Parent Talk Summer 2014 by Parent Talk

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

July 2014 Volume 19 Issue 7

Summer Fun!

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Family Pages Out & About Book Bag Education, Information Book Review Classified

p2-4 p5-10 p11-14 p15-21 p22 p23

competitions Butterfly World

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FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY

Parent Talk July 2014

Taunton in Bloom The Nation’s oldest, longest running Flower Show will once again be held in Taunton’s picturesque Vivary Park on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd August.

Our family friendly extravaganza has lots of entertainment in the arena, 200 trade stands and rural crafts, stunning floral displays and talks, Military Band, Demonstrations, Gold Medal Designer Gardens, Huge Competition Marquee, Music, Arts & Crafts, Food Tent, Chelsea Lawn and much more. Children of all ages can enjoy the dedicated children’s activity area with events including Pottery, Woolcraft, Climbing Wall, Flight Simulator, Punch & Judy, Face Painting,

Exmoor Ponies, treasure hunt and much more. For children of 11 and under there will be a fancy dress competition. Come dressed as a dragon or monster! Meet in the Children’s Area at 2pm on Friday or Saturday. Prizes awarded for the best costumes. 312 competition classes are available for entrants, including 43 Children’s categories, sharing nearly £5,000 in prize money along with distinction of Gold, Silver or Bronze awards. Amateurs can register their entries in the wide range of competition classes up until the Monday

before the Show. More information available on the website. Children under 17 admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets may be purchased in advance at a 10% discount from Taunton Tourist Information Centre or on line. Show opens

Friday 1st 10.30 am – 7.00 pm Saturday 2nd 10 am – 6 pm Friday – £12 Saturday – £10

For information, please visit the website,

www.tauntonfs.co.uk or call 01823 401 035

Maize maze at Barleymow’s Once again Barleymow’s Maize Maze and Activity Field opens its gates for traditional outdoor family fun without a television or computer in sight! The activity field lets both children and parents enjoy messing about together but, because of its open layout, equally allows you to watch the kids run free whilst you sit back relax, enjoy the fantastic views and maybe a cream tea!

Activities include the straw mountain with tunnels and slides, trampolines, sandpit, ball games, zip wire, pedal go carts, skittles, giant draughts

and barrel train rides, not to mention the prize draw quiz which runs through the maize maze. Season tickets are available which mean after your second visit all further visits are free. Also look out for our new ice cream shack serving creamy jersey milk ice creams and very naughty sundaes! As usual the licensed restaurant will be open until 5pm serving all day breakfasts, hot and cold lunches, snacks and cream teas. The Farm Shop stays open until 6pm just in time to grab something to take home for the BBQ!

Tel: 01458 241318 email: 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.

Dear Readers... The end of the school year is in sight which means lovely long holidays for the kids and for the rest of us…. logistical headaches working out childcare and how to keep everyone happy over the summer! As always, we’ve got loads of suggestions for you and don’t worry – they don’t all cost the earth! There are some great activities including arts and crafts, adventure, drama workshops, nature walks or you could even try a walk with dinosaurs! Continuing the all things ancient theme, how about becoming a fossil hunter? With Lyme Regis close by, we’ve put some information together on how to get started – see p12-13. Have a wonderful break and we’ll be back in September.

The Maize Maze is open from Wednesday 23rd July until Sunday 31st August 9.30am - 5pm (last entry at 4pm). Contact us for more details on 01460 62130 www.barleymowsfarmshop.co.uk

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1 & 2 August 2014 Taunton TA1 3QG 2 miles from M5 junction 25

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Free Entry for children

Tamsin Editor

Competition winners Pro-coaching

Suzanne Fawden, Taunton Vtriker scooter

Claire Tucker, Cheddar

Music, Arts & Crafts Exciting Arena Entertainment Myths and dragons play zone Gold Medal Gardens

Spider-Man 2 puzzle

Ruth Newport, North Somerset Rachel Sorrentino, Yeovil Danielle Graves, Leeds James Fenlon, Hampshire Grace Collins, North Somerset

Open23rd from July 21 July 2 Sept. Open from Wed totoSun 31st Aug 2014 9.30am- - 5pm 5pm (last 4pm) 9.30am (lastentry entry 4pm)

Farm Shop andRestaurant Restaurantopen open8.30am 8.30am - -5pm (all(all year) TheThe Farm Shop and 5pm year) milefrom from Chard on the A30, follow the yellow signs. als 1/21/2 im An rm JustJust mile Chard on the A303, follow the yellow signs. Fa the et Me 0146062130 62130 www.barleymowsfarmshop.co.uk 01460 www.barleymowsfarmshop.co.uk

Rural Crafts Stunning floral displays Competition Marquee Baking Demos

A Wonderful Day Out for all the Family www.tauntonfs.co.uk Tel: 01823 401035 info@tauntonfs.co.uk

4 Parent Talk July 2014

FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY

On holiday with amazing baby Summer at Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre rabbits and other animals At Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre, Summer is now here and it’s a great time to enjoy the garden you have created!

Just in case you need to fill a few gaps in your borders and containers, we have a selection of Summer flowering plants and also many hanging baskets that are ready to enhance your garden. We have a good range of perennials, herbs, climbers and clematis and fragrant roses in many colours. There is a wide choice of vegetable plants to choose from, which are not only fun to grow but will also help you to grow some of your 5 daily portions – and they will taste fantastic! The Café & Tea-rooms are open all day for either a relaxing drink in the sun or maybe a ‘cheeky’ cream tea? With the addition of ‘Winesolution’ wine shop to help you pick your new

In a delightful, child friendly setting Torridge House have 8 cottages in easy going gardens with expanses of well kept grass, trees for shade, plenty of outdoor toddler toys, an outdoor swimming and toddler pool and daily animal feeding with Farmers Sandie and Barbara.

favourite wine, don’t forget the Pet Centre and the newly expanded Richard’s Aquatic Centre and also H20 Canine Hydrotherapy. We are open

seven days a week and can be found situated between Taunton and Wellington on the A38, opposite the Blackbird Inn.

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

There’s also a library of books, games and dvds, indoor play as well as a table tennis and pool games room. For easy self-catering there are homemade meals from the freezer and chilled meals available from Chef Anne. An inspiring setting for holidays with young families, often described as a very special place indeed. Cots, highchairs, nursery plates and spoons, bed guards, blackout blinds and so on are freely available as are laundry facilities, wi-fi and barbecues. It’s a wonderfully friendly place

The cost of Divorce and Family Break-up followed, draw otherwise sensible people into protracted and expensive disputes.

The high cost of using solicitors often adds to the severe stress of a divorce or separation. Usually, solicitors charge up to £200 or more per hour and their fees can reduce family assets at an alarming rate. In addition, the mere act of going to a solicitor, and the adversarial process then

One problem arises because solicitors can only act for their client; the husband or wife. This means that they cannot work with both parties together in order to seek a sensible settlement. Instead, solicitors talk to “the other side’s” solicitor, immediately doubling the cost. The process usually becomes contentious as each solicitor has to “win” something in order to justify his or her fees. This process seems designed to promote ill-will between husband and wife. Whatever good qualities they saw in each other that drew them together in the first place are gradually forgotten.

BRIDGE LAW Legal Advisers The affordable low cost alternative to Solicitors

Providing high quality low-cost fixed-fee advice and services in legal matters, including divorce, and representation in court. Local representation in Taunton: Stephen David, Barrister. Mobile: 0774 078 6232 Email: stephendavid@bridgelaw.co.uk Bridge Law www.bridgelaylaw.co.uk 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3XX

Family Farm Holidays Tel: 0207 692 0893

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

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

They are urged to emphasise the worst aspects of their once life time partner in order to improve the eventual settlement. Finally, any eventual settlement reached (usually years after they had started) is diminished hideously by legal costs. In other legal cases, there is another party to help bear the costs, in family law cases; the same family bears the costs for both sets of solicitors. Probably the most important result of the current adversarial process that not only the financial security of children is put at risk but also their emotional security. While it may be impossible to shield children from all the effects of their parents separating, it makes it much worse if the separation becomes a legal dispute with each party seeking a victory over the other. On the other hand, while

many people would prefer not to face the problems caused by using a solicitor, they find it too daunting to handle a divorce and related matters on their own. There is another way to seek legal help with divorce and related matters – Bridge Law. As a consequence of the way we operate, we can offer low rates and fixed costs. This is partly because we do not carry the high overheads of firms of solicitors and partly because the client carries out much of the work involved directly, only assisted and supported by us when necessary. The partner involved, Stephen David, is a barrister with direct Public Access Accreditation and so can accept instructions without the need of a solicitor. Stephen is regulated by the Bar Council and has full professional indemnity insurance.

Bridge Law provides an affordable alternative to high street solicitors; an alternative that provides high and personal client care with very considerable savings in legal fees. Stephen is based in Taunton and can be contacted on stephendavid@bridgelaw.co.uk or 0774 078 6232

to stay in a glorious part of north Devon. The cottages are well equipped and they and the gardens are surrounded by fields on the edge of a sleepy Devon village. Within easy reach are country villages, market towns, fishing villages, seaside towns, welcoming pubs, good food, excellent

attractions, walking, cycling and blue flag sandy beaches. A cottage in the country, the seaside nearby, pony, ducks and hens to feed, rabbits to cuddle, mice to play with, treats to save for piggy pudding, eggs to collect; Torridge House Cottages is where you can help the fun, friendly farmers each day.

More details are on www.torridgehouse.co.uk or call 01805 622542

Horse Riders paradise

Whether you have your own horse or just a love of horses, Divoky Riding School has something to offer you. The range of horses and ponies kept at the school make learning to ride or hacking out a pleasure.

The school has long catered for children in their daily holiday clubs which includes horse care and riding but also in their private and group lessons. Now with a half mile all weather exercise track, riders can get the experience of riding out without having to negotiate roads and traffic.

The Divoky Pony club is very active with weekly rallies and camps throughout the summer months giving young riders the chance to take progressive tests and earn badges in recognition of their skills. Mums and dads are also encouraged to take back the reins with a new group of happy hackers that meet up each Wednesday morning at 10am for a hack out followed by a cuppa and a chat, this successful group is growing in numbers and any age welcome.

For more information on holiday activities, lessons or hacking call the yard free of charge via the website at www.divoky.co.uk or telephone 01749 880233

Give Riding a Go! Children aged 5yrs upwards Half day riding and horse care sessions Buy one get one FREE! Only one voucher per child - if you haven’t ridden at Divoky before GIVE IT A GO! Sessions cost £25 and last for two and a half hours Booking essential Tel 01749 880233 Divoky Riding School, Manor Farm, Downhead, Shepton Mallet BA4 4LG

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Parent Talk July 2014

No time to cook? Pop to Action packed fun at the garden centre Wookey Hole PARENTS from Somerset who visit a garden centre in the county after work hours with their little-ones this summer will be able to have supper there as well.

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre near Taunton is open until 7.30pm every Thursday and its restaurant will be serving carvery meals from 4pm until 7pm. Norma Moore, General Manager of the award-winning, independent, family-run garden centre at Monkton Heathfield, said: “We have extended our opening hours one night per week until 7.30pm to allow people to come along and get their supplies ready for the weekend. “However, it isn’t just the garden centre that is open later, our Four Seasons Restaurant will serve carverys from 4pm until 7pm so families can have their supper while they shop with us too.” To help mums and dads who are short of time, the garden centre has also recently introduced a click and collect compost service. Norma added: “To take advantage of our click and collect service, people need to log on to our website at www. monktonelmgardencentre. co.uk, browse our range of composts and select the ones they’d like to purchase.

Britain’s most spectacular caves and legendary home of the infamous Witch of Wookey.

Matt Dare, Compost Advisor at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre, loading a customer’s order.

“Our staff will prepare the order and have it ready to be collected at our new collection point, located just off the main drive inside our entrance gate.”

When people visit the garden centre to pick up their purchase they will need to sound their horn and a member of staff will help load the order into their car.

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

Wander through the prehistoric valley of the Dinosaurs featuring King Kong and relax in our magical fairy garden. The 19th Century Paper Mill houses a variety of fascinating attractions, including the Victorian Penny Arcade, Magical Mirror Maze, Hall of Crazy Mirrors, Cave Museum, Pirate Zap Zone, Soft Play Areas, World of Miniature, Pirate Island Adventure Golf and much more – over 20 fantastic attractions included in your ticket! We have a BRAND NEW, exciting attraction for 2014! NEW! 4D Cinema at Wookey Hole, state of the art technology in the heart of Somerset! Take your family on an epic adventure in our new 4D Cinema. Can you escape the Witch? Where will you be taken? Who knows, but one thing is for certain, you’ll have an amazing journey and one to remember! Be a part of the digital, visual, motion controlled effects and feel like you’re a part of the film – Your senses teased and mind boggled, hold on to your seat for the journey of a lifetime...! Wizard’s Play Castle – hours of fun can be had

in our new Wizard’s Play Castle, with tunnels, slides and rope bridges to keep you entertained! Come and watch The Wookey Hole Circus Show. Be dazzled by the trapeze and silk skills and be enthralled by the wire walking and unicycle tricks – a show not to be missed! (Weekends and school holidays only). If you’re lucky, you might meet the Witch of Wookey Hole! She flies her speedy

broomstick to meet and greet visitors and also stars in the Circus Show! (Weekends and school holidays only). Short breaks also available in our Wookey Hole Hotel from £99 for 2 adults and 2 children, to include an overnight stay, tickets into Wookey Hole and continental breakfast. See website for more details. Also available Pirate Nights and Murder Mystery Packages – throughout the year.

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. MARKETS . THEATRES . FAIRS . FETES . SHOWS . EXHIBITIONS . 11th -13th July: The Healing Weekend 2014. Secret World Wildlife Rescue, East Huntspill. A holistic festival for all the family with around 180 exhibitors, 90 workshops and talks, plus evening shows, all set in acres of beautiful Somerset Countryside. 01736 366579 12th July: Wildlife Day at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. Get involved in pond dipping and learn about the local wildlife that live in Noah’s Ark grounds. 01275 852606 12th July: Zoo Walk Paignton Zoo. Join Paignton Zoo on their first sponsored Zoo Walk. Download a sponsorship form from www. paigntonzoo.org.uk 12th – 13th July: A Day out with Thomas. West Somerset Railway. 01643 704996 15th – 19th July: Hairspray presented by Yeovil Musical Theatre Company at The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil. Hairspray will sweep you away to 1960’s Baltimore, where the 50’s are out and change is in the air. 01935 422884 17th July: Dinkies Story Time. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. 10am and 11am. Join Jackie and Pooja as they tell the story of The Snail and the Whale in this fun storytelling session for pre-schoolers and their parents/carers. Age: 18 months – 4 years. 01225 448844 18th – 19th July: Little Red Hen. Bath City Farm, Kelston View Bath. This ingenious adaptation of the nursery school favourite features a host of animal puppets, sing-along songs and mad-cap comic routines. A real treat for the whole family! Tickets from the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. Age: 3+. 01225 448844 24th July: Experiencing Nature – Outdoor fun day at Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre. Stoke St Gregory. See p7 or call 07434 363427 for further details. 25th – 26th July: The Sooty Show. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare. 01934 645544

26th July: RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day. Over five hours of flying displays and family attractions include military bands, a fairground, vehicle exhibition, service demonstrations, field gun competition, picnic areas, helicopter pleasure flights, simulator rides, trade stands and much, much more. 08445 781781 26th July: Levels’ Best Farmers & Craft Markets. Montacute House, Nr Yeovil. An award winning farmer’s and craft market showcasing the best from across the Somerset Levels. 07973 378735 26th – 27th July: Secret World Hedgehog & Tortoise weekend. Secret World Rescue Centre, East Huntspill. Come along to the Centre and learn all about the life of the humble hedgehog. Talks and displays with opportunities to see the young hogs throughout the day. The British Chelonia Group will be at the centre to answer questions about tortoises and terrapins. 27th July: Frome Children’s Festival 12 noon- 8pm. Various venues in Frome. Grand opening at 12 noon with BBC’s Simon King. 01373 469071 27th July: Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Cannington, Bridgwater. 12 noon. Children and teddy bears are invited to The Walled Gardens on this day to enjoy a wonderful picnic amongst the summer splendour . Normal entry fees apply – children free. 01278 655042 28th July – 1st August: The Octagon Theatre Company: Found. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil. A week long devising and performance course for those with a flair for performance with a difference. Age: 11+. 01935 422884 28th July – 1st August: Fantastic Fish Festival at Living Coast. Celebrate all things weird and wonderful about the creatures of the sea. To find out more visit: www.livingcoasts.org.uk

28 July - 22 August: Wild Weeks. Spend a fun-packed week at Paignton Zoo finding out more and getting close to zoo animals through a variety of games and other fun activities. For more information or to make a booking please call Zoo on 0844 474 2224 29th July: International Tiger Day at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall. Enjoy a special Tiger talk at the Big Cat sanctuary and watch the tigers get some new enrichment toys. 01275 852606 30th July: Family Activity – Bugs at the Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, Wells. 11am – 3pm. How many creatures will you see on your visit to the gardens today? Visit Stable Yard activity room and you can make your very own creepy crawlies to take home! 01749 988111 ext 200 31st July: Welly Wonder and Nature Trail – Outdoor fun day at Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre. Stoke St Gregory. See p7 or call 07434 363427 for further details 1st August: Holiday Craft Club, Bodley Yard, Ford Street, Wellington. 9am – 5pm. Craft clubs for 8 – 12 year olds using a variety of materials and techniques to suit every ability. Ring to reserve a place on 07525 127878 1st – 2nd August: Taunton Flower Show, Vivary Park, Taunton. A wide range of attractions in the main arena and around the showground make this a great day out for all the family. 01823 401035 2nd August: Nunney Street Market and Fayre. Popular medieval street market and fayre held around the moated 14th century Nunney Castle near Frome in Somerset. A great day out for all the family. 01373 836949 4th – 6th August: Game Jam – Video Game Design with Explorium, School Lane, Compton Dundon – see p16. £33 a day book before July 15th to receive 10% discount. 01458 274050

Get out in the Woods and Go Wild this summer with Wilderwoods Holiday Fun Wilderwoods Forest School offer woodland play and adventure sessions throughout the year in managed woodland near Langport and Somerton.

The 2014 summer holiday programme is now available and is packed with adventure and woodland fun for all ages and abilities. Woodland offers endless opportunities for children to play and learn in the natural environment. On our inclusive woodland playschemes 8-12 year olds can be dropped off for a day in the woods supervised by

trained and experienced forest school leaders. Younger children can come to a ‘Wilderplay’ 2 hour session accompanied by parent or carer, or even book their own birthday party with us. Older children can gain valuable experience on Youth Volunteering days, Twilight Trails and Woodland Adventure for Disabled young people. FREE places are on offer for ’buddies’ over 12 year olds who can help a disabled young person make friends and have a great day in the woods. All activities

Wilderwoods Forest School

In woods near Langport Adventure days, family play, after school club & private parties for all ages Bookings & enquiries: 01458 252 463 Hannah@madasafish.com www.wilderwoods.org

are appropriate to age and ability and include campfire, rope swings, exploration, den building, hammocks, woodland management, safe tool use, greenwoodworking, woodland stories, arts & crafts. Wilderwoods also offer courses for ADULTS including spoon carving, peg loom weaving, natural dyeing, parent and child bow making, as well as regular volunteer woodland management days throughout the year. To find out more about the Wilderwoods Holiday programme phone 01458 252 463/01458 223 444 or look at the website www.wilderwoods.org

5th August: Marty MacDonald’s Farm. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare. 01934 422884 7th August: Mini Beast Hunting – Outdoor fun day at Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre. Stoke St Gregory. See p7 or call 07434 363427 for further details 7th – 8th August: Film Jam with Explorium – photography/ green screen. School Lane, Compton Dundon – see p16. £33 a day - book before July 15th to receive 10% discount. 01458 274050 9th - 10th August: Somerset Festival of Transport opposite Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford. Attractions include:Steam Engines, Classic and Vintage Commercials, Classic and Vintage Motorcycles and Bicycles, Classic and Vintage Cars, Classic and Vintage Tractors, Horticultural Tractors, Army Vehicles, Horses, Craft Tents, Outside Crafts and Collections, Trade Stands, Bar and Food Area, Fair Ground Rides and many more. More details, call Tony Carter, 07900 695620. 11th – 12th August: Holiday Craft Club, Bodley Yard, Ford Street, Wellington. 9am – 5pm. Craft clubs for 8 – 12 year olds using a variety of materials and techniques to suit every ability. Ring to reserve a place on 07525 127878 12th – 14th August: Sports Jam with Explorium – design a new sport. School Lane, Compton Dundon – see p16. £33 a day book before July 15th to receive 10% discount. 01458 274050 14th August: Butterflies – Outdoor fun day at Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre. Stoke St Gregory. See p7 or call 07434 363427 for further details 14th – 23rd August: Les Misérables (Schools edition). The Regal Theatre, Minehead. Performed by a talented cast of under 20 year olds from across Somerset and supported by a live

orchestra, Les Misérables is a show not to be missed. 01643 706430 15th August: Film Jam with Explorium – animation. School Lane, Compton Dundon – see p16. £33 a day - book before July 15th to receive 10% discount. 01458 274050 16th August: Brompton Regis Show & Gymkhana. Cricket field, Brompton Regis, Nr Dulverton. Annual Gymkhana, Horse and Dog shows. Traditional sideshows and stalls. Refreshments all day. 17th August: Scooby Doo: The Mystery of the Pyramid. Bristol Hippodrome. 2.30pm and 7.30pm performances. Scooby-Doo and the gang are back by popular demand and with even more Spooky Mystery and fun – this time in the Pyramids. 0844 8713012 18th – 20th August: Radio Jam with Explorium – produce a show. School Lane, Compton Dundon – see p16. £33 a day book before July 15th to receive 10% discount. 01458 274050 18th – 22nd August: The Octagon Theatre Company: The Great Outdoors. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil. Week long, fun packed performance course culminates in a showcase to an invited audience of family and friends on the final evening of the course. Age: 7-11. 01935 422884 19th August – 7th September: Shrek the Musical. Bristol Hippodrome. Direct from the West End and larger than life! 0844 8713012 20th August: Family Activity – Bugs at the Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, Wells. 11am – 3pm. How many creatures will you see on your visit to the gardens today? Join us in the Stable Yard activity room and you can make your very own creepy crawlies to take home! 01749 988111 ext 200 21st August: Wild Art – Outdoor fun day at Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre. Stoke St Gregory. See p7 or call 07434 363427 for further details

21st – 22nd August: Film Jam with Explorium – editing. School Lane, Compton Dundon – see p16. £33 a day - book before July 15th to receive 10% discount. 01458 274050 21st – 23rd August: Oliver! presented by Tri.art Summer School at The Merlin Theatre, Frome. 01373 465949 20th August: Holiday Craft Club, Bodley Yard, Ford Street, Wellington. 9am – 5pm. Craft clubs for 8 – 12 year olds using a variety of materials and techniques to suit every ability. Ring to reserve a place on 07525 127878 23rd – 25th August: Bowlore Medieval Weekend at the Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, Wells. 11am – 5pm. Learn all about what life would have been like when the Palace was first built. Featuring a medieval encampment; have-a-go archery range; sword lessons; a hands-on armour and weapons display; and an archery and sword show. 01749 988111 ext 200 26th – 29th August: Film Jam with Explorium – short films. School Lane, Compton Dundon – see p16. £33 a day - book before July 15th to receive 10% discount. 01458 274050 27th August: Dragons at the Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, Wells. 11am – 3pm. Do you know the legend of Bishop Jocelin and the dragon? Come along and find out more from the Palace’s history and make your own dragon to take home! 01749 988111 ext 200 27th – 31st August: Robin Hood. Production by the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. An open air production at Prior Park College, Bath, led by the egg’s professional team to create a dazzling piece of outdoor theatre featuring thrilling sword fights, archery, marauding and adventure. 28th August: Pond Dipping – Outdoor fun day at Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre. Stoke St Gregory. See p7 or call 07434 363427 for further details.

Family activities at Combe Sydenham Do you like to enjoy the countryside with your children? Do you like them to be active? Do you like to share activities with them? If your answer is yes to all three questions then we can help.

After 40 years of educational activities, we at Combe Sydenham have plenty of experience in making life interesting using both historical and natural environments. The Elizabethan Gentleman’s country house and 500 acres of wooded hillsides with many clean water streams make an inspirational backdrop for educational and fun activities alike. Looking at life in the streams, making mosaics from natural materials, listening to and creating stories, den or dam building and many other activities are

all available. It is your choice! Contact us to discuss which of these you and your children would like or perhaps suggest something of your own. We like new ideas! Obviously with family groups the children will be of different ages; this has never been a problem in the past as we do not follow a set pattern and adapt to the children (and adults) in each group. We design our half days to suit children from all age groups from 3 (or

even younger) to 103. If you are unable to get a sufficient number for a group of your own, ring us to find out if there is a group already booked with whom you could join. Activities available throughout the summer holidays.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Combe Sydenham, Monksilver, Taunton. TA4 4JG Actitivies for children of all ages and their families. Only cost is travel as Government scheme pays for visit. Contact John 0800 7838572 bcsources@aol.com

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Parent Talk July 2014 7

Hours of outdoor fun Peppa Pig’s Big Splash! There is still time to get the outdoor play equipment for the children to occupy themselves in the summer holidays. Here at the Toy Barn we have a wonderful display area with trampolines, swing and climbing frames, and our own Orchard frames and play houses.

The photo shows our April Cottage on a platform with a slide. We also have on display our Apple Cottage, the Basic and Deluxe models and our Tumbleweed Cottage. These playhouses are designed and handmade on site by Peter Hunt (owner of The Toy Barn), so you can have one tailor made for that spot in your garden. We have designed the Playhouses to look fantastic whilst having play value for the children. Inside the Apple Cottage you can have a loft with banister or a child flap so that children have a

Come and join Peppa and her friends on Saturday 9 or Sunday 10 August for an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles!

secret escape route and we can accessorise the house with blackboards tables and chairs to create the perfect play room outside. Give it a shingled roof with stable doors and a veranda or have a painted cottage. The Go Kart and Orchard parties at the Toy Barn are

always a winner! The Go Kart parties are designed around an indoor/outdoor race-track. The pedal-powered karts are suitable for ages 5-7 to adult. Our outdoor display area can be hired for a unique party for any occasion and can be hired separately or in conjunction with the Go-Karts.

For more information about us and our parties please either phone us on 01935 815040 or visit our website www.toy-barn.co.uk

your wellies and brollies and get splashing! Family Tickets cost £42 for 3 with up to 3 more tickets £14 each.

Tickets are available from the Exeter Northcott Theatre Box Office on 01392 493 493 or online at www.exeternorthcott.co.uk. Booking fees apply. Watch the trailer at www.peppapiglive.com

The West Somerset Railway is holding its annual “Day Out With Thomas” weekends on July 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th and whilst the famous blue engine is giving trips in and out of Minehead station his “friends” the bigger engines are working the trains between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead.

Explore the sub-tropical gardens, have fun in the natural play area or investigate ghostly goings on in our Crypt exhibition. There’s always

We’re preparing to defend the castle from the Roundheads on the 9 and 10 of August with our Civil War weekend - whose side are you on? See how you would fare defending the castle on one of our have-a-go archery and pistol shooting weekends which are running throughout August. Wild Wednesdays run from

stage with super cute puppets and brilliant sing-along songs in this brand new show that will brighten your day. So grab

Famous faces at West Somerset Railway

Summer fun at Dunster Castle something to do at Dunster Castle and with events running throughout the summer, you’ll never be short of something to keep the little ones (or the grown-ups!) entertained. Relax in the parkland for an evening of sheepdog and falconry displays on the 21, 28 July and 4, 11, 18, and 25 August. On the 13 August watch Alice as she follows the White Rabbit to Wonderland in the Cambridge Touring theatre’s musical production of Alice in Wonderland; just remember to bring a picnic to enjoy while you watch the evenings show.

The nursery roof is leaking and Peppa and her friends need to fix it - quick! As they set up a fete to raise the money for the repairs, they’ll need your help to make sure everything goes smoothly. Join Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig, as well as Danny Dog, Pedro Pony and Suzy Sheep as they have fun putting up bunting, running stalls and organising a great day out. There’s also a Champion Puddle Jumping competition judged by Mr Potato where everyone gets wet and Peppa needs to find her Golden Boots! Peppa Pig returns live on

the 6 to the 27 of August every Wednesday. Get closer to nature when Bugfest return, tick off some of your 50 things, and embrace your wild side! Entry is free to National Trust members, however some events will have an additional charge.

Also at the seaside station the Fat Controller will be trying to keep order, there will be vintage bus rides around the town and entertainment. Apart from Thomas, other children’s events in 2014 include “Meet and Greet” Days with the Octonauts, Peppa Pig and George and Fireman Sam and a new idea is a medieval encampment at Stogumber Station on

July 26th and 27th where Bowlore will involve visitors of all ages in the craft of knights of old. Once again

much more information (even about Christmas trains) can be seen at the website or by giving the Railway a call.

For more information please see

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

Advanced train tickets for journeys from Bishops Lydeard can be booked from both.

Please check the website or call for details.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle 01643 821314

Brand new live show!

summer days Dunster Castle and Gardens Events are running throughout the summer holidays. See our website for details.

nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstercastle 01643 821314

Climbing frames, swings, sliDes & trampolines go kart parties play houses orCharD parties

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Aug 2014 Box Office: 01392

493 493 www.exeternorthcott.co.uk www.peppapiglive.com Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies Ltd / Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003

toys & games

The Toy Barn

Blackmarsh Farm, Sherborne 01935 815040 www.toy-barn.co.uk

8 Parent Talk July 2014

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

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

If it’s play you prefer, we’ve got castles and forts, trampolines and skyways, sandpits and tractors, jeeps and playboats, indoor and outdoor, mazes and rides. Give the kids a treat – have a fun day on the farm with baby animals born this spring to visit. We have a posh flock of pedigree Texel sheep (some of them are the daughters of the most expensive sheep in the world – sold for £128,100!). We also have a flock of crossbred ewes on the farm that had their lambs in late March and early April. All through the summer you can bottle feed lambs at 11.30am and 3 o’clock each day and learn some amazing woolly facts! During the summer you may also see Farmer Ed preparing some of the rams for shows or sales. Dolly the saddleback pig had eleven beautiful piglets at

Pirate month at SeaQuarium SeaQuarium Weston is situated on its own pier on Weston-super-Mare seafront and showcases a range of species from around the world in 10 different zones including the new for 2014 ‘Fantastic Phobias’ Zone.

the end of May. Our pedigree Devon cows have also had their calves this spring and don’t miss the milking show held in the animal barn at 11am and 4.30pm daily. Don’t forget you can also go carp fishing and camp at Court Farm too – or hire a luxurious tipi, fully equipped with carpets, rugs, sofa beds, roll mats, cutlery, barbeque area, and furniture. We have two great playbarns, right in the heart of our farmyard. In the first playbarn we have slides, springers and platforms

together with a great sandpit. Also situated in this barn are the ride on tractors and mini quadbikes. Smaller children will love this barn with its range of play and small animals. Down in the saloon barn it’s Yeehaa time with our very own Cowboy Fort. Why not book a birthday party! We provide chairs, tables and tablecloths and the venue – you provide the party food. We’ve lots of space, play and activities including tractor rides and animal feeding to keep the kids amused for as long as you like.

For further details call 01934 822383 or visit www.courtfarmcountrypark.co.uk

There are over 30 exhibits including a Tropical Reef Zone with Puffer Fish, Rainforest Zone with Piranha and Underwater Ocean Tunnel with sharks. The “Hands On” team are available throughout the day to bring you closer to many of our creatures and to share their unique experiences of caring for the animals with educational and entertaining presentations and animal encounters. Ahoy, me Hearties! Prepare for ‘Pirate Month’ full ‘o ruckas, hoots and hollars and tales of the sea, as the SeaQuarium is taken over by a band of Pirates from the 1st – 31st August. Bring your lads and lasses to SeaQuarium Weston where they can join a variety of fun activities including flag making, storytelling and lots more swashbuckling fun and games.

Bladder Tip Anemone

As well as all the aquatic displays, visitors will be able to take part in treasure hunts, colouring competitions and special talks around the aquarium, accompanied by

our staff of buccaneers. SeaQuarium is open all year with great events for all the family including Easter Eggstravaganza, Spooky Spectacular and Santa at SeaQuarium.

You can save 10% on standard admission tickets by booking in advance online at www.seaquarium.co.uk

A walk with Dinosaurs at Combe Martin Wildlife Park

Travel back in time when Dinosaurs walked our earth! Lurking amongst the tropical trees in the depth of the valley are some of the latest in Dinosaur animatronics new to the park this year.

Come face to face with ferocious Spinosaurus, a family of Triceratops and our

Wolvershill Road, Banwell, Weston-super-Mare

very own British Dinosaur, the vicious Neovenator! Watch out for the young T-Rex lurking round the corner, his mother is close behind! Watch the UK’s most realistic full sized animatronic T-Rex come to life, but don’t stand too close to Dilophosaurus, you may get wet! Visit the park’s

Dinosaur Museum where you can see fantastic and rare exhibits including a complete Allosaurus skeleton and one of the largest nest of fossilized eggs ever discovered. Wandering through this stunning park set within a beautiful valley you will be amazed to uncover natural cascading streams and waterfalls, various strains of Bamboo, tropical trees and plants as well as an abundance of indigenous wildlife. The park is home to a variety of exotic animals including African Lions, Primates, Otters, Sea lions, Penguins, Meerkats and rare White Hudson Bay Wolves. The park is one of only two collections in the UK where you can see these beautiful

animals. There are daily Sea Lion Shows, talks and animal encounters throughout the day for the whole family to enjoy. Take a ride on the Dino Express and scream as seven and a half thousand gallons of water hurtle towards you and your fellow passengers! Or be brave enough to enter the park’s underground tomb for a fascinating insight into Egypt. Decipher the ancient art of picture writing with the exact replication of Egyptian hieroglyphics - but watch out for the mummy! If you love creepy crawlies you will enjoy the Bug World exhibit, the kingdom of Insects and other invertebrates!

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Parent Talk July 2014 9

Zoo – explore Fantastic Fish at Paignton the big wild world! Living Coasts Torquay’s coastal zoo and aquarium is celebrating fish in all their forms this summer. There will be looking, learning – and lunching! The Living Coasts Fantastic Fish Festival will include cooking demos by top local chefs, trails, aquarium talks, craft activities and dive shows.

Clare Rugg: “Some fish species are part of our collection - others are food! Fish are amazing, vital, beautiful and useful. Fantastic Fish is promoting sustainable fishing and a greater awareness of just how great fish are. We want to have fun, talk about the need for marine conservation and raise awareness of the Big Fish campaign.” The aim of the Big Fish Campaign is to highlight the problem of aquarium fish that grow larger than the vast majority of home aquaria can accommodate, and to promote responsible buying and selling of these larger species. The Fantastic Fish Festival, sponsored by Kingfisher Brixham, runs from Monday 28th July to Friday 1st August. For more information go to www.livingcoasts.org.uk or ring 0844 474 336.

Paignton Zoo is one of Britain’s leading zoos. The lush, hidden valley is home to some of the planet’s rarest and most amazing animals and plants. All your favourites are here – lion, tiger, gorilla, orang utan, rhino and giraffe

– along with more than a few surprises. Look out for two baby orang utans, young giraffes and a new male lion named Lucifer.

Paignton Zoo is a full day for all the family, with restaurant, shops, takeaway kiosks,

miniature train and indoor and outdoor play areas. As a registered charity the Zoo has a long history of education, scientific research and practical conservation – so your great day out is also a donation towards vital good causes!

N f 2014

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TORQUAY HARBOURSIDE

KiNg Zoos EXPLORE THE BIG WILD WORLD

As well as a wide world of fun you’ll find Investigate, our new attraction with incredible invertebrates!

livingcoasts.org.uk 0844 474 3366

paigntonzoo.org.uk 0844 474 2222

Scan our QR code to book your tickets

10 Parent Talk July 2014

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Haynes International Motor Museum Dalek Invasion 16th and 17th August The Daleks are coming!

Forget the beach and venture inland for a day to remember. The prestigious Haynes International Motor Museum, at Sparkford in Somerset offers an excellent day out for everyone. With more than 400 cars and bikes displayed in stunning style, dating from 1885 to the present day, it is the largest international motor museum in Britain. Phase two of the New museum launched on 16th April, marking completion of the museum’s £5 million, two and a half year, extension, renovation and refurbishment project. The children can enjoy Haynes Motorland the brand new outdoor motor themed

children’s play area, Reel Film Bus (a cinema inside a Bristol bus showing various children’s films throughout the day), Children’s Activity Centre, Brass Rubbings, and many other activities. For those interested in a nostalgic trip down memory lane, the museum offers a host of familiar names such as Austin, MG, and Morris. Whilst for those seeking something more exotic there is a vast array of performance cars, from modern classics such as the Dodge Viper and the Jaguar XJ220, to the more historic Jaguar E Type and AC Cobra. Also on show is a large collection of American

cars, including the jewels in the crown of Haynes – the V16 Cadillac, and the million-dollar Duesenberg. Complete your day out in our new café 750, serving a variety of meals and drinks; visit our new gift shop whilst the children play in our soft play fun bus.

Holiday Fun at Willow & Wetlands Visitor Centre For years we have been asked if we run holiday activities here at the Willow & Wetlands Visitor Centre, and the answer was always “no - sadly!” But that has now changed. This year we have a series of 6 funpacked outdoor activity days to choose from during the school holidays. Ranging from Bug and Mini Beast hunting to a Wonderful Welly Wander, there will be something for all the budding young children and adults to enjoy. Full details of each exciting day can be found on our Facebook page, just look for Willows and Wetlands and you will find us. The Outdoor classroom that nestles on the hill overlooking

Willow and Wetlands Outdoor fun days

the “withy beds” and River Tone will be home for these days, so even if it pours the fun will still happen. This lovely classroom is available to use free of charge as part of our Natural England (HLS Educational Access) agreement to groups studying farming, conservation and the environment. Did you know that we can also organise willow weaving opportunities for visiting educational groups to suit all budgets? There is a huge variety of opportunities for studying subjects across the school curriculum here at the Willows & Wetlands. If you have any questions about these events please leave a message with

24th July: Experiencing Nature July: Welly Wonder and Nature Trail Come along & ● 7th August: Mini Beast Hunting take part with ● 14th August: Butterflies all the family ● 21st August: Wild Art 11am-2pm ● 28th August: Pond Dipping £4 per child and Bugs Please call or email to book 07434 363427 Vickycriddle.willowandwetlands@outlook.com

Just over 50 years after the Daleks were first seen on our TV screens, they are planning a terrifying return to the Fleet Air Arm Museum on 16th and 17th August. The Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy and extra-terrestrial Daleks seem unlikely bedfellows but the National Museum of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm is on high alert this summer anticipating a massive Invasion of the Daleks. Organised by the Fleet Air Arm Museum in conjunction with the Charity Dalek Squad and Charity Sci-Fi, this year’s invasion will see new characters and Daleks taking to the stage and terrifying visitors. Together with their evil accomplices Davros, Miss Hartigan, Cybermen, Ice warriors, Pig Slave, Weeping

Don’t miss the explosive Tank Action Displays, every weekday during the Summer Holidays. Watch in awe as tanks roll into action in our arena, with thundering engines and life-like explosions! Complete with expert commentary, you will discover how tanks work, how they developed and how they are used on the battlefield. Then explore The Tank Museum’s five powerful exhibitions, where you will come face to face with hundreds of battle hardened armoured vehicles. “The Tank Story” details tank history from 1915 to the present. “Battlegroup Afghanistan” transports you to the modern front line. In

●

● 31st

Dalek Invasion! Two Days of Terror August 16 & 17 | 10am to 5:30pm Beat the queues. Buy your tickets in advance! Children encouraged to wear Fancy Dress! Celebrity Signings Stage Show Family Activities Dr Who Traders RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, BA22 8HT

Who traders and celebrities will add to the occasion. Doors will open to the public from 10.00am and normal museum entry prices will apply. Tickets will be available on the door or in advance in advance on the museum website www.fleetairarm.com and in the Museum Shop. Fleet Air Arm Museum RNAS Yeovilton Somerset BA22 8HT Tel 01935 840565.

Tank Action Displays Imagine the awesome power of tanks brought to life in front of your very eyes...

Vicky Criddle 07434 363427 or Vickycriddle. willowandwetlands@outlook. com and she will tell you everything you need to know. Why not make a full day of it and stay on afterwards and join a guided tour of the Willow yard and basket making workshop. Or enjoy a cream tea in the Lemon Tree Coffee House and browse around the new craft studios on site.

Angel and many more, this year’s visitation will feature some new family activities and entertainment including the ever popular Audience with the Daleks. The event will take place throughout three Halls of the Fleet Air Arm Museum with the performances taking place in front of a dramatic new Space Station set under Concorde. To add to the fun and terror of the day, children are encouraged to wear Sci-fi fancy dress and there will be an opportunity to make your own Dalek using yogurt pots donated by Yeo Valley. The day will finish with the March of the Daleks, when the army of Daleks and their evil friends will parade through the museum ending under Concorde for a giant photo opportunity. In addition, Dr

01935 840565 fleetairarm.com

Lots to do come + $ < 1 ( 6 , 1 7 ( 5 1 $ 7 , 2 1 $ / rain or shine! 02725 086(80

Great fun for all

“The Discovery Centre”, you’ll see the breadth of our unique collection. Marking the centenary of World War One “The Trench Experience” takes you back in time to 1916 - and new for 2014, “Warhorse to Horsepower” examines the rise of the tank and the demise of the cavalry in the mud of the Western Front. Visitors can also enjoy a series of talks and tours held every day. This summer The Tank Museum is holding an event on 4th August to commemorate 100 years since the outbreak

of the First World War, with explosive arena displays, talks, vehicle rides and living history. Children go free to this event see our website, tankmuseum. org, for more details.

Enter the Time Capsule! Visit Montacute TV Radio Toy Museum this summer to see their latest amazing exhibition ‘Enter the Tardis!’ Walk through the Tardis doors to see all the Doctors at work around the console and a host of life size enemies, over 60 Dr Who characters to see!

Dr Who was the first British sci-fi serial and is the longest running sci-fi programme in the world. The first episode called ‘An Unearthly Child’ in which the Doctor and his time-space ship Tardis were discovered in a junkyard in contemporary London was aired on 23rd November 1963 on BBC TV. The Tardis design was copied from a police box, common on London streets, where the public could phone for police assistance. The now iconic Daleks were introduced in the second serial in December 1963 and were an immediate and huge hit. ‘Hiding behind the sofa whenever the Daleks appear’ has a strong memory for many families. A 2008 survey

VISIT

EAT

indicated that 9 out of 10 British children could identify a Dalek correctly! Entry also includes Montacute museum’s amazing huge nostalgic and unique collection related to your favourite TV programmes with sections on children’s programmes, soaps, westerns, comedy, super hero’s, sci-fi and more. A great experience for children, mums, dads and grandparents. Also enjoy Lunch, Tea or a Snack in the conservatory café/garden. Specials include Dr Who lunch boxes. For more details see. www. montacutemuseum.co.uk Montacute TV Radio Toy Museum, 1 South St, Montacute TA15 6XD Tel 01935 823024.

SHOP

STAY

*See website for details

Kids GO

First World War

Centenary Commemoration 4 August 1914 - 2014 THE TANK MUSEUM Bovington | Dorset

Free! *

tankmuseum.org | 01929405096

Registered Charity no: 1102661

Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7LH 01963 440804 www.haynesmotormuseum.co.uk Educational Charitable Trust, No: 292048

ENTER THE TIME CAPSULE! 1 South St Montacute Somerset Ta15 6XD tel: 01935 823024 Montacutemuseum www.montacutemuseum.co.uk

welcome to your n o i t c e s S W E N

Book Bag NEWS

bringing you world events, job tasters, boredom busters, interesting facts and everything topical...

WIN tterfly ave 5 Buway h lk a T t Paren kits to give a World

Try our Summer Quiz 1 How many countries competed in the

8 Who wrote James and the Giant Peach?

World Cup 2014?

9 Who composed the music for Harry Potter and

2 What nationality is tennis player

the Philospher’s Stone?

Venus Williams?

10 Which planet is closest to the Sun?

3 How many players in a hockey team?

11 How many colours are there in a rainbow?

4 What sport takes place at Henley

12 What type of angle is more than 90 degrees?

Regatta?

13 What type of animal is a silverback?

5 Who won the Wimbledon Men’s Singles

14 In which European city is The Eiffel Tower?

Championships in 2013?

15 King Edward is a variety of which vegetable?

6 Who wrote The Secret Garden?

16 What is the capital of Norway?

7 Who wrote The Story of Tracey Beaker?

17 What is the longest river in the world? 18 Which English city is known as Rainy City?

Discover a Living World! My Living World is the brand that all nature lovers choose. Packed full of supplies and equipment, plus a highly informative guide written by TV nature specialist and wildlife authority, Nick Baker, these kits show children how best to investigate this secret miniature world just like the experts!

19 Le bras is French for which part of the body? You will find the answers on our website www.parenttalk.org.uk

Can you find the path to the icecream seller?

This year children can discover the beautiful work of Butterflies as Butterfly World joins the collection. A butterfly’s life cycle is one of nature’s most amazing transformations. Butterfly World is a hands-on nature study kit that contains all the equipment required to observe and study the fascinating life cycle of butterflies; from a tiny bead of an egg that hatches into a leaf munching caterpillar, to the flying work of natural art that is the adult butterfly. This fun interactive kit includes a colour illustrated activity guide including interesting facts about butterflies. www.interplayuk.com Parent Talk have 5 Butterfly World kits to give away. For your chance to win, rearrange the words below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter. Closing dates for entries is 6 August 2014.

ERD

AMDRILA Visit our website www.parenttalk.org.uk to see if you are right!

www.parenttalk.org.uk

Book Bag NEWS

So you want to be a

fossil hunter ? …Find out how to get started Collecting fossils can be a very rewarding hobby. Not only is it fun to go out and find them, but it’s also a challenge to identify what and how old they are. Where can you find fossils?

Search for fossils in sedimentary rocks like mudstone and limestone. These rocks are the best because fossils form when an animal, plant, or other signs of life such as a dinosaur footprint, becomes buried in sediment, which is usually grains of mud or sand. Over thousands of years layers of sediment build up, eventually turning into a sedimentary rock. You can usually find fossils anywhere that sedimentary rocks are exposed at the surface. Look along the coast on beaches, in quarries, on farm land, or even in your own garden. Geological maps will tell you what age and type of rocks are present at the surface. Often fossils are specific to rocks of a particular age, so this will give you an idea about what fossils you might find.

Building a collection

The fossils you collect will probably be linked to where you live as well as what you are most interested in. If you visit Wales, for example, you might be able to collect trilobites and brachiopods but not dinosaurs. It’s important that you write a label for each fossil you find, saying: ● where you found it ● when you found it ● what type of rock you think you found it in ● what you think it is

Identifying Fossils

Refer to a good fossil identification guide book. The more books you read, the more of an expert you will become. The Natural History Museum’s Earth Lab gallery is packed with hundreds of fossils and rocks that you can compare your specimens to. Its Identification and Advisory Service can help you identify your fossils.

What tools will you need?

The best fossil collecting tools are your eyes. Many fossils are found just lying on the beach, among the stones. Experienced fossil hunters sometimes use a hammer and cold chisels.

Be safe

The most important thing to remember is your safety. Go with an adult who knows the site well. The best way to start is to go on an organised fossil hunt, so find out if anybody runs fossil hunting trips where you live. Try a local geology society or museum. When you’re out looking for fossils, be aware of what’s around you and be careful - watch out for falling rocks and places you could slip or fall over. And if you’re on the coast, make sure you don’t get cut off from the land by the sea coming in.You should check tide times before you go out.

Get permission

Find out who owns the land you are going to visit.You will need to ask their permission first. Don’t ruin things for other people. It is very important to only collect what you need. Some fossils are best left where they are for others to enjoy. And some places (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) are protected by law, so you can go and look but mustn’t collect from them.

Where can you find out more?

Visit your local library or natural history museum, or contact local geology, palaeontology and fossil societies as well as online sites at the Natural History Museum. Enjoy your hobby - you could be hooked for the rest of your life!

For more information please visit www.nhm.ac.uk

Good places to find ammonite fossils: Lyme Regis in Dorset

Book Bag NEWS

Fantastic fossils

Some of the fascinating fossils you c an find around Britain inclu de:

Trilobites

These strange-looking creatures lived hundreds of millions of years ago. They are relatives of crabs and lived in the sea. Some swam, while others walked on the sea floor. By 250 million years ago they had all disappeared.

A trilobite called Dalmanites myops, was found in 420-million-year-old limestone rock at Dudley in Worcestershire.

Trilobites were many different shapes and sizes. Their bodies had 3 main parts - a head, body and tail. And they had a hard cover on their back. This is usually what we are looking at when we find a trilobite fossil.

We know that many trilobites could roll up, like woodlice can, as fossils often show them in this position. Good places to find trilobite fossils: Devon, Wales, northern England and southern Scotland. Two very famous sites are Wren’s Nest in Dudley, and Girvan in Scotland.

Ammonites

Ammonites are related to the squids and octopuses you can see today, but they’re all extinct - they died out at the same time as dinosaurs.

Age of rocks: 540 to 250 million years old (Palaeozoic Era)

Their shell is usually a flat spiral shape. It is made up of chambers, like little rooms within the shell, connected by a tube. The animal only lived in one of these chambers and used the other spaces to help it float. Some ammonites were tiny, others as big as a man. Some ammonites, such as: Asteroceras and Promicroceras, found near Yeovil in Somerset, have distinctive coiled shells. Because ammonites lived in the sea, if you find an ammonite fossil in a rock, you know that millions of years ago the spot where you’re standing used to be totally covered by the ocean. Good places to find ammonite fossils: Lyme Regis in Dorset Age of rocks: about 200 to 65 million years old (Jurassic and Cretaceous Period)

Text courtesy of The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London. Entry to the Natural History Museum is free. (There is a charge for some temporary exhibitions) Opening times: Open every day 10.00 -17.50 Last admission 17.30. Last Friday of the month open until 22.30 for Lates, excluding December.

How are fossils formed?

An extinct squid-like belemnite swimming in the sea of the Jurassic period, some 150-200 million years ago. 1 Following death of the animal, its carcass sinks to the sea floor, there to be fed upon by scavenging animals and decomposed by bacteria. 2 Eventually only the hard internal skeleton made of calcium carbonate is left, and this too may disintegrate given sufficient time. 3 However, a storm, for example, could sweep in a cloud of mud which becomes deposited as a layer over the remains of the belemnite. 4 As further layers of sediment are deposited through hundreds, thousands or even millions of years, the belemnite

becomes ever more deeply buried. Water is driven out of the sediment, a mineral cement develops, and the sediment becomes a sedimentary rock. 5 Fragile parts of the belemnite may become crushed and the chambered part of the skeleton, which is made of a soluble mineral called aragonite, often dissolves, leaving only the guard composed of a more chemically resistant mineral called calcite.

The Museum is open every day, including Sundays and bank holidays, but closed 24-26 December.

For more information please visit www.nhm.ac.uk

Book Bag NEWS See our website www.parenttalk.org.uk for the answer.

What do you call a cat on a beach? Sandy claws!

What do frogs drink on a hot day? Croak-o-cola!

Why do fish swim in salt water? Because pepper makes them sneeze! Where do ghosts like to swim? The dead sea!

How do you prevent a Summer cold? Catch it in the Winter!

What did the pig say at the beach on a hot sunny day? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m bacon!

Which letter is the coolest? Iced t! www.parenttalk.org.uk

EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

Parent Talk July 2014 15

Seven out of ten families Looking for your next or maybe missed will holiday in Britain this adventure… out on joining one recently… year – and the seaside is back in vogue ...then walk this way for a Trek the Lake District – English 3,000s challenge. Meningitis Now is inviting you to join its exhilarating challenge to conquer eight Lake District peaks in just two days this autumn. Not only will you be tackling the beautiful peaks that rise above 3,000 feet, including the highest mountain in England – Scafell Pike – but you will be saving lives. Participants are asked to raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship, which could fund a week’s research into preventing meningitis or five

There’s no place like home, as seven out of ten families will choose Britain as their holiday destination this year.

This is the fifth consecutive year that the domestic holiday trend has grown which is great news for the UK economy. This year, holidaymakers will spend £15 billion (up £3.2bn from 2013) on their UK holidays – as the average spend rises to £430.33 (an increase of £31.05 from last year) from findings revealed in the 2014 annual Travelodge holiday index. The report surveyed 3,000 households with families on their holiday plans for 2014 and revealed that the number of families holidaying at home has more than doubled since 2011. Interestingly the report also found that over half are taking lots of short breaks throughout the year, instead of one big holiday - so that they have a constant stream of family holidays to look forward. Just over a third of those surveyed will take two short breaks this year, 37% will enjoy three

getaways, and 12% will take four short holidays throughout the year. The report also revealed a growing trend for multi location holidays, with 17% of families taking multiple location trips during one holiday. Other key findings revealed that the traditional seaside holiday is back in vogue as 40% of families will take a coastal break this summer. A jaunt to the seaside steals the number one position from city breaks which topped the poll in 2013. Top coastal destinations that families will be flocking to this summer include: Cornwall, Devon, Blackpool, Brighton, Scarborough, Bournemouth, Whitby, Skegness, Isle of Wight and Great Yarmouth. Thirty seven per cent will still take a city break this year with London, Edinburgh and York topping the list of most popular city locations. In third place 28% of families are opting for a rural break this summer with the Scottish Highlands and Lake District being the favourite destinations. Peter Gowers, Travelodge

Listed below are the top ten destinations for this year compared to 2013: 2014 Destinations

2013 Destinations

London

1 London

Cornwall

2 Edinburgh

Edinburgh

3 Lake District

Scottish Highlands

4 Cornwall

Lake District

5 Scottish Highlands

Devon

6 Dorset

North Wales

7 Devon

York

8 North Wales

9 Blackpool

10 Brighton

10 York

Chief Executive said: “2014 looks like being the year of the Staycation. More of us than ever before are being inspired to get up and go and explore what Britain has to offer. At Travelodge, we’re seeing particularly strong demand from families having multiple short breaks rather than the traditional fortnight. It all points to the fact that the nation’s desire for a great holiday is still with us, but more than ever, we’re all looking for great value and finding it here in the UK.” The report also revealed that getting value for money is a key factor for holidaymakers and is more important than the actual location and feedback when booking a holiday. Almost a quarter of respondents reported that value is the thing that most influences them when booking a holiday, above location, pictures and images, online reviews and word of mouth from friends and family. Further research findings also revealed that over half reported that holidaying at home offers much better value than going abroad - as the average foreign break costs £1,113.91. The 2014 holiday report has also revealed the following key findings: ● A quarter stated that a

holiday is one of the few things that they refuse to cut back on. ● A third reported that going on holiday is the best moment of their year. ● A fifth will holiday in the UK with multiple generations of their family. ● A third use TripAdvisor reviews before making a booking.

To inspire Britons to get up and go, and explore Britain, Travelodge has released 150,000 rooms across the UK for £25 or less for stays up to 31st August 2014. To book just go to www.travelodge. co.uk

awareness talks at schools and information packs for pupils and teachers. The route is split over two walking days (Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September) and totals 47km. And don’t worry, between the walking days you will get time to recover, rest up, and grab a good night’s sleep! Registration is now open and costs just £75. Accommodation, all meals, transport between the peaks

and the services of a fully qualified safety team are provided. Our friendly events team will also be on hand to guide you with every step of this huge personal challenge, ensuring your success. From fundraising ideas to training tips, we’ll take care of all the practical arrangements leaving you free to concentrate on walking, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and completing the challenge.

Meningitis Now, the UK’s largest meningitis charity, funds pioneering preventative research, raises awareness and supports families. Sign up today and help us realise our vision of a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need to rebuild their lives, by visiting www.meningitisnow.org

Concerns over children’s online safety BullGuard, a global leader in internet and mobile security, has announced the results of a survey that shows UKbased parents harbour real concerns for the safety of their children when using the internet on mobile devices.

Responses from 2000 parents of 7-14 year olds indicate that many parents find it difficult to safeguard youngsters against the “darker” side of the internet, with one in seven finding unsuitable content on their child’s smartphone or tablet. Over eighty percent of respondents admit the responsibility to protect their children lies with them, but with the average British child now getting their own personal mobile phone at the age of eight, a potential wealth of information is being placed in the hands of a young and inquisitive mind. The number one concern is the possibility of children talking to complete strangers online, with the chance of them being bullied, becoming distracted by schoolwork and becoming too absorbed by online activities also placed high on the list. At such a peer-influenced age it’s not surprising that over one third of parents questioned think their child gets together with friends and searches for inappropriate terms or images and put the source of this content largely down to children simply googling things they don’t understand.

The majority of those surveyed would prefer that a child talks to them rather than search online for answers, with just a rather embarrassed one in ten admitting that they would rather their kids seek advice online to save them from having to answer awkward questions. Most parents are taking a proactive stance in attempting to control online activity, with over half of those surveyed speaking regularly to their children about the potential dangers of the internet, whereas others take the pragmatic view that a child’s natural curiosity may make it difficult to stay one step ahead. Nearly half of respondents revealed that they have been concerned about various search terms found in their child’s internet history. When it comes to addressing these concerns, the study found that a third of mothers and fathers have reprimanded their children for searching for inappropriate content, with one in five sitting their child down for a serious conversation about something they have found on a device. “The research shows that while many parents appreciate that children are naturally curious, they are also concerned about the potential dangers that exist online and the likelihood of their child experiencing unsuitable and inappropriate content,” said

Cam Le, CMO at BullGuard. “As children grow older it becomes commonplace for them to want to search for terms they hear in the playground or used by adults, or to visit the same sorts of websites as their friends, which can make it very difficult for parents to keep a constant eye on what’s going on.” Sensibly a significant number of parents admit to checking their child’s internet history but only one in ten regularly check who they are friends with on social networking sites, and over a third said they either rarely or never bother to check what websites their children visit. “We’re all busy people, and it’s not easy to keep abreast of everything your child does online,” said Cam Le. “The internet offers a wealth of genuinely useful, interesting and educational content that can be of great benefit to our children, so it’s important that they have access to this in a safe and secure environment. That’s where mobile security software comes in – modern parental controls are advanced enough to allow parents to choose what sites are safe to visit, to view reports on a child’s activity or receive alerts if inappropriate content is detected. It offers significant peace of mind and gives parents a helping hand in staying one step ahead of the potential dangers.”

16 Parent Talk July 2014

EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

Creative learning this summer

The ease at which children use technology these days is amazing but how many times, as a parent, do you find yourself asking your child to put away their tablet only for them to plead for ten more minutes?

If only you could turn their obsession with gaming into something positive? Imagine if Would your child love to make their own films, radio shows or video games?

Would you love them to have extra tuition in English and Maths? Call 01458 274 050 to find out how all of this, and more, is possible.

Get 10% off all summer learning opportunities • Book BEforE JULY 15th •

Creative Learning Centre

www.explorium.co.uk

they could become producers of content rather than just consumers? Wouldn’t it be fantastic if your child could improve their writing and maths skills, and develop their communication and critical thinking abilities at the same time as becoming digitally fluent in game, web or app design? That opportunity has arrived and is on your doorstep in the Street and Glastonbury area. In the former Compton Dundon village school, Explorium has been working hard over the past nine months to practise, refine and perfect its cuttingedge approach which weaves together English, Maths and Digital literacy into a unique package of extended creative learning for 6-12 year olds. This August there are plenty of opportunities over the summer to sample Explorium’s innovative learning as they are running an exciting series of Jams, starting with a Video Game Design Jam. Also on offer are Film Jams, a Radio Jam, and a Sports Jam. Visit explorium.co.uk/jams for dates and more information.

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

www.rug-ratz.co.uk

Here comes the summer! Spending time in the great outdoors brings huge benefits to young people’s health, mind and body. So don’t let the kids sit around this summer holiday………. get them to Hestercombe House in Taunton!

This summer 1610 are offering young people aged 7 to 14 years the chance to try a range of exciting and challenging outdoor based activities. They will love: ● The sheer exhilaration of crossing a lake on a raft they’ve made out of barrels and wood. ● The adrenalin rush of climbing to the top of our 8m high climbing wall or abseiling down! ● The thrill of getting wet and dirty on our Commando Challenge Day and learning how to construct a fire and make bread and soup on our Overnight Camp

● The excitement of our frenetic paintball days, great for both girls and boys! A full day of game scenarios including capture the flag, last person standing, and protect the bomb disposal expert! Our specialist Hullabaloo taster and activity days are ideal for young people aged 5 – 18yrs with learning difficulties. Summer activities include Surfing, Highropes, Storyteller, Water Fun and much, much more. Activities start from just £10 for a half day and £15 for a full day. So what are you waiting for – book your place today! For more information or to book your child’s place on to one of the adventure days please contact the Adventure Team on 01823 410126/236 or via email aburns@1610.org.uk. To download the full summer outdoor adventure program please visit www.1610.org.uk

Summer at Rug Ratz Rug Ratz is open all through the summer holidays and, as usual, admission is only £2.50 per child before 10.15 on weekdays (no charge for babies or adults). Hot and cold food and drinks are available all day, every day. There is no limit on how long you can stay so why not treat the kids to a great value fun day out. Birthday Child Parties For Free Thinking of having your

child’s party at Rug Ratz? If you book before the end of September it is totally free for the birthday child, you only pay for the invited guests (subject to normal minimum numbers). With prices starting at only

£7.95 per head, this is a great deal for a fantastic party. Pre-paid Tickets Rug Ratz now offers pre-paid admission tickets for purchase from our reception. They can be purchased in any amount and do not have an expiry date so they are sure to make the ideal gift for birthdays, Christmas or any special occasion. Talking of Christmas Rug Ratz is now taking bookings for your playgroup or nursery’s Christmas event. These can be tailored to suit your needs and your budget. To arrange everything to your satisfaction please give Jacky a call on 01935 476989.

Dragons’ Den school in Yeovil offers preschoolers a FREE taster The hugely successful part-time performing arts theatre school that famously appeared on Dragons’ Den, winning the backing of Duncan Bannatyne, is delighted to announce a FREE taster session at Razz Tots class in Yeovil, especially for children aged two to three.

It will take place on Thursday 11th or Saturday 13th September 2014. The classes are designed to improve confidence, and social and motor skills, and run in 6 week long themes. “Razz Tots has been designed in line with the Government’s Early Years Foundation Stage framework

to create an enabling environment which facilitates a secure foundation for your child’s development,” says Principal of Razzamataz Yeovil, Claire Walford. “These active classes will encourage physical development, explore imaginations and allow your little ones to become confident, capable and self-assured individuals whilst having fun!” Classes run from 9-10am on Saturdays. A week-day class is also available on Thursdays from 1.30-2.30pm. Places in both sessions are limited so book quickly. They are available on a strictly first come first served basis.

To secure your child’s place, please contact Principal Claire Walford on 01935 411128 or email yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk. Alternatively visit the website on www.razzamataz.co.uk

About Razzamataz

Razzamataz Theatre Schools offer exceptional part-time training in dance, drama and singing together with exciting opportunities to perform. Classes in the main school

are for children from age 4 to 18 and allow students to experience a range of performance styles from classic West End musical theatre to funky street dance and pop singing.

EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

Parent Talk July 2014 17

Fancy some Have you been to Kilve Court? Summer Fun for ages 6 -16 outdoor fun this summer? We are part of the Somerset Outdoor Residential Learning Service – providing residential experiences for all young people. Anything from school residential visits, enrichment courses, or activity courses in the summer holidays everyone has a fun packed and exciting time.

Pop up to Hestercombe on any Friday in the school holidays (July 25th – August 29th) and get involved with a whole range of fun activities!

Each Friday has a theme… fairies, pirates, bees, wildlife, messyness and sports and a load of activities linked to the theme, from crafts to raft building and kite flying to making your own seed bomb; there’s something for everyone from 2 years to 12 years. Visit www.hestercombe. com for more information. Hestercombe is over 40 acres of woods, streams, lakes, waterfalls and gardens all restored to their former glory from near dereliction over the last 20 years. Perfect for kids of all ages, there’s loads of space to run around plus plenty of ways to learn about all kinds of things from wildlife to local history. All year round there are kids trails to follow and games to play so you’ll never have a dull trip whenever you visit. This summer each Friday will be extra special for kids with tons of fun things to do. And best of all, once you’ve paid admission to the gardens this is a totally FREE event!

Summer holiday activity courses include both outdoor activity and classroom based courses, designed to be challenging but fun for ages 7 to 16. Day visits for 6 – 16 year olds are also available for those wanting to try activities

And it’s completely FREE for members! With 25% off with direct debit making the cost of family membership start at just £26.25 for a family with 1 adult and up to 2 children, or £39.75 for a family with 2 adults and up to 4 children, it’s a really great value way to entertain the kids this summer.

www.hestercombe.com

King’s Hall School is a coeducational Prep School for children aged 2-13 which is set in a simply stunning location in the foothills of the Quantocks. The 50 acre estate is entirely surrounded by National Trust farmland, yet within a mile of Taunton. King’s Hall School is pleased to offer an extended range of holiday courses for the summer holidays, for all children aged between 3 and 13 years. In addition to our well established and incredibly popular Woodland Adventures (see further details below) there is a varied selection of specialist courses available for older children, aged 8 to 13. For these, emphasis is placed on skill development, and King’s Hall has the best expertise on hand to provide a wonderful experience to the children, all within the school’s beautiful setting. Courses available for

Millfield Holiday Courses

The Millfield Holiday Courses welcome children to come together for an exciting mix of fun, laughter and new experiences. There are a variety of courses on offer at Millfield this summer which are available for children aged 2 - 16 years. We offer a number of sports courses from Football to Badminton, Cricket to Tennis and the Millfield Rugby Course, run by former England International, John Mallet, who is experienced in teaching in the school environment as a rugby coach at Millfield School. New for 2014, we are offering Athletics, Netball and Hockey courses, with the Hockey also available on a residential basis for older children. The

Multi-Activity

course

is an excellent choice for

courses. These are taught by experienced tutors and designed for those who have enquiring minds, thrive on learning, enjoy creativity and wish to broaden their horizons beyond those of the National Curriculum. The courses are stimulating and thought provoking, and help develop problem-solving and thinking skills, extend knowledge, raise aspirations and increase confidence. Check out our website www. kilvecourt.co.uk for more information, or give us a call on 01278 741270.

A summer of fun at King’s Hall School

For more information on the activities each week visit

New Courses for 2014!

but who aren’t yet ready to stay overnight. There are loads of courses to choose from: Adventure Writing to The World of Dr Who to enhance your educational experiences, or you can spend your days trying your hand at as many different activities as we can squeeze into your stay, from: climbing wall, abseil tower, archery, mountain biking, grass sledging and much more. We also have packages for children and young people who would benefit from attending our enrichment

children who want an all round experience of the activities Millfield has to offer. With use of the superb facilities, activities range from a variety of sporting and non-sporting activities which include arts and crafts, swimming, trampolining, t-shirt painting and many more.

Mini-Multis is a course for children aged 2 - 4 years, promoting fun and enjoyment in a safe environment. The course is led by staff with experience specific to this age group and includes: Messy play; Musical activities; Forest School fun; Small world play; Painting; Dance; Songs; Stories, and more. Summer courses: Mini-Multis (2-4 yrs), Multi-Activity (514 yrs), Athletics (8-16 yrs), Badminton (8-16 yrs), Cricket (7-14 yrs), Football (5-14 yrs), Netball (7-14 yrs), Hockey (7-14 yrs), Tennis (8-14 yrs), Rugby (8-14 yrs).

summer 2014 have been diversified to include animation, French, and Music in addition to cricket, football, hockey, outdoor activities, rugby and tennis. All courses will be delivered by specialist course leaders and highly trained coaches. These courses will include focused learning aspects as well as a wonderful opportunity for children of all abilities to engage with their peers in a friendly and stimulating environment, whilst also enjoying the fantastic facilities King’s Hall has to offer. As mentioned, King’s Hall

also runs the ever popular Woodland Adventures Holiday Club for all fun-loving children from the age of 3, which is hosted in the school’s beautiful woods. With animals to meet, eggs to collect, guinea pigs to feed and vegetables to tend and harvest amongst the myriad of activities, children are never short of things to do. For more information on the Holiday Courses or Woodland Adventures offered by King’s Hall School, please visit their website www.kingshalltaunton. co.uk or phone 01823 285920.

Woodland Adventures SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB 7th July - 22nd August 2014 (excluding the weekends)

Open to all fun loving 3 - 13 year olds K I N G ’ S H A L L S C H O O L K I N G S TO N R OA D TA 2 8 A A

P L E A S E C O N TA C T C L A R E M A S T E R S 0 7 8 5 0 7 7 5 4 9 5

w w w.king shalltaunton.co.uk

01458 444 320 info@millfieldenterprises.com www.millfieldenterprises.com

MILLFIELD HOLIDAY COURSES

MAKING HOLIDAYS FUN!

SUMMER HOLIDAY COURSES: Badminton 8-16 yrs Cricket 7-14 yrs Football 5-14 yrs Mini-Multis 2-4 yrs Multi-Activity 5-14 yrs Rugby 8-14 yrs Tennis 8-14 yrs 14!

New for 20

Athletics 8-16 yrs Hockey 7-14 yrs Netball 7-14 yrs

01458 444 320 www.millfieldenterprises.com

KHS PT (WA) 05.14.indd 1

nursery DIRECTORY NURSERY DIRECTORY NURSERY

18 Parent Talk July 2014

ALBY’S CHILDCARE,

Albermarle Centre, Albermarle Road, Taunton. Providing safe, high quality care and learning opportunities for children aged 2-4 years. Open 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday. T: 01823 448926 E: albys@albermarle-centre.co.uk BRIDGWATER COLLEGE CHILDCARE CENTRE was

rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2012, in all areas! The 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.

T: 01278 441270 or E: childcare@bridgwater.ac.uk. www.bridgwater.ac.uk BRIGHT STARS CHILDCARE LTD, Green Lane, Frome

BA11 4JW. New setting, caring for children from 3 mnths to 5 yrs. Lots of new and exciting activities and learning opportunities for all.

T: 01373 451619 or E: childcare@brightstars.org.uk www.brightstars.org.uk CHERRYTREES MONTESSORI offers

an holistic approach and provides a rich and nurturing environment for young children’s learning and development. We are open on Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays from 9.15am until 3pm. Contact Margaret Dobbs 01458 210436 or

email cherrytreesmont@aol.com HAZLEGROVE NURSERY AND PRE-PREP, SPARKFORD Hazlegrove’s

innovative Pre-Prep curriculum is outstandingly successful, evident in the increased confidence and ability levels as children move up to the Prep School. The children benefit from experienced staff, specialist teaching and outstanding 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 JABBERWOCKY CHILDCARE CENTRE, where children

“make excellent progress… in a calm & vibrant environment”, Ofsted 2012. We are a unique and fun, purpose built nursery in Street. We offer childcare from three months to school age, from 7.30am to 6pm, 5 days a week. Children can also take part in weekly yoga and football sessions and Forest School at the local arboretum and in our outdoor classroom. We also have a before and after school club, a holiday club for 5 – 11 year olds, and offer a walking bus to local schools.

T: 01458 446999 E: alison@jabberwockynursery.com www.jabberwockynursery.com 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 3 to 5 years. And from January 2014 King’s Hall are offering places for 2 year olds.

T: 01823 285921 www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk LADYBIRDS PRE-SCHOOL,

Lydeard St Lawrence. We are a small, friendly, rural pre-school overlooking the Quantock hills. We welcome children aged 2½ onwards. Open term time only: Mon-Thurs 8.45am-2.45pm.

Toddler group Fri 9.30-11.30am.

T: Ali on 01984 667342 LEWESTON NURSERY AND PRE-PREP, Sherborne.

Excellent facilities and extensive grounds with space for adventure, discovery and freedom. On Thursday mornings Parent and Toddler Group. Excellent Ofsted Report. To find out more about our friendly atmosphere T: 01963 211010 www.leweston.co.uk LITTLE BOOTS DAY NURSERY. (Ages 2-5,

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 Insert Miniatures MILLFIELD PRE-PREP SCHOOL (Ages 2 - 7), situated

in the beautiful Prep campus in Glastonbury. Our aim is to encourage a love of learning through a combination of classroom and outdoor activities, using a wide range of exciting and stimulating teaching methods. Small class sizes and excellent facilities, like our on–site Forest School and indoor swimming pool, support this. Over 20 free after school activities as well as an Early Birds and Late Club. To arrange a visit or a taster session please contact:

Hannah Cox in Admissions on 01458 837524 PERROTT HILL MONTESSORI NURSERY AND PRE-PREP. Given

‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the Montessori Nursery is situated in the attractive, safe courtyard of the manor house.

To book our Nursery Directory, please call

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 PILTON PRESCHOOL

Encouraging Confidence, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Compassion, Character and Sense of Community. A long established village Pre-school offering fun and inspiring play based learning & education for children aged 2-5yrs. Monday – Friday 8.45am – 4pm term time, full or half days available. Sessions include Forest School, Yoga, Music and Movement, Woodwork, Sports and much much more... Please contact us on 01749 899147 preschool@piltonvillage.co.uk www.piltonvillage.co.uk/preschool

for further info or to arrange a visit.

T: 01749 899147 www.piltonpreschool.org info@piltonpreschool.org 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 TAUNTON NURSERY SCHOOL, for children from

0 years. Flexible Nursery Education, 8am - 5.45pm Highly qualified teachers. Spectacular grounds and facilities used by all. Children can attend a combination of

01458 241318

morning, afternoon and late club sessions.

T: 01823 703303 www.tauntonschool.co.uk SMARTEES DAY CARE NURSERY. Offering

professional, quality childcare with state of the art security system. Located just 5 minutes walking distance from Yeovil town centre, near Westlands and the Police Station. Open Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm for children aged 3 months – 5 years. 2 Beer Street, Yeovil.

T. 01935 411777 WELLINGTON PREP SCHOOL NURSERY.

WEST SOMERSET NURSERY, MINEHEAD.

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 3 years upwards. Please enjoy our website

The West Somerset Nursery Group, Pre school and Allsorts is a non profit charity, meeting the needs of children and families in a flexible and friendly way. Qualified staff provide high standards of education and care for children aged 3 months to 12 years, open all year round 8am-5:30pm.

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 9.15-11.15 am, Wellington Junior School Hall. £3 per child and £1 per additional child weekly charge. Contact Maria Kerr for more details – 01823 668700

T: 01643 708867 WOODLANDS PRE-SCHOOL, RUISHTON,

Taunton. At Woodlands we offer a wide range of indoor & outdoor activities including a Forest School Curriculum. We accept children from 2 years old. Our purpose built setting enables and nurtures children, encouraging them to grow and experience life with confidence.

office@wellington-junior.somerset. sch.uk

For more information T: 01823 444302

If you can’t wait for September, why not try out our Summer School. This year

‘Razz … is the word’. It runs from 4th to 8th August at The Gateway, Yeovil.

Free taster session with Razzamataz Razzamataz Theatre Schools Yeovil will begin another busy year in September! This funkiest of stage schools continues to offer an exciting

mix of acting, singing, street dance and musical theatre to boys and girls aged 2-18.

Dragon’s Den’s Duncan Bannatyne was quoted as

The ideal place for children aged 4 - 18, with an interest in performing arts to learn about POP SINGING, STREET DANCE, DRAMA & MIME, MUSICAL THEATRE SONG & DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE!

Come along and join in the fun at Yeovil and Street!

For more information call Claire on 01935 411128 or 07856 273166 email: yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk or street@razzamataz.co.uk www.razzamataz.co.uk

saying: ‘The investment that’s given me most pride and satisfaction involves children’s stage schools.’ This sentiment is echoed by local Principal Claire Walford. The autumn term begins, with a FREE taster session available for all age groups, on the 13th September. Places are very limited so contact Claire early to book yours. Classes are held at Westfield Academy, Yeovil on Saturday mornings. There is also a FREE Razz Tots taster on Thursday 11th September at Abbey Manor Community Centre from 1.30 – 2.30 pm. Razz Tots is a parent-assisted melody and movement class for 2-3 year olds. All our Razzamataz classes

will give a real boost to your child’s confidence and help bring out your child’s true potential. There are regular presentations, community performances, as well as audition practice and workshops. The highlight of 2014 was sending 12 students to perform in the professional Easter panto, Peter Pan alongside Dani Harmer. 2015 sees the school joining up with other Razzamataz schools from around the country to perform in the West End at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

For more details on any of the above, contact Claire on 01935 411128 or 07856 273166. Email: yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk. Visit our website: www.razzamataz.co.uk

EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

New App Turns Roadkill into British Wildlife Protection Around one million mammals are killed on UK roads each year, but People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is turning these deaths into a positive, by using recorded sightings of road kill to help monitor the changing state of Britain’s wildlife populations, all with the help of the Mammals on Roads app starting this July.

PTES is calling on volunteers to record any sightings of mammals, dead or healthy, they spot on their car journeys via their mobile phones and tablets. With close to half a million miles of road covered in Britain since the first survey 13 years ago, PTES hopes that this year’s survey, with the help of the app, will build on data first collected in 2001 to further understand longterm population growths and declines, and to determine how best to protect Britain’s endangered mammals. The Mammals on Roads app tracks mammals seen during the course of a car journey using GPS and users logging what they have seen. The survey is one of the few monitoring efforts of wild mammal populations nationally and relies on wildlife enthusiasts to gather the data each year. Previous results have seen PTES initiate a campaign to protect hedgehogs after discovering

the species populations had declined by around a third since 2001. PTES Survey Officer David Wembridge says: “The volunteers taking part in the survey help us enormously each year to understand how our wildlife populations are faring in Britain. Nobody likes seeing dead wildlife on the sides of roads, but the sightings helps us gain a greater understanding of population trends. With volunteers using the app on their car journeys, they are helping to build a bigger picture of British wildlife, enabling us to make informed decisions about protecting those species most in danger.” Results from previous surveys have seen rabbit numbers fall and although still widespread in Britain, rabbits are endangered across their native range in Europe. From the first survey in 2001, numbers have decreased by 25% and in the last five years, the decline is even steeper.

The loss of rabbits from our countryside has repercussions on habitats and other species. They are important prey for many predators and raptors, and without their grazing, woody species become established, replacing the chalk grassland that is an important habitat for species such as the large blue butterfly. Families this year are being encouraged to add to this data between July and September, a time of year when people are setting off on summer holidays and wildlife’s young animals may be leaving the parental home. You can take part in the survey using the free app, available from the App Store and Google Play. Alternatively, the survey can be completed on the web, or via a printed survey pack. Email mor@ptes. org or call 020 74984533 to request a pack. The survey runs through July, August and September.

Parent Talk July 2014 19

Passion for learning at Chard School With its impressive Inspection Report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate last summer, Chard School continues to celebrate with three pupils awarded places at Colyton Grammar School, one pupil awarded a music scholarship for Wells Cathedral School, and a host of sporting successes including two pupils each winning a silver medal at the ISA National Athletics finals.

This independent school for 2-11 year olds is located in historic period buildings in Chard, South Somerset. Specialist subject teachers provide the highest standard of teaching in English, Maths, Science, French, PE, Art & Humanities. The school has excellent facilities to match, including a science lab, Astroturf, ICT suite, gym, art studio, library and a selfcontained Nursery. Pupils at Chard School are also able to participate in many artistic endeavours. Music and drama play an important role with children performing on a regular basis to friends, family and the public. The talented music teachers give pupils the opportunity to learn a musical instrument from the extensive list on offer.

Curiosity and creativity are actively encouraged to develop a passion for learning and to enable each child to become a lifelong learner

and achiever – confident, motivated, independent with high expectations of themselves – and all this at an affordable price.

To arrange a visit or for further information, please email: office@chardschool.co.uk or call: 01460 63234 www.chardschool.co.uk

For children up to 11 years old

Enrolling now for September 2014 • Aﬀordable • High levels of achievement • Art Studio, Astroturf, Gym, ICT Suite, Science Lab • Small class sizes • Specialist subject teachers • Educational Nursery

www.chardschool.co.uk

01460 63234

oﬃce@chardschool.co.uk

EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

20 Parent Talk July 2014

It’s not too late to study for a degree at Somerset College Have you ever longed to study at degree level? If so, Somerset College may well have a course for you.

result, we know how to deliver degree programmes that stimulate and inspire, helping students stretch themselves in new and exciting ways. Even better, our courses have been developed with the world of work in mind. So if you’re plotting your return to employment, or would like a change in role, studying for a degree with us could be just what you need to kick start your future. It’s not too late to sign up

We offer a variety of degree programmes, designed to flex around the lives of busy people. You can study with us on a part-time basis, enabling you to gain an academic qualification alongside work, or caring for your family. Somerset College is the largest provider of Higher Education in the county. As a

for a degree starting this September. We still have vacancies on our courses, held open for people who may not have been aware of the opportunities we offer for Higher Education in Somerset. If you’d like to find out more about our programmes, please visit www.somerset. ac.uk or call 01823 366 331 “I think Somerset College is a fantastic place to study, and would encourage anyone to come here. You certainly won’t

Childcare Centre holds Celebration Day The Childcare Centre at Bridgwater College recently held its annual Celebration Day to say goodbye to those children leaving for school in September.

Lacey having her face painted.

for 0 - 2 and 3 - 4 year olds from September and is open 8am – 5.30pm Monday – Friday, (not bank holidays). Play Scheme places are available during school holiday periods,

with cooked lunch and tea available. The Childcare Centre will be running their Summer Play Scheme from 23 July 29 August, for school aged children up to 8 years old.

Bookings must be made in advance; please contact the Manager Kate Kift on 01278 441270 or email childcare@bridgwater.ac.uk

South West Mental Health Ltd

Assessment, Treatment & Consultancy

An independent mental health service for children and adults who experience difficulties such as anxiety, depression, phobias, challenging behaviour, eating disorders and self-injury. We offer a confidential service and are able to provide a variety of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Keri Eagle or Vicky Hayward at

admin@southwestmentalhealth.co.uk www.southwestmentalhealth.co.uk tel: 07455944000 07720920693

Somerset Centre for Integrated Learning, in partnership with the University of Worcester, offer Foundation Degrees in Teaching and Learning and Children’s Services.

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Are you........

For more information: Call: 01823 348264 email: SCIL@somerset.gov.uk visit: www.scilearning.org.uk

We currently have places on the following courses:

Graphic Design Fashion Design Media Make-Up Business Teaching Computing Health & Social Care & Early Childhood Studies Construction & Engineering

Mental Health is everybody’s business 1:10 children between the ages of 5-16 have a mental health problem and there are potentially many more who remain undiagnosed. Despite this, research suggests that a large proportion of children are not getting the support they need due to stigma, cuts to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and a lack of understanding.

The children who will be leaving, were presented with a book by their Key Person from the Centre, to take away with them. Parents were invited to the special day and to join in the celebrations, which included face painting by Bridgwater College students, Krazy Kev and Dinky Dino, a circus skills workshop, and a raffle. Prizes were donated by local businesses, and cakes, strawberries and cream by the College. Kate Kift, Centre Manager said, “We had a wonderful and fun annual Celebration Day. The day is to celebrate the children’s achievements and to acknowledge those children who are moving on to school.” The Centre has spaces

A place on our Foundation Degree could be a fantastic opportunity for you!

regret it!” Debbie Jeffrey, BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care Management.

● looking for an

accessible opportunity that fits around your home commitments? ● currently working with children or is this an area of work you would like to train in?

As with physical ill-health, early detection of problems is vital to ensure that they are treated effectively. Half of all diagnosable mental health problems start before the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 21, but if conditions go undiagnosed and untreated, vulnerable children are at risk escalating difficulties and in extreme cases, suicide. Our aim is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and

for children/ young people to receive early support and treatment. Our therapists offer a range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). We also provide training and workshops to schools/ organisations on topics such as self-injury, autism and eating-disorders as well as offering parents and carers support and training. We are in the process of organising a ‘balance in life’ group for both children and adults who may be experiencing issues relating

to low self-esteem, anxiety or depression. It is based on a CBT model that considers the link between our thoughts, mood and our behaviour and incorporates mindfulness and creative arts. In August we will be launching our ‘talking sofa’ campaign in and around Somerset to encourage people to ‘talk’ and seek support when they need it.

We offer a free and confidential telephone consultation regarding potential referrals. For more details about our service please contact Keri or Vicky at admin@southwestmentalhealth.co.uk or 07455 944000/07720 920693 www.southwestmentalhealth.co.uk

A new start with a Foundation Degree Are you ● looking to get back into

work after taking time out of employment to raise your children? ● currently working with children or is this an area of work you would like to train in? If so, a place on a Foundation Degree could be a fantastic opportunity for you. Somerset Centre for Integrated Learning, in partnership with the University of Worcester are offering Foundation Degrees in Teaching and Learning and Children’s Services. From September 2014 we will be offering these

programmes from our training rooms in Taunton, Yeovil and Minehead. A Foundation Degree is the equivalent of the first two years of an Honours Degree. We offer full-time Foundation Degrees which take two years to complete and consist of academic study integrated with relevant work-based learning. You will need to be in paid or voluntary employment for a minimum 1 day/10 hours a week. Students are only required to attend taught sessions once a week, term time only. Our Foundation Degrees in Teaching and Learning

and Children’s Services are more affordable than you may think. All students can apply for student finance to cover the tuition fee and may also be eligible for other loans and grants. Our course fees are competitive at only £6,200 per year compared to other providers’ £9,000 fees. The good news is you do not start paying back your fees until you are earning over £21,000 per annum. If you would like further information, please contact us on

01823 348263 or email SCIL@somerset.gov.uk for advice,

guidance and an informal discussion.

SOMERSET COLLEGE REALISE YOUR POTENTIAL WITH A DEGREE Boost your career prospects, improve your skills and return to education with Somerset College, the largest provider of degrees in Somerset. FIT YOUR DEGREE AROUND YOUR CAREER The majority of our degrees can be studied part-time, allowing you to work around any study commitments. • • • • •

APPLY NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2014

Graphic Design • Fashion Design Media Make-up • Business Teaching • Computing Health & Social Care & Early Childhood Studies Construction & Engineering

For more information and to apply please contact us 01823 366 667 / enquiries@somerset.ac.uk / www.somerset.ac.uk

22 Parent Talk July 2014

BOOK REVIEW BOOK REVIEW BOOK REVIEW

book Editor’s choice review Where’s Wally?

The Totally Essential Travel Collection By Martin Hendford Published by Walker Books Just what you’ve been waiting for… seven sensational classic Where’s Wally? books packed into a hand travel-sized edition. Wherever you’re going, however you’re travelling – join the spectacular search for Wally, which has now been going for over 25 years.

How to Build a Girl

By Caitlin Moran Published by Ebury Press In her distinctive wry, warm, sharp and intelligent prose, Moran’s debut novel is a coming-of-age story with a modern and honest perspective on what it really means to be a young woman growing up. Set in London in 1990, this novel pays homage to that decade whilst re-creating the soundtrack of its times to brilliantly capture the truths and dismays of finding your place (and your feet) in the world around you. Full of her characteristic frankness and laudable feminist wisdom, this is a great book not just for young women - but for all women.

Bug Detective

By Maggie Li Published by Pavilion Children’s Books Search high and low to discover interesting facts, track down odd information and dispel myths about the insect world. A handy magnifying glass is provided to help you investigate the hidden details within each spread - there are over 100 little extras waiting to be found!

Hungry Campers Cookbook

By Katy Holder Published by Explore Australia Katy Holder has a long and successful career as a food writer and stylist with a lifelong passion for camping and the outdoors. In Hungry Campers Cookbook Katy brings together her two loves, food and camping, and combines beautiful photography with handy guides and lists including ‘Packing your cool box, ‘Packing non perishable foods’, ‘Essential Food Items’ and ‘Cooking Over an Open Fire’. Hungry Campers Cookbook is perfect for the family - full of appetising, fresh, scrumptious dishes whether planning an epic outdoor adventure, a walking weekend or putting up a tent in the garden.

As I walked out one Midsummer Morning

Laurie Lee Penguin Classics 2014 is the centenary of Laurie Lee’s birth. This classic autobiography feels as fresh, insightful, poetic and magical as ever - perfectly capturing the glorious energy, verve and optimism of youth. For any young person setting out on their gap year travel - this is the book I would send them off with. What better inspiration than a young man with just a backpack and a violin; spending a year walking through Spain, absorbing the culture, falling in love and writing, writing, writing about the things he has experienced and seen. It is reflective, intelligent and as warm as the Spanish sun it describes.

By Beverley Brenna Published by Tradewind The Bug House Family Restaurant serves up a delightful platter of poems featuring all kinds of creepy crawlers prepared by the most imaginative chefs. Beverly Brenna dishes up a lyrical treat for readers, with a feast of hilarious rhymes that may not tickle the taste buds, but will certainly deliver a chuckle from even the pickiest of eaters!

By Glen Huser Published by Tradewind The Greek goddess of harvest Demeter loves her daughter Persephone more than life itself. So after Persephone is kidnapped by Hades and taken as his bride, Demeter’s sorrow covers the earth in winter snow. The crops fail, and Zeus sends his messenger Hermes to bring about Persephone’s release.

This month, Puffin brings a series of timeless and unforgettable stories to life for a new generation of readers to discover. From Goodnight Mister Tom to Charlotte’s Web, Watership Down to Tarka the Otter, these treasured children’s books have all stood the test of time, remaining as relevant and resonant today as when first published. Now, these much-loved tales are set to capture the hearts of young readers everywhere, as A Puffin Book. These are stories to be shared, to be remembered – passed from generation to generation. Every child should meet Wilbur, Carrie and Stig; spend time at the riverbank with Tarka the Otter; under the floorboards with The Borrowers; or in the front room of The Family from One End Street. With brand new cover designs, including iconic cover images and new artwork, the A Puffin Book editions will also include additional content such as material unearthed from the Puffin archive, activities inspired by the books, background information on the story, as well as quizzes, author profiles, fun facts and much more.

By Eleanor Ozich Published by Murdoch Books This is a great, inspirational cookbook, which focuses on wholefood cooking for a modern day sensibility. At once accessible and practical, these recipes focus on shifting perspective; looking at ways to redress the imbalance in our diets in a holistic, nutritious way. Ozich’s blog, from which these recipes were inspired, has been a great success, looking at the trials of looking after your family but still feeding them, hearty, appetizing and interesting food. Superb!