Parent Talk May 2014 by Parent Talk

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

May 2014 Volume 19 Issue 5

WIN tickets to Sherborne Castle Country Fair and Yeovilton International Air Day

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FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY

2 Parent Talk May 2014

“Brilliant Family Holiday”

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contents

Family Pages Out & About Book Bag News More Out & About Information, Education Classified

p2 p3-6 p7-10 p11 p12-14 p15

competitions Sherborne Castle County Fair Yeovilton Air Day

p3 p10

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Dear Readers... Welcome back and just when you’ve finished the Easter eggs, it’s already talk of half term and even, summer holidays. This month, we’re bringing you details of some of the best loved country shows: Sherborne Castle Country Fair and The Royal Bath & West, see p3. Let’s hope they get glorious sunshine! If you want to find out about how fascinating our weather is, we’ve got some great facts on our Book Bag pages and some fun experiments to do at home eg make a tornado in a jar or your very own cloud in a glass – see p9. As you would expect, there’s quite a bit of talk about holiday clubs this month with everything on offer from archery to zip wires with ballet and streetdance along the way and if you’re still looking for adventure, why not sign up for a picnic to celebrate The Gruffalo’s 15th anniversary. You can download recipes for mouse droppings and roast fox rolls – delicious! See p12 for details. Best wishes

Tamsin Editor

Parent Talk PO Box 889, Taunton TA1 9HU

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.

Competition winners Sands Resort hotel

Sophie Furse, Wrantage Longleat

Rachel Sorrentino, Marston Magna Ezri Thompson, Street Kerry Roach, Bridgwater Galt trampoline

Christian Blackmore-Wynn, Ashill

Torridge House Cottages is a well established family holiday destination but has for a long time been a well kept secret. Now though they are on TripAdvisor and readers can see the 5-star reviews which give a great insight to this self-catering holiday with a difference.

Families can enjoy watching or helping look after a wide variety of animals; rabbits – oh so many of them big ones and babies too, chicks, hens, ducks, piggies, guinea pigs, kittens, fancy mice and TigerLily the pony.

Big, big gardens with plenty of toddler toys and more in the playroom; table tennis and pool in the games room; highly recommended locally cooked ready meals from the freezer, outdoor heated pool, free wifi, games, dvds. Cottages and facilities all amazingly well equipped for young families. The 9 cottages are in an idyllic setting in beautiful north Devon, within easy reach of wonderful beaches, market towns, fishing villages, country walks, cycle ways, horse riding, excellent attractions,

country pubs and all the things you can think of that you might want for a family holiday. Expert pampering and healing massages can be arranged as well as throwing and/or painting pots, even skittles in the village hall. There is so much to do and to see, and yet it is so easy to enjoy doing nothing. “It was the personal touches that really made it such a wonderful experience and we would not hesitate to book again.”

www.torridgehouse.co.uk or 01805 622542 for more details about Torridge House Cottages.

The cost of Divorce and Family Break-up 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 followed, draw otherwise sensible people into protracted and expensive disputes. 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. 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 is 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 07740 786232

Try your hand at Hestercombe: volunteers needed! If you’ve got a little time to spare and are craving for a new, exciting adventure then why not be part of the stimulating new contemporary art gallery project at Hestercombe House which opens on May 24th?

The gallery will showcase the work of leading artists bringing together a provocative mix of sound and film pieces, sculpture, art and digital works. The Hestercombe Gardens Trust is urgently seeking volunteer enthusiasts to work in the gallery in a range of capacities including as invigilators and guides who will welcome visitors and talk to them about the art. Arty knowledge is not required as all necessary training will be given through

special Volunteer Training Days to be held at the end of April. A desire to stretch the brain, keenness and a few free hours are all that are required! This may potentially suit Mums or Dads with some spare time after dropping the children at school, those recently retired or anyone wanting a fresh new interest. Meeting new people and being part of an active team will all be part of the fun! There was an excellent response to the first call for volunteers to work on preparing the house, which has not opened to the public regularly since the eighteenth century and this is the next call to arms as head of marketing Stephanie Holley explains: ‘We’ve already got a wealth of volunteering talent working in other parts of Hestercombe,

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 Tel: 0207 692 0893

especially outside in the gardens and they all really enjoy it, but this is something completely different. I am sure there are people out there who would love to be part of this innovative project at Hestercombe from the very beginning. And the idea of being immersed in invigorating art may just appeal!’ The Trust is also looking for volunteers to work in the new second hand bookshop in the house and would be delighted to hear from anyone that might offer carpentry skills to help finish the transformation of the house ready for the gallery opening on May 24th.

Anyone interested please contact Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton on: 01823 413923 info@hestercombe.com www.hestercombe.com

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

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

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Parent Talk May 2014

Countdown to Royal Bath and West Show The countdown is on for the 151st Royal Bath and West Show which features two British awards plus a host of new attractions to wow the crowds.

This year it takes place from May 28 to 31 in half term and show manager Alan Lyons says it will be a showstopper. “There really is something for the whole family from daredevil displays in the main ring to the country’s top livestock on show,” he said. “Our Farming for the Family section will have a range of displays and demonstrations

which show the route from field to fork with an extended butchery and cookery demonstrations, not forgetting our new artisan food marquee, will mean it’s a must-visit for all food lovers.” In the main ring will be The Devil’s Horsemen – one of Europe’s leading teams of Horsemasters, Stuntmen and Stunt Co-ordinators which has featured in film and TV productions such as The King’s Speech, The Eagle and The Duchess. Jamie Squibb will be bringing Squibbfreestyle motocross

arena stunt show to the main ring with a team of riders performing breath taking jumps and stunts mid-air. Alan said: “We will, of course, also have the best of British livestock and equine at the Show, which is afterall how it started back in the 19th century. Advance saver tickets are on sale from April 1 to May 26 at £19 for an adult, £5 for a child or £48 for a family. Gate prices are £22 adult, £7 child and £55 for adult. For more information visit www.bathandwest.com

Sherborne Castle Country Fair and Rare Breeds Show Bank Holiday Monday 26th May 2014 run by volunteers, has given £911,777 thousand to local children’s charities and youth support groups. The show has become a firm favourite in local families’ diaries and features a spectacular lakeside event of Dragon Boat Racing major sponsor AgustaWestland and a Circus where you can just watch the interactive fun of

clowns delivering an ecological message or try your hand at stilt walking, plates twirling and juggling. A brilliant day out for all the family, the fair provides a particularly wide range of activities for children of all ages, funfair rides and stalls, bouncy castle with slides, donkey rides, climbing wall, water balls, Punch and Judy and Marionette

Visit our website:

www.sherbornecountryfair.com

for more information and to purchase advance tickets now: You can make savings of 15% Hotline 01749 813 899 or visiting Sherborne and Yeovil TIC offices, The Abbey Pharmacy in Sherborne or website www.sherbornecountryfair.com

Raising funds for Children’s Charities. The Fair is organised by volunteers.

The Sherborne Castle Country Fair presents a rich and fun programme of events, country activities, stands and entertainment including one of the largest Rare Breed Shows in the country. For one day every summer, one of the country’s finest settings is transformed into a fun-filled day out to suit all ages. The Fair was started by a small group of volunteers, in 1996, with the aim of raising money for local charities, especially those working with children. To date the committee, still

93x136 What's On Somerset BW:Layout 1 08/02/2014 10:48 Page 1

puppet shows, outdoor toys, Gore Farm stand offers children the opportunity to handle young animals and birds, birds of prey displays, goats in harness, young gymnasts displaying their amazing routines, Sherborne Youth Band, traditional Irish dancing, steel band, Yeovilton Military Wives Choir and the Wessex Highlanders are back together with ‘have a go’ at archery and laser clay Pigeon shooting, land train…. and much, much more.

Sherborne Castle Country Fair 2014

Monday 26th May Spring Bank Holiday

competition A brilliant day out for all the family

4 Champion days out...

incorporating Rare Breeds Show

WIN

Win tickets to Sherborne Castle Country Fair

Attractions include: ◆ The Rare Breeds Show ◆ Dorset Farmers’ Market Cookery Theatre ◆ The Gundog Team Challenges

◆ The Main Ring ◆ The Sheep Show ◆ Silent AuctionTent ◆ Wilderness Survival Skills ◆ The Companion Dog Show

...there really is something for everyone! Save ££’s when you book advance tickets

TEL 0844 776 6777 Parent Talk have 2 family tickets to give away. For your chance to win, answer the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter. Closing date for entries: 16th May 2014.

WED 28 • THU 29 • FRI 30 • SAT 31 MAY

WWW.BATHANDWEST.COM

Visit our website: www.sherbornecountryfair.com for more information and to purchase advance tickets now.

What date is Sherborne Castle Country Fair?

events

Parent

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

. MARKETS . THEATRES . FAIRS . FETES . SHOWS . EXHIBITIONS . 9th - 10th May: Rubbish. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. Imagine a world that celebrates its rubbish, where at the touch of a puppeteer’s hand, the contents of a bin bag can transform before your eyes. Rubbish is a visually stunning and playful production exploring the unexpected value of discarded objects. Rubbish opens with a large pile of over-filled bin bags. The audience meet the cast, four excavators, each searching through piles of rubbish. Out of these bags they discover discarded and unloved rubbish and from each an animated figure is born. Age: 5+. 01225 823409 11th May: Spellbound. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare. Captivate your imagination and suspend your disbelief as you witness international magicians amaze you with world class magic. No camera tricks and the chance to see magic of the mind, comedy magic and fast paced illusions. An evening of wonder… you won’t believe your eyes. 01934 645544 11th May: Baby & Children’s Market, Strode College Sports Centre. 2-4pm. Over 20 stalls bursting with excellent quality preloved and new baby and chidlren’s items. Great brands at bargain prices! Activities for children and a raffle in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society. 07787 567684 11th May: Taunton Vintage Bus Display & Running Day. Castle Green, Taunton TA1 4AD. 10.30- 4.30pm. Free bus rides throughout the day- relive the days of double deckers with conductors, enjoy a vintage coach trip into the countryside, open top bus tours. Stalls selling books, models and memorabilia. Programme and

timetable available on the day. For further information:- http://www. tauntonrunningday.wordpress. com/ or e-mail tauntonrunningday@ yahoo.co.uk 15th - 17th May: The Jungle Book. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. Rudyard Kipling’s magical tale of ‘man-cub’ Mowgli’s adventures in the jungle are brought to life in this all-singing, all-dancing production by graduating Acting and Theatre Production students from Bath Spa University. Age: 6+. 01225 823409 18th May: Family Boot Camp. West Somerset Leisure Centre. 10am -11.30am. Come along and spend some quality time with the family and enjoy team challenges as well as getting the children outside and enjoying our natural environment. 01643 708815 19th – 31st May: Textile Expressions. Ilminster Arts Centre at The Meetig House, East Street Ilminster. Group exhibition by textile artists who work in a wide variety of media and techniques including books, batik, basketry, quilts, felt and 3D pieces, which may be stitched, slashed, painted and often incorporate collaged layers of paper, fabric, natural materials and found objects. Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm. Saturday 9.30am - 2.30pm. Free. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org. uk. 20th May: Geminus presented by Compagnie Ubi. TacchiMorris Arts Centre, Taunton. Geminus is a visually and musically stimulating show, tailor made for Early Years. This beautiful piece touches on themes of identity and reflection within its very young audience, through intuition,

curiosity, awkwardness, vitality and wonder. Dance, rhythm and object manipulation are at the heart of Geminus, combining gestures, sounds and mirrors to create a playful and intriguing dance piece. 01823 414141 20th – 24th May: Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. Bristol Hippodrome. Firmly crowned as a modern day classic, Matthew Bourne’s powerful, provocative and totally original interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake turned upside down and took the dance world by storm, dazzling audiences in the West End and Broadway, and across Europe, Asia and Australia. Boldly shattering the traditional concept of swans in tutus and blending dance, humour and spectacle with extravagant awardwinning designs, Matthew Bourne has created a passionate and contemporary Swan Lake for our times. 21st May: Geminus presented by Compagnie Ubi. Main Hall, Yeovil College, Yeovil – see above. www. takeart.org 22nd May: The Little Mermaid. Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton. Join Ballet Theatre UK for this dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s all-time favourite story of The Little Mermaid, who falls in love with a human Prince and gives up everything to win his love. 01823 414141 23rd - 24th May: A Boy and His Box. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. The show delights with live drawing, projection, several quirky tunes and some brilliantly ridiculous sound effects. Most of all, it celebrates the amazing world that is a child’s imagination and reminds grown ups that an adventure can

begin with the stroke of a pen. Age: 4+ 01225 823409 23rd – 24th May: The Gruffalo. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil. Hit monster family show, direct from a West End season! Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maracashaking, party-mad Snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined? The Gruffalo is the perfect family treat with plenty of songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown ups. 01935 422884 23rd – 25th May: Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre, East Huntspill. 10am – 4pm. It’s baby boom time when lots of orphans are being cared for at the centre. Staff will be on hand to show you their babies. They’ll tell you how they wean fox and badger cubs ready for their release. Half hourly animal talks throughout the day, including feeding the resident foxes, ferret racing and more. Refreshments available. 01278 783250 24th May: Old MacDonald had a Farm. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare. Old MacDonald’s animals have gone missing. Can you help a friendly scientist and his amazing time machine get them back for him? Written especially for parents to enjoy with their children, this fun filled farmyard tale brings to life all the best loved characters from the original nursery rhyme along with a magical medley of games, giggles and sing along songs. Come and relive the delights of this most charming of tales, told with a captivating combination of

live action, puppetry and animation. 01934 645544 24th May: Gallery Opening, Hestercombe Gallery, Hestercombe House Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton. Hestercombe House opens to the public with an exciting contemporary art exhibition. With funding from Arts Council England. 01823 413923 24th May: Burnham on Sea Food & Drink festival. Free oneday festival with something for the whole family. 07973 378735 25th -26th May Bank Holiday BBQ at Hestercombe House and Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton. Enjoy freshly cooked BBQ food in the Courtyard. 01823 413923 26th May: Sherborne Castle Country Fair, Sherborne. Great day out for all the family. See p3 for details and chance to win free tickets. 26th May: Blast Off! the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. Kid Carpet and The Noisy Animals – THE biggest band in the world – are back! They are about to blast off into outer space on a mission to find their brand new sound for their latest hit album. In a super-duper, really, really fast adventure around a rock ‘n’ roll musical universe, our friends encounter noisy planets, cheesedoff nursery rhyme characters and shooting stars. BLAST OFF! involves some very lo-fi technological wizardry, turning ordinary toys into magical superstars with the aid of a video camera, silliness and live music. Age: 4+. 01225 823409 26th – 27th May: Cello Babies. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. An opportunity for babies to play and be enchanted by the sounds around them. Age: 0-2 years. 01225 823409

28th – 29th May: The Boat and the Moon. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. “There was a boat, sailing at sea, but on the moon it wanted to be…” This is the tale of a boat and its dream. It dances with a fish, talks to the stars, plays with a pelican, listens to a whale…It would love to know how to leave the sea and sail to the moon – but the moon is so far away and the boat can’t fly. It tries, and tries, and tries again. In the end, the moon leaves the skies to bathe in the sea. Age: 1-5. 01225 823409 28th – 31st May: Royal Bath & West Show. The Showground, Shepton Mallet. See p3 for further details. 30th – 31st May: Jack and the Beanstalk. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. A show for everyone, with enormous shoes, tiny houses, showers of silver and gold and a big, leafy explosion! Age: 3+. 01225 823409 30th May: Willow head dress and wands at Yeovil Country Park. Make your own willow wand or head dress and decorate it with woodland finds, ribbon and lace. Cost £3.50 per child. An adult must accompany all children under 8. Booking essential tel. 01935 422884. 30th May: Charity Golf Day for Wedmore School held at Wedmore Golf Club. Entry £100 per team (£25 each) and lots of prizes. For further details p.bird@thedrurypartnership. com or call 01934 712305. 31st May: BABE – the sheep pig, presented by Oasis theatre. A tale of humble beginnings and courageous triumphs; of how a piglet became the world famous ‘sheep-pig’. When Babe is won by Farmer Hogget at the village fair an extraordinary friendship develops. 01643 706430

No need to be bored in the summer holidays This summer: Razz…is the Word!

Razzamataz Yeovil & Street is on hand with the perfect solution to school holiday fatigue. Our holiday summer schools are fun-packed performing arts workshops

that bring out your child’s star qualities! With the help of our experienced teaching staff, students can gain new skills and build their confidence. Students spend their time putting together a short presentation that is performed

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!

at the end of the week for parents and friends. The week includes singing, dancing and drama classes as well as other activities vital to putting on a show. All students receive a certificate. You do not need to attend Razzamataz classes to join in the fun! Our summer schools are a great chance to come and get a taste of what we’re all about. This year’s Summer School for Razzamataz Yeovil and Street will be at The Gateway, Addlewell Lane, Yeovil, BA20

Ballet Tap Irish Dancing Streetdance Parties Chasamba Gymnastics 07901 553602

www.just-dance-studio.co.uk

Follow us at facebook.com/razzyeovil to keep up-to-date with our latest news, or see our schools pages at www.razzamataz.co.uk for more information.

Just Dance and a party to remember!

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

JUST DANCE STUDIO & ACTIVITY CENTRE

1QN from Monday 4th to Friday 8th August. The course runs 10am to 4pm daily for 8-16 year olds, with a 10am to 1pm option for 4-7 year olds. Prices are £100 for the full day and £60 for Under 8s. Book before May 31st to receive a 10% discount. An early 9am drop-off is available on request for an additional charge. Places are limited, so contact Claire on 01935 411128 or 07856 273166. Alternatively email yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk for a booking form.

Just Dance has had a great 6 months in their new studio. As well as the already established classes: Ballet, Tap and Streetdance, some new classes have started. If you like Strictly, then you’ll love Chasamba! Chasamba fitness

combines Ballroom and Latin dance in to a fantastic andfun class. Irish dance classes are proving very popular. With obesity in children on the rise, Irish dancing is a great way of getting a cardiovascular workout while building on stamina, rhythm and memory skills. There are opportunities to display dances for public events and to enter competitions gaining recognition for effort and performance. It’s available for girls, boys and adults. Just Dance have added Gymnastic

classes to the timetable this year. Toddler gym will include lots of climbing and tumbling. Pre-school and age 4+ gym classes will follow the Winstrada syllabus, with children learning to roll, jump, etc. New things for the summer term include, a Vege Patch Club. Children will plant seeds and tend their vegetables as they grow, pick them and take them home. It was a great way of getting

children outside and learning new things. Just Dance Parties will provide a party to remember! With dance parties and themed parties, we are also able to provide all thefood, birthday cake and party bags, as well as the fun and games! Our face painters also add to the occasion and with our own premises, we can cater for a huge variety of themes with props and scenery.

www.just-dance-studios.co.uk www.just-dance-parties.co.uk Facebook – Just Dance Wincanton

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Get crafty ideas from garden centre PARENTS from Somerset who would like ideas for crafty projects they can start with their youngsters during the May half-term holidays are invited to a garden centre in the county.

People visiting the Craft Centre at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre at Monkton Heathfield near Taunton will be able get free expert advice and tips on all things craft related. Julia Langley, Craft Centre Advisor at the independent, family-run garden centre, explained: “Our expert staff are always on-hand to help and advise people whatever their crafting needs. “With the half-term holiday at the end of the May we know many parents will be looking to start projects with their children. We have a number of simple project sheets, which are suitable for youngsters to join in with, such as decopatch. “We also have a huge range of craft books covering topics from quilling to how to make pipe cleaner dogs. We have a variety of quick sew patterns and fabrics for anyone looking to start a sewing project too.”

Julia Langley, Craft Centre Advisor at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre.

People who would like to find out more can call the Craft Centre at Monkton

Elm Garden & Pet Centre on 01823 412 381 or email crafts@monkton-elm.co.uk.

For more information about the garden centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton, please call the number above, visit www.monktonelmgardencentre.co.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/Monktonelm or follow the company on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/Monktonelm

Parent Talk May 2014

Baby animals at Paignton Zoo

Paignton Zoo is the place for cute baby animals right now. Among the youngsters you might see are two orang utans, a giraffe and a spider monkey.

Bornean orang utan Tatau was born in April 2013 to mother Mali and father Demo. Paignton Zoo Director of Operations and Curator of Mammals Neil Bemment said: “She is doing well. Her progress is fairly typical for a one-year old orang.” At first the tiny baby was only seen clinging to mum, but now her climbing skills are slowly beginning to develop. “She explores, but still does not venture far from mum. Mali is proving to be a very good mother.” Tatau’s little halfsister Natalia was born just before Christmas to mother Chinta and father Demo. A female Rothschild’s giraffe was born to mother Sangha and father Yoda on the afternoon of Saturday 25th January. She was born during the day, which is unusual, as giraffes mostly give birth overnight. At birth the calf stood at nearly six feet tall! Finally, there’s one year old brown spider monkey Paru who, with her long, gripping tail, seems to have five limbs. If you are looking for something a little less cute,

Brown spider monkey by Ray Wiltshire

the Zoo’s new Investigate exhibit is home to scorpions,

stick insects, leaf cutter ants, beetles and large spiders…

KiNg Zoos

EXPLORE THE BIG WILD WORLD

With more animals than anyone else in the South West you’re in for a really wild time. paigntonzoo.org.uk 0844 474 2222

Scan our QR code to book your tickets

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

6 Parent Talk May 2014

Summer fun at Dunster For a whole day of things to see and do, visit Dunster Castle and Gardens.

Step inside the Crypt and experience our interactive exhibition. Learn all about our rare resident bats and have the chance to spy on them through the bat cam. Find out about the Castle’s hidden history with our ‘Life through a lens’, or be spooked by ghostly stories. Why not get active on our log

play area complete with a giant outdoor xylophone. Take our new ‘Chapters’ tour and discover tales of Castle life across the ages. Visit the Dunster watermill which is now included as part of our Castle and Garden admission for 2014. The watermill is fully operational and you can see We’ve got lots of exciting events for the May bank holiday and school half term. Our

living it Dunster Castle and Gardens Civil War weekend 3 & 4 May

Meet the housekeeper & Edwardian manners 31 May, 1, 7, 8 June

Our free* guided tours of the Victorian kitchen also take place daily at 11am and 2.30pm throughout the season. The Castle and Gardens are open daily between 8th March and 2nd November, 11am5pm. *Normal admission applies, free entry for National Trust members. Call for more information: 01643 821314.

Photograph courtesy of Seamus Rogers.

Famous faces at West Somerset Railway

O PRO

Invasion 1588 14 & 15 June 01643 823041 nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

“Meet the Housekeeper and Edwardian Manners” event on 31st May, 1st, 7th and 8th June will provide you with the opportunity to master the art of Edwardian manners and learn how to be an Edwardian Gentleman or Lady. Have-a-go archery and pistol shooting will also be running throughout the season. Join Heuristics and get involved in authentic Victorian games and technology on 21st May and 1st June.

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. 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. For more information please see www.westsomerset-railway.co.uk or call

01643 704996. Advanced train tickets for journeys from Bishops Lydeard can be booked from both. 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.

Mill on the Brue Outdoor Centre in Bruton, Somerset – heaven for kids! The Summer holidays may seem far off but they’ll be here as soon as saying ‘summer half term’.

Mill on the Brue is the best holiday idea yet for children (8 – 15 years). They can come on their own during the summer holidays, staying for a week or daily. We don’t have large numbers (only 60 residential

Summer camps at Mill on the Brue – amazing! Residential & day

www.millonthebrue.co.uk 01749 812 307

every week); Sunday morning welcome, placed in age groups, maximum of 12 in each group, introduced to their two instructors who stay with them all week, and off they go! At least 6 activities a day, as most are in our own beautiful 25 acres of fields, woods, and river valley, interspersed with delicious, filling meals, home cooked with many of our own organic vegetables and fruit. The kids sleep in bunk bedded rooms, again with their own age, supervised by night staff who ensure they wash and clean their teeth! The exciting, fun, activities, games and tasks are ‘awesome’ –from canoeing to high ropes, archery to slacklining, assault course, rafting, climbing, tunnelling, crossing the river, zip wire, camping, clay oven cooking, water slide, animal feeding, concert, disco…. the list is endless and the days packed. TV? Computer games? No way! Over 50% of children return year after year as it becomes their own summer tradition.

They also make great friends, become more independent, confident, – returning home

grubby, tired and very happy. www.millonthebrue.co.uk 01749 812307

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...

12 May, 1820 Birth of

Florence Nightingale Famous for being the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ who organised the nursing of sick and wounded soldiers during the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale’s far-sighted ideas and reforms have influenced the very nature of modern healthcare. Her greatest achievement was to transform nursing into a respectable profession for women and in 1860, she established the first professional training school for nurses, the Nightingale Training School at St Thomas’ Hospital. She campaigned tirelessly to improve health standards, publishing over 200 books, reports and pamphlets on hospital planning and organisation which are still widely read and respected today, including her most famous work “Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not”. Florence’s influence on today’s nursing, ranges from her ward designs (known as Nightingale Wards) which were developed in response to her realisation that hospital buildings themselves could affect the health and recovery of patients, through to pioneering infection control measures and the championing of a healthy diet as a key factor for recovery. Florence also believed in the need for specialist midwifery nurses and established a School of Midwifery nursing at King’s College Hospital which became a model for the country. Florence is also credited with inventing the pie chart and was the first woman to be elected to the Royal Statistical Society. She was also the first woman to be awarded the Freedom of the City of London, which she received in 1909. She inspired the founding of the International Red Cross which still awards the Florence Nightingale Medal for nurses who have given exceptional care to the sick and wounded in war or peace.

Despite parental concern, she persisted in her ambition, reading anything she could about health and hospitals. Eventually she persuaded them to allow her to take three months nursing training at an inspirational hospital and school in Dusseldorf. Aged 33, she then became superintendent of a hospital for ‘gentlewomen’ in Harley Street, London.

THE CRIMEAN WAR In March 1854, reports flooded in about the dreadful conditions and lack of medical supplies suffered by injured soldiers fighting the Crimean War. The Minister at War, a social acquaintance, invited Florence to oversee the introduction of female nurses into the military hospitals in Turkey. With a party of 38 nurses, Florence arrived in Scutari that November and set about organising the hospitals to improve supplies of food, blankets and beds, as well as the general conditions and cleanliness. The comforting sight of her checking all was well at night earned her the name “Lady of the Lamp”, along with the undying respect of the British soldiers.

REFORMING SPIRIT

EARLY YEARS Born in an era when middle-class women were expected to simply make a good marriage and raise a family, Florence sensed a ‘calling’ from God at an early age and believed she was destined to do something greater with her life. As a child, she was very academic and particularly interested in mathematics. Her religion gave her a strong sense of moral duty to help the poor and, over time, she held a growing belief that nursing was her Godgiven vocation. She was also perhaps set to follow the family tradition of reform mindedness, such as the example set by her maternal grandfather who was an anti-slavery campaigner. Paid nursing suffered a reputation as a job for poor, often elderly women, and the popular image was one of drunkenness, bad language and a casual attitude to patients.

The introduction of female nurses to the military hospitals was deemed an outstanding success, Florence returned to Britain a heroine and donations poured in to the Nightingale Fund. The money collected enabled Florence to continue her reform of nursing in the civil hospitals of Britain after the war. Determined that the medical mistakes of the two-year long war were never repeated, she vividly communicated the needs for medical reform using statistical charts which showed that more men had died from disease than from their wounds. She then instigated a Royal Commission into the health of the army which led to a large number of improvements and saved the lives of many. Her attention later turned to the health of the British army in India and she demonstrated that bad drainage, contaminated water, overcrowding

and poor ventilation were causing the high death rate. She concluded that the health of the army and the people of India had to go hand in hand and so campaigned to improve the sanitary conditions of the country as a whole.

The Nightingale Training School was established in 1860 using donations from the Nightingale Fund. Its reputation soon spread and Nightingale nurses were requested to start new schools all over the world, including Australia, America and Africa. Despite often being confined to her sick bed, by what we now believe was a bacterial infection known as brucellosis, Florence continued as a driving force behind the scenes, writing some 13000 letters as part of her campaigns. She met Queen Victoria on many occasions and exchanged correspondence for over thirty years. Florence was awarded the Royal Red Cross in 1883. Then in 1907 she was the first woman to receive the Order of Merit, Britain’s highest civilian decoration. Florence died aged 90, on 13 August 1910, and was buried with her family in East Wellow, Hampshire.

With thanks to The Florence Nightingale Museum www.florence-nightingale.co.uk

Book Bag NEWS

Our fascinating weather... did you know that... A bolt of lightning can travel at up to 136,000mph and reach temperatures of 30,000 °Celsius — hotter than the surface of the Sun! A hailstone almost the size of a bowling ball fell in Nebraska, in the USA, on 22 June 2003. Measuring 17.8cm in diameter, it is the largest hailstone ever recorded. There are weather records for this country dating back to 26 August, 55BC. Ice in the Antarctic is more than 2.5 miles thick in places. There are some special aeroplanes which have been designed to fly directly into hurricanes. These planes are packed with equipment to gather information on the hurricane. Weather forecasters then use the information to predict where the storm will go, giving people early warnings of the danger. If 10cm of snow melts in a glass it would produce only about 1cm of water. Very cold winters hit the UK in the 17th and 18th century, a period known as the Little Ice Age. This led to the River Thames freezing over in London on several occasions. When the ice was thick enough, giant carnivals called ‘frost fairs’ were held on the river. Weather stations are all over the world. The highest one on land is on Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. Sitting 26,000ft (nearly five miles) up the mountain, the equipment measures temperature, wind speed and air pressure. There is an old saying that ‘lightning never strikes twice’, but it’s not true! Although it is quite rare, lightning can strike the same place more than once. Sprites, Blue Jets and Elves are all types of lightning which occur high in the sky. Thunder is one of nature’s loudest sounds. A roll of thunder can be up to 120 decibels, which is louder than a train speeding past.

The Met Office uses a supercomputer — one of the fastest in the world — to help make its weather forecasts. Its newest machine has as much computing power as 20,000 normal PCs. Every minute of the day, around 900 million tonnes of rain falls on the Earth.

Sometimes two rainbows will form at the same time. When this happens, there will be a normal rainbow and outside it will be a larger, more faint rainbow. The second, bigger rainbow, will also have its colours in reverse.

The world’s biggest snowflake was 38cm wide and 20cm thick and fell in Montana in the USA on January 28, 1887. Snowflakes can take as long as one hour to fall to the ground. Fifteen million trees were blown down on 15 and 16 October, 1987, when the worst storm ever hit parts of southeastern Britain.

Book Bag NEWS

What is a Tornado? What is Lightning? and Satellites Weather and Climate are all posters that can be downloaded from www.metoffice.gov.uk

Weather Experiments WEATHER FRONTS

We get different sorts of weather because of the way warm air and cold air move around us in the atmosphere. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: A large, clear tank (an empty fish tank would be ideal) Warm and cold water Two plastic cups Small stones (pebbles) Food colouring WHAT TO DO: ☛ Fill the tank with normal water and leave this for a few hours to come to room temperature. ☛ Place a few small pebbles in each of the two cups to act as weights. ☛ Pour some hot water and a few drops of red food colouring in one of the cups. ☛ Fill the other cup with very cold water and add some blue food colouring. ☛ Place the two cups into the water at the same time, one at either end of the tank - the pebbles should hold the cups at the bottom. ☛ Carefully watch how the two different coloured waters move. You should see that the warmer red water should rise to the top, and the cooler blue water should sink to the bottom.

● Warm air (shown by your warm red water) is less dense than cold air (cold blue water), so warm air rises and pushes down with less pressure than cold air. As air cools, it becomes denser, so it sinks and also pushes down with greater pressure.

Here are some fun weather experiments that you can do at home. MAKE A CLOUD IN A GLASS

MAKE A TORNADO IN A JAR

Clouds in the real world form in warm, moist air. You can make something similar happen using things you can find around your home. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: A clear glass or similar see-through container Warm water Ice Metal or foil dish WHAT TO DO: ☛ Place the ice into the metal dish. ☛ Pour a small amount of warm water into the bottom of the glass. ☛ Wait until the dish is really cold. Then place it on top of the glass. ☛ Watch the inside carefully. You should see a ‘cloud’ form near the top of the glass.

A tornado is air which is spinning very fast. It is made by a special type of thunderstorm called a supercell. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: A clear jam jar or similar see-through container with a screw-on lid Washing-up liquid or liquid soap Food colouring WHAT TO DO: ☛ Fill up the container with water then add a few drops of the washing-up liquid and a few drops of the food colouring. ☛ Tightly screw on the lid. ☛ Swirl the container around in a circle lots of times and then stop. Inside you should see what looks like a tornado. It will slowly disappear as it reaches the top of the container.

● In the real world, clouds form when

● Tornadoes in the real world are made in a similar way, when cold and warm air combine and spin.

warm, moist air, like that in your glass, is cooled (your ice). When it is cooled it condenses into tiny water droplets, which appear as clouds.

Please make sure you always have an adult with you when trying out these experiments.

For more information visit www.metoffice.gov.uk

Book Bag NEWS

Riddles

WIN

If bread is a loaf in London, what are windows in Birmingham? Glass! Where will you always find gold? In the dictionary! Why is the letter A like pollen? Because a B comes after it! There are eleven letters in ‘deteriorate’. Can you explain what it means with only two letters? D.K. (decay) Can you write a composition using two letters only? S.A. (essay) Why should you be careful about telling secrets on a farm? Because the corn has ears, the potatoes have eyes and the beans talk (bean stalk)! Take away one letter, take away two letters, take away all my letters and I still remain what I was. What am I? A postman!

Some riddles have been handed down for centuries. Take a look at the ones below and see if you can work them out. Visit our website www.parenttalk.org.uk for the answers. The da given is believed to be the first date they were te printed. Two brothers we are, great burdens we bear By which we are heavily pressed; The truth is to say, we are full all the day, And empty when we go to rest. (1600 ) As I was going to St Ives, I met a man who had seven wives. Each wife had seven sacks, Each sack had seven cats, Each cat had seven kits. Kits, cats, sacks and wives, How many were going to St Ives? (17 30) I am black and much admired, Many seek me till they’re tired; I weary horse and I weary man. Solve this riddle if you can. (1817)

2 family tickets for the Yeovilton International Air Day The intensity, drama and spectacle on offer at the RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day in Somerset on Saturday 26 July is an experience not to be missed. The award winning airshow is one of the Southwest’s largest one day events, attracting over 30,000 visitors, and will return this summer with an action-packed day out for all the family. The Air Station is one of the UK’s busiest military airfields and is notably home to the Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force, Commando Helicopter Force, Aviation Reconnaissance Force and the Royal Navy Historic Flight with its rare collection of naval aircraft. All the resident units will perform spectacular role demonstrations with plenty of bangs and flashes! Confirmed participants include world class military aerobatic teams such as the Royal Jordanian Falcons. Undoubtedly, the stars of the show for many will be the fast jet displays from the Swiss Air Force F/A18 Hornet, Belgian Air Force F16 and a flypast from a RAF Typhoon representing the cutting edge of modern global fighter technology. Amongst the helicopter displays will be the Royal Navy and Army’s latest aircraft - the Wildcat, and the RAF Chinook will demonstrate its unbelievable agility. On the historic front, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane appearance will be a fitting tribute as the nation commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings. The iconic Vulcan bomber XH558 will also be firing up her four mighty engines for another majestic performance over the Somerset skies. Throughout the day there will be plenty of family attractions including military bands, a fairground, vehicle exhibition, service demonstrations, field gun competition, picnic areas, helicopter pleasure flights, simulator rides, trade stands and much, much more. Parent Talk have 2 family tickets (2 adults and 2 children under 16) to give away. For your chance to win, look at the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter. Closing date for entries: 28th May 2014.

When is the RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day 2014? Further information and discounted advance tickets are available from www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or by calling 08445 781 781.

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Parent Talk May 2014 11

Action packed May half term at Birthday Escot parties at The Toy Barn We have some fantastic events happening at Escot during May half term. Here are the highlights: Bush craft Week and the Brilliant Things you can do with Sticks! 24 May to 01 June

Come and see the Toy Barn this summer. It is the best outdoor toy shop in the South West. There

are lots of climbing frames and trampolines to see and try out. We have a wealth of experience at building and supplying all types of climbing frames and are keen to help you achieve something special within your budget. We manufacture swings and play houses and supply a

wider range of frames. Why not have your birthday party at the Toy Barn this year? Parties here are easy and fun. Hire the orchard to play on the play equipment, or hire the cool carts for those budding racing drivers. The pedal go-karts have a minimum age of 5yrs to adult. You can bring your own food or hire our BBQ. Parties start from £5.00 per child per hour.

Release the spirit of adventure in your children and let them discover and explore the natural world around them. This half term week children can take part in bush craft skills - fire making, shelter building, campfire cooking, whittling, arts and crafts and of course toasting marshmallows over the campfire! There is also “the brilliance of sticks” workshop - NOW BOOKING – ESCOT’S it doesn’t get better than this! SUMMER CAMP WILD! Escot’s Camp Wild is a residential and day summer Kids Go Free – Camp Wild camp that is truly unique. Day Imagine staying in yurts and 30 May 2014 FREE ENTRY for all children to having all of Escot park as Escot! Plus come and check- your personal playground! As out Yurt Village and all that well as feeding the animals, happens at Camp Wild. We’ll children get to discover the have storytelling by the fire, natural world around them toasted marshmallows, Camp through bush craft, woodland Wild games, pond-dipping, expeditions, raft-making, river shelter building, bush craft fun, rock pooling and beach There’s fun and a swamp walk! A little games. ORCHARD PARTIESevening taste of a Camp Wild summer campfires, outdoor cooking and games. The only problem - for free!

Visit us on line at www.toy-barn.co.uk or call us on 01935 815040 to see the best in toys & outdoor play. Find us on the A30 outside Sherborne at Blackmarsh Farm DT9 4JX

For details on these and other events at Escot visit www.escot-devon.co.uk or call 01404 822188

30th MAY KIDS GO FREE! CAMP WILD DAY FREE ENTRY for all children to Escot! Plus come and check-out Yurt Village and all that happens at Camp Wild. We’ll have storytelling by the fire, toasted marshmallows, Camp Wild games, pond-dipping, shelter building, bushcraft fun and a swamp walk! A little taste of a Camp Wild summer for free!

is they won’t want to come home! For details of the Summer

Wild call 01404 822188 or visit www. escotcampwild.co.uk. Camp

MAKE IT A BIRTHDAY TO REMEMBER AT THE TOY BARN

PARTIES

at The Toy Barn...

GO KART PARTIES Children race around the track and against each other in our pedal-powered karts. ORCHARD PARTIES Hire the orchard and play on our climbing frames, swings, wendy houses & trampolines.

The Toy Barn

Blackmarsh Farm Sherborne DT9 4JX www.toy-barn.co.uk 01935 815040

the natural place p m a C 04 er m 014 um a l l S C k ild ng! o.u W c i . t p oo k s i ild i m Ca W b or v mpw NO 188 otca 2 c 82 w.es ww

For details contact: Escot, Ottery St. Mary, Devon. EX11 1LU www.escot-devon.co.uk 01404 822188 follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

nursery DIRECTORY 12 Parent Talk May 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 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

NURSERY DIRECTORY NURSERY

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

PILTON PRESCHOOL

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. 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

We believe that each and every child is unique, special and full of potential. Therefore we strive to inspire in all a sense of: confidence, creativity, critical thinking, compassion, character and community. Open Mon-Fri 9.00am - 3.30pm term time, various sessions available. Breakfast club & after school club soon to be offered. Please contact us for further information 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 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 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

morning, afternoon and late club sessions.

T: 01823 703303 www.tauntonschool.co.uk THE SECRET GARDEN PRE-SCHOOL AND NURSERY for children

from 5 months – 5 years, 51 weeks, 8am-6pm. Creative and outside play, in a nurturing, fun environment. Forest school. You are welcome to visit us any time. Early years funding and 2 year old funding available. Find us at: The Barns, Brinsea Road, Congresbury, BS49 5JL

T: Stefanie or Emma on 01934 853350 www.secretgardennursery.co.uk WELLINGTON JUNIOR SCHOOL NURSERY.

Attractive, purpose built building. Talented teachers. Cheerful children. Proud parents. All this can be yours at Wellington Junior School Nursery and Pre-Nursery. EYFS can be used against our reasonable fees. Please enjoy our website www.wellington-school.org.uk

or call Alison Jones to arrange a visit.

T: 01823 668710 LITTLE WELLIES Term

Time Toddler group. Open

To book our Nursery Directory, please call

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 office@

wellington-junior.somerset.sch.uk 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.

For more information T: 01823 444302

01458 241318

Get ready for The Gruffalo’s big birthday forest picnic Families across England are invited to gather in their local forest this summer to celebrate The Gruffalo’s

15th anniversary with a big birthday forest picnic.

until September 2014. The trails show activities and crafts for families to try out on their walk around the woods as they explore Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning tale. In time for the birthday picnic, 15 giant wooden sculptures of one of the world’s best loved monsters himself will be hidden in forests across England (one sculpture in each selected forest), for families to track down. Standing 7ft tall and all different, the Gruffalos are being individually-carved in a secret woodland location out

of three-ton pieces of timber, each carefully-selected from Forestry Commission sites. In October, The Gruffalo’s Child activity trails take over and will stay in forests right through the winter until February 2015.

Sign up online at www. forestry.gov.uk/gruffalo to find out more about the exciting year of forest celebrations and to receive a free forest birthday picnic party pack (available from May).

On Saturday 7 June the Forestry Commission are inviting families to celebrate the popular character’s special year and host their own birthday party picnic at a deep dark wood near their home. An exciting party pack of forest activities and Gruffalo inspired picnic ideas is free for those who have signed up to find out more at www. forestry.gov.uk/gruffalo. The top five recipe ideas include a Gruffalo crumble, mouse droppings that taste very much like raisins, roast

fox rolls, mouse’s favourite cheese sandwiches and scrambled snake quiche. The party packs also include blank Gruffalo invitations so visitors can invite their family and friends, recommended party games such as ‘Pin the wart on the Gruffalo,’ and ‘What’s the time Mr Gruffalo,’ as well as five different activity sheets to keep children inspired during their time in the forest. The big birthday picnic is part of a range of activities happening in forests across England this year. The Gruffalo activity trails started in April and will run

INFORMATION EDUCATION INFORMATION

Parent Talk May 2014 13

Learning through play Hazlegrove Play is what children do for a living. Through play, our children explore and make sense of their world. They interact with others and with their environment. They learn to make plans, focus on tasks, take turns, solve problems, and express ideas. They communicate, collaborate, and connect with their peers. Play is one of the few activities during which children control their own environment. For each child’s development, happiness and learning, play is vital. While there might be a tendency to see this approach to children’s development as ‘soft’ or ‘woolly’, in a good nursery with close supervision and interaction, nothing could be further from the truth. Play is the natural way of learning for pre-school children. Imaginative play is essential to cognitive development, but it is becoming endangered by our busy lives. Children whose time is overly structured or spent watching television or other forms of media are not engaging in imaginative play and are at risk of not developing the language and reasoning skills that are so critical to early childhood development. As adults, play is seen as any activity that is fun, pleasurable or enjoyable. But in the child’s world, play is much more than that. Important cognitive, social, emotional, linguistic,

and physical skills are developed through children’s play. Creative play encourages self-expression by enabling children to interact with their environment to manipulate objects and construct things that express their ideas, developing both gross and fine motor skills as well as divergent thinking. Physical play contributes to health and development by burning energy and building muscle strength. The fantasy and role-playing activities of imaginative play generate selfexpression, abstract thinking, and social skills. All contribute to the development of selfregulation. Imaginative play develops symbolic, abstract thought, an important precursor to reading. For example, when children begin to use one object to represent another, such as pretending a big box is a spaceship, they are developing the concept of symbolism, an important concept in a world of print, where ideas are symbolized by letters and words. Free play involves choice, spontaneous decision making, and self-regulation. Structured play tends to be adult-guided or rule-governed, still requiring an element of engagement and fun on the part of the “players.” Often these forms of play are happening simultaneously

and in any good nursery there should be scope for all of these. Play supports the development of the whole child, especially his or her ability to communicate, collaborate, negotiate, ask and answer questions, give and act on commands, and otherwise connect and interact with others. The role of the teacher, parent or nursery assistant is critical. Simply giving children an opportunity to play will not guarantee that vast benefits can result. Play-based learning is not simply a case of the teacher being little more than a babysitter. Instead, it is carefully balanced with explicit and purposeful instruction and practice in essential skills and new learning. The effective teacher will be constantly observing, demonstrating, supporting and collaborating to ensure that all children are developing knowledge and selfregulation. So the next time you see your child playing, perhaps it is worth pausing to think about all the learning that is taking place at the same time. For all our children, play should be a serious business!

investing for the future There was great excitement recently amongst the pupils at Hazlegrove as they watched a giant extendable crane lower the roof panels into place on the new Teaching and Learning Centre. Increased pupil

numbers and the school’s determination to make sure academic endeavour lies at the heart of the school led to this exciting and innovative project. Pupils worked with the young architects from Feilden Fowles, explaining what they thought the building should be like and staff were determined to create a future-proofed building, one that reflected contemporary educational thinking. Natural light, open

Authors:

Jane Hester, Head of Nursery, Wellington Prep School, Somerset Nickie Reed, Head of Infants, Welington Prep School, Somerset

Hazlegrove

spaces and glass dominate the design, facilitating independent learning and individual study. English, History and Geography, as well as Learning Support will be based in the building which will become the academic hub of the school. “It’s a risk,” States Headmaster, Richard Fenwick, “to have so much glass, but we wanted to maximise lines of sight so that groups of pupils or individuals could pursue their own avenues of work whilst still being monitored

and supported by teaching staff.” Classrooms will be equipped with large interactive touch screens and a robust wireless network will support the school’s iPad programme. Hazlegrove has not stood still over the last few years. Whilst many organisations have focused on survival during the economic downturn, this school has been planning for the future, investing rather than cutting back, building rather than consolidating. They have a clear vision and it is becoming reality.

...making the most of childhood

Open Mornings 10, 15 & 17 May at 11am “If Hazlegrove is a child’s first ever experience of school life, then all we can say is ‘Lucky child’” Tatler Schools Guide 2013

• Inspiring education for boys & girls aged 21/2 to 13 • Children regularly exceed our and their own expectations • Outstanding Pre-Prep with innovative and hugely successful curriculum Hazlegrove, Sparkford, Somerset BA22 7JA

Visitors are assured of a warm welcome - just call 01963 442606 follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

14 Parent Talk May 2014

INFORMATION EDUCATION INFORMATION

book Editor’s choice review Teenagers translated - How to raise happy teens

By Janey Downshire and Naellla Grew Published by Vermilion The teenage years are acknowledged to be the most testing stage of parenting – when well-mannered and obedient children can transform into rude and rebellious teens. However, parenting a teen doesn’t have to be a battle, and counsellors Janey Downshire and Naella Grew have developed a programme to help parents get the best out of the teenage years. Their approach is positive and straightforward, providing simple strategies for nurturing better behaviour and providing a happy, supportive home environment.

Our Spoons Came From Woolworths

By Barbara Comyns Virago Press Ltd This classic, though largely unknown novel, was written in 1950. It is wonderfully narrated by a wispy, naive and utterly charming young woman called Sophia and tells the story of her marriage to a feckless artist, whose life amongst the bohemian set of the 1930’s leaves him ill-equipped to deal with the harsher realities of providing for a family and bringing in a steady income. Through the eyes of a free-spirit, we follow Sophia’s early experiences of womanhood as she struggles to care for her children as a single parent.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

By April G. Tucholke Published by Faber & Faber Age: 14+ Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crookedsmiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a darkhaired boy who likes coffee and who kisses you in a cemetery…

This is a novel of celebration, the excitement and folly of youth and most of all, a testament to a writer, writing about female characters far ahead of their time.

Where the Poppies Now Grow

By Hilary Robinson and Martin Impey Published by Strauss House To mark the centenary of the start of the First World War one of the UK’s top creative teams have combined their talents in a beautiful story of devoted friendship which is tested, but survives the tragedy of war. In tribute to the war poets of the time, Hilary’s work of fiction is written in rhyme, and is set in a bygone age. Martin, who previously illustrated War Horse for OUP, has with illustrious artwork captured the very essence of the time, the innocence of childhood and the courage of those in battle.

I Capture the Castle

By Dodie Smith Bodley Head Children’s Books I write this sitting in the kitchen sink.... So begins one of the most enigmatic opening lines in an English novel. A seventeen year old girl called Cassandra begins a diary documenting her coming-ofage experiences, living with her eccentric and bohemian family in a remote corner of the English countryside in the 1930’s. The voice of the narrator is as fresh as a May morning, full of wit, naive wisdom and tender

depictions of what it means to live awkwardly, artistically and with a heart full of hope and love no matter what the present throws at you.

The Pursuit of Love

By Nancy Mitford Penguin Books Ltd First published in 1945 and written by a member of the notorious Bright young Things of the 1920’s, Nancy Mitford’s novel is a wry, mischievous and enchanting novel about bohemia and growing up in the upper classes. It both satirises and nostalgically depicts a world in the interwar years, as social classes collide and traditional life finds itself buffeted against an emerging new world of modernity and socialism. Simultaneously tragic and comic, the lightness of the narration masks a quiet, poignant undertone of