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RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION

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gust 2016 mon 15 - fri 19 au (11 - 13 Year Olds) story allsorts gust 2016 mon 22 - fri 26 au s) ting (10 - 12 Year Old adventure wri Year Olds) ctor who (10 – 13 the world of do gust 2016 mon 8 - fri 12 au – 16 Year Olds) watersports (11

day visits

(6 - 16 Year Old s) £26 a day Monday 18 – Fr iday 22 July Monday 25 – Fr iday 29 July Monday 1 – Frid ay 5 August Monday 8 – Fr iday 12 August Monday 15 – Fr iday 19 August Monday 22 – Fr iday 26 August

www.kilvecourt.co.uk Kilve Court Residential Education Centres, Kilve, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1EA. Email: KilveCourt@somerset.gov.uk

(£155)

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Parent talk contents

Summer fun Events Summer fun cont'd Book Bag Holiday clubs and courses Nursery Directory Education, Information Book Review Classified

p2-5 p6 p7-10 p11-14 p15-17 p18 p19-21 p 22 p23

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Dear All...

So the summer is just about here and it’s countdown mode to the holidays. If you’re in a state of panic as to how you’re going to fill the days, don’t worry we have plenty of suggestions and they needn’t break the bank. It’s a case of planning carefully and you’ll be amazed how much you can entertain everyone on a budget - let’s hope we get a scorcher of a summer to make life that little bit easier! For anyone heading to Bath, there are some fascinating workshops at the Fashion museum and Roman Baths and for those wanting camps and courses, day and residential, take a look at pages 15-17. Have a great summer and we’ll be back in September when they return to the new school year. Happy reading and best wishes, Tamsin (Editor)

Parent Talk

Newtons, Churchstanton, Taunton TA3 7QF T: 01823 601086 E: sales@parenttalk.org.uk Disclaimer: The editorial and advertising content of this publication does not imply endorsement of them by Parent Talk. Nor can Parent Talk be held responsible for any actions or consequences arising from contact between reader and advertiser. Readers are therefore advised to check carefully, any references, professional qualifications and stated membership of professional bodies before entering into contracts or making arrangements to use a service featured herein.

Editor Tamsin Humphreys Advertising Juliet Barber Production Sarah Harmer September deadline 10th August 2016 To guarantee receiving your copy of Parent Talk every month why not take out a subscription for just £17 a year and it will be sent to your door?

SUMMER FAMILY FUN

Taunton Flower Show 2016 Beauty, Melody, Aroma, Wonder for all in Vivary Park this Summer

Beauty, Melody, Aroma and Wonder! That’s the experience the whole family will encounter this year, August 5th and 6th at the annual Taunton Flower Show in the picturesque Vivary Park in Taunton. With its unique blend of vivid flower displays, breath taking arena acts, amateur competitions for all ages, stunning show gardens, fantastic live music in the Festival Field, and the finest food in the South West, this is THE event to

put on your calendar and bring the whole family to. The heart of the flower show is the beauty of the professional flower displays in the Floral Marquee – where the very best exhibitors compete for prizes. The beauty theme continues in the competition marquee and in the unique Designer Gardens. The show will again create a festival melody feeling, across three areas of the showground with great outdoor live music,

featuring a great mix of different genres, including military bands, the outstanding Panatical Steel Band, Tom Clements, fantastic solo singer-guitarist and the Tone Big Band for that great summer outdoor vibe. Our sumptuous Food Hall offers succulent regionally produced foods which forms

the heart of the rich aroma that visitors experience across the showground. There is also a wide choice of onsite indoor and outdoor catering to suit every taste and palette. To quench your thirst there are Somerset local ales & cider, cocktails and freshly brewed coffee. Our main arena hosts a variety of events to entertain and excite visitors of all ages. This year wonder at the amazing Knights of Arkley – where the knights and their horses, show off their speed and daring as they ride in the Skills-at-Arms. Also be wowed by the spectacular Eagles and Vulture show, Dog displays, kids parachute games as well as the marching bands.

For more information and ticket details please visit our website www.tauntonfs.co.uk or contact Vikki Pethick, Show Secretary, info@tauntonfs.co.uk, 0779 440 7758.

Maize maze at Barleymow’s Once again Barleymow's Maize Season tickets are available Maze and Activity Field opens which mean after your second its gates for traditional outdoor visit all further visits are free. family fun without a television Also look out for our new ice or computer in sight! The cream shack serving creamy activity field lets both children jersey milk ice creams and very and parents enjoy messing naughty sundaes! As usual about together but, because of the licensed restaurant will its open layout, equally allows be open until 5pm serving all you to watch the kids run free day breakfasts, hot and cold whilst you sit back relax, enjoy lunches, snacks and cream the fantastic views and maybe a teas. The Farm Shop stays open cream tea! until 6pm just in time to grab Activities include the straw something to take home for the mountain with tunnels and BBQ! slides, trampolines, sandpit, ball The Maize Maze is open from games, zip wire, pedal go carts, Saturday 23rd July until Saturday skittles, giant draughts and 3rd September 9.30am - 5pm barrel train rides, wellie wanging (last entry at 4pm). Contact us not to mention the prize draw for more details on 01460 62130 quiz which runs through the 14/06/2012 - wwwbarleymowsfarmshop. MVmaze2012_MVmaze0708 19:23 Page 1 maize maze. co.uk.

Barleymow’s Maize Maze & Activity Field y un da ... a f

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21 July to OPEN 7Open DAYSfrom A WEEK Sat2 Sept. 23rd JULY to 9.30am 5pm (last- entry Sat 3rd SEPT 2016- 9.30am 5pm 4pm) (last entry 4pm)

Farm Shop andRestaurant Restaurantopen open8.30am 8.30am - -5pm (all(all year) TheThe Farm Shop and 5pm year) Just 1/2 mile from Chard on the A30, follow the yellow signs. als 1 im An rm Just /2 mile west of Chard on the A30 follow the yellow signs. Fa the et Me 01460 62130 Tel: 01460 62130www.barleymowsfarmshop.co.uk www.barleymowsfarmshop.co.uk

Parent Talk Summer 2016 3

SUMMER FUN

Summer fun A fun day out the West for children at with Somerset Railway Monkton Elm

(Back row, from left to right) Liz Woodward, Pet Centre Manager at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre, Stephen Eddy, Education Officer at Exmoor Zoo and Rosa Nation, Animal Care Advisor at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre with (front row, from left to right) Megan Dickinson from Taunton with her twin brother Oscar, also from Taunton with some of the zoo’s creatures during last year’s Wildlife Weekend.

CHILDREN from Somerset are invited to take part in a variety of activities at a garden centre in the county this month. Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre will have events for children during its vintage tea party in aid of charity on July 7 from 3pm and during its Wildlife Weekend on July 23 and 24 from 10am until 4pm. Andrew Pitman, Store Manager at the garden centre at Monkton Heathfield near Taunton, said: “July will be packed full of fun activities for little ones, starting with our vintage tea party in aid of Barnardo’s. “The party will have a 1940s-theme and is being thrown to help Barnardo’s mark its 150th birthday and to raise awareness and funds. There will be an area of the party dedicated to crafts and children can try their hand at

making card people, rabbit masks, pink flamingos and heart paper chains. They will also be able to take part in colouring activities and a treasure hunt to find items hidden around the garden centre. “We are asking people to come along to the party in fancy dress and we’re hoping lots of little ones dress up too. They can wear any costume they choose, it doesn’t have to be 1940s-themed, and they will each win a prize for their outfit.” During the party the garden centre will be offering afternoon teas, which include unlimited tea and coffee, in its Elm Tree Restaurant for £6.99 per-person or £3.99 per child. The donations from the event will be used to support some of the services provided by Barnardo’s in Somerset. Andrew added: “We also have a fantastically fun Wildlife Weekend lined up on July 23 and 24 from 10am until 4pm on each day. Our Wildlife Weekends are always popular and this year’s theme is the Island of Madagascar. “Representatives from Exmoor Zoo will be joining us on each day to talk to visitors about wildlife and the environment and they’ll be bringing a selection of creatures for children to meet too. “Staff will be dressed as lemurs on the day and youngsters are welcome to come along dressed up too. There will be a treasure hunt taking place where children will be able to search for unicorns, which the craft centre have made in order to raise money for Conquest Centre in Taunton.” Exmoor Zoo, which first opened its doors to the public in 1982, is situated in the North Devon countryside and focuses on education and wildlife conservation. For more information, please visit the garden centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton, call 01823 412381, visit www. monktonelmgardencentre. co.uk, log on to www.facebook. com/Monktonelm or follow the company on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/ Monktonelm.

The West Somerset Railway is a heritage railway offering a fun day out for all the family. Nestled in the Somerset countryside, just four miles outside the county town of Taunton, our trains depart from Bishops Lydeard and terminate at the seaside town of Minehead. Nine idyllic stations are situated along the line which include the historic harbour town of Watchet with its small shops, cafes, pubs and museums, and Dunster, a medieval village, home to the National Trust’s Dunster Castle and an old Yarn market building, flanked on either side by shops, tea rooms and more museums. On selected dates throughout the year we have

family specific events which include our meet and greet days with children’s characters making appearances on Minehead station at intervals throughout the day. We have just had our 'Days out with Thomas' event and are looking forward to a visit from Shaun the Sheep in early September. Later this year we have our extremely popular Santa trains, where travel by steam and the magic of Christmas are combined to create an amazing experience for all. For more information about the railway and what we have to offer, please visit our website www.west-somerset-railway. co.uk or contact us on 01643 704996

Saturday 3rd September Come and see Shaun the Sheep at the West Somerset Railway Shaun the Sheep will be appearing at intervals throughout the day at Minehead station. Other Entertainment on the day Andrews Leisure’s Helter Skelter and Bouncy Castle Entertainer Free Heritage Bus Service OF STEAMING CELEBRATING Free Facepainting TO THE SEASIDE 40 YEARS Crafts Turntable Cafe Advance tickets to travel can be purchased up to 7 days in advance through our website or over the phone.

www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or Phone 01643 704996 Book train tickets online at

Parent Talk

www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call 01643 704996

Need ideas for a family meal?

Parent talk

head over to our website www.parenttalk.org.uk where you'll find lots of ideas for preparing easy, wholesome and tasty dishes as well as delicious snacks and smoothies. 4 Parent Talk Summer 2016

SUMMER FUN

Summer at Willowbrook

Find us on www.willowbrooknurseryandgardencentre.co.uk.

At Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre, Summer is now here and it’s a great time to enjoy the garden you have created! Just in case you need to fill a few gaps in your borders and containers, we have a selection of Summer flowering plants and also many hanging baskets that are ready to enhance your garden. We have a good range of perennials, herbs, climbers & clematis and fragrant roses in many colours. The Café & Tea-rooms are open all day for either a relaxing drink in the sun on the patio or maybe a ‘cheeky’ cream tea on our lawn? With the addition of ‘Winesolution’ wine shop to help you pick your new favourite wine. Don’t forget the Pet Centre and Richard’s Aquatic Centre and also H20 Canine Hydrotherapy. We are open seven days a week and with our NEW ‘click and collect’ service you can shop whenever you want. We can be found situated between Taunton and Wellington on the A38, opposite the Blackbird Inn. Our friendly and helpful staff look forward to seeing you!

Room to roam in South Somerset

NT staff ‘East front of Montacute House’ - Room to run.

Summer, what a glorious time of year to be outside either on lazy sunny days or splishy, sploshy wet ones. Explore the big wide world, and have fun and adventure whether that be by climbing trees, building dens, or simply having the freedom to run and run. Montacute House, Barrington Court and Lytes Cary Manor all with their own

distinct character could other you the perfect venue to start your adventure. These three special places, looked after by the National Trust and linked by the A303 are easy to get to. They offer a mixture of historical houses, gardens to run and play in and open parkland to explore for the more adventurous. Once more, you can visit safe in the knowledge that your family are in a beautiful environment free

Barrington Court

Montacute House

Normal admission charges apply unless otherwise stated.

Copying Holbein

Paint hand cut wooden decorations

Until 30 Oct, 11am – 15.30pm National Portrait Gallery exhibition.

28 May – 5 June & 25 July – 30 Aug, 11am – 4pm Select & paint your own lovely decoration. £3 per decoration.

Wildlife Days

slow summer days

from traffic and noise. Start or end your day with tasty ice creams or perhaps grab a coffee to go, then again there’s always delicious, ever popular cream teas to tempt you, yum! Check out their websites' details on opening times, directions, prices and a whole host of additional events, many at no extra charge. Get out there and roam!

31 May – 3 June, 11am – 4pm Hands-on activities and lots of outdoor fun.

Falconry Displays

Parkrun - 5k

Every Sat, 9am run start time

summer fun

3 June, 11.30am – 4.30pm Two displays per day & on-site all day for questions.

Levels’ Best Craft & Farmers Markets 25 June, 30 July, 24 Sept, 29 Oct, 10am – 2pm Free entry to market.

Have a go Tudor Archery

Every Mon & Tues from 18 July till 23 Aug, 11am – 4pm £2 for six arrows.

Jazz on the Lawn

18 & 19 Jun, 2pm – 4.30pm Afternoons of jazz music on the South Lawn.

Outside Theatre ‘The Canterbury Tales’ Sat 13 Aug, 7.30pm – 10pm Call 01935 823289 for booking. Adult - £15; Child - £7; Group - £11

Play with clay at Barrington Pottery Every Mon Tues, Thurs & Fri 25 July - 30 Aug (except 18 & 19 August) Come & have fun at ‘Clay Club’. £3.00 each.

Outside Theatre ‘The Three Musketeers’ Sat 27th Aug, 11.30am – 12.30pm & 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Creative family craft workshops

Falconry Displays

Tues 2, 9, 16 & 23 Aug, 2pm – 4pm Make beautiful craft objects using natural resources.

Every Sat & Sun in Sept, 11am – 4pm

Storytelling with a twist

Lytes Cary Manor

4th, 18th & 25th Aug, 2pm – 4pm Bring your imagination to our storytelling afternoons on the South Lawn.

Normal admission charges apply unless otherwise stated.

Craft Fair

11 June, 16 July, 13 Aug, 17 Sept, 11am – 4pm Free entry to Fair.

Have a go Croquet

4 June & 4 Aug, 11am – 4pm Expert tuition provided by the Lytes Cary Croquet Club.

nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court

Bumblebee safari Photographs: ©National Trust Images Megan Taylor/Chris Lacey All details are correct at the time of printing. The National Trust reserves the right to make alterations without notice. Printed on 100% recycled paper. Please recycle this leaflet after use. © National Trust 2016. National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Design and print by Brightsea Print Group, Exeter.

nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor

18 June, 2pm – 3.30pm & 12 July 11am – 12.30pm Learn about bumblebees up close. Call 01458 224471 for booking. Free event.

Herbarium Exhibition

30 June - 30 Sept, 10.30am – 5pm Art works inspired by the Niewe Herball.

Parent Talk Summer 2016 5

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. M A R K E T S . T H E AT R E S . FA I R S . F E T E S . S H O W S . E X H I B I T I O N S . July – September: Mill tours for the summer months. Burcott Mill, Wookey Rd BA5 1NJ. The miller is personally conducting tours of this historic mill. The tours take place at 3pm every Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat and last approximately 30-40 minutes. 01749 673118 9th-10th July. Dreams Productions – Variety Show. Regal Theatre Minehead. TA24 5AY. 7.30pm. Music, Song and Dance from around the World. A vibrant, exciting show for all the family, entertainment with Dreams Performing Arts and artists from the local community. Still Tapping and Dream Tappers are showcasing some American numbers. Special guests are “The Backbeats” Band, Alima Janaan Belly Dance Group and the Classic Dancers to name only a few of the numerous colourful acts. Join us on our travels from America, France, Italy, Hawaii, China and many more exciting Countries. 01643 706430 9th July – 1st October: ‘Pirates! Fact and Fiction’ exhibition at Museum of Somerset, TA1 4AA. See p7 for further details. 01823 255088 15th-17th July: Moon Princess. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Fri 7pm, Sat 3pm & 6pm, Sun 11.30am. Set among the ancient trees of Prior Park Landscape Gardens, this is a captivating retelling of traditional Japanese tale Moon Princess. An immersive experience which combines aerial acrobatics, live music and storytelling to create a truly memorable experience. Age: 5+. 01225 823409 16th July: Churchill Preschool’s Family Fun & Open Day. Churchill Memorial Hall & Fields, Langford BS25 6NH. Bouncy castle and old fashioned family games. A perfect family events for a bit of afternoon entertainment, whilst supporting Churchill Pre-school’s fundraising in the process. 01934 852154 16th July: Barton St David Carnival. The village playing field, Barton St David. 1.30pm. Range of stalls from traditional cream teas to stone carving and from horseshoe throwing to making clay pots. BBQ running throughout the event alongside a fully stocked main bar and additional Pimms tent. Fancy dress competition for the children as well as Dog Show and collection of interesting

vehicles. Hog roast and live entertainment in the evening. 07711 892143 16th July: Thumbelina. Keynsham Library, BS31 1FS, 10am and Bath Central Library, 3pm. There was once a girl so small that she could float on a lily pad and ride on the back of a dragonfly. Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of a girl no bigger than a thumb, and her encounters with a frog, mouse, mole and swallow is played gently amongst gardening tools. Using traditional glove and rod puppets, this is an excellent introduction to the theatre. Age: 5+. 01225 823409 17th July: Taunton Race for Life. Somerset College, Taunton, TA1 5AX. 5km event. Run, walk or even dance your way around the course. Adult entry (women aged 16+) £14.99, child entry £10, under 6 entry free. 11am. 17th July: The Labrador Rescue Trust present their 18th annual fun day & dog show. 11.30am-4.30pm,. Fun classes for all breeds. Have a go Agility/Scurry, demonstrations, stalls & competitions, BBQ, cakes, refreshments and bar! 07816 570450 18th-24th July: Taunton Live Performing & Creative Arts Festival. Castle Green, Taunton, TA1 4AD. 10am-4pm. Demonstrations, performances and free related workshops for both adults and children which will allow everybody of all abilities and backgrounds to explore and develop their own creative talents. 21st-23rd July: World War 1 assault course. Dunster Castle, TA24 6SL. 11am-4pm. Right you 'orrible lot! Your King and country needs you! And there is a place in the line for all of you. So stand up straight, be proud and join the line today! Come and be put through your paces on our Military Assault course. Suitable for adults and children. Event is free but normal admission charges apply for the venue. 01643 821314 23rd July: Handmade Craft Market. A fun and free family day out. Hurst Works, Martock, Somerset. Local makers, bakers and artists selling handmade goods including jewellery, wooden items, mosaics and home decor. 01935 822571 23rd -24th July: 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ at National Trust’s Tyntesfield, BS48 1NT. 11am-3pm. Build a

den, learn to read a map and compass and hold a scary beast! Do some wild art, make mud pies, find a geocache or plant it…Booking not needed, free event (admission applies). 23rd-24th July: Aliens Love Underpants. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare, BS23 1HP. Sat 1.30pm & 3.30pm, Sun 11am & 2pm. Aliens love underpants, of every shape and size, but there are no underpants in space, so here's a big surprise! This zany and hilarious tale based on the best-selling children’s book is wonderfully brought to life on stage for the very first time. With stunning effects, madcap action, original music (and lots of aliens of course!) this fantastically fresh and funny production will delight the whole family.01934 645544 23rd-24th July: Live Drone racing & Flight Simulator Convention at The Helicopter Museum. The Heliport, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 8PP. 10am-5.30pm. Test your hand at flying a wide range of aircraft including Helicopters, WWII fighter planes and modern jets without ever leaving the ground. Experience the latest in flight simulator technology care of some of the leading manufacturers in the UK who will be exhibiting at the museum. 01934 635227 23rd-24th July: The Taunton Garrison at The Bishop’s Palace, BA5 2RA. 11am -3pm. Be impressed by the Living History skills, skirmishes and weapons demonstrations of the mighty Taunton Garrison. Step back in time all weekend on the South Lawn! 01749 988111 23rd July – 4th September: An African Summer – a season of live celebrations at Longleat, Warminster, BA12 7NW. Join the 50th anniversary celebrations as Longleat is immersed in African culture, with native dancing, vibrant daily shows, parades and fantastic activities for all ages. Book online at www.longleat. co.uk 01985 844400 25th July: Togas and Tunics at the Roman Baths. City Centre, Bath, BA1 1LZ. Find out how the Romans dressed at this family activity. 01225 463362 26th July: Bogtastic. Simonsbath, Exmoor, 10am4pm. Free family adventure day celebrating Exmoor’s wildlife,

Missed something? To read on-line past issues - head over to our website www.parenttalk.org.uk where you will find lots of ideas for great reads, recipes for easy family meals and past Book Bag News! 6 Parent Talk Summer 2016

moorland and heritage with many activities and displays. In Simonsbath, the river Barle flows past the historic water powered sawmill, under the old stone bridge and by a meadow along a beautiful moorland valley. Play games and go stream dipping to find out about the river’s wildlife. 01598 752509 26th July – 30th August: Terrific Tuesdays at Hestercombe Gardens, TA2 8LG. Enjoy a day filled with crafts, trails, sports and more. With a different theme each Tuesday, you can try something new every week. Further details, p10. 01823 413923 26th July: Best Foot Forward. Workshop at the Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH. 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.303.30pm. 01225 477789 27th July: Pots and Plates at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AT. 10.30-11.30am and 12 noon – 1pm. Create patterns and shapes using pastels and tissue paper. Workshop for 3 to 6 year olds. Free activity, no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 01225 477232 28th July: Family Orienteering with 1610 at Dunster Castle, TA24 6SL. 11am4pm. Work as a team or on your own to seek out the flags on this special route around the grounds Event is free but normal admission charges apply for the venue. Also: 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th August. 01643 821314 29th- 30th July: World War 1 assault course. Dunster Castle, TA24 6SL. 11am-4pm. Right you 'orrible lot! Your King and country needs you! And there is a place in the line for all of you. So stand up straight, be proud and join the line today! Come and be put through your paces on our Military Assault course. Suitable for adults and children. Event is free but normal admission charges apply for the venue. 01643 821314 31st July: As You Like It presented by Folksy theatre at Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, TA2 8LG Outdoor theatre. See p10 for details. 01823 413923 31st July: Vintage Bus Rally. Bitton Station, Bath Road, BS30 6HD. Vintage vehicles from Bristol’s transport heritage will be the focus of a day-long

celebration where visitors will be invited to travel back in time by both road and rail. 0117 9325538 1st August: Legio at the Roman Baths, City Centre, Bath, BA1 1LZ, 10am-3pm and 2-4pm. Family activity to investigate the Roman army and make a shield. Included in admission price, no booking required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 01225 463362 2nd August: Knight School. Dunster Castle, TA24 6SL. 11.30am-1pm and 2-3.30pm Learn about what it was like to be a knight. Create your own helmet and try jousting on our wooden hobby horses. Age: 5-8. Event is free but normal admission charges apply. Also: 9th, 16th and 23rd August. 01643 821314 2nd August: Up Front at the Fashion Museum, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH. Find out about the waistcoat and create a special waistcoat design. Included in admission price, no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.303.30pm. 01225 477789 3rd August: Puppet People at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, BA2 4AT. Summer holiday family activities. Use collage to create a character from a wooden spoon. 10.30-11.30 and 12-1pm. For 3 to 6 year olds. Free activity, no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 01225 477232 3rd-7th August: Weston Dairy Festival 2016, Beach Lawns, Weston super Mare, BS23 4BG. Agricultural stands and displays, over 30 tractors and agricultural vehicles, gun dog display teams, advice from School Milk Services, 3 x petting zoos, sheep shearing, milking, demonstration from horses and ponies in the main arena and dog and duck show. Eat Weston will be open all 5 days where you can taste some of the best produce the South West can offer. Accoustic music Fri-Sun nights. Sat and Sun – craft fair. 6th August: Glastonbury Extravaganza. Glastonbury Abbey, BA6 9EL, 5-11pm. The 2016 spectacular, complete with traditional firework display, will be the 20th Extravaganza held in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey. 01458 832267 6th-7th August: West Somerset Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally. WSRA Rally Fields, Norton Fitzwarren, TA4 1BH. See p7 for details. 01823 433856 8th August: Gems at the Roman Baths. City Centre, Bath BA1 1LZ, 10am-1pm and 2-4pm. Join in with family activities and explore the gems

found in the hot spring and make some great designs. Included in booking price, no booking required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 01225 463362 9th August: Fan-tastic at the Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH. 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm. Discover the special fans on display and make fan-tastic fan. Included in admission price, no need to book. 01225 477789 15th August: Little Britannia at the Roman Baths. City Centre, Bath, BA1 1LZ. Family activity – investigate life as a child in Roman times. Included in admission price, no booking required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 01225 463362 20th August: Brompton Regis Village Show, Horse Show and Gymkhana. Brompton Regis Cricket Ground, Dulverton, TA22 9NJ. 9am. A traditional village show on Exmoor and a day out for all the family. 24th-25th August: The Railway Children, Bitton Station, Bath Rd, BS30 6HD. Open air production of E Nesbitt’s classic…with a real steam engine. 0117 9325538 25th August: Reptiles and Amphibians at Ham Wall. RSPB Nature Reserve Ham Wall, Meare, BA6 9SX, 10am12pm. Do you know our native reptiles and amphibians? Come to Ham Wall to find out where and how they live. 01458 860494 25th-28th August: The Hound of the Baskervilles, presented by the egg Summer Camp. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Thurs-Fri 7pm, Sat-Sun 2pm & 7pm. When death stalks the Baskerville family, legend and superstition collide with the most logistical and rational brain of our time. Join the infamous Sherlock Holmes as he unravels his most terrifying case yet, in this new adaptation of Arthur ConanDoyle’s renowned mystery. Age: 11+. 01225 823409 27th August: Grand Pier Fireworks at Sea. Marine Parade, Weston super Mare, BS23 1AL. 01934 646155 30th August – 3rd September: The Sound of Music. Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ One of the greatest musicals of all time returns to the stage in a magnificent new production to enchant the young and the young at heart. This wonderfully lavish new staging tells the true story of the world-famous von Trapp singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom at the start of WWII. 0844 871 3012

SUMMER FUN

Shiver Me Timbers….Museum of Somerset Announces Summer Family Exhibition

At the Museum of Somerset summer exhibition, ‘Pirates! Fact and Fiction’, visitors can take a journey through pirate history, film and literature. Image courtesy of Pop-Up Exhibitions.

Landlubbers are invited to enjoy a swashbuckling day out at the Museum of Somerset this summer with the arrival of its family blockbuster exhibition. The museum will host the touring exhibition ‘Pirates! Fact and Fiction’ where visitors can enjoy taking a journey through pirate history, film and literature. From the

Cilician pirates of the Roman Mediterranean, to the Golden Age pirates of the Caribbean, landlubbers will discover more about the ships, weapons, tactics, and usually short-lived careers of these notorious adventurers. There will also be a display about Somerset’s own buccaneer, William Dampier. The museum will offer many ways for children to transform themselves from landlubbers into salty sea dogs. “All pirates need an eye patch,”’ said Captain Susie Simmons the museum manager, “so our young visitors can follow a treasure trail to become a pirate and win one. Down on the Pirate Play Deck, they can walk the plank above shark-infested waters, make a treasure map, and more.” The exhibition runs from 9 July to 1 October (open Tuesday to Saturday) with the Pirate Play Deck open during school holidays and on Saturdays. In addition, the museum will be open on a Monday from 18 July to 29 August. There will be a small admission charge of £2 per person for the exhibition and £2 per child for the Pirate Play Deck (aimed at ages 3 to 11.) The exhibition is provided by Pop-Up Exhibitions.

museumofsomerset.org.uk

This mer Sum

Free entry for children at the Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally food, local ales and ciders. Getting there: ● By train right into the rally site on the free shuttle service from Bishop’s Lydeard station on the West Somerset Railway ● By bus number 28 for the shuttle train or bus number 25 (not Sunday) stops near the rally site

● By car on the B3227 ● Free parking at both the rally

site and the station Advance booking at www. steamrally.org.uk for both days for the price of one! So much to see and do. A Wonderful Way to Spend a Day!

West Somerset Railway Association

Where: West Somerset Railway Association Steam Fayre & Vintage Rally at Norton Fitzwarren railway fields, near Taunton TA4 1BH When: Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th August 2016 10am to 5pm both days How much: Free entry for children, and just £10 for adults, £8 seniors What to see & do: ● Enjoy a great day out for all the family. ● Wander among mighty steam engines; trusty tractors; gleaming vintage cars and

motorbikes; fire engines; trucks and military tanks ● Watch working heritage steam & tractor demonstrations ● Take a trip along the old Barnstaple Branch railway line on a ‘brake van’ pulled by a steam engine, or try your hand working a pump trolley along the rails. ● Children’s entertainments, pedal karts, shire horses & miniature railway, ● Relax by the arena watching parades of classic vehicles ● Huge craft marquee, food and trade stalls. ● Take a break in our refreshment marquee selling

6th & 7th August 2016

Norton Fitzwarren near Taunton, TA4 1BH

Family day out at the Fleet Air Arm SUMMER FUN AT THE FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM Museum A wonderful way to spend a day!

Adults £10, free entry for children Advance bookings on www.steamrally.org.uk Both days for the price of one

Pirates! A swashbuckling day out

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 1ST – 26TH AUGUST, SEARCH & RESCUE MAKE AND TAKE AND CAMOUFLAGE THEMED ACTIVITIES. 1.30 – 3.30PM*

9 July - 1 Oct Tues - Sat Special Monday opening 18 July - 29 Aug Exhibition £2 pp + £2 per child for play deck

Visit the Pirate Play deck !

See the Exhibition

e ete th Compl il re tra u s a e r t

Charity No. 1158791

The Fleet Air Arm Museum is Europe’s largest naval aviation collection and is a day out guaranteed to thrill the entire family. Go on board the world famous Concorde, step inside a rescue helicopter and immerse yourself in the aircraft carrier experience. As well as the exciting exhibits inside the museum, we will also be

holding Search & Rescue, Make and Take and Camouflaged themed family activities running from the 1st – 26th August, 13:30 – 15:30. So if you’re looking for a fun filled family day out, the Fleet Air Arm Museum is the allweather attraction. For further information about the museum and to book tickets visit www. fleetairarm.com

*Each week will either be Search & Rescue or Camouflaged themed. Spaces are limited and on a first come first served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Book online and save 20%

Visit www.fleetairarm.com or call 01935 840565

Parent Talk Summer 2016 7

SUMMER FUN

Dragon’s Lair at The Bishop’s Palace Special Construction is underway at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells to create a new creative space for imaginative learning and play for children called “The Dragon’s Lair”. The outdoor activity space will be located in the Arboretum of the Palace Gardens - already a popular area with families for its beautiful trees, picnic tables and balancing logs - and will be set apart from the more tranquil

offer at Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

areas of the grounds. The natural play project will aim to give children intellectual access to some of the key themes of The Bishop’s Palace, including the local legend of the dragon slain by Bishop Jocelyn in the 1200’s as well as the theme of well pools and water. The installation will be targeted mainly at primary aged and pre-school aged

THE LAI R

children in order to encourage a life-long love of the Palace, heritage and culture. Children will be able to navigate their way through the grounds to the area using an illustrated story map, encouraging learning through discovery. Equipment will include a pole jungle in the shape of the dragon’s wings, climbing pods, a waterwheel with sluice gates and shoots and a central

structure (The Dragon’s Lair) with boulders and tree stumps, ideal as a storytelling area for children and community events. The equipment will be built by the Green Play Project, a company that uses high quality sustainable materials and environmentally conscious building practices that sit happily within the Arboretum. The Dragon’s Lair will be open at the end of July!

Animals, adventures and GREAT play! A NEW creative interpretation space for children - for imaginative learning and play.

Coming end of July! The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, BA5 2PD www.bishopspalace.org.uk Tel. 01749 988 111

If it’s animals you want we’ve got loads – from Shires and Shetlands to lambs and piglets. In fact, we’ve got a farmyard full of the critters! Don’t forget we’re still a real working farm so we have lots of animals in the fields as well – see if you can spot them on your tractor ride. If it’s play you prefer, we’ve got castles and

forts, trampolines and skyways, sandpits and tractors, jeeps and playboats, indoor and outdoor rides and this summer, a Farmyard Olympics maize maze. Give the kids a treat – have a fun day on the farm with baby animals born this spring to visit. We have a posh flock of pedigree Texel sheep as well as a flock of crossbred ewes that

Travel back in time when Dinosaurs walked our earth! Lurking amongst the tropical trees in the depth of the valley are some of the latest in Dinosaur animatronics. Come face to face with ferocious Spinosaurus, a family of Triceratops and our very own British Dinosaur, the vicious Neovenator! Watch out for the young T-Rex lurking round the corner, his mother is close behind! Watch the UK’s most realistic full sized animatronic T-Rex come to life, but don’t stand too close to Dilophosaurus, you may get wet! Visit the park’s Dinosaur Museum where you can see fantastic and rare exhibits including a complete Allosaurus skeleton and one of the largest nest of fossilized eggs ever discovered. Wandering through this stunning park set within a beautiful valley you will be amazed to uncover natural cascading streams and waterfalls, various strains of Bamboo, tropical trees and plants as well as an abundance of indigenous wildlife. The park had their lambs in late March and early April. All through the summer you can bottle feed lambs at 11.30am and 3 o’clock each day and learn some amazing woolly facts! During the summer you may also see Farmer Ed preparing some of the rams for shows or sales. Dolly the saddleback pig had beautiful piglets earlier this year.

Wolvershill Road, Banwell, Weston-super-Mare

8 Parent Talk Summer 2016

1 X CHILD FREE ENTRY WITH A FULL PAYING ADULT. TO CLAIM FREE ENTRY, CUT OUT THE ADVERTISEMENT BELOW LEFT

is home to a variety of exotic animals including African Lions, Primates, Otters, Sea lions, Penguins, Meerkats and rare White Hudson Bay Wolves. The park is one of only two collections in the UK where you can see these beautiful animals. There are daily Sea Lion Shows, talks and animal encounters throughout the day for the whole family to enjoy. Take a ride on the Dino Express and scream as seven and a half thousand gallons of water hurtle towards you and your fellow passengers! Or be brave enough to enter the park’s underground tomb for a fascinating insight into Egypt. Decipher the ancient art of picture writing with the exact replication of Egyptian hieroglyphics - but watch out for the mummy! If you love creepy crawlies you will enjoy the Bug World exhibit, the kingdom of Insects and other invertebrates! Our pedigree Devon cows have also had their calves this spring and don’t miss the milking show held in the animal barn at 11am and 4.30pm daily. Don’t forget you can also go carp fishing and camp at Court Farm too – or hire a luxurious tipi, fully equipped with carpets, rugs, sofa beds, roll mats, cutlery, barbeque area, and furniture. We have two great play barns, right in the heart of our farmyard. In the first play barn we have slides, springers and platforms together with a great sandpit. Also situated in this barn are the ride on tractors and mini quadbikes. Smaller children will love this barn with its range of play and small animals. Down in the saloon barn it’s Yeehaa time with our very own Cowboy Fort. Why not book a birthday party! We provide chairs, tables and tablecloths and the venue – you provide the party food. We’ve lots of space, play and activities including tractor rides and animal feeding to keep the kids amused for as long as you like. For further details call 01934 822383 or visit www.courtfarmcountrypark. co.uk

SUMMER FUN

Baby boom at Great holiday ideas at Hestercombe Devon zoos

Kafue Flats lechwe

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park and Living Coasts in Torquay are enjoying something of a baby boom. Paignton Zoo’s rare Sumatran tigers have had cubs. Though they won’t be seen in public for many weeks, CCTV cameras

donated by Crimehalt Fire & Security captured the moment, providing a rare insight into the earliest moments in the lives of these fragile youngsters. Mother and cubs will spend the next two months hidden from view. All being well, visitors

might be able to see the cubs during the summer holidays. At Torquay’s coastal zoo, keepers are lending a hand incubating eggs. Staff are taking abandoned eggs from the nests of macaroni penguins and placing them in a specialist incubator – but when they are almost ready to hatch they’re returned to the birds. Clare Rugg, Operations Manager at Living Coasts: “This is a great way to avoid any accidental damage, as it is very easy for parent birds to break eggs by standing on them or cracking them against stones. Also, inexperienced birds sometimes don’t spend enough time incubating. But parent reared young are always preferable, which is why we put them back so they hatch naturally.” Paignton Zoo has also seen the birth recently of a Rothschild’s giraffe, some West Caucasian tur, Kafue Flats lechwe and a litter of meerkats. The two charity zoos are looking forward to a busy summer.

Throughout the school holidays (from July 26-August 30) Hestercombe are celebrating good outdoor fun with its regular family fun days – Terrific Tuesdays. With a different theme every Tuesday it is the perfect spot for a return trip to keep the little ones amused and a beautiful setting, perfect for grown-ups too. From wild art to mini gardening, there is a new theme each week. And, after all that racing around you need a sit down, tickets are still available for the ever-popular Folksy Theatre’s production of ‘As You Like It’ on Sunday, July 31 at 7pm. Set in the beautiful grounds of Hestercombe’s Edwardian Garden, feel free to enjoy a picnic on the lawn and soak up the summertime. Suitable for all the family.

Folky Theatre present ‘As you Like It’ Sunday 31 July, 7pm

Tickets Adult £13.50, Child £8, Family £38 in advance from hestercombe.com For more information go to www.hestercombe.com

Discover over 2,000 animals Get stuck into feeding times Run wild in play areas

Over 80 acres

O O D E E OOB NNA BE I WA

U U U U O Y LIKE animal! r e n in r u o y e Go on, releas

paigntonzoo.org.uk Registered Charity No. 300923 01803 697500 10 Parent Talk Summer 2016

welcome to your NEWS n EWS sectio Nbringing you competitions, job tasters, boredom busters, interesting facts and everything topical...

Book Bag

The 300th anniversary of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown

Capability Brown facts

Landscape Garden, ian Bridge at Prior Park Charlie Waite Visitors beside the Pallad Im National Trust ages, Bath, Somerset, credit

His nickname Brown’s nickname ‘Capability’ was established during his lifetime. It’s thought to have come from his habit of describing landscapes as having ‘great capabilities’.

[\ Ill-health Brown suffered from chronic asthma, a condition which dogged him throughout his life.

[\ Half-a-million acres Leading Brown expert John Phibbs estimates that Brown worked on half-a-million acres of land in England and Wales – an area around the size of Mauritius.

2016 sees the 300th anniversary of the birth of 18th century landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. The nationwide Capability Brown Festival celebrates the life, work and legacy of England’s most famous gardener who is associated with more than 250 landscapes across England and Wales, and whose client list included one King, six Prime Ministers and half of the House of Lords. The Festival has launched a new education pack which can be used at Brown’s landscapes and in schools as part of Brown’s ongoing legacy, or used at home over the summer holidays, when families can visit and explore some of Brown’s landscapes. The pack is primarily aimed at children between seven-11, but has suggested activities for all ages – from tots to teenagers.

To download the education pack, visit: http://www.capabilitybrown.org/resources-sites

Book Bag NEWS Did you know?...

[\ Large families

The son of William and Ursula, Brown was one of six siblings. He and his wife Bridget had nine children. Five, two girls and three boys, survived in to adulthood.

Mystery man

Brown was born in August 1716 in Kirkharle, Northumberland. It’s not known exactly when, but he was baptised on 30 August. It’s also not known where exactly he was buried after his death in 1783. A modernday headstone marks his approximate resting place in the parish churchyard in Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire.

Ha-ha

Brown often used ha-has in his design. These are dry ditches, or sunken fences, which divide formal gardens from landscaped parks without interrupting the view. They are often used to keep livestock off certain parts of an estate.

A man of many skills

Brown was a skilled water engineer, including complex draining schemes in to many of his designs, and creating lakes that covered up to 80 acres of ground. As well as his landscape designs he also turned his hand to architecture, working on substantial mansions at Croome, Redgrave and Claremont, among others.

Royal gardener

King George III appointed Brown as royal gardener for Hampton Court and St James’s in 1764, with a salary of £2,000 a year. This appointment also allowed the family to live in Wilderness House, which stands within the grounds at Hampton Court Palace.

Account book

Only one of Brown’s account books is known to have survived. It is mostly written in his own hand and lists clients and payments received and made. It is currently held by the RHS Lindley Library in London, with plans to display it in 2016.

Signature tree

Brown used a range of indigenous hardwoods, exotics and conifers in his vast planting schemes. The cedar of Lebanon, introduced into the country in 1638, is often called his ‘signature tree’ because he used it often.

Capability Brown in context: An 18TH Century Timeline 1707: The Act of Union passes, merging the Scottish and the English Parliaments and establishing the Kingdom of Great Britain 1714: George I is crowned king of Great Britain following the death of Queen Anne. He is the country’s first Hanoverian king 1715: Louis XIV of France dies. He is succeeded by Phillipe II, the Duke of Orléans, ruling in the stead of Louis XV, then aged five 1716: Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown is born, and baptised on August 30 in St Wilfrid’s Church, Kirkharle 1720: The South Sea Company, whose monopoly on trade in South America led to frantic trading in its skyrocketing shares (known as the South Sea Bubble), collapses, financially ruining thousands of people 1721: Robert Walpole, a leading Whig, resumes his roles as first lord of the treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He holds both offices until 1742, holding such personal control over Britain’s political system that he is later seen as the country’s first prime minister 1723: Louis XV ascends to the French throne 1727: George II takes the throne after the death of his father George I in Hanover 1756: All the great powers of Europe engage in the Seven-Years’ War, seen as the first war fought on a global scale in modern history 1760: George III, the grandson of George II, takes the British throne 1762: Catherine the Great declares herself ruler of Russia 1769: Captain James Cook claims Australia’s eastern coast for Britain, naming it New South Wales 1773: The Boston Tea Party sees a group of Massachusetts colonists board three British tea ships and dump 342 chests of tea into the harbour in a protest over taxation 1774: Louis XV dies and is succeeded by his grandson Louis XVI 1775: The American War of Independence begins 1781: A British surrender in Yorktown, Virginia, signals British defeat in the American War of Independence 1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, recognising the United States as a free and independent nation 1783: Capability Brown dies 1789: The National Assembly formed in France, with citizens storming the Bastille in Paris 1789: George Washington is elected President of the United States 1793: Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are executed by guillotine

[\ To download the education pack, visit: http://www.capabilitybrown.org/resources-sites

Book Bag NEWS Can you Spot the 5 differences between our crab pictures?

WIN!

a voucher for a full sports course up to £100

Pro-Coaching offers a wide range of children's holidays sports courses across Somerset, North Somerset and Mid Devon including cricket, football, tennis, hockey and multi-sports courses to name a few for children aged from 5 – 13. We will be running the courses at some of the best venues in the area. Kings Hall, Taunton, Perrott Hill, Crewkerne, Chrurchill Sports Centre, Uffculme Sports Centre, Quantock Lodge Sports Centre, Wembdon Cricket Club and The Downs School, Wraxall. Many of the venues also have a swimming pool so that children can enjoy a swim as part of their day! Many of our venues also offer an early drop of and late pick up service as part of the extended day. Our venues provide first class sporting facilities and combined with our knowledgeable team, create an enjoyable and relaxed environment where children will develop their talents, learn new skills and make new friends. Whether you are looking for something as an introduction for a keen beginner, a more immersive experience for those ready to move up a level, or an intensive workout for those already towards the top of their sports, Pro-Coaching's Holiday Courses for kids are just the ticket.

Find out if you are right, visit our website www.parenttalk.org.uk to see the answers.

Summer

Parent Talk have one voucher to give away for a full sports course up to £100*

Voucher value one full sports course up to £100, must be used by 31st August 2016.

*must be used by 31st August 2016. For your chance to win, look at the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter. Closing dates for entries 20th July. For further information please visit www.pro-coaching.co.uk or call customer services on 01823 413 776 or email info@pro-coaching.co.uk

This is a zigzag word search puzzle. Words go left, right, up, down, not diagonally, and can bend at right angle! There are no unused letters in the grid, and every letter is used only once. Please go to our website www.parenttalk.org.uk to see if you are right.

www,parenttalk.org.uk

What is the postcode for the Wimbledon tennis championship?

Book Bag NEWS

14 Parent Talk December 2012

Can you help them row to the beach?

a h haha

What do you call a snowman in July? A puddle.

Where do cows go on their holidays? Moo York.

What did the pig say at the beach on a hot summer’s day? I’m bacon.

What did the ocean say to the shore? Nothing it just waved.

What did the beach say as the tide came in? Long time no sea.

Which letter is the coolest? Iced t. What does the sun drink out of? Sunglasses.

www,parenttalk.org.uk

What is grey has four legs, a tail and a trunk? A mouse on vacation.

HOLIDAY CLUBS AND COURSES

Sunproof opened its outlet store to the public earlier this year and its wide range of baby and children’s products is proving popular. The range available includes: ● Australian branded children’s sunglasses for ages 3 months to 10 years, together with accessories. ● Sun protective UV clothing, flap hats, bucket hats for ages 1 – 8 years. ● Banz ear defenders for babies 0 – 2 years and kids 2 – 10 years. Banz ear defenders are essential kit for any noisy outdoor event with high or event dangerous decibel levels. Think Glastonbury, Wembley, Twickenham, Silverstone or even the Bath and West Show.

There are literally hundreds of reasons why parents have been buying Banz Ear Defenders to protect their children from noise. ● Beach tents, beach parasols and buggy UV canopies from Shelta Australia and Shade Me. ● One of the largest Crocs footwear selections in the South West, also in adults sizes and this year’s styles at reduced prices. ● Sun Sense Australian sunscreen for toddlers, children and adults. Choose from a large range of over 10 different sunscreen types, - for toddlers, family, sun sensitive skin, anti ageing, matt face cream, lip balm and after sun lotion. ● Back to school nametapes with fun symbols and special colour options.

● Baby bottle holders, Cozyosko

footmuffs and Shore Feet infant padders ● Full range of Rukka branded Scandinavian rainwear for ages 1 year to adult. The Rukka range includes raincoats, dungarees,

waterproof trousers, rain capes and souwester hats. Sunproof Outlet Store is at 6 Ilton Business Park, Ilton, Ilminster TA19 9DU. Tel 01460 258040. Store hours 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday.

Millfield Holiday Courses Making Holidays Fun!

We know it’s hard to keep the kids entertained in the school holidays, so why not take a load off your mind by booking them onto the Millfield Holiday Courses?

With a variety of courses to choose from including Football, Hockey, Tennis, Golf and the Multi-Activity course, there really is something for everyone. Whether you want to nurture

existing talents or develop new ones, our coaches and activity leaders will help to get the best out of every child. We offer a 10% discount for siblings or for any child who

is booked onto two or more courses at the same time (discount does not apply to daily rates). Summer Courses and Age Ranges: Athletics (8-16), Badminton (8-16), Cricket (714), Football (5-14), Golfy (1014), Hockey Junior (4-13), MiniMultis (2-4), Multi-Activity (5-14), Netball (7-14), Tennis (8-14), Rugby (8-14), Squash (8-17) Autumn Half-Term Courses and Age Ranges: Football (514), Hockey (11-17) Visit millfieldenterprises.com/ courses for more details or call 01458 444 320 to request a brochure.

Fun filled summer of activities The Princess Royal Sports Complex is again running a fun filled summer for all children aged 8-14. We will be running days that will include: archery, fun swims, sports coaching, rifle shooting, dodgeball, capture the flag, wall climbing, laser clay shooting, off site Adventure Camp, fire making and cooking, shelter building, manhunt, Quaywest Waterpark days and much more. If you signed up for our Easter camps – you will automatically get a 10% loyalty discount. We are running two discount days over the summer as well. Two days of KIDS CAMPS for only £10 each! Certain days have limited spaces so early booking

is essential – especially on our discount and Quaywest days. We are also playing host to Activate Sport who are running two camps: the Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy and the Louis Smith Gymnastics Academy. We are running another NPLQ lifeguard qualification this summer in our very own pool. This course is open to anyone 16 and above. Our student summer membership is also available – a whole summer of fitness for just £35 with all our classes included. We are running a Facebook competition as well. So ‘like and share’, and you will be in with a chance to win a FREE summer membership. Details of everything we are

THE PRINCESS ROYAL SPORTS COMPLEX The Princess Royal

Located in Wellington School Sports Complex Wellington, Somerset (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!) 01823 668718 01823 668718 www.wellington-sport.org.uk

www.wellington-sport.org.uk

Wild and Deadly at Secret World Wildlife Rescue Wednesdays are going to be wild and deadly at Secret World Wildlife Rescue this summer! The charity, based in Highbridge, is well known for its work rescuing and rehabilitating native British wildlife, but this summer you’ll be able to see much creepier creatures. Nick Wadham, the creator, owner and presenter of The Wild and Deadly Show, joins Secret World with his LIVE nature stage show every Wednesday throughout the summer holidays. In between performances there will be the opportunity to handle many of the creatures featured. There’ll also be harvest mice

and birds of prey on display, face painters, children’s activities, crafts, food and refreshments as well as fascinating talks for all the family about the various animals. There will be something for everyone (even the squeamish) to enjoy! Open from 10.00am to 4.00pm, with free car parking right next to the site, this is an event not to be missed. Entry is just £4 per adult and £2 per child, but with the coupon below, you can gain 2 for 1 entry on up to 10 children. Please note, for health and safety reasons and safeguarding, children are not permitted to handle tarantulas – even if you have your own as pets at home.

2 FOR 1 Wild and Deadly Wednesdays

✂

Set for summer? Sunproof to the rescue!

at Secret World Wildlife Recue valid 27 July, 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 August 2016 10.00am - 4.00pm Offer available on up to 10 children in any one group Please produce this coupon at the gate Secret World Wildlife Rescue, New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, TA9 3PZ www.secretworld.org t: 01278 783250 e: events@secretworld.org

With the Wild and Deadly show’s Nick Wadham

nesdays d e W ly d a e D d Wild an ildlife Rescue W ld r o W t e r c at Se July, Wednesday 27 nd 31 August a 4 2 , 7 1 , 0 1 , 3 ✪ Regular shows and talks ✪ Food and refreshments ✪ Children’s activities and entertainment 10.00am – 4.00pm Adults £4 Children £2

running this summer can be found on our website at www. wellington-sport.org.uk and on

our Facebook page – just look for ‘The Princess Royal Sports Complex’.

Sunproof

Outlet Store is open

Crocs - Babybanz - sun hats - UV swimwear Beach tents - buggy shades - Ear defenders Wellington, Somerset Australian sunscreen - beach shoes - UV hats 01823 668718 Scandinavian rainwear - Baby gift packs www.wellington-sport.org.uk The Princess Royal Sports Complex

Open . Mon - Fri . 9am - 4pm . 01460 258040

New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3PZ 01278 783250 www.secretworld.org info@secretworld.org

MILLFIELD HOLIDAY COURSES A VARIETY OF COURSES FOR AGES 2-17* THIS SUMMER: Athletics, Badminton, Cricket, Football, Golf, Hockey, Mini-Multis, Multi-Activity, Netball, Rugby, Squash & Tennis *Age range varies per course 01458 444 320 millfieldenterprises.com/courses Parent Talk Summer 2016 15

HOLIDAY CLUBS AND COURSES

Burnham-On-Sea Multi Sport Camps If you are looking for provision for your children this summer, then our camps at Avenue Tennis Club are a very viable affordable option, or if you are looking for a few days to yourselves whilst down on a short break, then attendance of single days can be accommodated. Our summer camps are run by ‘JW Tennis’ and provide children

aged 5-14 years with an action packed and fun learning environment where they experience a range of sports, team challenges and games which build confidence, team work, individual sport specific skills and techniques and overall keeps them both busy and safe. All staff have DBS checks, first aid and sport specific or multi sport national

governing body qualifications. Children are welcomed and signed in on arrival with parent or guardian signing them out on departure. Our times have been extended beyond a normal school day, to accommodate for busy parents who now have the choice of our Flexi Camp times, which allow children to be dropped off any time between 8.15am/9.00am and picked up any time between 4.30pm/5.00pm. For those

who prefer our Core Camp times, then children can attend between 9.00am-4.30pm. All sports equipment is provided, however children are required to bring their own packed lunch/snacks for the day and a water bottle that can be re-filled throughout the day. If the weather is warm, please also provide sun cream and a hat, or if overcast a waterproof jacket. Bookings and payments are taken online: www.jwtennis.com

A whole range of activities at Mill on the Brue Summer Residential Camps and Adventure Days at Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre are being prepared as you read. We are a family run Centre which has been operating for thirty five years, and think we know exactly what your child would like to be doing during the long, hazy days of summer. Having fun, excitement, challenges, making friends, trying out new activities, getting muddy and wet, – no pressures of mobiles, exams or school, just having a whale of a time. Mill on the Brue Outdoor Centre is based in Bruton, Somerset in an old farmhouse and converted barns. We have

twenty five acres of woods, fields, and river valley and grow many organic vegetables and fruit for meal times. The food is delicious, plentiful and all home cooked. Archery, canoeing, raft building and racing, rifle shooting, high ropes, fire lighting, camping, rocket firing, crafts, giant water slide, concert and disco, high ropes, giant zip wires and assault courses are just some of the forty activities, games and outdoor pursuits on offer this summer. Starting on Sunday 10th July, Residential summer camps Sundays to Saturdays, 8 – 15 years, Adventure days Mondays to Fridays 7 – 12 years, 8.30am – 5.30pm, also

themed days, Army, Pirates & Olympic theme, even Mini Mobsters for some midweek mornings 5 & 6 years old. They’ll come back tired but

very happy – you can’t beat Mill on the Brue Activity Centre! info@millonthebrue.co.uk 00 44 (0) 1749 812307 www.millonthebrue.co.uk

Turn your Pre-Schooler’s world upside down at Orchard Gymnastics

Summer holid

ays!

Day & residential ca

mps

01749 812 307 Bruton, Somerset BA10 0BA www.millonthebrue.co.uk

16 Parent Talk Summer 2016

Why choose Gymnastics for your child? Gymnastics is a ‘foundation sport’ recognised as teaching fundamental basics necessary to succeed in all levels of all sports. That’s to say, children get stronger, faster and more flexible whilst also developing balance, coordination and power. Coaches from all sports appreciate the benefits gained by children that have participated in gymnastics from an early age. But more importantly than this, gymnastics is FUN – turning upside down and learning new skills is part of every child’s nature and they’ll love the opportunity to perform on apparatus including beams, bars, trampoline, vaults and foam filled pits! Orchard Gymnastics are a multi award winning club offering pre-school classes for children from walking upwards. Young gymnasts follow a fun, interactive programme which

complete beginners to National Champions! With spaces available now you can find further details and take a virtual tour at www.  orchardgymnastics.co.uk

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   

Pre-School Gymnastics 

Gymnastics Freestyle  Parties



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introduces fundamental basics such as climbing, swinging, balancing and vaulting along with skills including rolls, handstands and cartwheels. Themed weeks and regular awards from British Gymnastics ensure enjoyment and a sense of fun and achievement for all. There are classes to suit all ages from pay as you go ‘Play Gym’ sessions to Rolling Rascals

‘Tumblers’ classes where your little gymnast works independently with coaches. Prices start as low as £5! Based in Yeovil, Orchard Gymnastics operate from one of the South West’s largest and most comprehensively equipped gymnastics facilities and offer classes in gymnastics and freestyle for children of all ages and abilities: from

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

  



Award winning Gymnastics for all in Yeovil

Tel. 01935 425682

www.orchardgymnastics.co.uk

HOLIDAY CLUBS AND COURSES

1610 Outdoor & Adventure Summer Holiday Programme Fresh air, fun and friends at Hestercombe, Taunton 25 July to 2 September 2016 Get the kids up to Hestercombe House this Summer for some action packed outdoor fun! We are offering £5 off the price for the first 50 bookings, get in quick! Our popular Outdoor & Adventure Holiday Programme is available to all outdoor loving 7 to 14 year old girls and boys during the summer holidays from 25th July – 2nd September. Based in the wonderful grounds of Hestercombe children can romp through our woods and enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures from climbing to forest skills to outdoor cookery. There are no computers or televisions – just lots of fun, friends and fresh air! Our programme gives children the chance to try new things they might not have experienced before. They will love the sheer exhilaration of

crossing a lake on a raft they’ve made out of barrels and wood. Climbing to the top of our 8m high climbing wall brings an adrenalin rush to everyone, as does whizzing across the Quantocks on one of our mountain bikes. The thrill of getting wet and muddy always brings smiles to faces as does learning how to make a fire and toast marshmallows. Our summer activities include: ● Climbing Crazy ● Commando Day ● Forest Skills Day ● Paintball 2 day Extravaganza ● Wild Adventure Camping

● Raft Building Day ● Mountain Biking (2 day

activity)

● Woodland Fun Day

From paintball to climbing to mountain biking to forest skills, our holiday programme has something for everyone! Our adventure days are for children aged 7 to 14 years and run from 9.30am to 4.30pm and cost from £25 per child per day – remember we are offering £5 off the fee for first 50 bookings!. Call Andrew Burns on 01823 410126 or email aburns@1610. org.uk for more info or to book.

Safety on school trips can be cool for kids and less worry for teachers too While serious injury on a school trip is rare, there is a far more common scenario parents worry about: their child getting separated from the group. To prepare for situations like this, Koolio have created a simple, safe and cost effective way for teachers to put a secure identity on children with complete anonymity and yet provide a simple method for the first responder or good samaritan to get a message to the teacher or school. This is not a tracking device; no information about the teacher, school or child or their whereabouts is stored in the cloud or anywhere, or at any time. You just buy a school’s pack of KoolioBandz, activate them using one simple 10 digit code on the kooliobandz. com website, nominating two mobile phone numbers. And put the wristbands on the children each time you go on a school trip. Then, if someone finds one of your class wandering, they can use the band’s unique ID to send a text message to the teacher. It’s all safe and secure, and isn’t language-dependent. There’s no subscription and no annual

fee. After each school trip simply collect the wristbands and store them in the school until the next trip. For parents worried that their child wanders in large crowds, KoolioBandz provide real peace of mind and extra confidence in the school’s ability to keep children out of harm’s way. KoolioBandz work equally well from a Smartphone, Tablet or PC – in fact in case of emergency – you can simply

dial 999 from any phone and let the emergency personnel know the ID code from the KoolioBandz wristband. The price for the school pack is £30. The pack contains 12 bands all with the identical code. They are available in Orange and are suitable for children up to approx. 7/8 yrs from Reception to Year 3. To order your school’s pack of KoolioBandz go to kooliobandz.com

NCS at the Kilve Court & Charterhouse Centres

We were pleased to hear the Queen’s speech which gave the National Citizen Scheme (NCS) permanent inclusion in the future of all children in the UK. NCS is a governmentfunded initiative that supports community engagement, social action and social mixing among young people. The Kilve Court & Charterhouse Centres have partnered with ‘The Challenge Network’ to provide the team element of the NCS programme in two of our centres for the next three years. We have already welcomed over 150 young people from

London boroughs to Somerset with another 750 yet to visit us this summer. The programme will be delivered in 3 parts: ● Teams undertake a number of challenges designed to improve team work and leadership skills, encourage strong negotiation and communication and work to ensure that they know one another well in readiness for the next two phases of the programme. ● Working with a skills

practitioner, young people gain skills in a particular area whilst discovering more about their local community. ● After meeting a charity or community organisation the team come up with ideas for a project to ‘make a difference’ before having the chance to present their project to a panel of professionals. We believe this is a really positive programme and it is happening all over the country.

If you are aged 15-17, live in Somerset and are interested in becoming involved in NCS locally, please contact Lauren Peterson at Somerset Rural Youth project for more information. www.sryp.org.uk

Back to school and how to help your child September is an exciting time for many families. It could be that your child is just starting school, or perhaps they are moving up to secondary school or from infants to juniors. Whatever year group your child is in, the start of a new school term can be an unsettling time. This is where extra curriculum activities such as classes at Razzamataz can really come into their own. Throughout your child’s time at Razzamataz, we make a huge effort to support their confidence, which in turn helps at school. During the fun sessions, children make new friends, and learn to communicate with new people. At Razzamataz Yeovil, our September term is packed full of exciting activities, including a workshop with industry professionals. There is a lot of fun to be had in October when our students and staff dress up for a PJ day in support of our charity, Future Fund. During December we will be showcasing all our student’s skills with our end of term presentations. Razzamataz Yeovil offers classes for children from the ages of 2-18 in dance, drama and singing. Students experience various genres from classic West End musical theatre through to pop singing and

street dance. In all sessions, the emphasis is on having fun and bringing out the creativity and unique potential in each and every student. We wish all of our students the best of luck in their new

school term. If you want to give your child the opportunity to learn new life skills, contact us to book a free taster session on E: yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk or speak to Claire on 01935 411128 or 07856 273166.

Taking bookings NOW for our Summer School 1st to 5th August

Enrolling NOW for Sept 2016 with new afternoon classes available!

We are the ideal place for children aged 2-18 years with an interest in performing to learn Pop Singing, Street Dance, Musical Theatre & Drama! Call us to book your FREE ONE WEEK trial session! For info or to book a free session, call Claire on 01935 411128 • yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk

Parent Talk Summer 2016 17

NURSERY

All Hallows Preparatory School Nursery Class Give your 3 year old the best possible start within the environs of this renowned Prep School. Fantastic facilities and activities including Forest School, LTA Tennis Academy and Swimming Pool and access to specialist teaching staff for languages, Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Sport set this facility apart from other nurseries. Visit at any time: 01749 881600 admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk Bridgwater College Childcare Centre is open to the general public and children of students, for children from four months to five years. There is also a Holiday Play Scheme for children up to eight years old. It has a secure outdoor area boasting an ‘inspirational garden’, where children are encouraged to explore both indoor and outdoor learning. T: 01278 441270 or E: childcare@bridgwater.ac.uk www.bridgwaterchildcare.ac.uk Cheekie Monkeys Ilminster A friendly, calm and nurturing setting offering full time day care (8am-6pm) for children aged 0-5. We have highly experienced staff and excellent facilities in our baby and pre-school rooms, plus an amazing garden. Lesley/Ali 01460 52457 Christ Church School Nursery is a purpose built, friendly nursery, with large outdoor play areas that encourages your child to discover and grow at their own pace nurtured by our team of experienced staff and Nursery Teacher. Please call 01373 463781 for more information. Hazlegrove Nursery and Pre-Prep Sparkford. Hazlegrove’s innovative Pre-Prep curriculum is outstandingly successful, evident in the increased confidence and ability levels as children move up to the Prep School. The children benefit from experienced staff, specialist teaching and exceptional facilities including an indoor swimming pool and woods for Forest School. “Hazlegrove children

directory

are happy children” says Headmaster Richard Fenwick, “we simply want to provide the very best education we can for the pupils in our care”. For more information, contact Fiona O’Neill on 01963 442606 King’s Hall Nursery King’s Hall is a wonderfully traditional yet progressive school set in the rolling Somerset countryside just outside Taunton. Although the Nursery shares the Preparatory school’s superb facilities, it is self contained and operates in a secure and peaceful environment. Log cabin classrooms, vast on-site Forest School and highly experienced, dedicated staff make King’s Hall Nursery the natural choice for children 2 to 5 years. 01823 285921 www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk Little Boots Day Nursery (Ages 0-5, 8am-6pm) Come and visit us on Pottery Farm! Our idyllic setting offers fantastic opportunities for enhanced outdoor learning; we work with a maximum of 16 children a day ensuring each child gets the individual attention they need. Contact Cleo Wilson for more information. T 07936 555 676 littlebootsdaynursery.co.uk Millfield Pre-Prep School (Ages 2 - 7), situated in the beautiful Prep campus in Glastonbury. Our aim is to encourage a love of learning through a combination of classroom and outdoor activities, using a wide range of exciting and stimulating teaching methods. Small class sizes and excellent facilities, like our on–site

Forest School and indoor swimming pool, support this. Over 20 free after school activities as well as an Early Birds and Late Club. To arrange a visit or a taster session please contact: Hannah Cox in Admissions on 01458 837524 Perrott Hill Montessori Nursery and Pre-Prep. Given ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the Montessori Nursery is situated in the attractive, safe courtyard of the manor house. The Nursery children, aged 3-4 years, have the use of the extensive grounds and facilities of the school as well as having their own outdoor adventure play area. The staff are warm and friendly. Free after school care is available. 01460 72051 www.perrotthill.com Queen’s College Highgrove Nursery, Nursery School, Pre-Prep and Reception 0-5 years. Queen’s Pre Prep and Junior School is renowned for excellence in infant and junior education and care. The team at Queen’s Highgrove Nursery embrace such standards of education and development offering year round care 0-3 years. Queen’s Nursery School is situated in the Pre-Prep Department and it is here that the stepping stones to a formal education are laid. Highly qualified and experienced Nursery School staff work in close liaison with parents and the Highgrove Nursery team, ensuring a smooth and personalised transition. Queen’s offers well-established parent and toddler groups. Queen’s Pre-Prep takes pride in providing a rich, stimulating and

diverse education within a nurturing and caring environment. www.queenscollege.org.uk 01823 278928, junioradmissions@queenscollege. org.uk Rydal Day Nursery, Clevedon, is bright, fun and full of learning opportunities and happy children. Run by a fully qualified dynamic team, in a Makaton friendly setting and are "I Can accredited". Outstanding Ofsed July 2015. Open 8-6pm Monday-Thursday, 8am-5.30pm Friday all year. Two and Three year old funding accepted. www.rydaldaynursery.co.uk 01275 342352 Smartees Day Care Nursery Ltd offers professional and flexible childcare for working families, with 2 conveniently located nurseries close to town centre. Smartees Preston Road opening hours 7am-6pm 01935 411144 Smartees Beer Street opening hours 8am-6pm 01935 411777 Stepping Stones Playgroup Wells, term time only, 9am-3pm, ages 2-5. A friendly, caring and nurturing setting focused on developing each child's unique nature. Set within the secure yet stunning Stoberry Park School grounds with highly experienced staff. Christine Buckley 01749 677011 www.steppingstoneswells.co.uk Sunny Hill Pre-School and Pre-Prep (Ages 3 - 7), Sunny Hill welcomes pre-school and primary school-aged children, taking girls from 3-11 years old and boys aged 3-7. Situated in the beautiful market town of Bruton

on the 40 acre campus of 'big sister' school, Bruton School for Girls. Small classes mean that every child receives high quality individual attention; your child will not get ‘lost in the crowd’ at Sunny Hill. They will be treasured; we are interested in the individual child, they have our time and our attention. Wrap around care available. To arrange a visit or taster session please contact Mrs Carrie Crook in Admissions on 01749 824400 or email admissions@brutonschool.co.uk Taunton Nursery School for children from 0 years. Flexible Nursery Education, 7.30am5.45pm. Highly qualified teachers. Spectacular grounds and facilities used by all. Children can attend a combination of morning, afternoon and late club sessions. 01823 703300 www.tauntonschool.co.uk Wellington Prep School Nursery Attractive, well-designed buildings. Talented teachers. Cheerful children. Proud parents. All this can be yours at Wellington Prep School Nursery and Pre-Nursery. EYFS can be redeemed against our fees. We would love to have your children from 2 years upwards. Open 50 weeks per year. Please enjoy our website www.wellington-school.org.uk or call Maria Kerr to arrange a visit. 01823 668700 Little Wellies Term time Toddler group. Open to all pre-school children every Thursday morning 9.15-11.15am, Wellington Prep School Hall. £3 per child and £1 per additional child weekly charge. Contact Maria Kerr for more details 01823 668700 prep@wellington-school.org.uk Willow Set Pre-School, Stoke St Gregory TA3 5HZ Our preschool, wrap-around care and Holiday Club offers care for children aged 2-14, from 7.30am 6pm. Ofsted 'Outstanding'! Come and visit us to see our wonderful setting with free-flow indoor/outdoor play. Call for more information: 01823 491567

To book our Nursery Directory, please call 01458 250461

Summer holiday club at Just Dance Just Dance offers a variety of classes for children from preschool to teens and adults. Children’s classes include Toddler Ballet, Ballet, Irish, Tap, Acro and Musical Theatre. For adults, there is Tap, Irish and Dancercise (for those with some

previous dance experience). New classes will be added for children and adults in September. Our Dancewear and Gift shop stocks leotards, tights, skirts, shorts, dance shoes, hair accessories, keyrings and all things dance

JUST DANCE STUDIO Dancewear & Gifts Summer Holiday Club Birthday Parties

07901 553602

Facebook - Just Dance Wincanton www.just-dance-studio.co.uk 18 Parent Talk Summer 2016

related! Come along and have a browse. Summer Holiday Club is open weekdays throughout August. Children can be looked after from 9.00-4.00 for full or half days and must be age 4+ to attend. The days are filled with activities including cookery, crafts, messy play and gardening in our vege patch, in our large enclosed garden. Other activities at Just Dance include After School Club and Birthday Parties. From September, After School Club will be held 4 days a week until 5.00 or 6.00. Children can do Cookery, Sewing and Musical Theatre to name a few and

if staying until 6.00, can learn their spellings, read and do their homework. Themed Birthday Parties are very popular at Just Dance. We can cater for any theme for example, Dance, Princess & Pirate, Cowboy or Soft Play. We will decorate, provide the entertainment along with any crafts, face painting etc and we can even cater for your party too! For more information on any of the above, please call Emma on 07901 553602, visit our website www.justdance-studios.co.uk or find us on Facebook – Just Dance Wincanton.

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Boost your Career Prospects and Improve your Skills

for fun, then Somerset College has plenty of options for you. Our range of Adult Leisure courses are professionallytaught classes within a friendly, encouraging environment, and above all, fun! With subjects as diverse as sports massage, garment making and editing digital photography, you are only one

step away from adding a new string to your bow! Whether you are looking for a new hobby, a personal challenge or a career change, Somerset College has the course for you. Contact us on 01823 366 331 or visit our www. somerset.ac.uk to find out how you can fit your learning around your lifestyle.

Don’t Wait for the Kids to go on Holiday… Do something inspiring and sign up for an adult learning course today! Bridgwater College has many courses starting in September 2016 as part of its adult training and skills provision. What are you waiting for? There are over 700 courses to choose from, in subjects such as Photography, Health and Social Care, Civil Engineering, Teaching, and many more, with durations from one day to a number of weeks. These courses for adults are ideal to help people train for work, progress their career, gain a new qualification, or to learn new skills and hobbies. There is something for everyone and you can enrol at any time, online, by phone or in person. A Government loan is available for learners who are aged 19+ and starting an eligible course at Levels 3, 4, 5 or 6 from 1 August 2016. The Advanced Learner Loan is designed to support learners with their course fees in a similar way to how students studying university level courses receive a higher education loan. Any qualification previously achieved will not prevent the learner from accessing a loan and being eligible for the loan is not assessed on income; credit checks will not be carried out. The loan does not have to be paid back until the learner earns over £21,000 per annum. For more information about enrolling, the Advanced Learner Loans or the courses on offer, visit www.bridgwater.ac.uk The new Adult Training & Skills Guide 2016/17 is now available online, or by contacting the Information and Guidance team by calling 01278 441234 or emailing info@ bridgwater.ac.uk

It’s never too late to learn, and you’re never too old – that’s the message from Weston College, which has launched its latest adult course guide. Coming to college can be a daunting prospect, especially if you are returning to education or training after a long break from a learning environment. We also know that, as adult learners, you are likely to have many other competing demands on your valuable time. Our flexible, part-time, course provision has been created with this in mind. More than half our students are aged over 19, so we’re confident that we provide an adult-friendly learning environment. Whether you want to upskill and improve your performance in your current career, push for promotion, change career completely, or develop a hobby, we can help. You can still realise the dream of going to university, even if you think you don’t have the right qualifications, through our Access to Higher Education programmes.

Whatever you want to achieve, we can help you get there. Weston College puts the learner at the heart of everything it does. It is one of the top-performing colleges in the country, offering fantastic facilities, a talented teaching team, and providing superb support for students, individually

tailored to their specific needs. We also work closely with business partners, so that we can equip our learners with the specific skills employers seek when selecting staff. So what are waiting for? Contact us and find out how we can help you create your brighter future.

Your brighter future starts here! New adult and part-time course guide, out now! 19+ NCED ADVA NER LEAR S LOAN E!* ABL AVAIL

August adult open evening! Wednesday 24th August, 6pm - 8pm, Knightstone Campus

Don’t wait until the kids are on holiday... Do something inspiring today and sign up for an adult course. There are hundreds of courses in many different subjects starting from September 2016. Apply online today! *For eligible Level 3, 4, 5 and 6 courses only. 01278 441234 | www.bridgwater.ac.uk

01934 411 411

The care ups er retr kill univain hob ersity adu by cou lt guidrse e

www.weston.ac.uk

201 6/20 17

Do you want to improve your skills and knowledge, increase your earning potential, or start a new hobby? Somerset College can help you achieve your potential. Our courses can lead to successful careers in teaching, fashion, health and child care and many other thriving industries. Changing careers can be a scary prospect, but at Somerset College we are here to help you decide which is the best course for you depending on what you want to achieve and how you want to study. With most of our degree courses available part-time, continuing to work whilst you study for a meaningful qualification becomes an achievable possibility. Alternatively, if you are tempted to learn a new skill just

Your brighter future starts here!

enquiries@weston.ac.uk Parent Talk Summer 2016 19

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

New music school at Perrott Hill Perrott Hill

Set in its stunning location, Perrott Hill’s new purpose built music school will enhance the music provision for our children and help to inspire generations of musicians. From September, we will be running a weekly music group for children up to three years old and their

Time and space for a full education

Join our music group for children up to three years old and their parents. Led by one of our teachers, children will learn all about music with special songs and rhymes, amazing puppets and props. The group meets on Tuesday mornings during term time. Each session is £5 and we are offering a free taster session. Please contact Philippa on 01460 72051 or admissions@perrotthill.com for more information and to book a place. Perrott Hill, North Perrott, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 7SL www.perrotthill.com

Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends are back at The Bristol Hippodrome on Wed 7 & Thu 8 September in a brand new live stage show, Peppa Pig’s Surprise. It’s a lovely day and Peppa is playing outside with her friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise for her and her younger brother George but no matter how hard they try, they cannot guess what it is. In Peppa Pig's Surprise audiences will enjoy interactive fun, games

Childcare professionals see KoolioBandz as a real step forward in child safety. They welcome the 20 Parent Talk Summer 2016

Please contact Philippa on 01460 72051 or admissions@perrotthill.com for more information about the music group and to book a place. Perrott Hill is a co-educational day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3-13. Our next Open Mornings are on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 October 2016.

and, of course, surprises. This charming, colourful new show features new songs and new life-size puppets. Peppa Pig’s Surprise promises to be the perfect theatre show for all preschoolers. Suitable for ages 3+. Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th September Weds at 1pm & 4pm Thurs at 10am & 1pm Tickets: from £17.15 Concessions available

"A rollicking, all singing, dancing interactive adventure." Daily Telegraph

The secret of relaxed teachers on school trips

Koolio have created a simple, safe and cost effective way for schools to put a secure ID code on children with complete anonymity and yet provide a simple method for the ﬁnder to let you know where you can collect your child.

Children will learn about musical concepts: high and low, fast and slow, short and long, loud and quiet, sound and silence through songs and rhymes carefully chosen, often with the use of puppets and other props to help with the visualization of concepts. Each session is £5 and we are offering a free taster session.

Peppa Pig’s Surprise

COMPETITION

A lost child is a highly stressful event for both teachers, schools and parents. Of course people will go out of their way to help - the challenge is often ﬁnding the teacher or getting contact details while keeping the child calm.

parents on Tuesday mornings during term time. The sessions are led by one of Perrott Hill’s peripatetic music teachers, Rachel Greenwood. The classes follow an established system of teaching and offer

an alternative to usual nursery rhymes with a huge bank of songs based on the pentatonic scale and well-formed rhymes promoting good rhythm and pattern. The emphasis is on children 'finding their own voice' in order to express themselves through music, at the same time unconsciously learning all the skills needed to make music.

simplicity and the speed of the communication process, easily accessible by the public, to swiftly advise the teachers where their missing child can be collected.

Our classroom pack contains 12 bands all with the identical code. They are available in Orange and are suitable for children up to approx. 7/8 yrs.

Parent Talk have teamed up with Koolio and are offering 3 classroom packs for your school. For your chance to win, rearrange the below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk by the closing date of 20th July 2016.

I O K O L O

Should I stay or should I go: 7 in 10 ‘staycations’ are uninsured 7 in 10 people taking trips in the UK this summer could be doing so uninsured, leaving thousands of pounds worth of valuables at risk of theft, loss and damage, according to new research from home insurance provider Policy Expert. Of the 2,500 people surveyed, 63% admitted they didn’t have away from home cover included in their home insurance policy, while only a third would take out travel insurance for ‘staycations’ in the UK, such as camping, festivals or walking holidays. Despite a quarter of people taking trips in the UK to keep costs down, day-trippers and holidaymakers risk expensive dilemmas by travelling with an average £676 worth of valuables uninsured. Other reasons for holidaying in the UK included because it’s easier, visiting family in the UK, because there are great places on our doorstep and a worry about terrorism/ safety abroad. 8% of those surveyed have damaged, lost or had valuables stolen while travelling in the UK, of which a third didn’t claim on their insurance. The most common items were mobile

phones, cameras, wallets/purses and jewellery. Adam Powell, Head of Operations, Policy Expert commented: “Wherever you’re holidaying this summer, whether that be on the white shores of the Caribbean or a pebbled beach in Wales, it’s important to

ensure you’re properly insured and that your belongings are covered against loss and theft. If you don’t want to take out a separate travel insurance policy, checking the small print in your home insurance to make sure it includes away from home cover is a good place to start.”

Top UK Holidays Type of trip Popularity Seaside 1 Day trips 2 City break 3 Caravanning 4 Staycation (holiday at home) 5 Walking/cycling 6 Camping 7 Festival 8 Stag/Hen do 9 Golf holiday 10 Most popular UK regions to visit: Region Popularity South West 1 Wales 2 Yorkshire & Humber 3 Scotland 4 North West 5 London 6 North East 7 East of England 8 West Midlands 9 East Midlands 10 Northern Ireland 11

Somerset College of Arts & Technology is part of Bridgwater College whose principal address is Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4PZ

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BOOK REVIEW

Editor’s choice DK readers Published by DK Ten new titles, covering a wide range of subjects, include Sea Otters, Jungle Animals, Spaceships and Rockets and Big Fantastic Earth. Each book includes eye-catching gold foil jackets and brand new narrative content. Photographs and specially commissioned artwork also provide children with amazing imagery to follow, giving them visual clues to help build their vocabulary and confidence in reading.

The Apprentice Witch By James Nicol Published by Chicken House, Age: 8+ Arianwyn fluffs her witch’s assessment. Awarded the dull bronze disc of an apprentice – to the glee of her arch-rival, Gimma – she’s sent to protect the remote, dreary town of Lull, But her new life is far from boring. Turns out Gimma is the pompous mayor’s favourite niece – and worse, she opens a magical rift in the nearby forest. As Arianwyn struggles with her spells, it’s soon clear there’s much more than her pride at stake… The Power of Dark By Robin Jarvis Published by Egmont, Age: 11+ An enthralling mix of magic and horror – first in a new series from the bestselling fantasy legend. Something is brewing in the town of Whitby. To best friends Lil and Verne, it just seems like a particularly bad storm. But Cherry Cerise, the last of the Whitby witches, fears that ancient forces are at work, reviving the curse of a long magical artefact and a feud that has survived even beyond death. Rose in the Blitz By Rebecca Stevens Published by Chicken House, Age: 10+ It’s the night before Rose’s mum re-marries. Rose can’t sleep for worrying and nor can her muddled Great-Aunt Cosy. Rose sees the old lady leaving the house and runs after her to the London underground. Their empty train stops in 1940, in a war-torn London broken by the Blitz. Here, Rose witnesses great romance and impending sacrifice. Tragedy will surely follow – unless she can change what happens next… 22 Parent Talk Summer 2016

Heck! Here’s the Heron! By Lucy Sands, illustrated by Davina Rayfield Published by Peachy Pie The first of three books in a series set among the animals in an English country garden. HECK! Here’s the Heron! is a humorous tale of a feared bird who is feeding on the inhabitants of a pond one by one. The other animals living there hatch various plans to stop them from being eaten but will they work? HECK! Here's the Heron! emphasises the importance of teamwork and stan ing up for your friends. It has a strong appeal to young children with its fast paced story and memorable rhyming verse.

Awesome 8 Published by National Geographic KiDS The first book in a new series perfect for curious young minds. It’s jam packed with facts about who/what/where are the coolest things on the planet. Every turn of the page presents a different theme and counts down the greatest of the great top 8 of its kind eg The Awesome 8 Coolest Coasters, Perilous predators, Remarkable Ruins. The entire list appears in photographs, layered with fun facts and insightful stories.

My Grandparents Love Me By Claire Freedman & Judi Abbot Published by Simon and Schuster, Age: 3+ Claire Freedman, the bestselling author of the phenomenally successful Underpants series has teamed up with Judi Abbot, illustrator of The Biggest Hug to create a super sweet picture book packed full of fun, love and affection. This endearing picture book perfectly portrays just how special the relationship is between a child and their grandparents and is a heart-warming read for children and adults alike. Hiding Heidi By Fiona Woodcock Published by Simon and Schuster, Age: 3+ Heidi and her friends love to play hide and seek. The trouble is, Heidi always wins. She can’t help it – she’s just too good! But Heidi soon learns that being hard to find can be hard to take, so she needs to come up with a plan.

for Adults

Blue Dog By Louis de Bernières Published by Vintage When a family tragedy means Mick is sent to the outback to live with his Grandpa, it looks as if he has a lonely life ahead of him. The cattle station is a tough place for a child, where nature is brutal and the men must work hard in the heat and dust. However, when a cyclone hits, things change for Mick. Exploring the flood waters, he finds a lost puppy covered in mud and half-drowned. Mick and his dog immediately become inseparable as they take on the adventures offered by their unusual home, and the business of growing up, together.

Scarlet and Ivy Book 3 The Dance in the Dark By Sophie Cleverly Published by Harper Collins Children’s Books, Age: 9+ Scarlet and Ivy return to creepy Rookwood School for a third mystery adventure! With their evil headmaster, Mr Bartholomew, safely out of the picture and kindly Mrs Knight in charge, it looks like life at Rookwood School is looking up. There's a ballet recital Scarlet is desperate to star in and more clues to uncover about the twins' mother. But after their beloved ballet teacher Miss Finch suddenly disappears and strange Madame Zelda takes her place, freakish things start happening. Poison letters are circulating the school, and 'accidents' are plaguing the students. It seems that the girls are in danger once more…Is someone out for the ultimate revenge?

Mum Hacks: Time-saving tips to calm the chaos of family life By Tanith Carey Published by White Ladder Press, Age: Adult Parenting has come to feel like an unwinnable race against a stop-watch. One in three families now has both parents in full-time work. Another two million parents are raising kids on their own. And it’s not just us who are feeling stressed. Our children are feeling it too. This book is about changing that. If offers hundreds of ingenious ways to streamline the tasks parents need to do every day to keep their show on the road – without the cortisol-inducing rows and panics. Easy Indian Super Meals By Zainab Jagot Ahmed Published by Ebury Press. Age: Adult Flavour-led weaning expert Zainab Jagot Ahmed offers simple, delicious recipes suitable for weaning babies right the way through to the early school years, all inspired by the aromatic tastes of Indian home-cooking. Adding mild spices to your children’s food is a great way to add flavour without the need for salt or sugar. Watch them eat virtually everything , enjoy a range of tastes, textures and ingredients and look forward to every mealtime. Chains of Sand By Jemma Wayne Published by Legend Press Age: Adult Chains of Sand is a stunning fictional exploration of the relationship between identity, religion and conflict, set in Israel and London over the last ten years. Through the prism of four families caught up in the inevitable tension and disquiet when cultures clash, Jemma Wayne deftly examines the relationship between loyalty and fear, peace and conflict.

CLASSIFIED

Working from home with kids – by Kristen Harding from Tinies (www.tinies.com) the UK’s leading childcare agency. It’s 1pm; Johnny’s had his nap, both children are fed, you’ve picked at their leftovers - time to put your feet up. Or not, if you’ve opted to work from home! This may be your regular working pattern, or you may have negotiated flexible working terms for the summer holidays as many people are being granted permission to work from home, allowing them more flexibility and a solution to the ever growing costs of childcare. Working from home while watching the children, works well for some people; however, it’s not ideal for all. Everyone needs to try it for themselves and decide if: a) They work well from home – not everyone does! b) The ages and dispositions of their children are conducive to working from home - not all of them are! c) They are productive – again, not everyone is productive away from their desk, but others are more so! For many employers, the notion of working a strict 9 to 5 has changed, and they are looking for output volumes rather than ‘face time’ - not the iPhone app; rather, the amount of time you spend in front of your employer. You may find that your employer is happy to accommodate an altered working pattern over the summer rather than have you off for long periods of time. There will be stages in your

child’s development that allow you more time to focus on the tasks at hand, and other stages that they need much more of your time and attention. The summer months can prove difficult, especially if the weather is nice and the kids want to be outside. In the long run, you will have to decide if combining work and childcare works for you and then find a way to implement it. From our experience working with mums and dads who combine work with childcare, we have a few suggestions: Schedule your time: Remember you are doing two jobs, so schedule things accordingly. If you have small children about the place, things will take longer to complete so set realistic deadlines to avoid disappointing your boss and letting down your team. Just as you have set hours in the office, designate set hours in the day that you are going to dedicate to work, give yourself built in breaks depending on the age and needs of your child. It may take your child a short time to get used to a routine and it may take you even longer – but it’s important to develop a working routine that you can stick to. Think about when they need to be fed, when they need a nap or when they are energetic, and build your day around that schedule. And make sure you schedule enough time at the park to tire the little ones out for a few

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LITTLE SLINGERS DANCE CLASS

Monday 25th July 2016 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Bristol South - Cadbury House, Congresbury 10.30am - 12pm £4.00 to include Fabulous Dance To Book please call 01278 238390 or email littleslingers@gmail.com

hours in the afternoon. All of these decisions are up to you. No two people will feel exactly the same - so - step back, assess the situation and determine what works for you. Finding childcare Use your parent networks and if you don’t have one, it’s time to start building! Trading children for a few hours is a brilliant way of having an afternoon of quiet time to focus on the task at hand. The other parent will be happy to help, especially if they know they can call on you when they need a hand. This is easier as your children get older. If they are still quite young, you might need to find someone flexible enough to come to your home. Know who you can call in an emergency and who you need to make plans with in advance, and ALWAYS reciprocate – you don’t want the relationships to be one sided. Having part time childcare might be part of your plan, be it an Au Pair who is in the home with you – attending to your child while you work - or a family member who takes your child a few hours a day. Even if you have family who can step in in an emergency, have a back-up plan in place for when you have a last minute meeting, or an outstanding deadline. Things don’t always run smoothly but if you prepare for worst case scenarios, then every day is a lot less bumpy! Have Emergencychildcare. co.uk in your SOS contact list.

Be Honest Be honest with yourself and those you work with. Once you’ve got a schedule that works – explain it to your boss or line manager – let them know that you’ve put time and effort into

The more you’ve thought of in advance, the more likely it will be smooth sailing when the day comes. Entertaining your children while you’re working Every child is different and you’ll need to find things that There will be stages in your child’s development that are of interest to your child. For example, if your child allow you more time to focus on the tasks at hand, likes trains then find activities and other stages that they need much more of your that include trains – if they’ve time and attention declared they are too old for a finding a way for this to work for doll, don’t expect their Barbies explain that Mummy is working both of you. If you’ve scheduled to entertain them for a long if they associate you working a call and your child wakes up, period! with a particular location – even don’t try to pretend you’re in the When finding activities if it is a corner of the sitting office – tell them you’re working that your child can do selfroom. Setting up your office in from home and Johnny has sufficiently, think about the a location where you can glance woken up early. Try to carry on amount of supervision they up at the room and observe your with the call – however, if the need. Activities like painting are child will allow you to work with situation becomes too much, not ideal when you don’t have the knowledge that you’ve got ask to re arrange the call. It will be a watchful eye on the artist! an eye on the situation. more productive for everyone. Generally you want to think Before you start working from www.carymoor.org.uk When your child is old about activities that take a home, think long and hard about enough, explain to them that longer period of time, so that everything you’ll need. How Mummy is working, or that you can focus for longer. And do you access your company mummy needs to make a you want to get them focused server? Have you set up a VPN telephone call. Give them a task on one activity at a time – if you to your office? Do you have the and explain that you’ll engage put all their toys in front of them right equipment, do you need to with them once the call is over. at the same time, they will be provide it or does your company? A word of advice – this won’t bored in no time; if you slowly Is your software upgraded? Will happen right away and you need introduce toys or activities as you have an office mobile or are to remember to go back to them the day progresses, you’ll hold you expected to use your home every time you’re off the phone. their attention for longer. telephone? Essentially, you’re training them to understand the times when you are available and when they need to entertain themselves. Don’t forget your conversations at home, be honest about how you are feeling. Are you coping, or do you need help? What would help lighten the load? Remember only you know how you’re

Carymoor Open Day Friday 12th August, 2-7pm

FREE admission

Wildlife trails, games & walks of site Refreshments available

www.carymoor.org.uk

“DAVE” THE MAGICIAN & BALLOONATIC available for birthday parties, playgroups, schools, fetes, promotions etc DBS Checked & fully insured

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For tailor-made Magic Shows, Mini Discos, Games and Balloon Twisting Family Fun For Everyone!! Ideal For Any Party, Large or Small, Indoors or Out 07770 227812 catherine@magicentertainment.co.uk

Contact Pat Tolin 01460 73222 sbsctraining@btinternet.com Details at www.suttonbinghamsc.net/LearntoSail

at the Ilminster Arts Center

Women’s Day Group A group for all ladies, regardless of age or background to meet other ladies over coffee/tea & cake and experience support, friendship, encouragement and a place to belongDiscounts Babies and toddlers welcome too for Toddler fb.me/womentogetherdaygroup www.yeovilvineyard.com Groups

1 Market Street, Yeovil BA20 1HR

Join us!

Fortnightly 10.30am - 12pm

Sonia Lock 01935 414 340

Tel: 01823 412750 Mob: 07989 585979 www.malcolm-the-magician.co.uk

Children’s parties a speciality. Magic, Puppets, Comedy. Terrific entertainment. Police checked and insured.

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The Vineyard Centre

Malcolm the Magician Magic and balloon modelling for Schools, Playgroups and Birthday Parties.

KEITH’S MAGICAL ENTERTAINMENT

[c/w enhanced DBS for added peace of mind]

Quirky Textile Art

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(insured and police checked)

CATHERINE’S MAGIC ENTERTAINMENT

RYA Sailing courses for children aged 8-15 at Sutton Bingham Sailing Club running through the summer.

Contact 01460 240230

managing - don’t expect others to be able to read your mind. Remove the roadblocks Make sure you have an area of your home that you can set up as an office – as your children get older, it will be easier to

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SEPTEMBER issue copy deadline 10th August 2016 Call 01458 250461 Parent Talk Summer 2016 23

Wed 7 – Thu 8 September

Wednesday: 1pm & 4pm • Thursday: 10am & 1pm

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*calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge