Parent Talk Issue May 2016 by Parent Talk

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Parent talk

Clubs & Classes Schools Events Reviews Essential reading for parents and grandparents in Somerset

May 2016 Volume 23 Issue 5

Win tickets to Sherborne Show and Devon County Show

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RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION

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Enrichment and activity Residential Courses if booked in May (does not apply to day courses)

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At Kilve Court, we want to bring out the best in you and stretch your imagination! Whether you are an aspiring geologist or dancer, an endeavouring musician or mathematician, an ambitious adventurer or linguist, an eager scientist or spy, a striving novelist or historian, or even a wishful astronomer… Come and find the course that suits you! Our team of expert tutors have designed these courses to be fun and interesting, all whilst developing your personal talents and skills. We also offer activity days and residential activity weeks when you can try your hand at archery, the climbing wall, rifles shooting and much much more!

www.kilvecourt.co.uk Kilve Court Residential Education Centres, Kilve, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1EA.

tel: 01278 741270 Email: info@kilvecourt.co.uk

@KilveCourt

Parent talk contents

Family pages Parties & Fun Out & About Book Bag News Information, Education Events Book Review Classified

p2-3 p4-5 p6-8 p9-12 p13, 15-17 p14 p18 p19

competition Sherborne Show Devon County Show

p11 p12

Dear All...

Welcome back and already we’re looking forward to half term. There are some wonderful shows this month so have a go at our competitions to win family tickets for a really great day out. Sherborne Show, Devon County Show AND The Bath & West means a busy month ahead. If you’re planning a birthday party, we’ve got lots of suggestions to make life really easy and avoid the stress of hosting it at home. Craft parties, go-kart parties, dance parties, soft play – there’s plenty to choose from. You never know, you may even be able to combine it with Paddington Bear on a steam train. Marmalade sandwiches anyone?! 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 June deadline 25th May 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?

COMPETITION WINNERS Savage Storms Emma Reardon, Weston-Super-Mare Claire Tucker, Cheddar Annette Stephens, Beaworthy

Gemma Brown, Bournemouth Ruth Newport, Winscombe Simon Tutthill, Evercreech Elaine Leballeur, Exmouth

Sunproof

Outlet Store is open

Crocs - Babybanz - sun hats - UV swimwear Beach tents - buggy shades - Ear defenders Australian sunscreen - beach shoes - UV hats Scandinavian rainwear - Baby gift packs

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

FAMILY

How to Encourage Great Table Manners We all like to see well-behaved children in restaurants and have confidence our children will behave appropriately at mealtimes. What is the best way to teach this? Simple! Eat together at a table at home. However, increasing research shows the simple act of eating together can be difficult to achieve in busy, modern day lives, resulting in children developing poor eating habits, with primary schools having to teach children how to use a knife and fork. To help parents and carers

Sunproof Outlet Store – open to the public Sunproof Limited are opening their outlet store to the public this year. Thanks to the very positive feedback from their pilot store trial last autumn, the Sunproof outlet store is open weekdays Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm for a wide range of baby and children’s products. 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 ● 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.

maximise their children’s mealtime experience, The Victoria Chart Company (www. victoriachartcompany.com) have created the fun, double-sided ‘Let’s Eat Together’ placemat which includes a dry-wipe pen. Suitable for 3 years+, side one of the placemat has a tick system to help children learn their table manners and side two provides fun, communication activities for the whole table to play after a meal. Finding the time to eat together at least 5 to 6 times a week brings numerous benefits

for a family, in particular the children: ● It is the perfect opportunity to communicate and bond. ● It encourages screen-free time. ● Children are more likely to try new food and finish meals. ● Children learn to eat properly with their cutlery. ● Sitting at a table helps food

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to digest. ● But, most importantly, it is where young children learn etiquette and good table manners. Discount code 'VCHART15' will get 15% off. The 'Let's Eat Together' Activity Placemat is available to purchase for £8.50 at: http://www.amazon. co.uk/dp/B01AQMZZPG

A fun way to teach table manners

www.victoriachartcompany.com

Parent Talk May 2016 3

PARTIES FUN PARTIES

Party Time at Rug Ratz

We all want our child’s birthday to be a special occasion and a party at Rug Ratz will make it a day to remember. Rug Ratz offers catered parties seven days a week with start times from 11am to 4pm at just £7.95 per child. For larger parties you can have a private session starting at 5pm when you can have the whole place to yourselves. There is a choice of either hot or cold menus, both of which give the children the food they really like and include unlimited free drinks. All you need to bring is a cake. At the end of the party each child is given a party bag containing lots of surprises

and a piece of the birthday cake. And best of all, there is no cleaning up to do afterwards. A £15 deposit secures the time and date of your choice and full colour invitations are provided by Rug Ratz. Booking early will avoid disappointment. Gift Tickets. Pre-paid tickets are now available from Rug Ratz reception desk. These make an ideal gift for all children for birthdays or Christmas. Playgroup Christmas Parties. If you run a playgroup, nursery or pre-school and are looking for a venue, Rug Ratz is offering special deals for Christmas parties. Please call Jacky on 01935 476989 for more details.

May Half Term at The Bishop’s Palace This Half Term, The Bishop’s Palace is getting creepycrawly! The theme for the week is ‘Minibeasts’ and both the Family Fun Friday and the Muddy Monday will involve activities based on all those little creatures hiding beneath your feet! On Monday 30th May, it’s Minibeast Muddy Monday – Amanda in the Community Garden is going on a Minibeast hunt and she needs your help to find out which minibeasts might be hiding underfoot, or even in the depths of our pond with some pond-dipping! On Friday 3rd June, Family Fun Friday will be taking place in the Stable Yard Room. Join our

crafty team to make spinning spiders, dangly dragonflies and beautiful bugs. There will also be garden games and dressing up to keep little ones entertained. All week there will be a brand new Creepy Crawly family trail around the site so get the kids to follow the clues and discover all sorts of minibeasts hiding around the gardens. The Bishop’s Table café will have a delicious children’s menu and plenty of grown up treats for the adults too, so make a day of it and enjoy all that the Palace & Gardens have to offer this Half Term. Both events are 11am-3pm and are included in standard admission.

No stress, no mess, leave the party to us! Whether you are 5 or 65, we have the party to suit you! Set in beautiful surroundings with ample parking, Bodley Craft Studio is the perfect place to unwind and be creative. Children's Craft Party Tell us your theme; pirate, jungle, princess, cute animals, scary monsters, Disney character or even a favourite colour. We have ten options for you to choose from, or you can give us your ideas - we will theme the party to suit you. £15 per head to include invitations, craft and all materials, party game/quiz with prizes, party meal and treat bags PixelHobby Party As well as our craft parties, we

RUG RATZ CHILDREN’S PLAYCENTRE Abbey Trading Estate Stourton Way Yeovil BA21 3AR Tel 01935 476989

www.rug-ratz.co.uk

half term holiday FUN!

Just Dance Parties

Parties are an occasion to remember at Just Dance Studios. There are a variety of themes to choose from, for example, Frozen, Ugly Bug 3rd June 28th May-5th Ball, Popstar, Cinderella’s Ball June OPEN DAILY and Craft/Baking. Or you can Under 5's Free choose your own theme. We The Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk will decorate the room with scene setters, balloons, fairy lights and anything else to blend in with the theme. Your Holiday Clubs, Parties and Adult Workshops party entertainers will also A fabulous craft Having a Birthday? Bodley Craft Parties. NoDance Stress, NoWincanton Mess. Facebook - Just dress up, which the children studio, minutes from love! After the children have Wellington Children’s party: Easter Holiday Club town with arrived, it’s on with the fun and Tell us your theme; pirate, for 8-12 year olds minibeasts muddy monday 30th May

minibeasts family fun friday

minibeasts family trail

Craft Studio

Holiday Clubs for 8-14’s princess, cute animals, scary monsters, or a favourite colour! We theme the day to suit you. Any age or ability! £15 per head to include craft, party game, party meal and goody bags!

ample parking

Tuesday 31st March Wednesday 1st April Thursday 2nd April Fun packed days run from 9am-5pm £25 per day – discounts available Contact Sam for more information and to book

also offer PixelHobby parties. If you haven't heard of PixelHobby, then don't miss out any longer! We can theme the party to suit your child, and every child will make their own keyring or magnet to take home. Adult’s Craft Party Bunting, cushions, appliqué and much more. Whether it’s a teenage birthday, 30th, 40th or 50th! Friends or work colleagues getting together, or any other celebration, we have the party to suit you. Contact us with your ideas and we will build the party around you. From £15 per head, includes craft, all materials, refreshments and nibbles.

games! If it’s a dance party, then we will do some dancing; however, if the theme isn’t dance based, we can create activities and crafts specifically for your party. For example, a treasure hunt, party games, decorating crowns or pirate masks etc. Just Dance can also provide all the party food too. Everything is home-made on site in our kitchen which scored a 5 when inspected by the council. Our face painters also do a fantastic job of entertaining

Birthday Parties for any age

Various Workshops throughout the year

For more information Leave Bodley Craft: and 07525 to127878 book contact: the sjr1509@yahoo.co.uk sam@bodleycraft.co.uk party or follow us on Facebook to us! or www.bodleycraft.co.uk

4 Parent Talk May 2016

JUST DANCE PARTIES Themed Birthday Parties for children of all ages www.just-dance-studio.co.uk 07901 553602

the children. Your party can be held outside if you’d like, in our big, enclosed garden. Each child receives a certificate to take home and what better way to finish the party than with a

Just Dance Party Bag. We can create themed party bags and with a choice of the traditional party bag, a cloth party bag or cookie mix jars, there is something for everyone!

PARTIES FUN PARTIES

Don't trash your house, have a party with 1610! inflatable castle or jump, climb and slide along the assault course with our Jumping Jacks inflatable parties. Children can also enjoy lots of extra goodies with giant Connect 4, space hoppers, parachute games and giant play balls. Sports Parties For your sports mad child who wants to score a great birthday! At 1610 we offer a range of sporting parties from football

Go-Kart Party - the perfect experience for boys and girls

If you are looking for a party that is really different, exciting, great fun and hassle free then look no further than Go-Kart Party.

grounds of Hestercombe Gardens our outdoor party themes are Commando, Den Building, Climbing, Paintball and Rafting and are suited for all children aged from 5 to 16yrs. The perfect way to finish any party is sitting around our roaring campfire enjoying a BBQ and marshmallows. For full details of our range of parties please visit www.1610. org.uk/kids-activities/ or contact 01823 410124 or email ewarr@1610.org.uk.

Fun day out for all the family 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

CELEBRATING CELEBRATING

YEARS 40 YEARS 40

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 also have our Days out with Thomas event on 1st, 2nd and 3rd July 2016. In the latter part of the 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

OF STEAMING OF STEAMING TO THE TO THE SEASIDE SEASIDE

You can check out the fantastic feedback Nathan receives from parents on www.facebook.com/ GoKartPartySW and for more

co.uk or contact us on 01643 704996

Don’t trash your house - have a ! party with m

g J a c k s Pa r

t s

information contact Nathan on 07703 719 402, nathan@go-kartparty.co.uk or visit

to offer, please visit our website www.west-somerset-railway.

Nathan and his team offer both boys and girls of 4 -10 years a unique opportunity to race battery powered gokarts around an inflatable mini Grand Prix circuit. The parties are fully hosted and structured and fun games such as cops and robbers, cone dodging, reversing and emergency stopping will give the children an experience they will never forget. Kart speeds and games are tailored to the age and ability of the children so whether they are aged 4 or 10 the kids will have an amazing time

and will feel a real sense of achievement when they pick up their certificate and possibly the Go-Kart Party Best Driver trophy at the end of the party! Available indoors in numerous leisure centres and sports halls across Somerset, or even outside at your home, Go-Kart Party is accessible all year round at a venue near you.

and trampolining to gymnastics and basketball. Splash Parties Dash across the assault course, jump and climb the obstacles or race your friends in the ultimate relay with our super splash pool parties. Each of our 6 swimming pools are available for private hire so come along and enjoy some inflatable fun, or just some good old fashioned fun and games in the pool. Outdoor Adventure Parties Held in the beautiful and safe

We understand how important your child’s special day is, that’s why we have developed an exciting array of birthday party packages. Whether your little one is football mad, wants to splash around in the pool or just have some muddy good fun with their friends, at 1610 we have the perfect party for you! (Start from £85) Jumping Jack Parties Become king or queen of the

At 1610 we’ve designed an exciting list of birthday parties to ensure your child has a day to remember. Whether your little one is sport mad or wants to bounce around with friends, we have the perfect party for you!

www.gokartpartysw.co.uk

rties h Pa plas er S Sup

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Come and and see see PPaddington addington at at the the West West Somerset Somerset Railway Railway Come on Saturday 28th May. on Saturday 28th May.

ve n t u re r Ad

Quote: “1610PARTY when booking!

ti e

Get £5 Off:”

Other entertainment includes: Other entertainment includes: Andrews Leisureʼs Helter Skelter and Bouncy Castle Andrews Leisureʼs Helter Skelter and Bouncy Castle Free face painting Free face painting Crafts Crafts Turntable Cafe Turntable Cafe Buffer Stop Shop Buffer Stop Shop

Paddington will be appearing at intervals at Minehead Station. Paddington will be appearing at intervals at Minehead Station.

Advance train tickets can be purchased online or over Advance tickets canprior be purchased online the phonetrain up to 7 days to the event at theor over the phone discount up to 7 days prior the event thetime advanced price. Traintotickets afteratthis advanced discount price. Train tickets after this time can be purchased on the day at the booking office. can be purchased on the day at the booking office.

Call Nathan on: 07703 719 402

www.gokartpartysw.co.uk nathan@go-kartparty.co.uk facebook.com/GoKartPartySW TA postcodes only

WWW.WEST-SOMERSET-RAILWAY.CO.UK WWW.WEST-SOMERSET-RAILWAY.CO.UK or telephone telephone 01643 01643 704996 704996 or

For full details of our range of parties please visit: www.1610.org.uk/kids-activities T 01823 410124 E ewarr@1610.org.uk

Parent Talk May 2016 5

OUT &Talk ABOUT 6 Parent December 2012

Mammal May-hem!

Nature connection at the heart of a happy and healthy life

organisation that represents top zoos and aquariums. From 28th May to 3rd June we’ll have competitions, trails, talks and more. Pick up a trail booklet and go on a quest to spot all 50 Marvellous Mammals. Then enter our amazing competition, tell us why you love Paignton Zoo and you could be in with a chance to win a goody bag.

In addition, there will be a red panda talk daily at 3.30 p.m. And drop by to watch our marvellous macaques receive some special enrichment each day at 2.45 p.m. Meanwhile, Paignton Zoo is creating new and expanded play areas both indoors and out, so there’ll be somewhere for your own marvellous mammals to let off steam whatever the weather.

Visit Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in May and discover some truly marvellous mammals! Come along during May half term and help us celebrate both our own Marvellous Mammals event and the annual Love Your Zoo Week. Love Your Zoo Week is organised by BIAZA, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the

People who do something ‘wild’ every day for a month change their attitude to nature and report improvements in their physical and mental wellbeing, according to new research which places nature connection at the heart of a happy and healthy life. An impact study, by the University of Derby, of 30 Days Wild - the UK’s first ever monthlong nature challenge, run by The Wildlife Trusts in June 2015 - reveals sustained increases in participants’ happiness, health, connection to nature and positive environmental behaviours, such as feeding the birds or growing flowers for pollinators like bees. Dr Miles Richardson, Head of Psychology at the University of Derby, conducted the study. He says: “Two months after taking part in 30 Days Wild, the number of people reporting their health as excellent increased by over 30%. And that improvement in health was influenced by the improvements in happiness and connection with nature. “The impact of 30 Days Wild adds to the compelling argument for bringing nature into our everyday lives. Our grand challenges, such as health and declining biodiversity, require large-scale interventions and the evaluation of 30 Days Wild provides good evidence that time in, and a connection with nature can bring sustained benefits to public health, reducing demands on our health services, while also improving pro-nature behaviours. Even in urban areas, nature can provide

a simple solution to complex problems.” More than 18,500 people took part in The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge, committing around 300,000 Random Acts of Wildness - different ways to connect with, experience and take action for nature throughout June 2015. Lucy McRobert, The Wildlife Trusts’ Nature Matters campaigns manager, said: “Last year, thousands of people undertook Random Acts of Wildness everywhere, from the centre of London to the Outer Hebrides. People let their lawns grow wild, adults danced in the rain and made nature cocktails while families created wild works of art, went star-gazing and created homes for wildlife in their gardens. Even people at work found time for wildlife, by taking meetings outside in the sun and transforming work spaces into wildlife habitats. “The results of our study show that taking part in 30 Days Wild makes people happier, healthier and more connected to nature in the long-term. “Importantly it also showed

that by looking out for nature on a regular basis people became more likely to care about and protect it – and that’s what we’re all about. We’re here to inspire everyone again - every day throughout June. Whatever their age, wherever they live, we want everyone to feel they can take part and join thousands of others making nature part of their life.” 30 Days Wild returns in 2016, with The Wildlife Trusts asking everyone do something wild every day from 1–30 June, whether you take time out to simply smell a wildflower, listen to birdsong, explore a local wild place or leave a part of your garden to grow wild for a month. This year, the conservation organisation aims to inspire people to carry out one million Random Acts of Wildness, listing 101 fun and intriguing ideas online to get you started. It’s all about making nature part of your life for 30 days - and it’s free. Sign up at www.wildlifetrusts. org/30DaysWild. Share your 30 Days Wild with us on twitter, Instagram and facebook using #30DaysWild

Heart Research UK’s healthy tip - take the dog’s lead to a healthier heart Your four legged friend may be more than a faithful companion – your dog may also lead the way to a healthier, happier and longer life. A study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health looking at research on pet owners, found dog walkers are more than two and a half times more likely than the average pooch-free person to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week and thereby improving their heart health. So with around 30% of households in the UK owning a dog, your neighbours could be streets ahead in the ‘walkies’ league of physical activity. Not only that, research also tells us that interacting with your pet could help you to keep stress and anxiety at bay which is great for your mental health and blood pressure. 6 Parent Talk May 2016

Here are some of Heart Research UK's top dogwalking tips and facts: ● Dogs are nature’s personal trainers, so kick start the day with a heart healthy walk to wake you up and start you on the road to an active day. ● A brisk 15 minute walk will count towards your recommended 30 minutes a day so increase the pace of dog walks and the distance covered to reap the benefits of a reduced waistline and stronger heart. Playing games like Frisbee and tug of war with your dog will keep that tail wagging and keep your heart working towards a healthier you. ● A dog can make the ideal cycling or running buddy and, unlike a friend or colleague, man’s best friend won’t moan about the weather and cancel on you or slacken off the pace.

● A walk with your dog in the evening after a long day at work will help you to unwind, leaving you more energised when you get home. ● If you don’t own a dog then why not offer to help at your nearest shelter for abandoned and mistreated dogs? Having a commitment will help you maintain the regular exercise that your heart and your new found friend needs. Dogs love their daily walks and are a great motivator to keeping you active too, so if you have a canine companion at your heels, make sure you take the lead and get outside with your pooch. Not only will this keep your dog fit and healthy and avoid those sad puppy dog eyes, it will keep you in great shape and reduce your risk of heart disease so grab the lead for an active lifestyle come rain or shine.

OUT & ABOUT

The Devon County Show is a Sherborne Castle Country great family day out Fair and Rare Breeds Show Youngsters of all ages can enjoy a family day out at this year’s Devon County Show held on May 19-21 at Westpoint, Exeter. There will be lots to see and do from watching young riders in the thrilling Shetland Pony Grand National and seeing gravity-defying motocross stunts, to getting up close to pedigree cattle. The dedicated Children’s Farm will host a number of interactive sessions where youngsters can meet real farmers and get hands-on experience of basic farming activities such as feeding lambs and calves, hatching chicks and pressing apples. Elsewhere they will be able to see expert sheep shearers remove a fleece in less than a minute and get close to all manner of animals from alpacas

Bank Holiday Monday 30th May 2016 The Fair is open from 10am to 6pm and car parking is free

HOW INFO2015 AW:Layout 1 13/10/2014 19:50 Page 1

to dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs to sheep, pigs, goats and horses. In the fairground there will be the Devon Eye, a giant Ferris wheel, as well as other rides. The BBC’s giant marquee, the Army feature, the ‘Wheelie Wild’ family trail and candle rolling in the bees and honey feature make this one day of the year unmissable. Other attractions include: ● Titan the Robot (Friday & Saturday) ● The Sheep Show - a fun way to learn about sheep and wool production ● Demonstrations of working sheepdogs ● Demonstrations of traditional crafts including lace-making ● Flower & garden junior competitions ● Horse shoeing and

metalwork crafting ● Falcons and ferret racing ● Historic steam engines and vintage vehicles ● Woodland walks Fact file: Devon County Show Held on: May 19-21 Save money and buy tickets

in advance online and from selected outlets. On Saturday, two children aged 5-15 are admitted free with one paying adult; children under 5 are admitted free on Thursday and Friday. www.devoncountyshow.co.uk

The Royal Bath and West Show SHOW INFORMATION

HOW TO FIND US Newport

Trains – From London and Penzance to Castle Cary Station. For all National Rail enquires ring – 08457 48 49 50.

Swindon

M4 M5

Showground

A37 A367

Glastonbury

A372

Taunton

A303

Warminster

A371 B3081 Wincanton

A303

Castle Cary

A37 A303

B3081

GREAT

Coaches – Services from Castle Cary, Shepton Mallet and Yeovil. Contact South West Coaches Tel – 01963 33 124 (9:00am – 5:00pm Mon to Fri)

Frome

Shepton Mallet

A361

Bridgwater

A361

A362

A39 A37

Wells

A36

Buses – Contact ‘First’ on 08456 06 44 46 or the Travel Line on 08706 08 26 08 for times and details of services (8:30am – 5:30pm Mon to Sat)

A350

Bath

Cheddar

A371

Chippenham

Bristol

A38

M32 Airport

the presentation of the Farm The countdown is on for the Woman of the Year Award. New Royal Bath and West Show, this year is the Food and Drink The Great British Festival of area which will feature over 100 Agriculture, Entertainment, stands with new street food and Food and Drink plus a host of BRITISH a Live Acoustic Music Tent with new attractions to wow the surprise acts sourced by Society crowds. AGRICULTURE President and ENTERTAINMENT Glastonbury This year the Show takes founder Michael Eavis. Main place during half term from FOOD & DRINK Ring acts this year include 1-4 June and is host to The 27-30 MAY 2015 showjumping, machinery Texel Focus Show, International demonstrations and the iconic Sheep Shearing Competitions, grand parade of prize winning British Cheese Awards and cattle. Don’t miss this fabulous British Cider Championships. day out for all the family. Friday 3 June is Ladies Day SHOW andINFORMATION

Airport – Contact Bristol Airport on 08713 34 44 44

Cardiff

SAT

Salisbury

A30

NAV

Yeovil

A303

BW SHOW INFO2015 AW:Layout 1 13/10/2014 19:50 Page 1

Supporting Children’s Charities in the South West HOW TO FIND US ● Organised by Volunteers

shopper every opportunity to have a delightful time with merchandise priced to suit all M5 M4 pockets. M4 M4 New this year we have a TheM4Fair has grownM32enormously mounted falconry display…… in size overM5 the years to a just the way Kings of old brilliant day out for all the Showground would have hunted with these family….. M5presenting a rich wonderful For and fun please programme of– www.bathandwest.com events, For further information visit our website – Alternativelybirds contact – of prey. SAT SHOW MANAGER – ALAN LYONS SANDIE COLLISHAW SPONSORSHIP– music lovers a? RACHAEL stringHANN quartet country activities, TRADESTANDS stands –and NAV e. alan.lyons@bathandwest.co.uk e. sandra.collishaw@bathandwest.co.uk rachael.hann@bathandwest.co.uk Grafitti e.Classics who show off entertainment including one of M5 t. 01749 822 203 t. 01749 822 231 01749 822 215 all their t.talents, of song, dance the largest Rare Breed Shows in and fun… very entertaining the country. performers; BugFest forLtd all For a day every summer, one Bath & West Shows Showground generations, an Theinteresting of the country's finest settings is Shepton Mallet Somerset and educational and a BA4 little bit transformed into a fun-filled day 6QN scary opportunity to see and out to suit all ages - including t. 01749 822 200 handle invertebrates; new spectacular lakeside Dragon f. 01749 a 823 169 Company Number 8680261 Pirate puppets show; Jez Avery Boat Racing, Circus, Gundog performing feats of daring with Retriever Trials in the Deer Park his new show in the main ring. and by the lakeside, Dog Shows, Have a really fun day out with all Scurries and Main Ring Events. the family. There are a particularly wide For further please visit website – www.bathandwest.com Alternatively contact – the first Fair In –1996, when range ofinformation activities forourchildren of MANAGER – ALAN LYONS TRADESTANDS – SANDIE COLLISHAW SPONSORSHIP– RACHAEL HANN was held, it was going to be allSHOW ages. e. alan.lyons@bathandwest.co.uk e. sandra.collishaw@bathandwest.co.uk e. rachael.hann@bathandwest.co.uk a one-offt. 01749 event, those of you t. And 01749 822 for 203 t. 01749who 822 231 822 215 but was so successful, raising £20,000 for love to shop the fair has a children’s charities, the voluntary wide range of stands in the committee and its supporters Food Hall featuring producers decided to do it again! from the West Country with Twenty-one years on and a local Farmers Market and having donated over £1,050,000 cookery demonstrations, Craft to 80 different charities it is still Courtyard, Rural Craft and run by volunteers. Trade Stands giving the avid ●

Trains – From London and Penzance to Castle

Swindon

Bristol

Airport

A367

Wells

A39 A37

A361

Bridgwater

Glastonbury

A372

Taunton

A303

A37 A303

A36

Buses – Contact ‘First’ on 08456 06 44 46 or the Travel Line on 08706 08 26 08 for times and details

A350

Bath

Cheddar

A371

Chippenham

A37

A38

Cary Station. For all National Rail enquires ring – 08457 48 49 50.

of services (8:30am – 5:30pm Mon to Sat)

A361

Coaches – Services from Castle Cary, Shepton Mallet and Yeovil. Contact South West Coaches Tel – 01963 33 124 (9:00am – 5:00pm Mon to Fri)

A362

Frome

Warminster

Shepton Mallet

A371 B3081

Castle Cary

Wincanton

A303

design enquiries – www.onedotdesign.co.uk

Airport – Contact Bristol Airport on 08713 34 44 44

Newport

Cardiff

GREAT

BRITISH

AGRICULTURE CHILDREN GO FREE WITH ENTERTAINMENT ADVANCE TICKETS

A303

B3081

A30

Salisbury

FOOD & DRINK

Yeovil

27-30 MAY 2015

A303

1 - 4 June 2016

Children go FREE with Advance Tickets

design enquiries – www.onedotdesign.co.uk

A great

WWW.BATHANDWEST.COM

family day out!

Sherborne Castle Sherborne Castle Country Fair Country Fair & Rare Breeds Show

& Rare Breeds Show

30TH MAY 2016

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY MAY 2016 10AM30TH - 6PM

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY Organised & run by volunteers to raise 10AM - 6PM funds for West Country Children’s Charities Organised & run by to raise funds for TICKETSWest &volunteers INFORMATION Country Children’s Charities

01749 813& 899 TICKETS INFORMATION

ADULT £12 CHILD £4 FAMILY £29 01749 813 899

1.5% discount when£4 FAMILY £29 ADULT £12 CHILD purchased in15% advance discount when purchased in advance FREE PARKING FREE PARKING

Bath & West Shows Ltd The Showground Shepton Mallet Somerset BA4 6QN

t. 01749 822 200 f. 01749 823 169

Company Number 8680261

Find us Post code: DT9 5NR website: www.sherbornecountryfair.com

WWW.BATHANDWEST.COM

Visit www.bathandwest.com to buy tickets or call the Ticket Line 0844 77 66 777

www.sherbornecountryfair.com www.sherbornecountryfair.com Parent Talk May 2016 7

OUT & ABOUT

Friendly riding school offers pony parties

Time for the garden New research With the sun shining brightly every day, now is the time to get out into the garden! At Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre we have a wide choice of plants including alpines, heathers, herbs, clematis and not forgetting the trees, shrubs, conifers, climbers and roses. It’s a great time of year to plant young plants for grow-your-own including many of your favourites, and for the greenhouse we now have tomatoes available. The Café & Tea-rooms are open all day for either a relaxing drink in the sun or maybe a ‘cheeky’ cream tea? And not forgetting the Pet

reveals the ‘age of payback’ among British families Centre and Richards Aquatic Centre and our wine shop called ‘Winesolution’. We are open seven days a week and can be found situated between Taunton and Wellington on the A38, opposite the Blackbird Inn.

Find us on www.willowbrooknurseryandgardencentre.co.uk. Our friendly and helpful staff look forward to seeing you!

Alstone Court Riding Establishment is a BHS approved, friendly, family run, riding school, near Highbridge in Somerset. We offer riding lessons for all abilities to adults and children (from2 years); from complete beginners to advanced riders, including disabled children and adults. We have a large, all-weather, outdoor school, and an indoor arena. We also have fabulous off-road hacking opportunities across our 260 acres of farm land and along the banks of the River Brue and the Parrott estuary. Lessons are in small groups or private lessons are available. We are a Pony Club affiliated centre, which means that riders can join the Pony Club and

take part in activities and gain badges in the care of horses and ponies, using our facilities and also our ponies. For adult riders we run very popular weekly BHS Riding Club sessions to improve riding skills and learn about horse care and management in a fun and supportive atmosphere. For children who are ‘pony mad’ we can provide a Pony Party. These are for up to eight children and include meeting some of our ponies, grooming, decorating their manes and tails with ribbons and to finish: a pony ride in one of our arenas or across the fields! Groups; Guides, Brownies, Scouts, hen/stag parties are also welcome (dependent on numbers).

Please visit our website www.alstonecourt.co.uk for more information or contact Sally March 07702 392120 or email alstonecourt@live.co.uk.

ALSTONE LANE HIGHBRIDGE, TA9 3DS 07702 392120 alstonecourt@live.co.uk www.alstonecourt.co.uk

Holiday friendly fun with the animals Torridge House Cottages have a widespread following from families all over the country and beyond. Very many happy memories have been made in this amazing place in the Devon countryside. The cottages are in a lovely open garden setting surrounded by fields, overlooking wooded valleys to the countryside beyond. The welcome and hospitality is full of warmth and kindness. A super place, with jolly good cottages and great facilities. Relaxing, easy going with everything well thought out. And over all a great sense of fun and friendliness. The wonderful animals bred and raised at Torridge House are a key part of the magic. The daily animal feeding is so much more than feeding animals. It is a smooth flowing routine tailored to the interests of the children helping and with special interaction with the baby small animals. More akin to a fun workshop for grownups and children alike, there is every opportunity to engage with little rabbits, guinea pigs,

ducklings and mice. To feel them, watch them, cuddle and talk to them, name them, carry them to and from their pens, to learn about them and the joy of caring for them. Taking them their food and topping up their drinkers is good fun too! Torridge House is within easy reach of amazing sandy beaches, family attractions, away from it all cycle paths, and much more. Pampering and healing massages can be arranged as well as clay work, ceramic painting and in the village hall skittles and badminton. So much to do and yet so easy just to relax.

Breaks and weeks available in spring and summer. www.torridgehouse.co.uk or 01805 622542 for more information.

Family Farm Holidays

In Glorious Devon welcoming comfortable cottages in an idylic setting

Join us on the farm, watch and help feed the animals. Large gardens, play room, games room. Lots of play space. Outdoor heated swimming pool. Providing very special child friendly relaxing holidays for over 28 years. Highly recommended. ‘VisitBritain 3 & 4 star’

Torridge House Cottages Little Torrington, Devon 01805 622542 www.torridgehouse.co.uk

8 Parent Talk May 2016

24 is today revealed as the 'age of payback' - when grown-up children finally start picking up the bill for their long-suffering parents, according to a recent study by affordable car hire booking company autoeurope.co.uk The study revealed that until that point, mums and dads are bombarded with almost daily requests to borrow money for one thing or another. But the tables finally turn when the 'kids' are able to stand on their own two feet – and start chirping up with 'Don't worry, I'll get this... ' at restaurants, on day trips out, or even lavish holidays abroad. British parents can expect to enjoy the first ever alcoholic drink bought for them by their offspring when they are 21, and have a meal paid for two years later. Mums and dads are also likely to be presented with an allexpenses paid weekend away when their "youngster" turns 26 and if they're really lucky, they'll get to enjoy a free spa day when their son or daughter is 25. A spokesperson for autoeurope.co.uk, said: "It might take adult children a while to repay their parents for bringing them up, but when they do, they use their cash to show their mums and dads just how appreciated they are.” The study, which was carried out among more than 1,000 parents with children over the age of 18 also found while many parents can expect 'payback' to kick in at some point, others are not so fortunate. One in four are still handing over cash now and again, while close to one in five generous parents still give their kids a monthly allowance.

Meanwhile another 11 percent of parents said they field requests for money 'most months'. When it comes to paying it back, some parents are better off than others. Almost one in five said the money isn't always returned, while 13 percent said they did get it back, but only in dribs and drabs. Seven percent admitted their kids always vow to return the cash – but rarely did. The study also found for around one in four mums and dads it is still a struggle getting their kids to put their hands in their pockets. Another 21 percent said while the children did often offer to pay, they were happy to pick up the bill so the children could save their money. Furthermore, the results revealed around 27 percent of parents have only been taken out, safe in the knowledge the kids will pick up the bill, once in a blue moon. Until they turn 24 most grown-up children live the 'life of Riley' at mum and dad's expense with 14 percent of parents saying that they still take their fully-grown kids on holiday – and pick up the bill - providing them with an additional £165 spending money. And another 24 percent said this occurred 'now and again'. The spokesperson for autoeurope.co.uk , added: “What’s heartening to see in the results of our survey is that kids are recreating memories from their childhood and paying back their parents by showing how much they mean to them, just as their parents did for them when they were younger."

KIDS' AGE WHEN THEY TREAT MUM AND DAD TO: A Pint 21 A new car 26 Holiday abroad 27 Weekend away 26 Spa day 25 Night at a hotel 25 Educational course 25 New item of furniture 24 A new watch 23 Item of jewellery 22 New shoes 23 Item of clothing 22 Cinema trip 22 Day out 24 Meal out 23 Invited over for dinner 25

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

Book Bag

Can you name some of the butterflies that appear in the activity sheets?

Name the three basic body parts of a butterfly. Name the four stages of a life-cycle of a butterfly.

Rearrange the words below to reveal the name of a butterfly you may find in your gardenâ&#x20AC;Ś

DRE LADIMRA

www.wildlifewatch.org.uk Visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to check your answers.

www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Book Bag NEWS

t n u h e r u s a e r t Spring nature ? find on the ground ese things can you th of y an m w Ho ! ure hunt Go on a nature treas

Pebbles

Leaf

Twig

Grass

Feather

Blossom

Bark

Hazel catkin

Empty shell

kin (c) Philip zsanna Bird / Hazel cat y Lewis / Feather (c) Zsu Am (c) Howe se a Lar goo (c) nt ll Bre / she re pty Chris Magui tthew Roberts / Em cey /Pebbles & grass (c) Amy Lewis / Bark (c) Ma (c) m sso Blo / am Pictures: Leaf (c) Philip Pre rsh n Eve w Roberts / Twig (c) Bria Precey / Moss (c) Matthe

Moss

Trees Wordsearch TrFees Wordsearch I P S T W E HF II EH DI UE TD TU AT ST RA S IR W W OI H O ZH U FZ SU OF FS O CF U BU VC OB V I O I

M I L A X T S V P S W EE M B A LT D R RI SL HA W X ET HS LV EB HA QL GD YE IR PR W S H I W L DE OH JL E LH U Q OG AY HI DP U W W PI NL ED RO EJ W S CL DU PO PA LH M D PU LP AN EE SR FE S C P OP BL A W P AD M M FP GL W A CE ES AF W P L L OA W M AO BB LA IF M G O W GC CE PA W AA PB OL AI M LL GL CO D K RO QG HC PP HL VG EC RD RA GP LO HA KK CR Q H P P E L OH HV CE RR IR BG RL EH VK LC P E I S OL LO BH EC ER DI YB KR EE AV VL I S O J T I LL SB AE SE HD TY NK UE TA W V EJ NT ZI YL CS LA KS GH FT DN SU TE W A PE UN OZ YY RC EL HK CG EF ED BS AE CA P U T T RO Y R E H C E E B A C T T R

www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Book Bag NEWS Spot the 10 differences!

Visit www.parenttalk.org.uk for the answer

Did you know? The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal in the world, reaching around 200mph in a dive.

WIN! Sherborne tickets to the

Castle Country Fair & Rare Breeds Show

30TH MAY 2016

A crocodile can’t stick out its tongue.

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

The little rhinoceros beetle is the world’s strongest creature for its size, carrying things that are 850 times its own weight.

01749 813 899

A bear has 42 teeth.

10AM - 6PM

FREE PARKING

TICKETS & INFORMATION

ADULT £12 CHILD £4 FAMILY £29 Parent Talk have two family* tickets to give away. For your chance to win, look at the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 20 May 2016.

1.5% discount when purchased in advance

In which year was the first Fair? Organised & run by volunteers to raise funds for West Country Children’s Charities

Visit www.sherbornecountryfair.com for a clue *admits 2 adults and 3 fee-paying children. Under 5s free.

Book Bag NEWS What has a neck but no head? A bottle Why did the boy bury his flashlight? Because the batteries died. Which letter of the alphabet has the most water? The C What starts with a ‘P’, ends with an ‘E’ and has thousands of letters? The Post Office! Why can’t a man living in London be buried in Bristol? Because he’s still living! What begins with T, ends with T and has T in it? A teapot

she-toad a d e v lo d a to A tree a tree. in p u d e v li o h W ed tree toad to o tw a s a w He was she. d a to d e to e e But a thr d tried to win a to e e tr d e to The two’s heart, d a to e h s d e The three-to e ground th d e v lo d a to ed tree For the two-to d trod. a to e e tr d e to That the three ied in vain. tr d a to e e tr d e But the two-to r whim. e h e s a le p ’t n He could d bower a to e e tr r e h From toed power e e r th r e h h Wit vetoed him. The she-toad

How many letters are there in the English alphabet? There are 18: 3 in ‘the’, 7 in ‘English’ and 8 in ‘alphabet’.

! N I W tickets to

Devon County Show

DEVON’S BIG DAY OUT! The Devon County Show is held on May 19-21 at Westpoint, Exeter. The 121st Devon County Show will be a packed three-day celebration of all that’s great about the local countryside. It’s the only place in Devon where visitors will be treated to the best of food, farming and entertainment all in one day.

Attractions will include: • Shetland Pony Grand National • Bolddog Lings motocross stunt team • Titan the Robot (Friday & Saturday) • Grand Parade of Livestock (Friday & Saturday) • David Kennard's Farmyard Tales • Music at the bandstand • Meirion Owen & his dogs and ducks • Devon Eye (a giant Ferris wheel) • Thousands of magnificent animals • Lots of delicious local food & drink • Inspirational crafts & gardens • Packed livestock & equestrian competitions • Lots of country pursuits • A 'buzzing' bees & honey feature • Have a go at tractor driving! • Lots of hands on activities for children • A children's farm, supported by Farm Wise • 'Wheelie wild' family trail • A super active BBC pavilion • Nostalgic steam engines, vintage tractors and classic cars • And lots of shopping!

Did you know? A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours Male seahorses give birth The Pacific Ocean is the deepest ocean The adult human body has 206 bones Fingernails grow faster than toenails

Parent Talk have 3 pairs of adult tickets to give away. For your chance to win, look at the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of Friday 13th May 2016.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men

What are the dates of the 2016 Devon County Show? Terms and conditions relating to the prize: 1. There is no cash alternative 2. The tickets can be used on any one day at this year’s Devon County Show which is held on May 19-21, 2016 at Westpoint, Exeter 3. Additional expenses are the responsibility of the prize winner

Try reading this as fast as you can!

4. No age restriction. 5. Please note: Children under 5 years old are free on any Show day. Up to two children (aged 5-15) are admitted free with each ticket-holding adult on the Saturday, but tickets are needed for Thursday and Friday.

Dendrology is the study of trees

www.devoncountyshow.co.uk 12 Parent Talk May 2016

INFORMATION, EDUCATION

Somerset Outdoor and Residential Learning Service (SORLS) at Kilve Founded over forty years ago, the Somerset Outdoor and Residential Learning Service (SORLS), has been continually offering learning in the environment and away from the classroom. The service has grown steadily and now proudly boasts four of the most established outdoor centres in the country: Kilve Court, Charterhouse Centre, the Outdoor Centre at Kilve and Great Wood Camp. With a strong emphasis on community and with a heart for Somerset, SORLS provides residential courses for schools, youth groups and individuals who wish to learn and explore in a new environment. The service offers tailored outdoor learning experiences, day visits and holiday activities

and is well respected nationally for its courses for more able students. These programmes focus on challenging learners to look at the subject in a new light, improving school attainment and supporting

classroom learning. SORLS exists to

enable

young people to undertake outdoor learning to expand their horizons and enrich their lives and is happy to mix adventure, personal and social values and education together in order to do so. Throughout May, we are offering £30 off any enrichment or activity residential course booked with Kilve Court. Check out our website (www. kilvecourt.co.uk) for further details of courses and activities, or call us today for more information on 01278 741270. There is also funding available through the Marjorie Hickling Bursary Fund; please call for further details.

SORLS is part of Support Services for Education, a traded unit within Somerset County Council. For information on other services we provide, visit www.supportservicesforeducation.co.uk.

Step up to a Business Degree Missed out on Uni but would now like to study for a degree? Our new Access to Higher Education course in Business & Management could be for you. The course will prepare you to study at degree level without having prior qualifications. For more info contact: Mike Redstone, 01823 320905 miker@richuish.ac.uk visit www.huish.ac.uk

Access to Higher Education Course Did you miss out on University for one reason or another? Would you like to progress onto Higher Education? The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a fast-track course to give you the skills you need to gain a place at university, even if you have no existing qualifications and have not been in education for some time. With no upper age limit and no formal entry requirements, you can study part time in one year, over 2/3 days during term time with the additional option of some distance learning/ evening sessions. After completion, you could then choose to complete your Business Degree flexibly with

us. If you want to study further afield, this course is also highlyregarded by universities across the UK. Each and every student will have different levels of experience, knowledge and expertise and so this programme does NOT take a one-size-fits-all approach. Each candidate will undertake learning experiences and individualised levels of one-toone support designed to meet their specific needs. The course is free for those who do not currently hold a full level 3 qualification (i.e. two A levels, a full BTEC Extended Diploma or an NVQ Level 3). For others the cost is £3,025 (student loans available), written off if you then complete a degree.

To apply please call Mike Redstone on 01823 320905 or email him on miker@richuish. ac.uk to arrange to have an

informal chat at a time to suit you. Interviews for a place on the course are arranged throughout the year.

Summer holid

ays!

Day & residential ca

mps

Further information can be found on our website: www.huish.ac.uk/courses/access-to-higher-education

Lazy, hazy days of summer at Mill on the Brue Summer Residential Camps and Adventure Days at Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre are being planned 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!

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

Parent Talk

Parent talk

Running out of ideas for a family meal? head over to our website www.parenttalk.org.uk where you'll find lots of ideas for preparing easy, wholesome and tasty dishes. info@millonthebrue.co.uk 00 44 (0) 1749 812307 www.millonthebrue.co.uk

Parent Talk May 2016 13

Parent

events

Got an event to share? Like us on

/parenttalksw

. 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 . 6th-14th May: Starlight Express. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. Amateur production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd. Starlight Express tells the wonderful dream of a child, in which the World Cup of trains is discharged. Who will be the winner? 01935 422884 7th May: Wildlife Day at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG. 10.30am-5pm. Join in an action packed day celebrating natural wildlife. Activities will include pond dipping at the nature reserve, making bird seed feeders and learning about wildlife. 01275 852606 7th-8th May: Into the West. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. 11.30am & 3pm. Imagine a glorious white horse comes out of a sea-mist and into your troubled life. Imagine trying to keep her on the 14th floor of a Dublin tower block. Now imagine the police are after you, and your only escape is to ride into the west… Age: 7+. 01225 823409 14th May: Dinkies Storytime. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. 2pm & 3.15pm. ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. Storytelling session for pre-schoolers and their parents. 01225 823409 14th May: Mill Day at Hestercombe Gardens. Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA2 8LG. 11am. Watch the beautifully restored 17th century watermill in operation. Come and say hello to the miller as he demonstrates

how to make flour using the turbine and waterwheel. 01823 413923 14th-15th May: Steam on the Levels. Westonzoyland Pumping Station, Bridgwater, TA7 0LS. 10am-5pm. Annual event provides spectacle of unusual historic exhibits from stationary steam engines, classic vehicles to living history groups. 01275 472385 14th-15th May: The Party. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. 11.30am & 3pm. A man excitedly waits for the guests to arrive at his party. The cake is made, the presents have arrived and the music is playing – all he needs are his friends to make this the best birthday ever. Enter some unexpected guests: a French cyclist, a man dressed as a giant chicken and a mysterious stranger who has apparently never had a birthday. A fantastically engaging show for young people to enjoy with the whole family. Age: 3+. 01225 823409. 15th May: Fun Dog Show. Heaven’s Gate Farm, West Henley, Nr Langport, TA10 9BE. 11am4pm. Novelty classes & fun obedience, agility displays, stalls, tombola, bouncy castle, face painting, raffle. Refreshments (including BBQ), bar & music, kennel tours. 01458 252656 20th May: Party in the City. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. 5-9pm. A range of musical acts perform in the egg café and offer

Spring Felting Workshop at The Bishop’s Palace

Following the sell-out popularity of two previous workshops, The Bishop’s Palace has announced a new Felting Workshop on Saturday 7th May. Run by The Happy Felt Club in the Stable Yard Room at the Palace, the workshop will be entitled “Spring is in the Air”. Participants will be taught how to make needle felted ladybirds, bumblebees and all things floral, including daisies and clover. 14 Parent Talk May 2016

The session will run from 10am-1pm and costs £20 which includes all tools & materials. At the end of the day you will be able to take your creations home with you. Experienced felters are welcome to join the session for £10 if they bring their own tools & materials. Tickets are available from the Palace Shop or by calling 01749 988 111.

Children on the Daisy Steps at Hestercombe an eclectic mix of music to kick off the Bath International Music Festival. Age: 7+. 01225 823409 21st May: Family Pond Dipping at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Wambrook, TA20 3DH. 10am1pm. Wear old clothes. Children must be supervised. Booking essential. 01823 681937 21st May: Endangered Species Day at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG. 10.30am-5pm. Noah’s Ark is home to many endangered species including the Black and White Ruffed Lemurs, Siamang Gibbons and Bengal Tigers. Hear special keeper talks and learn about enrichment programmes. 01275 852606 21st-22nd May: Anatomy of the piano (for beginners). the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. 11.30am & 3pm. Will asks Father Christmas for a spaceship and gets a piano! An adventure into the world of pianos – where they come from, how they evolved and why they make a pretty cool Christmas present. Featuring Bach’s cave piano, Beethoven’s bad moods and a jam with ‘Fats’ Waller. Age: 6+. 01225 823409 21st May: Song of the Sea. Film at The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton. TA1 1JL. 2pm. Oscar nominated animation in which Ben, a young Irish boy, and his little sister Saoirse, a girl who can turn into a seal, go on an adventure to free the faeries and save the spirit world. 01823 283244 21st-22nd May: My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty. Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ. 11am, 2pm, 5pm (Sat), 11am, 3pm (Sun). An enchanting version of the fairy tale ballet, created especially for children aged 3 upwards. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and an enchanted version of Tchaikovsky’s music, this is a perfect introduction to the beauty of ballet. 0844 871 3012 22nd May: The Ugly Swanling: Film at The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton, TA1 1JL. 2pm. An original story inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s well-loved tale, ‘Swan Lake’ and the many myths and legends that ‘swan around’ the world inspired by that bird of elegance

and beauty – the Swan. 01823 283244 25th-28th May: Horrible Histories - Groovy Greeks. Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ. 10.30am (Wed/Fri), 7pm (Thurs/ Sat). Free savage Sparta to angry Athens, discover the truth about growing up in Greece. Prepare yourselves for ‘Horrible Histories’ live on stage. Using actors and 3D special effects, historical figures and events come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips. 0844 871 3012 25th-28th May: Horrible Histories – Incredible Invaders. Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ. 1.30pm (Wed/Thurs), 7pm (Fri), 2.30pm (Sat). The Celts are crunched when the Ruthless Romans invade Britain. Can crazy Caratacus save the nation? It’s a thousand year journey with Incredible Invaders. 0844 871 3012 28th May: Burnham on Sea Food Festival. Victoria Street, Burnham on Sea, TA8 1AL. 9am4pm. Free one day festival with something for the whole family. 07973 378735 28th May: Family Fun – Bees! The Museum of Somerset, Taunton, TA1 4AA. 11am-1pm & 2-3.30pm. Activities and crafts celebrating the world of bees. Free drop-in. Age 3-11. 01823 255088 28th May: Paddington Bear at West Somerset Railway. See p5 for further details. 28th May to 5th June: May half-term at Hestercombe Gardens. Cheddon Fitzpaine, TA2 8LG. Follow a trail around the gardens as the summer flowers begin to bloom, get creative with nature-inspired crafts and wander into the house for storytelling. Normal admission applies. 01823 413923 26th-29th May: Stig of the Dump. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. 10am & 1pm (Thurs/Fri), 11.30am & 3pm (Sat/ Sun). Barney is staying with his grandparents on the chalk Downs of southern England when he falls over the edge of an old chalk pit and tumbles through the roof of a hidden den. When he looks round he sees Stig, a caveman, with shaggy black hair and bright black eyes. The chalk

pit is disused and full of people’s dumped rubbish which Stig uses to make his home. Clive King’s timeless children’s classic remains as charming and entertaining as ever. Age: 5+. 01225 823409 29th May: St Margaret’s Great Somerset Colour Run. Hazlegrove School, Sparkford, BA22 7JA. Registration 11am for 1pm start. Participants run, hop, skip the 5k route while an army of participants take aim and throw powder paint. Raise funds for St Margaret’s Hospice. 0845 3459671 30th May: Bank Holiday BBQ at Hestercombe Gardens. Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA2 8LG. 12 noon-3pm. Work up an appetite with games on the lawn and enjoy some sizzling hot food cooked fresh on the Courtyard barbecue. Adult £9.95, child £4.95. 01823 413923. 30th-31st May: The Very Magic Flute. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. 11.30am & 3pm. A funny, imaginative show loosely based on Mozart’s opera! Age: 3-7. 01225 823409 31st May: Get Up Close Day. The Museum of Somerset, Taunton, TA1 4AA. 11am-1pm & 2-3.30pm. Touch and explore hundreds of museum objects. Free drop-in. 01823 255088 31st May: Jungle Book. Film at The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton, TA1 1JL. Spectacular, updated version of the Disney classic which tells the familiar tale of a boy raised in the jungle with a pack of wolves, a bear and a panther. 01823 283244 31st May: Knight School, Dunster Castle, Dunster, TA24 6SL. Learn about what it was

like to be a knight. Create your own helmet and try jousting on our wooden hobby horses. Sessions are 11.30-1pm and 2-3.30pm. Suitable for ages 5 to 8. Try your aim with archery and pistol shooting. Guardians must supervise their child during Knight School. Pre-booking essential on 01643 821314 1st-5th June: The Curious Adventures of Pinocchio. Presented by Lyngo Theatre at the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. 11.30am & 3pm. Lyngo adapts this epic tale into a unique retelling where the story leaps off the page and onto the stage. Age: 4+. 01225 823409 2nd- 4th June: Doctor Dolittle. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare, BS23 1HP, 7.30pm. Doctor Dolittle, A New Musical, is brought to The Playhouse stage for the very first time by Award Winning WODS Musical Theatre Company. Based on the Twentieth Century Fox classic family film, join Doctor Dolittle and a host of animals (Gub-Gub the pig, Chee-Chee the Chimp, Jip the Dog and the beautiful Polynesia the Parrot) and friends as they embark on a quest to find the legendary Giant Pink Sea Snail. But not all goes to plan for the loveable residents of Puddleby-on-the Marsh, in this epic adventure musical. 01934 645544 4th June: Corfe Summer Fete, TA3 7AQ. 11am-4pm. £3 adults, free for kids. 60+ stalls, 2 aerobatic displays, fun and games for all the family. Food, drink, live music, climbing wall, face painting, classic cars and lots, lots more. 01823 420050 www.corfesummerfete.co.uk

INFORMATION, EDUCATION

Calling All Somerset Teachers – sign your pupils up to wildlife at the Avalon Marshes Bring your pupils to the RSPB’s nature reserve at Ham Wall near Glastonbury. This internationally important wetland is home to a spectacular range of birds and animals and has excellent facilities for young people. Mary Scott, RSPB Learning Officer said: “The Schools on Reserves project enables students to explore Somerset’s natural world through exciting, hands-on activities that provide unique and memorable learning experiences. “Our half-day sessions at RSPB Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath (managed by our partners Natural England) give schools the opportunity to reconnect pupils with their local nature. Schools can book two half-day programmes to enjoy a full daytrip. “Enable your pupils to get up-close-and-personal with Somerset’s wonderful wetland wildlife. Our boardwalks, hides and platforms are steeped in history, archaeology and wildlife that will appeal to students of all ages. From preschool to A-level, we support a range of subjects linked to the National Curriculum. We have classrooms available too.

“We have lots of new facilities at Ham Wall including: parking for coaches, toilets, disabled facilities, reception building, picnic area and our minimarshes discovery zone. “We can’t wait to help your pupils reconnect with this incredible landscape.” Programmes run from 10am12 noon and 12.30pm-2.30pm Contact: Jane Allen, jane.allen@ rspb.org.uk , 01458 860494 Programme: EYFS and Key Stage 1 ● Discovering Pond Minibeasts ● Discovering Land Minibeasts ● Seasonal Sensory Walk ● Plant Detectives (KS1)

Key Stage 2 ● Rocks and Soils ● Investigating Minibeasts ● Living Things and their Habitat ● Pond Habitat Study ● Discovering Birds Secondary ● KS3 and 4 - Ecological Investigations ● A Level Biology - Terrestrial Fieldwork Cost: from £3.50 per child at Primary level for half day visit. For more information visit: http://www.rspb.org.uk/ forprofessionals/teachers/ schoolvisits/avalon_marshes. aspx

Essential ingredients at Hazlegrove At Hazlegrove Pre-Prep, we want to give our children the very best start to their school lives and if the number of parents saying they wish they too could come to school at Hazlegrove is anything to go by, we think we must be succeeding! We understand that happiness and confidence are essential ingredients for children to learn to the best of their ability. The nurturing environment within the secure confines of the Pre-Prep allows our children to be inspired and become independent learners both inside and outside the classroom. Classes are small enough for our experienced teachers to develop a profound understanding of each individual child and their needs, yet large enough for the children to be able to interact with each other and make plenty of friends. Mornings are all about learning core academic skills to give the children firm foundations on which they can build throughout their school life. Academic progress is carefully monitored on an on-going basis and discussed regularly with parents. The results are pleasing as

demonstrated in our recent ISI inspection “All children, including those with SEND, as well as the more able, achieve well and make excellent progress in relation to their starting points, reaching well above the developmental levels expected for their age.” Afternoons are packed full of fun activities developing creativity and co-ordination. Making full use of Hazlegrove’s outstanding facilities and specialist teachers, the children

enjoy Forest School, drama, dance, music, tennis, games, art, science and ICT. The benefits are huge and by the time the children reach the end of Year 2 they are moving into the Prep School with confidence, already familiar with the environment and with many of the staff. To find out more, do come along to our Open Activity Morning on Saturday 7 May – your children will be able to join in and experience some of our exciting activities themselves.

H azlegrove P re -P reP We want your children to have the education you wish you could have had yourself... Mornings in the classroom are all about learning core academic skills with inspiring teachers. Afternoons are packed full of fun activities developing creativity and co-ordination, led by specialist teachers.

Join us for our Open Activity Morning and Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Saturday 7 May at 10am Good foundations are everything... For more information call Sarah-Jane on 01963 442606 follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

Hazlegrove, Sparkford BA22 7JA Parent Talk May 2016 15

NURSERY

directory

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 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 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 offers individual learning. AN INDIVIDUAL focus on learning is keeping Queen’s College Pre-Prep and Nursery at the top of the tree. With small class sizes of 12-16 children, specialist teachers can cater for each individual child’s needs. Rated as 'outstanding' Queen’s College nursery and reception classes are not to be missed.

To visit, contact admissions@queenscollege.org.uk 01823 340830

and late club sessions. 01823 703300 www.tauntonschool.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Big Board Game Day 2016 Play your part and help the NSPCC fight for every childhood

16 Parent Talk May 2016

The NSPCC is calling on people to dust off their favourite board games and take part in the charity’s Big Board Game Day 2016. Taking place on Friday 27 May, and supported by Hasbro Gaming, the Big Board Game Day is a simple way to support the NSPCC’s fight for every childhood. All you need to do is get together with friends, family or colleagues and play your favourite board games. All the money raised from Big Board Game Day events will help fund the NSPCC’s vital services with children, young people and families across the UK.

Hannah Trenoweth, NSPCC Senior Fundraiser, said: “Whether you’re a Rule Master or a Puzzled Player, you can play along at home, at work or in school and join the fight for every childhood. I hope workplaces, community centres, schools and homes will be filled with the sounds of shakers, tiles and laughter on our Big Board Game Day 2016.” Register at www.nspcc. org.uk/boardgameday for your free fundraising pack with everything you need to organise your Big Board Game Day event.

INFORMATION, EDUCATION

Making starting school child’s play The happier a child is starting school, the easier they will settle in. There are many simple, fun games you can play with your child in the lead up to starting school in September to make their transition smoother, says Katie Roden. Starting school is a time of big adjustment for you and your child and it’s important to know that it’s not all about your child’s ability to say their ABCs, add up or write. Often it’s the softer skills that can make the biggest difference to how well your little one settles in to Reception. Here are a few simple tips which can help prepare your child for starting at their new school: Meal times Do you know a four year old who doesn’t know when breakfast, lunch or tea is? Me neither. Using meal times to explain the school routine and when they will be picked up from school can really help. By saying ‘You’ll be at school until after lunch, then have a short play, then I will come pick you up’, makes it easier for them to understand. Talk with teddy Sit with teddies in a circle and role play being in lessons. Then, ring a bell and say ‘break time’ and put your shoes on to go outside. Use the teddies to explain the types of activities that happen at school, for example, ‘Let’s sit quietly and

wait for teacher to start’ or ‘Let’s say good morning to Teacher Teddy.’ Making school child’s play can turn what can be unfamiliar routines into fun. The wrong trousers Changing for PE at school can be difficult for young ones as it often needs to be done quickly. Practise at home by encouraging your child to do up buttons on their own. Talk about the order you need to dress in too; socks before shoes, t-shirt before cardigan, etc. Make it fun, using socks as hand puppets or by putting your own clothes on in the wrong order so your child can correct you through their giggles. Child’s play Any ideas you have that your child will be sitting at a desk all day can be put to one side. Reception is mainly about play-

based learning – indoors and out. One of the key goals is simply for the little ones to get to grips with what happens at school. From how to hold a pencil and forming letters, to lining up for breaktime and waiting. Once they start school you will be amazed at how quickly they get into the swing of things. Katie Roden is publisher of a new app called Ready For School (Ages 3-4) to help young children make the transition to big school. www.readyforschool. co.uk. The app has been authored by Paul and Ann Broadbent who have written in excess of 600 educational books. You can follow @ ReadyForSchool_ on Twitter or Facebook for additional tips on how to get your pre-schooler ready for September.

Seed sowing advice and demos for youngsters YOUNGSTERS from Somerset who are keen to grow their own at home can get free advice and demonstrations from a garden centre in the county this month. Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre is keen to get children into gardening and has expert staff on-hand to answer any questions youngsters might have about sowing seeds at home. Andrew Pitman, Store Manager of the award-winning, independent, family-run garden centre at Monkton Heathfield near Taunton, said: “It is so important to pass on our passion for gardening to the next generation so we’re encouraging children to start sowing their own seeds at home and we’ll be on-hand with lots of free advice as well as all the equipment they’ll need. “The ideal seeds to start sowing at this time of year are salad crops such as lettuce and courgettes and runner beans. If you get them sown now they’ll be ready for planting out in the summer. Carrots and peas can be sown directly outside.” Monkton Elm’s top tips for sowing seeds at home are: 1. Make sure you have all the equipment you’ll need – seed trays, compost, labels, water and your seeds

Nine-year-old Olivia Doran with some of her seeds ready for planting.

2. Fill the seed trays with compost and with your finger make lines for the seeds to sit in 3. Place the seeds in the lines created and cover over with compost 4. Water the seeds, but be sure not to over water. A misting bottle is a good tool to use for this.

5. Label the different lines of seeds by writing the names on lollypop sticks and placing them into the soil. Andrew added: “Youngsters are welcome to pop in at any time with their parents and we’ll be happy to talk them through the process and give them free demonstrations.”

For more information, please call the garden centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton, on 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.

School children invited to pen sleepy stories for national competition Author Anne Fine OBE backs campaign to encourage bedtime reading

School children across the UK are being invited to put pen to paper for a national story writing competition to be judged by renowned children’s

author, Anne Fine OBE, and former Children's Laureate. The Sleepy Stories by Silentnight campaign aims to encourage families to keep bedtime reading at the heart of their night time routine. Statistics from The Book Trust reveal that nearly a third of UK parents only read their children a bedtime story once a week or less, despite 83% of children saying they enjoy being read aloud to and 68% describing it as a special time with their parents. The competition asks children aged 6-12 to submit a short story of between 250 and 500 words that features the brand’s loveable mascots, Hippo and Duck. Anne Fine OBE will choose the winning story, which will then be illustrated and published with her foreword.

The finished book will be presented to the winner at a special celebration ceremony at their school hosted by Anne. The winner will also receive £1,000 worth of books for their school, a brand new bed and a giant Hippo and Duck soft toy. Nick Booth, Marketing Director at Silentnight, said: “We believe passionately in the power of a bedtime story, not only is it proven to better literacy skills but it strengthens the bond between parent and child. Most of us have fond memories of being read a bedtime story and we want to encourage families to keep the reading and storytelling tradition alive. “We hope schools across the UK get behind our competition to encourage kids to love books and have a go at writing their own.”

Anne Fine OBE, leading children’s author and writer behind Jamie and Angus Forever and The Return of the Killer Cat said: “Some of my happiest and most relaxed times as a parent and grandparent have been reading bedtime stories to my children and grandchildren, so I’m delighted to be part of this initiative. My daughters, and all four of my grandsons, are passionate readers, and I strongly believe that this was as a result of having regular bedtime stories. “Many children adore writing stories, so every chance they get to write whatever takes their fancy, in their own way, is liberating for them. I’m always fascinated by young people’s imaginations so am very much looking forward to reading the entries.”

For more information and to enter, visit www.silentnight.co.uk/sleepy-stories Entries close on Friday 20th May. Free downloadable teaching resources have been created by Silentnight which will be available to schools, containing fun exercises to help children develop and write their stories and explore characters and plot lines. Parent Talk May 2016 17

BOOK REVIEW

Editor’s choice Mammissima By Elisabetta Minervini Published by Bloomsbury For fans of 'French Women Don't Get Fat', Rachel Khoo, Joanne Harris and Nigella Lawson, 'Mammissima' will bring la dolce vita to your own kitchen… Bordering iridescent seas, Puglia sits at the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’. It is a region where the food is light, nutritious and rustic, and firmly centred around family life. Born in this captivating place, Elisabetta Minervini has brought the vitality of Puglian cooking to her home in London, where she has tried and tested the best

The Emergency Zoo By Miriam Halahmy Published by Alma Books It is late August 1939: Britain is on the brink of war, and preparations are under way to evacuate London’s children to the countryside. When twelveyear-old Tilly and her best friend Rosy find out that they will not be able to take their beloved dog and cat with them – and that, even worse, their pets will, along with countless other animals, be taken to the vet to be put down – they decide to take action. The two girls come up with the idea of hiding them in a derelict hut in the woods and, when other children find out and start bringing their rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, their secret den turns into an emergency zoo.

traditional recipes for children and adults alike. These include orecchiette pasta with broccoli, stuffed peppers, octopus salad and the ultimate homemade pizza – as well as a host of delicious sweet treats. Perfect for busy mammas, it’s a way of cooking that suits the modern lifestyle, with dishes that can be prepared quickly and easily using inexpensive, healthy ingredients.

The Sword that Saves By Ambrose Merrell Published by Hornet Books How could an orphan, living in Vancouver, end up in 16th century Japan, fighting against the terrifying forces of Darkness in a battle to save the world? ‘The Sword that Saves’ is the story of one boy’s breathtaking adventure that takes him from ordinary school life to a hero warrior in 16th century Japan.

The Tree Illustrated by Neal Layton Published by Walker Books The tree. Home to a family of birds in their nest, squirrels in their drey and rabbits in their burrow. But what happens to the animals when a man and woman decide to cut it down and use it for their dream house? Can the tree be home to both the animals and the humans? A simple yet fun and distinctive picture book, with a strong environmental message about the importance of respecting animal habitats, by the award-winning Neal Layton.

Get Coding! By Young Rewired State Published by Walker Books Young beginner coders! You can now learn how to write codes for a website, app or game in ‘Get Coding!’ There are briefs for six missions from the intrepid explorer Professor Bairstone and top scientist Dr Ruby Day, who are in need of your coding help. Each mission teaches you real life coding skills including HTML, CSS and Javascript, the programming languages used to build websites.

Tangle Art & Drawing Games for Kids: A Silly Book for Creative and Visual Thinking By Jeanette Nybert Published by Quarry Books ‘Tangle Art and Drawing Games for Kids’ is perfect for families who want to sneak a little more creativity into their lives and have fun doing it. It’s about exploring, experimenting, and getting lost in creativity. Families will make exciting discoveries, find creative ways to spend their time, master visual and manual skills, and most importantly, have fun!

Footpath Flowers By JonArno Lawson and Sydney Smith Published by Walker Books In this wordless, beautifully illustrated picture book from award-winning poet JonArno Lawson, a little girl collects wild flowers while her distracted father pays her – and their surroundings – little attention. Each flower the little girl gathers becomes a gift for a person or animal, and whether the gift is noticed or ignored, both giver and recipient are transformed by their encounter. An ode to the importance of small things, small people and small gestures, Footpath Flowers is a quiet but powerful testament to the joy that children can find in ordinary things and the mutual value of giving.

Robots – 6 robots to build and decorate By Roberto Stelzer Published by Pavilion With this book, anyone can have their own robotic companion. Perfect as a children’s toy, a desk mascot or even a unique decoration to liven up the house, these easy-to-build robots are the perfect gift for anyone aged 4+. Created by Brazilian designer Roberto Stelzer, each robot makes a great craft activity and a quirky, stylish piece for any home!

The Amazing Dinosaur Detectives By Maggie Li Published by Pavilion An interactive visual guide to the wonders and mysteries of the extinct. Join the dinosaur detectives on a voyage of ancient discovery. Grab your magnifying glass and inspect Stegosaurus spikes, Pteranodon skulls, Velociraptor claws and lots more! A beautifully illustrated and engaging non-fiction book packed full of amazing information and fun facts.

Untangled By Lisa Damour Published by Atlantic Books We expect an enormous amount from our teenage girls in a world where they are bombarded with messages about how they should look, behave, succeed. Yet we also speak as though adolescence is a nightmare rollercoaster ride for both parent and child, to be endured rather than enjoyed. In ‘Untangled’, world authority and clinical psychologist Lisa Damour provides an accessible, detailed, comprehensive guide to parenting teenage girls.

100 Things to Know before you Grow Up Published by National Geographic KiDS ‘100 Things to Know before you Grown Up’ is the perfect mix of jokes, quotes and exercises to inspire children to be involved in their own wellbeing. It’s packed with a huge mix of adorable animal facts, heartwarming stories from history, cool science facts, amazing photography, and inspirational advice.

18 Parent Talk May 2016

CLASSIFIED

Something fishy about reading: kids are missing out on the benefits of a bedtime story Read all about it: Equazen survey explores books and behaviour Once upon a time there was a survey which explored the reading habits, education and lifestyle of the nation’s children — and it revealed some curious conundrums. The poll of parents with children aged four to 16 commissioned by the brain health experts at Equazen, manufacturers of the evidencebased omega supplements for all ages, found that a third worried about their child’s reading ability. Mums were more likely to fret about their child’s reading skills, 39% compared to 36% of fathers, and there was a clear correlation between the parent’s age and their anxiety levels. Parents aged 18 to 24 were the biggest worriers, with 57% saying they sometimes or always worried about their child’s reading talent, compared to 39% of those aged 35 to 44. Studies have shown that reading brings a host of academic and behavioural benefits, yet only a quarter (27%) of those with children young enough to enjoy a bedtime story said they read to their child every night. One in 12 parents said they never read a bedtime story and a third (33%) managed it no more than three times a week. Mum and Parenting expert Lorraine Thomas, founder of the Parent Coaching Academy and an advisor to Equazen says: “"The findings by the Equazen poll are very worrying. Every day I talk to parents who are very concerned about their children’s reading and want to be able to help them but in busy family life finding the time can seem impossible. “But it is worth making ‘story time’ a priority. You can’t be 100% parent all of the time, but you can some of the time and spending just 10 minutes a day sharing stories with your son or daughter can have a significant impact – not only on their education but on their behaviour and emotional

wellbeing. It’s a very important time for you and your child to have fun together, to unwind and for them to talk about anything that is troubling them. “Reading shows you care for your child, you connect with your child and can unlock confidence in your child. Having your sole attention helps them to feel valued and secure and this will nurture self-esteem. “You may not be able to do it every day – but do it as often as you can." So, if you are sitting comfortably, here are some of the other findings of the Equazen poll revealed. More than half the parents questioned said their child sometimes struggled to concentrate and two out of five thought diet affected their behaviour. But there was also a large degree of denial. Just over a third thought their children had an adequate intake of omega-3, yet the National Diet and Nutrition Survey confirms that average consumption of oily fish — the richest source of omega-3 — falls well below the recommended one portion (140g) per week across all age groups. The Equazen study found

omega-3 awareness was very patchy — one in five parents wrongly believed fruit and vegetables were rich in omega-3 and one in 12 named cooking oil as a good source. Mum and nutritionist, Dr Emma Derbyshire says: “What most of us don’t realise is that a diet rich in the vital vitamins and minerals, including an omega-3 and 6 in the right ratio is imperative when it comes to children and teen diets. Science has found that the Equazen blend of omega-3 and 6 in the diet helps with behaviour, memory and as a result learning and reading. They also help with sleep patterns according to researchers from Oxford University. They found children who had a diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6, like the Equazen range, slept for longer and woke up less in the night compared to those children who did not have a diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6. We all know that a good night’s sleep helps with alertness, vital for being ready to learn and establishing good reading habits and that applies to parents too.” FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S AUTHORS: The Equazen survey also asked parents to name their children’s

favourite authors and there was a dead-heat between JK Rowling and Julia Donaldson, whose titles include 'The Gruffalo', 'Room on the Broom' and 'Tabby McTat'. Classic fairytales and nurseryrhymes, Roald Dahl and David Walliams were also popular. READING HOME WORK Fewer than a fifth of children are set reading homework at least five times a week and one in seven is never given reading homework while one in ten don’t have access to a library near their home. This may be a reflection of the number of libraries which have closed due to budget cuts. The Library Campaign, a charity supporting local libraries, estimates that many as 1,000 will have closed between 2009 and 2016. This tallies with other estimates of around 600 closures from 2011. BRAIN HEALTH HELP In summary, Dr Paul Stillman says: “Every stage of a child’s development is a new chapter, with new challenges and demands, but there is compelling evidence that having the right diet can make a huge difference at any age. “However there is clear evidence from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey showing that most children are missing out on omega-3 rich oily fish — and that should be of concern to all parents. “There are lots of studies showing how omega-3 can benefit children with behavioural problems but I think there is also compelling evidence that it is important for all children. “Oily fish is not to everyone’s taste, and it can be particularly difficult to persuade children to eat strong-flavoured fish, like as mackerel and herring, so a high quality supplement such as Equazen seems to be a very sensible dietary support and insurance policy.”

Children’s Art Week 11 – 19 June 2016 Join Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell, & Get Involved with Children’s Art Week this Summer This June sees the welcome return of Children’s Art Week (Sat 11th - Sun 19th June 2016) with interactive events across the nation to encourage children of all ages to get creative. From Scotland to Cornwall, event organisers are creating topical & relevant activities to inspire children to get involved in making art of all kinds. Find out what’s on locally by visiting the Children’s Art Week website (www.childrensartweek.org.uk). Children’s Art Week Ambassador and current Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell will be at the

National Portrait Gallery on Sunday 19th June to run an interactive session exploring his favourite paintings. Speaking about Children’s Art Week, Chris said: ‘I’m delighted to support Children’s Art Week, a fantastic opportunity for children and families all over the UK to experience the visual arts and see how much fun can be had from trying creative activities.’ Although plans are still at an early stage, venues have already developed a number of highly topical events. Examples include; ‘Tent Art’, at

the National Centre for Craft and Design, Sleaford, which will encourage children to think about how artists respond to challenging world events, then design and create a new home to shelter and welcome a family. The Scottish Maritime Museum are running a photographic workshop entitled, ‘You’ve Got to Work Hard for Your Selfie’ and

in Plymouth children can take part in ‘Drowning Buildings’, a sculpture-making event where they will be encouraged to ‘flood’ their creation. Many events are free whilst some may have a small charge to cover the cost of materials.

Details of all Children’s Art Week events can be found on the website – www.childrensartweek.org.uk and events will be added up until the end of May 2016. Check local listings and press for details.

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