Country Child - Summer 2017

COUNTRY CHILD Hampshire/Wiltshire

Your Local FREE Family Magazine

Summer 17-Issue: 29

DADDY DAY CARE

Chris McGuire is being kept on his toes

SNAPPY FAMILIES

Millie Pilkington’s guide to taking fantastic snaps

SPACE CADET

Getting up close and clued up with the stars

SCHOOLS OUT How to feed the family over the summer holidays

CITY vs COUNTRY Making the move from the big smoke

SURVIVAL GUIDE Our pull-out guide to the summer!

SurvivGaUlIDE Guide to help parents y Child Summer Survival camps and workshops to Here’s our Countr out, r break. From days survive the summe covered! home, we’ve got it festivals and fun at PHOTOGRAPHY: MILLIE

PILKINGTON

FFERS ER O READ ounts & Disc titions pe om C

VE 8 e ACTI tsid ing ou Explor ames G

DAYS HOLI Abroad and

Home

SUMMER

2017 PULL OUT SUPPLEMENT

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

Welcome to Summer

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ith the holidays just around the corner, here at Country Child we’ve compiled a bumper magazine to keep families entertained over the summer months.

Our pull-out Summer Survival Guide is packed full of fab activities for all weathers. From garden games to crafty indoor capers, we’ve not left a stone unturned, and we hope you’ll have a lot of fun trying out some of the activities we recommend!

On page 21, Mike Dilger has set you all a brilliant Summertime Bucket List – why not see how many activities you can tick off before the end of the holidays! And, for those of you thinking of staying closer to home for your holiday this year, Jo has been hopping across the borders, trying out a range of family holiday options – see if any whet your appetite on page 24.

Country Child’s photographer, Millie Pilkington, has shared some of her Top Tips to help you secure the perfect summertime snap – take a look on page 6 to see how you can up the ante when it comes to this year’s family photos.

On page 11, Country Child met up with local Naturopath, Lucinda Miller. We gleaned some fun foodie ideas from her for keeping our young on form this summer, and ready to face the autumn term with renewed energy and a strong immune system.

Arabella Dupont has recently made the move from the city to the countryside with her young family, take a look on page 9 to see how she’s found the change.

The children at Wylye Valley C of E School, Wiltshire have reviewed some great books for all ages – see if you can be enticed by any of them on page 37.

I’ve recently been spending a lot of evenings staring into space with my two young boys – there are some fantastic apps available that really help to bring the solar system to life. Have a read on our Great Outdoors page to see if it’s something that may appeal to your family.

As ever, the Doctor is here to answer your child-health related questions on page 31 – feel free to send us any questions you may have for Dr Newman (info@countrychild.co.uk) and he’ll endeavour to help you out. On page 14, you’ll find some brilliant ‘take out tools’ for the summer holidays; from travel journals to kites and kiddy rucksacks…there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Have a wonderful summer!

Meet the team...

PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTORS Alix Austen, Jo Avis, Rachel Bisiker, Wylye Valley School, Dr Alex Newman, Southampton Airport, Sherborne Castle, Curious Arts Festival, Valley Fest, Fishing Breaks, APUK, Stalbridge Stars, Millie Pilkington, Patterjack and Tweed, Lucinda Miller, Orchard Park, Jane Adkins and Mike Dilger. Summer Survival Guide artwork from allfreedownload.com and pixabay.com.

Jo Leigh jo@countrychild.co.uk

EDITOR

Miranda Avis miranda@countrychild.co.uk Follow us @ countrychildmag www.facebook.com/ countrychildmagazine www.instagram.com/ 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.

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Media Sales Matthew Cull

STOCKISTS matthewcullmedia@gmail.com Feather head dress kit: mollyandthewolf.com/product/feather07977 013348 headdress-kit/ £14. Amelia wears Teal Linen skirt Pipkin Clothing £34. pipkin-clothing.co.uk/collections/skirts/products/teal-1 Isabella wears Blue skirt Pipkin Clothing £34. pipkin-clothing. co.uk/collections/skirts/products/ditsy Tilly wears Cream cardigan Pipkin Clothing £30. pipkin-clothing.co.uk/collections/cardigansjumpers/products/cream-cardigan. Harry wears Breton stripe Polo £35. rachelriley.co.uk/product/3339/Boys. Charlotte & Issy both wear Blue Polka dot button down dress £59 rachelriley.co.uk/product/3401/Girls/Clothing/Dresses George wears grey sweatshirt Wild & Gorgeous £55 wildandgorgeous.co.uk/kingston-sweatshirt-grey/ Victor wears headress as above and Wild T-shirt £25 wildandgorgeous.co.uk/wild-tee-orange/ Tabitha wears green tortoise sunglasses IZIPIZI from Smallable Arabella Dupont £30.10 en.smallable.com/d-sunglasses-green-izipizi-93439.html

Feature Writer

Cover and Feature Photography by

Millie Pilkington

Guest Writer Chris McGuire

Every child deserves laughter

Will you help us give giggles to sick and disabled children?

TEXT HAHA33 £3 TO 70070

DISTRIBUTION Matthew Cull and Hugo Denness

visit www.theodora.org to find out more

Contents

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Summer 2017

Country Child Loves Seasonal favourites from the Country Child team

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Snappy Families Millie’s Top Tips for your holiday snaps

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What’s In Store Take Out Tools

33

Interior Ideas Seeing Stars

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School's Out Keeping the kids healthy this summer

City Vs Country Arabella looks at the pros and cons

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Open for Business Business news and advice

5 Family Matters - Looking at the pressure our children have to cope with at exam time.

9 City Vs Country - Arabella looks at the pros and cons 10 Food Glorious Food - Recipes from Naturopath Lucinda Miller and food news.

15 Daddy Day Care - Chris McGuire is an Out of Depth Dad. 17 Inside Out - Places to go and things to do.

18 & 27 Calendar Pull-Out - What’s on this summer season.

19-26 Survival Guide - Pull Out supplement on how to survive the holidays.

28 Toddler Timetable - Library times and activities.

29 Show and Tell - Live entertainment for the family.

31 Doctor Doctor - How can the Doc help you with your child health-related questions.

33 Interior Ideas - Space Cadet, all things spacey and starry eyed.

34 Great Outdoors - Miranda takes a look at the stars above.

35 Window Shopping - Homes with development potential.

37 Bookworms -Book reviews from some of the children at Wylye Valley C of E School, Wiltshire.

38 Top Marks - News and updates from local schools.

39 School Uniform - A badge of honour or an antiquated expense? Miranda investigates…

41 Over in Overton - We see how this village is developing.

42 Open for Business - News and advice from the business community.

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Survival Guide The essential guide to surviving the holidays

Survival GUIDE Here’s our Country Child Summer Survival Guide to help parents survive the summer break. From days out, camps and workshops to festivals and fun at home, we’ve got it covered!

PHOTOGRAPHY: MILLIE PILKINGTON

OFFERS READER ts & Discoun ns tio Competi

8 ACTIVE de g outsi Explorin s Game

AYS HOLID road Ab Home and

SUMMER

2017 PULL OUT SUPPLEMENT

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

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Family Matters “ Exam Stress

...exam worry is the most common cause of teen anxiety...

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hile the summer brings sunshine (we hope!), BBQ’s and any excuse for a glass of Rosé, many of our children will be sitting some form of test or exam before they enjoy the long, lazy school holidays. From SATs to GCSEs, IB to Common Entrance, our youngsters are now tested throughout their school career and we can play an important part in encouraging a successful approach to studying and healthy management of anxiety levels.

To be clear, stress isn’t always bad - in small doses, it can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best; without it, you might just lounge in bed all day doing nothing!

However, according to charity CALM, exam worry is the most common cause of teen anxiety – it can seem that their whole life depends on the results of a few hours in an examination hall.

It goes without saying that learning to handle stress is important but it seems to come more naturally to some than others. Fortunately, there are things we can do to help our kids cope – talk to them about their stress and while encouraging them to aim high, explain that if things don’t quite go to plan, it’s not the end of the world. As we have outlined here previously, children with a ‘growth mindset’ believe that they can get better at something by practising and working hard. When they’re faced with a challenge, they become more and more determined to succeed, wanting to persevere and overcome knockbacks.

They tend to feel as if they’re in control, and are not defeated by something being difficult.

How you approach tests obviously depends on the age of the child. The recent announcement of plans to scrap the muchmaligned Key Stage 1 SATs was greeted with relief by teachers and parents, who have long-argued that such formal testing at such a young age is detrimental. As children get older, however, there is an argument to be made that the more practice students have, the better they will cope with more important future exams.

Mocks and practice papers are useful primarily for testing which revision and exam techniques work best for the individual. While there are a number of online programmes that test recall, such as Quizlet and Bofa, parents can also get involved. Offering to test them on their history dates or french vocab can be a great way of connecting with your child and shows how, to a degree, the process is as important as the outcome. We should gain more from being examined than just a final grade – it should equip us with useful skills for lifelong learning.

During exam season, there are plenty of practical things we

can do to provide a healthy and positive home environment. If possible, a quiet place to study, away from the hustle and bustle of family life, is beneficial. Many schools provide students with a revision timetable but you can help them stick to it by removing temptations such as phones and tablets. Nutritious meals and snacks will help kids stay focused, whilst drinking enough (water, ideally) can help performance. Even for older children, try to enforce a bedtime as studies show that those getting less than 7 hours sleep perform significantly worse in exams. Exercise is another good stress-buster, as are relaxation techniques. Breakingup work into manageable chunks, with rewards or treats such as a favourite tv show or treat meal, is a good way of maintaining motivation.

Exams are an inevitable part of life but it is important to keep their importance in perspective – for both parent and child.

Supporting, rather than pressurising, our youngsters to do well is what we should be aiming for.

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or more tips on how to cope with exam stress and pressure check out wellbeing charity CABA's Learning and Development Manager; Laura Little's helpful blog online at countrychild.co.uk

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Snappy Families

When it comes to taking snaps of the family this summer, we could all do with a few pointers. Well, who better to give us her ‘Top Tips’ than Country Child’s very own photographer, Millie Pilkington.

TIP 1 : Time Of Day Have you ever noticed how tanned you look in photos taken early in the morning or early evening? It’s all to do with ‘colour temperature’ and not necessarily how tanned you were at the time! Early morning and early evening light is low in ‘colour temperature’ - which effectively means it’s a more orange light and a great time to take holiday portraits. Not only do we look healthier, but shadows are softer too. In contrast, midday is the most unflattering time of day to photograph; colour temperature is at its highest - very blue – making us look white and pasty, even when we’re tanned. If taking photographs at this time of day, try adjusting your camera’s white balance to the ’sun symbol’ (which represents midday light) as this adds an orange filter to your portraits and brings colour back into your subjects’ faces. Just remember to reset back to Auto White Balance (AWB) for the evening or you may find everyone looks as though they’ve overdone the fake tan!

TIP 2 : Background Choose your background carefully, the simpler the better, and remove unnecessary clutter such as glasses and abandoned towels and toys. Your eyes may not notice these background objects when you’re taking the photograph but they do when

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you see it in print or on screen afterwards. If you can’t clear the background, try a different angle or moving your subjects to a better backdrop. Alternatively, simply zoom in as close as possible to remove as much of the background as possible. If the beach or pool is crowded by day, get everyone up early; the beach photos were taken at Sandbanks in peak school holidays…BUT at 6am so we had the beach to ourselves!

TIP 3 : Black and White Even when tanned, consider converting the photos to black and white. Not only can this kill some of the background noise and distraction, but it’s much better at capturing a personality, mood or a relationship, especially for family portraits. Black and white portraits are often more flattering too, which is no bad thing if us parents are in the photos!

TIP 4 : Sun The only time of day when the sun shining on your face is flattering, is early morning or early evening. When the sun is brighter, your subjects will undoubtedly find it too bright and have to squint or even close their eyes. If the sun is to the side, your subjects will have deep angular shadows across their faces, which isn’t great either. The best thing to do is to seek a shaded spot; this can also be quite a ‘cool light’ but by switching your white balance to the cloud symbol (which represents shaded light), it will bring back the suntan!

You can also try shooting directly into the sun, so the sun is behind the subject. This not only gives a nice backlight to your portrait, but it also means your subjects aren’t squinting or covered in harsh shadows. However, watch out if the sun is too low as you may get lens flare. Another problem to look out for is if your

PhotograPhy: Millie Pilkington subjects look rather dark on the photos you’re taking. This arises when the background is brighter than the foreground and your camera has exposed for the background. You can resolve this by zooming in closer to their faces so the camera sees less background and will expose correctly.

Otherwise, pop up your flash, which will keep the background correctly exposed and the flash will light the subjects.

TIP 5 : Composition Avoid placing your subject in the centre of the frame. Not only does this leave a large space above their head, but it’s also the least interesting, artistically speaking. Think asymmetrical. To be a bit more technical, try dividing your picture horizontally and vertically into thirds. Where these lines cross are the best places to position your subject. See below. Notice how landscape artists rarely place the horizon in the centre of their paintings; they either choose landscape OR sky as the more dominant feature and place the horizon on the lower or upper (horizontal) third of the painting. For asymmetrical portraiture, ensure the subject’s face or body is looking into the more spacious side of the image.

TIP 6 : Portrait vs Landscape Mode vs Sports Mode For portraits, set the camera to portrait mode (usually shown as a face symbol). This keeps the aperture as wide as possible, which blurs the background. To increase this effect, zoom in as much as possible as this will further increase the blurred background, making the subject stand out better.

If you are photographing children in front of, or within a stunning landscape, setting the camera to the landscape mode (usually a mountain symbol) will keep the aperture as small as possible and the landscape more in focus. Zooming out has the same effect - so shooting with a wide angle will keep everything more crisp.

For action shots, such as children jumping over waves or diving, choose the sports mode (usually depicted as someone running) this keeps the shutter speed as fast as possible so you can freeze the action. It often changes the focusing method to help track the subject as well. However, this mode generally only works when ambiant light is good.

TIP 7 : Viewpoint Try taking photos from different heights. Getting down on the same level as your children brings more background into the photo, which if further away, may be thrown out of focus and make your subjects ‘pop out’ from the background. Lying down on the ground whilst they jump or whilst they are in a tree exaggerates how high they are.

TIP 8 : 'Cheese’ Avoid the words ’smile’ or ‘cheese’. These invariably end in a cheesy fake smile photograph, reminiscent of the worst school photographs. Say things your children find funny - loo humour, family ‘in jokes’, teasing etc. You may have to work to make them laugh but the results are much better if they are genuinely laughing.

TIP 9 : Spontaneous There are times when it’s more about capturing the moment than worrying about technicalities. Simply forget all the above and point and shoot as quickly as you can.

If all the above fails, I’d be delighted to come on any 5* holiday and take them for you! Well, perhaps not, but more practically speaking, I can come and photograph you all on your return whilst you’re still looking tanned and healthy. Do book in advance though as these tend to be my busiest few of weeks of the year. For more information, please contact me at millie@milliepilkington.co.uk.

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City Vs Country PhotograPhy: Millie Pilkington

Growing up, Arabella Dupont took her idyllic Cotswold childhood, with its boundless space and limitless freedom for granted. Here she debates the pros and cons of raising a newborn in the City vs Country.

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aving recently moved from Clapham to Beaminster in Dorset with my one year old daughter, it’s made me realise there really is a huge difference between raising your dearest in ‘the smoke vs the sticks’. Neither is better or worse, just vastly different. And as a relatively new mum, where I live now, the bright lights of London really do seem a million miles away. But that’s not such a bad thing…

Upon pondering this article, I set about reading my weekly diary from London compared with Dorset and what shocked me was how utterly busy I was, newborn in tow. From brunching with the NCT girls, to a myriad of daily baby classes, playdates, common walks and baby yoga: my life was literally crammed into a changing bag.

But, that is what London offers by the bucket-load – activities and brunch dates galore.

However, as I wheeled my pram around countless laps of Wandsworth Common, loaded with emergency snacks and endless changes of clothes, I began to reflect on what it’s like to raise a child in the city. Living in South West London, my baby was weaned on green smoothies and babychinos at trendy eateries and days were spent hanging out at public parks. In contrast, I grew up in a cottage slap bang in the middle of Minchinhampton Common, Gloucestershire. Life was all about riding ponies, tree climbing, blackberrying and den making and we never ever went to a public park. Soon I started to dream of the fresh-air-and-pink-cheeked childhood that I so desperately wanted my daughter to experience.

I do miss the brunch dates and countless baby classes, but life in London was so hectic and so expensive. I didn’t sit still and if I’m honest, I was terrified to do so. Many of my mummy friends love this and wouldn’t swap it for the world: ‘you have to drive to get a coffee? WHAT?!’

With rolling hills and miles of sandy beaches, great weather and the longest life expectancy in Britain, Dorset is a pretty dreamy place to live. The very definition of a perfect day is now collecting stones on the beach, exploring the wild woodlands, picking fruit in the orchard and heading to the local pub for a drink. My daughter gets her hands dirty with proper mud rather than black with city grime and falls asleep to the sound of sheep from the farm next door, rather than helicopters and ambulance sirens. Letting my

daughter roam freely out of the front door, just like I did, is exactly the way I want her to grow up.

Property prices here are much more affordable – we can buy an entire house, with a garden for the price of our teeny two bed flat on the Northcote Road. Nursery fees were another deciding factor too: London average of £120 per day compared with £40 in Dorset.

There are plenty of baby classes if you really look and the 0-3 music class held weekly at the nearby prep school Perrott Hill has been a fantastic way to meet new mums. NCT (UK’s largest nationwide childbirth and parenting charity) was a must for meeting other mums in London and here in the country too. Whilst the new phone app MUSH is also well worth checking out to meet likeminded mums locally.

Yes, London offer’s so much for those early newborn years but now I’d swap a green juice for green wellies any day. And anyway, with vibrant towns bursting with all sorts of cool boutiques and eateries, there’s so much going on in the country, that at times, London doesn’t feel so far away after all.

The Mush app launched in 2016 and now has more than 60,000 'mum'bers across the country. It was set up by two Somerset mums, one who had recently moved from London, suffering PND and needed a friend. Together the mums had no tech experience at all but made it their mission that no mum should do it alone and now want Mush to be the largest social network for Mums globally. If you've just moved, join in the fun with the app available at: letsmush.com

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Food

GLORIOUS Food

A sneak preview of two of Lucinda Miller's Sugar Free recipes for Summer, taken from her new book 'Little Kitchen Heroes' which launches this autumn.

Watermelon Pizza

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his is the simplest, yummiest feast that kids love to create themselves. A grown up should slice the watermelon, but then it is up to your kiddies to do the decoration. Try experimenting by sprinkling on other fruits, nuts and seeds. Perfect entertainment for when you have a gang of kids over for tea during the summer.

Ingredients: 1 watermelon 1 punnet blueberries 1 punnet raspberries Sweet Freedom Choc Shot

naturedoC.Co.uk

Slice a watermelon out from the centre into 1-centimetrethick circular slices. Cut each slice carefully into six pizza triangles. Sprinkle on some mixed berries such as raspberries and blueberries. Squirt some chocolate sauce over the berries and serve. Each watermelon pizza can feed 1-3 kids depending on their age, you will probably make 4-6 pizzas from one watermelon.

Tip: This gets pretty messy so always eat these outside!

Elderflower Ice Lollies

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hese are the easiest and most delicious ice-lollies to make.

Kids love to plop the berries into the ice lolly moulds. Much healthier and cheaper than shop bought ice lollies.

Ingredients: 500ml Copella or Innocent Apple & Elderflower Juice A handful of mixed frozen or fresh berries Pour the apple and elderflower juice into ice-lolly moulds until they are about two-thirds full.

Place 3 or 4 berries into each lolly mould and then top up the juice until the ice-lolly moulds are full.

Pop in some ice-lolly sticks and freeze for at least 3 hours.

If you want the berries to be distributed nicely in the ice-lollies, then push them down into the partially frozen juice after about one hour of freezing.

Makes 6-10 ice-lollies depending on the size of your ice-lolly moulds. Lasts in the freezer for up to 6 months.

WEEKLY SNACK BOX

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hewy Moon snacks are a childs weekly snack box, think Graze box for kids. The boxes are specially developed by nutritionists and loved by children, they contain no refined sugars plus include fun activity packs for the kids to enjoy too. Subscriptions start from £4.75 depending on delivery frequency. Check it out at: chewymoon.com

FEAST FOR THE EYES

PhotograPhy: Millie Pilkington

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he Big Feastival, now in its sixth year, is back on Alex James' Farm with a jam-packed festival line-up for the August Bank Holiday weekend! Proudly presented

by NEFF, the team are set to transform the Cotswolds with its biggest and most delicious line-up yet. With incredible music, worldclass chefs, award-winning street food and a packed programme of kids' entertainment, there really is something for everyone.

Headliners include, OllyMurs, Madness, De La Soul, Louisa Johnson and is hosted by Jo Whiley. On the food front you'll see an Ink Squid Bar, The Cheese Truck Subcilt, Buddha Bowl and Breddos Tacos. As always there will be childrens entertainment from Justin Fletcher, Dick and Dom and Adan Hensons Cotswold Farm Park will be there too plus many many more! Don't miss out book today! 25 to 27 Aug thebigfeastival.com

School's Out! PhotograPhy: Millie Pilkington

Country Child looks at ways to boost your child’s health and wellbeing over the summer holidays.

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t won’t be long before school bells across the country begin to toll, signalling the start of the summer holidays. For many children, the summer-long break away from their books is met with intense excitement; it’s an opportunity to down tools, chill out and have fun in the sun. However, for lots of parents, just thinking about the forthcoming summer holidays can often stir up a real mix of emotions; happiness that the brood is home for a while, relief that the hectic school run is on hold, and of course the inevitable stress when contemplating how to entertain and occupy the children for weeks on end.

But, the lengthy summer holidays do offer us the opportunity to recharge, reboot and invigorate our offspring ready for their return to school in the autumn. As Naturopath, Lucinda Miller, explains, “The summer is a great time of year to build up your child’s immunity ahead of the colder months, and getting kids outside and in the sun is a great place to start.” Vitamin D, otherwise known as the ‘Sunlight vitamin’ is vital for our children’s bone growth - in the past five years alone, the number of children in the UK with vitamin D deficiency has increased dramatically, with poor weather and the lure of indoor activities such as gaming, social media and television being cited as the root causes.

When it comes to feeding the family during the summer months, Lucinda recommends buying natural, opting for full fat and steering clear of sugary products, “Starting the day with a healthy breakfast sets the whole family up. Porridge, wholemeal toast with 100% fruit jam and boiled eggs are all great options.

Supermarket cereals, on the other hand, are often packed full of processed sugar and should be avoided.” Summer picnics are a great way of ensuring our offspring eat healthily during the holidays, as Lucinda explains, “Homemade sandwiches filled with egg mayonnaise, ham and cream cheese or even cucumber and cream cheese are all nutritious and delicious. Add some

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et rid of pre-bought juices and experience an enhanced fruity taste, with the Citrus Zinger Sport. Twist and go with your own fruit filled water creation.

The Citrus Zinger Sport is £16 available online from root7.com

naturedoC.Co.uk chicken drumsticks, boiled eggs, carrot sticks and fresh fruit to the mix and you can guarantee your children are avoiding any processed produce.” Opting for organic is another of Lucinda’s recommendations, “Where possible, buying organic is the way forward. Regular fruit and veg can be sprayed up to a staggering 14 times ahead of being harvested.”

Alongside eating healthily, exercising during the summer holidays is a great way to raise endorphins, invigorate the young and indulge in something proactive as a family. Salisbury-based personal trainer and father of three, Lindsay Kirk, encourages his own children to be active during the summer break, “Working out with the kids is great for everyone. Exercises such as forward lunges, squat jumps, press ups, burpees and crunches give a great all round workout and everyone feels better for taking part.”

For those looking for some summertime healthy eating inspiration, take a look at our Food Page on page 15, where Lucinda shares some of her mouthwatering recipes. For excercise ideas turn to page 26 for our Active 8 games and activities. We can also highly recommend this book below with Country Child reader offer attached!

SWEET ENOUGH

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ountry Child readers can purchase this brilliant book from sweetenoughbaking.uk which retails for £15 however use our discount code CCSE3 for 20% off! The discount is valid all year, until the end of December 2017.

Reader Offer 20% OFF

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HAPPY FOLK

The Raj Tent Club Collection of folk art and crafts includes Polish Pajaki Paper Flower Chandeliers – what better way to decorate the garden for a summer party. £75 rajtentclub. com

SUNBABY

As featured in our Survival Guide supplement, our little Country Child loves these multi-coloured Sunbaby Sunglasses by See Concept’s Izipizi range. £30.10 en.smallable.com

HAPPY PANTS

These drawstring waist kikoy pull ons come from Dorset. Their colourful, summery fabrics make them an essential beachside, fireside or bedside accompaniment. £22. bushbells.com

WE'RE WATCHING YOU!

The Photch Bluetooth Bracelet Watch has loads of smart functions, but all in the form of this super chic and stylish bangle. A great accessory for the demands of modern parenting. Just like having your very own PA! Two sizes available small (17cm) and medium (18cm).

Was £79.99 but now on sale for £47.49! thefowndry.com

CAPED WONDERS

Inspired children’s clothing collection, Petite Pearl Lowe teams up with Molly Gunn’s Selfish Mother and The FMLY Store to create a set of limited edition sequin capes, in support of Tommy’s charity. Exclusively to buy at The FMLY Store in Bruton or online from June. £60 with £10 from each pair donated to Tommy's Charity. theFMLYstore.com.

AQUA'BATICS

Designed by championship swimmer Chris Shore, the Aquaplane is the latest aid to make a splash in the swimming sector.

Great for beginners, it also adapts to take a child through all the different stages to further their swimming techniques. Ideal for ages 3+ £24.99 hippychick.com

DEAR DIARY

DiaryZapp is the brand new app for your child to capture their daily adventures, broaden their literacy skills and share their creations; making it perfect for the Summer Holidays. Plus no in-app purchases, for a one off £3.99. See page 48. diaryzapp.com

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME

The ideal project for all ages of fathers and sons. This DIY kart kit would be a perfect gift for this Father's day and is lots of fun on the slopes, gardens or parks. From £89.99. gokartdaddy.com

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What´s in Store Take Out Tools

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 1. Eco Friendly Little Sun. £21.99 thefowndry.com  2. Play and Go Mats, £28 fiveboysclothing. com  3. easynight(TM) portable blackout blind with suction cups and hook discs. £22.95 easyblindsonline.co.uk  4. Traditional Box Kite. £14.95 dotcomgiftshop.com  5. Geo JourneyTravel Journal And Passport £14 notonthehighstreet.com  6. The DadGear Rucksack. £85 happybags. co.uk  7. Brainbox Games for children 4+ or 8+ by Green Board Game Co £11.95 squibblybiskit. co.uk  8. Pick Up Sticks Game. £2.95 dotcomgiftshop.com  9. Steiff Mr Little in suitcase £49.90 steiff.com  10.Tron, disposable Potty. £2.99 (or £34.99 for a pack of 12). hippychick.com/tron 

Daddy Day Care Writer and stay-at-home Dad, Chris McGuire offers his top three discoveries on fatherhood in the first year....

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he way I see it, being a dad should come with a manual or I suppose these days it would be an ‘app’. Everything else under the sun has a guidebook, so why not fatherhood? It seems to me that for us dads, it’s easy to get lost in all the shouting that accompanies a new-born’s arrival. There can be so much fuss and commotion around the baby and mother that we can fade into the background – little more than fetchers and carriers, as the battle to regain normality begins. In this chaos, a bit of sage dad advice would go down a treat.

This is far from a manual, or even an app, but here are some (semi-precious) pearls of wisdom I’ve gleaned on the battlefield since the stork delivered my son, Sam: It’s true – they’re enough to make you go prematurely grey! Babies have a lemming-like tendency to throw themselves right into harm’s way. Did you see the recent Attenborough documentary where baby lizards hatched from their eggs and instantly had to outrun snakes? The hatchlings’ instinct for survival is amazing. Babies, on the other hand, have the opposite instinct! They’ll test you, finding weak points in your grip when you hold them – in a constant attempt to throw themselves to the floor. Not only that, they’ll put anything and everything (the more dangerous the better) into their mouths, any time you turn your back. Then there’s their continual attempts to pull heavy things onto themselves, with reckless abandon. All in all, it amazes me that our species still exists.

Evolution’s a strange thing.

As a dad, you’ll constantly be bombarded with superfluous advice, usually from ladies of an older generation. If you’re on solo daddy duty, you’ll find a flock

of pensioners watching your every move, ready to step in with the assumption that you have no idea what you’re doing. Prepare to be universally ignored, as these strangers attempt to ‘deal’ directly with your child and whatever situation is unfolding. Frustrating is not the word. If your baby is crying, you’ll find an insistent face invading your space announcing: “He’s hungry” – despite the fact you’ve just fed him and you know he’s simply in need of a sleep.

“You really should feed him,” they’ll proclaim, as you try to get away. “Let me give him a cuddle,” they insist, as if being held by a total stranger will solve the issue. Such interruptions are a daily occurrence for us dads. You’ll learn to be polite, but firm.

From the moment your baby arrives, you no longer have a partner, instead it’s ‘Mummy’ and you’re ‘Daddy’. Using these titles becomes so second nature that they’ll remain, even when the baby is asleep. You’ll find yourself forever talking in hushed tones, tip-toeing around the unexploded bomb that is the baby. Conversation will be about one thing and one thing only: ‘him’. “Did he poo?” “How did he eat?” “How are his teeth coming through?” Essentially, you’ll become a massively dull dinner party guest who only has one topic of conversation – not that I have time go to dinner parties these days.

The more I think, the more I’m convinced a manual explaining these (and all the other mysteries of parenthood) to new dads would be useful. But then, I suppose the surprise of discovering for yourself is half the fun.

I wonder what treats lie ahead as Sam grows? No idea – all I know is I’ll be out of my depth! Still Sinking…

Catch more of Chris's parental adventures online @Outofdepth_dad

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summer at the toy barn sherborne’s independent toy shop teDDy bears’ piCniC tuesDay 15 august 2017

Exciting Challenging Demanding Fun

explore our maiZe maZe all summer

traDitional toys & games children’s parties

Treerunners is an exciting, challenging and sometimes demanding activity that uses zip lines, snowboards and tarzan swings as well as other challenges to get you from tree to tree, set in a beautiful oak forest.

 Family Days  Dad’s Day Out  School Trips  Birthdays & Groups  Evening Venue Hire

Treerunners, Cowdown Lane, Harewood Forest, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 6LE. Email: ben@treerunners.com Tel: 07775 775688

Climbing frames, swings, sliDes & trampolines

go karts

The

Toy Barn

Sherborne

01935 815040 toy-barn.co.uk

DiaryZapp is the brand new app for your child to capture their daily adventures, broaden their literacy skills and share their creations.

Download in time to ZAPP every day of the holidays...

@weareDIARYZAPP

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www.diaryzapp.com

Get Creative

Inside Out Things to do Places to go

Credit: Holly Foat

Open Farm Sunday

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his June sees the welcome return of Children’s Art Week. Don’t miss the chance to get creative with your kids at one of the hundreds of events being held in venues around the UK. One of last year's highlights included screen printing at Westminster Abbey.

Many events are free whilst some may have a small charge to cover the cost of materials.

Details of all Children’s Art Week events can be found here: childrensartweek.org.uk.

10-18 June

Yummy...

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his year’s Hampshire Food Festival is packed with tempting food and farming events taking place across the county. Explore farms, vineyards and distilleries to see what goes on behind the scenes. Learn new food skills from producers and chefs at demos and cookery classes. Dine at pop-up events with chefs including MasterChef 2016 Champion, Jane Devonshire, and fellow contestant Juanita Hennessey. Organised by local food group, Hampshire Fare, visit hampshirefare.co.uk for dates and locations of all events.

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ampshire Kids was founded by three Hampshire mums who are holding their third annual Festival over the weekend of 12th August. A ticketed event held on a privately owned farm and aimed primarily at those with children up to mid-teen age.

Guests will enjoy live music and comedy, children’s entertainers, a silent disco, animals and tractor rides, a film tent and activities ranging from a climbing wall to laughter yoga, and from storytelling workshops to laser clay shooting, accompanied by food and drink supplied by quality local producers and a fully-licensed bar.

The festival includes overnight camping, and both pre-erected tents and babysitters are available for hire.hampshirekids.co.uk

pen Farm Sunday is on 11th June this year, and what better farm to visit than Nunton Farm, Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Open for the whole day, visitors will be able to watch dairy cows being milked, see a variety of farm animals and find out how they are looked after and the food they produce. Get up close to farm machinery and learn all about the technology involved in farming today. Tractor and trailer rides around the beautiful south Wiltshire countryside will be on offer for young tractor fans, as are self-guided walks around the farm. Sample some of the tasty local produce and fresh milk from their cows from the brand-new vending machine and don’t forget to try some the Charter 1227 delicious BBQ food before tucking into an ice cream at the end of the day! 11 June. For other Open Farm Sunday events visit: farmsunday.org

Let’s all Fly a Happy 10th Anniversary!

Kite...

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ee the skies awash with colour this summer at Old Sarum. Learn the art of kite flying, make your very own kite or try one on show and learn how to fly it with one of the team. Plus, don't miss the live kite demonstrations! 12-13 Aug. english-heritage.org.uk

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he Sylvanian Families ShoppingWeekend is a whopping 10 years old this year so go and see their fantastic range of Sylvanian products for sale, plus lots of special offers, competitions, creative activities marquee and even visits from your favourite Sylvanian characters as well as their special song & dance performances!

A fabulous day out, and even better it’s FREE! No tickets, no booking, just go along and enjoy the day! Refreshments, light lunches and afternoon teas will be available in the Silk Mill cafe throughout the weekend. Open 10.00-4.00pm 17 and 18 June at the Gill Nethercott Centre, Whitchurch sylvanianstorekeepers.com/whitchurch-weekend

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JULY

JUNE

PULL OUT EVENT GUIDE MONDAY

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

7 Jane Austen 200, Winchester Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival 2017 Devizes Arts Festival 2017

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

1 Half Term at The Tank Museum High Voltage!

Winchester

2 Simple Minds Lighthouse, Poole Caviste and Moutan Gin Fest 17

3 Kid's Discovery Week: Haynes Motor Museum High Voltage!

Winchester Alton Summer Beer Festival Winchester Outdoor Cinema Abseil the Emirates Spinnaker Tower Droxford Country Fair Vintage Nostalgia Festival Little Bedwyn Street Market

4 Twyford Waterworks Open Days High Voltage! Winchester British Trucks at Thruxton Festival Place Eat Street Event Basingstoke Longstock Park Water Garden Openings Stockbridge Charity Dog Show, Salisbury Fonthill Dog Show

8 What's Your Story Retreat, Jo Dale Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival 2017 Devizes Arts Festival 2017

9 Glastonbury Abbey Fringe 2017, Corsham Walking Festival 2017

10 Chawton Village Gardens Open Weekend Bee Day, Salisbury Smoked & Uncut - THE PIG-on the Beach, Studland Race to the Tower, Cotswolds Way Newlyns Festival of Food & Farming Alresford Music Festival The Ginchester Fête, Winchester

11 Ministry of Science Live!, Winchester Science Centre Little Pickles Amesbury Sports Centre Fairy Festival Horndean Newlyns Festival of Food & Farming Longstock Park Water Garden Openings Stockbridge

5 Kilver Court Magical Garden Trail High Voltage!

Winchester Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival

6 Jane Austen 200, Winchester Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival 2017

12 Jane Austen 200, Winchester

13 Kilver 14 Jane Austen 200, Court Magical Winchester Blue Sky Garden Festival, Corsham Trail Blue Sky Festival, Corsham

15 Bournemouth Jazz by the Sea Festival Blue Sky Festival, Corsham

16 Blue Sky Festival, Corsham

17 Bath Thai Festival Loverocks 2017 Sylvanian Families Annual Summer Shopping Weekend Winchestival Chocolate Craft Workshops Old Alresford Abseil the Emirates Spinnaker Tower Beerex, Salisbury Amesbury Carnival & Show 2017

18 FATHERS DAY Bath Thai Festival Father's Day, Farmer Palmers! Father’s Day, Salisbury Racing Sylvanian Families Annual Summer Shopping Weekend Warminster Wobble Fathers Day Bug Hunt, Roves Farm

19 Kilver Court Magical Garden Trail Stonehenge Campsite Summer Solstice Festival

20 Jane Austen 200, Winchester Stonehenge Campsite Summer Solstice Festival

21 Bournemouth Jazz by the Sea Festival Stonehenge Campsite Summer Solstice Festival

22 Goodwood Festival Of Speed Chichester Stonehenge Campsite Summer Solstice Festival

23 Bath BioBlitz Farleigh School Concert Series

24 Dorset Polo Festival Chris Packham’s Top Birds, The Hawk Conservancy Trust Jousting Tournament Sherborne Castle, Glastonbury Festival Tankfest 2017, Bovington Chesil Rocks 2017 Feel Good Festival Dorset, Boscombe Farley Music Festival 2017 Calne Summer Festival & Carnival

25 Bath Festival Of Nature Glastonbury Festival Goodwood Festival Of Speed Chichester Cheese and Chilli Festival Basingstoke Farley Music Festival 2017 Bubble Rush, Chippenham

26 Bournemouth Jazz by the Sea Festival

27 Chalke Valley History Festival

28 Kilver Court Magical Garden Trail Chalke Valley History Festival Wessex Heartbeat Skydive

29 Chalke Valley History Festival

30 Winchester Hat Fair Winchester Outdoor Cinema

1 War Gamers Weekend, Tank Museum Summer Spectaçular Poole Little Pickles Tidworth Leisure Centre Winchester Hat Fair Round the Island Race, Isle of Wight

2 Chalke Valley History Festiva Winchester Hat Fair Longstock Park Water Garden Openings Stockbridge Twyford Waterworks Open Days

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

3 Kilver Court Magical Garden Trail Chalke Valley History Festival

4 Bournemouth Jazz by the Sea Festival

5 Kilver Court Magical Garden Trail Hampshire Food Festival Southampton

6 Sitting with Jane - BookBench Public Art Trail Basingstoke Blissfields Music Festival

7 British Beach Polo Championships Sandbanks, World Yoga Festival, Reading Blissfields Music Festival

8 Lacock Modern Gift Fair Barbury Castle International Horse Trials & Show 2017 World Yoga Festival, Reading Blissfields Music Festival Romsey Beggars Fair

9 Simply Jaguar, Beaulieu BIGGER Pickles, Amesbury Sports Centre Teddy Bear Picnic, Finkley Down Farm Blissfields Music Festival

10 Jane Austen 200, Winchester Hampshire Food Festival Southampton Winchester Festival 2017

11 Sitting with Jane - BookBench Public Art Trail Basingstoke Hampshire Food Festival Southampton Winchester Festival 2017

12 Jane Austen 200, Winchester Hampshire Food Festival Southampton Winchester Festival 2017

13 Bournemouth Jazz by the Sea Festival Hampshire Food Festival Southampton

14 Swanage Jazz Festival, Swanage Winchester Festival 2017

15 Evening & Coldplace, Salisbury Racing Bradford on Avon Mini Book Festival (For kids) Little Pickles Sarum Academy, Salisbury Fordingbridge Summer Festival Chocolate Craft Workshops Old Alresford Children's Inflatable Fun Dayz, Westbury Melksham Party in the Park 2017

16 Bournemouth Jazz by the Sea Festival Longstock Park Water Garden Openings Stockbridge Little Pickles P20 Community Centre, Andover Holiday Inn Little Chix Tribute Event Children's Inflatable Fun Dayz, Westbury Savernake Sizzler Cycling Challenge

17 Jane Austen 200, Winchester Hampshire Food Festival Southampton

18 Kilver Court Magical Garden Trail

19 Sitting with Jane - BookBench Public Art Trail Basingstoke

20 Jane Austen 200, Winchester

21 Hampshire Food Festival Southampton

22 Here Be Dragons Bath SCI-FI Southwest 3, Trowbridge Summer Action Festival, Chippenham

23 Sitting with Jane BookBench Public Art Trail Basingstoke

24 Here Be Dragons Bath Hampshire Food Festival Southampton

25 Here Be Dragons Bath New Forest Show

26 Here Be Dragons Bath Summer Spectacular, Finkley Down Farm New Forest Show

27 Camp Bestival New Forest Show Hands on History, Old Wardour

28 Summer Spectacular, Finkley Down Farm Parent and Child Cookery, Sparsholt College

29 Camp Bestival Dolls House Day, Alton FestivALL, Southampton Cowes Week WOMAD Festival 2017 Wilton Horse Trials 2017

30 Camp Bestival Cowes Week Hands on History, Old Wardour WOMAD Festival 2017 Wilton Horse Trials 2017

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Survival GUIDE Here’s our Country Child Summer Survival Guide to help parents survive the summer break. From days out, camps and workshops to festivals and fun at home, we’ve got it covered!

PhotograPhy: Millie Pilkington

FFERS O R E READ ts & Discoun ns titio Compe

8 ACTIVE side ng out i r o l p x E Games

AYS HOLID road nd Ab Home a

SUMMER

2017 PULL OUT SUPPLEMENT

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hen the weather is on your side, letting the kids get arty with washable chalks is a great way to while away a few hours outside. If the patio is out of bounds, then the driveway is a great alternative. Tip: Giant chalks wor k best for big murals.

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et up your obstacle course to include a host of challenges such as scrambling under netting, climbing over logs and clambering through hoops. Then blindfold each player to see who can finish the fastest. Tip: Directions or a helping hand might be required.

5 great way to get the kids moving! You’ll need at least three buckets per team, and we recommend teams of two. Bucket A is full of water and needs to be emptied. The teams tip as much water as they are able into the transfer bucket (Bucket B) and run with it to Bucket C. Fill up Bucket C as fast as you can!

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his activity is sure to keep little adventurers busy. Journey sticks can be made at home or whilst walking in the woods. Just remember you’ll need string! The aim is to explore Mother Nature, adding bits of your journey as you go; pine cones, feathers, moss, leaves, fallen flowers…the list goes on. Hugely memorable and a lovely memento from the day.

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umbered boxes or buckets are arranged on the lawn (the higher the number, the further away it’s positioned.) Teams are each given 5 screwed up balls of paper to throw into the buckets. The winning team is the one that’s accrued the most points.

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he age-old art of flower pressing is still very much a popular activity. Explore your garden or local park to see what you can place in a flower press or even between the pages of a heavy book. Leave to flatten overnight before opening the book or press to see uncover the patterns that have been made. Perhaps create Birthday or Thank You cards to give to friends or family.

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hen it comes to making Fairy Soup, the sky’s the limit! Start with a bucket of water, look around the garden or woods to find mystical ingredients, then add sparkles, spells, glitter and sequins. Then stir and watch the magic happen!

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s popular as it is straightforward!

Create a star t and finish line, give each child a blown up balloon, pop it between legs and race to the finish line.

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Family London handpicks more than 100 unforgettable attractions in the city, including under-the-radar gems and bucket list big hitters to kid-ready cafés and spectacular outdoor spaces, within these pages you’ll find an exhaustively researched edit of the unforgettable London experiences capable of keeping all ages happy. So break the monotony and dive in – there’s a family-sized adventure here for everyone.

Out 6th July £9.99 waterstones.com

HOLIDAY BOOK CLUB

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ACTIVE

Get the children out and about with our Active 8 games, scavenger hunt and host of activities – all of which can be done in the garden or further afield if you choose...



Mike Dilger is a Naturalist, Writer and Television Presenter and perhaps best known as the Wild Man from The One Show. Mike and his partner Christina’s mantra is to get their three-year-old son Zachary ‘out at least once every day’.

Sometimes this might be just for a breath of fresh air, but invariably it will be for much, much longer! Here's his Summer Scavenger Hunt for you to discover, so tick them off as you go!

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o wilfully misquote George Gershwin, in ‘summertime, the wildlife watching is easy’. With the school holidays also conveniently placed to make the most out our warmest and sunniest season, there can surely be no excuses. So, turn off the TV, power down the computer, pack the sun cream and binoculars and make the most of those long, lazy days of summer.

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Take a hike in the Heather

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☐

ith Bluebell woodlands grabbing the botanical headlines in spring, then surely the mantle should be passed on to moorlands and heathlands, as they take on a purple haze in high summer.

With more than one type of heather, the precise colour of the flowers and arrangement of the leaves will depend on whether you’re wading through Heather, Bell Heather or Cross-leaved Heath. On sunny days, also keep an eye out for basking reptiles, with Dorset’s heaths being a hotspot for all six of our native reptiles!

Go moth-trapping

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he popular conception is that moths are dull, boring and brown, but anyone who has seen an Elephant Hawkmoth or Garden Tiger, knows that some species will put even our most colourful butterflies in the shade. A powerful torch projected onto a white sheet, as dusk descends, can be effective for pulling anything that goes ‘flutter’ in the night. Alternatively, a quick search on the internet should locate an organised moth evening near you, with the added benefit of spending some time in the company of expert mothers!

s the tide retreats, rock pools turn into miniature oases for all manner of coastal creatures seeking shelter from the drying effects of sun and wind, until the sea returns to their rescue. A bucket, net and good footwear is all you will need to enjoy this perennial children’s favourite. Limpets, seaweeds and anemones should be immediately obvious, but can you catch a crab hiding amongst the seaweed?...before then putting back all your marine treasure where you originally found it!

Wildflower meadows come into their own in summer and become a hive of activity as butterflies, bumblebees, bugs and beetles take advantage of the huge nectar and pollen handouts provided in this wonderfully rich floral habitat. The best way to enjoy a meadow is from an insects’ perspective - so why not lie down, look up and see what insect traffic passes between your nose and the clear blue sky.

Collect bird feathers

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☐

hile the collecting of birds’ eggs is quite rightly against the law, the collecting of feathers should be positively encouraged. Most feathers you are likely to find will be the larger wing feathers, or primaries, which most birds shed during their annual change of plumage - a process called ‘moulting’. But can you identify which bird they came from? The easiest ones to start with will belong to the crows, pigeons and gulls.

Take in the sight and sound of a seabird colony

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hile Britain admittedly doesn’t have rainforests, deserts or savanna it does have plenty of rocky coasts and islands, meaning we have some of the world’s most impressive seabird colonies. Nothing can beat the sheer spectacle of thousands of seabirds either packed on a remote lump of rock or a sheer cliff face.

With Guillemots, Razorbills, Gannets, Fulmars and Kittiwakes both nestling and nesting cheek by jowl, the sound at the height of the breeding season can be deafening too!

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☐

eeing a wild Badger should be on every child’s ‘must see bucket list’. The Badger is undoubtedly one of our largest and most impressive land mammals, and it is also one of our most sociable frequently sharing an underground sett with its extended family.

Wary of humans, they are also shy animals, preferring to emerge above ground only with dusk approaching.

So, the best way to catch up with them is to contact your local Badger Group or Wildlife Trust, who will be able to help you spend an evening at a sett near you.

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Delight in damsels and dragons

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or any wild child, there can be few greater thrills than spending a summer’s day strolling along the banks of a meandering river, or sitting quietly at the edge of a pond, to watch the cut and thrust of dragonflies getting about their business. Pre-dating the dinosaurs, this ancient and stunning group of insects can be split into the smaller, fluttering damselflies which rest with their wings along their abdomens, and the bigger, brash dragonflies, which display amazing aerobatic skills before taking five with wings held wide open.

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TREETOPOLIS

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☐

Take it easy in a meadow

Go Badger watching



Explore rock pools

et swinging this summer with a variety of tree climbing options, guaranteed to keep your head up in the trees!  Adventure to Cholderton Charlies Farm on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border this summer to check out their new and funtastic 500 foot long, 32 foot high Tree Top Trail. choldertoncharliesfarm.com  For a more challenging adventure course up in the branches head to The Big Tree Climbing Co that set up all around the UK offering tree climbing challenges. Check out where they will be and when at: bigtreeclimbing.co.uk  Open for the Spring and Summer Season only, trek over to Hampshire to visit Andover's Tree Runners site that offers a real woodland adventure in the trees, zip lines, rope bridges, ladders, tarzan swings and snowboards along with wood fired pizza ovens and camp fires for visitors. It's all here! Book online at: treerunners.com

BUSH CRAFT

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xplore the nature and woodland around you with the help of trained teachers in some summer forest school experiences.

Here's a few we can recommend in your area  Muddy Puddle Clubs in Hampshire organise Woodland Family Fun Days over the holidays at Bramley Frith Woods. Half and full day sessions available in August, exploring the woods, led by fully qualified and experienced Forest School leaders learning woodland crafts and enjoying campfires. muddypuddleclub.co.uk  Wildway Bushcraft in Dorset offer Family Bushcraft Days at your convenience. This is a great opportunity to get out in the woods, bond and learn new skills. wildwaybushcraft.co.uk  Woodland Adventurers in Wiltshire run holiday clubs/day camps during most school holidays. Activities include den building, campfires, team games, hiking, outdoor play and more. For children from 3 to 11 years. woodlandadventurers.org

SPORTS RELIEF

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his summer consider hiring a sports hall, gym, pitch or court for a group of your child's friends and family. It’s a great way to release some energy and by splitting the hire cost between the families, this would be a fun and inexpensive activity.  At Andover Community Services you can hire full or part, state of the art 3G rubber crumb Astro Turf pitch from £13.90 or just turn up for their pay and play sessions. andovercommunityservices.co.uk  Wiltshire’s New Nadder Leisure and Community Centre has a four court sports halls, perfect for a range of sports. In addition, the fitness suite and multi-purpose activity rooms make this a desirable sporting venue. Full hall four/five courts (1 hour) costs from £21.30 wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-nadder  Check out Hampshire Hogs, Hoggets Cricket Club for an introduction to the english game here: hampshirehogs.org.uk/hoggets

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What's On?

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he magical wonderland that is Valley Fest is returning for the fourth year to its beautiful location in Chew Valley, Somerset on the 4-6 August 2017 and we've got two adult tickets to giveaway!

The Community Farm, which is where Valley Fest is held and was first born in 2014. The community-owned social Enterprise, which grows and sells organic food through a box delivery service, was taken over by Luke Hasell after his parents both passed away. To honour their memory Luke decided to put on an event that would encompass their zest for life, good food and be a true celebration of life to share with those you love. Luke was also BBC Food & Farming’s Outstanding Farmer of the Year nominee in 2014 and is passionate about connecting people with where their food comes from and helping them to reconnect with the land that it’s grown on. The big old knees up that is Valley Fest offers food, music and good times and while delicious local produce has always been a key element of the festival, this year they are upping the game by only inviting traders who offer organic food. “It’s important to us that organic food is not elitist.” said Luke Hasell who runs Valley Fest on his farm. “As a farmer I care deeply about the land and the provenance of food – and that’s what organic is – we want everyone to enjoy the best food along with the best music.”

Nestled in the heart of Chew Valley, the festival boasts a stunning view of the lake and surrounding countryside, making it a little bubble of joy away from the hullabaloo of everyday life.

Join the festival goers with an eclectic mix of barnstorming music, blistering DJ sets in the Yard, plus some gentler acoustic sets offering a more laid back vibe. There are plenty of treats to keep

Events, reader offers, discount vouchers and compet entertain the whole family in your area this summer

JO TOU

VALLEY FEST

kids happy as well, from honing their DJ skills, to arts and craft workshops, junior discos, a carnival parade and the space to run free. They can even get to know the farm animals and the farming way of life in the Hogsnorts Farming Academy. valleyfest.co.uk

WIN!!

Want to WIN two adult tickets (kids go free), simply email your answer to the following question:

In what year did the festival begin?

T&C's Email your answer to info@countrychild.co.uk by the 10th July 2017.

Family ticket consists of 2 x adults, children can go free. Editors decision is final and competition not open to employees of Valley Fest or Country Child. Winner picked at rondom. Full T&C's on our website.

workshops, a Jabberwocky Hunt, cartoon club and songwriting workshops. Ella Berthoud will be offering Story Cures for children and their families and there will be a series of events with The Week Junior. The new afternoon acoustic stage will offer a chilled setting for families to relax with an ice cream (or G&T), enjoying the view of the Solent whilst listening to the soothing sounds of some of the UK’s best acoustic acts.

From life drawing, midnight bat walks and cocktail masterclasses to snail racing, poetry workshops, pop-up fine dining, an opera and cricket match, no other festival offers anything like this dreamy, fun, eccentric and ultimately inimitable weekend. Find out more at curiousartsfestival.com

CURIOUS ARTS FESTIVAL

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enowned for attracting the cream of UK and international literary talent, the Curious Arts Festival also offers a glittering array of the cultural, creative and curious including comedy, music and a packed children’s programme. Returning for a fourth year in the glorious grounds of Pylewell Park, deep in the New Forest, at the start of the school holidays (21-23 July), this year’s programme is setting new standards for inspiring, green field arts festivals. Highlights include; supreme singer songwriters Tom Odell and Izzy Bizu, the legendary writer, film-maker and publisher Dave Eggers, the People’s Poet Lemn Sissay, the foremost chronicler of our emotional lives, Joanna Trollope and Mock The Week’s hilarious Ed Byrne.

Curious family adventures include Breath of Life Puppetry

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Here's how to WIN a family weekend ticket to this fantastic festival!

What dates are this year's Curious Arts Festival held on?

T&C's Email your answer to info@countrychild.co.uk by the 10th July 2017. This prize consists of a Family weekend pass to Curious Arts Festival 2017 (Two adults and up to three children, aged 13 and under), worth £300. The festival runs from 21 July to 23 July 2017. All festival goers are invited to camp at no extra charge or Glamping options are available to book separately.

The festival site is open for camping from noon on Friday to 10am on Monday. The prize winner must provide their email address to Country Child, which will be passed on to the Curious Arts Festival, in order to receive the prize. The prize winner will be sent e-tickets on behalf of the Curious Arts Festival by Sky Tickets. The prize winner’s email will be added to the Curious mailing list for news and information about the festival. The prize winner will be able to opt out of receiving this information. Editors decision is final and competition not open to employees of Curious Arts Fetival or Country Child.

Winner picked at rondom.

WIN!!

LITT CHI

competitions to summer holiday....

WIN!!

JOUSTING TOURNAMENT

50% Off POSITIVE DISCIPLINE COURSE

A



ttachment Parenting UK offer a ten module online course that gives parents a research rich approach to transfrom some of the parenting challenges all parents face. This innovative course could see you through the summer holidays when those challengses are at their highest. Discover your parenting style & learn about tantrums, aggression, sleep, praise & rewards.. Stay calm and relatively stress free with the Country Child discount of 50% off your first course! Usual cost: £99.

Enrol using CHILD50 today online at: attachmentparenting..co.uk

T

he Knights of Royal England are once again at Sherborne Castle on the 24th and 25th June 2017.

The knights are well known for recreating a late 13th Century Joust one of the country’s most popular Jousting Tournaments.

Entertainments on both days include; a living history camp, archery and combat displays by the Medieval Siege Society, including Trebuchet demonstrations. have a go’ archery, falconry displays, both flying (2 per day) and static axe throwing with free tuition, juggling/jester walkaboutand circus workshops, historic story telling and music accompaniment. For all the ticket infomation visit: sherbornecastle.com or enter our fantastic competition to win one of two family passes!

25% Off FISH CAMP

Simply email your answer to the following question:

T&C's Email your answer to info@countrychild.co.uk by the 10th July 2017. Family ticket consists of either 2 x adults or 2 x children or 1x adult and 3 x children. Editors decision is final and competition not open to employees of Knights Royal, Sherborne Castle or Country Child. Winner picked at rondom.

B



Which century is considered the best for jousting tournaments?

LITTLE CHIX

ased at Nether Wallop Mill in Hampshire a new Fish Camp will aim to educate the next chapter of young fishermen or women on all things that are great about fly fishing, resulting in being able to; cast with skill and accuracy, tying your own fly to catch a fish. visiting a local trout farm, handling some really cool kit at a local fly fishing store and to top it off a final day on a prime beat of the River Test.

Kids Fish Camp runs from July 18-22, with a 3 or 5 day option. The cost is £195 and £250 which includes all instruction, fishing costs and equipment. No previous experience required. Get more details from simon@fishingbreaks.co.uk JUST MENTION COUNTRY CHILD TO GET YOUR 25% OFF WHEN BOOKING



WIN!!

W

in four tickets to Holiday Inn Winchester's Little Chix Tribute Event on the 16th July including Sunday Brunch.Carvery. The lucky winner and their three guests - family or friends, will be able to enjoy this afternoon tribute event on from 2.30 pm, with Little Chix performing the music of Little Mix - the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of the school holidays and to also enjoy the 4 star AA Rosette Awarded delicious food at the hotel with Sunday Brunch/Carvery served from 12.30 - 2pm. hiwinchester.co.uk

£20 Off PARTY BOOKING

Win tickets to the show here:



Name the reality talent TV show that the real Little Mix won in 2011?



T&C's Email your answer to: Amy.Leitch@hiwinchester.co.uk by the 30th JUNE 2017. With the answer to the question, your name, address, email and daytime contact, telephone number. Please ensure you also put ‘LITTLE CHIX/SUNDAY BRUNCH COMPETITION’ in the subject box of your email. Or by post to: Holiday Inn Winchester, (LITTLE CHIX/SUNDAY BRUNCH Competition) Telegraph Way, Morn Hill, Winchester SO21 1HZ. One entry per person. Closing date for entries 30TH JUNE 2017, The winner will be decided by draw. The judges decision is final.

No cash alternatives are available. The prize is for tickets for 4 to the Little Chix tribute event and Sunday Brunch/ Carvery on Sunday 16th July. The prize is not transferrable. By entering this competition you accept that your data can be passed to our sponsors unless you choose to opt out from receiving the hotel’s monthly e-newsletter please state on your entry. Employees of this magazine and of Holiday Inn are not allowed to submit entries. The winner to agree to follow up publicity in this magazine and on the Holiday Inn Winchester website.

T

otcity is Andover’s new and only role play centre for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Discover a scaleddown street designed to inspire young children to explore and use their imaginations to their hearts’ content.

As children love to play make-believe and dress-up, the six play areas, equipped with child sized resources and dressing up outfits, entice them to let their ideas run wild. Totcity also offer exclusive hire of the facility for birthday parties, but also schools, nurseries or any other large groups. Book today with the Country Child reader offer of £20 off a party booking. Valid june through to August 2017. 01264 748 250 totcity.co.uk

23

Over the Borders

F

Our top three holiday staycations for the family, across our borders...

or the fifth year running, the South West has topped the charts for being recognised as a fantastic tourist destination. According to this year’s National VisitEngland awards, some fifteen finalists dominated a 22% share. Meaning when it comes to visitor experiences, the South West is one of the best! With this in mind, Country Child have checked out three super family-friendly staycation destinations for you and yours to consider this year.

BEST FOR SWIMMING POOL AND RELAXATION

BEST FOR

A FAMILY OF ALL AGES

From £857

From £725

Low season, Four nights for four people.

Low season (Nov), Seven nights, Four people.

H

idden in a remote Devonshire valley lies Gitcombe Estate, complete with 8 luxury cottages for your family to enjoy.

The estate is run by husband and wife team Peter and Joanne, the consummate hosts, aiming to provide the best in staycation facilities at this crisp and immaculate establishment. All family requirements have been well thought through at Gitcombe, indeed our family of four were unpacked and settled in, (with the log fire burning!) within twenty minutes. While our children explored safely within the grounds around the cottage, we enjoyed relaxing whilst listening to their peels of laughter. The natural pirate ship structure, tree house balconette and private woodland walk provided our young with hours of entertainment. This was a true treat for us as parents and meant we felt fully relaxed on our return.The purpose built pool house, with sauna, steam room and even an adjoining large soft play/games room is a real plus. Having all these facilities under one roof allows children of all ages to be entertained, while parents enjoy the spa. For those looking for somewhere that caters for every member of the family, then award winning Gitcombe surely is the place to be; a mini Centre Parcs, but smaller and more personal. gitcombe.co.uk

BEST FOR

24

Holiday Hire N

CHILD

ENTERTAINMENT AND

F

B

ruern Luxury Cottages in the Cotswolds ensure their guests need only ‘pack light’ when planning their annual family holiday with them; everything else is taken care of. And, they certainly don’t disappoint; on our arrival we were welcomed with delicious essentials such as farmhouse eggs and thick slices of bacon, sumptuous sausages and even a lemon drizzle cake standing to attention upon a glass cake stand. However, the ‘piece de resistance’ had to be the bottle of Heidsieck Monopole Champagne; well-deserved (and needed!) after a long drive with small children. Indeed, nothing at Bruern has been forgotten; washing up liquid and tablets for the dishwasher, tea towels, kitchen roll, cling film, foil, cooking oil, sugar, tea, you name it, it’s been thought of. Yes, stair gates, high chairs and even a chest of toys are awaiting your arrival. White towels, crisp linen and comfy robes, coupled with Neal’s Yard or White Company toiletries, all ensure your stay will feel indulgent and special. This attention to detail is extraordinary, given that you are able to book the cottages for a single night stay as well as multiple nights.

These cottages have everything your family will need and so much more, making Bruern Cottages a fun, flexible and exemplary holiday destination for families.bruern-holiday-cottages.co.uk

LOCATION

From £179

per night, for ollowing a rather long car journey with little ones, it was lovely family room to receive a warm welcome from the staff at Bedruthen Hotel in B&B basis Newquay. Our family room overlooked the beautiful bay of Magwan Porth, guaranteeing idyllic beach-side views, whatever the season. Equipped with a kingsize bed and two singles for the children, our spacious room boasted a clever blind which separated the sleeping quarters - allowing parents some relaxation away from the children. A stroller and baby carrier were also offerered, just in case we decided to venture further afield. Not only were we blessed with amazing sunsets from the dining room each evening, the waiting staff were attentive to our every need and the high quality of food and wine meant we retired to our beds happy and replete. In addition to the indoor and outdoor pools, daily entertainment at Bedruthen ensures that all ages of children are catered for. Parents wishing to enjoy the spa facilities in peace, can consider the on-site crèche, where the staff will entertain little ones. In booking the Dinner, Bed and Breakfast option at Bedruthen, we were certainly able to enjoy a stress-free break away. For those looking for an all-inclusive break in the UK, this hotel in Cornwall is well worth considering. bedruthan.com

ew family run business Travelling Tots has launched to offer families a solution to stressful holiday planning.

Whether it's a holiday, a mini break or simply visiting friends you can now pre-order a family set up from a box of toys, pram, cot or highchair to be delivered to your holiday destination (if not already supplied).

Service currently available throughout the Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset counties.

For more information contact Travelling Tots for what equiptment can be hired and the costs involved. travelling-tots.co.uk

Last Minute...

Sponsored by

Holidays, camps and getaways for you, your family or just the kids...

COME

H

FLY WITH ME...

ere you'll find a taste of what last minute abroad holidays are available from our good friends at Southampton Airport Direct Travel. As ABTA and ATOL members, financial safety is assured so check out some of their Summer 2017 deals below or visit: southamptonairport.com/direct-travel

MAJORCA - CALA D'OR

From £2,279

per party of 2 adults plus 2 children in an apartment, 4*, Self Catering for 7 nights

CORSICA - BASTIA

JERSEY - ST HELIER

From £2,560

From £1,612

per party of 2 adults plus 2 children in an apartment, 3*, Room Only, for 7 nights

per party of 2 adults plus 2 children, 3*, Bed and Breakfast for 7 nights

T&C’s: Prices correct as from 20th April 2017 and are subject to change. Child age is 2 – 12 years

MAGICAL MOMENTS

T

he Legoland® Castle Hotel opens this July 2017. The premium, Castle-themed family hotel is situated right on the edge of the theme park next to the existing Legoland® Windsor Resort Hotel, The new Castle Hotel will have 61 magical rooms and families can choose between two imaginatively themed room types – Knights and Wizards – as well as enjoying the leisure and entertainment facilities at the Windsor Resort Hotel. Special benefits including early entry to the park, free refillable drink vessels and unique Lego gifts and collectables are all available too. Colourful Lego touches and models, large and small, will feature throughout; from the hotel’s astonishing lobby, dominated by a giant Lego Wizard unleashing Lego magic from his wand, to the a la carte Tournament Tavern Restaurant, indoor Jester’s Play area and outdoor playground. Knights and Wizards themed bedrooms, with separate sleeping areas for adults and children are priced from £572 for a family room (2 adults/2 children) including breakfast and park tickets for two days. legolandholidays.co.uk

C MILLING AROUND

A

popular choice for a Summer Holiday Camp aimed entirely at children is Mill on the Brue, in Bruton, Somerset. A wealth of activities awaits youngsters, from the age of 8 up to 15, whether it be canoeing, high ropes, archery, slacklining, assualt courses, tunnelling, concert or disco. With at least 6 activities a day, held on the 25 acre site and home cooked meals, the children have no trouble in settling in. Price for seven days is £584 and you can receive discounts for referring a friend, a returning booking or if you book two weeks! Check out millonthebrue.co.uk for all the details on the day and summer camp.

amp Kernow, a pioneering offgrid summer camp powers up for its fourth year this summer, delivering exhilarating environmental adventures for young people in the heart of the Cornish countryside.

Suitable for 7 to 14 year olds, the award winning, not-for-profit summer camp is thought to be the only carbon neutral activity centre in the UK, enabling the younger generation to understand and experience a new IDS O FF RID way of living in balance with nature, its ecological systems and resources.

Located just outside Truro, the camp sits in a two hundred acre estate of woodland, streams, lakes and organic farmland, providing a haven for wildlife as well as an endless playground for happy campers to explore and play in. A wide range of activities are available, provisions for sleeping eschews the traditional tent, in favour of low impact timber/canvas structures including yurts, tipis, geo-domes, bell tents and even an upturned boat hull. The residential camps range from 3 to 6 days in duration with 2017 dates as follows: Three day camp: 9th - 11th August cost £260 and Six day camps: 13th - 18th August and 20th - 25th August cost £495 with 5% discount for sibling bookings. campkernow.org.uk

K

G O

G

25

Crqfty Capers

Get crafty with the kids, there’s hours of fun to be had, whether at home or on a crafty workshop!

B

art with t onto pain e som Tip t. pain er a straw, paper and post all in t pain the blow and straw your blank paper, grab and Dry ens. directions. You'll be amazed at what happ

LOW ART - Create a piece of your own

frame...

S

TAINED GLASS WINDOW - Cut

out two frames from a black piece of card and lie onto sticky back plastic.

Randomly cut shapes from different aic colours of tissue paper. Apply a mos e, fram the of e pattern onto the insid pop the other black frame on top and fold over the sticky black plastic to close . in your window. Hang in a sunny spot

F

LICK BOOK - The challenge is to

‘grow a flower’ with a small note pad.

On the back page draw a stem and leaf. e On the next page, draw the same imag until tinue Con il. but add a little more deta page. the image is completed on the front

W

P

ACkY SACKS - Perfect for

EBBLE ART - Glue pebbles on a

stressful rainy days over the flour summer.. Fill a balloon with either corn a on draw and end or plasticine, tie the smiley face. SQUEEZE and REPEAT!

piece of paper, then draw around the pebbles with ears, arms, eyes and legs. Rabbits, Bugs and Snails wor k well. And frame...

S

UPER HERO - Simply fix a card

triangle to a lolly pop. Glue on googly eyes, draw on a nose and r mouth and add some spar kle for supe hero powers!

D

REAM CATCHER - Cut a large

ART & CRAFT CLASSES IN YOUR AREA: Summer Pottery Workshops Regular Potters Wheel and Clay Project work available throughout the summer holidays. For more details on individual courses visit: splashofcolourcafe.net

26

 Comic Art Masterclass The Lights, Andover -Tuesday, 1 August 2017 at 10am or 1.30pm £12 thelights.org.uk  Children's Animal Painting Workshop Quince Art School Regular mum and daughter classes throughout the year. quinceartschool.com

M

ARBLE RUN - Cut out marble en-

trance at top of box lid, affix painted lolly pops sticks at varying angles with just double sided sticky tape, with barriers om. bott the at cups cting colle before the

 Faux Arts Art Play, Holiday courses for children

by Marion and with Mummy, Deuchars, Marlborough encourages children Wiltshire aged 7+ to explore fauxarts. the wonderful, art-filled co.uk world of creation with over 50 unique activities within a sketchbook £12.95 amazon.co.uk

HOLIDAY BOOK CLUB

hole in a paper plate, decorate the edges with anything you like, hole punch the edge and feed through a web of coloured wool or twine, then hang and some woollen lines from the bottom s. bead and decorate with feathers

CALENDAR SUMMER 2017 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

31 Summer Spectacular, Finkley Down Farm Sitting with Jane BookBench Public Art Trail Basingstoke

1 Summer Spectacular, Finkley Down Farm The Great Brick Safari, Marwell Zoo

2 Meet Peppa Pig Adventure Wonderland Sitting with Jane BookBench Public Art Trail Basingstoke Cowes Week

3 Summer Spectacular, Finkley Down Farm The Great Brick Safari, Marwell Zoo Hands on History, Old Wardour

4 Bournemouth Friday Fireworks Parent and Child Cookery, Sparsholt College British Superbikes, Thruxton Cowes Week

5 Poole Town & Country Show British Superbikes, Thruxton Battle Proms at Highclere Castle Jane Austen Tour and Tea Winchester Cowes Week Battle Proms Picnic Concert, Highclere Winchester Outdoor Cinema Kite Festival, Old Sarum

6 Saddle Up Music & Food Festival Romsey Twyford Waterworks Open Days Trout 'n About Stockbridge Annual Food & Craft Festival Wessex Country Fair

7 Sitting with Jane - BookBench Public Art Trail Basingstoke The Great Brick Safari, Marwell Zoo

8 Kilver Court Magical Garden Trail Hands on History, Old Wardour

9 Albacare International Sailing Champions The Great Brick Safari, Marwell Zoo

10 Albacare International Sailing Champions Boomtown Fair, Winchester

11 Bournemouth Friday Fireworks Parent and Child Cookery, Sparsholt College

12 Sitting with Jane BookBench Public Art Trail Basingstoke Boomtown Fair, Winchester Hands on History, Old Wardour Swindon and Cricklade Railway Steam & Vintage Weekend

13 Sci- Fi Weekend, Tank Museum Boomtown Fair, Winchester Hands on History, Old Wardour

14 Kilver Court Magical Garden Trail Hands on History, Old Wardour Malmesbury Carnival & Festival

15 Weymouth Carnival Hands on History, Old Wardour Malmesbury Carnival & Festival

16 Summer Holiday Family Races, Salisbruy Racing The Great Brick Safari, Marwell Zoo

17 Plush Festival, Dorchester Summer Holiday Family Races, Salisbruy Racing Malmesbury Carnival & Festival

18 Bournemouth Friday Fireworks Parent and Child Cookery, Sparsholt College

19 Frome Rum Festival Children's Potion Making Workshop & Walk Knoll Gardens, Piddle Valley Gardens Club Summer Show Children's Inflatable Fun Dayz, Westbury

20 Hampshire Hogs Six-a-side Cricket Tournament South Downs Show and Hampshire Wood Fair Longstock Park Water Garden Openings Stockbridge

21 Sitting with Jane - BookBench Public Art Trail Basingstoke

22 The Great Brick Safari, Marwell Zoo

23 Kilver Court 24 Great Dorset Magical Garden Trail Steam Fair Malmesbury Carnival & Festival

25 Carfest South Bournemouth Friday Fireworks Great Dorset Steam Fair

26 Great Dorset Steam Fair Carfest South Victorious Festival, Portsmouth Family Summer’s End Picnic, Romsey Great British Food Festival, Calne

27 Carfest South Victorious Festival, Portsmouth Gaze Festival,Twyford Grand Medieval Joust, Old Sarum

28 Great Dorset Steam Fair OwlO-Ween, Hawk Conservancy Trust Devizes International Street Festival & Carnival

29 Meet Fireman Sam Adventure Wonderland

30 Kilver Court Magical Garden TrailOwl-O-Ween, Hawk Conservancy Trust

AUGUST

MONDAY

31 Bournemouth Air Festival Owl-OWeen, Hawk Conservancy Trust

SALISBURY RACES

FAMILY DAYS

SUN 18 JUNE (Father’s Day Racing & “Fake Tan” - The Ultimate Party Band!

Suitable for all the family)

WED 16 & THURS 17 AUGUST (Summer Holiday Family Races) CHILDREN AGED 17 & UNDER ALWAYS GET IN FREE! AND…..FREE ENTERTAINMENTS PROVIDED FOR THEM ON FAMILY DAYS! For more details and to book tickets for all 16 race days, including the four excellent music nights, go to salisburyracecourse.co.uk

01722 326461

27

Toddler Timetable Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

9.30-11 Tummies, Tiddlers and 9-11 Baydon Baby and Toddler Group, Marlborough Toddlers, St George’s Primary

Thursday

Friday

9.30-10 Musical Music, (term-time) Piona Lounge, Marlborough

9.30-10 Musical Music, (termtime) Wyvern Club, Devizes

9,30-11.30 Wellow Jellytots, 9.30-11 Jumperoo Bounce n Play, 9.45-11.45 Chilbolton P&T Village Hall Group, Wherwell Village hall

9.30-11.30 Over Wallop 9.30-11.30 Music and More, Under 5's Church Hall Hawk Conservancy (term time)

9.30-11 Tiddlers Messy play, Liphook Infant School 9.30-11 Sandroyd Pre Prep

10.15-11.30 P&T Group, Hampshire Collegiate Prep School

9.30-11 Stay and Play at Ludwell Five Lanes Primary (termtime) Primary School

School, Bourton

St Gregory’s Sch, Salisbury

9.30-11 Stay & Play, Tisbury Parent and Toddler Group Children’s Centre 9.45-11.45 Little Acorns

Woodland Group, Groves Fm,

9.45-11.30 Tiddlers & Mildenhall, Marlborough Toddlers, Lecture Hall, Mere 10-11.30 Monkey Doodle, Wylye Village Hall, Wylye 10.30-12 Wild Things Hillworth Park Devizes

10-11 Music Bugs, Amesbury Baptist Ctr 10-11.30 Toddler Group, Chafyn Grove School

9.3-11.45 Fluffy Chicks P&T 2pm-3.30 Broughton Under Group, Damerham Village Hall

5's, Village hall, (term-time) 2.15-2.45 Rhyme Time, Warminster Library

10-11.45 Longparish P&T Group, Village Hall

9.45-11 Baby Rhymetime, Winch 9.30-11.30 Play n Stay, Norman Court, West Disc Centre Tytherley (term time) 9.45-11.30 Tiddlers & Toddlers, Lecture Hall, Mere

10-12 Mother & Toddler Group, Itchen Abbas Village Hall

9.30-11.30 Little Sparks, Winnall 9.45-12 Bramshaw Bunnies B&T Group, Bramshaw Vill Centre, Winchester

10-12 Caterpillars Parent & Toddler Group, Fovant Rainbow Centre 9.30-11.30 Jumping Beans Toddler Group, Roundhill Scout Hut, Fordingbridge

1.15-2.45 Busy Bees Pre-School, Ringwood

10-12 Stockbridge P&T. Group, Town Hall

2-3 Overton Playgroup - Stay and Play

9.30-11.45 Potterne B&T

10-12 Woodland Imps, Highclere Woods

10-11.30 Little Cuckoos P&T Group, Warminster

1-3pm Mothers and Others Toddler Group, Four Marks 2-3.30 United Church Group, Winchester Gospel Hall (term-time)

1-3.30 Semley Montessori B&T Group, Semley Primary School 2.30-3 Rhymetime 0-2's Petersfield Library (term-

9.30-11 Grateley P&T Group, Village Hall 10-11.45 Goodworth Clatford P&T Group, Village Hall 10-11.30 St Mary Bourne P&T Group, Village Hall

9.30-11.30 Weyhill P&T Group, Weyhill Fairground Hall

10-11.30 Clatford P&T Group, King Edward Hall 10.15-11 Emma & The Magic Bag, St Andrew’s Primary School, Fontmell 11-12 Mini Movers at Tisbury Sports Centre

1.30-3 Badgers Farm P&T Group, Winchester

10-11.30 Colden Common Tots, Community Centre

3.30-4.30 Magic Tower Montessori Clanville

10.15-11.45 Ark P&T Group, St Paul’s Church Ctr, Salisbury 10-12 Broad Hinton Kids Club, Marlborough

time)

28

9.30-10 Musical Music, (termtime), Scout Hut, Pewsey

Library Times

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Salisbury

10am-7pm

9am-7pm

9am-5pm

9am-7pm

9am-7pm

9am-5pm

Market Lavington

Andover

Closed

2pm-7pm

Closed

Closed

10pm- 5pm

Closed

9am-5pm

9am- 5pm

9am-5pm

9am-7pm

9am-5pm

9am- 4pm

Mere

10am-7pm

9.30am-5pm

9.30am-1pm

9.30am-5pm

9.30am-5pm

9.30am-1pm

Wilton Closed

Alresford 10am-1pm

10am-2pm & 2am-7pm 2pm-5pm

10am-1pm & 1pm- Closed 5pm Closed 10am-1pm

10am-2pm & 2pm-5pm 10am-7pm

10am-1pm

Devizes

10am-7pm

9.30am-5pm

9.30am-12.30pm

9.30am-7pm

9.30am-5pm

9.30am-4pm

Kingsclere

Closed

1pm-5.30pm

Closed

1pm-5.30pm

Closed

10.30am-3pm

Marlborough

2pm-7pm

Closed

9.30am-5pm

9.30am-7pm

9.30am-5pm

9.30am-1pm

Tisbury

Closed

10am-1pm

Closed

2pm-7pm

10am-5pm

Closed

2-5pm 5.30-7.30pm 10am-5pm

Closed

Bishops Waltham

2-5pm 5.30-7.30pm Closed

Fordingbridge

Closed

9.30am-5pm

9.30am-5pm

Closed

9.30am-5pm

9.30am-1pm

Overton Ringwood

Romsey

Closed Closed

2pm-7pm 9am-7pm

Closed 9am-5pm

2pm-7pm 9am-5pm

Closed 9am-5pm

9am-1pm 9am-1pm

9am-5pm

9am-5pm

Closed

9am-7pm

9am-5pm

9am-4pm

Whitchurch

1pm-5pm

Closed

1pm-7pm

Closed

10am-5pm

10am-1pm

Winchester Odiham

9am-7pm 2pm-5pm

9am-7pm 2pm-5pm

9am-7pm 9.30am-12.30pm

9am-7pm 2pm-5pm

Warminster

10am-7pm

9.30am-5pm

9am-12.30pm

9.30am-7pm

9am-7pm 9.30am12.30pm 9.30am-5pm

9am-5pm 9.30am12.30pm 9.30am-4pm

10am-1pm

9.30am-1pm

Show and Tell The Grunch

N

ew Theatre Royal’s resident theatre school, The Young Creatives, Portsmouth is bringing this exciting new children’s musical ‘The Grunch’ to the stage this summer. Full of toe tapping songs, this musical is inspired by ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ and features bright Seussical costume and set design. Tickets £12.50. 24 June newtheatreroyal.com

The best of Hampshire

A guide to local live entertainment

Let the Music Play

W

T

he Hampshire Garden Festival, formerly known as the Test Valley Garden and Literary Festival encompasses all that is great about Hampshire.

From plants to food, practical demonstrations to talks, this year’s festival will provide great entertainment and a fantastic day out for all ages. Enjoy the music and spirit of Hampshire at its very best in a wonderland of fun. Kids can enjoy activities by Zoolab, Sandykids Art, Juggling Jake’s Circus Skills, Storytelling and music by Hampshire’s own band Head North. 11 June at Bere Mill, Whitchurch on the banks of the iconic River Test at Whitchurch. hampshiregardenfestival.co.uk

iltshire's Cherubim Music Trust will host a three day music festival with two evening concerts for all and includes special events for kids too! Percussion Percussion Discovery is on the Friday with Sam Wilson & George Barton and a magical journey on the Sunday with Rebecca Kenny's Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes & Marvelous Music.

More information can be found on all the acts at: cherubimtrust. org 8-10 Sept

Sounds at the Sea

J

azz by the Sea Festival will take place across multiple venues in Poole and Bournemouth at the start of summer.

Bringing world class jazz musicians to Dorset, with live performances in retail outlets, shopping arcades, hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs and pubs as well as in public areas with musicians playing from the Festival’s unique Jazzmobile. 11 17 June. Tickets from £15 to £24.

For programme details visit jazzbytheseafestival.co.uk

Soft and Spongy Theatre

B

ig Imaginations and Turned on Its Head are bringing their squishy, interactive show for young children and babies to The Point, Eastleigh.

Sponge embraces all things spongy, alluding to a child’s ability to soak things up ‘like a sponge’, a lovely piece of cake, or simply the springy, squashy, malleable texture which fascinates us and children alike. Set to an original score fused with 70’s disco classics and interludes by composers such as Henry Mancini, the performers will reveal and explore small and large scale sponge environments and props for children to squash, roll, pop and squeeze, as well as discovering the leggy character Splegs, who needs a little bit of help walking.

Designed specifically for children aged from four months to four years or older children with profound and multiple learning disabilities, Sponge has delighted audiences across the country with its interactive, yet welcoming, environment. 7 June. Tickets £8 or £6 for children thepointeastleigh.co.uk

Eastleigh Unwrapped Festival

R

eturning for a fifth year, is the Eastleigh Unwrapped Festival hosted by The Point.

New for this year, the free day of fun now forms part of the venue’s Summer Social programme, two whole weeks of performances and activities which throw open the doors and take The Point’s work outside. This year’s programme features Motionhouse – the world class dance-circus company. They bring their physically powerful and extraordinary skill to Hampshire. Featuring four dancers and a large metal cage, this really is a spectacle not to be missed. For more amazing acts on show viist: 7 June. eastleighunwrapped.com

29

NOW OPEN

W E BELIEV E In making things properly. That simple is beautiful.

And more than anything, that our homes should make us happy. Every day.

What we don’t believe in is shortcuts. So every one of our kitchen cabinets is designed as a freestanding piece of furniture. It means it’s made as it should be from every angle. Even the back of a cabinet deserves to be beautiful. Suffolk kitchen by Neptune. Arundel oak dining table, £1,400.

Keats pendant light, £74.

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30

HA LEAL

ETO GE

Inspiring girls from 3–11

Doctor

Doctor How can Dr Alex Newman help you with your child health-related questions this season?

Q. What should I be doing about veruccas?

E

ssentially nothing, veruccas go on their own. Whilst they can be very frustrating to try and treat, they rarely cause any symptoms. The three treatment options are burning, freezing or wrapping with duct tape. All of these methods probably help some people and are all available from the Pharmacy.

Unfortunately, there are no secret more effective methods doctors can help with!

Q. What is cradle cap and what can I do about it?

N

o one is really sure, either a reaction to a common yeast that lives on the skin of young babies or related to too much sebum being secreted by the skin. It doesn't hurt or scar and will go if left alone. Some mums love picking at it but this does run the risk of it getting infected. If you do want to try and get it to go then olive oil or vaseline will soften the scales and then gentle brushing will encourage the plaques to drop off.

knees, out toeing and bow legs are all fairly common and usually resolve themselves in time. However, if you are ever concerned about it, it’s often helpful to see your GP or health visitor for a chat.

Q. How should I manage my child’s sunburn?

A

void it at all costs! My mantra with my kids is that is if they can make a shadow then they need cream on, factor 50, ideally hourly. If you do get caught out then get them out of the sun as soon as you can and cool them down - a bath is often a good idea, get them plenty of fluids and painkillers. Kids with sunburn need to see a doctor if their skin is blistering, they start running a temperature over 38 or start to complain of dizziness or vomiting; fortunately these are all rare occurrences.

I

n 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.

Q. Do they ever take children’s tonsils out these days?

Y

es, but not unless there is going to be a clear benefit.

Depending on your local hospital guidelines, it is likely to be 7 documented episodes in a year or 5 a year for 2 years of treated tonsillitis. The reason for this is that the operation itself is not without risk and it’s not going to prevent children getting the myriad of coughs and colds that they will be getting alongside these specific infections. An entirely separate indication is for the uncommon condition of sleep apnoea; whereby children have permanently large tonsils that block off the airway during sleep, causing tiredness and sometimes behavioural problems.

Q. My child has pigeon toes, should I be doing something about it?

U

sually not, if your child is otherwise walking normally it’s likely to correct itself once they are 7-8 years of age. Knock

31

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 DIY Neon Light kit, pink or blue £14.99 thefowndry.com  Moon and Stars Mobile in Gold £25 nubie.co.uk  Large Print Star Basket, Grey/White Stars: £31.50 nubie.co.uk  SNURK Children's Astronaut Bedding Set, £44.95 cuckooland.com  Renuka Doormat, 100% wool with rubber backing, £29 urbanara.com  Universe 1660 Cushion - British Library From £29.99 welovecushions.co.uk  Rocky Rocket Kids Armchair with Built-in Light & Sound System, £POA cuckooland.com  Large /XL Glow Moon Light Wall Sticker £59.99 glow.co.uk  ‘The Final Frontier’ Cream & Green Lampshade £75 paperboywallpaper.co.uk  Baby Colours Twinkle Star Bunting, £9. diy.com  Cushion cover (€89) and hot water bottle (€65) STAR Beige/Lilac: 100% Superfine Merino Wool lenzleif.com

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33

The Great Outdoors A clear summer’s night is the perfect opportunity for the family to spend time outside, gazing at the stars and learning a little about our solar system. Miranda recommends some apps that can help bring the sky to life in the palm of your hand!

L

ike many mums of inquisitive young children, I’m often the recipient of some rather probing questions; “Mummy, where has yesterday gone?” “Why exactly are clouds white?” and “How deep is the ocean after a really, reallllly big rainstorm?” are just a few recent examples. The amount of time (and, dare I say, interest!) I give to my replies largely depends on my energy levels at the time of interrogation and whether it’s the first, third or even thirtieth such question of the day. Sometimes, I’ll know the answer (this, I hasten to add is a very rare occurrence) and I’ll delight in firing back a watertight reply but, more often than not, I’ve absolutely no idea, not a clue.

I find myself replying with something along the lines of, “What an interesting question, darling, we’ll have to look that one up when we get home,” but invariably we don’t because something else arises and my children’s intriguing questions are, once again, left unanswered.

In the past month or so, my boys have developed an interest in an altogether new topic…that of the solar system. Alas, another subject area I confess I know little about. But, the kids’ ‘space’ questions have shown no sign of abating and so last week I did a spot of research; namely, I spoke to one of my mummy friends-inthe-know. As a mother herself of three boys, I was confident she’d have come across the ‘space’ topic, and indeed she had! She gave me a few fab tips, all of which have proven hugely popular with my own boys. As a result, spending some evenings star gazing this summer is an activity I can strongly recommend for all of the family, with a little help from the following apps:

DATE iary

Romsey Festival Family Day Hillier Gardens host new art in the Education Garden this summer and celebrate the work visiting students have created.

Join in the fun activities for children, classic cars., tree climbing, crafty fun, face painting, theatre and music. Pupils from Mountbatten School will be performing Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 1pm and 3pm, outdoor, during the family day. 15 July romseyfestival.org

34

Pocket Universe: Virtual Sky Astromy

This is the perfect way for the family to learn all about the sky at night. Choose a clear night and head outside to look at the stars.

By holding your phone up to the sky, an annotated star map will appear on your phone’s screen, displaying the names of the constellations and planets that you’re looking at. Your children will love to see the sky before them come to life in a whole new light.

Space Images This app is just mind blowing! It works alongside Nasa’s space images website and sends the most incredible images from space direct to your phone. Pictures of black holes imploding to star bursts and supernova explosions are just a few examples of what you can expect to receive. This really is the perfect app for any budding astronomer!

ISS Finder This app helps you to see track International Space Station at night and you can even request alerts to your phone when the ISS is going to be passing over your home. Additional information, such as who is crewing the ISS helps kids to get an idea of what life may be like for those spending time in space.

And, finally, the following website nasa.gov/kidsclub is a fabulous resource. Full of exciting facts, games and information that will help any parent answer their child’s questions on the solar system. And for that, I’m very grateful!

Grow your Own Microgreens

W

hat are Microgreens? Microgreens are best described as the baby leaves of herbs and vegetables which would normally be harvested when they are more mature such as beetroot, rocket and basil. These baby greens have grown in popularity recently as an easy way to add a fresh punchy taste to meals or as a garnish.

Where do I begin? Growing your own Microgreens is simple and relatively inexpensive.

All you’ll need is a growing tray, such as the Johnsons Microgreens Re-Usable Growing Tray, some seeds and a sunny south-facing windowsill!

Microgreens can be grown all year round on a sunny windowsill in a growing tray and some varieties of seeds are ready in as little as just two weeks! As the growing trays don’t require any soil this is an easy and clean way to add flavour and colour to any meal.

Johnsons Growing Trays £4.99 Johnsons Microgreens Seeds from £2.00 at garden centres near you.

WINDOW SHOPPING Country Child seeks out properties with investment potential.

Cliddesden, Hampshire £700,000

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Durley Hampshire £675,000

The three bedroom semi detached cottage has large garden and expansive courtyard and detached brick outbuildings. Planning consent has been granted to convert two brick outbuildings into two single storey self-catering holiday lets. Application Ref: 16/02860/FUL.

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Steventon, Nr Overton, Hampshire £450,000

West Tytherley, Salisbury £600,000

This current smallholding extends to approximately 4.16 acres lying in Wiltshire. Planning permission has been granted for two new substantial four bedroom family homes to be built, replacing the two properties which are currently on the holding, ideally suited for those looking for a family home and in particular equestrian enthusiasts.

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35

Something a little bit different for children at The Lights this summer!

Kev F Sutherland

writes and draws for The Beano, Doctor Who and Marvel Comics, and now he will teach you how easy it is.

After the end of a Comic Art Masterclass, everyone goes away with a comic strip by every person in the class, plus an individual caricature by Kev F himself.

Learn everything he knows so that when you leave school you can steal his job!

This 2 ½ hour workshop is suitable for ages 7+. 10am or 1.30pm. Price £12 per child.

1st Aug

Check out all of our Summer Holiday Workshops for ages 2-14 at: Online: www.thelights.org.uk  Box Office: 01264 368368 West Street, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 1AH

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36

BOOKWORMS

E

ducating the children of the Wylye Valley “Relationships between pupils and staff are excellent: both parties see that learning is at its best when they work as a team and there are numerous examples of this in every lesson. The delight of teachers and teaching assistants in pupils’ successes is clear to see.” Ofsted 2013 “Positive attitudes to moral and social issues are delivered through the curriculum, religious education and worship as well as through experiential activities such as residential trips and visits to London, which impact on pupils’ confidence, self-esteem and independence.” SIAMS April 2015 Please come and see our beautiful grounds, wonderful children and meet our Head Teacher, Mr Robert Barnes.

Wylye Valley C of E VA Primary School, Cherry Orchard, Codford, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 0PN wylyevalleyschool.co.uk admin@wylyevalley.wilts.sch. uk Contact us on 01985 850461

Demon Dentist, David Walliams

By Seini Kautoga Year 2 I love this book!

It's about a boy called Alfie, trying to escape an evil Demon Dentist called Mrs Root who ripped out all of Alfie's teeth! They escaped Mrs Root and her cat Fang but Mrs Root and Fang found them in an abandoned train track. Mrs Root got her cat on top of the train and Mrs Root climbed on as well but they got turned into skeletons because before they got into the abandoned train track they fell into a boiling hot pot of water. Will Alfie get away from Mrs Root and stay alive or end up dying?

Wylye Valley C Of E Voluntary Aided Primary School, Wiltshire

Skylander A-Z, Cavan Scott

by Sammy Batucca Year 3

The Mummy Cat, Jaqueline Wilson

By Millie Dawkins Year 5

My Gum, Andy Stanton

By Harry Ellen- Year 4

This is a great book of helpful tips to defeat Kaos for real in the console game.

Will Yaok defeat Kaos for the last time or will all your skylanders get killed by Kaos? Skylanders A-Z is all about battling Kaos and helping Nabu by defeating the doom raiders.

This is a book about a girl called Verity who owns an old, ginger cat called Mabel. Sadly Mabel dies, but Verity has been learning about the Ancient Egyptians and decides to mummify Mabel using toilet roll!

But what is her family's reaction when they see this newly-formed cat mummy? I love this book and I want the whole world to read it!

This book is the first of the Mr Gum series. Mr Gum is the most horrible man in Lemonic Biber.

He absolutely hates children so most people stay away from him.

One day a girl called Polly hears Mr Gum talking about trying to kill a horrible and muddy dog, Polly only knows one muddy dog that is Jake, the village dog. Will Jake ever escape Mr Gum?

Fantastic Beasts Playscript, J K Rowling

By George Moore Year 6

The Island of Adventure, Enid Blyton

By Eleanor Thornton, Year 4

Newt Scamander arrives in New York 1925 with a briefcase full of magical creatures. What he doesn't realise is that wrecking havoc in New York is an Obscurus, a creature made of the power of a child suppressing their magic.

Making matters worse Newt's beasts escape from his case! Jaicob, Tina and Queenie get caught up in the adventure. This band of unlikely heros is the city's only hope. Will they survive?

This book is the start of an amazing series about Philip, Jack, Dinah, LucyAnn and Kiki the parrot. The children befriend a man with no personal information about him – is he all he seems? Why does housekeeper Joe forbid them from going to the Isle of Gloom?

A brilliantly addictive book, anyone with a taste for adventure will not be able to put it down. Read it, the adventure awaits...

Sharks, John McIntyre

By Maddie White Year 6

Beast Quest: Ferno The Fire Dragon, Adam Blade

By Amelia Burhurst Year 5

Matilda Fluffywing helps out, Holly Webb

By Sophia Passmore Year 3 This Mystical story is about a young owl which wears a cuddly winter hat striped blue and purple with a brightly coloured pom-pom on top.

Matilda's parents are doctors, one of their patients are unwell. They try dozens of cures but none of them work at all! The mouse kept sneezing! This imaginative story has lots of cute characters, such as a fluffy ginger cat, patient mouses, injured birds and a witch. All of these magical creatures have a slight problem. This meanie/mean person hates and demands no friendship forever.

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Rick Riojordon

By Dylan Peddell Year 5 This fantastic book, full of excitement, is about a boy whose life changes when he discovers he is a half blood.

In a game of capture the flag he falls and is claimed by his father, God of the Sea. Young Percy is given a quest to claim Zueses stolen lightning bolt, return it as a peace offering to stop Poseiden being blamed for the robbery. Will Percy and friends fend off the monsters and reclaim the bolt?

This is a brilliant non-fiction book about one of the deadliest creatures in the sea: sharks! The book tells you lots of amazing facts about sharks, stories about people who survived attacks by this dreaded creature and outstanding photos that John McIntyre took himself. Did you know that the biggest sharks (the Whale Shark and the Basking Shark) don't even eat meat, just plankton! I really enjoyed this book because; I love sharks and some of the facts are amazing.

I chose this book because it's full of adventure and excitement. One mysterious day a boy called Tom is given an important quest. His mission is to free all the beasts of Avantia from the dark Wizard Mavel. On his way with his horse Storm, he meets a girl called Elenna and her wolf Silver!

Will Tom and his friends save the beasts of Avantia?

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.

37

TOP

Marks

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

News In Brief

 New Head master joins Knighton House  Chafyn Grove

presented a cheque to The Gurkha Welfare Trust for £890.72  Sandroyd School's fantastic summer fete raised over £1500 for Macmillan Cancer Care  Leehurst Swan is awarded top marks in the latest inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)  Knighton House School is ‘excellent’ in ALL categories following latest ISI inspection in March 2017  Tops Day Nursery, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Somerset, opens of its 19th nursery, based at Salisbury District Hospital in Odstock 

The sound, of silence...

G

odolphin’s orchestra had a surprise in store for parents with almost five minutes of complete silence. The Salisbury school's annual spring concert featured the work ‘4:33’, by the controversial American composer John Cage. Written in 1952, the piece features four minutes and 33 seconds of silence. The players were poised with their instruments, but made no sound. In this case, conductor Robin Highcock had added a modern twist. While he strolled into the audience to pose for a selfie, members of the orchestra posed or fiddled with their mobile phones. Mr Highcock, the school's Director of Music said “I have always wanted to perform this and the girls really responded. Everybody worries about young people sitting silent on their phones and not communicating, so it seemed a good idea to build this into our performance for the 21st century and capture the spirit of the age in bringing John Cage’s philosophical experimentalism right up to date.” After the orchestra's silent performance, there were calls of "Encore!" from the audience.

Sporting Success

F

arleigh School’s U13A netball team recently won silver medals at the IAPS National Finals (unprecedented at Farleigh) and they also won the Bryanston Netball Tournament, the first time Farleigh has won the trophy here since 2009. The U12A netball team had a fantastic season too and, like the U13A girls, won the Regional Tournament at Port Regis to qualify for the National Finals.

38

A

Jumping for Joy!

fter a gruelling season, Sexey’s School’s Year 8 netball squad was announced County Champions after winning all of their games in the Somerset County finals held at Millfield Senior School. Commenting, Ms Katie Johnstone, Director of Sport at Sexey’s, said, “I’m so proud of the girls’ achievement in being named Somerset County Champions. They have put so much into this season, not only in the matches but in their practice sessions too and this success in the finals is testament to their enthusiasm, determination and team work. Well done ladies!”

The Flying Head Teacher

N

icola Coupe, Principal of Burbage Primary School, is one seriously devoted head teacher!

At 15,000ft, Nicola will be doing the highest skydive available in the UK and freefalling for 60 seconds to raise money to develop her ‘growing school’.

On the 17th June, Nicola, who has an inherent fear of heights, will take the plunge in a bid to raise £8,500 towards fitting out the school’s new classroom and developing the school grounds as an outside classroom.

This will include the creation of a butterfly-friendly wildlife area, fencing for the school’s chickens, vegetable and flower plots and a mud kitchen.

The school is looking to develop its ‘growing school’ status by improving the facilities for outside learning, which is a strong focus. The school team believe that learning outside the classroom and gaining real-life experience enable students to become global citizens. Nicola says: “It’s not only about what the children learn but how and where they learn. Outdoor lessons add value to classroom learning, helping to raise achievement and supporting development of key life skills such as problem-solving, co-operation and communication. The children at Burbage Primary School love our outdoor spaces as they offer opportunities for them to explore their creativity and sense of adventure!”

However, with crucial funds required for the development of the outdoor space, Nicola has found herself agreeing to do a sky dive in order to raise money. Nicola will be jumping with GoSkyDive near Salisbury, and the team there have assured the children of Burbage Primary School that they will look after their Head Teacher! Nicola will also be joined by the Reception Class teacher, Bev Thompson, and one of the parents at the school, Anita Campbell who have offered their support by agreeing to jump too!

Nicola has set up a fundraising page where people can donate to her cause: justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/burbageprimary-schoolwiltshire?utm_id=2&utm_term=ejdDA8eMZ

Photography: Millie Pilkington

The School Uniform

The School Uniform – a badge of honour or an antiquated expense? Miranda investigates…

‘A

man becomes the creature of his uniform’ so said the French political and military leader, Napoleon Bonaparte. Whilst many school children across the country may beg to differ with diminutive Frenchman as they don their school uniform each morning, there is a great deal of research out there to suggest that wearing a school’s attire has far-reaching benefits for our children. Whether it’s a blazer adorned with the school’s own logo or a tie in the establishment’s colours, when children unite and wear the same outfit, they automatically become part of an organisation, a club. As Sarah Wicks, Headmistress of Knighton House in Dorset explains, “Our distinctive and iconic uniform of red dungarees remain as striking today as when they were originally introduced in the 1950s. It is a daily reminder of the school’s heritage and symbolises everything we would like Knighton children to be…vibrant, practical, resilient, standing out from the crowd and ready for the adventure of life.”

Indeed, by electing to wear their school uniform with pride, pupils are automatically learning key life lessons such as respect, unity and ownership, as Emma Hattersley, Head of Godolphin School, affirms when discussing her school’s iconic red pinafore; “The pinny is important in fostering a strong sense of school community and it connects Godolphin to the School’s historic traditions, pupils are able to grow up beneath their pinny, liberating them from social pressures that might make them feel self-conscious about their appearance. The pinny often attracts quizzical looks from visitors. Nevertheless, students have continually expressed their support to keep it as a staple of Godolphin uniform.”

When wearing a uniform, a child’s fear of feeling left out in the fashion stakes is automatically eradicated, pupils (and parents alike) needn’t concern themselves with conforming to the latest fashion trends whilst in the classroom.

Throughout Europe and across America, the majority of schools elect not to wear a uniform - and yet more than 160,000

American students miss school each day for fear of attack or intimidation by other pupils. A uniform can be considered a safety blanket for those who may otherwise be considered a target for bullies. Coupled with this, statistics show that learning and concentration levels improve when students are in uniform – opportunities for distraction are lessened, and in turn the classroom is made to feel like a serious learning environment.

Indeed, if pupils adhere to a uniform, the expectation is that they’ll adhere to the rules of the school, too.

However, some purport that a uniform is outdated; something more associated with the military and police. Why the need to make our young conform in such regimented fashion? Isn’t expressionism an important part of growing up? And, let’s face it many childhood years are spent in school uniform. Hanford Girls School in Dorset has a rather unique policy when it comes to their school’s uniform; “It is by no means a free for all but, rather like the pirate code, it is more what you’d call “guidelines” than actual rules. Central to these guidelines is the ‘Hanford Skirt’ that all girls make during their time at the school. These skirts are often paired with much loved sweaters knitted by grannies, handed down from older siblings or even ones their mothers wore when they were at Hanford. They make their first skirt when they are aged ten, using a sewing machine and progress onto more complicated garments such as pyjamas, shorts and dresses.”

Many parents consider the expense involved in buying school uniforms a significant outlay that comes around all too often.

Some deem the ‘add-ons’ (such as summer boaters, scarves and the like) are an unnecessary expense, although the school second hand shop can soften the blow somewhat – if they have your size! Whilst we can all remember times of resenting our school uniforms or even adapting them slightly to give an edgy personal touch, it would appear that this part of the British education system is here to stay and mums will continue to sew name tags into their child’s uniform for decades, maybe even centuries, to come.

39

CHAFYN GROVE Excellent Co-educational Day & Boarding School from 3-13

Encouraged to flourish

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From mini to supercars… No upfront fee.

“RyderCar’s service was sensational! From making sure I bought the correct car for my needs to organising the transfer of my cherished registration and even taking my old car away! Brilliant service!”

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H azlegrove P re -P reP Hazlegrove Pre-Prep children are happy children...

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Afternoons are packed full of fun activities developing creativity and co-ordination, making full use of specialist Prep School staff and the outstanding facilities.

Come and meet us at our of our Open Mornings or call and make an appointment.

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Hazlegrove, Sparkford BA22 7JA

Over in Overton

Country Child visited the bustling Hampshire village of Overton and spoke to local residents and businesses to get the feel for what is on offer.

J

ust a 45 minute journey on the busy commuter train out of London brings passengers to the peace and tranquility of Overton village in Hampshire. In bygone days, this idyllic village was home to sheep fairs, silk mills and coaching inns, and today’s offerings are no less eclectic; traditional butchers, bakers, florists and organic greengrocers line the bustling village high street along with a sumptuous selection of pubs, wine bars and cafes. Both the Bombay Sapphire Distillery and the De La Rue Bank of England paper makers reside near the village also.

Described by some as picture postcard perfection, the number of ex-Londoners residing in Overton is clearly testament to this village’s desirability. With a busy social calendar including the popular Scarecrow Festival, Wheelbarrow Race (14th July) and, of course the fun and fantastic CarFest with DJ host, Chris Evans, Overton seems to be getting an awful lot ‘just right’.

Richard and Zoe Hawkins, owners of the local cafe, gallery and gift shop Overton Gallery are strong advocates of this popular village; “We moved to Overton in 1994 and after only one year launched our picture framing business. The village welcomed us with open arms; we opened the tea rooms and gift shop soon after and have never looked back. It’s a great place to live, work and bring up a family.”

Indeed, with an outstanding primary school on the village doorstep, coupled with a host of similarly perfoming playgroups and nurseries, the younger generations are evidently well catered for here. Local Estate Agents, Parnel Jordy Harvey explain, “Local Estate Agents, Parnell Jordy Harvey spokesperson said: “As one of the area’s oldest companies, trading since 1947 we’ve seen the village grow from strength to strength. The level of interest from Commuters moving into the area together with the local demand has reduced the available local housing stock, with waiting lists of families renting first in order to seize their chance to buy once family homes become available." With secondary education highly performing in the nearby Testbourne Community School in Whitchurch and independent schools such as Cheam, Farleigh, Rookwood and Princes Mead all within striking distance, further learning facilities are well stocked too.

Overton is without doubt one of Hampshire’s shiniest of gems, a village with a lot on offer. For more information visit the Overton Parish Council Facebook page facebook.com/overtonhants/ for the latest news and events.

Photo Credit: Brigitte Tournier

Your Summer Days Start Right here...

Join us in our beautiful courtyard garden for a light lunch and treat yourself to one of our homemade cakes. You can also browse our gift shop, some of our main stockists include Caroline Gardner cards and gifts, Hot Tomato jewellery and Jellycat soft toys. If you have any queries, please visit our website or feel free to give us a call!

Overton Gallery 20 High Street Overton Hampshire RG25 3HA www.overtongallery.co.uk Tue – Fri: 9:00 – 17:30 Sat: 9:00 – 17:00  01256 773 143 

Country Gents for Country Properties

Providing property services to: Andover, Basingstoke, Bullington, Dummer, Hannington, Hurstbourne Priors, Kingsclere, Litchfield, Longparish, Micheldever, North Waltham, Oakley, Popham, Steventon, St. Mary Bourne, The Candovers and Whitchurch for approaching 50 years.

5 Winchester Street, Overton, Hampshire RG25 3HR,  01256-770836 www.pjhproperty.co.uk

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OPEN for Business Is MONEY Grass Keep Farming?

MATTERS

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aking sure that activities count as farming / husbandry is important for many aspects of inheritance tax, or capital gains tax when associated with high land values.

A recent tax case gives useful reminders of what landowners need to do to make sure that income from grass keep falls within the definition of trading as a farmer. The case concerned a conacre agreement, which is particular to Northern Ireland but it revolved around establishing what activities count as husbandry.

In order to show you are actively farming ( and not just renting out the land as a passive investor), you have to prove that you are occupying the land for the purpose of husbandry, by Acting to keep the land in good condition. Acting to ensure the land remains productive and fertile.

So there are two boxes to tick: occupying, and husbandry, and you need to be able to provide evidence to back up both claims.

Agreements between the owner and the grazier ideally give the landlord lairage and access rights, typically by being able to use the land occasionally for his own stock animals.

This helps establish occupation rights – and remember that the agreements on paper should match the facts of what you actually do.

Showing that you (rather than the grazier) are farming your land is the other issue.

The legal decision highlighted that the landowner actively varied fertilisers and long term management of the pasture in response to the current condition of the grass crop – even though this grass was feeding his tenant’s stock. It showed active awareness of the land and its condition, and it showed that the farmer was taking steps to maximise his grass crop. This is a useful reminder. Grass Keep agreements should show that the landowner holds full responsibility for fertilising the land – preferably clearly stating that the grazier is not allowed to spread fertiliser.

The landowner must also be responsible for seeding, for weed control and for soil balance, maintenance and testing. You would also be expected to maintain fences and drainage, and supply water. Meeting these costs will show you are looking after your land to ensure its long term productivity.

Annual accounts showing grass keep income and these important expenses are a crucial part of evidencing your farming activities over a period of time.

This is only general advice and should not be relied upon; for specific advice tailored to your personal circumstances contact a reputable financial organisation.

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NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS Cooking Stars launches in Andover and Salisbury, the latest kids cooking classes.

Stagecoach franchise welcomes 10 new franchisees and one already has students performing in the West End.

Young Entreprenuer Breaks the Bank

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ulti-award winning young tech entrepreneur Ben Towers has been awarded a business bank account whilst still under the age of 18, after years of relying on a children’s account at another bank to conduct business.

“This is a very exciting step forward for young entrepreneurs like me who struggle to obtain business banking. Metro Bank have been extremely helpful and reviews each situation on a case-by-case basis and I hope this inspires other entrepreneurs to take control of their finance.” Ben added.

Ben, who founded his first business at the age of 11, has grown his digital design & marketing agency Towers Design to a team of 19. With its enviable list of clients Ben himself has been featured on television many times, most recently lending his professional advice to budding young entrepreneurs on the CBBC Pocket Money Pitch programme.

“It was highly frustrating trying to present myself as a professional only to have to rely on my child’s bank account. I have been running my business for some time and I am hugely grateful for Metro Bank in recognising how important it is for serious business owners to take that same level of control over their finances.” Said Ben. In return Ian Walters, Managing Director Business Banking at Metro Bank said “Ben impressed us from day one.

His mature attitude coupled with his business acumen was outstanding. On this occasion we were delighted to be able to help Towers Designs and look forward to supporting even more companies fulfil their ambitions.”

Canine Crèche

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aula Staff is the founder and owner of a new exciting pet care venture: Coco's Canine Crèche, along with right hand girl Gillian Jones which launched recently in Hampshire. Having worked closely for 15 years, the two ladies maintained a good friendship and decided to follow their dreams of both leaving the corporate world to launch their idea of an indoor play park for dogs. The arrival of two new puppies in both the ladies lives spurred them on however Paula has always had dogs and lost her beloved chocolate labrador Barney last year which left her blind rescue labrador cross Bertie without his eyes.

Even more of a resason to launch the dream of the arrival of a new puppy!.

Coco's Canine Crèche was developed over several month and in May 2017 the doors were opened for business. The purpose built dog daycare centre is believed to be the only one of it's kind in Test Valley, and along with the support of TVBC and Animal Welfare Officer has been able to offer this service to the community, providing a fun, stimluted, socialised, safe and secure environment for dogs whilst their parents are at work. Gillian remarks "We have had huge success so far in our first few weeks and have met some wonderful dogs and owners." A commitment of one day per week (1 full day, or 2 half days) is all that is requested as this offers routine and consistency. Alongside big comfy couches, slides, obstacles, walks and toys for the pooches, the crèche aims to offer a pooch parlour over the coming months however already supply a plush taxi service called 'Bark and Ride' should parents be unable to do the crèche run. Visit the unit and observe from the comfy sofas on the mezzanine with a taster session, so book in via: cocoscaninecreche.co.uk

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The Pension Pot

ommenting on the Cridland Report, Sean McCann, chartered financial planner at NFU Mutual, said: “Tens of thousands of parents could be set to receive a reduced State Pension because they or their partner decided to give up their right to Child Benefit.

High-earning families with a stay at home parent, who have decided not to claim Child Benefit because of the tax charge, could miss out if they don’t at least register. “Registering will preserve National Insurance credits for the stay at home parent until the youngest child is 12, contributing to their entitlement to the State Pension."

Your local provider of nutritious sheep’s milk full of goodness & flavour HEALTH BENEFITS FOR YOUR CHILD A great source of calcium for strong healthy bones as well as protein and energy—More than cow’s milk Rich in vitamins A, B, D and E and the minerals calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium Provides your child with the essential ingredients for a healthy and active lifestyle WHY USE SHEEP’S MILK Personal opinions suggest that with the high zinc levels found in sheep milk products, this has aided the treatment of both eczema and asthma It is easier to digest than other types of milk as it is naturally homogenized. Lactose is more easily absorbed and can therefore reduce the symptoms suffered by those with a mild lactose intolerance Children have declared it delicious. And if children like it – who are we to judge?! It has been described as sweeter, creamier and richer than cows milk rendering cows milk tasteless

Mere Park Creamery @MereCreamery www.mereparkcreamery.co.uk E: info@mereparkcreamery.co.uk

LEADING THE WAY Allow us to introduce Mr Mortimer, our Headmaster.

His passion for education is only matched by his love of sport – a keen rower, he’s twice rowed the Atlantic.

At Warminster we don’t only choose the best teachers to educate our pupils – we choose the most interesting ones.

From Special Constables to mountaineers, our diverse interests and passions spur us on to do things a little differently.

Individually, we are diverse in our interests, driven in our passions and determined to work together to do things a little differently. If you are too, then get in touch.

www.warminsterschool.org.uk admissions@warminsterschool.org.uk 01985 210160

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THE SEARCH FOR INCOME

Many of us invest to generate an income.

But 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 9 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3PU

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Tel: 01747 855554 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.

Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd. H2SJP252176 03/17