Parent Talk March 2016

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

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March 2016 Volume 23 Issue 3

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RHS School Gardeners of the Year 2016 Who are your gardening stars?

Entries are now open to find the most talented and inspiring young gardeners and gardening teachers to be crowned the RHS School Gardeners of the Year 2016.

RHS Young School Gardener of the Year 2016 The search is on to find the UK’s most passionate young gardeners.

The search is on for a young person, aged 5-16, who demonstrates a true passion for gardening, has made an outstanding contribution to their school and local community and shows skills beyond their years.

How to enter: Nominees must be aged 5-16 and in attendance at a school registered to the RHS Campaign for School Gardening registered school or group. Not registered? Sign up free now.

An adult (over 18) from the school can nominate a young person by completing and returning an entry form.

The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday 22 April 2016.

The RHS will shortlist 16 finalists from the entry forms, four from each of the four age groups, and send each finalist a digital camera to make a short film demonstrating why they are an exemplary gardener.

Four winners, one from each age group, will then be selected by a panel of celebrity gardening judges and judges from the RHS. One of these four will then be selected as the overall winner and crowned RHS Young School Gardener of the Year 2016.

Prizes: Each of the 16 finalist’s schools will receive a digital camera to make their short film which can be kept afterwards. Engraved hand trowels will also be awarded to the finalists.

The four winners (one from each age group) will each receive a set of gardening tools and £250 worth of National Garden Gift vouchers for their school. The winners, their

proposer and another adult will also be invited to RHS Garden Wisley for a prize-giving ceremony in July.

The overall winner, crowned RHS Young School Gardener of the Year 2016, will have the opportunity to spend the day working with RHS gardeners, receive tickets for either Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2017 or RHS Tatton Park Flower Show 2017, and their school will receive an extra £250 in National Garden Gift vouchers – a total of £500.

Age categories: 1. Aged 5 - 7 (KS1 or P1 & P2) 2. Aged 7 - 11 (KS2 or P3 - 6) 3. Aged 11 - 14 (KS3 or P7 & S1 - 2) 4.Aged 14 - 16 (KS4 or S3 - 4) Nominate your gardening stars from one of the three categories below.

RHS Young School Gardener of the Year Nominate a young person, aged 5-16, who demonstrates a true passion for gardening.

RHS School Gardening Champion of the Year Nominate an adult at your school who is dedicated to

encouraging gardening in your school and is an inspiration to their pupils.

RHS School Gardening Team of the Year Nominate a gardening team,

club or group that has made an outstanding difference to their school or community.

Balancing childhood hobbies and interests with the lure of ‘the screen’…

By Karen Bach, founder of KalliKids.com Our children spend too much time in front of screens, surfing the net, downloading apps and playing on games consoles.

Many of them aren’t active enough during the day (living couch potato lives) and some of them, younger than four years are even surfing the net unsupervised; and let’s not forget that childhood obesity is at an all-time high. That’s just a snippet of some of the recent news headlines from the past few weeks that seem to be 2 Parent Talk March 2016

consistently warning parents about the lure of ‘the screen’.

The problem is, these stories and many more like them do tend to strike a worrying chord amongst us parents who naturally want the best for our little ones. But sometimes we need to be reminded about all of the positives and the good things our children do. That said if we find that our children are having too much screen time, we have the power to change that and can take some positive steps that will affect how our children grow and develop in future years.

Screen time is necessary but shouldn’t stifle For starters, we need to face facts.

We do live in a digital world and that is evolving not diminishing.

But children are very much influenced by their parents so we have to lead by example and from a very early age. Let’s not forget that many children watch their parents spending a lot of time looking at screens, whether it’s a mobile phone, laptop or tablet so we can’t really blame them for following suit. We just need to be aware of how much time we’re spending in cyber space too.

It’s no great surprise that children are spending a lot of time looking at screens, although interestingly it’s less about sitting in front of the TV these days and more about devices and computers. Even toddlers as young as a 12 months, are no stranger to swiping and scrolling apps on an iPad. But is that wrong?

Our children must be tech savvy, much of their school homework requires the use of a computer so they need to understand how to operate devices from a very young age. The truth is, technology is amazing and it offers our children a vast array of learning and development opportunities but it can also be stifling if it’s not balanced, and that isn’t

so good, especially for very young children who also need exposure to an array of different experiences to develop and grow both physically and socially. As with most things in life, it’s about balance and moderation not about banning screen time completely.

Traditional non-tech hobbies still matter We all know that the best learning for children comes from play. So it stands to reason that encouraging an array of fun, playful activities and new experiences early on is a good thing. Even the most devoted young iPad enthusiast can’t fail to be distracted by a good bounce on a trampoline, a kick of a football, a splash in the local pool or a fun family day out.

Of course, encouraging hobbies and personal interests from a young age isn’t rocket science and most of it comes quite naturally. They key is to encourage your child to try absolutely everything they are interested in until they find something that clicks. It might take a while for them to find something that truly engages or enthuses them, but they’ll have lots of fun and new experiences finding out along the way. Developing interests and trying new things is also about inclusion, acceptance and support.

It’s human

nature to form relationships, to enjoy being part of a community where you feel a sense of belonging. This is also important to children in terms of their well-being and social development and hobbies and interests can really help to provide this.

Make it part of everyday life While many parents are keen to enroll their child in the nearest dance academy or swim school (which is all great), engaging in active interests doesn’t have to cost money; there are lots of things you can do to inspire your child with new interests and hobbies, which are completely free.

Walking is a great activity.

Simply getting out into the fresh air to hear the birds, listen to the leaves rustling on the ground or to visit a local duck pond is perfect. For older children, treasure hunts are great fun and easy to create in most locations just as puddle splashing is a favourite for toddlers too. But whatever you decide to do, make it part of everyday life. A visit to a library, a trip to the park, collecting conkers, climbing trees, walking home from school, building a den, making mud pies, drawing pictures, baking cakes – you name it, it doesn’t need to be complicated, just fun and varied.

Realism coupled with balance In summary, we can all do more to get our children out and about experiencing more, but the important thing is to be realistic about it. Parents are busy people, and sometimes giving in to your child’s plea for a bit of screen time, be it sitting in front of the TV for 10 minutes while you prepare dinner or playing a new app on the tablet is the only way forward, that’s not important and nor should you feel guilty about it. As long as you have some balance and you do make the effort to get out and about as a family and encourage your child with new experiences, you’ll find what works best for you.

Traditional interests and hobbies are part of human nature and regardless of the draw of the digital age, I don’t believe as people, that we’ll ever completely walk away from those things – we just need to remind ourselves, and our children about them, from time to time and that’s no bad thing.

About KalliKids (www. kallikids.com) KalliKids is the trusted online resource that currently connects over 90,000 parents with qualitychecked, children’s activities and services across the UK.

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Parent talk No laughing matter; one contents

Family pages Education, Information Events Book Bag News Education, Information Book Review Classified

p2-4 p5-7 p8 p9-12 p13-17 p18 p19

in five adults laugh twice a day or less

competitions Sonic Boom Barbie™ Spy Squad Hello Nature

p11 p12 p14

Dear Readers...

I’ve never really paid a huge amount of attention to February. As there’s no February birthday in our household, it has always been a rather uneventful month but this year there’s no excuse! Pancake Day, Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year and Leap Year mean there’s plenty to celebrate.

Another important day is Safer Internet Day on 9th February and it’s well worth looking at some of the practical guides on social media helping parents keep their children safe online, see p19 for details. Social media and online safety is also covered in one of my ‘Editor’s Choice’ – WHATEVER! A down to earth guide to parenting teenagers . That next step is just around the corner!

Best wishes Tamsin, Editor

Parent Talk

Newtons, Churchstanton, Taunton TA3 7QF T: 01823 601086 E: sales@parenttalk.org.uk Disclaimer: The editorial and advertising content of this publication does not imply endorsement of them by Parent Talk. Nor can Parent Talk be held responsible for any actions or consequences arising from contact between reader and advertiser.

Readers are therefore advised to check carefully, any references, professional qualifications and stated membership of professional bodies before entering into contracts or making arrangements to use a service featured herein.

Editor Tamsin Humphreys Advertising Juliet Young Production Sarah Harmer March deadline 17th February 2016 To guarantee receiving your copy of Parent Talk every month why not take out a subscription for just £17 a year and it will be sent to your door?

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A new report from Royal Caribbean measures how playful we are as a nation and looks at why we need playtime as adults ■ Seriously serious: 65% of British adults consider their life to be serious ■ More play please: Four out of five adults don’t feel life is playful enough ■ All work, no play: One in three adults (34%) say work has caused a lack of playfulness in their lives With March already upon us, it is believed that around 43% of Brits are likely to have broken their New Year’s resolution; however, a new report commissioned by holiday company, Royal Caribbean, is calling on the nation to set a different kind of resolution for the rest of the year and to ‘act its shoe size’ in a bid to bring the joy of play back into a workweary nation.

The Royal Caribbean ‘Act Your Shoe Size Report’, containing findings and analysis from YouGov and the Centre for Economic and Business Research (Cebr), examines the play habits of Britain’s adults.

With results showing 30% of British adults believe life is too serious and just one in five (20%) believe life is playful enough, we risk making playfulness a child-only quality and losing the benefits it can bring.

Permission to play; the barriers to a playful life and

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the benefits we could lose When it comes to what’s pulling the plug on playfulness, 32% of people admit it’s the ‘British reserve’ and a fear of how others might view them, including 21% acknowledging that worrying about looking stupid has prevented a more playful life. Time is also a key barrier with 24% of those questioned stating they are too busy to play.

Over half of adults (54%) think acting more playfully would reduce current stress levels and 44% feel it would give them a more positive outlook on life.

Sleep is a key benefit to being more playful for nearly a third (32%) while 29% think fitness levels would increase.

Play and the family Play is also considered to be a powerful tool in helping create a stronger family unit with 60% of parents questioned believing acting playfully helps them laugh more as a family and 59% stated it improves their relationship with their children.

These positive benefits explain why 52% of parents would like to play as a family more with a lack of time being identified as the main barrier to being more playful (43%).

Stuart Leven, Managing Director, Royal Caribbean International, UK & Ireland commented: “We take a playful approach to designing our ships and holidays which is why you’ll find a 30ft giraffe, dodgems

and a 10 storey slide onboard!

We experience first-hand how a playful outlook helps people relax, feel happier and get more out of spending time together, so we commissioned this report to look at how people can have more fun in their everyday life. What’s clear is we can all benefit from shaking off the sensible a little and acting our shoe size.”

All work and no play…

The work/life imbalance and the attitude of work environments to play could be having a significant impact on how playful we are. One in five people (20%) claimed promotions have curtailed their sense of playfulness and more than one in ten (11%) working adults cited their job as the reason they don’t have a shoe size outlook on life. A quarter of adults identify the hours we work and our 24/7 technology and email culture as the main reason we as a nation aren’t as playful as we should be.

Yet whilst one in five (20%) business decision makers admit their businesses don’t encourage a playful work environment, 89% of business respondents thought playfulness would improve job satisfaction and 70% thought playfulness could go some way to reducing employee turnover.

Laugh like no one is watching and bouncing on castles – the childhood play we should apply to our lives today…

Colouring books for grown-

ups have been topping the bestsellers lists, and the trend for wanting to revert back to childhood activities and attitudes is borne out in the Act Your Shoe Size report too.

More than half (52%) of people admit they’d like to go back to being able to delight in the smallest things again, 38% would love to be ‘wowed’ by something over and over again and 37% wish they could get that innate sense of childhood curiosity back. All highlighting that sometimes we need to find time to stand back and marvel in the world.

When it comes down to it, what we’d really like to do is laugh like no one is watching (39%), dance like we just don’t care (37%), go on the swings (32%) and splash in the puddles (24%) like a kid again, while 31% would like adult versions of bouncy castles.

Commenting on the findings, Jessica Penrose, Co-Director of Playful Being, said; “We’ve seen through our work that a lot of people want to be more playful – to feel more carefree, to delight in the smallest things, to be wowed by life again. As adults we are often weighed down by responsibilities and driven by the need to achieve, yet as this study shows there are real and tangible benefits to including play in everyday life. Giving ourselves permission to play for play’s sake is the first step towards rediscovering our playful selves.”

Parent Talk March 2016 3

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Glastonbury Medieval Fayre Glastonbury Medieval Fayre is all set to gallop once again, into the stunning grounds of Glastonbury Abbey, for the 6th annual event this Easter. We have an amazing array of attractions from both professionals and enthusiasts to bedazzle you with tales and demonstrations from the middle ages.

Our new headliners this year are The Horsemen of the Knight who are bringing their stunt riding skills to the joust so be prepared to cheer and applaud this unmissable spectacle.

We will also have a skirmish between the forces of the ever defiant 6th Earl of Leicester Simon De Montfort with his renowned Longbow men and the military genius of Edward Longshanks the son of the King, whom we are led to believe might even be bringing some German Mercenary Artillery! (dog owners beware!) There is so much to see from the graceful Birds of Prey to the wealth of knowledge in the Living History camps. There will be talented

Easter fun at Bodley Craft!

Holiday Craft Clubs for 8-14’s Pom pom chicks and bunnies, felt toys and accessories, painting and sticking, outdoor games and egg hunts! Every day is different! Come and join us making this Easter holiday one to remember! Days run from 9am-5pm £25 per day. Book two spaces and get 10% off!

Our next workshops…

Friday 18th March, 6.30-9pm Easter Needlefelt Workshop for Adults Come and create your own 3D Easter Chick or Egg using spring colours. We have come together with Toadstool Fibre Art to offer this fascinating workshop. No experience necessary - suitable for all! All materials included.

hobby for adults and children alike.

Just £10 per person, spaces will go quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment.

PixelHobby products will be available to purchase on the day.

More information, dates and booking forms at www. bodleycraft.co.uk

£25 per person, book 2 places for £40.

Friday 8th April, 9-11am PixelHobby Workshop! For 8-14’s If you haven’t heard of the NEW PixelHobby, then don’t miss out any longer! A fun and affordable way to create amazing effects, using plastic pixels. A great

Lambing Fun Day displays of all kinds from the hilarious Firey Jack to the trials by combat and not forgetting our archers competing in the competition. We hope to see you enjoying the succulent hog

Roast or hitting the gold when you try the have a go archery.

We are open all over the Easter weekend so bring the whole family and enjoy the start of British Summer Time.

After the heavy rainfall and dark skies the winter months have brought with them, the lighter evenings, glimpse of a snowdrop or two, and newborn lambs jumping around the local fields, are the first signs of spring.

At Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre, lambing season is in full swing. If you haven’t been to the College’s Lambing Fun Day event before, then put the date in your diary for a real treat! As the name suggests, it really is a great day out for all the family, and takes place this year on Sunday 13 March, 11am to 4pm at Rodway Farm in Cannington, TA5 2PJ. The event improves year on year, with more to see and do than ever before, a real favourite of the young and young at heart! Tickets can be bought on the day, or visitors can receive a 20% discount if bought in advance online or on production of an advert.

Advance tickets can be bought through the College’s online store: www.bridgwater.ac.uk.

There are lots of activities lined up for the day, with sheep shearing, milking demonstrations, ferret racing, tractor trailer rides, Somerset

Vintage Club Ltd’s machinery displays plus many more.

There will also be marquees dedicated to food and drink and children’s activities, and of course a chance to see and hold the ever-so-cute newborn lambs.

Jason Gunningham, Assistant Principal for Landbased Studies at the College says: “This event is always very popular and a great way for the community to see the College’s working farm in Cannington.

So many people put on their wellies and join us for the day, immersing themselves in all

the activities and watching the demonstrations. The farmers market will be especially popular this year with visitors browsing the product stalls and purchasing local produce.

“We’ve often had lambs born during the event day, and it is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to see the new-borns and enjoy a cuddle with some of the more confident lambs.

The feedback we receive from the public is always very positive, and we are looking forward to this year’s event and welcoming many new visitors to Rodway Farm.”

www.bridgwater.ac.uk

LAMBINGay Sunday 13 March 11am - 4pm

Rodway Farm, Cannington, TA5 2PJ

Tickets purchased on the day: Family: £15 (2 adults, 3 children) Adult: £5 Child: £3

Fun D

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Activities include: cuddle a lamb • sheep & ferret racing • sheep shearing • milking & falconry displays • Sedgemoor Vintage Club Ltd tractor & trailer rides • farmers market and much more.

4 Parent Talk March 2016

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Racing in Wincanton Chance for children to enter Monkton Elm Bake Off this Spring With the jump season at Wincanton Racecourse in full swing, the Somerset track will host four action-packed meetings during March and April.

The first meeting on Wednesday, March 2nd is providing racegoers with the chance to visit Anthony Honeyball’s Dorset stables ahead of racing.

Thursday, 10th March celebrates FREE RACING and a Wincanton bespoke Cheltenham Festival preview.

This year, Wincanton Racecourse is to inject vitality, interactive text commentary and live audio interviews for their Festival Preview to be hosted by At the Races presenter Luke Harvey.

Tickets to Wincanton’s Festival Preview are available online at www.wincanton. thejockeyclub.co.uk or call 0844 579 3014. Priced at £59, the package includes your entrance, a three-course lunch in the Kingwell Restaurant and the best preview in Somerset.

Courtesy of Bathwick

display alongside the Wylye Tyres, racegoers can enjoy Valley Pony Club Shetland FREE ENTRY on March 10th with advance registration. jumping demonstration while racing on Sunday, 17th April is Registration closes at midnight dominated by large character on Sunday, 6th March with onfigures with the first ever South the-day ticket prices applying West Mascot Grand National (£15 / £20). Book now online at taking and the Gruffalo making www.wincanton.thejockeyclub. his debut appearance onco.uk or call 0344 579 3014 course with hourly reading The Easter holidays sees two race meetings in April. and photograph opportunities.

And, with children aged 17 and Monday 4th is themed under gaining free entry to Horses for Courses with the Wincanton – the April meetings legendary Denman returning are a must for families! to Somerset for a jumping

Horses for Courses Day Monday 4th April Celebrating everything that is great about the horses!

CHILDREN from Somerset are being set a baking challenge by a garden centre in the county this month.

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre is inviting children to bake a cake and submit it to its Bake Off competition for a chance to have it featured on the garden centre’s menu in April.

Denis Guillemin, Catering Manager at the award-winning, family-run garden centre in Monkton Heathfield near Taunton, said: “We’ve decided to host our very own Monkton Elm Bake Off and are challenging children to get into the kitchen and rustle up their favourite cakes for the competition.

“All children need to do is bake their favourite delicious cake at home and bring it along, with the recipe, ready for judging.

“Entries can be submitted to the conference room within our restaurant on Saturday, March 19 between 10am and 2pm.

Cakes will be exhibited and then judged on the day from 2pm by myself and our Patisserie Chef, Gemma Staple. The winners will be announced at 3pm and cakes can be collected at 4pm.”

There will be two age

categories for the baking competition, one for children aged 11-years-old and under and one for children aged 12 to 16-years-old.

The winners will receive a £25 voucher as well as having their recipe made up and featured on the restaurant’s menu in April.

The runner up in each category will receive a £10 voucher.

By entering the competition, the winner or winners have

agreed to take part in publicity.

Denis added: “The type of cake the children bake is completely up to them but the more interesting the better. All cakes submitted will need to have an accompanying recipe.

“We hope lots of budding bakers enter the competition. It is a great opportunity for children to get into the kitchen and hopefully discover a passion for baking.”

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

DON’T FORGET

Advanced tickets are from just £13*

& kids go free!

With equine displays and a pony petting area.

Win an exclusive Wincanton Raceday Experience & a race name!

Book in the restaurant or a hospitality box to be entered into the draw.

WINCANTON RACECOURSE

TS TICKEM FRO

0 £1A3DV.0 ANCE IN

E ING FE BOOK IES APPL

CHILDREN’S DAY KIDS GO FREE

SUNDAY 17th APRIL

The Gruffalo will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day.

BOOK RACEDAY TICKETS ONLINE NOW WWW.WINCANTONRACECOURSE.CO.UK TICKET HOTLINE: 0344 5793014 *Booking fees apply

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Parent Talk March 2016 5

Parent

events

Got an event to share? Like us on /parenttalksw and tell us all about it.

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

6th February: Cheeky Monkey Day. Museum of East Asian Art. Bath, BA1 2QJ. 2-4pm. Admission free. Help us with our Year of the Monkey Challenge by making one hundred origami monkeys. Your monkeys will be displayed together with an artist commissioned giant origami monkey to celebrate the Year of the monkey. 01225 464640 6th February: Monkey! presented by PuppetCraft.

Wiveliscombe Primary School TA4 2LA. 6.30pm. With a new script written specially for PuppetCraft by the brilliant poet Michael Rosen, Children’s Laureate (200709). The comic adventures of a fantastical superhero inspired by classic Chinese epic story. Suitable for ages 4+. 01984 624442 www.puppetcraft.co.uk 6th-7th February: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. Direct from a smash-hit West End and international tour. Michael Rosen’s award-winning book We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is brought vividly and noisily to the stage.

01935 422884 7th February: Charity Indoor Gala. Huish Leisure Centre, Langport TA10 9SS. 11am-1pm.

Fundraising for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Bouncy Castle, craft table for kids, face painting, glitter tattoos, kids lunches, home made cakes, refreshments, raffle, lucky dip, biscuit decorating, sensory table, games for all the

family. Come and meet Webster the working Guide Dog. No dogs allowed on school grounds other than Webster and his Guide Dog friends! 01458 251055 9th February: Pancake Lunch.

The Village Hall, Kingston St Mary, Taunton, TA2 8HR. 12 noon – 2pm.

In aid of Children’s Hospice South West. Sweet and savoury pancakes available. £7 to include pancake lunch and drink.

01823 451112 10th February: Stones & Bones.

Presented by Squashbox Theatre.

Hatch Beauchamp Village Hall.

1.30pm. Come on a journey to Ancient Cornwall A land of fiery volcanoes and strange prehistoric creatures… A land of myth and legend, giants and druids… A land of Stones and Bones…

Squashbox Theatre’s new show is a marvelous mix of history and mystery! Suitable for ages 5+ www. squashboxtheatre.co.uk 01823 481909 13th February: Manda Clarke Showcase – Let’s Dance. The Regal Theatre Minehead, TA24 5AY. The Manda Clarke School of Dancing joined by members of Still Tapping. A charity performance in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice.

Dancers from the age of four upwards will showcase a mixture of Ballet, Tap and Modern dancing for everyone to enjoy. 01643 706430 13th February: Grand Pier Fireworks at Sea. The Grand Pier, Weston super Mare BS23 1AL, 5pm.

01934 620238 13th-14th February: The Ruff Guide to Shakespeare. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. The Life, the times and every single play, famous and some less well-known plays – all in one hour! Suitable for ages 5+. 01225 823409 14th February: Year of the Monkey Celebration. Museum of East Asian Art, Bath BA1 2QJ. 12.00-4pm. A fun-packed programme for all ages.

Alongside with the storytelling sessions, there will be various New Year related activities and adult workshops running on different floor levels. The celebration is also free to attend. Three storytelling sessions start at 12:30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. 01225 464640 15th February: Cinema: Cat in the Hat. The Brewhouse, Taunton. TA1 1JL. 10.30am and 2.45pm. Based on the book

by Dr. Seuss and starring Mike Myers, Sally and Conrad are two bored kids whose life is turned up-side-down when a talking cat comes to visit them. 01823 283244 15th-16th February: Romeo and Juliet, presented by Let’s All Dance. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Let’s All Dance’s edgy, explosive production engages audiences of all ages and, especially young people, with this high energy Hip Hop step. Fantastic dancing, crystal-

clear storytelling and engaging characters create a gripping show. 01225 464640.

16th February: Cinema: Fantastic Mr Fox. The Brewhouse, Taunton. TA1 1JL. 10.30am and 2.45pm. Based on the novel by Roald Dahl.

01823 283244 16th February: Stones & Bones.

Presented by Squashbox Theatre.

Dulverton Town Hall. 3pm. Come on a journey to Ancient Cornwall A land of fiery volcanoes and strange prehistoric creatures….

Suitable for ages 5+ www.squashboxtheatre.co.uk 01398 323474 16th-20th February: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare, BS23 1HP. Weston’s Playhouse Theatre is delighted to be once again teaming up with Bill Kenwright Limited to bring one of the world’s most loved musical’s to Weston-super-Mare continuing the venue’s tag line of “from the West End to Weston”.

01934 645544 16th-20th February: Snowdrops and Steam. West Somerset Railway, Bishops Lydeard. TA4 3RU. 01643 704996 17th February: Stones & Bones.

Roadwater Village Hall. TA23 0RE. 6pm. 01984 640976. See above entry.

18th February: Workshops: Make your own animal. The

A Holiday in Devon for All the Family to Enjoy Cottages around a garden green, lots of safe play space, animals to watch and help look after, an outdoor heated summer swimming and baby pool, a playroom and games room; the 9 cottages at Torridge House provide a friendly, laid back, relaxing setting for a family holiday. The small farm is in a very private setting surrounded by fields on the edge of a sleepy Devon village.

Torridge House Cottages has

Garden planning at Willowbrook

Although the weather is still in Winter, now is the time when everybody can plan the garden for the year ahead.

Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre have a range of seed potatoes, onion sets and shallots available along with bare-root soft and top fruit to help you ‘grow your own’. The range of bare-root hedging is an ideal way to create either a native or formal screen and now

an outstanding reputation for wonderful holiday experiences.

For families with babies and toddlers it is a delight; relaxing, with great hospitality, truly welcoming with lots to entertain young children.

Every day you can help to feed the animals on the little farm at Torridge House. Lots of magic moments helping with all the babies - bunnies, guinea pigs, mice and ducklings; letting the ducks and chickens

is the best time to plant. Our range of trees, Winter heathers and hellebores are ready to add structure to your garden and make it look fantastic.

After the planning, make time for a relaxing cup of tea and something to eat in the Café and tearoom and then browse our very own wineshop ‘Winesolution’ and look at the very colourful fish in ‘Richards’ Aquatic Centre.

Find Willowbrook situated between Taunton and Wellington on the A38 or at www.willowbrooknurseryandgardencentre.co.uk

Family Farm Holidays

In Glorious Devon welcoming comfortable cottages in an idylic setting

Join us on the farm, watch and help feed the animals.

Large gardens, play room, games room. Lots of play space.

Outdoor heated swimming pool.

Providing very special child friendly relaxing holidays for over 28 years. Highly recommended. ‘VisitBritain 3 & 4 star’

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

6 Parent Talk March 2016

out and later on getting them home again; eggs to collect; ponies to see and pigs to feed.

Near by the cottages are woodland walks, cycle trails, wonderful gardens, sandy beaches and lots of other fun places to visit.

Massages, throwing and painting pots, babysitting, chef cooked ready meals and chilled dinners can all be arranged. So

much to see and do and to help make your holiday as restful as possible. So easy just to relax in the tranquillity of the glorious North Devon countryside.

Torridge House have cottages available for term time dates in the coming year and some vacancies over Easter holidays.

There are more details on www.torridgehouse.co.uk or phone 01805 622542 for a chat.

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

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

Book Bag

Mothering Sunday March 6th Top 10 ways to make mum happy!

1. Don’t wake too early – let her have a lie in.

2. Take her breakfast in bed - even if she NEVER has breakfast in bed, it’ll make her feel very pampered.

3. Make her a handmade card (the more glue and glitter the better!)

4. Give her some flowers eg daffodils and put them in a nice vase or mug.

5. Chocolates are always popular but you don’t have to rush out and spend your pocket money on a huge box – one small chocolate beautifully wrapped will be just a good. Try putting a small ribbon around a chocolate. It’s always the thought that counts.

6. Try and be especially helpful around the house eg tidy your room without her having to nag you or maybe you could lay the table for lunch, unload the dishwasher.

7. Don’t squabble with your siblings. This is her day and she doesn’t want to spend it listening to you fighting.

8. Talk to her – don’t sit on the computer for hours.

Tell her some jokes as mums always like to laugh.

9. Tell her how much you love her and how special she is. Mums need to hear this.

10. Give her a huge hug – mums LOVE this. You can't go wrong with a hug!

www.parenttalk.org.uk

WIN!

a Ride and Relax Trike

Make active play fun this Spring with Little Tikes!

When you’re new to the world everything around you is fun and interesting. That means your back garden is an adventure to be explored! Offering a range of new toys that encourage your little ones to enjoy their outdoor play even more, Little Tikes are on hand to keep kids entertained for hours.

They’ll also boost development and introduce them to the exciting world of imaginative and active play. So what are you waiting for? All aboard and join in the fun for Spring 2016. Visit www.littletikes.co.uk to see the new range.

Get triking – Deluxe 5-in-1 Ride and Relax Trike (RRP: £109.99). Age 9+ months.

This 5-in-1 trike has all the fantastic features of the 4-in-1 trike with innovative extras including a 3-position reclining seatback, height adjustable canopy and ‘perfect fit technology’ which means the soft and stylish seat is movable with the flip of a switch. Guaranteed to be a winner, it’s perfect for strolls with your little one from Spring well into the Summer.

Key Features include: ✸ 3-point reclining seat back. ✸ Seat adjustment with the flick of a switch. ✸ Canopy adjusting to three heights. ✸ Soft and stylish seat cover.

Parent Talk have 1 Ride and Relax Trike to give away. For your chance to win, rearrange the words below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 9th March 2016.

ELTITL

EKSTI

Book Bag NEWS

British Science Week 11-20 March 2016 BUILT SPAC

E

A celebration of the best of British science, technology, engineering and engaging events across the UK.

BUILDING A PYRAMID

WITH MP FU

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WHAT YOU

’LL NEED

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Building m aterials – e .g. card, pap er, wood, p lastic Scissors, glu e, tape an d blue tack

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n Before you can build your pyramids, you need to decide an plan what d they’re go ing to look like and ho w you’re g oing to ma them. ke

Weights - to test the stre ngth of your py ramid A fan - to te st how you r pyramid st ands up to wind

You’re goin g to desig n two different p yramids. H o w will they be differen t from eac h other? Here are some ideas:

BACKGRO

1 Make them from different materials lik e plastic, cardboard or wood 2 Use different sh apes and sizes like making one wider or taller 3 One solid and o ne hollow the inside on 4 Diffe rent stickin g method s like glue, tape and blu-ta ck.

UND

Part 3 Pyramid te s

tin

g Once you ’ve built tw o different pyramids w ith two diff erent desig you need ns to test the m to decid which one e is best. Befo re you start doing test s, you nee d to decid how you’r e e going to write down your result s.

Here are so me ideas fo r how to test your p yramids: How strong is it? Use w eights

The Ancie nt Egyptia ns are famous fo r building p yramids.

Make sure They built their pyram yo a id dult with y u have an s w lots of the ithout o tools, build y ou’re doin u when ing equipmen g this test t and tech nology we have now . The pyram ids were important How good buildings w will it be in it h deep the wind? significanc U se a fan e to the co mmunities and the ru lers who b Does it loo uilt them. k good?

In this acti vity, you’ll How much work in a team of 2-4 can you sto people to re inside it? b u ild two different p H o w yramids. O P a e rt a sy 2 was it to b nce you’v built your p uild? e Build your yramids yo u ’r p e going y to test the ra m id s m.

It’s time to put your p lans into action and Part 4 build your pyramids.

Before you c W an make a hich pyram FIND OUT M start you need to m id?

ORE ake sure th H a ve a look a a t e v t kn e y ry o o ur results. W one ws what th For more a do you thin ey are goin hat ctivities on k of each g to do. building of your and mate pyramids?

Do you wa rials, chec nt to work k out our CREST Star together to build yo resource p u Is one of th r pyramids ages at www.british e pyramid or do you want to sp scienceass s better th lit th up the wo e other? O an ociation. org/crest-s rk r would the a b n u d ild tar. This ac one pyram y both be g o o tivity was d id fo e r a adapted fr different th ch? How w you make om ings? Think ill sure you st some idea of www.british ic s about wh k to d y e o signs? ur scienceass at your tw d iff e re o o c n ia t org/Pages/ pyramids m tion.

FAQs/Cate ight be use fo r. g fu o l ry / crest-mpfu tures

RESOURCE

PACK ONE

© British Sc

ience Asso

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sh Science

Week 2016

www.britishscienceweek.org

4

British Science Week quiz 2016 The British Science Association has been working with a variety of new organisations over the last year to broaden the definition of what science means and is about. To reflect this, it has chosen new categories that reflect some of the new areas it’s exploring.

Level two quiz – suitable for ages 8-13+. Can be played in teams or individually.

Round One: Science and performing arts Science and the performing arts Questions set by Electric Voice Theatre 1. “She Sells Sea Shells on the Sea Shore” is a famous tongue twister. Who do you think it’s about?

A. Nurse and mathematician, Florence Nightingale B. Mary Anning who studied fossils.

C. Queen Victoria 2. Who was the first person to write a ‘computer programme’?

A. Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft B. Alan Turing – the man who designed a computer to break the enigma code during the second world war.

C. Ada Lovelace, a 19th Century mathematician and daughter of the poet Lord Byron D. Aristotle, the Greek philosopher born in 384BC. 3. When a singer sings, sound energy travels through the air in waves. Which of these will also let sound travel through them? (Clue more than one is correct) A. Water B. Wood C. Metal D. Plastic Bonus question: Which one would sound travel through the fastest? Can you explain why?

4. In 1952 Rosalind Franklin and Raymond Gosling took Photo 5. an x-ray photo of Deoxyribonucleic acid. What is this more commonly known as?

A. RNA B. DNA C. DOA 5. A composer called Karen Wimhurst wrote a piece of music for us to sing with a bass clarinet about the entomologist Miriam Rothschild. What does an entomologist study? (Clue: two are correct) A. Rocks B. Fleas C. Engines D. Butterflies

Round two: Science and history Questions set by Historical Association 1. What conditions helped the Great Fire of London to spread?

Bonus question: what was the heat source that started the Great Fire of London?

2. Florence Nightingale cleaned the hospitals and made nurses wash their hands during the Crimean War in the 1850s. Why did Florence Nightingale’s work help more soldiers to survive?

3. The Bronze Age stated about 3000BCE and the Iron Age about 2000 years later. When did the Iron Age begin?

4. When the Egyptians buried their dead, they embalmed them. In order to preserve the bodies, they stuffed them with: A. Straw B. Salt C. Herbs D. Wool 5. What did Tim Berners-Lee invent?

Round three: Science and dance Questions set by One Dance UK 1. Which parts of a dancer’s body make them move to perform jumps, twist, turn spins etc.?

A. Bones B. Legs C. Muscles D. Arms 2. Dancing is a very active profession. Which of the food groups below would a dancer eat to give them a lot of PERSONAL SPACE energy?

A. Carbohydrate B. Protein C. Vitamins D. Water 3. When a dancer exercises, their pulse increases.

What is the pulse a measure of?

Part 1 Mood and colour pictures create a colUsing paper, pens and and how these colours lage of different colours started, think about make you feel. To get you the following words: ? warm ? cold ? happy ? sleepy

natural colours and how do Which are your favourite they make you feel? k would be best for What colours do you thin r home? painting your room or you ?

Round four: Science and geography Questions set by Geographical Association 1. The River Thames begins near the town of Cirencester.

What is the start of a river called?

Bonus question: Which major city in Britain does the Thames flow through?

2. In which biome* would you find a natural Christmas tree growing? Is it: A. Tropical rainforest B. Tundra C. Taiga (or Boreal Forest) (*A biome is an area of the planet with animals and plants that have adapted to that particular environment.)

3. To get to the base of Mount Everest climbers have to walk up a large tongue of ice. What is the name given to the large tongues of ice that flow down from high mountains into valleys below?

4. How does a water droplet in the sea end up in a cloud in the sky?

5. Describe one way you can build an earthquake-proof building?

Round five: Science and sport Questions set by Youth Sport Trust The Olympics, Paralympics and European football tournament are around the corner in 2016. Science is what gives our athletes a competitive edge – but how will you fare in our sport science quiz?

1. Which force pulls Tom Daley down to the water when he jumps off the 10m diving platform?

A. Gravity B. Air resistance C. Magnetic force 2. Which sport did Dick Fosby revolutionise in 1968 by introducing a new technique known as the “Fosby Flop”? a) High Jump b) Judo Part 2 1 Water Polo Part c) Which is the lour event is made up of 3. an Which athletics seven separate d co Mood warmest colour? tures test which paper, pens and pic Usingsports?

Now you’re going to t en a) Triathlon fer dif of e llag using ice create a co colour is the warmest b) Decathlon lours co se the w ho d an colouc)rsHeptathlon cubes. l. To get you started, u fee make 4.yo The Olympics and Paralympics are held every four years. ing words: lowfour different coloured folnext t thethe Place abouwill thinkWhen Summer Olympics willfive be held? stic in a su pie 1.

2.

3.

4. ces of card or pla on eac rm be Wa cu ice an t Puthe following 5. Can you match the correct weight topla each ce.of throwing objects from the Men’s event?of the cards and time how long Cold to melt o takes for the ice cube 1.

800g A. Shot putt r.

Happy each different colou your resu 2. ep 7.2y kg B. Discus Sle Make sure you record the d lte me be cu Which ice tural 3. 2kg C. Javelin Na it’s the an me s thi es Do fastest? rs coldest rite colou warmest colour or the Which are your favou l? fee u ke yo and how do they ma er from Put your colours in ord uld to wh wo est nk rm thi u wa which was the What colours do yo or n yo m ca roo at ur Wh yo st. ing lde was the co be best for paint rn? tte pa s thi t ou ? the answes to the quiz.... notice ab me Toho find out your

INVESTIGATING E COLOURFUL SPAC

PERSONAL SPACE S L U U’LLENEED F R YOC TA U HAP W LO O C G INVESTIGATIN WHAT YOU’LL NEED For part 1: – magazines, newspaCollage making materials pers and printed images Paper, scissors and glue For part 2: ets of plastic or card 5 different coloured she 5 ice cubes A stopwatch

Bonus question: why does a dancer’s pulse increase when they are performing?

4. Why do dancers do warm-up exercises and stretching before a performance or practice session?

5. Balance is very important to dancers. Which part of our body other than our eyes, plays a big part in helping us keep balance? (Clue:it’s in your head.)

BACKGROUND For part 1: y important space. is a ver The place where you live llageHo ialsce– terpla this dogesma wkin Co me? ma ho r What colours are in you rs an pe od d pa mo r ws you ne n affect garszin caes, ma colou ent fer Dif l? fee you ke ma printed images in different ways. e

Paper, scissors and glu

Part 2 For part 2: Which is the red sheets of t colouthe warmest colour?

5 differen lour is co ich wh t tes to ing go Now you’re plastic or card warmest using ice cubes. s card or beof red pieces Place five different colou 5 ice cu cube on each ice an Put plastic in a sunny place. A stopwatc h w long it takes for the ice of the cards and time ho ferent colour. cube to melt on each dif r results. Which ice cube you ord Make sure you rec theDwarmest ROit’sUN es this Gan CKme melted the fastest? DoBA is a colour or the coldest?The place where you live warmer from which was the at Wh .

Put your colours in ordve ce spa nt tice rta ry im What can you no ? How st.po lde me est to which was the co ho ur yo in are colours about this pattern? does this place make you feel? affect your Part 3 Different colours can ys.

Comparing in dif warmest thet wa mood reen wefer lour(s) Have a look at which co ferent dif two st in the and which were the colde Why do e? sam the they parts of the activity. Were ? ent fer dif or same you think they were the

www.britishscienceweek.org

Part 3 Comparing

colour( Have a look at which d which were the warmest an o differe the coldest in the tw Were th parts of the activity. nk the thi u same? Why do yo t? en the same or differ

Book Bag NEWS

Mothers Day Treat You will need: 2 eggs separated, 55g (2oz) icing sugar, sieved, 2 tablespoons coffee essence, 112ml double cream (¼ pint or about six tablespoons). Utensils: whisk, sieve, large mixing bowl, smaller size mixing bowl, cereal bowl, plastic ice cream carton (about 1½ pint), spatula What you do: 1 Separate the eggs and put the egg whites into a large mixing bowl and the yolks into the smaller sized bowl 2 Sieve the icing sugar into a cereal bowl.

3 Whisk the whites until very stiff, then gradually whisk in the icing sugar.

4 Whisk the egg yolks and coffee essence together and then whisk gradually into the egg whites.

5 Lightly whip cream and fold into coffee mixture.

6 Pour into the empty ice cream carton and freeze

WIN!

one of four copies of The Children of Green Knowe

To vary, fold in with the cream a handful of finely chopped walnuts or a handful of lightly crushed meringue or macaroons.

Tip: One of the easiest ways to separate eggs is to crack them into your hands and, keeping hold of the yolk, let the white run through your fingers. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly BEFORE and AFTER you start!

Simply Media are delighted to announce the release of The Children of Green Knowe, a charming and mystical classic children’s mini-series adapted from Lucy M. Boston’s novels. It comes to DVD for the very first time on 28 March 2016.

When his father and stepmother leave the country for Christmas, young Toseland (Alec Christie – The Office) is doomed to spend the holidays at his boarding school, until his eccentric great-grandmother, Mrs. Oldknow (Daphne Oxenford – Coronation Street), invites him to stay with her at The Green Knowe estate, an 11th century house built by Normans. While she tells him stories of his ancestors, Toseland soon finds out not everything is what it seems, when he begins to see the spirits of children who lived in the house during the reign of Charles II.

Originally screened in 1986 but never released on DVD, The Children of Green Knowe is directed by BAFTA winner Colin Cant (Moondial), alongside BAFTA winning producer Paul Stone (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe).

The Manor of Green Knowe is open to the public, details here: greenknowe.co.uk.

Parent Talk have 4 copies of The Children of Green Knowe to give away. For your chance to win, answer the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 9th March 2016.

Who wrote The Children of Green Knowe?

visit www.parenttalk.org.uk for answers

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Easter fun at King’s Millfield Holiday Courses Making Holidays Fun! Hall School

Woodland Adventures Holiday Club

With an understanding that the holidays can be tricky for busy parents, King’s Hall School offers its well established and wellloved Woodland Adventures Holiday Club for all children from the age of 3-13, which takes place

within the school’s beautiful woods. Whether or not your child attends King’s Hall, they can spend their day reveling in the woodlands with endless activities on offer, including a host of Easter themed days for the first week of

the Easter holidays. From Easter baking to Arts and Crafts, your child is guaranteed to have a funfilled day, and to make some firm friendships in the process.

Children also have the opportunity to feed the school’s very own feathery and furry friends and make the most of our cob oven and amazing woodland round house, what better way to spend a day!

Activities are available come rain or shine from 8.30 am through to 4.30 pm. Care is available from Tuesday 29th March through to Tuesday 12th April, excluding bank holidays.

For more information about King’s Hall School’s Woodland Adventures, please visit our website www.kingshalltaunton. co.uk or phone 01823 285920.

New happenings at Mill on the Brue for the summer holidays!

Summer holid

ays!

Day & residential ca

mps

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

Things children are really interested in.

A second, longer zip wire was installed last year, going right across the valley, trees and river. The badgers have been digging underneath our climbing wall, so we are building a brand new tower with abseiling as well. Another addition is a second assault course which looks as if you can get as muddy and as wet as you want to.

There are still the old favourites including archery, canoeing, raft building and racing, rifle shooting, high ropes, fire lighting, camping, rocket firing, crafts, giant water slide, concert and disco and of course the animals - the dogs, Tilly, Dylan and Honey, cats Alfie and Dora, Harry the donkey, Miss Effie the miniature Shetland pony, the pigs, Marigold and Morag, as well as the sheep and hens.

Mill on the Brue Outdoor centre is based in Bruton, Somerset in an old farmhouse and converted barns. We have twenty five acres of woods, fields, and river valley and grow many organic vegetables and fruit for meal times. The food is delicious, plentiful and all home cooked.

We have been operating for over 35 years so we think we know what children really like! The residential summer camps are 8 – 15 years, day 7 – 12 years, even Mini Mobsters for some midweek mornings 5 & 6 years old.

Fun, challenge, excitement and friends – you can’t beat Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre!

We know it’s hard to keep the kids entertained in the school holidays, so why not take a load off your mind by booking them onto the Millfield Holiday Courses?

With a variety of courses to choose from including Football, Hockey, Tennis, Golf and the Multi-Activity course, there really is something for everyone.

Whether you want to nurture existing talents or develop new ones, our coaches and activity leaders will help to get the best out of every child.

We offer a 10% discount for siblings or for any child who is booked onto two or more courses at the same time (discount does not apply to daily rates).

Easter Courses and Age Ranges: Cricket (7-14), Football (5-14), Multi-Activity (5-14), Netball (7-14) Summer Courses and Age Ranges: Athletics (8-16), Badminton (8-16), Cricket (7-14), Football (5-14), Golfy (10-14), Hockey Junior (4-13), Mini-Multis (2-4), Multi-Activity

(5-14), Netball (7-14), Tennis (814), Rugby (8-14), Squash (8-17) Summer and Autumn HalfTerm Courses and Age Ranges: Football (5-14), Hockey (11-17) Visit millfieldenterprises. com/courses for more details or call 01458 444 320 to request a brochure.

MILLFIELD HOLIDAY COURSES A VARIETY OF COURSES FOR AGES 2-17* IN THE EASTER, SUMMER AND HALF-TERM HOLIDAYS INCLUDING: Athletics, Badminton, Cricket, Football, Golf, Hockey, Mini-Multis, Multi-Activity, Netball, Rugby, Tennis & Squash *Age range varies per course 01458 444 320 millfieldenterprises.com/courses

Woodland Adventures Woodland Adventures EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB M a r c h -- 12th 29th 2 9 t hMarch 1 2 t h March A p r i l 2 2016 016

29th March - 12th April 2016 (excluding Bank Holidays) (( ee xx cc ll uu dd ii nn gg B B aa nn kk H H oo ll i d a y s )

Open funloving loving 33- -1313 year oldsolds Open to to allallfun year KING’S HALL SCHOOL KINGSTON ROAD TA2 8AA

KING’S HALL SCHOOL KINGSTON ROAD TA2 8AA

Please Please contact Clare Masters onMasters CMasters@kingshalltaunton.co.uk contact Clare 07850 775495 www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk CMasters@kingshalltaunton.co.uk

info@millonthebrue.co.uk 00 44 (0) 1749 812307 www.millonthebrue.co.uk

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

Parent Talk March 2016 11

All Hallows Preparatory School Nursery Class Give your 3 year old the best possible start within the environs of this renowned Prep School. Fantastic facilities and activities including Forest School, LTA Tennis Academy and Swimming Pool and access to specialist teaching staff for languages, Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Sport set this facility apart from other nurseries.

Visit at any time: T 01749 881600 E admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk Bridgwater College Childcare Centre is open to the general public and children of students, for children from four months to five years. There is also a Holiday Play Scheme for children up to eight years old.

It has a secure outdoor area boasting an ‘inspirational garden’, where children are encouraged to explore both indoor and outdoor learning.

T: 01278 441270 or E: childcare@bridgwater.ac.uk www.bridgwaterchildcare.ac.uk Brook Green Early Years Recently relocated to purpose built setting offering a larger learning environment and large garden, which can be accessed at all times for free flow play. Highly qualified staff.

Spaces available now, 2/3/4 year old funding accepted.

Please Call 01823 353072 for further information.

Cheekie Monkeys Ilminster A friendly, calm and nurturing setting offering full time day care (8am-6pm) for children aged 0-5.

We have highly experienced staff and excellent facilities in our baby and pre-school rooms, plus an amazing garden.

T: Lesley/Ali 01460 52457 First Steps Day Nursery School (all year from 8am-6pm). For children from 3 months to 5 years. Offering a caring, educational and safe environment for your child. All fully qualified staff.

NURSERY

directory

T: Elaine Garland 01749 346733 E: fsdaynursery@btconnect.com Hazlegrove Nursery and Pre-Prep Sparkford. Hazlegrove’s innovative Pre-Prep curriculum is outstandingly successful, evident in the increased confidence and ability levels as children move up to the Prep School. The children benefit from experienced staff, specialist teaching and exceptional facilities including an indoor swimming pool and woods for Forest School. “Hazlegrove children are happy children” says Headmaster Richard Fenwick, “we simply want to provide the very best education we can for the pupils in our care”.

For more information, contact Fiona O’Neill on 01963 442606 King’s Hall Nursery King’s Hall is a wonderfully traditional yet progressive school set in the rolling Somerset countryside just outside Taunton. Although the Nursery shares the Preparatory school’s superb facilities, it is self contained and operates in a secure and peaceful environment. Log cabin classrooms, vast on-site Forest School and highly experienced, dedicated staff make King’s Hall Nursery the natural choice for children 2 to 5 years.

T: 01823 285921 www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk Little Boots Day Nursery (Ages 0-5, 8am-6pm) Come and visit us on Pottery Farm! Our idyllic setting offers fantastic opportunities for

enhanced outdoor learning; we work with a maximum of 16 children a day ensuring each child gets the individual attention they need.

Contact Cleo Wilson for more information.

T 07936 555 676 littlebootsdaynursery.co.uk

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

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

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

Miniatures Day Nursery Open 50 weeks per year, we provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment for children aged 0-5 years. Open 8am-5.30pm, we provide home cooked food. Funding for 2, 3 and 4 yr olds. Two minutes from A358.

Church Rd, Ilton, Ilminster.

T. Marion on 01460 55488 www.miniaturesdaynursery.co.uk Perrott Hill Montessori Nursery and Pre-Prep. Given ‘outstanding’

by Ofsted, the Montessori Nursery is situated in the attractive, safe courtyard of the manor house. The Nursery children, aged 3-4 years, have the use

high quality individual attention; your child will not get ‘lost in the crowd’ at Sunny Hill. They will be treasured; we are interested in the individual child, they have our time and our attention.

Wrap around care available.

To arrange a visit or taster session please contact Mrs Carrie Crook in Admissions on 01749 824400 or email admissions@brutonschool.co.uk Taunton Nursery School for children from 0 years. Flexible Nursery Education, 7.30am- 5.45pm. Highly qualified teachers. Spectacular grounds and facilities used by all.

Children can attend a combination of morning, afternoon and late club sessions.

T: 01823 703300 www.tauntonschool.co.uk

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

Wellington Prep School Nursery Attractive, well-designed buildings.

Talented teachers. Cheerful children.

Proud parents. All this can be yours at Wellington Prep School Nursery and Pre-Nursery. EYFS can be redeemed against our fees. We would love to have your children from 2 years upwards. Open 50 weeks per year.

Please enjoy our website www.wellington-school.org.uk or call Maria Kerr to arrange a visit.

T: 01823 668700 Little Wellies Term time Toddler group. Open to all pre-school children every Thursday morning 9.15-11.15am, Wellington Prep School Hall. £3 per child and £1 per additional child weekly charge.

Contact Maria Kerr for more details 01823 668700 prep@wellingtonschool.org.uk

Sunny Hill Pre-School and Pre-Prep (Ages 3 - 7), Sunny Hill welcomes pre-school and primary school-aged children, taking girls from 3-11 years old and boys aged 3-7. Situated in the beautiful market town of Bruton on the 40 acre campus of 'big sister' school, Bruton School for Girls. Small classes mean that every child receives

Willowset Preschool, Stoke St Gregory TA3 5HZ Our preschool, wrap-around care and Holiday Club offers care for children aged 2-14, from 7.30am - 6pm. Ofsted 'Outstanding'! Come and visit us to see our wonderful setting with free-flow indoor/outdoor play.

Call for more information: T: 01823 491567

To book our Nursery Directory, please call 01458 250461

London startup's high-tech toy teaches languages to toddlers London-based startup Lingumi, founded by graduates from Oxford and UCL, has just launched its first product: a connected toy that teaches languages to infants through play.

Their product, Lingumi Learning Cubes, consists of five squishy, child-safe cubes that interact with an app on a tablet or smartphone. The kit is designed for children aged 2-6, the period when infants’ brains are proven to be most adapted to language learning. The game teaches five languages, including English, French, and Mandarin.

“We wanted to design an 12 Parent Talk March 2016

app for language learning, but our academic research and conversations with families with young children led us towards something more tactile and interactive than just tapping and swiping - so we designed the cubes,” says Toby Mather, a modern languages graduate from Oxford, who decided to start Lingumi while

he was teaching English to children in Russia.

The app works using camera technology developed by cofounder Adit Trivedi, a computer science graduate from UCL. The pair met when they joined the technology investment scheme Entrepreneur First, whose previous successes include Code Kingdoms, whose

website teaches children to code through building a game.

The scientific method behind the idea has been developed with advice from world experts in child language acquisition, including Professor William O’Grady from the University of Hawaii, author of ‘How Children Learn Language’ and an advisor to the company. The startup is also running an academic study with a university in the UK, to test the effectiveness of their unique method. “Most learning apps make claims that they haven’t backed up scientifically - we’re trying to be thorough with our research” adds Mather.

Mother of two Kelly Powell,

who is using Lingumi Learning Cubes to help her daughters learn Spanish, said: “It's really nice that they control it with toys instead of just on the screen, I think this allows them

more opportunity to work together at it.”

The kit currently retails at a launch-offer price of £34.99, including shipping, and is available at www.lingumi.com

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EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Tops Day Nurseries help fight obesity with sugar-free menus

Prestigious Summer Music School to be based at All 24th to 29th July Hallows School 2016

On Monday 1st February, Tops Day Nurseries launched their new sugar-free menus in support of the national campaign to promote healthy living amongst children.

The new menus have been designed to ensure the children have a fully balanced diet throughout the day, and importantly have reduced the sugar intake with the meals and desserts provided. The new menu will include a variety of original meals, including one fully vegetarian day per week as suggested by the national food trust.

Research shows that healthy eating habits in the years before school are crucial for children for their growth, development and academic achievements in later life. Obesity, type II diabetes, poor dental health, rickets and iron deficiencies are all side effects of poor health currently being seen in children in England, with an inadequate diet and lack of

The 'Summer's Cool' Music School will be based at All Hallows Preparatory School in East Cranmore from Sunday 24th to Friday 29th July 2016. The experienced team of professional musicians and fully qualified music teachers, led by Director Andrew Mock, have been running this excellent residential and day course since 1985 at various venues nationally.

The course provides a wide variety of musical and social activities and is open to all young musicians aged 8 – 16. It is designed to be fun, encouraging young people to enjoy their music and make new friends. The days are filled with various ensembles, singing and lunchtime concerts. In the afternoons and evenings, course leaders organise swimming and a host of fun activities. On a Wednesday afternoon, there is an off-site activity with an

exercise being the culprits.

Diane Wycherley, Senior Area Manager and creator of the new menus, commented, “Encouraging children to eat a wide variety of foods and develop good dietary habits to take with them into later childhood and beyond is a core part of their understanding of healthy living.

Planning meals and snacks each day to include a variety of food and

drinks from the four main food groups will provide children with the right combination of nutrients.

At Tops Day Nurseries we have designed a balanced menu to support their growth and development using the Children’s Food Trust recommendations, as well as offering our children a wide variety of extra-curricular activities to encourage physical and outdoor activities.”

To find out more about the new menus offered by Tops Day Nurseries please visit the website www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk

AL L

H A L LOW S

P R E PA R AT O RY

SC H O O L

evening BBQ and organised games. At the end of the week, there is a short presentation of the week's musical highlights

for parents, relatives and friends.

Fully inclusive residential rate £499, non-residential £389.

For more information visit www.summerscool.org.uk or email a.mock@summerscool.co.uk

TH E inde pendent D IF F E R E N CE ON YOUR D OOR STE P. We can offer your child: • the freedom to learn through feeling safe, happy and valued • small class sizes, single year groups and personalised learning • the opportunity to discover their creative talents through the arts, drama and music • excellent coaching, superb facilities and competitive sports opportunities • fresh air every day • the opportunity to develop a strong moral compass.

COME AND VISIT US admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk allhallowsschool.co.uk

OPEN MORNING. Monday, 2nd May 2016. 9.30am to midday follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

Parent Talk March 2016 13

BOOK REVIEW

Editor’s choice

The Unmumsy Mum

By Sarah Turner Published by Bantam Press ‘The Unmumsy Mum’ writes candidly about motherhood like it really is: the messy, maddening, hilarious reality, how there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach and how it is sometimes absolutely fine to not know what you are doing. The lessons she’s learnt while grappling with two small boys – from birth to teething, 3am night feeds to toddler tantrums, soft play to toilet training – will have you roaring with laughter and taking great comfort in the fact that it’s definitely not just you…

The Princess Craft Book, The Knight Craft Book and Mini Makers

By Laura Minter and Tia Williams Published by GMC Publications The Princess Craft Book, The Knight Craft Book and Mini Makers are bursting with fun, creative and engaging projects for parents to make and children to embellish and personalise – all the projects are suitable for parents and children with little or no crafting experience and cover a range of interests including music, dressing up, games and role play.

There are great activity ideas such as teddy bears’ picnics, princess parties and medieval banquets; you can make a dragon cape or ice princess tutu, a bow, arrow and quiver for your little archer or a royal horse for the little princess. You’ll be spoilt for choice with projects, activities and recipes to your little ones entertained and engaged. Even better, most of the projects can be made using household items, or easy-to-find products at the craft shop.

Packed with fantastic ideas and inspiration for any crafter or parent these books all feature stunning, stylised photography with simple, clear step-by-step instructions – enough to keep idle small hands busy on boring rainy days or during the long school holidays.

I Love My Mummy

By Jonathan Litton, illustrated by Fhiona Galloway Published by Little Tiger Kids Join a colourful cast of characters who all want to say thank you to their mummy in this charming board book about giving.

The bright artwork from Fhiona Galloway, finger holes and die cuts throughout the book as well as the cheerful rhyming text help make learning come to life.

The Seriously Extraordinary Diary of Pig

By Emer Stamp Published by Scholastic The third hilarious and fully illustrated diary by Pig. Pig and his friends are safely back on their farm, spending their days playing games and having fun – until a game of hide-andseek goes badly wrong. Then Pig’s attempt to make it better goes from bad to worse when his friend Cow gets kidnapped.

Pig and Duck are the only ones who can save her. Their mission will take them across land and sea. More fun and unbelievable adventure from this much-loved set of characters. Complete with illustrations throughout and printed in a unique diary format.

The Big Book of Bugs

By Yuval Zommer Published by Thames & Hudson Welcome to the wonderful world of bugs! Bugs live nearly everywhere on Earth, and this beautifully illustrated nonfiction book allows the young bug-spotter to get to grips with the world’s wrigglers, stingers, fliers, bombers and chirpers!

The Big Book of Bugs is arranged bug-by-bug: read about beetles, ladybirds, moths, ants, bees, dragonflies, stick insects, spiders and more! Also, learn which bugs like to come out at night, which bugs live in your garden, and which bugs even live in your house! With beautifully detailed illustrations and funny, fact-filled language, this is the ultimate guide to our creepycrawly world.

14 Parent Talk March 2016

Alien Adventure It’s OK! We’re going to save the planet!

By Andrew Judge and Chris Judge Published by Scholastic An alien crash lands outside school and, together with Daisy, you follow the trail. Tear a hole to get into a spaceship – learn to speak alien, navigate asteroid fields, and when an angry Alien wants to invade the planet, it’s up to you, Daisy, Bob and some unexpected new characters to save the planet!

Miró’s Magic Animals

By Antony Penrose Published by Thames & Hudson A children's picture book that recounts the author's childhood encounters with the great Spanish artist Joan Miró.

Antony Penrose is the son of wartime photographer Lee Miller and Surrealist artist Roland Penrose. He grew up in a creative environment, with Dali, Picasso and Miró regular suppertime visitors. Miró's Magic Animals is the follow-up to the bestselling Boy Who Bit Picasso, which was translated into 17 languages and adapted into a stage play.

The Upside of Downtime

By Sandi Mann Published by Robinson A fascinating popular psychology title looking at the increase of boredom in a technology-driven society where attention spans are shrinking, and arguing for embracing downtime, rather than seeking dangerous ways to avoid it.

The Bakehouse

By Joy Cowley Published by Gecko Press Bert wants nothing more than to be old enough to fight in the war – to handle weapons, defend his country and have life filled with adventure. Little does he know that the secrets and danger of war don’t always stay at the front line, and that one boy’s actions can change everything.

The Song of the Skylark

By Erica James Published by Orion Lizzie has always had an unfortunate knack of attracting bad luck, but this time she’s hit the jackpot. Losing her heart to her boss leads to her losing her job, and with no money in the bank, Lizzie finds herself forced to move back home with her parents. When she reluctantly takes a voluntary job, she meets Mrs Dallimore. Mrs Dallimore is also reluctantly coming to terms with her situation. Old age is finally catching up with her. As she and Lizzie form an unexpected friendship, Mrs Dallimore tells the story of a young girl who left America before the outbreak of World War Two and, in crossing an ocean, found herself embarking on a new life she couldn’t have imagined. As Lizzie listens to Mrs Dallimore, she beings to realise that she’s not the only person to attract bad luck, but that sometimes life has a way of surprising you…

Poppy’s Place

By Katrina Charman Published by Stripes Eleven-year-old Isla has been desperate for a cat for as long as she can remember. One day, she meets Poppy, a gorgeous cat Mum’s been treating at the local vets where she works. With no owner coming forward to claim her and no room at the local sanctuary, poor Poppy is homeless. Surely Isla can persuade Mum to let them take Poppy home … just on a temporary basis.

Little do the family realize the chain of events that will unfold with Poppy’s arrival. Soon they have opened their door to a host of abandoned cats all looking for their forever home. And Isla has come up with a crazy but brilliant idea to solve the problem – a cat café!

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CLASSIFIED

Somerset charity relaunches – with help from the Community Local charity Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorder Association (SWEDA) has moved into their new home in Shepton Mallet, with a little help from the team at Community Payback.

Community Payback has been a successful sentencing option for over 40 years, with millions of hours of unpaid work being completed in communities across the country. For the past few weeks they have been working with the Somersetbased charity helping them refurbish their new offices.

Now based at Harvest Court in Park Road, Shepton Mallet, the charity’s new premises were completed on 25th Feb when SWEDA opened their doors to celebrate the relaunch of their project.

Paula Blight, CEO of SWEDA explains: “SWEDA has been successfully supporting people with eating disorders from across Somerset and Wessex for more than 20 years.

Malcolm the Magician Magic and balloon modelling for Schools, Playgroups and Birthday Parties.

For many, our services have been a real lifeline. We support individuals to take control of their own recovery through our counselling services, support group and outreach programme. We’re delighted to be able to relaunch our project in Shepton Mallet following our successful bid to the Big Lottery.”

"We were so pleased when the Community Payback Team agreed to help us out too. There was a lot of work involved, but our new premises really do look fantastic now, thanks to them.”

If you are interested in visiting the project or would like to find out more, please contact them on 01749 343344 or support@swedauk. org.

If you have a project in the South Somerset and Mendip areas that requires practical support please contact Joy Ellery, Community Payback Team Manager on 03000 492627.

embarrassed to talk to their GP about sexual health issues, or they didn’t feel like they were being taken seriously when they did. More than a quarter of respondents (27%) said they would put off seeing a doctor due to embarrassment , while almost one in five (17%) felt it was a waste of time as they’d previously felt ‘fobbed off’.

“It’s important that women feel empowered to listen to their bodies, and to speak up if they think something is wrong,” said Taylor.

“Doctors have a difficult job to do because ovarian cancer is rare and symptoms are often confused with other ailments – it may simply not be on their radar. Nonetheless, it’s important that they refer women who are presenting with symptoms of ovarian cancer for further tests as soon as possible.”

The charity recognises that speaking up about your health can be difficult and has developed a symptoms diary to help women record their symptoms and take it to their GP. Search for ‘Ovarian Cancer Action’ in your phone’s app store, or download a paper version at www.ovarian.org.uk

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“DAVE” THE MAGICIAN & BALLOONATIC

Speak up. Listen up!

Every March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and this year research charity Ovarian Cancer Action has chosen the theme Speak Up, Listen Up! Ovarian cancer isn’t as wellknown as some other female cancers, yet it is the fifth most common - with more than 7,000 diagnoses in the UK each year. The UK has one of the lowest survival rates in Western Europe, with a woman dying from ovarian cancer every two hours, resulting in 4,300 deaths annually.

Ovarian Cancer Action says one of the reasons for the poor survival rate in the UK is that the disease is often spotted too late.

The charity’s Chief Executive, Katherine Taylor, says: “Ovarian cancer is particularly difficult to diagnose yet early diagnosis is crucial. When women are diagnosed in the early stages of ovarian cancer they have a 90% chance of surviving for more than five years but this reduces to 22% when diagnosed in the later stages. Too often we hear stories of women not being heard, of their cancer being diagnosed too late.”

Last year the charity surveyed 1000 women and they found that many where either too

MAGIC & BALLOONS

PROFESSOR POPCORN

Ovarian Cancer: The facts ● It is the most deadly gynaecological cancer and currently the fifth most common cancer among women ● There are 7000 new diagnoses each year in the UK ● The UK has one of the lowest survival rates in Western Europe,

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with a woman dying from ovarian cancer every two hours; ● That amounts to 4,300 deaths each year Ovarian Cancer: The symptoms The four main symptoms of ovarian cancer are: ● Persistent stomach pain ● Persistent bloating or increased stomach size ● Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

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● Needing to urinate more frequently

How to get involved in Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Ovarian Cancer Action wants supporters to get involved by organising a local #WalkInHerName. The money raised will fund life-saving research and awareness work. For more information, or to get involved, visit http://ovarian.org.uk/fundraising-and-events/ events/walkinhername

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Quirky handmade cushions and textile art Contact 01460 240230 MARCH issue copy deadline 17th February 2016 Call 01458 250461 Parent Talk March 2016 15

Roll up, roll up for your Great Sport Relief Bake Off. Thank you for choosing to hold a bake sale for Sport Relief – it makes you a star baker in our eyes.

And, a warm welcome to your Great Sport Relief Bake Off Kit, a handy blend of tips, tools and tasty ideas on how to put on a showstopping bake sale and raise some serious dough for Sport Relief.

In your kit are all the ingredients for a brilliant bake sale: ●

Step-by-step guide to holding a truly scrumptious bake sale

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Bite-size tips to make fundraising as easy as pie

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Delicious chocolate chip banana bread recipe

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Technical Challenge: Individual paris-brests, from the Great Sport Relief Bake Off Show.

An event poster to make your delicious bakes sell like hot cakes

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Beautiful bunting to dress up your bake sale Price and ingredients tags and labels for your baked goodies A showstopper sweepstake poster to add some cake-inspired competition Information on how to pay in your fabulous fundraising money

Good things come to those who bake

2016