Parent Talk December 2017 by Parent Talk

FREE!

FAMILY

Parent talk

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

December 2017 Volume 24 Issue 11

WIN

Silver Cross Doll's Pram Snuggly Rascals Headphones

Facebook “f ” Logo

Visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

/parenttalksw

@parenttalksw

To advertise in Parent Talk please call 01458 250461

parenttalksw

s a m t s ri Spooner Farm Cat hGlenda Adopt Clippy for Christmas Bistro Christmas Lunches

Wednesday - Sunday from 1st - 22nd December

Christmas Gala Day Saturday 16th December - 11am - 4pm

Tickets available to purchase from the Visitor Centre before the day

We will be closed from Saturday 23rd December and reopen on Wednesday 3rd January

World Horse Welfare Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre Brincil Hill, Kingsdon, TA11 7LA t: +44 (0) 1935 841442

www.worldhorsewelfare.org Registered charity no: 206658 and SC038384

Parent talk contents Family pages

p2-3

Out & About

p4-7

Book Bag

p8-9

Events

p10

Education, information

p11-13

Book Review

p14

Classified

p15

competitions Snuggly Rascals Headphones

Silver Cross Doll's Pram

Dear Readers...

So starts the countdown to Christmas and this year, I’m quietly confident as I bought Christmas cards in October along with chocolates for the tree – a personal best! I’m now looking forward to some lovely Christmas markets where I can really get into the festive spirit and find inspiration for those presents you have to produce with a flourish as that unexpected guest descends on you. When it comes to keeping everyone busy, there are some beautiful winter walks at some of Somerset’s best loved country houses and where the children will really feel the magic of Christmas. It’s also a chance for them to let off steam. That fever pitch of excitement is always a challenge so any outdoor activity at this time of year is a definite plus in my book! With best wishes for a very Happy Christmas from us all, Tamsin and the team.

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 January deadline 13th December 2017 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?

MORE COPIES?

FAMILYFAMILY PAGES

Christmas at Brown and Forrest Here at Brown and Forrest smokery we pride ourselves on our quality which is achieved by our dedication to small batch production. All our Hot smoked products from scallops to duck breasts are roasted over an open fire and then the embers of that fire are used to gently smoke them. It gives all our products a wonderful succulence and taste that can be enjoyed either hot or cold. Our cold smoking is done in traditional brick kilns and our salmon, trout and

cheese is slowly given a subtle but distinct and delicious oak smoke flavour. All our products can be purchased on line or over the phone for our mail order service or you can of course visit our shop and restaurant. Just call 01458 250875 or visit www. brownandforrest.co.uk With Christmas coming, a side of salmon or one of our amazing range of hampers are simply perfect presents. We will deliver direct to your door or the door of the recipients

Googly eyes Steven Scrase, Misterton Rachael Monkton, Stoke sub Hamdon Nicole Stanfield Caile, Taunton

Emma Reardon, Weston super Mare Simbrix Sandra Dutson, Street

Open Day Saturday 2nd December

Then settle into our shop and plan your menus and presents for the festive period.

All wrapped up at Barleymow's Christmas Fayre is all wrapped up at Barleymow’s Farm Shop and Restaurant just outside of Chard. Meet Father Christmas, have Christmas lunch, order your Christmas meats, choose a Christmas Tree and take home some Christmas treats and presents all in one go! Father Christmas will be here again in his Christmas Cabin

on the 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th December from 10.30am – 2pm with all proceeds going to T.A.P.S. – Tatworth Amateur Pantomime Society. We are now taking bookings for Traditional Christmas lunch in our licensed 70 seat Restaurant. Whether it is a quiet table for two or a group party we cater for your individual needs.

Our experienced Butchers are on hand with advice for your Christmas Meat order and our friendly team can help with Gift ideas, Hampers, Gift Vouchers and Seasonal produce. You can trust traditional, quality products with quality service at Barleymow’s. You will find us on the A30 half a mile west of Chard. Tel 01460 62130 or visit www.barleymowsfarmshop.co.uk

Win a RodeoBull from Hippychick worth £69.99! you would like to win it for! nursery accessories come in a wheels. For tired riders, there Entries must be made variety events of cuddly characters and 1 01/11/2016 is even a tow belt so they can Barleymows leaflet 2016_Layout 13:28 Pagebefore 2 18th December, winner will be colourways. be pulled home! Bright colours notified by email – a response To be in with a chance of for bright kids – the RodeoBull must be made on this day for winning, simply email enter@ is available in orange, blue , guaranteed Christmas delivery. hippychick.com and tell us who pink and lime! The RodeoBill is suitable from 2-7 years, 35kg max. The RodeoBull isn’t the only toy that Hippychick stock this Christmas. From their Classic World wooden toy range to Nattou, a more soft and snuggly option – Hippychick have it covered. Classic World have a straight forward philosophy, ‘Happy Playing, Happy Learning!’ There is one of these bright, vibrant and educational wooden toys to suit any budget. Our favourite is the Crocodile Balancing game! Nattou may appeal to your softer side, these soft toys, comforters and

FAther christmas

New in at Hippychick, the RodeoBull is the first ride on carver – its clever incline technology works the same as a skateboard so you can bend and lean to steer in tight and wide curves. It’s really steady, made from the best materials and even features long board

01458 250461 Competition winners

lucky enough to receive a gift from you. We hand write all our gift tags so it really is a personal gift that folk are delighted to receive. Finally, our open Day is on Saturday the 2nd of December from 10am until 4pm. You can come and taste our complete range of products with a free glass of wine in hand and then have a tour of the smokers and learn about the art of hot and cold smoking before having a delicious breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in our restaurant.

..is coming to Barleymow’s

Come and visit his Christmas Cabin

Instant classics

10.30am to 2pm Sat 9th December Sun 10th December Sat 16th December Sun 17th December

Come and visit his organised by T.A.P.S. (Tatworth Amateur Pantomime Society) Winter Wonderland Grotto £4.00 per child

10.30am to 2pm

www.hippychick.com 01278 434440

1/2 mile west of Chard 01460 62130 www.barleymowsfarmshop.co.uk Sat 10th December

Sun 11th December Parent Talk December 2017 Sat 17th December

OUT & ABOUT

Christmas at the Palace 9th-23rd December 2017 10am-4pm This December, The Bishop’s Palace in Wells will be sharing the magic and joy of the season by hosting “Christmas at the Palace”. The site will be decking its halls with Christmas finery each of the medieval rooms in the Palace will be decorated with a different Christmassy theme, exploring styles through the ages and bringing the outside in, with seasonal foliage and greenery from the Palace Gardens. Visitors will be greeted by roaring fires, a multitude of twinkling trees and a range of family friendly activities celebrating all the fun of the festive season. The buildings and Gardens will be illuminated with colourful lighting, and a Family Christmas Star Trail will lead visitors through the Palace & Gardens, following the stars,

to end at our stunning nativity scene. Inside the Palace, discover the “Vintage Family Come & Play” room, where a variety of games and toys, representing Christmas presents from the last 100 years await you, and the East Gallery will be the location for an exhibition called “Christmas Past/Christmas Present” with memories of years gone by. Each weekend, (9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 23rd Dec) there will be a whole host of additional events taking place - Father Christmas will be holding court in the Undercroft – there is no additional charge for this, but tickets are limited and must be booked in advance - there will be Christmas music in the Chapel from a range of different local musicians, Scrooge will be reading from A Christmas

Carol, mulled wine, mince pies and children’s drinks will be on sale and there will be special Family Christmas Craft sessions at intervals throughout the weekends. So if you want that warm, festive feeling, just pull on your Christmas jumper and head down to the Palace this December!

Winter Wonderland at Puxton Park Once upon a time in a village called Hewish, Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus excitedly announced that Puxton Park was building them a new Cosy Cottage. A traditional stone cottage, set amid the beautifully decorated trees and glimmering walkways at Puxton Park, this is the perfect place for your little ones to meet Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus. This holiday season is going to be the most festive and joyous time for everyone that visits Puxton Parks Winter Wonderland. The park will be adorned with colourful and joyous decorations that will soon put you in the Christmas spirit. Our Winter Wonderland opened on the 25th November and Father Christmas will be with us every weekend in December as well as the 1922nd when he joins us for

Supper with Santa. Supper with Santa includes buffet tea, ice-cream, a festive disco and a gift from Father Christmas. During this time, Puxton Park will be hosting fun Christmas craft days where you can decorate your very own Christmas ornament. Santa’s reindeer will also be coming out to play! Christmas is their favourite time of the year. At the beginning of December,

we will be hosting a grand Christmas Tree Lighting. We are making sure that our tree is so sparkly and bright that Father Christmas can’t miss it from his sleigh. Come and join all the festive fun this year at Puxton Park. Visit Puxton.co.uk for more information or call 01934 523500.

Christmas at Willowbrook Christmas family FUN! decorations, music, vintage toys, family crafts, food

family star trail & traditional outdoor nativity

9-23rd December

father Christmas: 9,10,15,16,23rd December

Under 5's Free

The Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre is a great place to pick up your Christmas gifts. This year our Christmas trees can be viewed online and ordered using our ‘Click & Collect’ service. We also have a well-stocked shop that has many Christmas ideas for the garden and have a range of ‘Garden Games’ which make great stocking fillers. Our gift-wrap service is free of charge. The NEW aquatic shop has everything you need to keep fish – even if you are a beginner, and our pet shop has lots of gifts for your pets and lots of wild bird food. Don’t forget our wine shop ‘Winesolution’ who will help you pick your new favourite wine. The café and tea-room will be serving Christmas meals from 1st December – ideal for a small gathering, as well as serving from our normal Winter menu. Our friendly and helpful staff look forward to seeing you soon. Find us on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington or at www. willowbrookgardencentre. co.uk. 4 Parent Talk December 2017

OUT & ABOUT

The Magic of Christmas with West Somerset Railway

Take a magical journey on the West Somerset Railway this Christmas with one of our Specials. We have something for everyone. Travel by train to Dunster By Candlelight where the medieval village turns its back on the modern day, and lights up its streets and shops with candlelight where possible. Our services leave at various times on 1st and 2nd December. Our Carol Trains are held in the evening of 11th and 12th December from either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead, where our steam trains meander through the darkness to Williton, stopping off at stations along the way where you can alight and sing Christmas Carols accompanied by a brass band.

Why not treat the kids to a ride on the Santa Express, your ticket will include your steam train travel from Bishops Lydeard or Minehead to Williton, a visit from Santa and a present for all children, refreshments and an entertainer are also on board. We have various dates throughout the month of December so please check our website for more details. The Santa Specials include a visit to Santa in his grotto and your ticket will include your steam train travel from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe, or Minehead to Blue Anchor, a visit to Santa and a present for children, refreshments and an entertainer are also on board.

Due to the popularity of the above events, we strongly advise to book in advance via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or over the phone 01643 704996.

WEST SOMERSET

RAILWAY

Trains Join us Santa in December... - Various dates in December

Winter Steam Festival - 29th & 30th December

Carol Trains

- 11th & 12th December

Sherry & Mince Pie - Various dates in December

Dunster by Candlelight - 1st & 2nd December

Book online at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or telephone 01643 704996 6 Parent Talk December 2017

Fun for all the family

World Horse Welfare is celebrating 90 years of helping the world’s most vulnerable horses. Their Somerset-based Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre is home to around 65 horses at various

stages of rehabilitation and is one of four UK-based Centres run by the charity that rescue, rehabilitate and rehome vulnerable horses from all over the country. The Visitor Centre and farm is open from 11am4pm on Wednesday to Sunday all year round and the friendly team offers visitors a warm welcome. Catering for the whole family, including your canine friends, the farm is a wonderful day out for people of all ages, with idyllic walks around the farm and lake as well as a children’s play paddock. The bistro is open from 10am Wednesday to Sunday with an outside dog friendly eating area, serving a varied selection of hot and cold food prepared using quality, local ingredients. Situated just off of the A303 Glenda Spooner Farm is also the perfect location for arena

Join us for the magical adventure of ALADDIN at the Tivoli Theatre! This spectacular production, with dazzling costumes and song and dance numbers, is the perfect treat for the whole family this Christmas! If you’ve

hire, and function venue to hold celebrations, meetings in its purpose built conference facility, and corporate events. Visit their Facebook page to

be kept up to date with what’s on for you and your family. For more information or to make a booking for an event call 01935 841442

World Horse Welfare Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, Brincil Hill, Kingsdon, Somerton TA11 7LA www.worldhorsewelfare.org

Good Energy asks the UK's children to share a message from the future

been to one our Pantomimes before, you’ll know they really are the BEST value and tickets sell VERY fast – so don’t hesitate, book now!

Call 01202 885566 or visit www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk for dates & times. Tickets: Adult £16.50 / Child under 16 £13/ 1 in 10 free available via Box Office

How is global warming going to change your world over the next 30 years? That’s the question that renewable energy provider Good Energy is asking the UK’s school children to answer in an exciting nationwide competition, titled ‘A Message From the Future’. The challenge is simple. 10 – 16 year olds and their teachers are being asked to imagine they’ve been transported 30 years in the future. The world around them isn’t as they left it, due to climate change. Working together as a class, their task is to explain to their 2017 selves what impact climate change has had on their local area, in whatever format they like. “Climate change is happening, and fast.” said Juliet Davenport, CEO of Good Energy. “We want to encourage children – our future holders

– to think about how climate change may affect their local area within their own lifetimes and what they might do about it. This is a great opportunity for children and teachers to work together on something which could make a real difference.” And the prize for the winning class? A school trip to The Eden Project, including coach, a guided tour, lunch, a goody bag and an interactive renewable energy workshop from Juliet herself. Creativity is very much encouraged. The entry can be in the form of a short video, a story, a photograph or artwork. As long as it is uploaded to Good Energy’s website before the deadline: midnight on Friday the 22nd December. Once applications have closed, it’s over to the public to vote for their winner which will be announced in the New Year.

Further details on the competition, including full terms and conditions, can be found https://www.goodenergy.co.uk/a-message-from-the-future/ The competition is open to classes from year 5 to 11 in any school around the UK.

OUT & ABOUT

Winter days are filled with light and merriment at National Trust properties across South Somerset This year Montacute House and garden will transform into a glittering beacon on the Somerset landscape. Each Saturday and Sunday from December 2nd until 31st the house and garden will be illuminated in atmospheric colours and tones, and the house will be glowing – lit like a lantern from within. After all, on wintry nights there is nothing more heartening than a lantern of light gleaming through the darkness. There will also be seasonal hot food on offer in the Café and the shop will be open to find that perfect gift. Wrap up warm and enjoy a wonderful winter experience with the National Trust at Montacute House. Jolly mid-winter merriment will be in abundance at Barrington, and December is a special time to visit the court house; with wonderful decorations adorning the rooms and a chance to have

fun and play traditional games. The rooms are Presented with a flavour of how the Lyle family would have enjoyed Christmas traditions in the 1920’s as well as lots of musical entertainment and an opportunity to share your own Christmas time memories with us in the memory room. Friday to Sunday 1st until 23rd December.

Father Christmas will be tucked away in his intriguing and atmospheric study, with a gift to take home after your visit (Saturdays and Sundays only). Booking is essential (£9/child), please see website for details. Normal admission prices apply unless otherwise stated.

Find some festive merriment at Barrington Court this Christmas Find some festive merriment at

Barrington Court this Christmas Fri-Sun, 1-23 Dec, Before you go, call in at our Jolly Midwinter Merriment

Yuletide Cabin

10.30am-3pm yuletide cabin to select a Yuletide Cabin December is a special time locally-grown Fri – Sun, 1 – 23 Dec, 10.30am-3pm Before you go, call in at ourChristmas yuletide cabin tree to December is a special time to visit the court select a locally-grown Christmas tree and to visit the court house, with and fabulous decorations. house, with wonderful decorations adorning fabulous decorations. You’ll ﬁnd mince pies, decorations adorning You’ll ﬁnd mince thewonderful rooms, and a chance to linger and soak up mulled cider and hot drinks herepies, too. mulled thethe festive atmosphere you were rooms, andasathough chance to at cider and hot drinks here too. home. There’ll be traditional games to play and Father Christmas linger and soak up the festive Father Christmas gramophone records to listen to, and you can Sat & Sun only, 2 – 23 Dec, 11am-3pm share your own Christmastime memories with A special atmosphere. Satopportunity & Sun only, 2Father – 23 Dec, to meet us in our memory room. There’ll also be a Christmas in his intriguing and atmospheric 11am-3pm £9. variety of musicians performing each weekend, Jolly Midwinter Merriment

study, with a gift to take home after your visit. including dulcimer and handbell players, nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court Booking essential, please see website for woodwind and glorious choirs.unless otherwise from 30 Oct. £9 details stated. Normal groups admission prices apply

National Trust Members need to present their membership card on arrival.

Having fun is hungry work, but our restaurant nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court Photography by: ©National Trust Images/Dave Thorpe/Rob Stothard. ©National Trust 2017. team has a selection of seasonal treats to National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. tempt you. Why not try a festive homemade Normal admission prices apply unless tea (Fri – Sun; booking essential, please see otherwise stated. National Trust Members website a delicious roast turkey follow usfor ondetails) twitteror@parenttalksw visit usneed at www.parenttalk.org.uk to present their membership card on lunch (Sun only; booking not needed). arrival.

Enjoy Christmas at Hestercombe Whether you want to escape the Christmas fuss and just enjoy a great walk in the countryside, or love a bit of festive fun, Hestercombe is the place for you. 50 acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands are open every day (except Christmas day) and are perfect for family walks, puddle splashing, crunching through frosty leaves and enjoying a bit of family time. Our festive ‘Get Ready Reindeers’ trail is perfect to help explore the great outdoors this winter – help Father Christmas find all that he needs to fill his sleigh. Afterwards, the cosy stables café is ready to welcome you in from your walk with hearty, warming lunches and oodles of hot chocolate. Follow the pathway through the winter gardens to visit Father Christmas in his secret grotto (9 – 24 Dec) A log fire will be roaring and sacks of presents will be waiting. If you’re feeling energetic glide about on Hestercombe’s skating rink (it’s

artificial so not too chilly!) and there are penguin skate-aids to help the little ones keep their balance. If you love a trip to the theatre settle down in Hestercombe’s Bampfylde Hall for the fabulous Folksy Theatre’s ‘The Snow Queen’ (17 Dec, 3pm & 18 Dec, 5pm). Using live performers,

puppetry and music, this production is the perfect festive family treat. And if grown-ups are feeling a bit forgotten this Christmas why not try one of our crafty workshops – make yourself a beautiful wreath for your door or enjoy a treat for the ears at our Christmas Concert.

For all the details on events at Hestercombe this Christmas go to www.hestercombe.com/christmas

See a Lantern of Light at Montacute this Christmas Sat & Sun, 2 - 31 Dec (excluding 24 Dec), 3 7pm (house 4 - 6.30pm)

By visiting Montacute you are Brighten your winter weekends See a Montacute Lantern of Light atpart in looking after playing your by seeing House and one of the nation’s special places. Garden as a lantern of light in the Somerset landscape. Montacute this Christmas There will also be seasonal hot The timed ticketing system on a food on offer in the café and the basis(excluding means Satfirst &come Sun,first 2 served - 31 Dec 24 Dec), shop will be open to find that entry into the house will be given perfect Christmas gift. 3-7pm (house 4 - 6.30pm) at 15 minute intervals, once in enjoy at your leisure and at no

Wrap up warm and enjoy a

winter experience. Brighten your wintercost. weekends by seeing Montacute Therewonderful additional will also be seasonal hot food on offer in the House and Garden as a lantern of light in the café and the shop will be open to find that perfect Somerset landscape. The garden and house will be Christmas gift. Wrap up warm and enjoy a wonderful nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house illuminated in vibrant colours and will make for a winter experience. trulyNormal memorable winter experience. admission prices apply unless otherwise stated. Normal admission prices apply. National Trust Members need to present their membership card on arrival. Due to the fragility of the house we are operating a Photography by: ©National Trust Images/Dave Thorpe/Rob Stothard. ©National Trust 2017. timed ticketing system on a first come first served For more information visit: is an independent registered number 205846. basis.National The timedTrust system means entry into the house charity, nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house will be given at 15 minute intervals, once in enjoy at your leisure and at no additional cost. By visiting Parent Talk December 2017 Photography by: ©National Trust Images/Dave Thorpe/Rob Stothard. Design: timjulierdesign.co.uk Montacute you are playing your part in looking after Printed on 100% recycled paper. Please recycle this leaflet after use. ©National Trust 2017. one of the nation’s special places. National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846.

Book Bag NEWS

visit www.pare

bringing you competitions, puzzles, boredom busters, interesting facts

❆

Can you spot 10 differences

❆

Visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to see if you have spotted them all!

❆

WIN

Snuggly Rascals have created comfortable headphones especially for kids that both look great and sound great! They are ultracomfortable with a snuggly, soft fleece fabric enclosing adjustable flat speakers that make the headphones perfect for travelling. Machine washable and size adjustable, they are suitable for any size kid’s head and with loads of funky designs there is sure to be one (or more!) that they love. The company also donate 10% of profits to a different charity every

❆ ❆

month so not only are you keeping your kids happy (and quiet!) but you can also feel good about helping many causes around the world. Parent Talk have 5 Snuggly Rascals Comfortable Headphones to give away. For your chance to win, answer the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by 12 noon on 13th December 2017. Please specify your preferred choice of design. Visit www.snugglyrascals.co.uk to see the range.

What sort of fabric are the Snuggly Rascals comfortable headphones made from? a wool b rubber c soft fleece Available from £14.99 from Snuggly Rascals and Argos Online For further details visit www.simbrix.com

What’s green, covered in tinsel and goes ribbit ribbet?

What do you sing at a snowman’s birthday party?

Mistle-toad!

Freeze a jolly good fellow.

What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree?

❆

A pineapple.

Ha Knock Knock Who's there? Anna Anna who? Anna partridge in a pear tree.

What carol is heard in the desert? Oh camel ye faithful.

❆

a! H a Ha H Why is it getting harder to buy Advent Calendars? Because their days are numbered.

What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? Tinsilitis.

❆

Book Bag NEWS wo bells t e m Find the sa

❆

WIN

A Silver Cross Pioneer 5 in 1 Doll’s Pram from Play Like Mum

kings o stoc w t e Find the sam

Play Like Mum Launches New Silver Cross Doll’s Pram Collection for Christmas

An exclusive, new collection of Silver Cross doll’s prams and accessories launched by Play Like Mum is set to make this Christmas the most special yet for your little ones. Maintaining the unrivalled quality and attention to detail expected from the Silver Cross brand, the range for ages 3+, comprises four of the most popular Silver Cross models in two different colours, carefully designed to mimic the grown-up versions. A timeless classic – a doll’s pram is always a festive favourite with parents and grandparents who want go the extra mile and give a special gift that little ones will always remember. With the matching accessories, little collectors will have the complete package to wake up to on Christmas morning. Available models include the Silver Cross Pioneer 5 in 1 Doll’s Pram, the Sleepover Travel System, the Pop Doll’s Pushchair and the Pop Twin Pushchair. Each pram, pushchair and accessory in the Collection is available in either Vintage Pink or Special Edition Eton Grey. The new range, which has seen huge success and high-demand so far, is available exclusively online at www.playlikemum.com. Parent Talk have one Pioneer 5 in 1 Doll’s Pram in Eton Grey to give away worth £59.99 For your chance to win, rearrange the words below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 12 noon, 13th December.

ESIVRL OCRSS Enter our competitions and find the answers to the puzzles at www.parenttalk.org.uk

10 Parent Talk December 2012

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 . 2 December: Carols by Moonlight. Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton, TA2 8PD. Festive favourites with Mark WhitfordWilliams and members of the South West Rock Show Chorus choirs. No need to book, just turn up on the day. Community event, everyone welcome. 5.30-7pm. 01823 414141 2nd – 3rd December: A Lantern of Light. Montacute House, TA15 6XP. Brighten your weekend by seeing Montacute House and Gardens in a new light – a myriad of colours and candles. The garden and house will be illuminated in vibrant colours and will make for a truly memorable winter experience. 3-7pm. 01935 823289 2nd – 3rd December: Father Christmas at Barrington Court, TA19 0NQ. A very special opportunity to personally meet Father Christmas in his cosy study. He will be in residence every weekend throughout December from 11am – 3pm. Tickets must be pre-booked. Call 0344 2491895 4th – 5th December: Christmas Community Show. TacchiMorris Arts Centre, Taunton, TA2 8PD. Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre’s evening class members present two evenings of inspiring and uplifting dance, theatre and musical entertainment. 7.30pm. 01823 414141 6th – 7th December: Christmas Wreath making workshop. American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD. Using foliage from the Museum estate, and with a helping hand from South West’s much loved, Sarah Pepper, craft your own Christmas wreath. No experience necessary. Includes coffee and

cookie. £35.00. 10.30-1pm or 2-4.30pm. 01225 460503 6th – 9th December: Snow Mouse. The Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton, TA1 1JL. Winter has arrived and the woods are covered in white. A child hurries to put on their winter clothes so they can run outside and play in a sparkly new world. Just when they start to feel a bit lonely, they find a sleeping mouse buried under the soft white flakes. Sliding, tumbling and laughing, they explore the winter wonderland together and keep each other safe and warm from the winter freeze. Limited availability. 01823 283244 7th December: Priddy Christmas Fayre, Priddy Village Hall, nr Wells, BA5 3BE Late night shopping in the heart of the Mendips. Join us at Priddy Village Hall for mulled wine, mince pies and a chance to find unique gifts including local craft and produce, toys, decorations and much more. Entrance £1, under 16s free. Raising funds for Priddy Preschool. 6-9pm. 7th December – 7th January: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Theatre Royal, Bath, BA1 1ET. Packed with comedy, slapstick, singing, dancing, beautiful costumes and plenty of audience participation, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is set to thrill audiences. 01823 448844 7th December – 14th January: Little Mermaid. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Age: 5+. Thousands of leagues deep beneath the sea, a shipwrecked 1950s cruise liner is the grand palace where five little mermaids live – but don’t imagine this is going to be a pink and frilly

Bodley Craft Studio Bodley Craft Studio offers creative Holiday Clubs for 6-14 year olds. Days are packed with different crafts, activities, games, quizzes and more! Every day is different and FUN! When: Days run from 9-5pm (we can be flexible). Where: Bodley Yard, Ford Street, Wellington TA21 9PG What to bring: Packed lunch

Craft Studio Holiday Clubs for 6+

and drinks for the day. Boots and coat. Wear old clothes as you may get messy! Bookings now being taken for holiday clubs which run on 18th, 19th and 22nd December and 2nd and 4th January. We also offer workshops for adults and children varying from PixelHobby to wreath making! See www.bodleycraft.co.uk for more details.

A fabulous craft studio, minutes from Wellington town with ample parking

Birthday Parties for any age Various Workshops throughout the year For more information and to book contact: sam@bodleycraft.co.uk or www.bodleycraft.co.uk 10 Parent Talk December 2017

princess story…Unlike her sisters who are happy with a life of dances, duty and dignitaries, Morgan is sick of swimming in sync. Our heroine is a scruffy mermaid with an enquiring mind, a brave spirit and a niggling sense that she doesn’t fit in. From family feuds and exile to secret underwater nightclubs and holiday romance, this is one mermaid’s journey from the murkiest depths of the ocean to fulfil her dreams. Times vary. 01225 823409 8th December – 7th January: Cinderella. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. No performances on Mondays. Fun-packed family pantomime. 01935 422884 8th- 9th December: Christmas Wreath making at Bodley Craft Studio, Ford Street, Wellington, TA21 9PG. Come and make a moss-filled natural foliage wreath. Huge choice of materials and finishes to make your front door spectacular and unique! Fri: 7-9.15pm, Sat: 10am-12.30pm and 2-4.30pm. £25 per person. 07525 127878 8th – 10th December: A Christmas Castle and illuminated Winter Walk. Dunster Castle, Dunster, TA24 6SL. Soak in the festive atmosphere and experience Christmas as the Luttrell family might have. See the rooms dressed to reflect their stories and enjoy live festive music on selected dates. Once the sun goes down the illuminated winter walk is the perfect way to see the gardens in a whole new light. Don't forget to stop off at the Tea-room for some festive food and to pick out the perfect present in the Stables shop. 2-7pm. 01643 821314 9th December: Christmas Fayre. Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre, Stoke St Gregory, TA3 6HY. 10am-5pm. 01823 490249 9th December: Glastonbury Abbey: Make a Christmas Tree decoration. Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL. Advent activity in the museum. A moment of sharing to create Christmas decorations in a unique place and atmosphere. Normal admission applies. 11am – 1pm. 01458 832267 9th – 10th December: A Lantern of Light. Montacute House, TA15 6XP. Brighten your weekend by seeing Montacute House and Gardens in a new light – a myriad of colours and candles. The garden and house will be illuminated in vibrant colours and will make for a truly memorable winter experience. 3-7pm. 01935 823289 9th – 23rd December: Jack and the Beanstalk. A GIANT family pantomime! Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton, TA2 8PD. No performances 11th and 18th December. Times vary. 01823 414141.

9th – 30th December: A Christmas Carol – the musical. The Brewhouse, Taunton. Times vary. This version of Charles Dickens’ much-loved story is a spectacular Broadway Musical adaptation that breathes fresh life into a classic tale. Guaranteed to leave everyone in the Christmas spirit. 01823 283244 9th – 31st December: Aladdin. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare, BS23 1HP. Follow the story of Aladdin, a simple laundry boy who falls in love with a Princess. All that stands in his way is the evil Abanazar who wants to get his hands on the magic lamp to become the greatest sorcerer of all time. Can Aladdin defeat Abanazar, keep the lamp, and save the girl of his dreams? Spectacular, fun-packed family entertainment. Performance times vary. 01934 645544 9th December – 7th January: Aladdin. Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ. Jump aboard a highflying magical carpet headed for Old Peking and make tickets for Aladdin one of your three wishes. Starring Joe Pasquale as Wishee Washee, Marti Pellow as evil sorcerer Abanazar and Hayley Tamaddon as princess Jasmine, Aladdin is a spectacular adventure featuring a beautiful love story, flying carpets, a wish-granting genie and a lamp packed full of spectacular family entertainment. Performance times vary. 0844 871 7627 10th December: Santa arrives by helicopter at The Helicopter Museum. The Heliport, Weston super Mare, BS24 8PP. In order to rest his reindeer for their heavy Christmas workload, Santa and his Elf Assistant will be flying down from their Toy Factory at The North Pole by helicopter to visit the local children of Weston super Mare. He will be landing at The Helicopter Museum’s Heliport to host a special Christmas ‘All children go free’ family fun day. 10am-4.30pm. 01934 635227 12th December: The Nutcracker. Live from the Royal Opera House. The Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton, TA1 1JL. A young girl’s enchanted present leads her on a wonderful Christmas adventure in this beautiful classical ballet, danced to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score. 7pm. 01823 283244 15th December – 7th January: Aurora. The egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Age: 6 months – 4 years. Look up into the night sky and at the furthest point, as far away as you can possibly see, there’s a fabulous party going on. Can you spot it? The stars are the twinkling torches of the dancers and the sun is a young girl, beautiful and carefree and lost in the joy of the dance. Her older brother, the Moon, is down-to-earth and watchful.

A love of learning at St Cuthbert's St Cuthbert’s Infant School in Wells is very proud of their recent Ofsted report which confirms that it provides a good quality of education. The inspection, which took place in October, reports how ‘leaders have maintained a momentum for improvement and inspired the confidence of the school community’. Parents value the school’s caring ethos and acknowledge the nurture effect which ensures children are happy and safe. The Inspector reported favourably on ‘the considerable improvements in pupil outcomes in every aspect of the school’. Children positively demonstrate an understanding of an important school rule of ‘trying your best’ in their learning. Acting Head teacher Mrs Sheryl Cooper is pleased that

the hard work and dedication of a great team of staff has been recognised. She said, “We value the individuality of all of our young learners and aim to instil strong values of kindness and responsibility. This allows them to have the best possible start to education establishing a love of learning. We also acknowledge all the hard work and support received by parents and carers and of course the children themselves, who are so proud of their achievements”.

He follows his sister around the North Pole, taking care that she doesn’t slip over the last horizon. 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2pm daily, excluding Mondays and Boxing Day. 01225 823409. 15th – 22nd December: A Christmas Castle and illuminated Winter Walk. Dunster Castle, Dunster, TA24 6SL. Soak in the festive atmosphere and experience Christmas as the Luttrell family might have. See the rooms dressed to reflect their stories and enjoy live festive music on selected dates. Once the sun goes down the illuminated winter walk is the perfect way to see the gardens in a whole new light. Don't forget to stop off at the Tea-room for some festive food and to pick out the perfect present in the Stables shop. 2-7pm. 01643 821314 16th December: Glastonbury Abbey: Make a Christmas Tree decoration. Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL. Advent activity in the museum. A moment of sharing to create Christmas decorations in a unique place and atmosphere. Normal admission applies. 11am – 1pm. 01458 832267 16th December: PixelHobby Art at Bodley Craft Studio, Ford Street, Wellington, TA21 9PG. Children and adults alike will love this workshop! Totally addictive and open to all, come and make some fun tree decorations and a framed Christmas Pixel picture. 10.30am- 12 noon. £15 per person. 07525 127878 16th December: PixelHobby Christmas Sale at Bodley Craft Studio, Ford Street, Wellington, TA21 9PG. Children’s

drop-in workshops (£2) making a tree decoration or Christmas themed tile using pixels. While the children are being creative, come and browse the SALE items. Stocking fillers from £2. 12 noon – 5.30pm. 07525 127878 16th – 17th December: A Lantern of Light. Montacute House, TA15 6XP. Brighten your weekend by seeing Montacute House and Gardens in a new light – a myriad of colours and candles. The garden and house will be illuminated in vibrant colours and will make for a truly memorable winter experience. 3-7pm. 01935 823289 17th- 18th December: The Snow Queen, presented by Folksy theatre at Hestercombe House, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA2 8LQ. A Christmas treat for all the family. A little girl named Gerda crosses forests, mountains and hills to reach the Snow Kingdom and rescue her friend Kai from The Snow Queen. Sun: 3-4.30pm, Mon: 5-6.30pm. 01823 413923 30th December – 6th January: Cinderella. Pantomime presented by Minehead Panto People. The Regal Theatre, Minehead, TA24 5UG. No performance 3rd Jan. Daily 7.30pm + matinee 2.30pm, 30th Dec – 1st Jan and 6th Jan. 01643 706430 30th – 31st December: A Lantern of Light. Montacute House, TA15 6XP. Brighten your weekend by seeing Montacute House and Gardens in a new light – a myriad of colours and candles. The garden and house will be illuminated in vibrant colours and will make for a truly memorable winter experience. 3-7pm. 01935 823289

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

The gift of language By Liz Wood

language skills at two years old predicts later emotional and behavioural ability? It’s easy when busy to let talk slip but supporting communication in the home will help your child speak to their teacher in nursery, read and make friends in school and later on be successful in GCSEs and the workplace.

With Christmas rapidly approaching we often find ourselves rushing around and spending less time prioritising chat with our children. Did you know though that the size of a child’s vocabulary at age five is an indicator of later attainment and that early

There are several ways you can make the most of talking with your child whatever their age. Although a lot of language development happens between 0-5, continuing to nurture and support language is just as important for older children and young people. Some top tips include:

Join in with the things your child is interested in. This will show that you

value them, help build their attention skills and encourage them to talk more.

Develop their vocabulary by helping them learn and remember new words. Talking about what words mean as well as thinking about the different sounds in the word will help increase the number of words they know and understand. Use new words more repetitively and in lots of different situations to help your child remember them.

Build on what your child says: if they are a toddler, repeat what they’ve said to you but add extra words. If they are an older child include more complex phrases, e.g. I’m going to buy grandad some socks’ , ‘yes you’re going to buy

grandad some socks in order to keep his feet warm’.

Comment and prompt rather than ask questions and try to ask questions that require more than a yes/no answer, e.g rather than ‘are you making some mince pies?’ say ‘what would you like to bake?’

Keep language clear so your child knows what you’re asking them to do. Give your child enough time to think about what you are saying. Sometimes it can take a few seconds for a child to process the words that you’ve used.

Finally make learning language fun. Enjoy talking and sharing experiences. The festive season provides

lots of additional opportunities for talk. Decorating the house, baking, buying and wrapping presents, different songs and books all provide times for shared experiences and chat. The more you do it the better it will get! Make a New Year’s resolution for 2018 to be a year when you talk to your child as much as you can! I CAN is the leading charity for children and young’s people’s speech, language and communication. We provide effective, practical evidenced based solutions that support all children’s communication development. Currently as part of our three year strategy we are working in partnership with local people and organisations in West Somerset to increase the focus on speech, language

and communication. For more information about I CAN visit www.ican.org.uk If you have concerns about our child’s speech, language and communication you can talk to or email an I CAN speech and language therapist through the I CAN Help enquiry service. Call 020 7843 2544 or email www.ican.org.uk/help Liz has been qualified as a speech and language therapist for over 25 years. She joined I CAN in 2007 and has been involved in a number of projects and the development of I CAN interventions, as well as training and consultancy crossing all phases of education to support children and young people with Speech, Language and Communication Needs.

Competetive dads and how to spot them! Turning up at school in a new car, breezing through your child's science homework and ‘training’ the kids for sports day have emerged among a list of methods competitive dads employ to get one up on each other, a study found. Researchers who polled 1,000 fathers also discovered competitive dads like to brag about their kids’ achievements on Facebook, always ensure they have all the latest hightech gadgets and buy them designer clothing. Arriving early to nab a front row seat for the school play and booking extravagant holidays before making sure everyone knows about it are also tell-tale signs. The study also found two

in five fathers admit they feel pressure to be liked by their kids’ friends. And two thirds confessed they want to be seen as a ‘cool dad’ by their kids’ mates and parents. The poll was carried out by Vue to celebrate the release of Daddy’s Home 2. Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, who worked with Vue on the project, said: “So what is fuelling this need for dads to impress? ''More than one quarter admitted it’s purely because they want the best for their child, but a great deal of this highly-competitive streak is down to dads simply wanting to be better than their counterparts.” Researchers also found more than one third will volunteer

for everything at their school in a bid to impress. And three out of ten admitted being concerned about impressing other fathers in the school playground. However, more than two in five are concerned about impressing teachers over anyone else. It also emerged three in ten will spend hours helping out with homework in a bid to impress the teacher. And just under half admitted attempting to get their child to volunteer for as many school plays, nativities and contests as possible. It doesn’t come as a surprise men are getting competitive when three in ten dads are envious of other dads and their organisational attributes. The study, conducted via

OnePoll.com, also found seven in ten will ensure their child always ‘looks the part’ on nonuniform and fancy dress days. One in five admitted buying their kids the latest tech and one sixth of dads said they would queue for as long as it took to get the front seat at the school play. As a result, 44 per cent believe their children’s friends and parents see them as one of the ‘cool dads’. Just under half of fathers confess to being a competitive father with one third of partners agreeing their blokes are as such. More than one quarter admit they can try a bit too hard to impress simply because they want the best for their child. Just seven per cent of dads will always win when

playing games with them, and only five per cent will compete

with their children when colouring inside the lines.

Top 10 signs of a competitive dad: 1. They always try to win the 'dad's race' at school sports day 2. They shout from the side-line at every sports event and match 3. They coach their children at weekends so they win at sports day 4. Ensuring their children have all the latest technology and gadgets 5. They constantly brag about their children's achievements on Facebook 6. They complete their children's homework so they get higher grades 7. Dressing their child in the latest designer/sports brands 8. Queue up for ages before a school play just to get the front seats 9. They have the newest, biggest cars 10. Going on the best/most exciting or extravagant holidays

New Year new activity to develop young minds Make 2018 the year that you help your child develop a new skill while making new friends. Razzamataz Theatre Schools Yeovil knows all about the positive benefits that performing arts can bring from establishing healthy lifestyle patterns through to improving children’s self-confidence and self-belief. Razzamataz Yeovil offers a wide range of performing arts styles

for children with classes in dance, drama and singing. Students experience various genres from classic West End musical theatre through to pop singing and street dance. In all sessions, the emphasis is on having fun and bringing out the creativity and unique potential in each and every student. Classes held every Saturday during term time for youngsters from the age of 2 to 18.

Why performing arts? ● Develop creativity ● Develop confidence ● Promote self-discipline and self-motivation ● Exposure to art and culture ● Overcome anxieties ● Learn memorising skills ● Improve language and musical skills

Problem-solving Social interaction and cooperation As well as weekly classes, Razzamataz Yeovil also offers regular professional workshops and is often involved supporting local events, performing at the town theatre amongst other venues.

● ●

Razzamataz Yeovil is offering a FREE taster session for your child to try out performing arts classes from Saturday 6th January. Spaces are limited and are on a strictly first come first served basis. To book your child’s space, simply call Claire on 01935 411128 or email yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk

Join us for

RAZZ TOTS, our exciting class for ages 2-3 years

FREE taster session 6th Jan 2018

the ideal placeforforchildren childrenaged aged2-18 2-18years years WeWe areare the ideal place withan aninterest interestin inperforming performing to to learn learn Pop Singing, Singing, Street StreetDance, Dance, with Musical Theatre Musical & Drama! Call us&toDrama! book your trial session! Quote PP1216 Theatre CallFREE us to ONE book WEEK your FREE ONE WEEK trialrefsession!

For info or to book a free session, call Claire on 01935 411128 • yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk

Parent Talk December 2017 11

12 Parent Talk December 2012

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 Brook Green Early Years Recently relocated to purpose built setting offering a larger learning environment and large garden which can be accessed at all times for free flow play. Highly qualified staff. Spaces available now, 2/3/4 year old funding accepted. Please call 01823 353072 for further information.

educational and safe environment for your child. All fully qualified staff. T: Elaine Garland 01749 346733 E: fsdaynursery@btconnect.com 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

Bridgwater & Taunton College Childcare Centre is Ofsted rated Outstanding and open to the general public and children of students, from four months to five years of age. 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 E: childcare@bridgwater.ac.uk www.bridgwaterchildcare.co.uk

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

First Steps Day Nursery School (all year from 8am-6pm). For children from 3 months to 5 years. Offering a caring,

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 child-led curriculum, small class sizes and excellent facilities, including our on-site Forest School and indoor swimming pool. Over 20 free after-school activities as well as an Early Birds and Late Club, and a daily toddler group during term time for ages 1-2½. To arrange a visit please contact: Hannah Cox in Admissions on 01458 837524 Queen’s College Highgrove Nursery, Nursery School, Pre-Prep and Reception 0-5 years. Queen’s Pre Prep and Junior School is renowned for excellence in infant and junior education and care. The team at Queen’s Highgrove Nursery embrace such standards of education and development offering year round care 0-3 years. Queen’s Nursery School is situated in the Pre-Prep Department and it is here that the stepping stones to a formal education are laid. Highly qualified and experienced Nursery School staff work in close liaison with parents and the Highgrove Nursery team, ensuring a smooth and personalised transition. Queen’s Pre-Prep takes pride in providing a rich, stimulating and diverse education within a nurturing and caring environment. www.queenscollege.org.uk 01823 278928, junioradmissions@queenscollege. org.uk

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, 7.30am- 5.45pm. Highly qualified teachers. Spectacular grounds and facilities used by all. Children can attend a combination of morning, afternoon and late club sessions. 01823 703300 www.tauntonschool.co.uk The Bush Nursery, Pilton. Set in an idyllic location with extensive grounds, we provide bespoke care to children from 1-5 years. With no more than 12 children per session, children have truly individual care. Open 8-6 all year round. Vivien Goode 01749 890327

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 Rachel Debenham to arrange a visit. 01823 668700 Little Wellies Term time Toddler group. Open to all pre-school children every Thursday morning 9.15-11.15am, Wellington Prep School Hall. £3 per child and £1 per additional child weekly charge. Contact Marian Bassindale for more details 01823 668700 prep@wellington-school.org.uk Woodlands Pre-school Ruishton, Taunton Our purpose built setting, offers a wide range of learning opportunities for children aged 2 – 4yrs. In partnership with parents we nurture children, enabling them to explore and grow in confidence. We accept 2yr old funded children and the 30hrs entitlement. 01823 444302

To book our Nursery Directory, please call 01458 250461

A Devon holiday for all the family to enjoy

Holidays come together at Torridge House Cottages, with its fantastic location, really good cottages, gardens for relaxing, running, playing games and 12 Parent Talk December 2017

barbecues, with animals to care for, feed and cuddle. Altogether a comfortable place to be. The surrounding countryside is inspiring, with super attractions, sandy beaches, sports, crafts, indulgent massages and excellent food. Fascinating, beautiful, unspoilt, North Devon is unique and historic, Tarka country, War Horse country. But the folk are nor warlike at all, quite the opposite! They

are as gentle as the beaches are outstanding, the coastlines dramatic and as the world class walking and cycling is breath taking. So much to do around and about and at Torridge House Cottages. The pigs are always excited about their food; the ducks and chickens enjoy being let out. The baby rabbits, guinea pigs and baby mice in the all-weather house love meeting the children. Back after a great day out

exploring or on the beach, you can choose to relax, barbecue, socialise, take a dip in the summer outdoor heated swimming pool, pitch up for a game of footie or take a hedge row walk. And indoors, there’s table tennis, pool table, toddler play and a library room with books and dvds. Youngsters of all ages want to stay all day with the animals or just to play. The cottages come highly recommended, keenly priced and very well kitted out.

For more information see www.torridgehouse.co.uk or phone 01805 622542

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 29 years. Highly recommended. ‘VisitBritain 3 & 4 star’

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

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Queen's college pre-prep All round excellence at tailors its teaching for each Wellington School child At Queen's College Pre-Prep, we recognise how important it is for children to enjoy school and feel motivated to learn. We pride ourselves on really getting to know every pupil, allowing us to tailor our teaching for each child and to afford them the personal attention they need to flourish in their learning. Our high expectations are understood and embedded from an early age and we encourage our pupils to always do their best. Our recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection recognised how our pupils “have highly positive attitudes to learning and, as such, achieve a high level of success”. Our experienced, caring and dedicated staff are committed to ensuring that the quality of our pupils' personal development is excellent. Throughout Pre-Prep, we develop the children’s life skills. Our Forest School and outdoor learning activities allow them to apply problem-solving and thinking skills to real life situations.

ISI acknowledged that our pupils' social development is excellent and that they “learn how to work well with others, to collaborate in solving problems ... through the many opportunities available to them, both inside and outside the classroom”. ISI also identified that our pupils “display excellent communication skills in the wide range of opportunities they are given across the curriculum and activities”.

Our interactive teaching style ensures that, from an early age, our pupils become good listeners who communicate confidently and clearly. We offer our pupils a breadth of experiences, laying the foundations and building the stepping stones for their future. At Queen’s, learning is so much more than academia – our goal is to develop the whole child, ensuring that every student is the best they can be and achieves their full potential.

Come and see Queen’s College Pre-Prep in action – book a personal tour by emailing junioradmissions@queenscollege.org.uk or calling 01823 278928

Wellington School offers Scholarships into Year 7. If you have an academic child, or one who excels in music, drama, art and design or sport, then Wellington School is the place to be. We have a single examination for all children coming into Year 7, so there is no separate scholarship examination. We run Taster Days and social activities for new pupils to meet each other and make friends before they arrive in September. If it is academic results you are concerned about for your child, Wellington School has just what you need. We had superb GCSE and A Level results across all subjects and 5 of our pupils went to Oxford or Cambridge this year with many more heading to the prestigious Russell Group Universities. Pupils study the more rigorous iGCSE in Maths, Languages and Sciences as well as Latin and Greek and the emphasis is strongly academic. However, Wellington has so much more to offer than exam results. The performing arts go from strength to strength. There are workshops, creative performances and technical opportunities and with a huge range of bands, orchestras and ensembles, the whole school

is taking advantage of a range of exciting opportunities. Our superb Chapel Choir performs regularly and our versatile musicians often sweep the board in singing competitions and exam results. We have superb sports facilities and a unique new Sport and Wellbeing department with specialist strength and conditioning coaches who take fitness to new levels across all sporting disciplines. There is a vibrant and active Outdoor Education programme, which includes Ten Tors, CCF (Army, Navy and Air Force),

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, expeditions, camping, ski trips, trekking, kayaking, climbing, canoeing and a wide range of international trips including the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Nepal, Greenland, and a conservation project in Domenica. We nurture and teach pupils from 11-18 in the Senior School, and we are justly proud of the rounded, all-encompassing education they receive. We call it “Learning For Life”. “Happy parents, happy pupils!” – The Good Schools Guide

To find out more about our Year 7 Entrance Exams, please call 01823 668803 or email admissions@wellington-school.org.uk

Parent Talk December 2017 13

BOOK REVIEW

Editor’s choice Snowboy and the Last Tree Standing By Hiawyn Oram, illustrated by Birgitta Sif Published by Walker Books. Ages: 3+ Greedy Greenbackboy’s got an idea for a game. He wants Snowboy to help him cut down all the trees in the forest and catch all the fish in the deep and ever-moving ocean. But Snowboy recognises the importance of life in the natural world around him and, in this evocatively told tale, has to trust his instinct to protect, rather than to destroy…

A World of Cities By James Brown Published by Walker Books. Ages: 7+. Have you ever wanted to climb Paris’s Eiffel Tower, explore Cairo’s ancient pyramids, wander the busy streets of New Delhi or see the lights of Shanghai? Experience a whirlwind tour of the world’s most 30 most beautiful cities with this stylish anthology from print-maker James Brown. Each city is rendered in bold, bright colours, with quirky historical and cultural facts incorporated into each contemporary print. London, New York and Tokyo have never looked so stylish – or so alive.

Three Cheers for Women! By Marcia Williams Published by Walker Books. Ages: 7-12 With Marcia Williams’ muchloved and easily recognisable comic-strip style, ‘Three Cheers for Women’, takes you on a historical tour of the incredible achievements from around the world. Told with sensitivity and humour, this is a must-have for all young girls and boys, helping them discover the lives of women throughout history whose achievements have been overlooked. It is an inspiration to all girls, reminding them to have courage and to be persistent in their dreams.

The Dollmaker of Krakow By R.M. Romero Published by Walker Books. Ages: 9+ Krakow, Poland, 1939. One quiet night, a little doll named Karolina comes to life in a silent toyshop. Magic begins to stir and the life of the gruff and heart-broken Dollmaker is changed beyond anything he could ever imagine. With the darkness of the Nazi occupation sweeping over their beloved city, Karolina and the Dollmaker must use their newfound magic to save their Jewish friends from a terrible danger, no matter what the risk.

Snow Penguin By Tony Mitton, illustrated by Alison Brown Published by Bloomsbury. Ages: 3+ In the frozen Antarctic, one curious little penguin decides to explore the ice and the snow and the sea. On his travels he sees two blue whales, a family of sea lions and a whole school of orca, but soon Penguin starts to miss his own family. Sometimes coming home is the best adventure of all. Told in rhyming couplets, this feel-good book is perfect for bedtimes and cuddle-up times.

Words and your heart By Kate Jane Neal Published by Simon & Schuster. Ages: 3+ Told through the eyes of Pip and Cat, this book beautifully demonstrates the importance of what we say – both positive and negative. Thoughtful, warm-hearted and completely non-preachy, this is a book that has already resonated with large numbers of children, whose teachers report a sea of change in the culture of their classroom after reading it.

The Little Book of Ocean Animal Sounds Published by Fine Feather Press. Ages: 3+ Did you know an Emperor Penguin sounds like a Formula 1 racing car or that an Atlantic Puffin makes a noise like a disgruntled chainsaw? This new, interactive book brings to life 12 sounds of ocean mammals and birds that will delight children and adults of all ages, especially fans of the recent BBC wildlife series, Blue Planet. Featuring beautiful photography and fascinating facts, the solid board book gives a double-page spread to each of the twelve animals. It's designed to be held by even the smallest hands together with a sound bar enabling the reader to identify the call of each species.

Pick a Pine Tree By Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis Published by Walker Books. Ages: 3+ As with every good Christmas story, the season begins with … picking a pine tree! Brimming over with the excitement of being with your family at the festive season, this is a gorgeously rhythmical, readaloud story accompanied by joyful art. ‘Pick a Pine Tree’ celebrates all those familiar rituals of decorating your tree, from digging out jam-packed boxes of trimmings, stringing tinsel, to turning on twinkly fairy lights. Once that’s all done, of course, it’s not just a pine tree any more – it’s a Christmas tree!

Space Adventure Activity Book By Jen Alliston Published by Button Books, GMC Distribution. Ages: 4-8 This fabulous space-themed activity book will entertain children wherever they are in the universe. The pages are crammed with all sorts of fun, including dot to dot, spot the difference, colouring in and other activities like baking Stellar cakes or making Martian masks! Fun and educational, it features beautiful, bright illustrations that will draw children in and keep them busy. And while they are enjoying the Lost in Space mazes, matching aliens and rockets and counting, the games are helping them to develop a wide range of skills, including observational, conversational and motor. There’s fun here for every little astronaut and alien!

Astrid the Unstoppable By Maria Parr Published by Walker Books. Ages: 9+ Astrid Glimmerdal loves to spend her days racing down the mountainside on her sledge and skis – the faster the better! She just wishes there were other children to share in her adventures. Astrid’s world is about to be turned upside down however, first by the arrival of a strange family, and then a mystery woman. Even her best friend has been keeping a secret from her – one that will test their friendship to its limits. Everything is changing in Astrid’s world and she’s not happy about it. Luckily, she has a plan…

14 Parent Talk December 2017

d d

Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder By Jo Nesbo Published by Simon & Schuster. Ages: 9+ When the King of Norway sells the rights to Christmas to Mr Thrane, it looks like the holidays aren’t going to be very merry. Mr Thrane says that the only people who can celebrate are those who buy 10,000 crowns worth of presents from his department store. For anyone who doesn’t, or can’t, spend that much, it’s no tree, no presents, no carols, and no Christmas pudding? Dr Proctor, Nilly, and Lisa aren’t going to take this sitting down! They’re going to find Santa and save Christmas. All they need is a sleigh, flying reindeer, some time travel soap and, of course, some fart powder!

Girls Who Rocked the World By Michelle Roehm and Amelie Welden Published by Simon & Schuster. Ages: 9+ Get ready to meet some incredible young women who made their mark on the world before turning twenty and prove that when it comes to having an impact, there’s no such thing as too young! Whether designing the famous monuments, fighting for their countries’ freedom or being political pioneers, these gutsy girls have changed the way we view the world and ourselves. From Florence Nightingale to Anna Pavlova, Coco Chanel to Eva Peron, The Bronte sisters to Indira Gandhi, this book features women from across history and around the globe , who have all achieved remarkable things.

CLASSIFIED

A 'marvellous' competition for truly marvellous children

The hunt is on for the UK’s next, young literary superstar with the launch of a competition by children’s footwear retailer, Chipmunks and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity. The two have joined forces to encourage children to get creative and celebrate the art of storytelling by coming up with their own tale about the charity’s

mascot, Marvin the Marvellous Crocodile. Children under 12 are being asked to put their thinking caps on and create an extra special adventure story about Marvin the Marvellous Crocodile and one of Chipmunks’ popular slipper characters. Their story can focus on anything - the more creative and exciting the better!

The lucky winner will get the chance to have their work published and read to some of the seriously ill children benefitting from the care of Roald Dahl Nurses across the UK. Chipmunks has become an official supporter of the charity and will be launching a capsule collection of Marvin the Marvellous Crocodile

accessories in the coming months, ten per cent of the proceeds of which will go towards helping the charity to continue its vital work. To celebrate the new partnership, Chipmunks will also be giving the winner an exclusive hamper of goodies, including a set of boxed Roald Dahl books and a £100 footwear voucher. Sarah Sharkey, Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager at Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity said: “We’re always looking at innovative and creative ways to raise awareness of the amazing work that our nurses and specialists do to improve the lives of seriously ill children. As

stories and creativity form such a huge part of our heritage, we’re really excited to be launching this competition with Chipmunks. Bedtime stories are such an important part of growing up and can offer great comfort to children who are going through a difficult time. We’re really looking forward to seeing what marvellously imaginative entries come in about Marvin the Marvellous Crocodile and the Chipmunks characters.” Justin Taggart, Commercial Director at Chipmunks added: “We’re incredibly proud to be associated with Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity. We champion creativity and imagination in our product

range, and it’s great to be able to extend that into an extra special story competition.” Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity provides specialist children’s nurses and family support for seriously ill children in the UK. Based in hospitals and communities nationwide, they support children living with a variety of serious, rare and undiagnosed conditions. The competition is open until late December and entries can be sent to bedtimestories@ ilkagency.com. For more details about the characters and information on how to enter, please visit www. chipmunksfootwear.co.uk/ bedtime-story-competition

To view the Chipmunks footwear range, visit www.chipmunkskids.com. To discover more about the work of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, visit www.roalddahlcharity.org

UK tooth fairy economy worth £450 million The tooth fairy leaves an average of £3.34 per tooth, putting estimates of the size of the tooth fairy industry at a whopping £450 million, according to recent research from Halifax. This means kids rake in £66.80 once they’ve lost all of their 20 milk teeth. Better still, over one in 10 lucky kids get at least £5 per tooth, or £100 for all of their milk teeth. There are stark regional contrasts – kids in Greater London get almost double the cash compared to kids in the North West of England (£4.84 vs £2.65 per tooth – or £96.80 vs £53 for all their milk teeth).

Tooth fairy to become extinct 40 years from now Kids are getting less money from the tooth fairy than their parents did (£3.34 vs £5.76) – at this rate, the tooth fairy won’t be giving anything in 2060. To add to the gloom, just under one in five of parents say they were never visited by the tooth fairy when they were children. Giles Martin, Head of Savings at Halifax, said: “Kids shouldn’t bank on the tooth fairy forever. These surprising results show the going rate is getting lower. At this rate, they’ll be worthless 40 years from now, paving the way for the extinction of the tooth fairy as soon as 2060.

“The good news is that two thirds of children save the money they get from the tooth fairy, either in a piggy bank or a savings account. Just like regular pocket money, it’s a great opportunity to get kids into the savings habit from a young age." Children aren’t missing out completely though – research earlier this year revealed that pocket money had reached a nine-year high at £7.04 a week, with eight in 10 saving their pocket money in a piggy bank. But just under one in 10 parents admit raiding their kids’ piggy bank for the tooth fairy – parents in Greater

AVERAGE AMOUNT GIVEN PER TOOTH Region

Amount per tooth

Amount for a full set

Greater London

£4.84

£96.80

East & West Midlands

£3.93

£78.60

Wales & West

£3.18

£63.60

Scotland

£3.11

£62.20

South East/ East of England

£3.09

£61.80

North East/ Yorkshire/Humber £2.97

£59.40

North West

£2.65

£53.00

UK average

£3.34

£66.80

Source: Halifax

CATHERINE’S MAGIC ENTERTAINMENT

Ofsted Registered Childminder

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

in idyllic rural location 5 minutes from A303

Melanie Tuffill 01460 234325/07876481027 melanie@oliveronline.co.uk

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

Quirky Textile Gifts

JANUARY issue copy deadline 13th DECEMBER 2017 For advertising please call 01458 250461

London are almost four times as likely to do this than parents in the North East, Yorkshire or Humber. Decaying belief – but they’ll take the cash anyway Kids stop believing in the tooth fairy by their eighth birthday, which is younger than the age their parents stopped believing (eight years and 10 months). However, most kids who don’t believe in the tooth fairy take the cash anyway. Dentists beware: when they do take the cash, a third of children use it to buy sweets. Two thirds save some of the money and almost half buy toys.

www.sarahharmertextileart.com

KIDS ENTERTAINER! Themed Puppet Shows/ Parties. Also puppet therapy. Lisa Pizza 07766 296497 energisingspaces@ yahoo.co.uk

“DAVE” THE MAGICIAN & BALLOONATIC available for birthday parties, playgroups, schools, fetes, promotions etc 01823 288644 Parent Talk December 2017 15

Saturday 2nd December - 10am till 4pm

Festive Smokery

OPEN DAY Pop-Up Christmas Shop Tour the smokery, taste all the products, enjoy a free glass of wine, what a lovely treat! Shop stocked to the gunnels. Restaurant open, booking advisible. Mail order service available

Restaurant, Shop, Mail Order & Online

Visit our shop and restaurant in Hambridge, Somerset TA10 0BP Call for more information 01458 250875 or visit www.brownandforrest.co.uk

The Somerset Smokery

Order before the 16th of December for Guaranteed delivery before Christmas