Parent Talk May 2018 summer fun for families by Parent Talk

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

May 2018 Volume 25 Issue 5

WIN ✸Tickets

to Sherborne Country Fair ✸ Inflatable

Roller Wheel Plus ✸ Birthday Parties

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Parent talk 2 Parent Talk December 2012

contents Family pages

p2-3

Events

Out & About

p5-7

Book Bag

p8-9

Birthday Parties

p10-11

Education, Information

p12-13

Book Review

p14 -15

Classified

p15

competition Inflatable Roller Wheel

Sherborne Castle Country Fair

Dear Readers...

Welcome back and haven’t we all done well to get through that dreadful winter! Time now to cheer ourselves up, get outdoors and think about all things bright and beautiful. What a month May will be with Devon County Show, Sherborne Castle & County Fair AND the Bath & West. Congratulations to our winners of tickets to Devon County Show and good luck to everyone for tickets to Sherborne Show. It makes for a wonderful day out with the family. This month, we also have suggestions for birthday parties as we know they can be a headache at times. Fun, yes but whatever option you go for, always requiring considerable preparation. Of course no issue of Parent Talk is complete without our book review and once again, we have some beautiful titles to recommend. Such variety, I guarantee there really is something for readers of all ages. Best wishes Tamsin

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 23rd May 2018 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?

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COMPETITION WINNERS Devon County Show Alex Sheen, Taunton Amanda Bowery, Stoke St Gregory Rachel Trott, Curry Rivel

2 Parent Talk May 2018

FAMILY PAGES

Field to Food Learning Day 2018 – the biggest & best yet! The Bath & West Showground was once again a hub of fun and learning as 1,200 key stage two schoolchildren visited on Wednesday 18 April for the third annual Field to Food Learning Day. Pupils from primary schools across the West Country enjoyed a hands-on insight of farming and food production; meeting farmers and their livestock, getting up close to farm machinery, trying their hand at butter making with Wyke Farms, putting sheep through an m.o.t with Shepton Vets, milking the Hurdlebrook Guernseys, along with a host of other interactive exhibits. Delivered as part of The Royal Bath & West of England Society’s charitable objectives, Field to Food was created to educate young people about farming and food production in engaging ways, and was devised in collaboration with educational specialists to ensure that it satisfies aspects of the National Curriculum. The activities on offer were designed to illustrate how the food and drink that they consume arrives on their table. All the activities were

specifically aimed at children aged 7 -11, offering a variety of hands, eyes, ears and noses-on learning. Mole Valley Farmers brought a range of agri-technology appliances for the children to check out, from cattle handling systems to EID devices. ‘We’re delighted to support the Field to Food initiative’ said Mark Cox of Mole Valley Farmers ‘We have a responsibility to make sure that the next generation has an understanding and appreciation of farming and food production, and this event provides the perfect vehicle to do just that’

Mark’s colleague, Richard Griffiths added, ‘Today was a real success! The children were all so enthusiastic and responsive to the activities. It was a pleasure to be involved in such a successful event.’ The year 5 & 6 children from Farrington Gurney C of E Primary were buzzing following their day at the Bath & West, ‘It was such a fun experience! We loved that we could get our hands on the activities.’ ‘The steward that guided us around was so helpful’ ‘Our favourite things were the sheep shearing, lambs, and the huge machines!’

The Farrington Gurney pupils’ teacher, Miss Higgins was impressed by the level of organisation ‘For the children to get the most out of their day it’s so important that the event is well organised and Field to Food certainly was. It all ran so smoothly’ Rupert Cox, Chief Executive of The Royal Bath & West of England Society, emphasized the importance of illustrating the link between farming and food, and how the event has quickly become a crucial date in the Bath & West calendar, ‘The Field to Food education day has become an integral part of the Society’s work in informing and educating young consumers about where their food comes from and the hard work farmers do to make sure we eat the very best of British food. For the children to be able look, hear, smell and get their hands dirty must be the most effective way to learn. For our volunteer supporters that make the day happen it is also a great learning experience for them as they get to hear what the next generation of consumer thinks of farming and food.’

Get gardening: veggies to grow with your kids! By Dani Binnington How can we expect our children to get excited about eating new foods, fruit and veggies if many of us have lost touch with the most basic of foods? Most children don’t really participate in the choosing and shopping of the foods we eat anymore. Food often gets ordered online, it arrives at the front door, everything is wrapped in plastic and a lot of it is processed in one way or another. We then present our children with plates of foods that we want them eat. At a time we decide is right. And we often want them to eat a portion size that we choose appropriate for them. Think about it: how would you feel if you had NO choice over what, when and how much you eat?! There are lots of great ideas out there on how to encourage our children to try new foods. But I am a firm believer that we are facing a huge problem as many of our children (and adults alike) have no real relationship with food anymore. Where does the food we eat come from? How does it grow? Ok, I dare you: Do you know

how broccoli grows? What about quinoa? Let alone do we know which foods grow at what time of the year. We have cabbage, avocados, asparagus and strawberries available to us all year long. My first and most natural suggestion to most parents would be to help your children build a relationship with food. Start from scratch. Grow your own. Of course, many of us don’t have gardens in which we can grow and train up runner beans, courgettes and apples. But there is something incredibly satisfying and beautiful about watching the foods we eat grow. It shows that food is alive and it brings a great realisation that food is much more than calories and macro-nutrients. Here is the exiting part: Growing your own food CAN be so SIMPLE. And inexpensive! And FUN! Get sprouting! The girls and I totally love it! Sprouting is the practice of germinating seeds. I’m sure you remember some kind of science experiment from your days back at school? It involves soaking seeds, nuts, legumes or grains for several hours, then repeatedly

rinsing them until they begin to develop a little tail. It only takes a few days and they are usually ready to eat within a few days. It’s dead simple. Plus, you can make it the children’s responsibility to rinse the sprouts daily. Mine love to be in charge! We love sprouting alfalfa or broccoli seeds which when sprouted are full of beneficial enzymes, vitamins and amino acids. Anyone can do it! Minimal equipment needed! Up-cycled masonry jars are a great way to sprout your seeds in or you could buy sprouting trays which make the whole process super easy too. Allow your children to harvest their sprouts! And then let them

be creative and have some fun! We make ‘hairy’ rye bread toasts for breakfast. Mixed salads with our sprouts are a real winner too and sometimes we simply toss our sprouts in lemon juice and olive oil and they get gobbled up just like that! Sprouting is a simple, fun and inexpensive way to start building a healthy relationship with food. And if you have a little more time and a garden or balcony, then head over to your nearest garden centre and buy a couple of tomato plants and courgettes. These require minimal maintenance and it is lovely to watch your children pick a tomato off your own plant. Ask your child to take care of the veggies as they grow. Watering the plants daily can make your child feel really involved and hence they will become much more appreciative of their own produce. Dani Binnington is a cook, yoga teacher and wellness warrior dedicated to providing practical steps for physical and mental wellbeing for the whole family. Visit www.healthywholeme. com for more recipes, classes, events and inspiration.

FAMILY PAGES

Our top 3 must have festival essentials 1. Hippychick Hipseat - The Hipseat acts as a back support for the wearer and is a very effective way of redistributing the weight from the neck, spine and shoulders. The weight is spread around the waist, hips and pelvis and the support comes from under the child rather than weight being borne from above making it perfect for carrying your child around a festival. 2. Tron – The disposable Tron potty is unusually practical and will take all those festival toilet worries away. It will fit into your changing back, in the buggy or car. The potty is lightweight, small and has a highly absorbent, biodegradable SAP pad which quickly eliminates odours, absorbing 250ml of liquid in 30 seconds. You won’t want to risk going to a festival without one again! 3. Hippychick All-in-one waterproofs – If you’re going to festival, chances are it will rain. This is the UK after all! Hippychick’s waterproof suits have been designed to be completely windproof and breathable, thus ensuring

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 the products, a wonderful succulence and taste which can be enjoyed eaten 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 Finally, our open day is on Saturday the 19th of May from 10am until 4pm. You can come and taste our complete range of products with a free glass of wine in and then Ahand llsmokers for juand have a tour of the st learn about the art of hot and cold smoking before having a delicious breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in our restaurant. Norinto Then settle shop and maour lly £5 Incsummer plan your ludes menus. 0 Deliv ery

The Somerset Smokery BOX S U G A R A P S A THE

How many colours isAsparagus f o s le d n u B the Hippychick Hipseat 2 • available in? oketod Salmon Smanswer Email g your • 200 enter@hippychick.com. The mbya type Ham r a winners willd be P notified re u c ir A • email on 31st May 2018. t Fillets • A Pair of Trou st hole Duck Brea W 1 • in beautiful,

complete comfort and protection for your child or toddler in all weathers. Hippychick are helping you get ready for summer outings by giving away three Hipseats! To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question:

£35

Easy self-catering timeless north Devon It is easy to fall in love with mid north Devon…. again and again…. at the turn of each season. From the sunshine on the snow to the sunshine ripening the corn. The magic of forests bare of leaf, to the budding of leaves and blossom. Devon fruitfulness is everywhere, in field and lane, valley and hills, moor and coast. To see the lanes bordered by flower filled banks and overhung by canopies of leaf is to feel the vibrancy of new life pulsing through the earth. So too with the lakes, rivers and streams running to a sea edged with great sandy beaches. This is where gardens abound, centuries old crafts thrive, alongside myths and magic, market towns, fishing villages and seaside resorts. Visitor attractions reflect a lifestyle of service to land and water shaped by the endless variety of the landscape. And at the heart of all are long traditions of hospitality, welcome and good food. This is where Torridge House and its 9 cottages are to be found. Overlooking wooded valleys and wide-open countryside, it is a marvellous place to stay. The cottages are lovely, gardens are great for play and relaxation, and the menagerie of baby rabbits,

Open day at Brown & Forrest Smokery

guinea pigs, chickens and mice are fun and a lovely way to meet other families for an hour or so each day.

SMOKERY OPEN DAY

OPEN DAY SATURDAY 19TH MAY

Saturday 19th May 10am - 4pm

Tour the Smokery Taste all the products Free glass of wine u A lovely treat Shop stocked to the gunnels Restaurant open, booking advisable Mail order service available

Prices for a cottage for 4 in May start from £267. See www. torridgehouse.co.uk or call for a chat on 01805 622 542.

Order online, phone and in person

Shop and restaurant in Hambridge, Somerset TA10 0BP

Great cuddles without the backache

01458 250875 or visit www.brownandforrest.co.uk

Little Torrington, North Devon, EX38 8PS t: 01805 622542 www.torridgehouse.co.uk

www.hippychick.com 01278 434440

Parent Talk May 2018 3

4 Parent Talk December 2012

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Parent talk events

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. M A R K E T S . T H E AT R E S . FA I R S . F E T E S . S H O W S . E X H I B I T I O N S .

9th-10th May: Peppa Pig’s Adventure. Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ. Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with her school friends. With lunch boxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor adventure, full of games, laughter and live music! Wed: 1pm & 4pm, Thurs: 10am (signed performance) & 1pm. 0844 871 7627 9th-11th May: A Night at the Musicals. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. Stunning costumes complement this fastmoving, exuberant variety show guaranteed to have something for everyone. From tap, modern and lyrical dance, from West End excerpts to the latest Movie hits. 7.30pm. 01935 422884 10th May: Swan Lake, presented by the Vienna Festival Ballet. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare, BS23 1HP. Lavish costumes, stunning scenery, international stars, and glorious music from Tchaikovsky make this a night not to be missed. 7.30pm. 01934 645544 11th May: The Little Mermaid performed by Ballet Theatre UK. Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, TA2 8PD. Join Ballet Theatre UK for a dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s all-time favourite story of The Little Mermaid, who falls in love with a human prince and gives up everything to win his love. 2.30pm. The kind hearted Little Mermaid rescues the prince during a storm at sea, and begins a journey that takes her far from her home beneath the waves. Determined to pursue her love on to the shore she makes a bargain with an evil Sea Witch, but it comes at a heavy price. Ballet Theatre UK’s charming and poignant ballet explores the nature of longing, how choices have lasting consequences and how goodness can be rewarded in unexpected ways. 7.30pm. 01823 414141

11th-13th May: What the Ladybird Heard. The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton, TA1 1JL. Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: the Ladybird has a plan of her own! Join the woolly sheep, the hairy dog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this glittering stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure. With live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs! Age: 3+. Times vary. 01823 283244 12th May: Whoosh. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Delightful, wordless performance in which three musicians – a trombonist, a clarinettist and a French Horn player – use the language of music to explore the world of breath and wind. In this enthralling world every waft turns into a beautiful sound – from a gust through your hair to blowing up a beach ball and even the blast of your dad sneezing! 11.30am & 3pm. 01225 823409 12th May: Somerset Day Craft Fair. Bishops Lydeard Village Hall, TA4 3LH. 12th May: Somerset Day: Hammet Street and St Mary Magdalene Church, TA1 1SA. 10am-4pm. Over 70 local food and drink producers, with free Hawksmoor Cookery School and The Retreat Demo Stage. With livestock, tractos and buskers. Free entry. 12th-13th May: Bath Spring Fair, Parade Gardens, Grand Parade, Bath, BA2 4DF. A spring fair featuring more than 50 stalls selling everything from locally-sourced food, stylish crafts and garden plants. 11am-5pm. 12th-13th May: Motiv8 presents: Aladdin Jr. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20

1UX. Motiv8Productions present a breath-taking set, mind-blowing special effects, and spectacular costumes at The Octagon Theatre, with the Disney favourite Aladdin. Bringing the magic of Disney’s Aladdin to life and featuring all the songs from the classic award-winning film, prepare to experience the unmissable ‘theatrical magic’ that is Aladdin. Sat: 7.30pm, Sun: 2pm & 6pm. 01935 422884 13th May: Whoosh. The Edge, University of Bath, BA2 7AY. Delightful, wordless performance in which three musicians – a trombonist, a clarinettist and a French Horn player – use the language of music to explore the world of breath and wind. In this enthralling world every waft turns into a beautiful sound – from a gust through your hair to blowing up a beach ball and even the blast of your dad sneezing! 12noon & 2.30pm. 01225 386777 14th-15th May: A Spoonful of Sherman. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare, BS23 1HP. A compelling musical stage show for all the family, celebrating the life and music of multi-award winning Disney songwriters The Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Jungle Book, Winnie the Pooh), Tin Pan Alley songwriter Al Sherman (writer for artists including Frank Sinatra, Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald), and present day composer, Robert J. Sherman. Mon: 7.30pm, Tues: 2.30pm & 7.30pm. 01934 645544 18th-19th May: Ballet Central perform at the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Young dancers on the cusp of their professional careers perform a mixed bill, featuring works by world-renowned choreographers. Fri: 7pm, Sat: 11.30am & 3pm. Age: 4+. 01225 823409 19th May: Family Fun Day. Town Hall, Magdalene Street,

Glastonbury, BA6 9EL. 10.30am-2.30pm 19th May: Levels’ Best Craft & Farmers’ Markets. Montacute House, Montacute, TA15 6XP. Held in the old stables, this ever popular and award winning ‘best in Somerset’ market is a must for those who like top quality local produce and crafts. 10am-2pm. The event is free but normal admission charges apply for the venue. 01935 823289 19th May: Museums at Night: access all areas. The American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD. 6-9pm. Head into uncharted territory to uncover the mysteries of the Museum in this fun family evening of hi jinks and storytelling. 01225 460503 19th-20th May: Dear Zoo. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare, BS23 1HP. Dear Zoo the timeless children’s classic book makes it stage premiere. Rod Campbell’s best-selling life the flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982 and has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide. This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. Sat: 1pm & 3.30pm, Sun: 11am & 2pm. 01934 645544 22nd-23rd May: Company 3. Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton, TA2 8PD. Enjoy an evening of singing, dancing and acting performed by the talented students from Heathfield Community School. Company 3 is formed by members of the year 7 & 8 choir, dance and drama clubs who have worked together to bring you an exhilarating evening of entertainment. Tues & Wed: 7pm. 01823 414141 26th May: Thank ABBA for the music. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. Grab your platforms and flares for a journey back in time to when

Ten Tors with Smartie and George Can two Dartmoor ponies REALLY make a difference to whether teenagers with a range of challenging behaviours and complex needs complete a gruelling trek across Dartmoor? Fresh Tracks programme, the special equine assisted learning category of the Jubilee Challenge at Ten Tors, was put together by the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust at the request of the British Army. Not only does this reflect the important regard in which the true moorland-bred Dartmoor 4 Parent Talk May 2018

pony is held, it also reflects the Army's understanding that there is a growing need to support young people who are struggling to succeed in school or in their home lives due to autism, high anxiety, poverty, low self esteem, past abuse - and much in between. On Saturday 12th May, Dartmoor ponies Smartie and George will be the motivators that should enable 12 Devon teenagers to succeed in achieving something they would not have thought possible a few

weeks ago. Smartie and George line in front of Haytor ©Malcolm Snelgrove

ABBA dominated the charts and ruled the airwaves! A twohour spectacular that captures all of the magic and excitement of one of pop history’s most successful and entertaining live bands, featuring all of ABBA’s greatest hits. 7.30pm. 01935 422884 26th May – 3rd June: Half term family trail: the sounds of spring. Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA2 8LG. From robins to chiffchaffs and blackcaps to wrens, discover who are the early risers adding their songs to the chorus. Normal admission applies. Pick up a trail sheet at reception. 01823 413923 26th-27th May: Togas and Tunics at the Roman Baths, Bath, BA1 1LZ. Discover how the Romans dressed and try wearing a toga. 10am-12.30pm and 1.30-4pm. 01225 463362 26th-27th May: Handa’s Surprise. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Based on the much-loved book by Eileen Browne, travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Handa is taking 7 delicious fruits as a surprise, but 7 different animals have 7 very different ideas…could you resist the sweet-smelling guava? How about a ripe red mango or a tangy purple passion fruit? A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation. Ages: 2-6. 10.30am, 11.45am & 2.30pm. 01225 823409 28th May: Sherborne Castle Country Fair & Rare Breeds Show. See p5 for details. 28th May: Stoke sub Hamdon May Fayre 2018. Memorial Hall, Stoke sub Hamdon, TA14 6QP. 11.30am-5pm. Traditional May fayre includes Morris and Maypole dancing, children’s entertainer, crafts, exciting foods and locally brewed beers and cider. A fun family day out, open to all. 28th May-1st June: Treasuring the Past at the Roman Baths, Bath, BA1 1LZ. Make a Roman-inspired treasure chest to keep your precious things in. 10am12.30pm and 1.30-4pm. Included in admission price. 01225 463362 29th May: Wildlife Days – Barrington Court, Barrington TA19 0NQ. Wildlife crafts and a variety of hands-on activities with the Somerset Wildlife Trust, Wildlfowl & Wetlands Trust, Somerset Moth Group,

Bumblebee Conservation Trust and others. 10.30am-3.30pm. 01460 241938 29th May: Get Knitted, Bath Fashion Museum, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH. 10.30am12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm. Find out about ‘messy knitting’ then use finger knitting to make a cuff, neckpiece or something from your imagination! 01225 477173 29th May: Bird mobile workshops, Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA2 8LG. 10.15am3.15pm Five workshops throughout the day. Booking recommended. £2 per child, normal admission applies. 01823 413923 30th May: Spring Blossoms at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, BA2 4AT. Enjoy creating a blossom picture using mixed media. 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm. 01225 477232 30th May-1st June: Victorian Falconry at Dunster Castle, Dunster, TA24 6SL. Visit the Victorian Hawk House where a variety of hawks, owls and falcons can be seen at roost, chat to the period-costumed falconers and meet Bella the working dog. Every display is different and some require help from lucky hand-picked volunteers. 11am-4pm. 01643 821314 30th May-2nd June: The Royal Bath & West Show. See p5 for details 31st May – 2nd June: Peter Pan. Musical at the Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. This version of the musical was made in 1995 for the West End production and Tour. A delightful score adds charm to the original classic and will endear the theatrical fantasy to both old and new audiences. Thurs: 7pm, Fri: 2pm & 7pm, Sat: 2pm & 7pm. 01935 422884 1st-2nd June: Found. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Exploratory dance performance for young audiences with inquiring minds. Ages: 4-7. 11.30am & 3pm. 01225 823409 2nd June: Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music. The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, TA1 1JL. 7pm. 01823 283244 2nd June: Sky and Rubble: PAW Patrol at West Somerset Railway. See p5 for details. 2nd-3rd June: Togas and Tunics at the Roman Baths, Bath, BA1 1LZ. Discover how the Romans dressed and try wearing a toga. 10am-12.30pm and 1.30-4pm. 01225 463362 3rd June: The Little Mermaid performed by Ballet Theatre UK. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. 2.30pm. 01935 422884

OUT & ABOUT FAMILY

Royal Bath & West Show

the Woodland and Countryside Conservation Area, The Dorset Axeman will perform numerous feats with Axes and razor-sharp saws! Farming for the Family sees an all new display ring, while machinery will be to the fore in the Main Ring with an all new tractor spectacular in aid of the Show’s chosen charity Child Bereavement UK. Our 600+ exhibitors offer an unrivalled shopping experience while over 125 producers of the finest food and drink in Britain will offer plenty to please your palette. With over 50 hours of entertainment each day of show you’ll be sure to find something to keep the whole family happy!

Tickets are now on sale with two children’s tickets FREE with every Advance Saver adult. Head to www.bathandwest.com to buy yours!

30 May - 2 June 2018

Two C Go F hildren ree Adva With nc Adu lt Tic e kets !

Sherborne Castle Country Fair & Rare Breeds Show

©Tom Campbell

Celebrate Great British Agriculture, Entertainment, Food and Drink at the Royal Bath & West Show 2018! Taking place at the Bath & West Showground, Somerset from 30 May to 2 June, England’s Royal Four Day Show offers visitors an array of attractions from world class livestock to live music, and the very best of British Food & Drink. The Show is steeped in elite competition including: The British Cheese Awards, British Cider Championships, world class show jumping, international sheep shearing and Six Nations Wool Handling! Extreme Bike Battle will perform amazing BMX stunts and offer tuition to visitors in the revamped Sports Village. In

PAW Patrol at West Somerset Railway

The West Somerset Railway is a heritage railway offering a fun day out for all the family. Nestled in the Somerset Countryside, four miles outside the county town of Taunton, our trains depart from Bishops Lydeard to the seaside town of Minehead. Nine idyllic stations are situated along the line which includes the historic harbour town of Watchet with its harbour, small shops, cafes, pubs, museums and beaches to keep you busy. The medieval village of Dunster, is home to The National Trust’s Dunster Castle, also an old Yarn Market building which is flanked on

either side by shops, tea rooms, Dunster Museum and doll Museum. On 2nd June PAW Patrol’s Skye and Rubble will be making appearances on Minehead station at intervals throughout the day. There will be lots of entertainment on the platform too including a Helter Skelter and bouncy castle, facepainting, an entertainer and crafts. We have further meet and greet days later on in the year, with visits from The Gruffalo on 8th September. The characters will be appearing on Minehead Platform at intervals on each date. For more information about the railway and what we have to offer please visit our website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or contact us on 01643 704996

Bank Holiday Monday 29 May 2017 The Fair is open from 10am to 6pm and car parking is free Raising funds for children’s charities and organised by volunteers, Sherborne Castle Country Fair is held annually in the magnificent grounds of Sherborne Castle. It is one of the most popular events in the area presenting a rich programme of events, country activities, stands and entertainment including one of the best Rare Breed Shows in the country. For one day in early summer each year, one of the country's finest settings is transformed into a fun-filled day out for all ages - including spectacular lakeside Dragon Boat Racing, Circus, Gundog Retriever Trials in the Deer Park, Dog Shows, Scurries and Main Ring Events.

Entrance Prices 2018 Adult £12.50 Children (aged 5-14) £4.00 Family Ticket £30.00* *Admits two adults & three fee-paying children FREE Under 5 years Tickets purchased in advance via the website, Sherborne TIC and our Hotline give 15% discount Disabled visitors can access all areas, enjoy forward parking and disabled facilities around the Fair Find us Post code: DT9 5NR

Sherborne Castle Sherborne Castle Country Fair Country & Rare Breeds ShowFair

COME AND SEE

SKYE & RUBBLE

Sherborne Castle & Rare Breeds Show Country Fair

2ND june 2018

& Rare Breeds Show J. Phot ra og

28 MAY 2018 ph

BANK 28HOLIDAY MAYMONDAY 2018

2810AM MAY - 6PM2018 BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY BANKOrganised HOLIDAY MONDAY by 10AM& -run 6PM volunteers to raise funds 10AM -& 6PM Organised runfor by West Country Children’s Charities volunteers to raise funds for Organised & run by West CountrytoChildren’s volunteers raise fundsCharities for

TICKETS & INFORMATION West Country Charities TICKETS Children’s & INFORMATION PAWSOME ADVENTURES!

© 2018 Spin Master PAW Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved. PAW Patrol and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Spin Master Ltd. Nickelodeon and all related titles and logo are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

www.bathandwest.com follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

Skye AND RUBBLE ARE COMING TO THE wEST SOMERSET RAILWAY WHERE THEY WILL BE MAKING APPEARANCES AT INTERVALS THROUGHOUT THE DAY AT MINEHEAD STATION.

TRAIN TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! visit www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or phone 01643 704996

TICKETS & 813 INFORMATION 01749 899 899 01749 813

01749 813 899 ADULT £12.50 CHILD £4 £4 ADULT £12.50 CHILD FAMILY £30CHILD FAMILY £30 £4 ADULT £12.50 FAMILY £30 15% discount when 15% discount when purchased in when advance purchased in advance 15% discount FREE PARKING purchased in advance FREE PARKING FREE PARKING

SherborneCastle SherborneCastle CountryFair CountryFair

www.sherbornecountryfair.com www.sherbornecountryfair.com www.sherbornecountryfair.com Parent Talk May 2018 5

6 Parent Talk December 2012

OUT & ABOUT

30 Days Wild challenge Kids can learn about wildlife at Secret World be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential and the cost is £6 per child and £4 for each additional sibling. Some time will be spent outdoors so those attending are advised to bring warm waterproof clothing and footwear. In May Secret World will be launching a new regular session for under-fives called Owlets. Each fortnightly session will encourage young children to learn about the natural environment through stories, games, outdoor activities, crafts and play. The first session will take place on Wednesday 9th May from 10am to 11.30am and will be based on the popular children’s book Owl Babies. Owlets will be run by Secret World’s experienced Learning and Engagement Officer Ellie Wallace on the second and fourth Wednesday each month during term time.

“It’s never too soon to learn about British wildlife and the importance of looking out for wild animals and their natural habitats,” said Ellie. “We're really excited to start learning with our young visitors and we hope that both the Home Educator sessions and the Owlets scheme will help children to better understand the importance of British wildlife and the environment. Hopefully they will also be having lots of fun at the same time!”

To sign up for the Home Educator programme or Owlets please email Ellie.Wallace@secretworld.org or call 01278 783250 or visit www.secretworld.org

world. As people’s appreciation of natural beauty increases, so does their happiness. We respond to beauty - it restores us and balances our emotions. This, in turn, encourages people to do more to help wildlife and take action for nature.” The latest set of results from the study of 30 Days Wild also confirms that the benefits of the challenge last well after the month has ended. There are indications that the beneficial impact of taking part could last an entire year. Lucy McRobert, Campaigns Manager for The Wildlife Trusts said: “30 Days Wild is a lovely way to get closer to nature and marvel at the everyday wildlife that lives all around you. Sit quietly and enjoy watching dragonflies dance over a pond or take a moment to sow a window-box of wildflowers to help bees. Get together with your neighbours to create hedgehog highways or sow front-garden meadows along the length of your street. No matter how small the action, it all counts!” 30 Days Wild pack Sign-up to 30 Days Wild and you’ll get a free pack with a booklet of inspirational ideas for Random Acts of Wildness, a recipe for wild strawberry and thyme ice cream, wildflower seeded paper to sow, a wall chart to record your activities and wild stickers. There are special packs for schools with outdoor lesson plans and giant Random Acts of

There’s lots going on for children at Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill, Somerset. The animal rescue charity has launched two new schemes with youngsters in mind: a new Home Educators programme for people whose children are home-schooled and a fun new under-fives club. The newly launched Home Educators programme gives home-schooled children and their families a chance to learn about British wildlife and the environment, make new friends and have fun. During the monthly twohour learning sessions children and their parents will be able to find out more about our native wildlife, play games, make crafts and take part in outdoor activities. The sessions are suitable for children aged from 5 to 11 years old, and all children must

New research reveals nature’s beauty increases happiness This June’s 30 Days Wild challenge from The Wildlife Trusts will encourage thousands of people across the UK to make their neighbourhoods wilder – to help wildlife and get communities sharing the joy of the wild. Academics at the University of Derby who have monitored the challenge since it began in 2015 have discovered that spending time in nature makes us feel good. 30 Days Wild encourages people to notice nature on their doorsteps every single day and gives them a multitude of exciting and fun ways of doing it. The University of Derby’s evaluation of 30 Days Wild 2017 included new measures and reveals that people’s perception of beauty in the natural world is a key ingredient to unlocking the benefits of wellbeing and happiness experienced by participants in the challenge. Dr Miles Richardson, Director of Psychology, University of Derby explains: “Over the past three years we’ve repeatedly found that taking part in 30 Days Wild improves health, happiness, nature connection and conservation behaviours. Now we’ve discovered that engagement with the beauty of nature is part of that story. “Tuning-in to the everyday beauty of nature becomes part of a journey which connects us more deeply to the natural

Wildness cards. Business can join in too, with tailored download packs to bring the ‘wild’ to work. 30 Days Wild 2018 neighbourhood theme This year’s theme is all about helping wildlife in your neighbourhood and our pack has inspiring ideas for sharing the challenge locally. See great ways to green-up your street from carving hedgehog holes in fences to putting up bird and bat boxes and doing a local litter pick. New: first ever Big Wild Weekend! The first ever Big Wild Weekend takes place 16th – 17th June! It’s a new ingredient for 2018 to mark the middle of the 30 Days Wild challenge. Wildlife Trusts across the UK will hold special events – there are over 100 events taking place – including night safaris, wild festivals, seashore safaris, bioblitzes, mammal tracking, bushcraft, family nature nights, big wild picnics, wild river dips and much more…

A garden centre and more at Willowbrook 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 growyour-own including many of your favourites, and for the greenhouse we now have tomatoes and cucumbers available. The Café & Tea-rooms are open all day for either a relaxing drink in the sun or maybe a ‘cheeky’ cream tea? The Pet Shop has a great range of food, treats and toys for most pets and a range of wild bird food and feeders. The wine shop called ‘Winesolution’ has a great selection of wine. The Aquatic shop has now been open for a year and they have many fish and all of the accessories for inside but with the better weather the pond season has started with fish, 6 Parent Talk May 2018

plants including Lilies, preformed pools, waterfalls, filters and pumps and more. 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 so you can browse before you buy and don’t forget we have a click and collect service. Our friendly and helpful staff look forward to seeing you!

OUT & ABOUT FAMILY

Camping fun at Fun for all at Mill on the Brue Puxton Park

Paignton Zoo May half term ©Ray Wiltshire

Summer Holidays should always be fun, maybe a bit crazy, a time to make new friends, discover more about yourself or others, achieve something different. For six weeks out of school, no rigid timetables, exams over and done with, a sense of freedom, independence, long days, laughter, exploration, hopefully a hot, sunny summer. But what will you do with this new found freedom? This is where Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre based in Bruton, Somerset fits the bill. There’s a beautiful river valley, fields, and woods to discover. Not only are there over forty exciting and challenging activities and tasks to try which include two huge zip wires which whizz

across the river, a daring high ropes complete with leap of faith, climbing tower and jump, canoeing down the River Brue, an expedition, raft building & racing, camping, fire lighting & cooking, feeding & petting animals, cooking pizzas & bread in a clay oven, archery, a giant water slide, a disco and concert, but friendships to make, the fun instructors who guide you, the delicious, home cooked and mostly organic meals - the whole programme breathtakingly brilliant. You can come for a day Mondays to Fridays 8.30am to 5.30pm in the summer holidays from 23rd July, and that scrumptious lunch is included, or a one or two week residential summer camp beginning on 8th July.

All details on www.millonthebrue.co.uk or ring 01749 812307, email info@millonthebrue.co.uk to learn more. You won’t regret it!

Looking for a fun day out? Why not Visit Puxton Park near Weston-super-Mare. With over 30 fantastic attractions and rides including a brand new High Ropes Course, Puxton Park is a great family day out! No matter the weather, there’s always lots of fun at Puxton Park. Along with the adrenaline course, water walkerz and bumper boats, Puxton Park has everything to satisfy the adventure seekers out there! For those with a preference for a more relaxed day, there’s also a new animal discovery barn which homes rare breeds of sheep, pigs and goats. The falconry centre will wow

you with their daily shows that showcase the many rare and exotic birds. Once you’ve finished adventuring outside, make sure to visit the massive 3-storey soft play barn and have a bite to eat in the awardwinning Meadows Restaurant. Puxton Park is the place to go this half -term with all sorts of fun activities going on. There will be mascot discos, magic shows, arts & crafts, animal antics and Nutty Noah, of course! On the 20th May, visit Puxton Park for the “Royal Tea Party” where your little ones will drink tea, eat finger sandwiches and dine like royalty with Belle and Elsa.

It’s Zooper Pooper Week at Paignton Zoo! Follow the “Poo dunnit?’’ trail around the Zoo, solve the clues and discover which poo belongs to which animal! Discover fun facts about animals and their poo on the trail sheet and on social media.

Attend keeper talks to discover some fabulous extra facts – such as the weight of poo produced by Duchess the elephant! The Education team will be out and about with a pack of very special cards, inviting guests of all ages to play “Plop trumps”...

GAP

For more information, follow Puxton Park on Facebook or visit www.puxton.co.uk

Summer camp

Day and resid

ential

www.millonthebr ue .co.uk

Bruton, Somerset BA10 0BA 01749 812 307

Parent Talk May 2018 7

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

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Book Bag Spot the difference s!

VEN E S E R A E R E TH YOU N A C S E C N E DIFFER LL? SPOT THEM A

WIN N I W WIN WIN

An Inflatable Roller Wheel

This inflatable kid-sized Roller Wheel has been designed with roly-poly fun in mind! It's the perfect size for youngsters to climb through or roll around in and is suitable for use both indoors and out. Complete with a collection of colourful balls inside that jiggle and bounce around as the wheel rotates, this interactive toy really captures kids' imaginations. What's more, because it's made from durable inflatable plastic, it's suitable for use both indoors and out - just be sure to use it on the grass if you're outside to avoid any potential punctures! As well as being brilliant fun, the Roller Wheel also helps children sharpen skills like coordination, cooperative play, physical strength, visual and auditory stimulation and more. Plus, because it comes with pump that makes inflating it easy, you

won't get out of puff before the playing begins! ✿ Inflatable Roller Wheel is designed for kids to climb through or roll around in ✿ Suitable for use both indoors and out ✿ Holds up to 80 pounds (approx 5 stone 7pounds / 36kg) ✿ 39 inch inner diameter ✿ Do not use on or near public roads ✿ Do not use on or near to water The Thumbs Up Roller Wheel Costs 33.18 from Amazon.

Parent Talk have 2 Roller Wheels to give away. For your chance to win, rearrange the words below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 23 May 2018 6pm. You must be aged 18 or over to enter.

LEOLRR HELEW

Entrants must be aged 18 or over.

To find the answers to the puzzles and enter our competition visit www.parenttalk.org.uk

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PUT THE CAKE IN THE FREEZER?

MUSICAL HARES.

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Bank Holiday Monday 28 May 2018 The Fair is open from 10am to 6pm and car parking is free

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Sherborne Castle Country Fair & Rare Breeds Show

YOU CAN’T PUT THEM ON THE BOTTOM.

WHAT GOES UP AND NEVER COMES DOWN? YOUR AGE!

WHY ARE BIRTHDAYS GOOD FOR YOU? PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE MOST LIVE THE LONGEST.

To find the answers to the puzzles and enter our competition visit www.parenttalk.org.uk

un for all children… Climbing wall, learn to juggle, stilt walking… visit the Circus big top

nlimited fun… Having a go at archery, lazer shooting, working model tanks!

ative & Rare Breeds…pigs, sheep, cattle, poultry… from bulls & heavy horses to chicks! There will be lots of them at the Fair.

nimals… galore to watch performing, competing or just being cute… Creepy crawlies, snakes, miniature donkeys, ferret racing, donkey rides, with dogs all over the show ground, competing, racing and jumping in the lake!

T F A I

ractors…steam engines, farming equipment and vintage cars ind…a good spot next to the lake to enjoy the excitement of Dragon Boats Racing all day… mazing… motorbike display by ‘Monkey Stunts’ in main ring!

ce-creams…biscuits…cakes…smoothies… fresh fruit drinks… burgers and chips!

ides…Rodeo Bull, Water Walkers, Zorbs, Jungle Run, Helter Skelter, Giant Bubbles!

Parent Talk have 2 family tickets to give away. For your chance to win, answer the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 22nd May 2018.

WHAT DATE IS SHERBORNE CASTLE COUNTRY FAIR? For more information or purchase advance tickets now and save 15%: Hotline 01749 813 899 www.sherbornecountryfair.co.uk Entrants must be aged 18 or over.

10 Parent Talk December 2012

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Birthday parties at home and how to survive them by Katie Seward

Let’s admit it: children’s birthdays can be stressful! The long awaited day and the count down from 7¾ to 7½, 7 and 2 months etc is here and it’s time for present opening. In my experience, shopping for that much wanted present can go in two directions. The first is that you’re super organised and get the oh so longed for present that your child has been going on about day and night. Said present is now wrapped and you can’t wait to watch his face when he opens it. Or it can all go horribly pear shaped. You decide to wait until your child has finally made up their mind what exactly they want and leave it too late. This means that when they finally announce they only want an orange spotted unicorn and nothing else, you’re thrown into a blind panic. It’s endearing, you convince yourself, that they’re not at all materialistic and how hard can it really be to find what they’re after. Then you start looking and suddenly the most commercialised, plastic toy has instant appeal after all. That’s just the start of it. The next hurdle is the birthday party. If you value your sanity, booking a party with a company is well worth it. If your child has a friend with a birthday around the same time, then consider sharing costs as the chances are they might be inviting the same children anyway. If you’re feeling brave, there’s always the party at home option which can be great but requires military planning.

A few points to consider: Presents – decide whether you’re going to open them with the guests or put them to one side. Whatever you do, be consistent and have a pen and paper to jot down who has given what. Waiting until after the party has several advantages: 1) The birthday child can enjoy unwrapping presents when everything is a bit calmer 2) You can keep track of who has given what 3) No name and shame for the child whose mother has forgotten to buy a present, left it behind etc 4) No embarrassing outbursts of ‘I’ve got this already’. Party games – choose games that are age appropriate Consider also how much running about they need to do and how well they know each other. Starting the party with an ice breaker can be a good way to ensure everyone feels included as even the most confident of children can feel shy when in an unfamiliar house for the first time. Pass the parcel, musical statues and musical chairs are favourites for a reason. They are tried and tested. They also have the added advantage of everyone knows the rules. On that point, don’t be afraid to assert your authority. If someone is out, for instance in musical statues, they are out. Children have a highly developed sense of fair play and if someone is still in, despite permanently moving, the chances are the other guests won’t be afraid to let you know. Keeping control is vital.

Pass the parcel – decide if you’re having a small treat in between each layer and make a note of how many you have. Avoid too many as children can become very bored if having to sit still for too long and will wander off. An alternative is to have a bowl of sweets to hand and offer one each time the music stops and the child takes off a wrapping. Kim’s game – items on a tray. This is a good one for calming things down. Have a tray with random items on it eg pepper pot, clothes peg, pencil. Around 10-15 items is a good number. Let children look at it for a couple of minutes, then cover it up. Give them each a pen and paper and get them to write down how many items they can remember. This can be played individually if they’re older or for a younger age group, try putting them into teams with an adult as leader who can act as scribe as they recall each item. Tag – space permitting, this is always popular and letting them run around in the garden is a good way of letting off excess energy. Pin the tail on the donkey – another good one for younger children (ages 3-5). If you struggle to draw a donkey, pin the tail on a cat, pig or whatever you can draw, works just as well. Whatever games you choose, try and assess the mood of the party and keep the pace balanced between energetic and quiet games. That way, you can keep boredom/activity levels in check.

Food Assuming you have checked for allergies, sandwiches, crisps, fresh fruit, drink, mini sausages, cheese etc are always good options. Don’t be tempted to make plates of sandwiches way in advance as there’s a high chance marmite/ jam/cheese will be met with stony silence. So long as you have fresh sliced bread to hand and various spreads, it can be easier sometimes to make them as guests finish each plateful. If going for this option, have soft butter/margarine to hand. Jelly and ice cream is a traditional favourite but much as the kids might like to see the amazing rabbit jelly you have created, the chances are they won’t actually eat it! If you’re going for ice cream, make sure you have a decent scoop and that the ice cream is at the correct temperature to serve. Take it out too early and it runs off the plate; forget to take it out of the freezer and it’s impossible to serve. If you want to keep it simple, buy ice creams to hand out. Top tip – buy the same flavour. This avoids arguments of who wants strawberry vs chocolate and means children don’t go home in tears. Birthday cake Singing Happy Birthday at the party is compulsory and often the climax of the whole party when the cake is ceremoniously paraded in. However, everyone and especially the birthday child can start to get over tired and emotional so keep things simple. If the cake is easy to cut up and serve, feel free to go ahead. If, however, you’re worried that

those castle walls are going to cave in, don’t ruin the magic. Instead take it away and prepare it for party bags. Party bags Love them or loathe them, they’re here to stay. Again, keep it simple. You can name them if you’re feeling particularly organised but work on the assumption that once you start personalising things, it can go awry as someone walks off with the wrong bag. As mentioned earlier, the children may be tired at this stage but the chances are you’re shattered, having been up at silly o’clock to get the party ready so it’s all too easy to hand the wrong bag to the wrong child. Suggestions for party bags: small bar of chocolate, pad of paper and pencil, bouncy ball, small toy, piece of birthday cake, something useful eg eggcup, stickers, pencil sharpener, small bubble baths. House preparation Work on the assumption that over excited children might crash into things so clear that vase, lamp and anything else breakable. Make sure any kettles, irons and other electrical curiosities are out of the way of that particularly inquisitive child. Accept that not

all children are party animals and there might just be one who’s in full exploration mode. Make sure you have a first aid kit to hand and contact numbers for parents. Assume that there will always be someone late collecting a child so keep a few hours free after the party ends. This way you can reassure a child that mum/ dad is on their way but stuck in traffic and keep things calm. At this point, if you have a DVD to hand, now could be the time to put it on. Children can become very anxious when things don’t go to plan and it’ll take his mind off things. Tidy up time Don’t worry about the trail of destruction being created at the party. Now is not the time to be house proud and a stressed mother screaming at the children not to knock things over doesn’t add to the joy of the occasion. Once everyone has gone, have a quiet sit down if needs be, deep breaths and then time to roll your sleeves up. Remember, try and enjoy the party. It’s a special day after all and when you’re into the round of hosting parties for teenagers, pass the parcel will seem a very happy memory indeed.

No stress, no mess, leave the party to us! Whether you are 6 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; Pirates, Minecraft, Starwars, Frozen, Jungle, Prince and Princess, Cute animals, Monsters, Disney character, Witches and Wizards

Holiday Clubs, Parties and Adult Workshops Craft Studio fabulous craft Having a Birthday? Bodley Craft Parties.ANo Stress, No Mess.

studio, minutes from

Children’s party: Tell us your theme; pirate, 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!

Wellington Easter Holiday Club town with for 8-12 year olds 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

Holiday Clubs for 8-14’s

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

10 Parent Talk May 2018

- or tell us your favourite craft activity. We will theme the party to suit you! £17.50 per head to include: ● Invitations ● Craft and all Materials ● Party Game or Quiz - with prizes! ● Party Meal ● Party Bags We can also provide a themed/ personalised decorated Birthday cake with candles for an additional £15. PixelHobby Party As well as our craft parties, we are now also offering 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. £15 per child. Adult's Craft Party Bunting, cushions, appliqué, mosaics, painting and much more! ● Teenage Birthday ● 30th, 40th or 50th ● Friends or family gathering ● Work colleagues getting together ● Or for no reason at all! Contact us with your ideas and we will build the party around you! From £20 per head, includes craft, all materials, refreshments and nibbles. For more information on parties and summer activity craft days, visit www.bodleycraft.co.uk or call Sam on 07525 127878.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES FAMILY

Jump N Jackz is available for exclusive disco parties and private hire. Each package offers a hot or cold meal, a selection of pudding, party bags for each child attending, and time in our disco area, as well as unlimited play afterwards. Standard parties: £10.95 a child; deluxe parties: £11.95 a child (both with a minimum of 12 to pay for). Deluxe parties offer more

choice in food, additional content in party bags, a party game and a pass entitling the birthday child to free play at Jump N Jackz for a whole month! Whilst here, you can make the most of our café, open from 9:30am until 5pm 7 days a week. With access to a large carpark and facilities to entertain children of all ages, you won’t have a dull moment here!

For more info, or to enquire about party availability, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Tel: 01934 641226 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JumpNJackz/

Cupcake parties, birthday cakes and weddings!

The popular children’s birthday classes have been running for 5 years now and are extremely popular, so booking is essential! Saturdays and school holidays only (subject to availability).

free juice and a biscuit and on Tuesdays we have a coffee morning with a free cake with every hot drink purchased. Why not book your child’s birthday party with us? We offer party rooms which can hold up to 40 people and a party host to help with your party. To make your child’s party extra special invite Jolly the rabbit, Olaf or Elsa to join you on your child’s special day. We are a small family run business based at junction 24 near North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset. Follow our Facebook page for information and further details about any special events that we may be running. Free parking is available on site. We are open 7 days a week (except Christmas).

Opening times Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm Sat 9am-6pm Unit 2 Market way, North Petherton, Bridgwater TA6 6DF 01278 663456

Visit their website or email for class details. www.wakeycakeykitchen.co.uk Enquiries@wakeycakeykitchen.co.uk

Multi Award Winning Cake Design ✿ Children’s cupcake classes ✿ Birthday cakes ✿ Wedding cakes Glastonbury - Somerset www.wakeycakeykitchen.co.uk 01458 898417 follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

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. Nathan and his team offer both boys and girls of 4 -10 years a unique opportunity to race battery powered go-karts 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 GoKart 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, GoKart Party is accessible all year round at a venue near you.

You can check out the fantastic feedback Nathan receives from parents on www.facebook.com/GoKartPartySW and for more information contact Nathan on 07703 719 402, nathan@go-kartparty.co.uk or visit www.gokartpartysw.co.uk

N Jac p m

Established in 2012, Wakey Cakey Kitchen is a multiaward-winning wedding cake company, based in Glastonbury who also happen to make extremely quirky birthday cakes! Specialising in Novelty designs like cars and dragons, trains and dinosaurs, or even castles and crocodiles, Wakey Cakey Kitchen can cater for almost every imagination! They also offer gluten, dairy and nut free too, so nobody has to miss out! As well as some spectacular Wedding cake designs and fabulously funky birthday cakes, they also run fantastic, themed, cake parties!

We are an indoor play area for children 0 to 11yrs. We have a large ball pit, gigantic slide, obstacle course, disco dome and other exciting bouncy castles for your children to be entertained by whilst you enjoy a relaxing time with a hot drink. We also have a designated baby and toddler area as well as a café on site serving a wide variety of high quality foods at reasonable prices and some delicious home made dishes. Everyone is welcome to come and join in our groups which run each morning Monday to Friday term time only and include messy play, cooking, arts and craft, story time and songs and rhymes. On a Thursday morning we have our toddler group with

A Go-Kart Party– exciting and fun for all!

Jolly Parties at Jump N Jackz Jumpers Playzone

t & largest s e w e n ’s n Westo centre! indoor play e e for exclusiv u n e v t a e re ir g A d private h n a s e ti r a p disco h available wity s e g a k c a p Deluxe partybags and unlimited pla food, party Open 7 days a week

Call Nathan on: 07703 719 402

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

Café, open everyday from 9:30am - 5pm 01934 641226 Access to a large car park Parent Talk May 2018 11

12 Parent Talk December 2012

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Celebrating scholarship success

Perrott Hill is celebrating another great year of scholarship success, with fantastic achievements from our senior pupils. As well as academic, art, drama, sport and all-rounder scholarships to Harrow, Sherborne Girls, Blundell’s, King’s Bruton, King’s College, Taunton, Queen’s College, Taunton and Taunton School, one of our Year 8 girls has been given the Festival Cricket award to King’s College, Taunton – a rare and highly coveted award given to a single candidate each year. We are proud of our track record with external visitors, too. As well as being rated ‘Excellent’ in every category in our latest ISI inspection, we feature annually in the Tatler

Schools Guide and the Good Schools Guide. Our Facebook page provides further details of school life and upcoming events, such as our weekly Music Group for 0-3 year olds and our annual Children’s Literary Festival, which is being held during the May half term and open to all children from Years 1-8 from surrounding schools (with a special morning-only storytelling session for the under 5s). Please do visit our website as well, where you can read the full reviews and watch our school video, which aims to provide a further snapshot of what life at Perrott Hill is all about: happy memories, long-lasting friendships and an excellent education.

Our next Open Mornings are on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th May. Please contact us on 01460 72051 / admissions@perrotthill.com to book.

OPEN

Mornings

12 Parent Talk May 2018

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 & 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. 01278 441270 or email childcare@bridgwater.ac.uk www.bridgwaterchildcare.co.uk First Steps Day Nursery School (all year from 8am-6pm). For children from 3 months to 5 years. Offering a caring, 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. Family, friendship and festivals are at the heart of this coeducational boarding and day school which delights in children being children. The winning combination of experienced, committed staff and small class sizes, creates a friendly, stimulating and secure environment in which pupils lay down firm foundations in all areas of the curriculum, on which they can build in future years. The nursery provides a vibrant and engaging environment for pre-school children and is the ideal start to their school life. For more information and to arrange a visit, please contact Sarah-Jane on 01963 442606 admissions@hazlegrove.co.uk

A leading day and boarding independent school in Somerset, offering excellence in education to rising 3-13 year olds

Friday 11th and Saturday 12th May, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th October 2018.

NURSERYdirectory

www.perrotthill.com @perrotthill /perrotthillschool

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 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 Smartees Day Care Nursery Ltd offers professional and flexible childcare for working families, with 2 conveniently located nurseries close to Yeovil town centre. Smartees Preston Road opening hours 7am-6pm 01935 411144 Smartees Beer Street opening hours 8am-6pm 01935 411777 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 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

EDUCATION, INFORMATION FAMILY

Building confidence at Queen's College Pre-Prep Our Summer Term at Queen’s College Pre-Prep is proving to be both exciting and eventful. It includes a busy programme of transitional activities for those children who will be joining Reception in September as well as familiarisation activities for our Year 2 children who will become Junior pupils. These events provide the children with a taste of what to expect in their new environment, giving them the opportunity to meet their new teachers and ensure a relaxed and happy transition. During the Pre-Prep years, we provide a range of activities to help the children develop their confidence which is key to them settling and achieving. It is always a joy to see those quieter, less confident children blossom as their confidence grows. Our supportive learning environment, where all are encouraged to have a go, and the variety of educational activities inside and outside the classrooms ensure a range of opportunities for children to experiment and try out activities

which might normally be out of their comfort zone. Our Enrichment Week is always a highlight for the PrePrep children. This year, our programme includes a History day, an Environmental day, a Physical day, a Forest School day and a Creative and Performing Arts day. Our enrichment activities allow the children to challenge themselves with new experiences, improve social and interpersonal skills and further develop self-esteem, confidence, and emotional awareness – all core life skills.

Basic life skills learned early serve as a strong foundation and building block for a child’s future development and, at Queen’s, we recognise that, in a constantly changing environment, developing relevant life skills is an essential part of being able to meet the challenges of and adapt to everyday life. Today’s students enter into a world requiring flexibility, resilience and adaptability. It is our aim to ensure that, from an early age, we provide our pupils with the skills set needed to ensure successful and fulfilling futures.

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

All Hallows Nursery and Reception children help look after lambs in need Our Nursery and Reception children were thrilled to give a helping hand and spend a very happy couple of hours mastering the skills required to look after some energetic lambs. A local Somerset farmer has been looking after these lambs, who couldn’t be fed by their mothers, and she brought them to All Hallows so the children could spend some time with them and give them their bottles of milk, as well as giving them lots of cuddles. This is typical of the many hands-on activities that happen at All Hallows. Making the most of the opportunities that arise by being part of a prep school, our children enjoy Forest School in our nine-acre onsite woodland, they play tennis in our LTA Academy, they can get creative in the state-of-the-art Design Centre and they have regular lessons in our covered swimming pool. Specialist teaching ensures they are making the most of these fantastic facilities alongside their classroom activities.

Our Nursery and Reception classes occupy a fabulous position, side by side, in the heart of the school. With dedicated indoor and outdoor space, our children enjoy a happy, calm and safe environment which is also stimulating and fun. Our class sizes are small, really supporting the children’s early

learning and needs, allowing them to flourish. We welcome children into the Nursery from the age of three, giving them the ideal introduction to school life at All Hallows, and places are available for September 2018. Please contact Jackie on 01749 881600 for more information or to arrange a visit.

P R E P A R A T O RY S C H O O L And

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Welcoming children from age 3 to our fun-filled, busy and happy Nursery 9 acre dedicated Forest School • Swimming Pool • Judo • Tennis Art • Gymnastics • Ballet Places available for September 2018 Our children’s happiness and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do Set in a stunning location midway between Bath, Bruton and Frome Independent education for boys and girls age 3-13 Please call Jackie Truelove on 01749 881609 for further information or to arrange to visit

Parent Talk May 2018 13

14 Parent Talk December 2012

EDUCATION, BOOK REVIEWINFORMATION

Editor’s choice Noodle Head By Giles Andreae, Illustrated by Lalalimola Published by Puffin. Ages: 2+ A hilarious read-aloud treat with a central message about being nice to your friends. Two cheeky little friends argue over a sweetie – and things get a little out of hand in a flurry of silly name-calling that will have children in hysterics. Will Flippy and Floppy stop being mean to each other and learn to share?

I Love You Dino-Daddy By Mark Sperring, illustrated by Sam Lloyd Published by Bloomsbury. Ages: 3+ It’s not easy being a dinodaddy, but it’s definitely a lot of fun! And whether it’s a trip to the park or playing games at home, Dino-Daddy always has time for his two roaring little dinos…Morning, noon and night, Dino-Daddy is the best, and life in the dino family is just as fun (and chaotic) as ever. Being a Princess is Very Hard Work By Sarah KilBride, illustrated by Ada Grey Published by Bloomsbury Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a REAL princess? How many thrones you need to sit on and how many hands you have to shake? Not to mention how many frogs you’re supposed to kiss…! Perhaps being a regular girl is better after all… A hilarious feel-good story for all would-be princesses to help teach them they are perfect just as they are. I Do Not Like Books Anymore By Daisy Hirst Published by Walker Books. Ages: 3+ In the second title featuring favourite monster siblings, Natalie and Alphonse, Natalie is learning to read. But when Natalie tries to read all by herself for the first time, the letters look like squiggles, and she isn’t so sure any more… With her unique humour and bold, brilliant art, Daisy Hirst celebrates the joy of sharing stories, and perfectly evokes those feelings of frustration and pride that come with learning something new. Picture Me A journal to get life sorted Illustrated by Cindy Wilde Published by Buster Books. Age: 6+ This book shows children how to set themselves goals, get organised and keep track. Whether it is a virtual bookshelf of books to read or a year wheel to remember important birthdays, they can find out how to make the most of pictures and images. 14 Parent Talk May 2018

Rescue & Jessica A Life-Changing Friendship By Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downs, illustrated by Scott Magoon Published by Walker Books. Ages: 5+ Rescue thought he’d grow up to be a guide dog – it’s the family business, after all. But when told he’s better suited as an assistance dog, Rescue is worried he’s not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help her accomplish everyday things. And it turns out that Rescue can help Jessica see after all: a way forward, together – one step at a time.

The Bacteria Book By Steve Mould Published by DK. Ages: 6+ Written by scientist and YouTube star Steve Mould, The Bacteria Book brings kids closeup with the big world of tiny science and microbiology. With easy to follow text, remarkable photography and kooky illustrations to guide them, budding scientists will learn all about bacteria, and discover more about its microbial mates – viruses, fungi, algae, archaea and protozoa. Each pages is packed with real-life examples of microbiology in action and lots of fun and icky facts!

Marge in Charge By Isla Fisher Published by Piccadilly Press. Ages: 5-8 Life with Marge is NEVER boring! Even shopping for new shoes turns out to be an amazing adventure, especially when the lights go out and the children are stuck in the shop! And when Jakey decides he'd like to visit Australia, Marge has the best idea ever. She and the children will dig a tunnel and visit a completely different country . .

The Secret of the Night Train By Silvia Bishop Published by Scholastic. Ages: 10+ When Max is sent to Istanbul to stay with her boring Great Aunt Elodie, little does she expect to be plunged into a thrilling night-time adventure across Europe. And when the Heartbreak Diamond goes missing, Max must find her feet in a whirling world of would-be diamond smugglers, thieves and undercover detectives. Will Max discover the real diamond thief before they reach their destination?

My RSPB Nature Clipboard By Eryl Nash, illustrated by Hannah Tolson Published by Walker. Ages: 5+ Whether you have a balcony, a garden, or anything in between, My RSPB Nature Clipboard provides hours of brilliant tips and tricks to transform your local area into a flourishing home for wildlife. Make bird and butterfly feeders, a minibeast hotel, and much more to become a fully-fledged nature detective. Use the spotter sheets to identify birds, insects, animal tracks, and record what you’ve found on your beautifully illustrated poster. Packed with lots of fun activities, this is the perfect gift to wow nature-lovers and get them learning and playing outside.

Aru Shah and the End of Time By Roshani Chokshi Published by Scholastic. Ages: 10+ Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. Whilst her classmates are jetting off to exotic destinations, she’ll be in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture where her mother works. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, travelling to Paris, and having a chauffeur? When Aru’s schoolmates dare her to prove that the museum’s Lamp of Bharata is cursed, she doesn’t think there’s any harm in lighting it. Little does Aru know that lighting the lamp has dire consequences. She unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction. Her classmates and beloved mother are frozen in time and it’s up to Aru to save them.

Science Squad By Professor Robert Winston Published by DK. Ages: 5+ Meet the Science Squad, five quirky characters representing each of the five STEAM subjects Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths. STEAM learning is a hot topic in schools, by adding the arts to STEM, STEAM not only inspires creativity, but it also keeps children engaged and encourages them to use their imagination and think about new ideas. Whatever you need to know, Robert and his Science Squad explain complicated ideas in an easy-to-understand way, making this book the perfect introduction for children starting to learn STEAM subjects in school, or who simply want to know more about the world around them. Science Squad also supports KS1 and KS2 topics.

Rose Rivers By Jacqueline Wilson Published by Penguin Random House. Ages: 10+ A brand new novel from Jacqueline Wilson introduces a brilliant and brave new Victorian character. Rose Rivers is a companion story to Clover Moon and picks up where that book finished, introducing the reader to Rose’s life – which is a very different one from Clover’s. “Rose Rivers has a late Victorian setting like the Hetty Feather stories – but this time I’m dealing with Upstairs rather than Downstairs. Sharp, intelligent Rose seems to have everything a young girl could wish for, but she’s bored and lonely until she makes two new friends. One is the new nursery maid, Clover Moon – and the other is a dashing young artist…” Jacqueline Wilson

Books for grown ups Mumboss A guide to surviving and thriving at work and at home By Vicki Psarias Published by Piatkus In her debut book Mumboss, Vicki Psarias founder of HonestMum. com, one of the UK’s top parenting and lifestyle sites, encourages readers to embrace her manifesto, explaining how we can balance our work, our passions and our parenting. She addresses many of the insecurities mums feel about juggling work and family life, and how for many women the thought of returning to work in the same way post baby can seem impossible. Mumboss was written to inspire a new generation of parents with the confidence to thrive at work and home, and even gives a step by step guide on building your own business, with plenty of tips and tricks to succeed in both the real and digital worlds to find the right balance in life.

CLASSIFIED FAMILY

From toddlers to CEO’s – the nation comes together for BNF Healthy Eating Week Over 2,000 schools and nurseries, representing 987,832 children and young people, and 691 workplaces, colleges and universities, representing 505,781 adults, have already registered to take part in the British Nutrition Foundation’s (BNF) Healthy Eating Week 2018 (11 – 15 June 2018); with many more expected to register over the coming weeks. This year, the BNF is celebrating the six birthday of its Healthy Eating Week and, while the initiative has proved popular within schools every year, the 2018 event is receiving more interest than ever from adults keen to be involved, with three times as many workplace and university

Brighter Futures By the Everlief Child Psychology Team Published by Free Association Books Written by a team of clinical psychologists, Brighter Futures tackles many of the challenges that face young children today. Maybe a child is struggling to live life to the full? Perhaps worries are holding them back? Maybe they are finding friendships tricky? What can a parent do if teachers raise concerns that something is getting in the way of a child being happy or fulfilling their potential at school? This book considers the whole child as an individual and the many aspects which make up their world including environment, routines, diet, exercise, brain development, their feelings and views, and helps parents guide children to learn the essential skills of life during the Primary school years

registrations compared to this time last year. BNF Healthy Eating Week aims to increase knowledge about healthy eating and wellbeing, physical activity, food provenance and cooking, by providing schools and organisations with a series of challenges to complete throughout the week, supported by activities and informative resources. The Week will follow five ‘healthy eating’ themes: Have Breakfast, 5 A DAY, Drink Plenty, Get Active and Make A Change. BNF Healthy Eating Week registration packs are tailored for nursery, primary, secondary and adult age groups, meaning that all activities will be suitable and age appropriate. Roy Ballam, Managing Director and Head of Education at the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “From young children, to high-flying professionals, BNF Healthy Eating Week provides people of all ages with a fantastic opportunity to learn more about healthy eating, and the small daily changes we can all make to improve our health and wellbeing. Participants are encouraged to complete a series of challenges during the week in June, however, this year our materials have been designed especially

so that the initiative can be continued all year round. BNF Healthy Eating Week 2017 was the most successful so far, with approximately five million children, students and employees participating. This year, we want to reach even more people and make BNF Healthy Eating Week 2018 the best yet!” As part of BNF Healthy Eating Week, a survey will be distributed to all participants in order to assess the UK’s

understanding of health, nutrition and food provenance; as well as looking into common exercise and eating habits. Last year’s BNF Healthy Eating ALSTONE CO Week survey hit the headlines revealing how little UKALSTONE school LANE children and teenagers know about food origins, with a quarter of surveyed primary VIS school children saying that cheese comes from plants and one in ten 14 – 16 year old saying that tomatoes grow underground.

For more information about BNF Healthy Eating Week 2018 and to register your nursery, school, college, university or workplace, please visit: www.foodafactoflife.org.uk

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TEL: 077

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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

KEITH’S MAGICAL ENTERTAINMENT Children’s parties a speciality. Magic, Puppets, Comedy. Terrific entertainment. Police checked and insured. 01935 822135 www.keithsmagic.co.uk

Ofsted Registered Childminder in idyllic rural location 5 minutes from A303

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

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ALSTONE LANE HIGHBRIDGE, TA9 3DS 07702 392120 alstonecourt@live.co.uk www.alstonecourt.co.uk Parent Talk May 2018 15

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Breaking Mad: The Insider’s Guide to Conquering Anxiety Anna Williamson Published by Bloomsbury Breaking Mad: The Insider’s Guide to Conquering Anxiety is a friendly guide to getting one over on anxiety, stress and other conditions that are holding you back, written by someone who has been there and got through to the other side. Drawing on her own personal experiences with anxiety, therapist and Mind Ambassador Anna Williamson offers easy to follow, expert guidance, alongside clinical psychologist, Dr Reetta Newell.

TEL: 07702392120 OR 0127

EMAIL: INFO@ALSTONECOU

WWW.ALSTONECOUR

SMOKERY OPEN DAY The Somerset Smokery BOX S U G A R A P S A THE

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Saturday 19th May 10am - 4pm

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Shop and restaurant in Hambridge, Somerset TA10 0BP

01458 250875 or visit www.brownandforrest.co.uk