential Inheritance Tax liability. Add in the new choices as a result of the ‘pension freedoms’ rules introduced in 2015 means your pension fund might not only provide you with an income in retirement but also be a tax-efficient means of transferring wealth to your loved ones. The demographic shifts taking place mean both the young and the elderly need financial help today, not just in the future and as a consequence, the approach to financial planning also needs to adapt. Each generation has different financial needs you might be able to help with – while perhaps helping your parents to enjoy a comfortable old age you might teach grandchildren the virtues of saving with a Junior ISA. Spending time now to review a family’s collective financial needs makes good sense and can give added peace of mind. For more information please call us on 01747 855554, email peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk or visit our website peterhardingwm.co.uk The home on which the mortgage is secured may be repossessed if payments are not maintained. The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value therefore can go down as well as up. You may get back less that you invested. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief generally depends on individual circumstances.

The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd.

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After-school and Holiday Club • Fun activities for children aged 5-8 • Drop-off and collections available from local schools • Open half terms and summer holidays

Middlefield House, Marlott Road, Gillingham SP8 4FA * info.gillingham@topsdaynurseries.co.uk

www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk/babygrows Baby_Grows_W210xH297_After_School_Club_v1.indd 1

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Lots of activities planned: Games • Arts & Crafts • Cooking • Trips

23/01/2017 22:44

THE SEARCH FOR INCOME

Most of us invest to generate an income. Yet in a world of lower investment returns, how do you create the right long-term plan that balances your income needs with the risks you are prepared to take? The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise.You may get back less than you invested. For more information about investing for income, contact:

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

Email: peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.peterhardingwm.co.uk 40 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8JG Tel: 01747 855554 9 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3PU Tel: 01935 315315

The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. 52 Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd. H2SJP26327 07/17