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April 2016 Volume 23 Issue 4
Happy Easter
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Dear All...
Welcome back and Happy Easter! I always love the Easter break as you have the enjoyment of family around but without the mad countdown that you get at Christmas. I’ve been squirreling mini eggs away, all set for our Easter egg hunt and hoping for a beautiful Spring day. This month we’ve included a signs of Spring spotter for the kids – something to enjoy when they’ve eaten all their chocolate! There are some great Easter trails on and some eggcellent ideas for family days out. Happy Reading!
Sunproof Outlet Store – open to the public
● Baby bottle holders, Cozyosko
Sunproof Limited are opening their outlet store to the public this year. Thanks to the very positive feedback from their pilot store trial last autumn, the Sunproof outlet store is open weekdays Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm for a wide range of baby and children’s products. The range available includes: ● Australian branded children’s sunglasses for ages 3 months to 10 years, together with accessories. ● Sun protective UV clothing, flap hats, bucket hats for ages 1 – 8 years ● Banz ear defenders for babies 0 – 2 years and kids 2 – 10 years. Banz ear defenders are essential kit for any noisy outdoor event with high or event dangerous decibel levels. Think Glastonbury,
footmuffs and Shore Feet infant padders ● Full range of Rukka branded Scandinavian rainwear for ages 1 year to adult. The Rukka range includes raincoats, dungarees, waterproof trousers, rain capes and souwester hats. Sunproof Outlet Store is at 6 Ilton Business Park, Ilton, Ilminster TA19 9DU. Tel 01460 258040.
Wembley, Twickenham, Silverstone or even the Bath and West Show. There are literally hundreds of reasons why parents have been buying Banz Ear Defenders to protect their children from noise. ● Beach tents, beach parasols and buggy UV canopies from Shelta Australia and Shade Me. ● One of the largest Crocs footwear selections in the South West, also in adults sizes ● Sun Sense Australian sunscreen for toddlers, children and adults. Choose from a large range of over 10 different sunscreen types, - for toddlers, family, sun sensitive skin, anti ageing, matt face cream, lip balm and after sun lotion. ● Back to school nametapes with fun symbols and special colour options.
© Iñaki Aláez - detoqui@gmail.com
contents
FAMILY
Store hours 9am– 4pm Monday to Friday.
Sunproof
Outlet Store is open
Crocs - Babybanz - sun hats - UV swimwear Beach tents - buggy shades - Ear defenders Australian sunscreen - beach shoes - UV hats Scandinavian rainwear - Baby gift packs
Open . Mon - Fri . 9am - 4pm . 01460 258040
Chance to win a set of Hippychick waterproofs! com with the subject ‘Parent Talk’. Winners will be notified on 31/04/16 by email. Entries must be emailed to the above address to qualify.
Don’t let the rain stop play 2 0 % o f f w h en yo u q u o t e c o de W PROOF 2 0 a t c h ec ko u t
www.hippychick.com 01278 434440
Best wishes Tamsin, Editor
Parent Talk
Newtons, Churchstanton, Taunton TA3 7QF T: 01823 601086 E: sales@parenttalk.org.uk Disclaimer: The editorial and advertising content of this publication does not imply endorsement of them by Parent Talk. Nor can Parent Talk be held responsible for any actions or consequences arising from contact between reader and advertiser. Readers are therefore advised to check carefully, any references, professional qualifications and stated membership of professional bodies before entering into contracts or making arrangements to use a service featured herein.
Editor Tamsin Humphreys Advertising Juliet Barber Production Sarah Harmer May deadline 20th April 2016 To guarantee receiving your copy of Parent Talk every month why not take out a subscription for just £17 a year and it will be sent to your door?
COMPETITION WINNERS Sonic Boom Madeline Pengelly, Wellington Emma Reardon, Weston super Mare Barbie Spy Squad Julia Darvill, Yeovil Rachael Smith, Weston super Mare Little Tikes Matthew Constance, Chard
Hello Nature Asia Fear, Highbridge Ian Smith, Somerton Celia West, Wimborne Sue Normington, Plymouth Louise Moon, Glastonbury Children of Green Knowe Joy Whitelock, Bridgwater Gary Chapman, Chard Jennifer Rhymer, Burnham on Sea Sharon Mead, Bath
On average, the UK experiences between 150-200 rainy days each year, and this Easter it is not guaranteed to hold off. But don’t panic, Hippychick have come to the rescue with their perfectly practical all in one waterproof suits. Available in four colours, these cleverly designed, hardwearing waterproofs are Teflon coated and completely wind and rain proof. The four sizes (12 – 18 months, 18 – 24 months, 2 – 3 years and 3 – 4 years) feature adjustable tabs that can grow with your child and elastic stirrups on the smaller two sizes to keep them in place on beach walks or forest adventures. They are perfect for protecting little ones from the elements – don’t let the rain stop play! For more info and to help you decide whether you need fleece lined or a shell have a look at www. hippychick.com/waterproofs If you want to be prepared for any weather, simply answer the following questions for a chance to win a Hippychick waterproof all in one in your choice of size and colour! 1. Have you heard of Hippychick before? 2. How many children do you have under the age of 5? 3. How many colours do Hippychick waterproofs currently come in? Send answers in an email to Kelly.linthorne@hippychick.
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Sleep Solutions A PRESENTATION FOR PARENTS Join celebrity baby sleep expert Rachel Waddilove for help and advice on how to achieve a perfect night’s sleep for you and your child from birth to 5 years. Rachel’s clients include Gwyneth Paltrow and Minnie Driver
T H U R S D AY 1 2 t h M AY 7 . 3 0 P M Please join us for refreshments at 7.15 pm
Entry is free
Please contact us to reserve your place
schooloffice@kingshalltaunton.co.uk telephone: 01823 285920 www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk
Parent Talk April 2016 3
OUT & ABOUT
Easter Fun at The Bishop’s Palace If you’re looking for some family fun to keep your little ones occupied this Easter Holiday, The Bishop’s Palace has a great programme of family activities for all ages. From falcons to fools and
sunflowers to spring life there’s something that's sure to appeal to everyone. On Easter Monday from 10am-4pm experts from The Raptor Foundation will be bringing their stunning Falcons,
Easter holiday FUN! Medieval Falconry day 28th March
"Sow a sunflower" muddy Monday
4th April
OPEN DAILY
Under 5's Free
"Jesters & Fools" 1st April "Spring Life" 8th April family fun fridays
The Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk
www.monkeyworld.org
Easter Holiday
Treats
F R E E Easter Eg
gs
For the fir children to en st 100 each day from ter the park Goo to Easter Mon d Friday day! Plus the Kids With over 250 rescued and Ac endangered primates of more Centre will be tivity open than 20 different species, Monkey - check web * site World is the largest primate rescue for times! centre in the world! Open to visitors
Hawks and Owls to the South Lawn for a day of Medieval Falconry. Watch their flying displays and learn more about these beautiful birds in a day that's sure to appeal to young and old alike. On 1st April it’s April Fool’s Day, so families looking for some foolish activities can join the crafty team in the Stable Yard Learning Room to make pop up jesters, finger puppets and a jester’s hat. There will also be a new trail to follow through the house and gardens. Monday 4th April is ‘Sow a Sunflower Muddy Monday’ when kids can get hands on with some gardening activities. This time, join Community
Gardener Amanda Clay in the Garden and she'll help to sow one sunflower to take home and one to grow in the Palace Gardens! In the following weeks, Amanda will be judging who has grown the biggest sunflower? Visitors can keep coming back to check, or they can log on to the website for updates. To finish the Easter Holidays on 8th April, Family Fun Friday will be on the theme of “Spring Life” with Spring Flower Bags, Spring Crowns and Decoupage Photo Frames to make in the Stable Yard Room. New garden games will also be available throughout
the week to keep little ones entertained. As Family Fun Fridays have proved to be so popular, time slots are now allocated to each
Easter Treats at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre! From Good Friday 25th March to Easter Monday 28th March, Monkey World will be handing out chocolate Easter Eggs to the first 100 children in the park every day! Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre is open every
day from 10am – 5pm. Visit the centre to see over 250 rescued and endangered primates of 20 different species. The Kids Activity Centre will be open with Easter activities running, check the website www. monkeyworld.or/events for times and information.
Season Ticket for Bath Museums Great Value: Three Year Season Ticket for three fantastic Bath museums! With so much to see and do as well as an ever-changing programme of events, displays and exhibitions, you will want to visit the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery in Bath time and time again. And with one of the season tickets, you can come as often as you
every day, except Christmas Day!
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HH
T: 01929 462537 E: apes@monkeyworld.org
THREE YEAR SEASON TICKET
We are really leaping into Easter at the Willows & Wetlands Centre as spring brings something for everyone. Our first Farmers Market in partnership with Levels Best (of Montacute fame) is on Easter Saturday 26th March and our very popular re-vamped Willow Sculpture trail will be ready for eager explorers to enjoy.
The Farmers Market starts at 10am and ends at 2pm on the 26th March. There will be a tempting variety of local food producers including: Dream Cottage Honey, Avalon Wine, Taylors Bakers, Goulds Cheddar, The Jam Shed, Riverford Organics and lots more, for a full list of stall holders visit www. coatesenglishwillow.co.uk .
Coates English Willow Discover and explore a hidden industry willows & wetlands visitor centre
● ● ● ● ● ● ●
The Lemon Tree Coffee House Craft studios and Willow Products Shop Guided Tours Outside Classroom Unique Basket Museum Wetlands Exhibition Willow & Wetlands Walks
www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk Meare Green Court, Stoke St Gregory, Taunton, TA3 6HY
4 Parent Talk April 2016
There will be something for the children to do with free willow weaving workshops running for the duration of the market. The Willow Sculpture trail has been re-vitalised with some charming new characters as well as a few old favourites. Pop into the shop for your map, follow the trail and explore the
FR
For details see romanbaths.co.uk or ring 01225 477785.
Easter at Willows & Wetlands Centre
O EE P T EN E 30 O S M N AM AT ON T R TO URD DA Y 5: AY Y 00 PM
With a Season Ticket you can come as often as you like to the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery for three years.
like for three years. Why not purchase a family season ticket which will enable you to bring the family along each time you visit? The Season Ticket costs less than three single admissions to the Roman Baths. Prices: Adults £30.00, Concessions £25.00, Child (age 6-16) £14.00, Families (2A+4C) £65.00. Telephone 01225 477785 for further details or download an application form at www.romanbaths.co.uk
Roman Baths www.romanbaths.co.uk Victoria Art Gallery www.victoriagal.org.uk Fashion Museum www.fashionmuseum.co.uk
9:
THE ROMAN BATHS, FASHION MUSEUM AND VICTORIA ART GALLERY BATH
session and visitors will need to collect a pass upon arrival. All events are included with standard admission. Children under 5 are FREE.
woodlands, fields and ponds as you go on an adventure to find the willow creatures. Some are big and some are small so you will need to look carefully to see them all. When you have found them, call back into the shop to claim your special Easter prize. Over the Easter period our Willow Basket shop will be open on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday, but our guided tours will not be available on these days as the basket makers will be on holiday too.
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OUT & ABOUT
Summer School at Razzamataz
Easter treat The Wizard of Oz Tracy Beaker star Dani Harmer plays Dorothy alongside comedy legend Bobby Davro as Scarecrow and Britain’s Got Talent’s Andrew Fleming as Tin Man in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ this Easter at Weymouth Pavilion This Easter weekend, Enchanted Entertainment will be bringing 2 action-packed performances of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to Weymouth Pavilion on Saturday 26th March at 3pm & 7pm. The cast features a host of top quality professional performers including No. 1 children’s star Dani Harmer ‘Tracy Beaker’ in the iconic role of Dorothy. Dani also reached the Strictly Come Dancing Final recently and she will be joined
along the Yellow Brick Road by comedy legend Bobby Davro as Scarecrow, Britain’s Got Talent’s Andrew Fleming as Tin Man and Hi-5’s Chris Edgerley! Director Guy Pascall said: “It’s going to be great fun for all the family. Everyone remembers such great characters as the ‘The Cowardly Lion’ and ‘The Tin Man’ who needs a heart etc. This show will take the original book written by L. Frank Baum and give it a new pantomime twist as only Enchanted Entertainment can.” The show will be a spectacular family production, bringing together a top cast, amazing costumes, fantastic dance routines and plenty of popular songs to please all ages!
Animals, adventure and great play! Celebrating its 26th year of being open to the public, Court Farm Country Park in Banwell is looking forward to providing another fun-filled summer of entertainment for all the family. The centre has been voted a finalist in the Farm Attraction of the Year competition three times in recent years. Owner Peter Gwyn says the accolade is in recognition of the farm’s friendly atmosphere and excellent facilities. With over 25,000sq ft of undercover
attractions and playgrounds, together with a brilliant outdoor adventure castle, everyone can enjoy a day in the countryside whatever the weather. Budding Farmers and adventurers will love the Safari Jeep Track, diggers and ride on tractors. There are two large indoor adventure playgrounds including sandpits and the farm’s own Cowboy fort, which suit children of all ages. All visitors can enjoy the free tractor rides around this real working farm. In July, a new attraction is due to open for the summer season. The Maize Maze will give the whole family the chance to solve the puzzle. The maze is set in five acres and, at a
Tickets priced from £17 £19 are on sale and already selling fast. Call the Weymouth Pavilion box office on 01305 783225 or book online at www. weymouthpavilion.com The tour will also be going to Plymouth Pavilion and the Princess Theatre Torquay. height of eight feet, it comes complete with LOADS OF WAYS OF GETTING COMPLETELY LOST. For smaller children a simpler maze is planned, giving visitors of all ages a chance to enjoy the fun. Tractor rides, pony rides,ferret shows, bottlefeeding – and the host of other things going on - will leave your children begging to come back time and time again. Court Farm Country Park is home to many friendly animals, which you can touch and hold. With lambs, piglets, goats, deer and horses, children can marvel at the antics of the baby animals. As with many of the other experiences on the farm, the educational value is priceless. Also running again for the season is the Milking Show, which takes place twice a day. It is a fun and informative experience giving kids the chance to get up close and find out where milk really comes from. For more details visit the farms website at www. courtfarmcountrypark.co.uk or call (01934) 822383. Court Farm Country Park is open all year round, seven days a week from 10am to 5.30pm.
No need to be bored in the summer holidays. Join us for our Scrumdiddlyumptious Summer School! Razzamataz Yeovil is on hand with the perfect solution to school holiday fatigue. Our holiday summer schools are fun-packed performing arts workshops that bring out your child’s star qualities! With the help of our experienced teaching staff, students can gain new skills and build their confidence. Students spend their time putting together a short presentation that is performed at the end of the week for parents and friends. The week includes singing, dancing and drama classes as well as other activities vital to putting on a show. This year we celebrate the world of Roald Dahl. All students receive a certificate. You do not need to attend Razzamataz classes to join in the fun! Our summer schools are a great chance to come and get a taste of what we’re all about. This year’s Summer School
for Razzamataz Yeovil will be at Westfield Academy, Stiby Road, Yeovil, BA21 3EP from Monday 1st to Friday 5th August. The course runs 10am to 4pm daily for 8-16 year olds, with a 10am to 1pm option for 4-7 year olds. Prices are £100 for the full week and £60 for Under 8s. Book before May 31st to receive a 10% discount. An early 9am drop-off is available on request for an additional charge.
Places are limited, so contact Claire on 01935 411128 or 07856 273166. Alternatively email yeovil@ razzamataz.co.uk for a booking form. Follow us at facebook.com/ razzyeovil to keep up-to-date with our latest news, or see our schools pages at yeovil. razzamataz.co.uk for more information. visit us razzamataz.co.uk
Dance, Drama and Singing for 4-18 years
FREE
We would like to invite you to a taster session! Demand will be high, limited places available book today! We are the ideal place for children aged 2-18 with an interest in performing to learn Pop Singing, Street Dance, Musical Theatre & Drama! Razzamataz Yeovil are offering FREE taster sessions now!
Razz Parties Take centre stage at your party!
Diversityfantastic An exclusive, opportunity to dance with street dance troupe 'Diversity!'
Wolvershill Road, Banwell, Weston-super-Mare
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Parent Talk April 2016 5
OUT &Talk ABOUT 6 Parent December 2012
Superhero animals at Living Coasts The theme at Living Coasts this summer is superheroes. Many animals have superpowers, like great hearing or extra-special vision. The creatures at Torquay’s coastal zoo have some amazing skills. One animal with obvious super-powers is the octopus – after all, it has eight legs, can climb, swim and squeeze into tiny spaces and even solve puzzles! Stingrays use electrical signals to locate their food in murky mangrove water. And otters have such a great nose they can even smell underwater. Seals have such supersensitive whiskers they can find fish in gloomy water, even from around 40 metres away. Guillemots look like fairly ordinary seabirds – but they can leap. And what’s more, they leap when they are just three weeks old. Guillemot chicks leave the nest and leap right off the cliff before they have learnt to fly. It’s the only way they can get into the water. For African penguins the super-power has to be
swimming – they seem comical when they waddle on dry land, but the moment they hit the water they turn into feathery torpedoes! Macaroni penguins have a special skill of their own – they have brilliant vision. The red colour of their eyes - which makes them look a little bit scary - also helps them to see
well when diving in deep water. Finally, what about archer fish? They have another unbelievable super-power - they can shoot water with incredible accuracy. They are such good shots they can knock insects and small creatures off branches and into the water to eat!
Pass on by! Paignton Zoo has changed its old membership scheme. The new name is Annual Pass. As an Annual Pass holder you enjoy a whole load of benefits that come with being part of the Paignton Zoo family. You only have to visit a few times before you start saving money, so it’s great for local people, especially families with young children. First of all, you can visit Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts and Newquay Zoo as often as you like - and on top of that, you get free or discounted entry to nine other zoos. Having an Annual Pass means fast track entry, so you beat the queues on busy days. You also get discounts in all three restaurants and gift shops. And have you heard about the children's clubs? Junior Annual Pass holders can join the Gibbon Club and Guerrilla Gorillas at Paignton Zoo and the Meerkat Mob and Zoo Cadets at Newquay Zoo. You can also attend exclusive events through the year and receive discounts on the Living Coasts Summer Explorer School. And here’s a really useful bonus. Carers with people
who are disabled Annual Pass holders are admitted for free. Annual Pass cards are not issued to carers, which means that anyone can accompany the Annual Pass holder as carer. An Annual Pass can be
bought online for yourself or as a gift. Existing Annual Passes can be renewed online, too. And, while you’re taking advantage of all these benefits, you’re also supporting vital conservation work.
Discover over 2,000 animals Get stuck into feeding times Run wild in play areas
Over 80 acres
O O D E E OOB NNA BE I WA
U U U U O Y LIKE animal! r e n in r u o y e Go on, releas
paigntonzoo.org.uk Registered Charity No. 300923 01803 697500 6 Parent Talk April 2016
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OUT & ABOUT
Eggcellent Easter Activities 1610 Easter Outdoor & Adventure Programme 30 March – 7 April 2016, Hestercombe House Don’t let the kids sit around this Easter……get outdoors and active with our exciting outdoor adventure days. Action packed and adventure filled, we have an exciting range of activities to choose from. Take a look at what we have coming up. Wednesday 30 March 2016 Commando Day A day to get dirty…. take part in camouflage and concealment & escape and evasion games, have a go at target shooting, build hides and set ambushes, conduct raids. Thursday 31 March 2016 Climbing Day Spend a day off the ground, scale our 7m high climbing wall, climb a ships ladder, learn how to climb a rope and tree safely, work out how to cross a chasm using our slack lines. Monday 4 April 2016 Hullaballoo Segway Fun Day Hullaballoo Days are especially designed for young people with learning difficulties - please call the Events Team for further information. Segway is back by popular demand… the thrilling and exciting ride that can only
be a Segway…… book early. For 8-18 years. Fee = £16 Tuesday 5 April 2016 Woodland Fun Day Spend the day exploring our woods, build a rope swing, navigate our streams, build dams and mud slides, take part in a scavenger hunt, it's all a bit muddy and could get messy! Perfect for little explorers. Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 April 2016 - Paintballing A brilliant 2 days of paintballing. Perfect for the beginner to the seasoned veteran.. Day 1 – Intro to all things paintball, learn how to target shoot, take part
in a close quarter battle lane, games include Capture the flag, Seizure Hestercombe Hill, Bomb disposal, Run rabbit run! Day 2 Visit to UK premier paintball site Skirmish Paintball in Exeter. For 11-16 years. Fee = £60 Our activity days are for children aged 7 to 14 years and run from 9.30am to 3.30pm. They cost from £25 a day. Contact us on 01823 410 126 or at aburns @1610.org.uk for more information or to book. 1610 Ltd, Hestercombe House, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA2 8LG. www.1610.org.uk
Spring is here!
Need to get out and play – the National Trust South Somerset could be the perfect playground. Montacute House, Barrington Court, Lytes Cary Manor and Tintinhull gardens are all within 10 minutes from the A303 and at this time of year are visual delights. So if you are looking for a short stop off all to stay longer why not pay them a visit. Oh, and it won’t be just the little ones having a treat as all these places have their
own cafes to refuel for more fun. Check what’s going on, opening and prices by visiting
their websites. There’s SO much on your doorstep.
Montacute House BʩchVXihZ =ʩigZ
signs of spring
Copying Holbein 8ʩdm^c\ =ʩaWZ^c Every day after 5 March, 12noon - 3.30pm Every day after 5 March, 12noon - 3.30pm National Portrait Gallery exhibition (Long Gallery) National Portrait Gallery exhibition Normal admission charges apply. (Long Gallery) Normal admission Farmers’ Markets charges apply. 19 March, 30 April, 28 May and 25 June, 10am - 2pm Farmers’ Markets Free entrance to market. 19 March, 30 April, 28 May and 25 June, 10am - 2pm Free entrance to market. Park run 5k run. Every Sat, 9am race start. Free entry. Park run 5k run. Every Sat, 9am race start. Free entry. Net an Easter duck Net Easter 29 - an 30 March, 5 - 6duck April, 11am - 3.30pm 29 - 30duck March, - 6 April, 11am - 3.30pm £1 per caught,5normal admission charges apply. caught, normal admission £1 per duck charges apply.
LytesCary Cary Manor Lytes Manor
Craftfairs fairs Craft 16 April, 14 May, 11 June, 11am - 4pm 16 April, 14toMay, Free entrance Fair. 11 June, 11am - 4pm Free entrance to Fair.
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Barrington Court Barrington Court
8VYWifm :VghZf :Ƃ =ichg Barrington Court
25 - 28 March, 12 - 4pm £2 per trail normal admission charges apply
Lytes Cary Manor
25 - 28 March, 11am - 4pm £2 per trail
BʩchVXihZ =ʩigZ
25 - 27 March, 11am - 4pm £2 per trail normal admission charges apply
For more information about our holiday events visit:
nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Photographs: ©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey All details are correct at the time of printing. The National Trust reserves the right to make alterations without notice. Printed on 100% recycled paper. D`YUgY fYWmW`Y h\]g `YUƁ Yh UZhYf igY" © National Trust 2016. National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Design and print by Brightsea Print Group, Exeter.
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nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house
International photographerof International garden garden photographer ofthe theyear year exhibition exhibition Ends 17 April, 10.30am - 4.30pm - 4.30pm Ends 17 April, 10.30am Normal admission charges apply. Normal admission charges apply. Paint decoration Paintyour yourown own Easter decoration 26 March March - 10to April, - 4pm. £3 - 4pm. £3 26 1011am April, 11am Den Building Den building 55April, 11.00am April, 11am - 3.30pm - 3.30pm Normal admission charges Normal admission charges apply. £1apply. £1 Paint hand cut wooden decorations Paint hand cut wooden decorations 28 May - 5 June, 11am - 4pm. £3 28 May - 5 June, 11am - 4pm. £3 Wildlife days Wildlife 31 May - days 3 June, 11am - 4pm 31 May - 3 June, 11am - 4pm Normal admission charges apply. Normal admission charges apply. Falconry display displays– 4.30pm 3Falconry June, 11.30am 3 June, 11.30am – 4.30pmcharges apply. Normal admission Normal admission charges apply.
Parent Talk April 2016 7
Parent
events
Got an event to share? Like us on /parenttalksw and tell us all about it.
. 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 . 23rd March – 10 April: Easter Trail at Fleet Air Arm Museum. RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester. BA22 8HT. Help Penelope, a WW1 messenger pigeon, find her eggs around the museum. 10am4.30pm. 01935 840565. 25th March: Glastonbury Abbey Easter Trail. BA6 9EL. Discover the letters hidden around the abbey grounds to find the password you need to receive your tasty Easter treat. BA6 9EL. 01458 832267 25th March: Cadbury Easter Egg Trail. Dunster Castle, Dunster TA24 6SL. Follow the trail around the garden and solve the clues to claim your Egghead prize. 10am4pm. 01643 821314 25th-27th March: Cadbury’s Easter egg hunts at Barrington Court, nr Ilminster. TA19 0NQ Pick up a trail, follow the clues, come back with your answer and collect your Cadbury’s chocolate gift – simple! 11am-4pm. 01460 242614. 25th March-10th April: Easter at Hestercombe. TA2 8LG. See p9. 01823 413923 26th March: Easter Willow Workshop at Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre. Children’s FREE Willow Workshop. Stoke St Gregory, Taunton. 10am2pm. Make your own willow creations to take home with you. TA3 6HY 26th March: Archery and Pistol shooting. Dunster Castle, Dunster TA24 6SL. Try your aim with archery and pistol shooting.
11am-4.30pm. 01643 821314 26th March: The Wizard of Oz. Easter pantomime at Weymouth Pavilion. DT4 8ED. 3pm and 7pm. 3pm & 7pm. 01305 783225 26th-27th March: Glastonbury Medieval Fayre. Jousting, full battle and great selection of trade stalls. BA6 9EL. 01458 832267 26th-27th March: Easter Weekend at The Walled Gardens of Cannington. The Gardens will be full of spring colours. With activities for the children, and maybe a chocolate egg or two, it’s fun for all the family! 10am-4pm. 01278 655042 28th March: Medieval Falconry at the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens. BA5 2RA. 10am4pm. Fantastic flying displays, entertaining information and beautiful birds in the Romantic setting of the South Lawn. Gain a fascinating insight from the experts who care for them as to how these birds would have been used in medieval times. 01749 988111 29th March: Tortoise and the Hare. Performed by Northern Ballet at The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil. BA20 1UX. Once upon a time there was a speedy hare who never stopped talking about how fast he could run. Tired of being teased for his slowness, Tortoise challenged him to a race. No one thought he could win, but life is full of surprises! 12.30, 2.30 and 4.30. 01935 422884 29th-30th March: Net an Easter
Duck. Montacute House, nr Yeovil. TA15 6XP. Easter ducks floating in the stream for you to try and catch in your net. 11am3.30pm. 01935 823289 29th-30th March: Net an Easter Duck. Barrington Court, nr Ilminster. TA19 0NQ.11am3.30pm. 01460 242614. 30th March: Victorian Falconry. Dunster Castle, Dunster TA24 6SL. 11am-4pm. Period Victorian dog and hawk demonstrations. 01643 821314 30th March: Mill Day. Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine. TA2 8LG. 11am -5pm. Come and see the beautifully restored 17th century watermill and meet the miller as he demonstrates how to make flour with the turbine and waterwheel. FREE with garden admission. 01823 413923 30th-31st March: Oddball & The Penguins. Film at the Brewhouse, Taunton. TA1 1JL. Based on a true story and made in Australia, ‘Oddball and the Penguins’ tells the story an an eccentric chicken farmer who, with the help of his granddaughter, trains his mischievous dog Oddball to protect a penguin sanctuary from fox attacks in an attempt to reunite his family and save their seaside town. 01823 283244 31st March – 2nd April: The Magic of Musicals presented by Fusion Young Performers, The Regal Theatre, Minehead. This
Get set for gardening with Willowbrook Nursery At this time of year it can still be a little chilly but when the sun shows its face it’s perfect for wrapping up warm and getting out into the garden. Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre have a range of seed potatoes, onion sets and shallots which are very easy for small hands to grow. The range
of bare-root hedging is an ideal way to create either a native or formal screen and now is the best time to plant. If you have a small corner of your garden then maybe consider wild flowers – either as plants or as different seed mixtures. We now also have our strawberries and herbs in to get
Find Willowbrook situated between Taunton and Wellington on the A38 or visit us online at www.willowbrooknurseryandgardencentre.co.uk
8 Parent Talk April 2016
ready for the Summer. We have small alpine plants that can easily be planted in a container for year-round pleasure. Don’t forget to make time for a relaxing cup of tea and something to eat in the Café and tearoom and then browse our own wineshop ‘Winesolution’ and look at the very colourful fish in ‘Richards’ Aquatic Centre. In case you want to browse when we are closed we now offer a ‘Click & Collect’ service to make shopping even easier! Browse through our catalogue in the evening and then pick up the next day – great if you are short on time, in a rush or looking for a certain rose to give to someone as a present.
newly formed group presents a showcase of song and dance featuring music from well-known musicals. An exciting and lively evening of amazing talent and show-stopping songs, performed by a talented young cast aged 10-24. 7.30pm. 01643 706430 2nd April: The Hairy Maclary & Friends Show. The Brewhouse, Taunton. TA1 1JL. 1.30pm & 3.30pm. With music, singing and several favourite Hairy Maclary stories, this show is a must for the whole family. 01823 283244 2nd-4th April: Kite. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath BA1 1ET. A lonely girl, recently orphaned, is taken to live in her grandma’s airless flat where the windows are shut tight. Her memories of seagulls, sand dunes and her mother begin to fade in the silence. One night, a handmade kite comes to life and heralds the start of a wild adventure and the chance to find what it seemed was lost forever. 11.30am & 3pm. Age: 7+. 01225 823409 4th April: Somerset Wildlife Trust – Forest School for all the family. Avalon Marshes, Westhay. BA6 9TT. Den-building, Easter bonnets and Easter-themed ‘Forest School’ activities at idyllic woodland glade for children and their parents/carers. 2-4pm. 01458 860120. 5th-6th April: Net an Easter Duck. Barrington Court, nr Ilminster. TA19 0NQ.11am3.30pm. 01460 242614.
5th-6th April: Net an Easter Duck. Montacute House, nr Yeovil. TA15 6XP. Easter ducks floating in the stream for you to try and catch in your net. 11am3.30pm. 01935 823289 6th April: Wells Cathedral ‘Have a go’ family workshop. Cathedral Green, Wells. BA5 2UE. 11am-1pm. Workshop event for adults and families. 01749 67483 6th April: Marvellous milling. Dunster Watermill, Dunster TA24 6SL. See the Watermill working to produce flour. 10am-5pm. 01643 821314 8th April: PixelHobby Workshop with Bodley Craft. A fun and affordable way to create amazing effects, using plastic pixels. A great hobby for children and adults alike. £10 per person. PixelHobby products will be available to purchase on the day. Dates and booking forms www.bodleycraft.co.uk 15th-17th April: Tetris. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath BA1 1ET. Balance. Communication. Cooperation. This is what dance is all about, and no one shows it off quite like the Arch8 company from the Netherlands! Audiences of all ages will enjoy Arch 8’s impressive, gravity-defying work. 11.30 & 3pm. Age 4+. 01225 823409 16th April: Craft Fair at Lytes Cary Manor. 11am-4pm. TA11 7HU 01458 224471 16th April: Rapunzel. Presented by Immersion Theatre. Tacchi-
Morris Arts Centre, Taunton. TA2 8PD. 2.30pm. The UK premiere of this magical and hilarious musical re-telling of the story of Rapunzel brought to you by the writers of Friends! Fairy tale entertainment for all the family. 01823 414141 22nd-24th April: My friend Peter. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath BA1 1ET. Join Beatrix Potter as she makes her journey through the uncharted waters of a life most unexpected; share in the loves, losses, struggles and triumphs of one of the most celebrated authors in children’s literature. Her imagination comes alive on-stage accompanied by rousing folk-music, but the fantasy unravels when cruel twists of fate uncover the bitter-sweet reality behind the magic. Age: 6+. 01225 823409 23rd April: The Owl who was afraid of the Dark. The Brewhouse, Taunton. TA1 1JL. Plop is exactly the same as every barn owl that has ever been, except for one thing. Plop is AFRAID of the DARK! This gentle tale is brought to life with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and storytelling. 11am & 2pm. 01823 283244 30th April: Civil War Weekend at Dunster Castle. TA24 6SL. Join the Taunton Garrison at their Living History Camp and experience what life was like during the Civil War. Battle re-enactments and weapons demonstrations throughout the day! 10am-4pm. 01643 821314
A Family Holiday in Devon So much to do – spend relaxing time with little animals, make friends, enjoy marvellous local attractions, beaches, an amazing coast and glorious countryside. Explore fishing villages, market towns, tea rooms and cafes. Soak up the atmosphere of a tranquil and most beautiful part of England. Reasons to stay at Torridge House Cottages .... stay, play and relax in huge wide open gardens, clean country air, in a totally family and friendly place, with lots of baby animals, views over fields, woods and valleys and a delightful and relaxing setting. And great hosts! More reasons to stay at Torridge House Cottages …. there are only 8 cottages, set around a private “village” green and surrounded by fields. The cottages are lovely, very comfortable and very well equipped. The extras are amazing, every day you can not only feed the animals – large and small, but really get to know them, and there are lots of opportunities to care for and cuddle the little animals. …… and as well, the cottages are exclusive to young families and in term times exclusive to
pre-schoolers and the home schooled. And there are all the things you might want like barbecues, wifi, outdoor swimming pool, books, games, toys, nursery bits and bobs, ready meals, easy, easy access to therapies and massages, clay work and pottery painting. Lots to make holidaying with children magic, easy and fun for the whole family. A great place to stay, which will create lasting wonderful holiday memories. More details are on www. torridgehouse.co.uk or 01805 622 542.
Family Farm Holidays
In Glorious Devon welcoming comfortable cottages in an idylic setting
Join us on the farm, watch and help feed the animals. Large gardens, play room, games room. Lots of play space. Outdoor heated swimming pool. Providing very special child friendly relaxing holidays for over 28 years. Highly recommended. ‘VisitBritain 3 & 4 star’
Torridge House Cottages Little Torrington, Devon 01805 622542 www.torridgehouse.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT
Passport to Poetry: Poetry takes off for families at Heathrow for Easter break With Heathrow expecting a record 850,000 passengers and an extra 250,000 families to take off from there this Easter, the UK’s hub airport has announced a lyrical new initiative; Heathrow’s Passport to Poetry. Teaming up with literary favourites Michael Rosen, Danny Wallace, MG Leonard and performance poet Laura Dockrill, Heathrow has created new ‘poetry points;’ overhead speakers that families can stand underneath to listen to unique new poems, all inspired by holidays and tales of far flung lands and exciting adventures. From high flying bugs with MG Leonard to the riddle of a suitcase and its travels with ex-Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, holiday dreams from Laura Dockrill and airport code fun from Danny Wallace, the poems can also be accessed at Heathrow.com/poems and will take children on exciting, magical journeys before they have even boarded their plane. For those feeling inspired to put pen to paper, Heathrow is also hosting an Easter poetry competition as part of the initiative, for children under
the age of 16, as well as special poetry workshops across the terminals. Wannabe poets simply need to create a holidaythemed poem and submit it to poems@heathrow.com. Three winners will then be chosen by the authors, and will have their poem framed as well as winning a voucher worth £200 – perfect for stocking up on writing supplies. Visit Heathrow.com for terms and conditions. As well as the Passport to Poetry Initiative, the airport will be rolling out familyfriendly offers during the Easter holidays such as ‘kids eat free’ at restaurants, free play areas and family dedicated security lanes. Heathrow CEO John HollandKaye said: “Easter at Heathrow brings huge numbers of families travelling for leisure and we wanted to make it as enjoyable as possible as soon as their journey begins. We hope that by providing poetic inspiration from children’s authors such as Michael Rosen and Danny Wallace, children and families will enjoy getting involved during their journey.” Danny Wallace Danny is currently the Artist
in Residence at BBC Comedy, appearing on TV and radio as well as being a columnist for Shortlist. A regular Sunday Times bestseller with his books such as Join Me and Yes Man, which later became a major Warner Brothers film starring Jim Carrey, his latest title in his children’s book series Hamish and the Neverpeople was released earlier this year. Michael Rosen Having initially worked for the BBC when he left university, Michael worked at BBC Schools Television which led to his first book for children called Mind Your Own Business, illustrated by Quentin Blake. Since then, he has written over 100 books as well as working within schools, theatres and appearing on radio and TV. He was also the Children’s Laureate between 2007 and 2009. Laura Dockrill Having previously been named one of the top ten literary stars of 2008 by The Times, Laura has risen to fame as a performance poet and illustrator. An alumni of the Brit School, she has penned books such as Darcy Burdock, Ugly Shy Girl, Echoes and Mistakes in the Background. MG Leonard Previously a Senior Digital Producer for the National
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Joan and Kriyena travelling through Heathrow enjoy the new poetry points as part of the airport’s Passport to Poetry initiative this Easter. Visit heathrow.com/poems for more information.
Theatre, and at the Royal Opera House and Shakespeare’s Globe, MG Leonard also spent her early career in the music industry running Setanta Records, an independent record label, and managing bands. After leaving the music industry, she trained as an actor, dabbling in directing and producing as well as performing, before deciding to write her stories down. Her best-selling debut children’s book, Beetle Boy, the first part of the Beetle Trilogy, launched this March to rave reviews and as Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month.
Easter at Hestercombe 25th March – 10th April This Easter holidays, head to Hestercombe, near Taunton, and follow the Easter trail around the blooming springtime gardens. See clumps of golden daffodils, clusters of catkins dangling from the hazel trees and fresh green shoots ready to flower. You might spot ducklings paddling on the Pear Pond too! When you finish the trail, you’ll get a yummy chocolate treat and your own egg to decorate – colour it with bright blues, pretty pinks and garden greens. Head to the Courtyard and have a go at planting a sunflower– take it home with you and see how tall it grows. Don’t forget to visit the Stables Café and enjoy a home-made hot cross bun or crunchy Easter biscuit. On Easter Sunday we’ll be serving a delicious roast dinner too. For more information visit www.hestercombe.com or call 01823 413923
Parent Talk April 2016 9
welcome to your NEWS n EWS sectio Nbringing you competitions, job tasters, boredom busters, interesting facts and everything topical...
Book Bag
Signs of Spring Spotter
Yellow springtime flowers w springtime flowers Bumblebee
Frogspawn
Snowdrops
Bird nest-building
Yellow springtime flowers
Blossom
elionPrimrose
Primrose
Butterfly
Lesser celandine
Bird singing
Hazel catkins
Primrose Lesser Lesser celandine Gorse Marsh marigold Gorse Marsh(C)marigold Image celandine credits: Bumblebee (C) Jon Hawkins / Primose & Hazel catkins (C) Philip Precey / Blossom & Frogsprawn Richard Burkmar / Snowdrops (C) Anna Guthrie / Bird nest-building (C) Margaret Holland / Butterfly (C) Janet Packham / Bird singing (C) Amy Lewis
aconite Daffodil
DandelionDaffodil
Primrose Spring cinquefoil Colt’s-foot Cowslip Spring cinquefoil Colt’s-foot Lesser celandine
Gorse
Cowslip
Marsh marigold
Image credits: Bumblebee (C) Jon Hawkins / Primose & Hazel catkins (C) Philip Precey / Blossom & Frogsprawn (C) Richard Burkmar / Snowdrops (C) Anna Guthrie / Bird nest-
building (C) Credits: Margaret Holland / Butterfly Packham / Bird/ singing (C) Lesser AmyBurkmarr Lewis / Daffodil (C) Neil Aldridge Colt’s-foot, Gorse (C) Richard Burkmarr Gorse, (C) Marsh marigold, Colt’s-foot (c) Richard / Primrose, Lesser celandine, Spring cinquefoil (c)(c)Philip Precey / Cowslip (c) Credits: Dandelion, Gorse, Marsh Dandelion, marigold, Colt’s-foot (c)Janet Richard Burkmarr Primrose, celandine, Spring cinquefoil (c)/ Philip Precey / Cowslip Dave Appleton / Winter aconite (c) Amy Lewis / Daffodil (c) Neil Aldridge Dave Appleton / Winter aconite (c) Amy Lewis / Daffodil (c) Neil Aldridge
www.wildlifewatch.org.uk
Book Bag NEWS
Can you help the rabbit reach the Easter Eggs?
Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter egg a joke? It might crack up!
Why was the Easter Bunny so upset? He was having a bad hare dare!
a h haha
ha
What do you call a rabbit with fleas? Bugs Bunny!
EGG-xercise and HARE-robics!
one of seven Savage Storm Kits
What did the rabbits do after their wedding? They went on their bunnymoon!
Why did the Easter egg hide? How does the Easter Bunny stay fit?
WIN!
He was a little chicken!
Based on the bestselling books by Nick Arnold, Horrible Science kits are all about discovery, in loads of horribly fantastic ways. With Galt Toys’ kits, learning is fun. Kids can try their hand at weird and wonderful experiments! The Savage Storms kit will show kids how to make their own real thunder sounds, hold a tornado in their hand and how to grow their own snow and icicles. They can also learn why flooding is made worse by humans, the gruesome effect of global warming and other weird weather facts. Suitable from 8 years onwards, Savage Storms retails at £10.99, available from www.galttoys.com Parent Talk have 7 Savage Storms kits to give away so for your chance to win, look at the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 20 April 2016.
What was the name of the first UK storm? Clue – it starts with A
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OUT & ABOUT
Hop along to Monkton Summer holidays will Elm for Easter activities be here soon! CHILDREN from Somerset can take part in activities at a garden centre in the county this Easter. Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre is hosting an Easter treasure hunt from Friday, March 25 until Friday, April 8 and biscuit decorating workshops from March 29 until April 1 and April 4 until 8. Andrew Pitman, Store Manager of the awardwinning, independent, familyrun garden centre at Monkton Heathfield near Taunton, said: “We have a range of Easter activities taking place for youngsters including our popular treasure hunt and Easter biscuit decorating workshops. “We have hidden treasure in different locations across the entire garden centre and are challenging children to find it all for the chance to win a prize. Treasure hunt forms will be available from our reception desk and these include helpful instructions on how to take part. Completed forms can be returned to us and those with correct entries will receive a
chocolate bunny to take home and enjoy.” The Easter treasure hunt will cost £2.50 per child. Andrew added: “We’re also giving youngsters the chance to have a go at decorating some Easter biscuits. They can decorate the already made biscuits with any Easterthemed design they like. They can draw eggs, bunnies, chicks, whatever they fancy we’re sure will look fantastic. The children can then take the biscuits home with them after the workshops to share with their family and friends.” The biscuit decorating workshops, which cost £3 per child, will run from 10am until 3pm and will last approximately 20 minutes. All materials needed will be provided by the garden centre. No booking is necessary.
The treasure hunt will take place at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre from Friday, March 25 until Friday, April 8 during normal garden centre opening hours. Easter biscuit decorating workshops will take place from March 29 until April 1 and April 4 until 8 from 10am until 3pm. The garden centre will be closed on Easter Sunday, March 27.
For more information, please call the garden centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton, on 01823 412381, visit www.monktonelmgardencentre.co.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/Monktonelm or follow the company on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/Monktonelm.
Summer Residential Camps and Adventure Days at Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre are being planned as you read. We are a family run Centre which has been operating for thirty five years, and think we know exactly what your child would like to be doing during the long, hazy days of summer. Having fun, excitement, challenges, making friends, trying out new activities, getting muddy and wet, – no pressures of mobiles, exams or school, just having a whale of a time. Mill on the Brue Outdoor Centre is based in Bruton, Somerset in an old farmhouse and converted barns. We have twenty five acres of woods, fields, and river valley and grow many organic vegetables and
fruit for meal times. The food is delicious, plentiful and all home cooked. Archery, canoeing, raft building and racing, rifle shooting, high ropes, fire lighting, camping, rocket firing, crafts, giant water slide, concert and disco, high ropes, giant zip wires and assault courses are just some of the forty activities, games and outdoor pursuits on offer this summer. Starting on Sunday 10th July, Residential summer camps Sundays to Saturdays, 8 – 15 years, Adventure days Mondays to Fridays 7 – 12 years, 8.30 – 5.30 pm, also themed days, Army, Pirates & Olympic theme, even Mini Mobsters for some midweek mornings 5 & 6 years old.
They’ll come back tired but very happy – you can’t beat Mill on the Brue Activity Centre! info@millonthebrue.co.uk 00 44 (0) 1749 812307 www. millonthebrue.co.uk
Multi Sports and Adventure Camps The Princess Royal Sports Complex, Wellington School is open to the public all year round. We offer fantastic facilities to local clubs, organisations and individuals
for a variety of sports and activities. We have the biggest sports hall in town, a full size all weather pitch and a modern all purpose fitness suite. We are running NEW classes
THE PRINCESS ROYAL SPORTS COMPLEX The Princess Royal
Sports Complex Located in Wellington School Wellington, Somerset 01823 668718 (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!) www.wellington-sport.org.uk
The Princess Royal Sports Complex Wellington, Somerset
01823 668718
www.wellington-sport.org.uk
01823 668718 / www.wellington-sport.org.uk
Summer holid
ays!
Day & residential ca
mps
01749 812 307 Bruton, Somerset BA10 0BA www.millonthebrue.co.uk
12 Parent Talk April 2016
this year including: Studio Barbell and Legs, Bums & Tums. Full details of these and all our facilities are on our website. We offer regular discounts to new gym members and class users (please keep an eye on our website). Our gym membership starts at £20 a month and we do not tie members down to a contract – sign up for a month or a week, it is up to you! We offer FREE regular programmes for our monthly members as well as offering monthly members FREE access to all our classes. We are running our KIDS CAMPS programme over the Easter holidays with our ever popular Multi-sports days and our off-site Adventure Camp. Open to all children aged 8-14. Also – why not come here for a birthday party? Leave the mess and the stress somewhere here! We cater for: football, bubble football, bouncy castles and even indoor go-karts! If you are looking for a whole hall football booking, a course venue, fitness programmes or just a badminton court – then give us a call. twitter.com/prscwellington f a c e b o o k . c o m / ThePrincessRoyal SportsComplex
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INFORMATION, EDUCATION
Open Morning at Wellington School 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, 5 of our pupils have just received Oxbridge offers and over 70% went off to prestigious Russell Group Universities last year. Pupils study the more rigorous IGCSE in Maths and Science as well as Latin and Greek and the emphasis is strongly academic. But Wellington has so much more to offer than exam results. With a Director in Residence, the performing arts go from strength to strength. From the rip-roaring success of spectacular musicals to serious Chekhov productions and a huge range of bands, orchestras and ensembles, the whole school is taking advantage of a variety of exciting opportunities. Our superb Chapel Choir performs regularly and our versatile musicians swept the board recently 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. Steffan Jones, ex Somerset Cricketer is also developing an elite cricket and sporting programme, so Wellington is the place to be for sport. We nurture and teach pupils from 3 -11 in the Prep School and 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”. Come along to our next Open Morning on Monday 2nd May from 9am to 12noon to see what makes us so special. Contact us on 01823 668800 or admissions@wellingtonschool. org.uk to book a place. We will also be opening a new Nursery from September, which will be open 50 weeks per year for 2 year olds.
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Millfield Pre-Prep - a happy and vibrant school where children love to learn “Children’s happiness and well-being are given paramount importance and are central to early years practice in this vibrant, welcoming environment.” Independent Schools Inspectorate. At Millfield Pre-Prep we aim to inspire and engage each child to make the most of their talents and potential. Small class sizes, experienced teachers, a broad range of subjects and activities, along with inspirational indoor and outdoor spaces, enable us to achieve this. A thorough grounding in the basics of reading, writing and mathematics is combined with a dynamic topic based curriculum. Weekly lessons include French, swimming, PE, dance, music and cookery. Our on-site Forest School is a big part of our outdoor learning programme, where children have the opportunity to find out about living things and explore taking risks. The messy mud kitchen is a favourite attraction and baking rolls in the bread oven, learning to cook over an open fire, making dens and sawing wood all add to their skills and growing sense of independence. The children also take regular walks through
our own fields and apple orchards, visit our ponies in the stables and grow vegetables in our ‘alittlements’. Before and after school care means we are on-hand for early drop-off and later collection and there are over 20 weekly free after school clubs on offer including tennis, football, gym, chess, trampolining and working with clay. Paid for clubs such as riding, ballet and dance
are also available, run by our expert Millfield coaches. Fees can be partly offset by Early Years funding and the Tax-Free Childcare scheme. The overall passion and desire to see children make the most of their potential motivates us in everything we do. Our aim is to see children find skills and interests they really love, giving them a confident platform for their whole learning experience.
We have Open Mornings on Friday 29 April and Saturday 30 April. Visit our website for details and how to book millfieldschool.com/opendays
Parent Talk April 2016 13
INFORMATION, EDUCATION 14 Parent Talk December 2012
Queen's College - a school which reveres the performing arts Queen’s College has established a fine reputation for excellence in the Performing Arts. With five dedicated performance spaces including a fully equipped, high-tech, 500 seat theatre. Staff are highly trained and all have had practical professional experience in the arts industries. Children with a leaning towards the creative side of life have a plethora of opportunities available to them. Music is taught right across the College and major concerts and recitals are scheduled throughout the year. The College has also just put the finishing touches to a splendid new recording studio using Macs and digital technology. As well as the performing side Queen’s also tries to help develop the other skills which go towards putting on a show. Professional technicians on the staff and from outside help and guide the more technicalminded students in the arts of lighting, sound and set-design for performance as well as costume and make-up.
John Wesley Scholarships for talented pupils Academic, Art, Sport, Music and Performing Arts
up to 100% fee discount For your application pack contact 01823 340830 or admissions@queenscollege.org.uk
TAUNTON
An education for life Co-educational day & boarding ages 0-18 www.queenscollege.org.uk 14 Parent Talk April 2016
Alongside the heavy schedule of extra-curricular opportunities, the College runs a Performing Arts Academy which is open to children and adults who have no connection with the College. There are classes in Drama, seven different genres of Dance and Musical Theatre as well as Body Conditioning and Pilates. Queen’s College offers a wide variety of scholarships for
talented performers in all the disciplines including technical theatre. If you would like any more information: Phone 01823 272559 email: contact@ queenscollege.org.uk For enquiries specifically about Queen’s College Performing Arts Academy email Joanna Elliott: jme@ queenscollege.org.uk
Take on the British Heart Foundation’s MyMarathon challenge and join the fight against heart disease The British Heart Foundation is challenging the nation to run a marathon in a month this May as part of its brand new fundraiser MyMarathon to help fund life saving heart research. The nation’s heart charity is challenging everyone across the UK to join the fight against heart disease by taking on the 26.2 miles in their own time, at their own pace this May. You don’t need calves of steel or lungs of iron to run a marathon. Now everyone can go the distance! With MyMarathon, you can complete the challenge in your own time, whether it’s over 4 hours, 4 days or 4 weeks. Run to work every morning, jog during your lunchbreaks or run laps around the park in the evenings; you decide the place and you decide the pace. Heart and circulatory disease affects around 7million people in the UK and is responsible for around 155,000 deaths each year – around one person every three minutes. Every pound raised from MyMarathon will help the
BHF fulfil its ambition to fund half a billion pounds of new research in the next five years, to revolutionise and accelerate the fight against heart disease. Amanda Bringans, Director of Fundraising at the BHF, said: “Heart disease is heartless. It can affect anyone at any age, but it’s only through research that we can help save more lives.
“Running a marathon is no easy feat, but with the MyMarathon challenge you decide the place and the pace, so now everyone can go the distance this May! It’s a great way to get active, have fun and help support our vital work.” To find out more or to sign up for free to MyMarathon visit www.bhf.org.uk/mymarathon
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INFORMATION, EDUCATION
Open Day at King’s Hall On a visit to King's Hall School, you will be struck by the tangible warmth and friendliness of children, staff and parents. The school bustles with life and laughter as the children and teachers apply themselves with great energy to create a wonderful environment for learning where curiosity, discovery and exploration thrive. Children benefit from a rounded education where each individual is encouraged to fulfil their own potential not only academically, but also to take advantage of the plentiful opportunities presented to them in areas such as music, sport, drama and art. All of the school’s subject areas benefit from excellent specialist teachers and facilities, including science labs, arts centre, sports hall and Astros. The School also places enormous value on its ‘immeasurables’; these include the fantastic relationships between staff and children. Children feel happy and secure,
OPEN DAY whilst also mutually respecting all others around them. King’s Hall believes that the best way to understand what the School is really all about is to come and see for yourself. We have Open Days at which our enthusiastic pupils will give you a tour, and there is the chance to chat with staff and current parents, as well as sampling the School’s
award-winning catering. Our next Open Day is on Friday 29th April. Please contact our Admissions Registrar, Emma Guppy, on 01823 285921 or Admissions@kingshalltaunton. co.uk to reserve your place. For more information about King’s Hall School, visit www. kingshalltaunton.co.uk. We look forward to meeting you.
Perrott Hill – hidden gem
Perrott Hill Time and space for a full education
Girls and Boys aged 3-13 Summer Term Open Mornings Friday 6 May and Saturday 7 May 2016 9.30am to 12.30pm To arrange a visit or request a prospectus contact Philippa on 01460 72051 or admissions@perrotthill.com
At Perrott Hill, we are looking forward to a fabulous Summer Term and are celebrating recent success and opportunity across the age range. Year 7 pupils have had a cross-curricular art and English project exhibited in the Natural History Museum; we have just introduced “Do Re Mi,” a fantastic parent and 0-3s music group; and the latest addition to our Forest School, a new roundhouse, has just been completed and is already a popular part of our extensive outside space. At the very top of the School, Year 8s have gained an impressive haul of awards to their senior schools. Thus, a careful balance of endeavour, aspiration and a childhood inspired by nature and a magical sense of place continue to thrive at Perrott Hill. Excitingly, plans are underway to create a purpose-built Music School over the summer, nestled at the edge of our wood with the most incredible views of the Somerset and Dorset countryside. This will in turn free up space to expand and enhance our increasingly popular boarding offer at the heart of the School’s community. Our parents tell us that Perrott Hill is like a hidden gem and we would welcome the opportunity to share more about what we offer.
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B E PA RT O F T H E I N S P I R AT I O N
Friday 29th April 10 am arrival Please contact us to reserve your place Little visitors are welcome to join all the fun of a Forest School session—for over 3s—starting 9.30 am
Co-educational day & boarding: ages 2 –13 telephone: 01823 285921 admissions@kingshalltaunton.co.uk www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk A Woodard School
Parent Talk April 2016 15
NURSERY All Hallows Preparatory School Nursery Class Give your 3 year old the best possible start within the environs of this renowned Prep School. Fantastic facilities and activities including Forest School, LTA Tennis Academy and Swimming Pool and access to specialist teaching staff for languages, Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Sport set this facility apart from other nurseries. Visit at any time: T 01749 881600 E admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk Bridgwater College Childcare Centre is open to the general public and children of students, for children from four months to five years. There is also a Holiday Play Scheme for children up to eight years old. It has a secure outdoor area boasting an ‘inspirational garden’, where children are encouraged to explore both indoor and outdoor learning. T: 01278 441270 or E: childcare@bridgwater.ac.uk www.bridgwaterchildcare.ac.uk Cheekie Monkeys Ilminster A friendly, calm and nurturing setting offering full time day care (8am-6pm) for children aged 0-5. We have highly experienced staff and excellent facilities in our baby and pre-school rooms, plus an amazing garden. T: Lesley/Ali 01460 52457 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
directory
Hazlegrove Nursery and Pre-Prep Sparkford. Hazlegrove’s innovative Pre-Prep curriculum is outstandingly successful, evident in the increased confidence and ability levels as children move up to the Prep School. The children benefit from experienced staff, specialist teaching and exceptional facilities including an indoor swimming pool and woods for Forest School. “Hazlegrove children are happy children” says Headmaster Richard Fenwick, “we simply want to provide the very best education we can for the pupils in our care”. For more information, contact Fiona O’Neill on 01963 442606
King’s Hall Nursery King’s Hall is a wonderfully traditional yet progressive school set in the rolling Somerset countryside just outside Taunton. Although the Nursery shares the Preparatory school’s superb facilities, it is self contained and operates in a secure and peaceful environment. Log cabin classrooms, vast on-site Forest School and highly experienced, dedicated staff make King’s Hall Nursery the natural choice for children 2 to 5 years. T: 01823 285921 www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk Little Boots Day Nursery (Ages 0-5, 8am-6pm) Come and visit us on Pottery Farm! Our idyllic setting offers fantastic opportunities for enhanced outdoor learning; we work with a maximum of 16 children a day ensuring each child gets the individual attention they need. Contact Cleo Wilson for more information.
T 07936 555 676 littlebootsdaynursery.co.uk
Millfield Pre-Prep School (Ages 2 - 7), situated in the beautiful Prep campus in Glastonbury. Our aim is to encourage a love of learning through a combination of classroom and outdoor activities, using a wide range of exciting and stimulating teaching methods. Small class sizes and excellent facilities, like our on–site Forest School and indoor swimming pool, support this. Over 20 free after school activities as well as an Early Birds and Late Club. To arrange a visit or a taster session please contact: Hannah Cox in Admissions on 01458 837524 Miniatures Day Nursery Open 50 weeks per year, we provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment for children aged 0-5 years. Open 8am-5.30pm, we provide home cooked food. Funding for 2, 3 and 4 yr olds. Two minutes from A358. Church Rd, Ilton, Ilminster. T. Marion on 01460 55488 www.miniaturesdaynursery.co.uk Perrott Hill Montessori Nursery and Pre-Prep. Given ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the Montessori Nursery is situated in the attractive, safe courtyard of the manor house. The Nursery children, aged 3-4 years, have the use of the extensive grounds and facilities of the school as well as having their own outdoor adventure play area. The staff are warm and friendly. Free after school care is available. T: 01460 72051 www.perrotthill.com
Queen’s College offers individual learning. AN INDIVIDUAL focus on learning is keeping Queen’s College Pre-Prep and Nursery at the top of the tree. With small class sizes of 12-16 children, specialist teachers can cater for each individual child’s needs. Rated as 'outstanding' Queen’s College nursery and reception classes are not to be missed. To visit, contact admissions@queenscollege.org.uk T: 01823 340830 Smartees Day Care Nursery Ltd offers professional and flexible childcare for working families, with 2 conveniently located nurseries close to town centre. Smartees Preston Road opening hours 7am-6pm 01935 411144 Smartees Beer Street opening hours 8am-6pm 01935 411777 Sunny Hill Pre-School and Pre-Prep (Ages 3 - 7), Sunny Hill welcomes pre-school and primary school-aged children, taking girls from 3-11 years old and boys aged 3-7. Situated in the beautiful market town of Bruton on the 40 acre campus of 'big sister' school, Bruton School for Girls. Small classes mean that every child receives high quality individual attention; your child will not get ‘lost in the crowd’ at Sunny Hill. They will be treasured; we are interested in the individual child, they have our time and our attention. Wrap around care available. To arrange a visit or taster session please contact Mrs Carrie Crook in Admissions on 01749 824400 or email admissions@brutonschool.co.uk
Taunton Nursery School for children from 0 years. Flexible Nursery Education, 7.30am5.45pm. Highly qualified teachers. Spectacular grounds and facilities used by all. Children can attend a combination of morning, afternoon and late club sessions. T: 01823 703300 www.tauntonschool.co.uk Wellington Prep School Nursery Attractive, well-designed buildings. Talented teachers. Cheerful children. Proud parents. All this can be yours at Wellington Prep School Nursery and Pre-Nursery. EYFS can be redeemed against our fees. We would love to have your children from 2 years upwards. Open 50 weeks per year. Please enjoy our website www.wellington-school.org.uk or call Maria Kerr to arrange a visit. T: 01823 668700 Little Wellies Term time Toddler group. Open to all pre-school children every Thursday morning 9.15-11.15am, Wellington Prep School Hall. £3 per child and £1 per additional child weekly charge. Contact Maria Kerr for more details 01823 668700 prep@wellington-school.org.uk Willow Set Pre-School, Stoke St Gregory TA3 5HZ Our preschool, wrap-around care and Holiday Club offers care for children aged 2-14, from 7.30am 6pm. Ofsted 'Outstanding'! Come and visit us to see our wonderful setting with free-flow indoor/outdoor play. Call for more information: T: 01823 491567
To book our Nursery Directory, please call 01458 250461
Just Dance Studio and Activity Centre Just Dance Studio and Activity Centre has expanded greatly since opening 2½ years ago. We have a variety of dance classes to keep children and adults busy. For children there is Ballet for toddlers upwards,
Irish Dancing and Tap for ages 5 up, Musical Theatre and Acro Dance. Acro Dance, a combination of Dance, Gymnastics and Acrobatics has proved a real hit! We are the only dance school in Somerset
JUST DANCE STUDIO & ACTIVITY CENTRE, Wincanton Dance Classes, Parties, Holiday Clubs, Musical Theatre, Events/Workshops 07901 553602
Facebook - Just Dance Wincanton www.just-dance-studio.co.uk 16 Parent Talk April 2016
to be certified to teach Acro Dance through Acrobatic Arts. Our adult classes include Chasamba, Tap and Dancercise. Just Dance also offers After School Clubs which include Cookery, Sewing, French and Musical Theatre. Summer Holiday Club runs 5 days a week throughout August, providing day care for children aged 4+. There are a variety of Workshops for children and their families. Our Themed Birthday Parties are a fantastic occasion for every child. We will decorate the room and entertain the children with activities including games, craft, dancing and face painting
etc. Just Dance can also provide home-made food for your special event. In April 2016, Just DanceWear & Gifts our fabulous new dancewear and gift shop will be opening. It will provide budding ballerinas or trendy teens with everything that’s required to take part in their classes. We will be stocking dancewear, shoes, bags and gifts. For more information on any of the above, please contact Emma on 07901 553602, or w w w. j u s t - d a n c e - s t u d i o s . co.uk, or Facebook, Just Dance Wincanton.
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INFORMATION, EDUCATION
Internet matters launches 'digital safety awards' E-safety organisation Internet Matters has recently launched the Internet Matters Digital Safety Awards - a new awards scheme giving accolade to the best and most innovative products, services and initiatives in online safety for children. The Digital Safety Awards sponsored by EY - encourages businesses large and small to take part, from key industry players in technology, education, media and telecommunications industries to SMEs and start-ups. The awards will be hosted by broadcaster and former BBC Tomorrow’s World host Maggie Philbin. Judges include former Ofsted chair Baroness Sally Morgan (pictured), BBC Children’s Director Alice Webb and Secretary of CHIS John Carr. Baroness Morgan said: “I am delightedto be able to judge this inaugural awards competition. The power of technology can be a real force for good, not least in the education sector where we’re seeing companies large and small creating opportunities not just to help children learn but keep them safe online." Carolyn Bunting, General Manager of Internet Matters, said: “We’d encourage both large and small businesses from a broad spectrum of industry
to enter. We’d like to recognise those who have created products or provide services which truly make a difference in keeping children safe online.” The awards are open to anyone involved in making or providing products or services that help keep children safe online, including social networking channels, apps, support services, gaming and media, as well as producers of hardware and software. Five categories include: ● Best Product or Service for Parents ● Best Product or Service for Children ● Best Innovation ● Digital Safety Entrepreneur of the Year ● Best Education Product or Service Winners of the Best Product or Service for Children will be judged by a select panel of children from the National Children’s Bureau, while the Digital Safety Entrepreneur of the Year will secure an illustrious mentoring opportunity with global professional services company, EY. Internet safety for children is of growing concern for society and the technology industry as a whole. Recent research by
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Internet Matters reveals how: ● Children spend 3 hours online on their smartphone everyday ● 36% of children message people they have met online and don’t know ● One in five change the social media safety settings enforced by their parents Ms Bunting added: “The pace of change the internet brings is unprecedented. Brilliant and exciting services are getting introduced all the time and we would like to recognise the efforts that businesses are going to in order to ensure children get a safe and age appropriate internet experience.” Entries must be made online by visiting www.internetsafety. org. The closing date is April 15, 2016 and it’s free to enter. The shortlists will be announced the week commencing April 25, 2016. The ceremony will take place in London on May 24.
Super Pirates to invade All Hallows! All Hallows is delighted to announce a Summer holiday activity with a difference. Running Monday to Friday, weeks beginning 25th July, 1st & 8th August, the Super Pirates, an innovative children’s entertainment company based in Bath, will be offering stimulating and fun activities. www. superpirates.co.uk In addition to swimming and a host of games, sports, crafts and fun, the team will be creating a ‘junk town’ with the children over the three weeks really engaging their creative and enterprise skills and developing team work. Jason, the leader of the ‘Super Pirates’ is immensely excited about bringing this innovative idea, originating in Holland, to the UK. “I love this concept and its relevance. We hope the children will feel a real sense of excitement and achievement.
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Whether they sign up for a day or three weeks, the children will enjoy the creating, freedom and focus this project provides. With its underlying ‘recycling’ and sustainability themes, it is an incredibly positive activity which will culminate in a ‘festival’ style event for parents and children at the end of the course.” For more information, or to reserve spaces, please email mandy@allhallowsschool.co.uk
Other holiday courses, open to all, operating at All Hallows include: Easter Tennis – 4th, 5th & 6th April for 4 – 7 and 8 – 10 year olds Easter Cricket – 6th, 7th & 8th April Summer’s Cool Music School – 24th – 29th July www.allhallowsschool.co.uk Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, Instagram, Flickr, Youtube – allhallowssch
TH E inde pendent D IF F E R E N CE ON YOUR D OOR STE P. We can offer your child: • the freedom to learn through feeling safe, happy and valued • small class sizes, single year groups and personalised learning • the opportunity to discover their creative talents through the arts, drama and music • excellent coaching, superb facilities and competitive sports opportunities • fresh air every day • the opportunity to develop a strong moral compass.
COME AND VISIT US admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk allhallowsschool.co.uk
OPEN MORNING. Monday, 2nd May 2016. 9.30am to midday follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk
Parent Talk April 2016 17
BOOK REVIEW
Editor’s choice Ultimate Dot to Dot By Gareth Moore Published by Michael O’Mara Books 'Ultimate Dot-to-Dot' will entertain and engage puzzlers for hours on end as each puzzle gradually reveals intricate animals, objects and scenes. Contains 30 seriously challenging dot-todots and over 30,000 dots.
The Great Chocoplot By Chris Callaghan Published by Chicken House It’s the end of chocolate – for good! A chocolate mystery…At least, that’s what they’re saying on TV. Jelly and her gran are gobsmacked – they love a Blocka Choca bar or two. But then a trail of clues leads to a chocolate shop in town owned by the distinctly bitter Garibaldi Chocolati.
Knights of the Borrowed Dark By Dave Rudden Published by Puffin If you’re afraid of the dark, what’s the dark afraid of? For fans of JK Rowling, Eoin Colfer, Rick Riordan and Derek Landy, 'Knights of the Borrowed Dark' is poised to draw a whole new generation of readers into a fantastical world of pulse-pounding action as orphan Denizen Hardwick finds himself caught up in a secret and ancient battle between an order of magic-wielding humans – the Knights of the Borrowed Dark – and a shadowy race of monsters known as the Tenebrous, and their powerful master the Endless King.
Mango & Bambang – Tapir all at Sea By Polly Faber, illustrated by Clara Vulliamy Mango Allsorts is a girl good at all sorts of things, especially helping a tapir feel at home in a busy city. Their friendship continues to unfold with adventures including daring escapades involving Rocket, a curly tailed dog full of bounce, encounters with a heel stamping hand clapping master of Flamenco, Senior Churros and a dangerous old enemy who collects unusual items for her museum. 18 Parent Talk April 2016
Chalk on the Wild Side By Lorie King Kaehler Published by Walter Foster ‘Chalk on the Wild Side’ is the second title in Art Camp, an art series geared toward adults who want to engage in creative play with children in their lives. Designed to introduce young artists to a variety of art methods and techniques in fun, fresh, and inviting new ways, this addition to the series encourages parents and their kids to play outdoors with an assortment of chalk recipes and interactive games and activities.
Supertato By Sue Hendra & Paul Linnet Published by Simon and Schuster The Evil Pea is up to no good and there’s an anarchy in the aisles! Can our supermarket hero, Supertato, divert disaster? Or is he going to need back up?
The Gentle Parenting Book By Sarah Ockwell-Smith Published by Piatkus Parenting trends come and go. Gentle parenting is different – it isn’t a label for a precise set of rules but a method of parenting that embraces the need of parent and child, while being mindful of current science and child psychology. It means parenting with empathy, respect, understanding – and boundaries. In ‘The Gentle Parenting Book’, Sarah Ockwell-Smith provides a trustworthy combination of what-to-expect information and gentle-parenting solutions to the most common challenges faced by parents with young children.
A Visit to London for Thomas the Tank Engine Published by Egmont The Fat Controller has been invited to the Queen’s birthday celebrations, far from the island of Sodor, in the biggest city in the land, London. And what better engine to take him there than Thomas the Tank Engine. A delighted Thomas makes the long journey to London where he is put on a barge and taken down the Thames seeing Tower Bridge, St Paul’s, The Shard, Parliament and many other landmarks along the way! It’s a very proud day for the little blue engine in the big city!
Defender of the Realm By Nick Ostler and Mark Huckerby Published by Scholastic Fourteen year old heir to the throne, Alife, didn’t expect to be King so soon. He definitely did not expect to be…Defender of the Realm. An ordinary girl, Hayley Hicks, finds herself fighting alongside Alfie in a desperate struggle to stop a fearsome new enemy.
Harper and the Circus of Dreams By Cerrie Burnell, illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson Second in the Harper series, 'Harper and the Circus of Dreams' is a beautifully written, lyrical tale featuring a cast of funny and loveable characters. Late one evening as the stars begin to twinkle, Harper and her friends are flying on the scarlet umbrella when they see a girl running on air, skipping along a tightrope. She leads them to the Circus of Dreams, suspended in the air by hot air balloons. As the children meet the mermaid acrobat, the spectactular circus baker and the acrobatics troop, they begin to realise something about Harper’s past…
Raymie Nightingale By Kate DiCamillo Published by Walker Ten year old Raymie Clarke grapples with the realization that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If she can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie’s picture in the paper and (maybe) come home.
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CLASSIFIED
New invention allows children to turn inanimate objects into app-controlled toys in minutes Tio, a new award-winning invention to "animate the world around you" has just launched the first pioneering Creator and Inventor Kits that will enable children to instantly transform everyday objects and materials - from drink bottles to cereal boxes - into ‘connected’ toys and inventions with individual moving parts, LED colour sequences, motor functions and movements that can be controlled, recorded and repeated from a tablet or smartphone to inspire a new generation of young inventors. The technology has already been used by children as young as three to create new app-controlled inventions in minutes, from a moving lego robot and a water bottle racer to a craft UFO and a 3D-printed race buggy. David Landsman, Executive Director of Tata Limited says "It's based on some great innovative technology and has the needs of its customers - children and their parents firmly in mind. Tio could really contribute to enthusing young people about engineering and be a thoroughly enjoyable part of their STEM experience." The kits could also be used in schools as an interactive learning tool in science, arts and crafts classes. They are designed to spark invention, encourage creative play and provide a new way of learning with which to acquire future skills and knowledge including creative thinking, arts and crafts, team work, problem solving, product design, engineering and technology. The innovation includes ‘connected’ motorised blocks with built-in LED rings, adapters, pulleys, and wheels that can be easily attached to everything from gadgets to old toys, enabling children to turn their surroundings into an interactive learning environment creating a generation of young artists, designers, architects, engineers and inventors. Ruth Churchill Dower, Director at Earlyarts, the award winning, national network for early childhood educators, says "Educational toy manufacturers come and go, with little regard for the impact they could have on any child’s development. But Tio are not like that. This team have impressed us with the rigour of their educational
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research and the value they place on nurturing children’s creativity (and that of their parents). We’re really thrilled to see them going from strength to strength and I look forward to seeing Tio sparking off new ideas between parents and children for many years to come." Dr Andrew Manches, Learning Scientist says "Tio clearly demonstrates the power of combining digital technology with hands-on creative play. With a supportive adult, the possibilities for inspiring children to create are truly exciting." The aim is to enable anyone, for the first time, to instantly transform inanimate objects into remotecontrolled custom-made inventions, from crawlers to cranes and windmills, which can be manipulated at the tap of a smartphone or tablet. Children can even use the kits to animate 3D-printed mini robots. Users can also 'teach' them to perform tasks with the free iOS and Android app, such as lifting and carrying objects, mounting obstacles, flapping wings, flashing coded messages with LED colour sequences, or driving and rotating at different speeds. Children can program inventions to record and repeat sequences of actions and colours - such as moving wings at a certain pace or lifting and carrying nearby objects from one room to another -
to demonstrate the results of their invention to friends and family. Programs can also be downloaded and shared with the online community of Tio inventors. The ultimate aim is to provide user-friendly technology that will allow children of all abilities and ages to easily and quickly create, modify and play with new inventions that can perform various tasks or overcome challenges. This encourages creativity, sparks invention and inspires younger generations to get interested in STEM subjects, from engineering to architecture. Currently on Kickstarter, Tio is also preparing to expand the functionalities of a safe online community for young inventors to find inspiration, join challenges, unlock badges, download construction templates, crowd-source innovations and exchange new ideas. Powered by Creatubbles, the online community already allows children to share their first invention ideas, mock-ups and drawings. The Creator and Inventor Kits arrive with nine pop-andfold invention templates as a starting point, before users go on to creating and exploring combinations of different materials and different inventions. The templates include a lighthouse, climber, windmill and helicopter. The free iOS and Android app communicates wirelessly with the inventions to customise
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and program them. It controls many features like motor speed and direction as well as LED colours, rotation and patterns. With simple taps on the app, the programming mode allows creators to record and repeat sequences of actions including colour patterns and movements. Coding is possible but not required making the app accessible to all. Mario Morello, co-founder of Tio says “We believe it should be simple and fun for anyone, anywhere to easily create their own toys and inventions that can be controlled with a smartphone or tablet. By combining craft and tech, we aim to inspire the next generation with a new way of inventing, playing and learning together.” Peter Spence, co-founder and inventor of Tio says “As a child I vividly remember that I couldn’t make my toys and inventions move without a little help from gravity. I started thinking, what if there was a magic engine to do that? Fast forward 20 years and I set out to invent my dream toy to be enjoyed by kids of all ages.” The Creator and Inventor Kits are available now on Kickstarter from £69 and £139. They come with 3D printing credit worth £10 from 3D Hubs, exclusive 3D printing partner for the Kickstarter campaign. More info can be found on Tio’s Kickstarter page. kickstarter.com
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