Country Child Winter 2020

COUNTRY CHILD Winter 2020

Your Local Free Family Magazine

Issue: 41

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE How to deal with loss as a family

VEGAN BABY

Is a vegan diet in pregnancy healthy?

FESTIVE FUN Seasonal crafts for this Christmas

UNDER MILKWOOD

Review of a luxury holiday location and resort 1

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1ye0ars I

Welcome to Winter

t is hard not to find someone somewhere that has not been affected by this year and we are certainly hoping that going into 2021 we carry on hearing good news such as the vaccine release, rather than bad.

In this issue we reflect on the sad news and look back at the losses we have incurred as a nation and wonder how our children are coping and if indeed they understand what they have lost. Be it time at school, a loved one or a reduction in social wellness, we spoke to a loss expert and how we can best deal with this as a family. Turn to pages 11, 12 and 13 to apply many of the advice given for bereavement and consider using this in other aspects of life's journey.

If you have loved and lost we look at the aids that can help remember those that were close to us in our 'guardian angels' themed interiors page. Pop one on the tree, around the house all year or just because they make an adorable feature in the home.

Flick to page 31 for angelic home inspiration, to remind you of those from before.

These serene products could also be given as gifts but perhaps

what our little ones are hoping for is the latest toy. Our What's in Store page highlights toys for under £60 on page 9.

So as we say goodbye to 2020 and wrap up other year, we focus the family on some new outdoor activities on page 23.

The fun and festive crafty decorations are so easy and great to adorn the garden - you'll find these ones so satisfying. Whilst we are out in the fresh air, check out page 27 to see how we can get the garden ready for the change in season and invite the wildlife to come and brighten up the view.

Keeping the positive thoughts flowing we look to holidays for 2021 and review a great offering in South Wales, just over the border, that is the luxurious and ideal covid safe breakaway.

Turn to page 25 to be inspired to book your family UK holiday.

Pages 18 and 19 covers the foodie families with an array of culinary recipe inspirations; an easy Christmas cake recipe, a recipe subsription service for kids to get cooking for the whole family plus a great recipe book give-away for adventurous Dads!

More on favourable food choices on pages 16 and 17 in the form of vegan restauranteur Louise Palmer-Masterton who tells us how this choice is not only healthy but more than sufficient for pregnant mums.

As ever we have a hand picked selection of seasonal events which we hope can still be enjoyed after lockdown 2.0 has ended. Turn to page 21, but please check before you travel to ensure the event is still able to continue.

We humbly end our anniversary year upbeat and extremely grateful by the support shown to the magazine, so we must say a massive thank you to our loyal followers, readers, customers and associates. Without you we could not have survived this year.

From us all at Country Child we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the most happiest of New Year's.

Stay safe and well and we'll see you in the Spring! xx

Meet the team...

Follow us

@countrychildmag @countrychildmagazine @countrychildmag

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

PUBLISHER

Jo Leigh jo@countrychild.co.uk

Media Sales Matthew Cull

matthewcullmedia @gmail.com

Cover Photography by

Millie Pilkington

CONTRIBUTORS: Lianna Champ, Ian Dibb, Neil Sinclair, The Den Kit Co and Lorena Romo CREATIVE ARTWORK: all-free-download.com

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Contents

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Winter 2020

Vegan Baby Is a vegan diet healthy in pregnancy?

25

Under Milkwood UK Resort Review

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15

Country Child Loves Our top seasonal selections

23

What's in Store Toys for under ÂŁ60

31

Interior Ideas Guardian Angels

Festive Fun Craft decorations for Christmas

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Time to Say Goodbye How to grieve for your loss

7 Family Ramblings - Novice writer Charlotte Blake is back with festive memories.

9 What's in Store - Our pick of a range of fun toys for under ÂŁ60.

10, 11, 12 & 13 Time to Say Goodbye - How to grieve for your loss.

15 Country Child Loves - Editor's top seasonal selections.

16 & 17 Vegan Baby - Is a vegan diet healthy in pregnancy?

18 & 19 Food Glorious Food - Recipe, cooking for kids subscription and a giveaway!

21 What's On - A festive guide to socially distanced entertainment.

23 Festive Fun - Crafty creations for this Christmas time.

25 Under Milkwood - A resort review for holiday inspiration.

27 The Great Outdoors - How to invite the wildlife in to your garden.

29 Window Shopping - Highlighting some prime investment properties.

31 Interior Ideas - Guardian Angels.

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

34 Top Marks - News from the local schools.

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What's On Socially Distanced Entertianment

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We are confident

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Family Ramblings...

Written by Charlotte Blake

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hen there are children in the house, Christmas morning starts early, but this year will feel somewhat different.

Usually Granny comes to stay the night before and as one child is turfed out of their bedroom to excitedly have a sleepover in their siblings bedroom, we hear...

"Turn out the light Peter!" exclaimed Abby, the frustrated older sister to her younger brother "But I can't sleep without the light on..." whined Peter "I am sure neither of you will sleep at this rate and if Santa sees you two wide awake, then he'll have to bypass our house and go straight to the boys next door." The realisation of this hits home and the wave of panic spreads slowly across both faces.

"I've left the landing light on and the door ajar, is that any better?" I ask hoping my ninja negotiation skills win the day.

"Ok, thank you!" replied the children,

keen to secure their delivery.

The thought of no presents under the tree in the morning from Santa always works. I've actually been using this tactic for about the last six weeks and if I'm honest it never grows old and has 100% success rate. The old ones are the best, but I know for sure that Santa would never miss any child out on Christmas Eve. However it does get a bit much when I would have to use the same tactic on Granny. Sadly this year Granny won't be joining us for any festivities and we will miss her mischievous ways, such as winding the children up that Santa isn't real, which was always said with a wink and big grin. She became the third child of the family at the age of 80 plus and with age she demonstrated a new level of teasing which spread across the whole family - the dog, her son-in-law (that was my favourite) and even the in-laws. She became a master genius at it.

Christmas Day is when it came in to play the best.

"Is this chicken dear?" she would say

with a twinkle in her eye - she knew full well it was Turkey!

"Anyone like a tea?" she would offer as she snuck off to the drink cabinet to pour her 5th night cap. Not entirely convinced she genuinely forgot or was so over her limit, she just couldn't count anymore.

Either way when I look back at Christmass's of old, I am fondly taken back to times which warm my heart but I never probably really appreciated them.

So as we all enjoy the festivities, think back with joy and love, of the time you had with those we have lost. But also take a moment to cherish the ones that remain.

Leave the light on, stay up late and dream big and well, for another day will dawn and we will see them again.

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

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Sizzling sale now on

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What´s in Store Gifts for under £60

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EDITOR'S PICK

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 1. Rubik’s Amazing Box of Tricks 8+ £24.99 .johnlewis.com  2. Present Pets is a surprise interactive pet and has over 100 sounds and actions.

Age: 5+ from £54.99 spinmaster.com/uk  3. Hexagonal Colour Set Dinosaur. Get your little one’s creative flair shining this Christmas with this Dinosaur Colour Set. Whilst they’re busy colouring, you can crack on with all your Christmas Day responsibilities.£5 theworks.co.uk  4. The Bath Tea and Cupcake Set makes for the sweetest bathtime activity. Suitable for 24 + Months. £11.99 munchkin.co.uk  5. IKEA and the LEGO Group have joined forces to create a playful storage solution called BYGGLEK. The BYGGLEK collection will be sold in IKEA stores and online. From £10 ikea.com  6. Wooden Unicorn toy shield is a perfect 35cm tall to create great play time for little hands. £15 greenowltoys.co.uk  7.

BRIO Pull Along Firefly comes to light and keeps your little one walking with this engaging and entertaining pull along toy. Age 12months+ £21.99 ravensburger.com  8. For budding engineers try Build Your Own’s eco-friendly Paper Plane Launcher £16.99 buildyourownkits.com  9. IQ Arrows is sure to point all avid gamers in the right direction this Christmas. From easy to expert, navigate your way to solve the puzzles. Hours of mental fun! £9.99 smarttoysandgames.co.uk 

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Time to Say Goodbye Grief councellor Lianna Champ shares some practical advice & tips for children on how to cope with death and loss.

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hen children experience the loss of someone they love or someone significant in their lives, their view of the world and their sense of security are threatened and all that is familiar changes.

Children learn their coping mechanisms from the adults around them - they may not always hear what the adults are saying but they will watch what they do, therefore it is important that the adults around them keep their behaviour and routines as normal and familiar as possible to ensure that the children feel safe.

If the death is expected, don’t be afraid to include your children in the experience of the ending of life.

Using this time as a family is a valuable opportunity for children to express their love, say the things that are important to them and to share everything that needs to be shared. This is teaching children something very natural - that all life at some stage, must come to an end and, if we can have emotional completeness before our losses, we can navigate life events in the moment they happen without carrying a sense of wishing we had done or said something differently.

Children understand loss though maybe not that it is permanent - they see dead animals and their favourite cartoon characters die. It is only natural as adults that we want to protect our children from pain but by avoiding reality we can distort their acceptance of natural events.

Even though grief and all of the associated feelings are normal and natural, children are often told not to feel the way they feel. Help them feel safe about opening up without fear of judgment. Children are naturally curious. When they ask questions – answer with honesty. Children can have short attention spans and may ask the same questions several times. Always be patient with them and answer honestly. It is normal for children to feel anger, fear and confusion because they don’t understand or can’t accept that they can’t see or talk to the person who has died.

Even through your own grief, try to remain a constant source of love for them. They are trying to assimilate the enormity of the loss and what it means to them. They may be unable to find the words to

describe what it feels like. We can teach them that it is ok to cry when we are sad by sharing and letting them see our own tears. By being emotionally honest when we experience our own losses we can teach our children that it is ok to express their sadness when something sad or bad affects them.

Trying to distract children from the sadness by offering them a treat can send the message that sad feelings are to be kept inside rather than shared, or that they need to express sadness to get a treat.

That can be just too confusing for a young mind.

Just as they would try on a new pair of trainers to see how they fit, children need to give their feelings verbal expression in order to connect fully with what is going on inside them. Speaking their words out loud can help unravel the emotional confusion.

Verbalising emotional pain is a powerful release and does not require any comment from others, apart from acknowledgement and acceptance. Try not to interrupt children when they offload. Interruption may break the thread of feeling and drive the emotion deep down inside. The way we teach children how to cope with their losses in childhood sets a pattern for the rest of their lives. We can teach them to embrace all life experiences and to process their emotional responses – good, bad, happy or sad – as they arise. Life is not an endless series of happy moments and is always interspersed with traumas.

By accepting and experiencing all life events as they occur we can live fully and meaningfully as long as we can process emotional events practically as they arise. All children, no matter what age, must be able to talk and share unconditionally.

Let your children know that you are still there for them even though you may feel like folding. You are still a parent and have that responsibility. You are also teaching them a very important emotional tool - you are teaching them how to grieve. Create a safe space where they can talk about how they are feeling.

Remember to accept whatever they feel - each loss experience is as unique to us as our own fingerprint.

Try not to offer an opinion on your child’s words, but be open and accepting in your body language.

Feedback words to show you understand, but don’t interrupt their flow.

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“ Above all do not compare your feelings with theirs. Comparisons just minimise the importance of their feelings if they don’t match yours.

Remember children are still learning and are desperate to fit in.

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Allow little silences in the conversation to give time for your words to be understood and also so your child can think before they speak. Moments of silence really are golden in these conversations.

Explain that we all experience things differently so they may feel differently to you. Above all do not compare your feelings with theirs. Comparisons just minimise the importance of their feelings if they don’t match yours. Remember children are still learning and are desperate to fit in. Allowing them to express their own reactions without comparisons or comment, will give them emotional confidence.

Accepting their words allows children to have a natural, unquestioned reaction.

Use simple and factual words. By using straightforward language to explain what ‘dead’ means we are teaching children a truth - that people can die when they are old, or if their bodies stop working properly through illness or if there has been an accident. In the case of suicide it is alright to admit that we don’t always know why someone has died.

Just listen to their words and reassure them and be ready with a hug if they need one. Programming children with incorrect information as to how to deal with loss can create negative coping mechanisms. They need to learn that it is OK to talk about the person who has died even if it does make them sad. When we are happy we want to share our happiness. It is the same when we are sad both emotions need equal expression.

Memory is how we hold on to the things we love. Choosing photographs together to make a scrap book, drawing pictures and sharing favourite memories can evoke lovely conversations. Choose a beautiful memory box for cherished items. Have a memory hour where they think of their favourite memories of their loved one. Our memories are the fruits on the tree of grief.

Lianna Champ has over 40 years’ experience in grief counselling and funeral care and is author of practical guide, How to Grieve Like A Champ available from all good book sellers, amazon and ebay.

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WIN

randpa's Stopwatch, is about a child whose grandfather passes away. This touching story of love, loss, and the healing power of time, is the perfect book to help discuss the death of a loved one with a child, aimed at 2-5 year olds.

When Grandpa dies, his grandchild inherits the beloved stopwatch. But the child doesn’t want the stopwatch ... ‘I want him.’ Nothing seems right, now that Grandpa is gone. But with the passage of time, the comforting tick, tick, tick of the stopwatch, and happy memories, life does move forward...

Grandpa’s Stopwatch, written by Loretta Garbutt and illustrated by Carmen Mok is out now and priced £12.99, published by Upside Down Books and available from all good book stores and amazon.co.uk

We have 5 copies of this book for you to win, to help you and your family through breavement. Simply subscribe to our website to be entered into the draw which will be drawn on 1st January 2021.

Visit countrychild.co.uk Editor's decision is final

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How will you be remembered? Creating a lasting legacy eing a parent really puts things into perspective when it comes to life and death. You spend so much time planning and wanting to put everything in order to protect your children after the inevitable. However, worrying about how they will remember you is part of this reality. Ian Dibb, is a father who developed a platform 'Once I've Gone', to help this exact issue. After his own mother passed away, he said he had very few photos with her and all he wanted to do is hear her voice again. This is something he didn't want his own or other's children to experience.

Many people think with social media being such a big part of our lives now, we already have a digital legacy.

In fact, around 300million Facebook accounts belong to the deceased. This is expected to rise remaining open for friends to look at old photos, status updates and conversations. However, not only do you want to be remembered by your loved ones, you want to be remembered in the right way. Social media may not be the best reflection of that.

So how do you create a legacy that not only lasts but also shows the real you?

'Once I've Gone' is a life planning app that helps people get the important aspects of their lives in order. It has been helping people leave lasting, personal and touching legacies to be remembered in the right way.

It's a place to store everything you might need in life, including passwords, bank accounts, funeral plans, legacy videos and documents. Although it's a great platform to use yourself to keep things organised and easily accessible, it's intended to ease the process of grieving for your family. Search for it via the appstore.

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EDITOR'S PICK

PEACEFUL SLEEP

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ids Sleeping Peacefully on Christmas Eve? You Need Some Magic for That!

Imagine having Magic Drops that could help get your children to sleep without a fuss on Christmas Eve….Saskia’s Flower Essences has got the perfect, natural solution. Their ‘Night Before Christmas Magic Drops’ were designed specifically to calm and relax small (and big) children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends who get over excited on Christmas Eve (or any other day for that matter).

Containing pure calming lemon balm flower water, made in Somerset with added essences, these drops that are taken under the tongue are completely safe, natural and very effective. One mother couldn’t believe that her children didn’t wake up until 6 am (unheard of) last Christmas morning after going to bed without a fuss.

Only £3.50 for a 30ml bottle. saskiasfloweressences.com

SNACK ATTACKS

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reat for Christmas day leftovers or doggie bags for guests, these Tiger & Panda Zip Bags stand up, seal and reseal for easy reusable use. Plus they are dishwasher and freezer safe, BPA, PVC, Latex & Phthalates free and also eco-friendly. We love them! £2.70 for a set of 3. asadventure.co.uk

SMIGGLE

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n each 2020 Advent Calender are 25 limited edition goodies that cannot be purchased in store. Plus, each calendar comes with the chance to win a HUGE shopping spree at Smiggle! Just 30 Lucky Tickets will win a £500 shopping spree in a Smiggle store of their choice! £28 smiggle.com

BEING KINDR

ICE FLOATERS

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he funny shape ice cubes will float on the water, and make more fun to any special event. The Polar Bear and Penguin Shape Ice Cube Molds have the coolest and funniest design for keeping drinks cool this festive time. They also have a wide range of uses. Freeze water, juice, or other beverages, bake brownies, cookies and mini cakes, mould butter, spreads, chocolate, candies, even soaps, candles, and more. Made of food-grade silicone, they are safe and nontoxic, so you can rest assured. £8.90 plus P&P lavenie.co.uk

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new child friendly hand sanitiser brand, The Kindr company has been developed with both children and parents in mind. The products are extremely gentle on the skin but deadly on germs, bacteria, and viruses. They are alcohol-free and non-hazardous. too. Even better, the sanitisers work in under 30 seconds and last up to 4 hours on the skin, allowing for quick action yet long-lasting protection for you and your child. Launch offer just £3.95 for 50ml bottle available from: kindr.co.uk

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Vegan Baby Could a vegan diet in pregnancy actually be healthy?

Louise Palmer Masterton of Stem & Glory explains more.

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here’s a widely-held belief that, because we are omnivorous, a vegan diet cannot be safe in pregnancy. Obviously one that I, and many others, wholeheartedly disagree with.

In fact, when I became pregnant with my first daughter, I was almost 40. I followed a vegan diet and I continued eating in exactly the same way throughout my pregnancy. I had no morning sickness, no cravings, no complications, no deficiencies and delivered both my children safely at home.

I started to wonder if my experience was an isolated one, or if many vegan women experience completely problem free pregnancies too. So I spoke to seven women who had also been vegan through pregnancy.

Vegan staples

What did the health professionals think of pregnant women following a vegan diet?

Every woman I’ve spoken to followed a wholefood natural diet during pregnancy and none experienced cravings.

Soups and stews were frequently mentioned as ‘go to’ meals. Often also mentioned were Marmite, tofu, tempeh, brown rice, aduki beans, fresh organic veg, nuts, miso soup, peppermint tea and ginger.

For Holly who was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in her second trimester, nut butters were a life saver due to their high fat/protein and low carb content.

Danielle developed cholestasis in her second trimester which meant she could only eat low fat foods “so the vegan diet was great for this”.

Surprisingly, every woman I spoke to remarked on how helpful and understanding their health care team were of their vegan diet. Not one of them was advised to eat animal products.

Emma: “I didn’t tell the midwives that I was vegan because I expected a negative response that I didn’t want to have to deal with at that time. However, in hospital after the birth the team were very supportive in providing me with decent vegan food.”

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, don’t let the myth that we need animal products put you off sticking to your plant-based diet. Eating a healthy vegan diet during your pregnancy can be good for you and your baby.

Can you get the right nutrition?

All the vegan women I spoke to were very well researched on the subject of vegan nutrition and aware of the need to increase protein intake in pregnancy by 10-20%, and did so with greater attention to eating balanced meals.

It’s recommended in pregnancy for all mothers to take folic acid. With vegan pregnancy it’s also

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recommended to take B12 and vitamin D. Half of the women I spoke to did take supplements, but half did not, only taking the recommended folic acid.

Helen, who has been vegan for many years, said: “I always try to follow a balanced diet. Supplements are recommended to pregnant people of all persuasions. I took vegan vitamins and iron before, during and after my pregnancy.”

Angie, who was pregnant twice 33 and 40 years ago, and has raised four vegan children, says she “just ate sensibly, mainly fruit and veg. I’d been vegan for 13 years before I became pregnant and had never been unwell so assumed all was ok”.

Neither myself nor any of the women I spoke to reported any nutritional issues during their pregnancies.

Louise Palmer-Masterton is founder of multiple award-winning restaurants Stem & Glory; hip and trendy but accessible plant-based restaurants, serving delicious gourmet vegan food from locally sourced ingredients, 100% made on site. Stem & Glory also offers click-and-collect and local delivery in London and Cambridge. stemandglory.uk and seedrs.com/stemglory

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Food

© w ww.summer sdale.com

Sold at all good book stores and amazon, priced £10.99 BUT how about winning one of two copies? Simply subscribe to our website to be entered into the draw which will be drawn on 1st January 2021 Visit countrychild.co.uk Editor's decision is final.

WIN

GLOR

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et the cooking adventures commence!

Swapping his beret for a chef ’s hat, bestselling parenting author Neil Sinclair is back with Commando Dad: The Cookbook. More than just a recipe book, this is a practical, no-nonsense introduction to the kitchen; covering everything from basic knife skills to campfire cooking. Packed with information and guidance it will help dads: → Learn – and teach their young troops – essential culinary skills that will last a lifetime → Shop smart and make the budget go further → Make nutritious meals for the whole unit – whether at base camp or out and about → Cook in the great outdoors – everything from setting the fire to a proper camp clean-up.

Enjoying good food together as a family is an important part of building good eating habits in kids and the simple recipes in Commando Dad: The Cookbook will soon have dads cooking tasty, nutritious food the whole unit can enjoy.

Recipes include: Meals in Minutes, The Classics, OnePot Wonders, Packed Lunch and Picnics, Breakfasts, Takeout at Base Camp and Treats.

Neil Sinclair is an ex-Commando, qualified childminder and full-time dad to three advanced troopers plus author of the bestselling parenting guide Commando Dad: Basic Training.

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id & Nancy, a new subscription-based cookery academy, has launched in Dorset with boxes designed to get the whole family in the kitchen.

With millions of families back to school or home schooling, this launch is ideally timed – a fun and exciting way to entertain and educate, and a natural solution to the eternal battle to reduce children’s screen time.

The cooking club in a box has something for all ages: young children 4+ can work alongside an adult; kids and tweens can indulge their culinary curiosity; and home cooks of all skill levels learn new ways to cook. Founder Nic Edelstein says: “Every recipe and activity has been designed to get the whole household involved. The table conversation starters and jokes are really popular and parents are seeing their picky eaters become more open minded to trying the food they’ve prepared.”

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Sid & Nancy Cooking Academy helps children to embrace basic life skills and adults will pick up a tip or two. The service is offering four subscription levels: monthly, three months, six months or an annual subscription. Prices start from £14 per box, with a FREE box for an annual subscription. sidandnancycookingacademy.com

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Food

Christmas Cake Bake

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ith Christmas just around the corner, this nutty Christmas cake is made to impress. Packed full of nuts and made with YaconViva’s Yacon Syrup for a low sugar twist, it’s perfect for chilly evenings by the fire. YaconViva Yacon Syrup is a natural alternative to sugar and is incredibly versatile, making it the ideal swap for all your Christmas bakes.

FOR THE CAKE: 200g Self Raising Flour 100g Light Brown Caster Sugar 100g Butter 2 tbsp Milk 2 eggs 1 tbsp cinnamon 100g Sultanas 5 Pitted Dates 2 Handfuls of Mixed Nuts

2 Oranges, zest only 2 tbsp YaconViva Syrup A pinch of salt FOR THE TOPPING: Around 4 tbsp Apricot Jam Golden Marzipan FOR THE ICING: 675g Icing Sugar 3 egg whites 1 tsp lemon juice

Pre-heat the oven to 150c (fan assisted, 170c for non fan assisted) and grease a deep cake tin. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, YaconViva Yacon Syrup, milk and butter and put to one side.

Combine the flour, salt, sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl and then slowly fold in to the wet ingredients until thoroughly combined. Mix in the dried fruit, nuts and orange zest. When all combined and a sticky consistency, transfer to the greased cake tin. Bake in the oven for one hour, using a knife to

check it’s cooked. If the knife comes out clean then remove from the oven and leave to cool. Leave the cake to cool thoroughly for at least a couple of hours and remove from the tin. When cooled, spread the apricot jam over the cake ready to bind the icing.

Dust the countertop with icing sugar to ensure no sticking and knead the marzipan to make it mouldable then using a rolling pin to roll the marzipan into a thin even layer (approx. 2cm) and large enough to completely cover the cake.

Lay the marzipan on the cake, then pop some more apricot jam on top ready to cement the icing layer on top. To make the icing, whisk the egg whites until frothy, adding the icing sugar in slowly. Add the lemon juice and beat until its stiff and stands up.

As with the marzipan layer, roll on a dusted counter down to a thin and even layer (approx. 2cm) and pop on top of the jam covered marzipan layer. Trim any overflowing icing and marzipan layers to size and decorate with YaconViva’s Cacao Nibs and your favourite festive treats!

YaconViva Yacon Syrup is £9.99 (RRP) for a 220g bottle and is available from Amazon UK, good health stores and from yaconviva.co.uk

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What's On

Celebrate Christmas

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aultons Park’s Celebration of Christmas event, adapted for 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Government safety guidelines, will see the park lit up with magical illuminations and give families the opportunity to meet Peppa and George in their seasonal outfits as well as enjoy a brand-new Christmas show featuring Father Christmas himself!

Families will be greeted by the giant Marvellous Musical Christmas Tree, located in the main entrance plaza and complete with a magical light show every 15 minutes.

Due to limited capacities due to COVID-19, all visits to Paultons Park are required to be pre-booked online. paultonspark.co.uk

Some socially distanced entertainment

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Beebies favourite Chris Jarvis is to direct and star in Happy Ever After, a very special show for Christmas at Lighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts, this December.

“This is Christmas at Lighthouse with just a smidgen of pantomime,” says Chris who is promising an hour-long extravaganza of music and song with loads of laughter and bags of festive fun – a Christmas treat for the whole family.

Happy Ever After will open on Friday 18 December and run until Sunday 3 January with three shows a day most days.

No shows on 21 December, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. lighthousepoole.co.uk

How did Lucy Locket lose her pocket?

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he answer may lie in an early Georgia provincial lady’s gown in Blandford Fashion Museum.

Installed at the museum, Lucy shows alterations in accordance with fashion at the time and the front changes are from 1812. “Lucy” also demonstrates slits each side to allow access to waist tied ‘pockets’ - small, often, embroidered, drawstring bags as keys, sewing materials, handkerchiefs and coins needed to be transported to keep them safe. The off brown cotton dress is also decorated with Dorset buttons. Visit the fashion musuem for more revelations and to see the new arrival until 12th December blandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk

After Dark

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eep in the heart of our countryside, we are lucky enough to have two monumental National Trust sites; Kingston Lacy and Stourhead House and Gardens, both form the perfect setting for 2020's after-dark experience - The Winter Illuminations The formal gardens at Kingston Lacy allow you to stroll around and as twilight falls the magic begins. Expect the unexpected as you glimpse fairies in the Fernery, fiery fish and woodland wildlife sculpted in willow all within an enchanting landscape filled with wonder.

Lit by lanterns, wander between flickering flames and beside stately majestic trees from one amazing space to another.

11th to 30th December 2020 Or enter Stourhead gardens festooned with seasonal cheer, enhanced by a soundtrack of festive classics, beneath unique tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour. Discover giant luminescent sculptures rising high into the night sky and trees wrapped in light or carpets of larger than life flora glows gently in the moonlight.

There are giant baubles and snowflakes where you least expect them and clusters of trees wrapped in ever changing ribbons of colour.

The tunnel of light returns with twinkling splendour and this year, why not pause for a moment of quiet reflection at the scented fire garden, aglow with hundreds of flickering flames.

27th November 2020 to 3 January 2021 More up to date details for both venues can be found here: nationaltrust.org.uk

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

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Festive Fun

Certified Forest School Practitioners and Founders Kay and Jo of The Den Kit Co. show Country Child some simple fun festive activities to get busy with outside this Christmas.

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t isn’t just your indoor tree that can be made festive this winter- why not try these fun, creative activities and decorate a tree or branch outside your home?

Ice Sculpture These hanging frozen sculptures are breath-taking - and lots of fun to make. Your patience will pay off when you glimpse your chosen natural decorations suspended in ice and ready to hang.

Fill shallow containers with water and the scavenged objects, place string into the water, freeze then hang on garden tree and admire.

Pinecone Bird Feeder The birds will thank you for these easy to make decorations and they look lovely too!!! Avoid the temptation to add glitter or inedible decorations as these could cause harm to your feathered friends.

Firstly tie string around the pinecone, about third of the way down, smother cone with peanut butter, right in between the gaps, then roll in bird seed, hang on outside tree and watch the birds flock down to feast.

Orange Stars Eat a dose of vitamin C before reusing the peel to make some deliciously scented orange stars. You could tie them together to make a garland or hang each individually from your tree branch.

Cut the orange into four sections, peel and eat orange, leaving peel to use for the shapes. Use shape cutters to pop out your chosen shapes, thread the hanging string or thread through the peel carefully, tie and leave to dry, overnight. Once hard decorate your garden.

More great ideas and activities can be found in The Den Kit Co adventure gift boxes, from £40. A great gift for Christmas. thedenkitco.com

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LUXURY PROPERTIES ACROSS MALLORCA Find your perfect Mediterranean home

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www.matthewcullrealestate.com

Under Milkwood Country Child got a sneak peak this summer of the newly refurbished luxury south welsh offering - Dylan Coastal Resort. The Ideal Covid SAFE break away.

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asily accessed from England this little gem of a resort is a well kept secret and one we almost don’t want to shout about as we want to keep it all to ourselves! However we must share our experience so read on to be more than tempted to book your stay.

Just turn off the M4 and head for the coast, soon you will come to the most delightful village of Laugharne shrouded on the edge of the Taf Estuary with its own deeply historic castle and famous writer Dylan Thomas, where he wrote lots of books and poems. Not only does the location not disappoint, with its breathtaking views of the ever changing Estuary, but the resort delivers on every level.

We experienced the Luxury Lodges offering (Dylan Coastal resort) in its second phase of development and from what we saw, we will be booking to come back once the full extent of the multi-million pound total transformation has been completed.

The summer of 2020 was a national welcomed break in a year of ever changing lockdowns and we found for a socially distanced stay, the site is superbly well equipped. The luxury lodges are well staggered and all take full advantage of the views before them, giving you the feeling of being safe and remote from any over crowding and

increased safety concerns.

The views are the best first and lasting impression, the location here is quite unlike anything we have experienced before, especially for the UK. Once you are in your accommodation via their ‘remote check in’ system, you are welcomed with modern, fresh, crisp and clean facilities. All your needs and wants have been thought through. The complimentary use of robes and slippers, toiletries and abundance of towels, well stocked kitchen appliances and utensil’s plus the most generous and locally sourced welcome pack, certainly sets the bar and tone of your stay from the offset.

Throw open the vast sliding panoramic doors to unveil the rolling hills, flanking the estruary that with every hour provides a stunning vista with something new to spot. Then relax and unwind at a constant and daily tested 30 degrees of warm bubbling water in the hot tub, which became our daily mission and won hands down as the best holiday activity!

Onsite facilities looked out of this world. The Milkwood House and Spa ultra contemporary design is as inviting as it can be. At the time we were unable to experience the full services but from guests looking in we knew we would have found all the different offerings, faultless. Certainly all the staff were friendly and eager to help and advise.

Once the madness of the pandemic has subsided we can not wait to revisit what has become by critical acclaim from one 9 year old boy - The holiday to beat!

There is still to book a winter stay or secure a break in 2021. To book visits: luxurylodges.com

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FI BOYLE GARDEN DESIGN

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The Great Outdoors Lorena Romo, contributor at Porch.com, the home project pro's, asks us to get garden ready for 2021 and how we can create a wildlife sanctuary to engage the whole family.

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et your garden ready for 2021 and consider creating a DIY wildlife sanctuary in your garden which is a wonderful way to educate children. This hands-on learning experience will spark the imagination and encourage your kids to want to learn more about science, animals, and the environment as a whole. As you bring in more plants and flowers, you’re also contributing to cleaner air and a better world.

No matter where you live or the size of your garden, it’s easy to attract specific species to your sanctuary. Remember to be patient when attempting to introduce new insects and animals to your garden. It takes a little bit of patience and ingenuity, but eventually, you will start to buzz with the activity of new creatures making it their home.

Bees

Bees are some of the world’s most important pollinators, so it’s always good to encourage them to thrive. Plant a few native wildflowers and other attractants that will lure bees to your garden or landscape.

Look for flowers that will thrive in your specific region and plant them in the garden to attract bees and promote healthy pollination.

Bee Fountain: A bee fountain (or bee bath) is a wonderful way to encourage bees to thrive. This small fountain provides water to bees to keep them cool, feed their babies,

dilute honey, and aid with healthy digestion.

Take a shallow dish and place it on top of an inverted pot. Place river rocks at the bottom so the bees won’t drown, then fill it with fresh water somewhere in your garden.

Bee Hotel: This “insect hotel” is designed to attract solitary bees so they have a place to lay their eggs. Bee hotels include several cavities or holes all placed inside a single structure. You can make a bee hotel yourself using a wooden frame with hollow stems or empty bamboo canes placed inside. These bee hotels are also available at many garden stores.

Squirrels

With their fluffy tails and charming mannerisms, squirrels are a fun addition to any wildlife sanctuary. These little animals are easy to entice, and they’ll provide you with tons of entertainment and an enjoyable environment.

Nut Bowl: Squirrels love nuts, so fill up a tray with a selection of sunflower seeds, unroasted peanuts, and corn kernels. Keep your squirrel nut bowl away from bird feeders so that the squirrels will enjoy their meal without disturbing your feathered friends.

Squirrel Baffle: If you really want to enjoy your wildlife sanctuary, add a squirrel baffle to the mix. These hanging contraptions give the squirrels a place to exercise, jump, and play. Squirrel baffles can feature a cone shape that wraps around your bird feeder pole, or they can be a cylinder that you attach to the pole to keep the squirrels away. Hanging baffles with a dome shape is the best option to enjoy the squirrel’s shenanigans.

Hummingbirds

These tiny birds are one of nature’s most fascinating creatures. You can lure hummingbirds to your garden by providing them with an extra boost of energy in the form of delicious nectar. Hummingbirds migrate, but they stop in specific areas for a set period of time to feed before moving onto their

destination.

Nectar (Hummingbird feeders): Your hummingbird feeder should be presented in bright colors that resemble a flower, such as yellow, red, purple, or pink. To feed your hummingbirds, fill the reservoir with homemade nectar and avoid storebought nectars, particularly the redcolored type since it’s actually dangerous to hummingbirds. Mix one cup of white granulated sugar with four cups of water and stir it thoroughly till fully dissolved. Hang your feeder from a tree branch or on your back porch and enjoy watching these tiny birds hover, squeak, and feed.

Butterflies

Butterflies are some of nature’s most beautiful insects. Their colorful wings add beauty to your backyard, and they also serve an important purpose as pollinators for plants and flowers.

Butterfly Garden: The best way to attract butterflies is to plant a variety of flowers they enjoy. Make sure you plant a diverse mixture of flowers to encourage several different types of butterflies to visit.

Plant flowers in a myriad of colors, shapes, and sizes and rotate your flowers to grow throughout all four seasons. Use shrubs or trees to protect butterflies from the wind so they can pollinate your garden in peace.

CATERPILLARS

You can also welcome caterpillars to your garden, which are basically baby butterflies.

These little crawling insects need a host plant where the larvae can feed. Research which caterpillar host plants will thrive in your area and include them in your butterfly garden so you can watch the metamorphosis take place.

With a bit of patience and some creativity, you can start your very own private wildlife sanctuary at home. Remember to use native plants and flowers to entice pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Clean feeders and baths regularly and watch your wildlife flourish as you contribute to a healthy population of these important insects, animals, and birds.

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WINDOW SHOPPING Country Child investigate some prime investment properties thoughout the south west counties.

Andover, Hampshire £125,000 OIEO

**Investment Buyers Only** **Tenant in Situ Paying £750pcm** **Gross Rental Yield of Approx 7.2%** Belvoir are pleased to offer to the market this recently decorated two bedroom first floor apartment situated within walking distance to the town centre. This property benefits from recently installed carpets and flooring, two double bedrooms, main family bathroom, large open plan lounge kitchen/diner and allocated parking. EPC rating C

Westbury, Wiltshire £150,000

Offering unrivalled views, a private garden and parking, this two bedroom ground floor apartment is a very desirable home. With a fine finish throughout the property is perfect to move into and offers stunning countryside walks and is a short distance to the Local Farmshop, Mircobrewery and Pub. EPC rating C

 belvoirandover.com

allenandharris.co.uk

Gillingham, Dorset £125,000

Sherborne, Somerset

£150,000 A spacious two bedroom first floor apartment with a private garden to the side and views to the front. Offered to the market with a good sized lounge, kitchen, bathroom, and double glazing and gas central heating throughout. A great investment flat. EPC rating C

Two bedroom maisonette situated conveniently for Gillingham town centre. In brief, the accommodation comprises: bright and airy living room, kitchen, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property benefits from gardens to the front and rear with multiple outside storage facilities including a useful shed positioned within the rear garden. EPC rating E

connells.co.uk

palmersnell.co.uk

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Interior

IDEAS Guardian Angels

 Ceramic Angel Christmas Tree decoration £4 hudsonhome.co.uk  Pendant Lamp Shade Victory 55x30cm. £273 mindthegap.com  Golden Angel Tree Topper from £12.99 giselagraham.co.uk  Poundland Novelty Christmas Duck £1 poundland.co.uk  Vintage Angel Blind £105 artylicious.co.uk  Angel Wing Salt and Pepper Pots £8 next.co.uk  'Plant an Angel' Seed Paper £5.50 plantabloomer.com  Christmas Angel & Fairy Pot Hanger £8 ellajames.co.uk  Ceramic Angel Beaker £3.95 livelaughlove.co.uk  Rococo Christmas cherub ornament £5 wilko.com  Beaded angels tealight holders from £42 rajtentclub.com/shop  Cherabim Golden Angel Wings Statue £45 artisanti.com

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Personalised Leavers Hoodies from ÂŁ15.99 each

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OPEN for Business

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

The Palm Brasserie open in Overton, Hampshire to rave reviews. Wimborne celebrates honorary Quidditch Town status. Dorset's Synergy Hairdressing celebrates stylists 20 year employment.

Finkley Down Farm Nursery open another childcare facility in Winchester. Gemma Tuersley opens NEW design studio in Semley Village. Durslade Farm Shop, Bruton opened this November! Go check them out! CPRE Hampshire, the countryside charity need two new sponsors for its Countryside Awards 2021.To look into this great collaboration please visit the charity’s website or email chair@cprehampshire.org.uk

Field to Fork

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rovenance Provisions opened up this Autumn to a warm welcome in the Wiltshire village of Tisbury.

Anna Hayward, Sam Rosen-Nash and team now offer locally sourced salads, Mediterranean mixes, the lightest and exotic of flatbread flavours, alongside some beautiful pantry staples and freshly made juices all packed with many health benefits.

The store itself has a warm and homely family kitchen feel, with many community precured wares and ingredients. Sam remarked "The local collaborative efforts here are key, with as much produce coming from farmers and artisans in the Cranbourne Chase pocket as possible."

It's yet another brilliant addition to the desirable village growing in popularity with families. Go take a look!

Help with Hosting

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ction for Children’s Dorset Nightstop is making an urgent plea for volunteers to support its work with homeless young people across the county.

The project provides emergency temporary accommodation to homeless young people aged 16 to 25 from across the region, placing them with volunteer host families, typically for up to three nights, while local agencies find a long-term solution.

Volunteer coordinator, Simon Keys, said: “We recognise some people might be reluctant to host a homeless young person at this challenging time but we’re putting risk assessments in place to take account of Covid-19.

We have a lot of scared and vulnerable homeless young people who are just very grateful for a

Plea for Sponsors

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he Frome Toy Library organisers, Purple Elephant, are facing the non-profit community service possible closure if a relatively small amount of money cannot be found to save it.

The group which has been running for over 30 years, needs only modest funds to run its all year-round home-lending toy service as well as its weekly play-and-stay sessions but the current climate means the company must now turn to the local businesses of the town to ask if they would help. Are you part of a local business who can help? During lockdown The Frome Toy Library team, run alongside Frome Children’s Festival who provide free activities for families during the school holidays, dedicated to serving the local community and, in total, provided in excess of 1,200 free play and creativity gift packs to 800 local, vulnerable families.

Director Sue Willis tells us “We are determined that we must keep this 30 year amazing resource going. Funding is harder and harder to access and has all but dried up in the current climate so we are turning to local businesses with open arms to ask if they can spare as little as £250 to become one of our sponsors, please.”

Any company who would like to get in touch to discuss sponsoring the Frome Toy Library (or any individual wishing to donate small amounts personally) can contact the company’s directors directly via sue@fromechildrensfestival.org

safe and secure home for a few days while we help them back on their feet. Our volunteers don’t necessarily have direct experience, but they all share two things; a genuine concern for children’s welfare and the desire to really make a difference in a young person’s life.”

Laura, 35, and Carl, 36, from Christchurch, have volunteered for Dorset Nightstop for over two years, and have offered temporary shelter to five young people.

Laura said: “It’s meant a lot to us to have been able to be there for these young people and be that first step up to a better situation for them. Many of those we’ve supported simply had nowhere to turn after a family argument or relationship breakdown. Others couldn’t afford their private accommodation anymore for one reason or another and had no support network to fall back on.”

Action for Children’s Dorset Nightstop offers full training and support to all its volunteers, as well as reimbursement of expenses associated with carrying out the role. Volunteers can be from anywhere in the region but need to be over 25 years old. They also need to be able to drive and have access to a car. To find out how you could help contact Simon Keys on 07779 029292 or via email simon.keys@actionforchildren.org.uk actionforchildren.org.uk

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TOP

Marks

Choose Love

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tudents from across Bruton School for Girls donated over 600 hygiene products to Choose Love which helps refugees in Greece who have been impacted by the Moira Camp fires.

In the first charity event of the new academic year, girls collected essential items including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel and sanitary products. The collection was organised by the school’s charity committee who made it a competition between the four school ‘Halls’ to see who could gather the most items. The winner was Montacute Hall.

Headmistress, Jane Evans, said: “This was a fantastic effort by the girls. The small act of being able to wash your hair, bath your child or clean your teeth will have a big positive impact on someone’s physical and mental health and I’m very proud of the girls’ efforts to help people who have been so cruelly displaced.”

The Choose Love Help Refugees charity provides emergency aid and long term solutions where they are most needed. The charity supports over 120 projects across Europe, the Middle East and the US-Mexico border.

Happy Birthday

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nighton House School marks its 70th anniversary with a series of significant developments including the 70 Appeal specifically to fund new scholarships for pupils from the local area.

Another announcement comes after a recent survey of Knighton parents, revealing a strong demand to open the school to boys, so the decision has been taken to move progressively towards co-education. Consequently, for the first time the school is now accepting boys up to and including Year Six as day pupils. This will be extended to include Years 7 and 8 with effect from September 2021.

Work is now proceeding on a planned refurbishment of the school’s boarding accommodation in preparation for the move to a full co-education environment in 2022.

The announcements coincide with the news that Bryanston School has confirmed the acquisition of the land and buildings of the Knighton House campus.

“This is a hugely exciting time for everyone connected with the school as we start our 70th anniversary celebrations,” says Knighton House Headmaster, Robin Gainher.

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

Straight to Go

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eehurst Swan School gets to star on the brand new MONOPOLY game for Salisbury which is out now! Salisbury Cathedral was named on the highest ranking piece of prime estate in Mayfair, with other landmarks to get to star on the board include Stonehenge, The Guildhall, Old Sarum, Salisbury Museum, Arundells and Charter Market to name a few.

Terence Ayres headmaster for Leehurst Swan School remarked, "Leehurst Swan School is often described as Salisbury’s ‘best kept secret’ and we are thrilled that our outstanding history of educating boys and girls from 4 to 16 over the last 100 years has been recognised by Winning Moves."

Forest School Fun

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ducational facilities from Hazlegrove Prep and Salisbury Cathedral School recently opened up avenues into Forest education.

Hazlegrove Prep School started a new group during lockdown for parents with toddlers in the local area. Head of Pre-Prep, Miss Hannah Strugnell said, "We are very aware that for many parents with young children, the opportunity to meet with other parents during the week is an essential lifeline and one which for many, during lockdown, was simply not available. We are thrilled to be able to welcome families to Hazlegrove to continue supporting all children in their holistic development and well-being."

Salisbury Cathedral School welcomed new ‘Bright Explorers’ to forest school intrepid toddlers and preschoolers, aged between 2 and 4 years, taking temporary residence under a large tree in the beautiful grounds of Salisbury Cathedral School. The Bright Explorers meet every Friday, led by Sarah Tribe of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, to get muddy and have fun learning about nature.

“Our new forest school group for pre-school children, Bright Explorers, is a natural extension of our focus on outdoor learning,” explains Jojo Orange, marketing officer at Salisbury Cathedral School.

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

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

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

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