Parent Talk May 2015 Issue by Parent Talk

FREE!

Parent talk

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

May 2015 Volume 20 Issue 5

Win ★ Tickets to Sherborne Castle Country Fair ★ A Moomins Goody Bag

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

/parenttalksw

@parenttalksw

To advertise in Parent Talk please call 01458 250461

parenttalksw

Parent Talk May 2015

Parent talk

FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY

The Valley, a perfect family retreat Hidden away behind secure entrance gates lies thirteen acres of gardens and woodland in the heart of Cornwall. This oasis of serenity features a unique collection of luxury selfcatering holiday cottages offering the perfect family escape at any time of the year.

contents

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

p2-5 p6 p7, p11 p8-10 p12-14 p15

competitions Sherborne Castle Country Fair Moomins

p3 p9

Only a few miles from the city of Truro and the bustling port town of Falmouth The Valley provides the ideal base to explore the best of Cornwall, with heritage sites, outdoor activities, and stunning

Time for planting with Willowbrook

beaches all within a 30 minute drive. The exclusive leisure facilities include indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, a separate games room, fitness suite, tennis and squash courts. There are play areas with swings for children of all ages. Leave more room in the car for the fun stuff and take advantage of the complimentary highchairs, stair gates, bed guards and standard travel cots, as well as a superb selection of toys, DVD’s and books to borrow

from reception or whilst dining in the stylish yet child-friendly restaurant, Café Azur. If you want to be truly indulgent, Café Azur’s delicious menu can be enjoyed in the comfort and privacy of your own cottage; perfect for those evenings when you are tired from family days out exploring Cornwall’s many attractions. Alternatively you can arrange for one of The Valley’s qualified babysitters to take charge of your little ones and grab a grown-up night out in one of the superb restaurants in nearby Truro or Falmouth.

Family fun at Torridge House Cottages

MORE COPIES?

01458 250461 Don’t forget to follow us on twitter

@parenttalksw and visit us at

www.parenttalk.org.uk Editor Advertising Production June deadline

Tamsin Humphreys Juliet Young Sarah Harmer 20th May 2015

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?

Parent Talk Newtons, Churchstanton, Taunton TA3 7QF

Tel: 01823 601086 email: sales@parenttalk.org.uk

Disclaimer: The editorial and advertising content of this publication does not imply endorsement of them by Parent Talk. Nor can Parent Talk be held responsible for any actions or consequences arising from contact between reader and advertiser. Readers are therefore advised to check carefully, any references, professional qualifications and stated membership of professional bodies before entering into contracts or making arrangements to use a service featured herein.

Dear Readers...

I think we can safely say that Spring has well and truly sprung and winter with its bare trees is just a distant memory. This month, we bring you details of Sherborne Show and the Royal Bath and West, both offering the very best of Somerset from food halls to ferret racing and a great day out for everyone. We have family tickets to Sherborne Show so for your chance to win, see p3. If you’re thinking about birthday parties, we’ve got some suggestions from Go-Karting to Dance Parties or maybe an afternoon playing in a newly built adventure playground at Monkton Elm garden centre. If you’re after a bit of peace and quiet, how about ‘tea with a twist’, a wonderful opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause and catch up with friends – see p5 for details. Other activities for half term include, knight school, learning about a bishop’s life, visiting apes – it’s all there… Best wishes

Tamsin Editor

With the sun shining brightly every day, now is the time to get out into the garden!

At Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre we have a wide choice of plants including alpines, heathers, herbs, clematis and not forgetting the trees, shrubs, conifers, climbers and roses. It’s also the time of year to plant young plants for growyour-own including many of your favourites, and for the

greenhouse we now have tomatoes available. The Café & Tea-rooms are open all day for either a relaxing drink in the sun or maybe a ‘cheeky’ cream tea? Not forgetting the Pet Centre, Richards Aquatic Centre and our wine shop called ‘Winesolution’. We are open seven days a week and can be found situated between Taunton and Wellington on the A38, opposite the Blackbird Inn.

www.willowbrooknurseryandgardencentre.co.uk.

Our friendly and helpful staff look forward to seeing you!

For a truly family friendly holiday, visit Torridge House Cottages, www.torridgehouse.co.uk for more information or call 01805 622542.

Family Farm Holidays

Competition winners Devon County Show

Kano Computer Coding Kit

Rachael Tolton, East Brent Gillian Ensor, Street, Somerset Amanda Bowery, Stoke St Gregory Alice Wakeling, Exeter Mrs Rachael Smith, Weston Super Mare

Ruth Newport, Winscombe Chris Lyndsay, Dulverton Rugby Sevens exclusive online competition

Michelle lintern, Minehead Tom Seaman, Bideford Patrick Covernton, Poole, Dorset Mrs Rowena Griffiths, Bristol

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

FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY

Parent Talk May 2015

The Royal Bath & West Show BW SHOW INFO2015 AW:Layout 1 13/10/2014 19:50 Page 1

SHOW INFORMATION

The countdown is on for the Royal Bath and West Show – Contact BristolGreat Airport on 08713 34 44 44 whichAirport features British Trains – From London and Penzance to Castle Agriculture, Entertainment, Cary Station. For all National Rail enquires ring – 50. Food 08457 and48 49Drink plus a host Buses – Contact ‘First’ on 08456 06 44 46 or the of new attractions to wow Travel Line on 08706 08 26 08 for times and details of services (8:30am – 5:30pm to Sat) the crowds. ThisMon year the

HOW TO FIND US Newport

Cardiff

Swindon

M4 M5

A37

A38

Showground

Bath

A367

Cheddar

Chippenham

Bristol

Airport

M32

A36

A350 A361

Show takes place during half term from 27-30 May and A371 B3081 A303 SAT South Devon’s is host to The A37 NAV ? A372 B3081 A303 A30 National Show, International M5 Sheep Shearing Competitions, A303 BW SHOW INFO2015 AW:Layout 1 13/10/2014 19:50 Page 1 British Cheese Awards, British A303 Cider Championships, British Farming for the Family. Friday 29 May is Ladies Day and the presentation of the Farm HOW TO FIND US Woman of the Year Award. In the Main there is Sheep Airport – Contact Bristol Airport on 08713Ring 34 44 44 M5 M4 Trials, Trains – From LondonDog and Penzance to CastleThe Shetland Gold Cary Station. For all National Rail enquires ring – M4 M4 M4 Cup, Showjumping and the M32 08457 48 49 50. A4 Red Devils. Marvel at the Buses – Contact ‘First’ on 08456 06 44 46 or the M5 Airport A37 A350 Travel Line on 08706 08 26 08 for times and details Horticultural displays or take a A38 of services (8:30am – 5:30pm Mon to Sat) A36 A367 Showground ride on the Vintage Fairground. A361 Coaches – Services from Castle Cary, Shepton Mallet A362 A371 A39 There really is something for A37 and Yeovil. Contact South West Coaches M5 – 01963 33 124 (9:00am – 5:00pm Mon to Fri) A303visit our website Tel all the family. For further information please – www.bathandwest.com – Alternatively contact – A361 A371

Bridgwater

Wells

A39 A37

A361

Glastonbury

Frome

Warminster

Shepton Mallet

GREAT

BRITISH

Coaches – Services from Castle Cary, Shepton Mallet and Yeovil. Contact South West Coaches Tel – 01963 33 124 (9:00am – 5:00pm Mon to Fri)

A362

A303

AGRICULTURE

ENTERTAINMENT

Castle Cary

Salisbury

Taunton

FOOD & DRINK

Wincanton

Yeovil

Swindon

Chippenham

Bristol

Bath

Cheddar

Bridgwater

Glastonbury

A372

Shepton Mallet

A303

BRITISH

CHILDREN GO FREE WITH ADVANCE TICKETS AGRICULTURE

A37 A303

Warminster

B3081 A371 A303– ALAN LYONS SHOW MANAGER Castle Cary e. alan.lyons@bathandwest.co.uk B3081 A30 Wincanton t. 01749 822 203

TRADESTANDS – SANDIE SATCOLLISHAW Salisbury

SPONSORSHIP– RACHAEL HANN

NAV e. sandra.collishaw@bathandwest.co.uk

e. rachael.hann@bathandwest.co.uk

t. 01749 822 231

t. 01749 822 215

Sherborne Castle Country Fair and Rare M5

GREAT

Frome

Wells

Taunton

SHOW INFORMATION

design enquiries – www.onedotdesign.co.uk

Newport

Cardiff

27-30 MAY 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

FOOD & DRINK

Yeovil

A303

27-30 MAY 2015

Bath & West Shows Ltd The Showground Shepton Mallet Somerset BA4 6QN

Children go FREE with Advance Tickets

t. 01749 822 200

f. 01749 823 169 Company Number 8680261

A great

WWW.BATHANDWEST.COM

design enquiries – www.onedotdesign.co.uk

Scurries and Main Ring Events. There are a particularly wide Bank Holiday Monday 25th range of activities for children May 2015 of all ages, funfair rides and The 20th year of a fun stalls, Segways, bouncy castle packed family event with slides, donkey rides, climbing wall, face painting, In 1996, when the first Fair For further visit our website – www.bathandwest.com – Alternatively contact – Punch and Judyinformation shows,please birds was held, it was going to be MANAGER – ALAN LYONS in TRADESTANDS – SANDIE COLLISHAW SPONSORSHIP– RACHAEL HANN of prey SHOW displays, goats a one-off event, but was so e. sandra.collishaw@bathandwest.co.uk e. rachael.hann@bathandwest.co.uk harness,e. alan.lyons@bathandwest.co.uk miniature donkeys, successful, raising £20,000 t. 01749 822 203 t. 01749 822 231 t. 01749 822 215 young gymnasts displaying for children’s charities, the For more information or purchase advance tickets their amazing routines, music, voluntary committee and its now and save 15%: traditional Irish dancing, supporters decided to do it Hotline 01749 813 899 Bath & West Shows Ltd ‘have a go’ at archery, land again! The Fair is open from 10am to 6pm The and car parking is free Showground Mallet train….and much, much more Twenty years on and £10,000 Raising funds for Children’sShepton Charities Somerset BA4 6QN besides. away from having donated £1 The Fair is organised by volunteers And for those of you who million to 75 different charities www.sherbornecountryfair.com t. 01749 822 200 f. 01749 823 169 love to shop, the fair has a it is still run by volunteers. Company Number 8680261 wide range of stands in the The Fair has grown Food Hall featuring producers enormously in size over the from the West Country with years to a brilliant day out for all a local Farmers Market and the family….. presenting a rich cookery demonstrations, Craft and fun programme of events, Courtyard, Rural Craft and country activities, stands and Trade Stands giving the avid entertainment including one of shopper every opportunity the largest Rare Breed Shows to have a delightful time with in the country, with Gore Farm merchandise priced to suit all stand offering children the pockets. opportunity to handle young The Fair has been featured animals and birds. This year in an ITV six part series ‘Tale part of the Rare Breeds of Two Castles’ (Sherborne display will be a very special Castle & St Michael’s Mount, breed of goats…..rarer than Cornwall) and a BBC cooking the Panda, so be sure to look series and for several years out for them! The Bagot Goat is rarer into one of the most popular was the first show in the UK to For a day every summer, events in the area presenting than the panda and has hold an International Gun Dog one of the country’s finest a rich programme of events, been officially registered as Trials with teams competing settings is transformed into country activities, stands and ‘critically endangered’ by the from Europe and the USA. a fun-filled day out to suit all entertainment including one Rare Breeds Society Trust Come along to enjoy all the ages - including spectacular of the best Rare Breed Shows in 2015. There are only 200 fun at the Fair……take a look lakeside Dragon Boat Racing, in the country. For one day in registered breeding females at our website and book your Circus, Gundog Retriever early summer each year, one in the UK. Kingston Maurward tickets in advance to make a Trials in the Deer Park and of the country’s finest settings College, Dorchester, will be 15% saving. by the lakeside, Dog Shows, is transformed into a fun-filled bringing some of their Bagot day out for all ages - including Goats along to the fair, to spectacular lakeside Dragon exhibit in the Rare Breeds Boat Racing, Circus, Gundog area this year so you can see Retriever Trials in the Deer this rare breed of animals for Park, Dog Shows, Scurries and yourselves. Main Ring Events. It is 20 years in 1996 Come and join us for a since the first Sherborne brilliant day out for the whole Castle Country Fair was held Bank Holiday Tickets family providing entertainment in the magnificent grounds Monday & Information and shopping to suit every of Sherborne Castle. It 25th May 2015 01749 813899 pocket. has grown over the years

competition

family day out!

Visit www.bathandwest.com to buy tickets or call the Ticket Line 0844 77 66 777 WWW.BATHANDWEST.COM

Win tickets to Sherborne Castle Country Fair

Sherborne Castle Country Fair & Rare Breeds Show

www.sherbornecountryfair.com

WIN 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: 18th May 2015, 6pm. How many years has Sherborne Castle Country Fair been running?

Visit our website: www.sherbornecountryfair.com For more information or purchase advance tickets now and save 15%: Hotline 01749 813 899

Parent Talk May 2015

FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY

Just Dance Parties Pottery Parties NEW Pot TAKEAWAY AND AWAY Service.

Parties are an occasion to remember at Just Dance Studios. There are a variety of themes to choose from, for example, Frozen, Ugly Bug Ball, Popstar, Cinderella’s Ball and Craft/ Baking. Or you can choose your own theme. We will

decorate the room with scene setters, balloons, fairy lights and anything else to blend in with the theme. Your party entertainers will also dress up, which the children love! After the children have arrived, it’s on with the fun and games! If it’s a dance party, then we will do some dancing, however, if the theme isn’t dance based, we can create activities and crafts specifically for your party. For example, a treasure hunt, party games, decorating crowns or pirate masks etc. Just Dance can also provide all the party food too. Everything

is home-made on site in our kitchen which scored a 5 when inspected by the council. Our face painters also do a fantastic job of entertaining the children. Your party can be held outside if you would like, in our big, enclosed garden. Each child receives a

Dear Editor Urgent appeal to runners to join us in the Great North Run!

On behalf of The Children’s Trust, I would like to make an urgent appeal to running enthusiasts, who would like to take part in the Great North Run 2015 on Sunday 13th September. The Children’s Trust has a few guaranteed places left to fill but the deadline for registration is 6th July, so please visit our website as soon as possible to register and secure your place www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/greatnorthrun We would also be thrilled to hear from own-place runners who would be interested in joining our team. For further details, please visit the website, or phone me 01737 364323. The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury. Yours sincerely Kim Derry Events Co-ordinator The Children’s Trust www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk

certificate to take home and what better way to finish the party than with a Just Dance Party Bag. We can create themed party bags and with a choice of the traditional party bag, a cloth party bag or cookie mix jars, there is something for everyone!

Ballet,Tap, Jazz, Dance, Irish Dancing, Drama, Gymnastics, Soft Play, Parties, Holiday Club, After School Club 07901 553602

www.just-dance-studio.co.uk

Choose the bisque-ware pottery from the takeaway menu displayed on the website. Pot Doodles will loan out a selection of coloured glazes, paintbrushes, palettes and other materials. Collect the takeaway and create-away order. Paint and decorate the pottery in the comfort of your home then return the painted pottery and other loaned items. The pottery is kiln-fired and ready to collect within two weeks. This is a wonderful home activity and a great way to make personalised pottery gifts for Easter. Visit www.potdoodles.co.uk or call 01935 475299 or email info@potdoodles.co.uk Pot Doodles Pottery Painting Parties

Pot Doodles is also a mobile paint your own pottery

business. We come to your home, or other party venue and set up a pottery painting party. Happy, friendly staff, instruct and demonstrate how to transfer, doodle or dab whatever design onto bisqueware pottery. The pottery is taken away and kiln-fired, then wrapped and ready to collect

within two weeks. The kilnfired pottery is dishwasher and microwave proof. A Party costs £14.50 per head. A minimum of 8 painters is required. A non-refundable deposit of £50 is taken on booking. Pot Doodles to create and keep.

executive, Bristol Natural History Consortium which organises the festival says: “The Festival of Nature really embodies why Bristol was successful in becoming European Green Capital, as we annually bring some of the biggest natural history organisations together to celebrate Britain’s fantastic wildlife in the heart of the city. “Once again the Festival of Nature will have a packed summer schedule with events taking place across Bristol and the wider region. This is such a

significant year for the city and we’re delighted that the festival will be playing a key part in showcasing Bristol as a green hub.” A full programme for the festival will be released in advance and people are advised to sign up to the Festival of Nature newsletter to keep up to date with all of the Festival news and updates. All events are free to enter, but some may require advance booking so visit www. festivalofnature.org.uk for a full listing and more information.

Festival of Nature takes centre stage in Green Capital year The Festival of Nature returns to Bristol this summer and will take centre stage at this year’s European Green Capital celebrations with a host of interactive exhibits and activities from the giants of the natural history world including the BBC Natural History Unit, National Trust, Avon Wildlife Trust and RSPB.

Featuring over 100 organisations, the Festival of Nature Wild Weekend gives wildlife-lovers of all ages a unique opportunity to discover and enjoy the natural world in the heart of the city. With a line-up of hands-on

JUST DANCE STUDIO & ACTIVITY CENTRE

Doodles CREATE-

activities, fascinating talks, live entertainment, a market bursting with local produce and much more, the weekend is expected to attract over 12,000 people to Bristol’s Harbourside. It will take place on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June, with a schools’ day on the 12 June. The Wild Weekend will be the centrepiece of a summer of events from the Festival of Nature which will include a BioBlitz at Oldbury Court Estate on 15-16 May and the second annual Bath Festival of Nature in Royal Victoria Park on 27 June. Savita Custead, chief

No need to be bored in the summer holidays. This summer: Be Our Guest! Razzamataz Yeovil is on hand with the perfect solution to school holiday fatigue. Our holiday summer schools are fun-packed performing arts workshops that bring out your child’s star qualities! With the help of our experienced teaching staff, students can gain new skills and build their confidence.

Students spend their time putting together a short presentation that is performed at the end of the week for parents and friends. The week includes singing, dancing and drama classes as well as other activities vital to putting on a show. All students receive a

certificate. You do not need to attend Razzamataz classes to join in the fun! Our summer schools are a great chance to come and get a taste of what we’re all about. This year’s Summer School for Razzamataz Yeovil will be at Westfield Academy, Stiby Road, Yeovil, BA21 3EP from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th 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 dropoff is available on request for an additional charge.

Places are limited, so contact Claire on

01935 411128 or 07856 273166. Alternatively email yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk for a booking form. Follow us at facebook.com/razzyeovil to keep up-to-date

with our latest news, or see our schools pages at yeovil.razzamataz.co.uk for more information.

FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY

Parent Talk May 2015

Heaps of fun for Go-Kart Party - the perfect experience for youngsters at new play boys area and girls SOMERSET families looking to keep youngsters occupied during weekends and school holidays can now make use of a new outdoor play area at a garden centre in the county.

If you are looking for a party that is really different, exciting, great fun and hassle free then look no further than Go-Kart Party.

Nathan and his team offer both boys and girls of 4 -10 years a unique opportunity to race battery powered gokarts around an inflatable mini Grand Prix circuit. The parties are fully hosted and structured and fun games such as cops and robbers, cone dodging, reversing and emergency stopping will give the children an experience they will never forget. Kart speeds and games are tailored to the age and ability of the children so whether they are aged 4 or 10 the kids will have an amazing time and will feel a real sense of achievement when they pick up their certificate and possibly the Go-Kart Party Best Driver trophy at the end of the party! Available indoors in numerous leisure centres and sports halls across

Somerset, or even outside at your home, Go-Kart Party is

accessible all year round at a venue near you.

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

Call Nathan on: 07703 719 402

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

Fancy a cuppa?

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre near Taunton has recently opened its play area as part of its new restaurant development. Andrew Pitman, Store Manager of the award-winning, independent, family-run garden centre at Monkton Heathfield, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that our brand new restaurant is now open as well as our children’s play area. “The area is a great way to keep youngsters occupied during the weekends and school holidays. Families can come and visit us and stop for lunch in the restaurant and the children can have a run about and stretch their legs on the new equipment.” The new area has been designed by Playline Design and includes a Toddler’s Kingdom for youngsters aged from two until six, a Kingsacre Climber, suitable for children from three-yearsold to 13-years-old as well as a Traverse wall and Timber

Button Stools. The Toddler’s Kingdom includes three towers linked together via a tunnel and wobbly bridge. There is also a slide, angled scramble net and a gripped climbing ramp. Andrew added: “The

Kingsacre Climber is very impressive and consists of two large climbing towers linked via a tunnel and angled clatter bridge. There’s also a large slide, fireman’s pole, vertical wobbly ladder, angled scramble net, gripped climbing ramp and activity play panels. “The more adventurous children can also have a go on the five metre long timber Traverse wall, which has climbing grips attached. The entire play area is covered using a resin bonded, coloured rubber safety surface to keep knees and elbows cut and bruise-free.” The play area is part of the garden centre’s new Four Seasons restaurant expansion. The new build, which has a footprint of nearly 1000sqm and a brand new kitchen with state-of-art equipment, will seat 350 people, offering Taunton diners greater choice. For more information, please call the garden centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton, on 01823 412381, visit www. monktonelmgardencentre. co.uk, log on to www.facebook. com/Monktonelm or follow the company on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/ Monktonelm.

Children’s charity launches ‘Tea with a twist’!

Children’s charity Action Medical Research is again calling on residents and businesses in Somerset to enjoy a cuppa as part of its annual fundraising Cream Teas in a Box campaign. Wonderfully scrumptious and refreshing British cream teas will be delivered directly to workplaces, schools and colleges on Thursday 18 June 2015. This year, the perfect afternoon pick-me-up (which comes in a box priced just £6) will contain two freshly baked scones, two small jars of strawberry jam, Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream, and three strawberry crème chocolates, as well as the more traditional Yorkshire Tea, knife and serviette. Tracey Edwards, Action’s Cream Tea Events Manager, says: “Come on Somerset, take a break! Place the minimum order of 10 to bond over a brew with friends and colleagues and help raise funds for sick babies and children. The choice of scone topping is yours – jam and/or cream, or maybe have ‘tea with a twist’ and choose banana and chocolate sprinkles!” The charity’s mascot, Paddington Bear™, likes his scones piled high with marmalade, Dr Dawn Harper, from Channel 4’s

Embarrassing Bodies, likes hers with more ‘real strawberry’ than jam and BBC Correspondent Katie Adie likes a ‘classic’ (with jam either on top or underneath). Celebrity chef Lesley Waters is once again supporting the Action Cream Teas. Well known for her regular television appearances on Ready Steady Cook and This Morning, Lesley is also a former head tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine, author of several cookery books and runs her own cookery school. Lesley’s ‘twist’ is that she’s often partial to a savoury scone with cheese and her home-made tamarind, pear and date chutney. She says: “I’m delighted to be supporting Action Medical Research’s Cream Teas

because, quite simply, they taste delicious. Traditional fare for a perfect afternoon – splendid! Just put the kettle on, relax, have a chat and help raise vital funds for the children’s charity.” Order online by 5 June 2015: www.action.org.uk/ cream-teas Research is the key to saving many children from a lifetime of suffering, yet surprisingly, medical research into conditions that devastate children’s lives is poorly funded. Action Medical Research is currently funding work around stillbirth, epilepsy, meningitis, cerebral palsy and brain cancer, as well as some rare and distressing conditions that severely affect children.

Parent

events

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

. MARKETS . THEATRES . FAIRS . FETES . SHOWS . EXHIBITIONS . 3rd-9th May: Hedgehog awareness week. Organised by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, the week takes place every year and aims to highlight the problems hedgehogs face and how to help them. www. britishhedgehogs.org.uk 7th-9th May: Danny the Champion of the World. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. Follow the journey of a young boy, Danny, and his father William, the most exciting Dad a boy has ever had. The pair live in a caravan, fixing cars for a living, but his Dad has a secret hobby – poaching pheasants. When Victor Hazell, a local developer, wants to take over the land their garage is on trouble ensues, but Danny rises to the occasion, and he and his Dad come up with a most exciting plan! Age 7+. 01225 823409 7th May: 35th Anniversary Gala. The Brewhouse, Taunton. Highlights from the world’s most beloved Tchaikovsky ballets include the moment when the Swan Queen meets her prince in Act 2 Swan Lake, the Dance of the Cygnets, Clara’s journey to a glittering land of snow in The Nutcracker, and the famous Rose Adagio from Sleeping Beauty, where Princess Aurora is introduced to four princes. 01823 283244 8th May: Sleeping Beauty. The Brewhouse Taunton. This breathtaking ballet is set in the magical world of a fairy kingdom where the King and Queen are celebrating the birth of their daughter, Princess Aurora. The lilac fairy and her attendants have been invited to the Christening but the wicked fairy, Carabosse has been forgotten. Angered by this, Carabosse casts a spell on Aurora that on her sixteenth birthday she will prick her finger and die. The Lilac Fairy changes the spell so that Aurora and the kingdom will fall asleep for 100 years until a handsome Prince awakens her with a kiss. 01823 283244 9th May: 35th Anniversary Gala. The Brewhouse, Taunton. See 7th May entry. 9th May: West Somerset Orienteering. Selworthy Green. An exciting, challenging outdoor activity; navigate between control points marked on a special orienteering map and decide the best route to complete the course. Regardless of age, progress at your own pace! Call West Somerset Leisure Centre. 01643 708815 10th May: Vintage flea and crafts market. Market House, Castle Cary. Free entry, free parking.10.30am-3.30pm. 01458 223437 12th-13th May: Don Q. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. When book-loving Norman is threatened

with ‘incarceration in a home for the aged’ he embarks on a quest, taking loyal friend Sam along for the ride. Battling sorcerers, hoodies and, sometimes, sheep, Norman and Sam become Don Q and Sancho, inept righters of wrongs and utterly incapable rescuers of the worthy, putting the world to rights by chance. Age 10+. 01225 823409 16th May: The Feather Catcher. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. A fun, playful story of friendship, working together and mischievous feathers. Freda loves feathers but there’s one special feather that she just can’t catch on her own. Can Greta help her on her quest and teach her about friendship at the same time? This non-verbal show playfully uses live music and beautiful projection to tell this delightful tale of teamwork. Stay and play with the performers after the show. Age: 3+. 01225 823409 16th May: Musical Express and Cream Tea Special. Bishops Lydeard Station. Jump on board the Red Cross Musical express for a fun-filled day out for all the family. Don’t miss the opportunity to be serenaded by the Glastonbury Male Voice Choir and the King’s College (Taunton) Jazz Band whilst tucking into a tasty cream tea. Enjoy all this as you rush through the beautiful Somerset countryside, from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, on a classic steam train. Help raise vital funds for the British Red Cross. 01305 215958 16th May: Vintage and Retro Fair, Town Hall, Market Place Wells. 10am-4pm. Admission £1. Some of the best vintage and retro traders in the area. With Vintage Pop-Up Teat Room and Vinyl DJ. www.vintagesomerset. co.uk 16th May: Hullabaloo Taster Day. Hestercombe House, Taunton. 10am-2.30pm. Especially designed for children aged 16yrs+ with learning difficulties and disabilities. For more information or to book, call the Outdoor Adventure Team on 01823 410126/236 17th May: Somerset’s Curious Coast – Porlock Weir, family friendly shoresearch survey. Meet at Porlock Weir car park at 11.30. Join Somerset Wildlife Trust and Exmoor National Park Authority for some fun on the beach with some rock pool rambles and discover more about the wildlife of Somerset’s curious coast. 01823 652400 17th May: The Chuckles of Oz. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare. Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow are among the familiar characters who join the Wizards (Paul and Barry) for this sensational new version of the familiar Wizard

of Oz story. Audiences will get a unique glimpse into the Emerald City in a show packed with all the ingredients that make for a family fun packed show including audience participation, laugh out loud comedy and spectacular sets and costumes and special effects. 01934 645544 18th-19th May: Danny the Champion of the World. The Brewhouse, Taunton. Follow the journey of a young boy, Danny, and his father William, the most exciting Dad a boy has ever had. The pair live in a caravan, fixing cars for a living, but his Dad has a secret hobby – poaching pheasants. When Victor Hazell, a local developer, wants to take over the land their garage is on trouble ensues, but Danny rises to the occasion, and he and his Dad come up with a most exciting plan! Age 7+. 01823 283244 21st-23rd May: Kid Carpet & the Noisy Neighbours. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. Will we ever get used to living in the new house? Are there really elephants, sharks and crocodiles living next door? Ed Patrick (aka Kid Carpet), is a Bristol-based theatre maker of nonsense music and rock’n’roll theatre shows. His funny and moving new show uses rock music, puppetry and projection to explore the horrors and excitements of the first day in a new house. Age 6+. 01225 823409 23rd May: 50 Things to do Before You’re 11¾. Bathwick Hill, Bath Skyline. Join us at Bathwick Hill in Bath for a fun-filled day of activities for all the family. Based on the National Trust’s ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ staff and volunteers will be helping children to tick off a number of activities from the list. There will be kite flying, snail racing, rolling down hills, bug hunting and more. Enjoy all these activities while overlooking the stunning city views of Bath on this fantastic spring day. 01225 833977 23rd May: Burnham on Sea Food Festival. Victoria Street, Burnham on Sea. The Burnham on Sea Food and Drink Festival is a free one-day festival with something for the whole family. 07973 378735 23rd-31st May: Love Your Aquarium Week at SeaQuarium. Marine Parade, Weston super Mare. A week full of family fun, fishy facts and crafts as well as some interesting things that you may not know about SeaQuarium Weston! 01934 613361 23rd-24th May: Festival of Wildlife, Walled Gardens of Cannington. Celebrate Somerset Wildlife Trust at this Festival of Wildlife to help you find your wild life! Find out new and fun ways to get involved with nature

Healthy Eating Week 2015 More than 5,000 nursery, primary and secondary schools from across the UK have registered to participate in the British Nutrition Foundation’s (BNF) Healthy Eating Week 2015, 1-5 June.

Over 2 million school children and teenagers will be taking part in the week’s activities, designed to increase their knowledge and understanding of healthy eating, cooking and food provenance. With five weeks

still to go, there are already 1,000 more schools registered than at the same time last year, signalling that Healthy Eating Week 2015 will be the biggest and best ever. Roy Ballam, Education Programme Manager at the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “This is the third year we have staged Healthy Eating Week and, from previous years’ experience, there will

be literally thousands of creative hands-on, written and digital projects taking place throughout the week as schools, up and down the UK, demonstrate their commitment to healthy eating, learning about new foods and their origins, and cooking.” The BNF will be providing free Healthy Eating Week resources to all participating schools to support Healthy Eating Week

conservation, including rock pooling events on the coast and volunteering on wild flower meadows. 01278 655042 24th May: Milkshake! Live. Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Taunton. 1-2.30pm. This all new musical extravaganza from Channel 5 is bound to have audiences up on their feet, singing along and jumping with delight! 01823 271271 25th May: Sherborne Castle Country Fair & Rare Breeds Show. See p3 for further details. 01749 813899 25th-29th May: Active Kidz Holiday Programme. Various 1610 Centres. Half term fun at 1610 leisure centre’s holiday play scheme. With a range of different activities offered each day including arts, crafts, games, dance, sport, inflatable play and much, much more. www.1610. org.uk/events 25th-29th May: Puss in Boots. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. Would you trust a talking cat? You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince just like the hero of this story, brought to life on an incredible sloping stage by Patrick Lynch from CBeebies. Using smoke and mirrors and hidden trap doors, he’ll show how this sure-footed feline fools both the King and the Ogre to put his master at the top. A host of puppets, a working windmill and an avalanche of fruit and nuts await in this classic furry tale. Age 4+. 01225 823409 26th-30th May: Holiday Outdoor Adventure Programme with 1610 at Hestercombe House, Taunton. For more info or to book please call our Outdoor Adventure team on 01823 410 126/236 27th-30th May: The Royal Bath and West Show. The Bath & West Showground, Nr Shepton Mallet. See p3 for further details. 0844 7766777 29th May: The Musicians of Bremen. Regal Theatre, Minehead. What happens to old toys when nobody loves them any more? There is a place where they are sorted into those who will find new homes, and those who will never be loved or played with again. A worn out toy donkey, a pull along dog, a one eyed cat and a mechanical cockerel find themselves in just such a place. Rather than waiting to find out their fate, they escape and run away to Bremen Town to try their luck as musicians. So begins the greatest adventure of their lives in this classic fairy tale of friendship and courage. Toy Story meets the Brothers Grimm in this enchanting new production for children and their adults. Told with fabulous puppets, an innovative stage set and a brilliant musical soundtrack! Age 3+. Running time – 45

activities. Resources will include food cards, posters, activity ideas, a competition and daily health challenges. The challenges are structured into five themes: Breakfast, 5 A Day, Drink Plenty, Be Active and Try Something New. All participating schools are invited to enter a Healthy Eating Week Poster competition to win one of four £50 prizes for their school. Winning entries will be posted on www.foodafactoflife.org.uk and www.nutrition.org.uk for everyone to see. Ballam explained: “Based on the feedback we received

minutes + 15 minutes “Meet the Puppets” 01643 706430 29th May-7th June: Langport Festival, Langport. A variety of events for all the family. 01458 259310 30th May: Toddle for Tomorrows! Grove Park, Weston Super Mare. Sponsored walk for children aged 6 and under. Kids taking steps to help build better futures for vulnerable people in Somerset. Activities include a nature trail throughout the walk, face painting and bouncy castle at the finish to celebrate the children’s achievement. Funds raised for YMCA Somerset Coast who support vulnerable people

and families in Somerset. 01934 629787 31st May-1st June: No Sweets. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. It’s Mikey’s first day at work and wearing his brand new uniform, he joins the team at the radio factory. Instead of tuning and transmitting, Mikey wants to tumble around and soon finds himself in trouble with the scary factory boss. But Mikey finds an unlikely friend when a mysterious signal is picked up on the radio… ‘No Sweets’ combines theatrical clowning and stunning spectacle to create a visual masterpiece loved by children and adults alike. 01225 823409

United King“den”: Your Country needs you!

Build a better world with Save the Children’s most fun campaign to date

Save the Children is launching Den Day, a superfun family fundraiser which invites the British public to pick a date between 29th May and 6th June to unleash their imaginations and build their ultimate den. Den Day gives everybody an opportunity to get creative for a good cause; by getting sponsored to spend a day or night in their den, families can raise money to help Save the Children build better lives for children around the world. Taking part is easy, whether you pile up cushions and create a bed-sheet teepee, transform the sitting room into a huge den, or a cardboard box into the entrance to a magical world, your imagination is the only limit. Kids and grown-ups can sign up at denday.org to get a free kit packed with ideas and tips to plan a magical

experience! Den Day aims to highlight the issues faced by children around the world who don’t have a safe place to sleep or play. In 2014, Save the Children responded to 84 emergencies in 47 countries – delivering lifesaving food, water, healthcare, education and shelter to over 5 million people. The money raised by Den Day could help provide the vital aid children and their families need when a devastating emergency hits. Vicky Fallon, UK Head of Fundraising Campaigns at Save the Children, said: “Millions of children around the world don’t have a safe place to sleep; they might not have a bed, blankets or even a roof to sleep under. By building a dream den and raising money, you can help give children around the world a safe, warm place to dream.” Don’t forget to share photos of your dream den using #DenDay

from participating schools last year, we have focused on providing motivating themes and on developing new engaging activities for this year’s participating children, as well as the entire school community.” Healthy Eating Week will also feature an online cooka-longs, comprising recipe demonstrations for primary and secondary school age children to participate in during the week.

Ballam continued: “Each year the cook-a-long programme is extremely popular and provides a fantastic way for teachers to engage children of all ages with new foods and to promote a love of cooking. The recipes are available in advance so that schools can be ready with their ingredients and can schedule the cook-along into lesson time, making the programme completely flexible and supportive of the curriculum.”

For more information about BNF Healthy Eating Week 2015 and to register your school, please visit www.foodafactoflife.org.uk

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Evans Cycles and Go-Ride announce commitment to deliver two million opportunities to get kids cycling by 2020 Britain’s most successful Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy, has announced a new partnership with British Cycling’s Go-Ride programme and Evans Cycles, that will help to deliver over two million opportunities for young people to get into cycling by 2020.

British Cycling’s GoRide programme – an initiative where young people experience coaching and competitive racing for the first time – will be supplied with 1,500 bikes from Evans Cycles to run thousands of Go-Ride sessions across the country. Last year, over 30,000 young people got involved with the Go-Ride programme, which also aims to find the next generation of world champion cyclists – as the first step on the Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Pathway. Commenting on the partnership, Evans Cycles ambassador Sir Chris Hoy said: “Inspiring young people across the country to start cycling and realise how great it can be is something I really believe in. That’s why Evans Cycles and I jumped at the

chance to provide HOY bikes for British Cycling’s Go-Ride programme over the next four years, and hopefully we can help find the world champions of tomorrow.” Over 60% of the elite riders who will go for gold at Rio 2016 began their career in the Go-Ride programme. The ambition for the new partnership is to enable more children to experience the joy of cycling, unlock their cycling talent, and – who knows – even inspire them to go for gold at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and beyond. Go-Ride, which was started

over a decade ago, is now British Cycling’s flagship programme for young people, supported by Sport England, Sky, the Bicycle Association and Lazer helmets. British Cycling’s Director of Coaching, Education and Development, John Mills, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Evans Cycles as the provider of the bikes we use to deliver Go-Ride. The fact that the bikes bear the name of one of the most phenomenal athletes Britain has ever seen is sure to inspire thousands of young people to get into the sport. We are confident that

Sir Chris Hoy offers his top tips to parents to get children on their bikes: Take your time choosing the bike

Heavy bikes can put children off cycling and will have them struggling up any little ramps or hills on the way. Lots of kids’ bikes on the high street weigh an absolute ton, but Evans Cycles pride themselves on selling quality children’s bikes (like the HOY ones, naturally) which can endure the same kind of thrashing as an adult’s bike. Learn to stop before you start

It’s sensible to teach your kids the basics of braking

before they start going fast. This will keep them safe during their first parent-free runs and give them confidence and the feeling of control. Lose the pedals

For the very youngest budding cyclists, a great alternative to stabilisers is ‘runner’ bikes. Try one to help your toddler get to grips with the basics of balance and being in the cycling position for the first time.

Safety first

Not all kids want kids’ helmets - sometimes they want to be ‘big kids’ - but once children are

old enough to understand, try talking to them about the reasons for wearing a helmet as well as leading by example yourself. And it goes without saying that choosing a great-looking lid that fits well makes all the difference.

we can provide over two million opportunities for young people nationwide to get into cycling by 2020 and this partnership will help us to be more ambitious than ever in uncovering the next generation of talent.” There are over 300 GoRide clubs across the country in communities and schools, where young people are able to sample the various cycling disciplines and enjoy one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. The programme is supported by Go-Ride Racing, which is a calendar of entrylevel, local racing events for young riders. James Backhouse, Evans Cycles Marketing Director said: “Riding your bike is one of the greatest things in the world, and by partnering with British Cycling we can help youngsters across the country discover that for themselves. We’re enormously proud to be part of the Go-Ride programme and are flattered that British Cycling gave us the opportunity.” For more information about how to get into cycling visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/ getinvolved For more information on HOY children’s bikes visit www. evanscycles.com/hoy-bikes

Parent Talk May 2015

High flying

Paignton Zoo southern screamer chicks - Ray Wiltshire 2015 is the Year of the Bird at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. There will be all sorts of bird-themed activities and events over the summer. Paignton Zoo is famous for its pink flamingos that live near the entrance and for the beautiful blue peafowl that roam the grounds. But there are plenty of other amazing birds in the Zoo.

Look out for the Southern screamers, which come from South America. They are great family birds, the adults are very attentive to their chicks and at the right time of year people can see them rearing their young because they do it out in the open and not in nest boxes. And yes, they do live up to their name – their call can be heard three kilometres away!

Go to the Forest zone and see if you can spot a cassowary. It’s amazing to think we still have such a big, dangerous bird running around the planet. With its big clawed feet and bony head it’s more or less a dinosaur. You might think that zoos are all about exotic species, but Paignton Zoo has been involved in a conservation project to rear and release cirl buntings in Cornwall in partnership with the RSPB, the National Trust and Natural England. Finally, try to catch the Zoo’s brand new bird show. It’s free for visitors and features a rotating line-up of owls, hawks and falcons displaying their amazing flying skills. Be prepared for some REALLY close encounters!

Get going

Head for somewhere away from busy roads and lots of people where your little ones can have the space to develop their bike handling skills. Wheelies, trackstands and jumps are all things you can work up to.

Great British tennis weekend returns in June The second instalment of the fun-filled Great British Tennis Weekend returns in June as thousands of families hit the tennis courts for free.

On the 13th and 14th of June, venues up and down the country will open their doors as the nation goes tennis crazy in the lead up to a fantastic summer of tennis. Great British Tennis Weekend is the UK’s biggest ever public tennis event and offers free tennis for families of all ages and abilities. Held over a series of three weekends, with the first taking place on the 16th and 17th May, the campaign aims to inspire people to get on court and take part in a variety of activities. Players will be able to

experience Cardio Tennis, Mini Tennis, coaching and much more – all for free. Last year, more than 1000 venues hosted an event with over 50,000 people playing tennis for free in all corners of Great Britain.

Great British Tennis Weekend 2015 dates:

Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th May Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th June Saturday 1st - Sunday 2nd August

To find our further information on where your local event is please visit www.lta.org.uk/gbtw.

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

Book Bag NEWS

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

17th May 1749 Birth of Edward Jenner

EARLY LIFE

Edward Jenner was born in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, on 17th May 1749. He was the eighth of the nine children born to the vicar of Berkeley, the Reverend Stephen Jenner, and his wife Sarah. Unfortunately, by the time Edward was five years old both his parents had died and he was left in the care of his older sister, Mary, who was soon to marry the incoming vicar, the Reverend G.C. Black. Edward grew up with a great knowledge of, and interest in, country matters. He collected birds’ eggs. He visited the shores of the River Severn, only a mile to the west of Berkeley, to collect fossils and anything of interest that might have been washed ashore.

EDUCATION

Schooling - Edward Jenner attended schools in Wottonunder-Edge and Cirencester While at Wotton he had his first brush with smallpox. He underwent variolation, which is inoculation with the smallpox virus against natural infection. Apprentice - At the age of 14 Jenner was apprenticed for seven years to Mr Daniel Ludlow, a surgeon of Chipping Sodbury. Here Jenner gained most of the experience needed to become a country doctor. Training in London - In 1770 he went to St. George’s Hospital in London to complete his medical training under the great surgeon and experimentalist, John Hunter. Hunter quickly recognised Edward’s abilities at dissection and investigation, as well as his understanding of plant and animal anatomy. The two men were to remain lifelong friends and correspondents. Return to Berkeley - In 1772 at the age of 23 Edward Jenner returned to Berkeley and established himself as the local doctor. Although in later years he also established medical practices in London and Cheltenham, Berkeley was always his main home.

DR EDWARD JENNER 1749-1823 Edward Jenner is remembered today as the pioneer of the smallpox vaccination and the father of the science of Immunology.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SMALLPOX

Smallpox is a very ancient disease. The scars on the mummified body of the Pharaoh Rameses V, who died in 1157BC, are believed to have been caused by smallpox. It spread throughout Europe and was carried to the Americas with the voyages of discovery. It killed far more Aztecs and North American Indians than ever died in battles with the white settlers. Smallpox touched every section of society. It killed kings, queens and emperors as well as the common man. It altered the succession of the British royal family by killing Queen Anne’s heir, Prince William, at the age of 11. Elizabeth I, Mozart, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln all experienced its terror. Those who recovered from smallpox were often left with skin scarred by the pocks which led to the fashion of ladies wearing beauty spots or veils to hide their blemishes. Smallpox was the most feared and greatest killer of Jenner’s time. In today’s terms it was as deadly as cancer or heart disease. It killed 10% of the population, rising to 20% in towns and cities where infection spread easily.

Edward Jenner (1749-182

3). Engraved by E.Scrive

n and published in The Gall

ery Of Portraits With Mem

oirs encyclopedia, United

Kingdom, 1837.

Among children, it accounted for one-in-three of all deaths. Jenner called it the ‘Speckled Monster’.

JENNER AND SMALLPOX

From the early days of his career, Edward Jenner had been intrigued by country-lore which said that people who caught cowpox from their cows could not catch smallpox. Jenner observed this in his local area. These observations led him to investigate and experiment using cowpox as a means to prevent catching smallpox. Jenner published many case studies to ensure the whole world knew what he had discovered. The research finally led to the naming of this ground breaking process as ‘vaccination’. The name of the process was fittingly taken from Jenner’s research as the word vacca means ‘cow’ in Latin.

wwww.jennermuseum.com

Visit www.jennermuseum.com at Dr Jenner’s House & Garden Church Lane, Berkeley GL13 9BN, Open to the public from 12 noon -5.00pm Sunday - Wednesday from Sunday 3rd May until Wednesday 30th September 2015 and 25th-30th October 2015. Last admission is at 4:00pm on all days. It is open all year-round to schools, groups and private visits, by arrangement, and has a varied programme of workshops, talks and special events and other activities running throughout the year.

Book Bag NEWS E BAS

NSSON’S ORIGIN AL CO TOVE JA MIC D ON

SER

WIN

IES

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you spot 10 differen ces?

How to draw a Moonin

MOO

TIC-TAC-TOE

M MA

WIN a Moomin Goody Bag

PA P PA

MOO Join the Moomins and friends old and new as they leave Moominvalley behind and head south in MOOMINS ON THE RIVIERA, which opens in cinemas nationwide through Vertigo on 22 May. In search of adventures, the Moomins, C theN YO Snorkmaiden and Little My set sail for A French Riviera. After a perilous journey, M E PI D A they reach their dream destination where M O OK N E PMO Snorkmaiden is dazzled by the attentions G H by of a playboy leaving Moomin consumed O G A M jealousy. When Moominpappa befriends O M W D K M R M OO an aristocrat and adopts M Othe M name ‘de O C L Q O I M OMoominmamma Moomin’, an exasperated L E retreats to the calm of their trusty oldN CG O MFO N boat, to wait for her family to come A L to U D SQUAREtheir S Gsenses AMand E to remember their motto: R O H U R B “Live in peace, plant potatoes and dream.”

first?

M MA

K M K D Q Directed by Xavier PicardGand produced L S T A M M N O O by Hanna Hemilä, MOOMINS ON M O M M OO L QTHE N O U M in aMunique RIVIERA was created handO O M C J by O L L drawn animation technique inspired K and based on Tove Jansson’s originalMcomic A QE LIT TL M strips. The feature celebrates the beloved W H I T E Y

We surely shall see th

Many an anemone se

e sun shine soon

es an enemy anemon

Red leather, yellow

leather, red leather ,

IN PA I NI N M PA PAPPAYPP PAPA

SH S HS H A D O W ADO W AD OW

DEN

For your chance to win, rearrange the words below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 20th May 2015. NSOOMIM NO ETH VRARIEI

MOO

W HI

green fields grazing

ADO W

E HIT grapes, GWre ek grapesA,U D R

Three grey geese in

Greek grapes, Greek

ADO W

Good blood, bad bloo

MOO

W HI

M M AM MA AI DEN

oomin Characters™

M away. Each goody bag contains: give MOO I TRETKE 4x Moomin Plush Toys (1x each of Moomin LA CH W I H W Mamma, Moomin Pappa, Moomin & H I T E W Snorkmaiden) RE K R AUD S N Oposter 1x Cinema 1x Moomin Storybook K 1x Pudsey C L A RDVD 1x Streetdance DVD 1x Allstars DVD K MO R N O S 1x Unbeatable DVD O M

tions Oy, Pictak Cie ©M

L I TO M M OO M OM have M 2O xOgoody bags to

PA P PA

Try our tongue twisters.....

PA P PA

MOO

between two dots. Wh en you have a square, write your initial in it. Whoever has the most Parent Talk squares WINS!

ADO W

PA P PA

MOO

characters in their original context and reflects their cross-generational and universal appeal, even 100 years after the With a friend, take turn s drawinbirth g a line of their creator, L E Jansson. TM

M MA

MOO

IN M IN INA G A M AAA M M MA AA MM MM

MOO

IN I NI N

Moomin will get to their hotel

A-MAZE-ING HOLI DAY Which

AUD

Book Bag NEWS SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you spot 10 differen ces?

MOO

TIC-TAC-TOE

M MA

LIT TL

MOO

M M AM MA AI DEN

AUD

MO R M OSON

Y Y

you carry in your hand? A palm!

M I A IN M AD EA NM M A A A GG A GA A

M MA

K OGR R K MSONNN S O RK SNO

What is at the end of a rainbow? The letter W!

PA P PA

ADO W

oomin Characters™

TE W H IL A R K K C AR CL K CLAR

tions Oy, Pictak Cie ©M

IN MPA P PA M M YY Y

ADO W

W HI

AUD

How can you leave a room with two What has one eye E LIT TL legs and return with six legs? but cannot see? Bring a chair back with you. How do you make the number one disappear? A needle Add the letter G and it’s “GONE” IN

CLAR

B O

PA P PA

T L EL E TM I L O M O LIT T E LIT TL

RE A U DD R E A U RE AUD

What occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment and never in one thousand K years? CLAR The letter M What kind of tree can SNO

Z D Y D E L M N MOO

I TRETKE LA CH W W HI TE W HI

N GG MOOMO N MO M K G R O SN MON

A G MA M M AA I D E N AI ID E N DEN

U A J R L S A L I T T L E M M S A F G T Y E S H A D O W

SH S HS H A D O W ADO W AD OW

IN PA I NI N M PA PAPPAYPP PAPA

AUD

W HI

LE I TOTM LO M OOM M M MOO

DEN

MOO

ADO W

With a friend, take turns drawing a line between two dots. Wh en you have a square, write your initial in it. Whoever has the most squares WINS!

PA P PA

ADO W

L Q N O C J O L K M A T LQE LIT W H I T

A A G G N R Y D O N Q K U L A O A MM OO M N A M MV A C M H F X I

MG ON OO M MM O MO M MOO

IN M IN INA G A M AAA M M MA AA MM MM

M MA

SQUARES GAME

Y M S P M M O D I MWO OA S L A F S N P G J N Y RE P T A AUD H O

N A L MFO U R O H U K M K D L S T A

N T I D K M P R B N A Q I T G M Y F N

O MM M OO M OM MOO

U D R E R L N P P Q E O M W M E I W HIT E I B S AD

IN I NI N

M E PI D A M O OK N E PMO G H O G A W D K M R C L Q O I L E N C O

PA P PA

CAN YOU FIND U S ALL?

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Half Term Activities at The Bishop’s Palace

Archers at the ready! Knights to your horses! This half term help us defend the Castle from enemy forces. Travel back in time and enlist onto our Knight School on the 26th May. Discover what it was like to be a knight, try jousting on our wooden hobby horses and create your own helmet. Advised for ages 5 – 8, £3.50 per child, pre booking is essential on 01643 821314 and guardians must remain with their children. On the 30 & 31 May wander through the soldiers’ camp as the Taunton Garrison re-

create the atmosphere of the English Civil War. See skirmishes, hear the musket fire and imagine what it must have been like to defend the Castle from invading forces. How would you have fared as an archer? Test your skills with Have a Go Archery and Pistol Shooting on the 23 – 26 May. Normal admission applies to all events. For more information visit our website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunster-castle or join us on Facebook www.facebook. com/dunstercastle

Half Term Fun at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre! episcopal dressing up box! There will also be a range of children’s garden games adjacent to the café so that any accompanying grown-ups can have a coffee break in peace whilst the children try their hands at Giant Jenga, Inflatable Skittles, Connect Four and even Mini-Croquet! All events are included with standard admission. Children under 5 are FREE.

Mill on the Brue

Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset this summer.

The 65-acre park is home to the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’ and ‘Monkey Business’, and provides sanctuary for rescued and endangered primates from around the world. Some are now part of international breeding programmes for endangered species including Europe’s official orang-utan crèche, which recently welcomed two baby Sumatran orang-utans. The park is well laid out and

spacious for both humans and primates alike. While away the hours watching the monkeys and apes interact, then let the kids use up all their energy in the huge Great Ape Adventure Play Area. Cafés serve good value hot and cold food or there are numerous picnic areas to be enjoyed on sunny days. You can also support Monkey World in continuing their rescue and rehabilitation work by adopting a primate, giving you free entry to the park every day for a whole year! Monkey World runs various family events throughout the

year and opens an Activity Centre during school holidays, where children can make bottle feeders for the primates, make their own sand art or listen to story time. During the May and August bank holidays, you can also join in the Banana Bonanza where every child that brings in a banana for the primates receives a free Monkey World badge! Please visit www.monkeyworld.org/ events for details of all the current events, including May half term.

defending the Castle

FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY 27th May

Children’s trails and garden games

Dunster Castle and Gardens Join Knight School, try your hand at archery and pistol shooting or watch the Garrison defend the Castle. Please visit our website for dates and prices.

23rd-31st May

OPEN DAILY

01643 821314

nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

The Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk

As always, there will be a range of entertaining craftbased activities on offer in the Stable Yard Activity Room. The focus for Half Term will be ‘A Bishop’s Life’. Children will be finding out the answers to questions such as ‘What does he do? What does he wear? Where does he live?’ and will get the chance to design a cope, make an origami mitre or work on a Bishop portrait puppet! Alongside the craft activities, there will be a picture trail to follow to link the activities with the Palace, Chapel and Gardens and to make the most of the May weather (fingers crossed!). If they find their way in the Undercroft, children can even try dressing up as a Bishop if they find the

Knight School at Dunster Castle

The Bishop’s Palace will continue its hugely popular season of Holiday Family Activities this Whitsun Half Term with a day of family fun on Wednesday 27th May.

Parent Talk May 2015 11

www.monkeyworld.org

Those long summer holidays will soon be here and for working parents, these are always six weeks of dilemma: long suffering grandparents, aunties, friends. There comes a time when you think, who can we turn to?

Well Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre has the answer. Based in Bruton, South Somerset, we’ve been operating as a family run company for over 30 years. By now we are pretty confident we know what children want! During the summer holidays kids are booked in, either for the day or a residential week. We only take 60 residential kids plus day campers so kids don’t get swamped. The programmes are ‘awesome’ with amazing, fun, exciting activities all day in our stunning 25 acres of fields,

trees and river valley. Delicious meals include vegetables and fruit grown organically in our own gardens. The children are divided into groups, maximum 12 with two instructors. We take kids from 8 – 15 years old in the residential camps, 7 – 12 years day camps and mini Mobsters, 5/6 year olds for mornings only. Day campers also have a chance to join the Pirate, Army or Wizards and Witches days. Try making the special spell and getting the horn on the Shetland Pony to turn her into a Unicorn! High Ropes, raft building and racing, assault course, archery, high ropes, two zip wires – just some of the activities as well as really enjoyable things like pizza making in our clay oven, shelter building and fire making or devising a rocket to send a rope across the river. The list is endless!

Book now www.millonthebrue.co.uk 01749 812307

Where Families Matter! Visit us in Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HH T: 01929 462537 FREE Info Line: 0800 45 66 00 E: apes@monkeyworld.org

Summer holid

ays!

Day & residential ca

mps

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

With over 250 primates of more than 20 different species, Monkey World is the largest ape and monkey rescue centre in the world! See the stars of TV’s “Monkey Life”, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest Great Ape adventure play area!

FAMILY TICKETS FOR 2 ADULTS & 2 KIDS JUST £37!

nursery DIRECTORY 12

Parent Talk May 2015

All Hallows Preparatory School Nursery Class

Give your 3 year old the best possible start within the environs of this renowned Prep School. Fantastic facilities and activities including Forest School, LTA Tennis Academy and Swimming Pool and access to specialist teaching staff for languages, Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Sport set this facility apart from other nurseries. Visit at any time: T 01749 881600 E admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk Bridgwater College Childcare Centre is open to

the general public and children of students, for children from four months to five years. There is also a Holiday Play Scheme for children up to eight years old. It has a secure outdoor area boasting an ‘inspirational garden’, where children are encouraged to explore both indoor and outdoor learning.

T: 01278 441270 or E: childcare@bridgwater.ac.uk www.bridgwaterchildcare.ac.uk

Cheekie Monkeys Ilminster

A friendly, calm and nurturing setting offering full time day care (8am-6pm) for children aged 0-5. We have highly experienced staff and excellent facilities in our baby and pre-school rooms, plus an amazing garden. T: Lesley/Ali 01460 52457

First Steps Day Nursery School (all year from

8am-6pm). For children from 3 months to 5 years. Offering a caring, educational and safe environment for your child. All fully qualified staff. T: Elaine Garland 01749 346733 E: fsdaynursery@btconnect.com

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

NURSERY DIRECTORY NURSERY

Pilton Preschool

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

01749 899147 preschool@piltonvillage. co.uk www.piltonvillage. co.uk/preschool

Miniatures Day Nursery

for further info or to arrange a visit.

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

Open 50 weeks per year, we provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment for children aged 0-5 years. Open 8am-6pm, we provide home cooked food. Education grants accepted for 3 & 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, Little Boots Day Nursery (Ages 2-5, 8am-6pm) Come and safe courtyard of the manor house. The Nursery children, visit us on Pottery Farm! Our aged 3-4 years, have the use idyllic setting offers fantastic of the extensive grounds and opportunities for enhanced facilities of the school as well outdoor learning; we work with a maximum of 16 children a day as having their own outdoor adventure play area. ensuring each child gets the The staff are warm and individual attention they need. friendly. Free after school Contact Cleo Wilson for care is available. more information. T 07936 555 676 littlebootsdaynursery.co.uk

T: 01460 72051 www.perrotthill.com

To book our Nursery Directory, please call

01458 250461

Fundraising for school defibrillators AEDdonate have teamed up with Crowdfunder.co.uk and SADS UK to offer fundraising activities to enable schools and educational

establishments to obtain an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) through Community Heartsafe Projects.

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

This has been run successfully on a number of successful projects throughout the UK with fundraising activities such as school bag packs, car washes, car boot sales and sponsored sports events to name a few. Local communities have come together to help the schools raise enough funds for the Defibrillator to be placed. AEDdonate coordinated all of this providing the fundraising packs, contacting local councils, MP’s, getting donations from local businesses and getting involvement from local community groups to ask for help and support for the

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

project. Most importantly it creates mass PR and Social Media awareness so that donations can be given on line through Crowdfunder. They also have access to training from the local ambulance and first responders, with training videos and arranged assembles. This makes the children and staff not only aware of the importance of AED’s but also how to use them in an emergency. Managing Director, Jamie Richards said “I am so pleased that we can now offer this throughout the UK due to our unique relationship with SADS UK and Crowdfunder.co.uk. 270 children die each year from Sudden Cardiac Arrest, 90% of those patients could of have been saved if they had quick access to an AED. Being a Community First Responder outside of work I see what devastation Cardiac Arrest

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

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 3 years upwards. Please enjoy our website www.wellington-school.org.uk

or call Maria Kerr to arrange a visit. T: 01823 668700

causes unfortunately on a too frequent basis” AEDdonate were with Sads UK at the recent National education show and had a tremendous response with over 220 schools wanting to take part.

Little Wellies

Term Time Toddler group. Open to all pre-school children every Thursday morning 9.15-11.15 am, Wellington Prep School Hall. £3 per child and £1 per additional child weekly charge. Contact Maria Kerr for more details – 01823 668700

prep@wellington-school.org.uk

We are now able to accept enquiries for new community projects across the UK. For more information please email info@aeddonate.co.uk or call them on 08458 622527

EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

21st Century learning scholarships This May half term Explorium, the innovative Creative Learning Centre near Street, is looking for children to help them build a machine that converts wave energy into electricity.

As part of their Wavepower sponsored project children are learning how energy is transferred along its journey from the sun, through wind, across waves and into our homes as electricity. Wave energy conversion is still in its infancy but is likely to be increasingly important for our children’s generation. “Explorium’s after school programme is perfect for children needing to be extended and challenged or for those who learn better through doing,” says Julia Black, Explorium’s founder. Given the growing evidence Explorium’s approach works they are offering 50 scholarship places for their after-school programme, which are funded by NKD Learning, a leading Learning

“What’s the time, Mr Wolf?” “28 past something!” cried Mr Wolf dejectedly for he knows he’s not going to get what he wants until he can tell the time, and for a wolf this is a big ask.

A big ask too for children up and down the country struggling to read time on a clock or watch, the learning curve is so long and so out of sync in today’s instant world that many give up. What a pity! The confidence generated in a young child when they have learned to tell the time is a real joy to see. Aramazu is a new method for a child to learn to tell the time that turns the traditional ‘that’s- how-we-did-it’ learning on its head by introducing a graphical map and simple logic to explain how time moves around the clock. Children love it. This new child friendly learning process is woven into colourful illustrated stories with two starting points, counting to 12 for the very young and counting to 60 for older children, available as story books or on line. Be prepared - this is completely different from how you and I Iearnt to tell the time but it really works. In a recent trial 85% of the children learned in one week, 50% in one hour. So when you find Aramazu, www.aramazu.com, tell your friends and if you see him, tell Mr Wolf too. Jamie Rugge-Price, Skyla Publishing Limited.

& Development agency who design creative learning experiences for employees in companies like Virgin and DHL. Sue Stoneman, NKD’s CEO, believes Explorium’s vision reflects how NKD teach adults to learn in the workplace. “I see Explorium as the blueprint of change in education. It will force the pace of change in the current education system to stop young adults being failed by an outdated system.” Working together, Explorium and NKD hope to bridge the gap that exists as children move through their educational careers into employment. This is a fantastic opportunity for children, age 6 to 14, to discover what makes them tick, understand their strengths and be prepared to tackle obstacles throughout their lives. To find out more about the holiday or scholarship programme call 01458 274050.

Parent Talk May 2015 13

How to help your kids concentrate and improve their school grades Mind-Body connection is the modern buzzword to help make happy healthy kids. Research shows that exercises and activities which help kids focus their minds and help them concentrate, improves their school grades, reduce kids stress and anxiety, help them sleep, balances thåe metabolism and even strengthens their immune system. While Tai Chi and Yoga are recommended for improving mind-body connection, so are

martial arts. For many kids, Karate is far more appealing. The simple act of kicking a kick bag, or punching a focus pad naturally helps kids focus, and so develop the mind-body connection so highly prized by these researchers. Actually, following its Buddhist heritage, mind-body connection is built into the very essence of Karate. Every Karate technique brings together the mind, body, and breath, so creating the ‘one pointed mind’. In this way Karate naturally helps

kids concentrate and be fully present in the moment. In my 32 years experience of teaching children Karate, I have seen for myself the benefits children gain: how shy children gain confidence and come out of their shells, while hyperactive children learn how to concentrate and calm down. I hold classes for 5-12 year olds in Bridgwater, Street, Wells and Glastonbury. For more information phone 07811 185 944 or 01458

833 937(after 5pm) or email clive@georges-inkwell. com. Alternatively, you can also visit www.facebook.com/ somersetkaratekids to find out more. By Clive Barnett, Chief instructor.

Bringing out the best in your child Set in twenty acres of beautiful parkland, Chilton Cantelo School is located near Yeovil and Sherborne. The day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3-18 encourages every child to be the best they can be with learning goals and objectives tailored to the individual.

Acclaimed for its family atmosphere, Chilton Cantelo nurtures achievement and boundless curiosity from Nursery to Sixth Form. Our specialist teachers take both Nursery and Pre Prep pupils around the grounds and woodlands for regular nature rambles, wildlife observation, planting and gardening and forest school projects. The school provides termly and weekly boarding at competitive rates. Bus transport for pupils around Dorset and Somerset offers flexible daily routes as well as

pick-ups on Monday mornings and drop-offs on Friday evenings for weekly boarders. After-school activities ranging from chamber choir to rock workshops are provided as well as weekend activities for boarders. School fees are inclusive. There are no extra charges for after-school activities, lunches, weekend trips for boarders or learning support (where applicable). Chilton Cantelo is part of Cognita Group, a world leader in independent education and the UK’s largest network of independent schools. Cognita is committed to raising standards of education and ensures that best practice

is adopted in all aspects of school curricula, teaching and learning and school management. Call 01935 850555 to attend

an Open Day or ask about our FREE WEEKLY PARENT AND TODDLER SESSIONS to sample our Nursery or Reception classes.

Individualised Learning. Bringing out the best in your child.

Enabling Excellence in English and Maths We deliver exciting English, Maths and Digital Literacy tuition and extension programmes which enable children to achieve outstanding results across the curriculum. Call for a free Learning Consultation www.explorium.co.uk

Creative Learning Centre

01458 274050

KARATE KIDS Bridgwater Glastonbury Street Wells For kids aged 5-12 year olds Taught by master with over 32 years teaching experience 07811 185 944 or 01458 833 937 (after 5pm) or email clive@georges-inkwell.com

Learn to tell the Time in a week!

85% of children learn in one week, 50% in one hour in a recent trial

“Instant success” Parents in Touch www.aramazu.com from £6.99+ p&p

At Chilton Cantelo School, near Sherborne and Yeovil, we believe that every child is an explorer. We help our pupils achieve their potential by giving them space to grow, creating an environment that inspires every day. Call now to tour our Nursery and Reception classes. Book your FREE weekly Parent and Toddler Sessions. CHILTONCANTELOSCHOOL.CO.UK 01935 850555 3-18 years Co-ed Day Termly and Weekly Boarding

Open Day 21 May

14 Parent Talk May 2015

EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

Yodel brings music to Editor’s choice 10,000 children’s lives as part of the UK’s biggest instrument amnesty Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats

By Alicia Potter, illustrated by Birgitta Sif Published by Walker Books This book if full of scaredy cats. Cats terrified of mice, cats frightened of birds, cats who won’t pounce, cats who won’t purr. Miss Hazeltine takes them all into her Home for Shy and Fearful Cats and she teaches them everything she knows: “Bird Basics”, “How Not to Fear the Broom” and how to “Hold your tails high! Arch your backs! Think good thoughts!” But under the bed hides nervous little Crumb… Will Miss Hazeltine be able to help the most shy and fearful kitty of them all?

Mischief at Midnight

By Esme Kerr Published by Chicken House There’s a new girl in class at Knight’s Haddon, and she isn’t like anyone the other girls have met before. Janet is cool and confident, so Edie is thrilled when they become friends – and even when her friendship with Anastasia becomes rocky, Janet is there for her. But when a mischief begins to unfold, Edie begins to think Janet may not be all she seems – and suddenly events take a dangerous turn…

The Girl with the Parrot on her Head

James Rhodes and Yodel present £1 million worth of donated musical instruments to school children following successful Channel 4 Don’t Stop the Music amnesty. Following the success of James Rhodes and Channel 4’s Don’t Stop the Music Instrument Amnesty, over 6,500 donated musical instruments have been delivered by parcel carrier Yodel to 170 primary schools across the country. Collectively worth £1million, the instruments are already allowing over 10,000 children to experience the joy of making music.

Last autumn the British public were encouraged to donate their unwanted musical instruments to local Oxfam stores, as part of the UK’s biggest ever ‘instrument amnesty’. Yodel took on the vital role of delivery partner, with its YodelDirect service collecting the donated instruments from Oxfam’s 700 shops and delivering them to the Amnesty’s headquarters for sorting and refurbishment. Yodel has since been delivering them to primary schools who registered to take part. The amnesty and two part programme, which was produced by Jamie Oliver’s production company, Fresh One, aired on Channel 4 in September 2014, and was fronted by internationallyrenowned classical pianist James Rhodes. The Channel 4 series followed James as he trialled an instrument amnesty in a Basildon primary school and geared up to go nationwide. With the school in special measures, a music budget of precisely zero pounds and teachers already stretched

to the limit, James’ mission was to show through direct action just what putting an instrument into the hands of a child can do. As the series aired, a website and a partnership with Oxfam and Yodel made it possible for the public to donate their unwanted instruments and get them to the schools in need. Support from Oxfam, Yodel, change.org, Google and Universal Music helped to bring the project to life, with celebrities including Sir Paul McCartney, Jessie J, Damon Albarn, Sir Tom Jones, Tinie Tempah and Ronnie Wood encouraging the public to get involved. James, who had a troubled childhood which led to drug addiction and mental health issues, believes that music has a huge role to play in helping children to develop and learn creatively. He said: “Music saved my life. It’s that powerful. Young children have a hunger and thirst to learn music and we must give every child the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. The ‘instrument amnesty’ has helped make this a reality for thousands of kids up and down the country. With the crucial support of partners like Yodel’s YodelDirect service we’ve achieved something brilliant, long lasting and life affirming.” To help maximise the impact of his campaign to improve music education, James has also set up a petition on change.org, the world’s largest petition

platform. So far James has received over 70,000 of the 100,000 signatures needed to raise the issue with the Government and help ensure every child has the chance to play an instrument. Dick Stead, executive chairman of Yodel, said: “Every parcel we deliver is important to its recipient and this is definitely the case with the instrument amnesty. We are incredibly proud to have played a part in this wonderful opportunity, bringing the gift of music to over 10,000 children.” Yodel already has an established link with education, delivering millions of parcels of educational materials to schools, colleges and students each year. Dr. Lin Phillips, head teacher of Falconbrook Primary School in Battersea and one of the schools which received the instruments, commented: “Thanks to the brilliant Don’t Stop the Music campaign, we have started a new band which gives the children another opportunity to play in assemblies and concerts. I’d like to thank all those who donated instruments, as well as James Rhodes, Yodel and all those who made the amnesty happen. You’ve helped change lives and your instruments have gone to a fantastic new home!” Duran, a year six pupil at Falconbrook Primary School said “I’m really enjoying learning new music and playing as part of a group!”

To find out more visit http://www.dontstopthemusic.co.uk/

By Daisy Hirst Published by Walker Books When her best friend Simon moves away with his family, Isabel is angry and lonely and decides it’s better to be by herself. But after a time Isabel faces a new problem which leads her to make a brilliant new friend… ‘The Girl with the Parrot on her Head’ is a hopeful and endearing story about moving house, making new friends and playing imaginative games.

Yes! No (Maybe…)

By Liz Pichon Published by Scholastic There’s a car boot sale on and Tom’s mum is all excited. She’s on a mission to tidy up the whole house and if Tom doesn’t decide what to get rid of…she’ll do it for him! This is a DISASTER, especially when Tom finds making his mind up hard to do! Will Tom be able to find a scooter (Yes!), get grumpy Delia out of her room (No), and save his comic book collection (Maybe…).

Sticker Activity London & Colour In London

By Jennie Maizels Published by Walker Books These are two activity books with a difference. Use stickers to build London’s most famous sights, complete tricky puzzles, colour in London’s most famous sights, build a 3D model of Tower Bridge and discover fascinating facts about the city along the way. These activity books are a wonderful way to explore the capital. In ‘Colour In London’, children can colour in Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, draw a statue for the Fourth Plinth and create their very own city skyscraper. In ‘Sticker Activity London’, they can build London’s most famous sights using stickers. The book includes over 100 stickers, as well as wordsearches, sudokus, crosswords, spot the differences and many more activities.

Have You Seen my Dragon?

By Steve Light Published by Walker Books Enter a fascinating, ornately drawn cityscape and help a boy find his dragon while counting objects from hot dogs to traffic lights. As the boy travels all over town searching for his dragon friend, can you spot the glorious beast, as well as an array of big-city landmarks and icons – buses, taxis, manhole covers, books, bicycles and more? Is the dragon taking the bus, or breathing his fiery breath below a busy street? Maybe he took a taxi to the zoo or is playing with the dogs in the park. Steve Light’s masterful pen-and-ink- illustrations, decorated with meticulous splashes of colour, elevate this counting book (numbers 1-20) to new heights – with brilliant flashes of humour. Have You Seen My Monster?

By Steve Light In the follow-up to Steve Light’s ‘Have You Seen My Dragon?’, the county fair is filled with shapes – and somewhere among them a monster is waiting to be found!

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

Parent Talk May 2015 15

Your child’s self-esteem – are you getting the balance right? With too little a child’s selfesteem can suffer, but with too much children can develop a distorted sense of entitlement and their own abilities. So what is healthy selfesteem?

Professor Matt Sanders, founder of the Triple P Positive Parenting Program explains: Self-esteem is the term psychologists use to describe how a person feels about their innate worth as an individual, their skills and attributes, and how they interact with the world. Under a daily bombardment of “winning is everything” advertising messages, it can be particularly hard for kids to learn to deal with disappointment, and/or to stop measuring themselves against impossible standards. This is an often-overlooked element of the development of healthy self-esteem. True self-esteem is something we build up ourselves, as we work to master new skills, stick to our values, and show pro-social behaviour such as care and concern for others. Egotism, on the other hand, is an unhealthy focus on one’s self and a disregard for others, a feeling of being better than everyone else, and, often, a fear of failure. Children who have what might be called artificially high self-esteem may have been given overblown praise for no real reason, or not taught to empathise with others. They may develop a sense of superiority, struggle to form healthy relationships, and find it hard to understand why they don’t automatically succeed at everything they attempt. Then there are the kids with low self-esteem. Many children who regularly misbehave

already view themselves in a highly negative way. They may feel inadequate and/or lack the desire to achieve goals and face challenges. They may also believe bad things about themselves: that they are, and always will be, dumb, ugly, stupid, naughty etc. Children who have healthy, balanced self-esteem are likely to be happy and cooperative and make friends easily. They’re eager to learn and succeed, and they can cope with stress effectively. Healthy self-esteem doesn’t come built-in at birth. We first learn our view of ourselves during childhood, through the interactions we have with the people around us. So it’s crucial for parents and carers to help our children develop a true sense of their own strengths and weaknesses.

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

Tel: 01823 412750 Mob: 07989 585979 www.malcolm-the-magician.co.uk

(insured and police checked)

So how do you build healthy self-esteem in children?

Professor Matt Sanders from Triple P has some advice: ■ Take a consistent, positive approach to their upbringing. Tell your child you love them, and demonstrate this by spending time talking to and playing with them. This helps your child feel valued and cared for. ■ Watch what you say. Constant criticism can create low self-esteem, and make problem behaviour even worse. ■ Display confidence in their ability to persist. Let them attempt appropriate things by themselves. Teach them that mistakes are important ways of learning, and show them how to set realistic goals and work towards them. ■ Follow a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of one’s self with regular exercise, healthy food, and grooming habits all help children develop a positive selfimage. ■ Teach them to be balanced. When they’ve made an effort and mastered a new skill or achieved something,

teach them to enjoy their accomplishments, without gloating or boasting. Help them understand that everyone is good at different things. ■ Teach them that life isn’t always about winning. Your role is not to make every problem disappear or smooth over every bad feeling; instead, let your child express how they feel and assure them you understand. They’ll develop a deeper sense of self-worth as they learn that with a bit of help from you, they can work out reasonable ways to deal with strong emotions. As a reaction to not getting what they want, children may sometimes put themselves down, saying things like “I’m dumb, you hate me”, or “I’m just stupid”. If this happens, try not to get dragged in to being

overly sympathetic; instead, encourage your child to try again after the set-back, and to enjoy the activity or game even if they aren’t the winner. ■ Encourage a sense of humour. Laughter really is a great medicine, and it doesn’t hurt kids to see that even parents can laugh at themselves sometimes. Enjoying the little things in life helps people cope with tough times. Help your child to laugh by listening to their stories, playing games and having fun together. By following this advice parents can help their children develop healthy self-esteem – a gift that will stay with them throughout their lives.

BullGuard releases free guide for parents to help protect their children online

BullGuard, an awardwinning global provider of internet and mobile security solutions, has released an informative and thoughtprovoking guide for parents who may be concerned about keeping their children safe online.

Including reaction to its own recently completed survey, which highlighted parental concerns surrounding effective monitoring of a child’s online activity, the helpful guide outlines the growing need to safeguard children in an online age that’s being driven by increasing use

of devices like smartphones and tablets. Offering tips and advice on how to approach a difficult subject, A Parents’ Guide to Protecting Children Online describes key concerns from a survey of 2,000 UK parents to outline the current situation many face in the digital age. It includes information on how to manage a child’s natural curiosity, the rise of social networking and the reasons why so many struggle to stay one step ahead. Various scenarios that many children might face, such as “stranger danger”, infection from viruses

PROFESSOR POPCORN The Magical Clown. Magic, Music, Laughter & Fun for children and their grown-ups.

01823 270847

www.profpopcorn.co.uk DBS checked and with Public Liability Insurance

Keith’s Magical isEMARCH ntertainment

Image courtesy of Cathy Yeulet

It can be quite challenging to build a child’s self-esteem without overdoing it. There is a balance between too much praise and not enough.

and malware and real modern issues such as cyber-bullying are investigated to help better understand how these problems can be avoided.

Throughout the guide, parents will be introduced to the basics of security for children and will learn how to put measures in place to ensure that they are being protected. The importance of education for children, and to help them better understand the potential consequences of their actions is emphasised, and it’s shown how communication rather than avoidance is a better way of helping kids to enjoy a healthy and rewarding experience online that can enrich social interest and enhance learning. A Parents’ Guide to Protecting Children Online is available to download for free.

sue copy Children’s parties a speciality. Magic, deadline Puppets, Comedy. Terrific entertainment. 19th FebruPolice checked and 2014 insured. ary

01935 Book 822135 your

www.keithsmagic.co.uk

“DAVE” THE MAGICIAN & BALLOONATIC

space now! Call 01458 241318 UNCLE RON’S

available for birthday parties, playgroups, schools, fetes, promotions etc DBS Checked & fully insured

Birthday parties, Playgroups, Functions, Live magic rabbit, Balloon animals

01823 288644

01935 476586

MAGIC SHOW

CATHERINE’S MAGIC ENTERTAINMENT For tailor-made Magic Shows, Mini Discos, Games and Balloon Twisting Family Fun For Everyone!! Ideal For Any Party, Large or Small, Indoors or Out 07770 227812 catherine@magicentertainment.co.uk [c/w enhanced DBS for added peace of mind]

BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME FOR SALE A detached Grade II Listed 16th Century character cottage on the edge of Long Load village. Entrance Hall, Sitting Room with Inglenook Fireplace & Flagstone floors, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Rear Hall, Bathroom, 3 bedrooms, Enclosed walled garden, Parking & Garage. The house has been well maintained throughout and has gas-fired central heating. Good primary schools at Long Sutton and Ash and Secondary School at Huish Academy. No onward chain.

Humberts Yeovil - 01935 595034

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-45665749.html

Experienced registered childminder in idyllic rural location 5 mins from A303 has vacancy

Wed/Thurs/Fri 8.15am-5.45pm

Melanie Tuffill 01460 234325

Quirky handmade cushions find us at the Arts Centre Ilminster JUNE issue copy deadline 20th May 2015 Call 01458 250461

Raising funds for:

14 | 06 | 15

Hazlegrove School,

Sparkford, Yeovil, S

omerset, BA22 7JA

13:30 Adults entry fee - £ 15 Childrens entry fee - £10* *Aged 7-15 years

Te l . 0 1 8 2 3 3 6 5 6 1 5 F in d o u t m o re o n li n e a t:

w w w. g r e a t s o m e

rsetcolourrun.co

Registered Charity

No. 279473

.uk

Sunday 14th June 2015 will see the beautiful and normally sedate grounds of Hazlegrove School, Sparkford,

receive a vibrant wakeup call in the form a St. Margaret’s Great Somerset Colour Run. While running, walking, skipping or hopping the 5k route, an army of volunteers will be taking aim and throwing powder paint at hundreds of runners, making the kilometres race by! The run/walk/jog is open to anyone over the age of 7.