Parent Talk May 2019 Issue by Parent Talk

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

May 2019 Volume 26 Issue 5

Win tickets to Sherborne Castle Country Fair p8

Royal Bath & West Show p10

plus Party planning tips p6

Book Review p18 Facebook “f ” Logo

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FAMILY PAGES

David Cobern from The Family Law Company considers separation and school fees

Separating parents with children in private school can experience difficulty paying school fees and may disagree about whether the children can stay at the school. If children are established in the school when parents separate, the courts can make orders requiring a reluctant parent with sufficient means to pay or contribute towards school fees.

However, if neither parent can afford to pay or one parent refuses and there is no other source for fee payment, it may be possible to apply for a bursary. Bear in mind: ● The final decision usually rests with the head teacher. ● Pupil numbers in a child’s year may determine the availability and extent of a bursary. ● Certain occupations might attract greater discounts. ● A child with sporting or academic abilities may qualify for a scholarship, award or increased bursary. ● Younger siblings often receive discounts, although this may be withdrawn when an

older sibling leaves the school. Bursary applications are assessed on the financial circumstances of both parents - and any new partners. A school may be cautious in case of collusion between the parents, or because this might set a precedent that others could try to follow. ● Some schools will insist on interviewing parents, including home visits. ● Most schools review bursaries every three years. If you struggle to afford fees with a bursary in early years, remember that fees increase the further up your child goes. For further information, please call me on 01392 284857. ●

Help at hand for medicines Medi-Redi is a programmable storage device for children’s medicine. It is designed specifically to hold bottles of medicine, sachets, blister packs, spoons, syringes and instructions in a portable container. It has child resistant buttons to ensure medicines are kept safely out of children’s reach which enables parents to keep it conveniently close by. Here are some of the features: ● Programmable timer for

Here at Brown and Forrest Smokery we pride ourselves on our quality which is achieved by our dedication to small batch production. All our hot smoked products from scallops to duck breasts are roasted over an open fire and then the embers of that fire are used to gently smoke the products, giving a wonderful succulence and taste which can be enjoyed eaten either hot or cold. Our cold smoking is done in traditional brick kilns and our salmon, trout and cheese is slowly given a subtle but distinct and delicious oak smoke flavour. All our products can be purchased online or over the phone for our mail order service or visit our shop and restaurant. Just call 01458 250875 or visit www.brownandforrest.co.uk

Open Day Saturday 18th May

Finally, our open day is on Saturday the 18th of May from 10am until 4pm. You can come and taste our complete range of products with a free glass of wine in hand and then have a tour of the smokers and

learn about the art of hot and cold smoking before having a delicious breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in our restaurant. Then settle into our shop and plan your summer menus.

Specialists have an advantage one or several medicines with alternating option when necessary ● Indicates name of

STORAGE TIMER FOR CHILDREN’S MEDICINES medi-redi.com

Open day at Brown & Forrest Smokery

medicine(s) and dose ● Child resistant container keeps medicines safely out of children’s reach ● Countdown timer ● Audible Alarm ● Nightlight ● Portable storage for bottles, sachets, blister packs, spoons/ syringes etc. ● History, keeps a record ● Clear red/green lights indicating whether or not it’s safe to administer medicine ● Reset button on the inside for extra safety The Medi-Redi storage timer is perfect when sharing child care. Simply put the medicines inside your pre-programmed timer and hand it over. It will inform the carer of the name of the medicine, the dose and whether they can or should give more medicine. It keeps the history too. Medi-Redi has been designed by Sarah Smith a mum from Berkshire who worried about making a mistake with her children, especially in the middle of the night when she was half asleep. Sarah wanted to create something to help other families and make life a little simpler and safer.

The same is true in family law Mountain goats are specialists as they can climb the most precipitous slopes. At The Family Law Co we are specialists too; we have developed a sure-footing in all aspects of family law, including divorce, separation & financial matters, co-habitation agreements and grandparents’ rights. Contact us for specialist advice on all areas of family law. Tel 01823 785 070 www.thefamilylawco.co.uk

Medi-Redi is available to buy online www.medi-redi.com/

Parent Talk May 2019 3

OUT & ABOUT

Recreation of Tutankhamun's tomb at The Shoe Museum Did you know that Tutankhamun was buried with 40 pairs of shoes? If you can’t make it to Egypt but want to find out more about

the different types of shoes and sandals the young pharaoh wore, then the Shoe Museum in Street is the place to go. This year’s summer display

and activities for families is Walk like an Egyptian. It is the 105th anniversary of the start of Howard Carter’s excavations at the Valley of the Kings

where Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered. It is also 220 years since the Rosetta Stone was found which unlocked the secret of hieroglyphics. To commemorate these events the Shoe Museum has recreated Tutankhamun’s tomb with the help of a team of museum volunteers. Visitors can walk through the museum and into the tomb and find out all about Ancient Egyptian shoes and fashion with the chance to try on sandals and Egyptian costume. Elsewhere in the Museum there will also be the chance to see Howard Carter’s ‘office’ set up as it might have been in the 1920s. There is always a link to shoes so as part of the event,the Museum’s 1920s shoes will be highlighted and visitors will also be able to find out more about the iconic Clarks Desert Boot which was designed by Nathan Clark in the 1940s who at the time said ‘I got the idea from crepe-soled rough suede

boots which officers in the Eighth Army were in the habit of getting made in the Bazaar at Cairo.’ As well as seeing real and replica items and finding out about Egyptian shoes there will also be family activities, including a treasure trail, making Egyptian sandals and

pharoahs’ jewelled collars, and learning to write in hieroglyphs. The Museum is free admission so there’s no excuse not to come down and have some footwear fun. We are open Monday to Friday 10am4.45pm and Saturdays 10-4pm but we are closed on Bank Holidays.

Website www.the-shoe-museum.org email museum@clarks.com Tel: 01458 842243

Summer gardening with help from Willowbrook 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, herbs, clematis, NEW dianthus and not forgetting the trees, shrubs, conifers, climbers and roses.

It’s a great time of year to plant vegetable plants for grow-your-own including many of your old favourites and even your new favourites, and for the greenhouse we also have tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. The Café & Tea-rooms are open all day for either a relaxing

drink in the sun or maybe a ‘cheeky’ cream tea on the lawn? We have chef’s daily specials along with a great summer menu. The Pet Shop has a wide range of food, treats and toys for most pets and a selection of wild bird food and feeders. We now have a good choice of ‘Forthglade’ and ‘Natural Instincts’ dog food. The Aquatic shop is ready for the pond season with fish, plants including lilies and marginals, pre-formed pools, waterfalls, filters and pumps and more, and we are now an official OASE stockist.

We are open seven days a week and can be found situated between Taunton and Wellington on the A38. Find us on www.willowbrooknurseryandgardencentre.co.uk and browse before you buy and don’t forget we have a click and collect service and you can also sign up for our newsletter. Our friendly and helpful staff look forward to seeing you! 4 Parent Talk May 2019

OUT & ABOUT

RNAS Yeovilton International Day

Berrys Coaches celebrates Father's Day with discounts for dads Berrys Coaches is a family run business currently operating a fleet of over 60 coaches, providing school services, private hire, excursions and the famous London SUPERFAST service, linking London and the West Country. The company has a range of standard and executive vehicles, varying in size from a 16-seat executive minibus to the 77 and 78 seat executive double deck coaches, operating independently from the new purpose-built depot in Taunton. Our popular London SUPERFAST started back in 1981 and now includes three routes and up to six services daily, operating from pick-up points throughout the West Country – Tiverton, Wellington, Taunton, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Ilminster, South Petherton, Yeovil, Ilchester, Wincanton, Street, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Frome, Warminster and Codford Village.

To celebrate Father’s Day, Berrys Coaches is offering a special Buy One Get One Free deal on its Superfast service to and from London. Using code ‘ILOVEDAD’ at checkout online or over the phone will get them two tickets for the price of one when booking a Superfast seat. These can be 2 singles or even day returns, meaning you can now enjoy

quality travel with your dads for an even more reasonable price. Our iconic SUPERFAST coaches are equipped with toilets on-board, free wi-fi, hot and cold refreshments as well as guaranteed seat selection at no extra cost! We wish a very Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there and look forward to serving you.

The Royal Navy International Air Day will take place on Saturday 13 July at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, to showcase the Fleet Air Arm’s current and future capabilities and historic accomplishments spanning over 100 years. As one of the busiest military airfields in the UK and home to many aircraft operating in front-line Squadrons and training units, the air station’s gates will be open to an expected 40,000 visitors. The show will include over five hours of dazzling flying displays featuring fast jets, historic warbirds, helicopters, formation aerobatic display teams and role demonstrations enhanced by spectacular pyrotechnics and flares. Some of the world’s most capable pilots and their aircraft, both in the air and on the ground will be on display, providing an opportunity to see some magnificent equipment and

Belgian Air Force F-16 C Bart Rosselle

meet the professional personnel in a family-friendly environment. There are already some rare and exciting aircraft confirmed. Watch the world’s only flying Westland Wessex HU5 open the show; see the Red Arrows perform one of their last UK displays this year before their tour of North America and get ready to be blown away by the Typhoon when it ‘Brings the Noise’. They will be joined by many other military aircraft from around the world.

In the STEM Zone, children can take part in many interactive activities providing opportunities to learn about the fascinating modern cuttingedge technology that is around us every day. Expect some ultimate family entertainment with a visit from the worldfamous Titan the Robot and witness a human flight demonstration by the gravitydefying ‘Jet Man’. There will be more exciting announcements to follow!

Further information and discounted advance tickets (Adult £28, Child U16 £5 and Child U5 Free) available at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

AIR DAY ROYAL NAVAL AIR STATION YEOVILTON SATURDAY 13 JULY 2019

FATHER’S DAY DISCOUNT OFFER

Use code ‘ILOVEDAD’ when buying tickets for our Superfast service and

GET 2 TICKETS FOR THE PRICE OF 1* SUPERFAST 01

SUPERFAST 02

SUPERFAST 03

Tiverton, Wellington, Taunton, North Petherton, Bridgwater

Taunton, IIminster, South Petherton, Yeovil, IIchester, Wincanton

Taunton, Street, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Frome, Warminster, Codford

*Offer valid for travel from 1st June to 17th June

SUPERFAST!

**On most services.

FROM LONDON TO THE WEST COUNTRY

FEATURES: Host & Hostess Service

Free Seat Allocation

Free WiFi & USB Charging**

Toilets Onboard

Book Direct on 01823 331356 or Visit BerrysCoaches.co.uk Berrys Coaches, Peter Clifford House, Great Western Way, Taunton, Somemrset. TA2 6BX

TAKE OFF ON YOUR NEXT FAMILY ADVENTURE

AT THE ROYAL NAVY’S SPECTACULAR AIRSHOW! SAVE WITH ADVANCE TICKETS: Adult £28, Child (5-15yrs) £5, Under 5s FREE!

www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday Parent Talk May 2019 5

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Top five party planning tips 1) Choosing a date and time Before you book anything, check that the people you want to be there can definitely make it – you might want to check to see if there are any national, local or religious events happening that may stop people attending. Does it clash with children’s nap or feeding times? Are there any football or tennis matches on that parents don’t want to miss? If so, would you consider screening them?

2) Choosing a venue When choosing a venue for your child’s party, here are some important things to consider – What is the capacity of the venue? How flexible is the layout? How child-friendly is it? Are there lots of steps which might be an issue for very young children? Is it easy to keep all the children in the designated party area or is it open to the rest of the venue/ are there lots of doors? What’s included in the hire price - tables and chairs, catering facilities? Can you hang decorations?

Ice-cream

parlour

3) Choosing a theme Girls and boys have different preferences when it comes to party time, as do varying age groups. Themed Superhero, Princess, Pirate and Science parties are best suited to 3-7s; whereas classic and UV discos are better suited to the 7-11 year age group. Princess Parties bring to life every little girl’s dream of being the Princess on her special day, whereas the Superhero theme or disco parties are less gender-biased and will appeal to a mixed audience.

4) Choosing an entertainer Before considering a company for your child’s party, it’s important to ensure that the following basic but essential criteria are met - Are they DBS certified? Do they hold public liability insurance? Is their equipment PAT tested? These attributes are imperative and should be carried out by any children’s entertainer to ensure safety requirements are met. Some additional questions

you might want to ask are – what exactly is included in the price, how much space do you need, can the party be tailored to my child’s needs, and what back up do you have if your entertainer is unwell? 5) Plan ahead Do as much of your party preparation beforehand. Most food, especially cold buffets, can be prepared in advance. Blow up balloons, make up the party bags, wrap the pass-

the-parcel the day before too. The more you can prepare before the party, the better, as it means you get to mingle with the other parents and enjoy the party with your child. Finally, don’t forget to arrive in plenty of time to set up for your party before guests arrive!

From the experts at Captain Fantastic, the UK’s premier children’s entertainment company www.captain-fantastic.co.uk.

Ice cream is – quite literally – the coolest of all party snacks. Gather loads of tasty toppers and whip up your own sundae bar. Your friends will be so impressed! Fill bowls with different sweets, sprinkles, biscuits, and scrummy fruit.

Lay out bowls and spoons for everyone, and, of course, lots of ice-cream cones.

Everyone can make their own dream sundae!

Don’t forget yummy sauces, whipped cream, and cherries for the top!

Sleepover Party: Games, Quizzes, Pamper Ideas and Things to Make! Published by DK, £9.99. DK.com Are you ready to have a sleepover party? The only thing more exciting than a sleepover is planning one! Filled with awesome slumber party ideas, it guides party hosts from planning to clean up. Decide on the perfect party theme, from movie night to fashion show, and make delicious snacks and treats for guests, including mocktails and campfire treats. Have a dance off, learn how to do fishtail braids, concoct face masks, customize your shoes, and more.

Woodland Birthday parties One of the most exciting things that we do at the Woodland Play Centre is organizing your Woodland Birthday Party! Our parties are so unique and

amazing; they will leave you with unforgettable, treasured memories. Our parties are bespoke, age appropriate and always tailored to meet the wishes of the client.

Woodland Play Centre

Outdoor adventure parties for ages 2 years + If you are an adventurous adult, we can cater for you too!

Birthday parties Woodland Play Centre Somerset Tel: 07775 941353 Email: info@woodlandplaycentre.co.uk Web: www.woodlandplaycentre.co.uk

Fun - Adventure - Celebrate Explore - Memories

6 Parent Talk May 2019

They can be themed, fancy dress or as casual and relaxed as you wish. Birthday parties are not only for children, we can cater for groups of adults too that are looking for that unique birthday experience…perhaps a 40th birthday celebration? A Woodland Birthday Party can be for ages 2 years plus. They run over a 3-hour session, either morning or afternoon outdoors in our beautiful Somerset woods and our party package caters for up to 12 children. Party packages include pre-designed invites, activities and refreshments. We provide ample hot and cold drinks, sausages (meat

or vegetarian) cooked on the campfire with a bun, biscuits and of course marshmallows! All this for £180 and of course if you want to invite more people that is also possible at a £5 per head charge. We can also source locally made birthday cakes and supply Eco party bags, so you can just enjoy the party. We pride ourselves on ensuring that no two parties are the same, as we respond to the children’s desires and wishes on the day, as well as the weather. We are open all year round! For further birthday party enquiries, please contact us on our email: info@woodlandplaycentre.co.uk or call 07775 941353.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Explore idyllic locations with The West Somerset Railway

The West Somerset Railway is a heritage steam railway nestled in the countryside, four miles outside the county town, Taunton. The line meanders 20 miles through the Quantock Hills and along the Exmoor coast, terminating at the seaside town of Minehead. Along the line, we have plenty of areas to explore which are perfect for a

visit. These include, the historic harbour town of Watchet, home to the marina, museums, cafes, shops and stoney beaches. The medieval village of Dunster features the Doll Museum, cafes, shops, the award winning Luttrell Arms and the National Trust’s Dunster Castle. The seaside town of Minehead, has a beautiful sandy beach, pubs and much more.

Birthday parties with a difference at Monkton Elm Garden Centre It’s always a hard task to think of new games to play when you are organising your young child’s birthday party – they should be fast and fun, interesting and inclusive for best results. A great idea for something different this year would be to make mini gardens. They can then take these home with them. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – just things you have gathered along the way,

such as moss from the lawn, old lolly sticks, silver paper to mimic a pond or river, mini flower pots, coloured stones, sand for paths, and pieces of bark, along with some tiny plants – succulents are a great idea – and some compost. Then simply provide each child with a shallow saucer or seed tray and pile everything into the middle of the table for them to choose how they want it to look. You don’t even

Whether you are 6 or 66, we have the party to suit you! Set in beautiful surroundings with ample parking, Bodley Craft Studio is the perfect place to unwind and be creative. Children's Craft Party Tell us your theme; Pirates, Minecraft, Starwars, Frozen, Jungle, Prince and Princess, Cute animals, Monsters, Disney character, Witches and Wizards - or tell us your favourite craft activity. We will theme the party to suit you! £17.50 per head to include: ● Invitations ● Craft and all Materials ● Party Game or Quiz - with prizes! ● Party Meal ● Party Bags We can also provide a themed/ personalised decorated Birthday cake with candles for an additional £20. PixelHobby Party As well as our craft parties, we are now also offering PixelHobby parties! If you haven't heard of PixelHobby, then don't miss out any longer! We can theme the party to suit your child, and every child will make their own keyring or magnet to take

the best sources of ideas on the internet is Pinterest which is packed full of inspiration for miniature gardens.

Why not try a Go-Kart Party– tailor made for birthdays! 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 go-karts 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

Contact us today and speak to one of the team regarding your visit, call 01643 704996 email info@wsrail.net website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

No stress, no mess, leave the party to us!

need to have compost flying around if you are worried – children’s imaginations can conjure up all sorts of ideas for fantasy gardens from very little! Give them a time limit to concentrate their minds and at the end gather all the young gardeners and mini gardens together for a group photo, and present a prize for each. They’ll love to take their unique gardens home and it can be a very low cost game to play too. One of

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, GoKart 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

West Somerset Railway STEAM TRAINS TO THE SEASIDE

Between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead

home. £15 per child. Adult's Craft Party Bunting, cushions, appliqué, mosaics, painting and much more! ● Teenage Birthday ● 30th, 40th or 50th ● Friends or family gathering ● Work colleagues getting together ● Or for no reason at all! Contact us with your ideas and we will build the party around you! From £20 per head, includes craft, all materials, refreshments and nibbles. For more information on parties and summer activity craft days, visit www.craftdays-somerset.co.uk or call Sam on 07525 127878.

Call Nathan on: 07703 719 402

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

Holiday Clubs, Parties and Adult Workshops Craft Studio fabulous craft Having a Birthday? Bodley Craft Parties.ANo Stress, No Mess.

20 miles of steam train travel through the countryside and along the coast. Places of interest include Dunster with its Castle, Cleeve Abbey in Washford, the historic harbour town of Watchet and Minehead beach.

studio, minutes from

Children’s party: Tell us your theme; pirate, princess, cute animals, scary monsters, or a favourite colour! We theme the day to suit you. Any age or ability! £15 per head to include craft, party game, party meal and goody bags!

Wellington Easter Holiday Club town with for 8-12 year olds ample parking Tuesday 31st March Wednesday 1st April Thursday 2nd April Fun packed days run from 9am-5pm £25 per day – discounts available Contact Sam for more information and to book

Holiday Clubs for 6+

Birthday Parties for any age

Various Workshops throughout the year

Contact us: sam@bodleycraft.co.uk follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk www.bodleycraft.co.uk or follow us on Facebook

For more information Leave

Bodley Craft: and 07525 to127878 book contact: the sjr1509@yahoo.co.uk sam@bodleycraft.co.uk party or follow us on Facebook to us! or www.bodleycraft.co.uk

A great day out for all the family For more details contact us today on 01643 704996 or visit us at

WWW.WEST-SOMERSET-RAILWAY.CO.UK Photos courtesy of Visit Somerset & Don Bishop

Parent Talk May 2019 7

8 Parent Talk December 2012

OUT & ABOUT

Top of the Gorge Festival returns

COMPE TITION

Sherborne Castle Country Fair & Rare Breeds Show

Bank Holiday Monday 27 May 2019 The Fair is open from 10am to 6pm and car parking is free The best day out for all the family in Dorset….. This year in the main ring there will be a wonderful display of Cossack Riding from Guido Louis and an exciting program of BMX trick jumps and more………! New attractions: ● Kiddie Karts, Axe Throwing, Model Tanks ● ‘Have a go’ Gymnastics and Displays of Gymnastics throughout the day ● Cookery sessions for kids all free, limited spaces so you need to be early for each session to be sure of a place.

Entrance Prices 2019 Adult £12.50 Adult advance £10.60 Children (aged 5-16) £4.00 Children advance £3.40 Family Ticket £30.00* Family Ticket Advance £25.50* *Admits two adults & three fee-paying children Under 5 years FREE

Raising funds for Children’s Charities. The Fair is organised by volunteers. Over £1,213,314 distributed to 85 charities in 23 years! Advance tickets can be purchased via our website, Sherborne TIC and our Hotline at discounted prices Hotline: 01749 814041 www.sherbornecountryfair.com Disabled visitors can access all areas, enjoy forward parking and disabled facilities around the Fair. Post code: DT9 5NR

Parent Talk have 3 family tickets to give away. For your chance to win, answer the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 22 May 2019, 1pm.

What date is Sherborne Castle Country Fair? If you win this competition, we will contact you for permission to pass on your contact details to the PR company concerned. We will never pass on your details without your consent. All other entries will be deleted after the competition closes and will not be passed on to any third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

Top of the Gorge Festival is returning to the Mendip Hills in 2019, with an even bigger lineup of adventure and alfresco entertainment. The weekend-long event, organised by the National Trust, takes place on a beautiful meadow just outside Cheddar, above Black Rock, with views through the world-famous gorge and over the Mendip Hills to the Somerset coast. Campers and day visitors alike can take part in all sorts of pursuits, ranging from trailrunning, mountain-biking to climbing and caving, guided walks and more sedate experiences such as star gazing and food foraging. The event is very family friendly, and has activities that will inspire everyone. There will be talks from outdoor athletes, explorers and authors, and in the evening the site turns into a concert amphitheatre, with bands and a DJ getting people up and dancing. New additions to the sporting line-up this year include a road-cycling experience called the Mendip Lakes and Lumps, which will send participants right through the gorge and along lanes that wend between the area’s signature sights. Bands include local favourites The Drystones and Kindred, the speakers line-up

Image: National Trust/ Oliver Edwards

features ultra-runner Susie Chan, internationally renowned alpinist and climber (and Mendip local) Matt Helliker, ‘World Bike Girl’ Ishbel Holmes

and Bristolian Ben Smith, who once ran 401 consecutive marathons around the world and is about to take on another huge expedition in the United

All this and much more is happening on the weekend 14–16 June. For tickets, and to find out more details, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/topofthegorge

Monday 5th to Friday 9th August 2019 at Westfield Academy,Yeovil Ages 4-7: 10am-1pm, just £70 for the week Ages 8-16: 10am-4pm, just £120 for the week Call Claire on 01935 411128/07856 273166 or email yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk to book a place

Play Top Trumps at Paignton Zoo You can find a new version of an old favourite at Paignton Zoo this year. In this special Top Trumps, guests can pit Zoo animals against each other – learning and discovering as they go. The trail, launched at Easter, is fun, interactive and has a conservation learning element. Guests buy a Super Top Trumps Card when they arrive at the Zoo; each card comes with a trail activity sheet with instructions on how to play and space to record results. There are twelve giant cards around the Zoo for guests to discover. There are six Super Top Trumps Cards to collect. Each card contains amazing facts and figures about that animal, such as height, weight and strength. You compare the stats on your Super Top Trumps Card to the giant trail cards and whoever has the highest rating wins. For example, if you compare the strength on a rhino card with a trail card 8 Parent Talk May 2019

ToGf 2019 Advert 93x136 PRINT-2ed.pdf 1

4/30/2019 7:58:21 AM

featuring a tortoise, then you will win, as the rating on your card will be higher. Guests can hand in their trail sheets; there’s an online table of top scores and everyone who returns a trail sheet will be entered into a monthly prize draw. Packs of special Paignton Zoo Top Trump cards are on sale in the Zoo shop. Top Trumps has been around since the 1970s and remains very popular today. Top Trumps cards are collector items, with limited and special edition packs on offer.

CLUBS & CLASSES

Summer of Fun in Yeovil

Summer holiday fun We're all going on a... summer holiday with Mill on the Brue course!

Students at Centre for Young Musicians Taunton

As the long summer holiday approaches, understandably parents are starting to think about how to keep their children entertained over the break. It’s really important to think about what you can do with them when forced indoors to avoid the dreaded words: “I’m bored!” Razzamataz Yeovil is offering children between the ages of 4-16 the opportunity to use their imaginations and learn in a safe, relaxed environment during their Summer school at Westfield Academy from 5th – 9th August. "The performing arts is a lovely way for children to improve their confidence, make new friends and have lots of fun and we hope that with our classes in dance, drama and singing, we can inspire children to take part in the Summer school even if they have never had any performing arts training before,” says Claire, Principal of

Razzamataz Yeovil. During the week students will work on various songs, dances and drama pieces, together with prop making and set dressing. This year’s theme is Arabian Nights, with Aladdin and friends. “We take a simple story framework on day one and build characters, dialogue and scenes throughout the week,” says Claire. “On the last day we create an original piece of theatre conjured up from the students’ and teachers’ imaginations. Audiences and performers will remember this experience long after the summer has faded.” For more information, or to secure your child’s place 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.

Guildhall School’s Centre for Young Musicians Taunton (CYMT) is building on the success of last summer’s music course with a brilliant holiday course in August 2019 focusing on music AND drama for students aged 10–18. Based at Richard Huish College, this year’s summer holiday course from 12–16 August will include drama and acting workshops alongside a wide range of music workshops such as bands, orchestra, music production, singing, theory of music. Ideal for keen musicians and actors and students working towards GCSE & A Level. Full course details: https://bit. ly/2VhuPll. CYMT supports all students at its Saturday centre and summer holiday course. There is a friendly, welcoming and all-inclusive atmosphere, and regular

opportunities to perform in any style of music. Financial support is available to help with the fees through generous bursary schemes from Sound Foundation Somerset music education hub and the Guildhall Young Artists Assisted Places. Bursaries for the summer holiday course are available for students in Year 9+. All applications are dealt with in strict confidence. CYMT featured in a recent short film about the arts in Somerset, for an ArtsTaunton conference, which you can see on YouTube by searching for “Somerset Film Tipping Point.” Want to find out more? Please contact the office to book a visit anytime. Booking is essential for students who wish to enjoy a free taster morning. Call 07754 217993 or email taunton@cym. org.uk or visit www.cymtaunton. org.uk.

It’s nearly the summer holidays but desperate Parents, frantic Grannies – don’t despair! Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre has the answer to those long holidays when ‘I’m bored’ echoes round the house. Send them to us for a day or even five. Based in south Somerset, only one hour from Bath and Bristol, half an hour from Yeovil and Trowbridge, your lovely kids can have the time of their lives in our beautiful 25 acres of woods, river valley and fields. There’s no such word as bored at Mill on the Brue. We have over 40 activities, games and tasks from High Ropes to canoeing, zip wires which fly right across the river, a huge water slide, archery, lighting fires, toasting marshmallows and making

hot chocolate, exploring dark tunnels, raft building and racing, pizza making in the clay oven, and much more. Children 7 – 12 years come for a day, Mondays to Fridays, from 8.45am until 5.30pm. Summer day camps start Monday 22nd July until Friday 16th August. Cost is £62 per day or £275 for the five days. The cost includes drinks and cake as well as a two course lunch. The children will be in a group of 12 with two instructors who are with them all day and supervise them throughout. Booking beforehand is essential. Call 01749 812307. info@millonthebrue.co.uk Please note we also offer three hour birthday parties throughout the year, residential holidays for 8 – 15 year olds, as well as school group trips during the term times.

Keeping Kids Active Millfield Enterprises provide a variety of courses in the school holidays designed to keep children active both physically and mentally, with courses offering coaching to improve skills and techniques alongside a fun mix of challenges and games. During summer half-term Millfield are running courses in netball and football. The netball course is led by coaches with Superleague franchise and international experience, providing a fun opportunity to develop basic fundamental attacking and defensive principles. The football course is run in association with Ian Thompson, FA A-Licence Coach and Lead Coach of Yeovil Town FC Foundation. Players will improve their technical skills of controlling, passing, shooting and dribbling through enjoyable activities including keep-up competitions, crossbar challenges and freestyle exercises. It’s easy to book the courses online on the Millfield Enterprises website. They offer

MILLFIELD

HOLIDAY COURSES

a 10% discount for siblings or for any child who is booked onto two or more courses at the same time (discount does not apply to daily rates). Half-Term Courses and Age Ranges: Football (5-14), Netball (7-14) Summer Courses and Age Ranges: Athletics (7-16), Badminton (8-16), Cricket (714), Football (5-14), Golf (10-14), Hockey (5-17), Mini-Multis (2-4), Multi-Activity (5-12), Netball (716), Rugby (4-14), Squash (8-17), Tennis (4-14) Visit millfieldenterprises.com/ courses for more details and to book or call 01458 444 320 to request a brochure.

SUMMER HALF-TERM Football, Netball SUMMER Athletics, Badminton, Cricket, Football, Golf, Hockey, Mini-Multis, Multi-Activity, Netball, Rugby, Squash, Tennis

Yes I can!

Summer camps BOOK ONLINE NOW millfieldenterprises.com/courses

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

Parent Talk May 2019 9

10 Parent Talk December 2012

EVENTS

Kids go free at Royal Bath & West Show Tickets are now on sale for the Royal Bath & West Show, and children - for the first time - can go free during the May half term. The Show, which will be held from 29 May to 1 June near Shepton Mallet, Somerset, offers a thrilling day out for all the family, with a packed schedule including exciting main ring attractions, live music, off-road driving, livestock and equine competitions, and plenty of local food and drink. This year’s main ring superstars are Extreme Bike Battle FMX, a team of incredible stunt riders performing spectacular tricks and defying gravity to pull off jumps, flips and somersaults. Visitors can also meet television presenter and Cotswold Farm Park owner Adam Henson, have a go on the

4x4 off-road course, witness the daring antics of the Dorset Axemen and take a ride on the enchanting miniature railway. For younger visitors, the Tractor Ted farm fun zone offers hours of entertainment, with a bouncy castle, ball pit, cinema and tractor driving school. After that, head to the popular Farming for the Family area to see chicks hatching, make mozzarella cheese, pet goats and learn how to milk a cow. Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis will be introducing live music in the Pilton Tent – with the music continuing well into the evening, why not book into the Show’s campsite and enjoy a mini festival on your doorstep? In addition, visitors can enjoy food and drink from some of the best producers in the

West Country, and taste awardwinning cider and cheese, says head of shows Alan Lyons. “The Royal Bath & West Show is a true celebration of Great British agriculture, entertainment, food and drink, and we look forward to welcoming all of our visitors and exhibitors later this year.”

The Royal Bath & West Show will be held on 29 May – 1 June. Tickets are available from the website: www.bathandwest.com or by calling 0844 776 6777. For further information or media enquiries contact Olivia Cooper on 01392 840009 or e-mail olivia@agri-hub.co.uk.

COMPE TITION

The Royal Bath & West Show A great day out for all the family, with children going free during half-term week. Watch spectacular stunt bike riders, meet Tractor Ted, get up close with native livestock, or sing along to the UK’s number one Take That tribute band. If you’re into sport, witness world class disabled competitors or live rugby. For festival lovers, head to the Pilton Tent for live

music, great food and drink. 29 May – 1 June at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN. https://www. bathandwest.com/royalbath-and-west-show

Parent Talk have teamed up with The Royal Bath & West show and have 5 pairs of adult tickets to give away. For your chance to win, answer the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 22 May 2019, 1pm.

What is the postcode of the Bath and West Showground? If you win this competition, we will contact you for permission to pass on your contact details to the PR company concerned. We will never pass on your details without your consent. All other entries will be deleted after the competition closes and will not be passed on to any third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

10 Parent Talk May 2019

10th-12th May: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton TA1 1JL. Join our intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splashy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way. Based on the muchloved picture book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, this mischievous celebration of play is the perfect treat for families with children aged 3+. Fri 1.30pm, Sat-Sun 10.30am & 1.30pm. 01823 283244 11th-12th May: GROW. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. It’s the first day of spring and tiny tendrils of new life are peeping out of the ground, stretching their way into the sunshine and into a riot of glorious colour. Spring is well and truly sprung in this curious, hypnotic and playful springtime adventure for 3-7 year olds! 11pm & 3pm. 01225 823409 12th May: Minterne Spring Fair. Minterne Gardens, Minterne Magna DT2 7AU. On the A352, 2 miles north of Cerne Abbas. 11am-4.30pm. In aid of the RNLI and St Andrew’s Church. Dog show, craft and food stalls, cream teas, RNLI souvenirs and much more. Classic car display, longbow demonstration by World Champion. 27 acres of fabulous gardens as featured on BBC Gardeners’ World. Entry £5, children under 16 free. A great day out for all the family. 15th-16th May: Dinosaur World Live. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare, BS23 1HP. Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. Grab your compass and join an intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. A special meet and greet after the show offers all brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend. Age: 3+ Wed 4.30pm Thurs 10.30am & 4.30pm. 01934 645544 16th-17th May: Carina the Crocodile. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Ever pondered on the meaning of life? Well, so has Carina the Croc. The good news is that you and she will discover the answer in this performance! 10am & 11.15am Age: 6mths – 4yrs. 01225 823409 17th-19th May: Stick by Me. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. A show about friendship and play and the importance of treasuring little things. Fri 10am & 1pm, Sat/Sun 11.30am & 3pm. Age: 3-6 yrs. 01225 823409

18th May: Levels best farmers market Montacute House, Montacute, TA15 6XP. Great local produce and crafts at this award winning market. 10am-2pm. 01935 823289 19th May: The Glitter Run Remix. Wincanton racecourse, Wincanton, BA9 8BJ. Raise funds for St Margaret’s Hospice. Run, walk, skip or even dance your way around our sparkling, bubbly and colourful 5k Glitter Run Remix course. The 5k run will consist of two sparkling bio-degradable glitter stations, two bursting bubble stations and a colourful paint party to finish. All runners will receive a medal for finishing the race. 11am-4pm. 0845 034 2188. www.st-margarets-hospice. org.uk 23rd-26th May: Tottington Hall comes to Montacute House, Montacute, TA15 6XP. Montacute House was the inspiration for Tottington Hall – the setting for Wallace and Gromit’s adventures in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. As 2019 marks 30 years of Wallace & Gromit, Tottington Hall is coming to Montacute House as part of those celebrations. Booking essential. 03442 491895/01935 823289 23rd May-1st July: Hunt for the Were-Rabbit at Montacute House, Montacute, TA15 6XP. Help Gromit find Wallace before the full moon rises again! 10am-4.30pm. 01935 823289 25th May: A Commotion in the Ocean. Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton, TA1 1JL. Demeter (Goddess of Harvest & Agriculture) is having a bad day. All she wants is some peace and quiet, but there is too much noise, distraction and plastic! Poseidon (God of the Sea, Earthquakes and Horses) decides to help. He means well, but he isn’t really helping. To distract Poseidon, Demeter decides to send him on a quest. He comes back with more than she bargained for, but it might just help save the planet. 10am & 12pm. Age: 5+. Music from Kid Carpet and lots of bubbles. 01823 283244 25th May-1st June: Time Traveller Trail at The Museum of Somerset, Taunton TA1 4AA. Collect a trail at the beginning of your visit and use your imagination to explore the museum. 10am-5pm. 01823 255088 25th-27th May: A Castle at war: Medieval Knight School. Dunster Castle, Dunster, TA24 6SL. Seize the chance to be trained as knights by St George himself and march in full medieval regalia. Mount a hobby horse to join the joust and play a heraldry based game of twister. Booking not needed. Free event (admission applies). 11am-4pm. 01643 823004 25th May-2nd June: Wildlife week at Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Cheddar, BS27 3QF. 01934 742343

28th May: Salty Seas: Play in a day with Wassail Theatre Company. Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton, TA1 1JL. Inspired by a Salty Seas theme for half term, the group will create their own wet and wild story. A fun day for children and young people making new friends, improving performance skills and growing in confidence. 10am. Running time – 6 hours. Age: 7+. 01823 283244 28th-30th May: English Civil War. Dunster Castle, Dunster, TA24 6SL. Learn more about this turbulent period in British History, perfect your Pike Drill and learn how to fire a cannon. Free event (admission applies). 11am-4pm. 01643 823004 28th May: Donkey Day at Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury, BA6 8DB. Meet friendly visiting donkeys at the museum for the whole day. Also, get creative and make some donkey crafts as well as chance to spot all of the cuddly donkeys hidden around the museum in a donkey trail. 10am-5pm. 01458 831197 30th May: Family Fun: Victorian day. Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury, BA6 8DB. Come and experience rural Victorian life in a Victorian farmhouse. Age: 3+. Drop in. 10am-5pm. 01458 831197 30th May-1st June: The Girl of Ink and Stars. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. They say the day the Governor arrived, the ravens did too. All the smaller birds flew backwards into the sea, and that is why there are no songbirds on the island of Joya. Only huge, ragged ravens. First adaptation of the awardwinning children’s book, staged by students from Bath School of Music and Performance and presented with permission from the author. Thurs-Fri 7.15pm, Sat 11am, 3pm & 7.15pm. Age: 10+. 01225 823409. 30th May-1st June: The Wind in the Willows. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. Kenneth Grahame’s wild tale about the thrill-seeking, lovable menace Mr. Toad comes to life in a brand new West End musical with a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and Olivier Award-winning composers and lyricists George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Thurs-Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm. 01935 422884 31st May-2nd June: A castle at war: Second World War, Dunster Castle, Dunster, TA24 6SL. Be put through your paces with this Second World War assault course and stand to attention with helmets and rifles. Next you will learn how to throw a grenade surrounded by authentic wartime battle sounds. Free event (admission applies). 11am-4pm. 01643 823004

EVENTS 1st June: Long Load Village Day. Charm House field, Long Load, TA10 9LB. 12 noon – 4pm. Cream teas, hawk and owl display, wacky races, silent auction, raffle, market stalls, vintage cars plus much more. Proceeds to Long Load village and St Margaret’s Hospice. 1st June: Long Load Evening Party. Marquee in Charm House field, Long Load, TA10 9LB. 7pm – midnight. Live music, hog roast, licensed bar £10 per ticket/under 12s £5. Proceeds to Long Load village and St Margaret’s Hospice. 1st June: Frome Carnival Fun Day. Victoria Park, Frome, BA11 1EB. Fun fair, train rides, music, food and loads of stalls with games and interesting things to buy + a dog show! Family events. 2nd June: Mendip Challenge. Devonshire Road, Weston super Mare, BS23 4NY. Challenge yourself by taking on an exciting 10, 20 or 30 mile walk following the stunning West Mendip Way. Get your boots at the ready and prepare to walk (or run) and raise money for Weston Hospicecare. Adults £15, child £10 register www.westonhospicecare.org. uk/mendip. 01934 423960 5th June: Minehead Middle School Summer Concert. The Regal Theatre, Minehead. Annual concert starring pupils from all year groups. Featuring the Minehead Middle School Choir, solo, group, instrumental and vocal performances. 6.30pm. 01643 706430 5th-9th June: Emil and the Detectives. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Never underestimate the determination of a child!

Young Emil catches a train to visit family in the big city. Something valuable is stolen. But the thief soon discovers Emil was not such an easy target. A group of quickthinking and resourceful children rallies around. Can a bunch of kids work together to uncover and outsmart the true criminal? Wed 1pm & 7pm, Thurs-Fri 10am & 1pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am & 3pm. Age: 8+. 01225 823409. 8th June: Margot Fonteyn Centenary Celebration. Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton, TA2 8PD. Margot Fonteyn was an iconic figure in British ballet. Join Ballet Theatre UK as they mark the centenary of the great ballet icon with a celebration of her greatest moments in the classical ballet repertoire, including highlights from Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle and many more. 7.30pm. 01823 414141 9th June: The Glitter Run Remix. The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, BA5 2PD. Raise funds for St Margaret’s Hospice. Run, walk, skip or even dance your way around our sparkling, bubbly and colourful 5k Glitter Run Remix course. The 5k run will consist of two sparkling bio-degradable glitter stations, two bursting bubble stations and a colourful paint party to finish. All runners will receive a medal for finishing the race. 11am-4pm. 0845 034 2188. www.st-margarets-hospice.org. uk 0845 034 2188 10th-11th June: Primary Dance Festival presented by Heathfield Community School at Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton, TA2 8PD. A collaboration of Heathfield

Community School with Blackbrook, Ruishton, West Monkton and North Petherton primary schools in two evenings of dance. 7pm. 01823 414141 12th-16th June: Tom Gates Live on Stage! The Playhouse, Weston super Mare, B223 1HP. Based on the best-selling books by Liz Pichon, this brand-new story is bought to you by the award-winning producers of Horrible Histories and Gangsta Granny. It’s pure fun for the whole family whether you're a lover of the books or new to Tom and his friends! Wed 7pm, Thurs 1.30pm & 7pm, Fri 10.30am & 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm. Sun 11am & 3pm. 01934 645544 13th June: The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton, TA2 8PD. This timeless classic has made its way off the page and onto the stage. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories, and of course, the star of the show celebrating its 50th Birthday in 2019 The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 1pm & 4.30pm. Age: 1+. 01823 414141 14th-16th June: Ballet Central. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Ballet Central returns to the egg with the chance to see young dance graduates on the cusp of their professional careers perform a varied programme of classical ballet and contemporary dance theatre. Fri 7pm, Sat 1pm & 4pm, Sun 12 noon & 3pm. All ages. 01225 823409

14th-16th June: Top of the Gorge Festival. The festival hub, is located in paddocks above Black Rock at the top of Cheddar Gorge, ST487/543. Vehicle access is via Warren Farm in Blagdon, BS40 7XR. Welcoming campers and day visitors alike, Top of the Gorge festival is a carnival of outdoor adventure, entertainment, inspiration and fantastic local food and drink. 0344 249 1895 15th-16th June: Redcoats and Rebels, Dunster Castle, Dunster, TA24 6SL. Join the Taunton Garrison for a weekend of rolling skirmishes, cannon and musket displays and a living history encampment. Meet in front of Tenants’ Hall. Booking not needed. Free event (admission applies). 10.30am-4.30pm. 01643 823004 19th June: Jazz Dance Company: Iconic. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. 7.30pm. Jazz Dance Company’s Iconic tour is an epic celebration of current & historical movements, moments & figures: exploring a world of idols from Elvis Presley to Michael Jackson, Dali to Da Vinci, Ginger Rogers to Gene Kelly and many more. Serious, satirical or sassy, the Jazz Dance Company showcase styles from Hip Hop, Commercial and Contemporary to Musical Theatre, Tap, Technical and Lyrical Jazz, presenting a show that is diverse, entertaining, vibrant and bursting with attitude. Featuring dancers from prestigious professional training school, London Studio Centre, with dance created by leading choreographers from stage and screen. 7.30pm. 01935 422884

18th-23rd June: Honk! The Musical. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Honk! The Musical is flying the nest after a critically-acclaimed, award nominated run in London. This musical egg-stravaganza is bursting with puppetry, magic, illusions …and water guns! Tues 1pm, Wed-Fri:10am & 1pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am & 3pm. All ages. 01225 823409 22nd June: Wiveliscombe celebrates Make Music Day. Local schools take part in musical sessions on Friday 21st June and on Saturday 22nd it’s the turn of the whole town!

Parade at mid-day to the town square followed by workshops to encourage people to try out instruments. Performances by a variety of local groups. www. facebook.com/WiveyMMD 22nd June: Outdoor theatre: The Secret Garden, Dunster Castle, Dunster, TA24 6SL. Meeting point – on Green Court in front of the castle. Loved by children and adults alike, relive this tale of secrecy and curiosity in what will be one of the highlights of the summer. Booking essential 7-9pm.Bring your own rugs or low-backed seating. 01643 821314

Somerset Day takes place on 11th May how will you be celebrating? Saturday 11th May 2019 sees the fifth Somerset Day take place. How will you be celebrating? The Somerset Day website (www.somersetday.com) has a list of events that are taking place in the week leading up to 11th May, over the weekend, and in the week following. From tea parties to craft fairs, from morris dancing to town criers, here’s a taster of what’s to come. Keep an eye on the website as events are being added all the time! And if you’re planning an event in your community, don’t forget to let everyone know by posting details on the Somerset Day website. St. Margaret’s Hospice in Taunton will be celebrating

Somerset Day by serving tea, coffee and homemade cakes in their Sunflower Centre at the Taunton Hospice on Friday 10th May from 1pm to 3pm. Everyone is welcome to join them. The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards, will be held at the Conference Centre, Bridgwater and Taunton College, Wellington Road, Taunton on Friday 10th May 7pm - 10pm. If you’d like to nominate a young person under 20 who lives in Somerset, whose achievements deserve recognition, then nominations are open until 12th April. Bishops Lydeard Somerset Day Yarnbomb will be in place for the whole month of May, based on Jules Verne’s Around

the World in 80 Days. Please pop along and see all the hard work that has been done this year to make the beautiful village even more colourful. On 11th May from 12pm - 6pm, The Railway Inn, Sandford will have live music from ‘The Mangled Wurzels’, dancing and entertainment from Mendip Morris, tractors old and new on display, Thatchers Cider and cheese sampling, a charity cake sale, and entertainment for the kids! Visit the award winning Eat:Taunton on Saturday 11th May 2019 10am - 5pm in Hammet Street, Taunton. This is a free to attend locally focused food and drink festival in the heart of the county town. The Ilminster Town Crier

competition takes place on Saturday 11th May from 10.30 to 2pm. Town Criers from Lichfield to Launceston and Bromyard to Bognor will parade along East Street to the Market Square where they will compete for a variety of trophies. They hope to have a cry from one of the youngest Town Criers in the United Kingdom, 10 year old Ollie Pinder-Day. Also on 11th May, between 2pm and 4pm, the renowned Albion Quartet returns to Hestercombe Gardens to play three wonderful string quartets. They present a programme named “The Art of Fugue; Voices in Dialogue”, exploring the beauty of the four equal voices of the quartet acting as one organism.

Image: Craig Stone Photography at Eat:Taunton

The Centre for Young Musicians Taunton, is proud to be a part of Somerset Day 2019. There will be an opportunity for visitors to see the Centre in

action with a tour of the Centre and to enjoy a Soloists’ Concert by CYMT students at 12.00 in the Willow Cafe at Richard Huish College.

For easy family meals, book reviews and news, visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

Parent Talk May 2019 11

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

New Nursery opening How to keep your in September 2019 in child (and yourself!) Taunton, Somerset calm this exam A fantastic opportunity for your child to join a brand new nursery on the site of Nerrols Primary School, opening in September 2019 in Cheddon Fitzpaine on the edge of Taunton. Take advantage of our state of the art nursery – with large purpose built open classrooms and a dedicated outdoor play area. Children will also be able to use the facilities at Nerrols, including an all-weather sports pitch, vegetable garden, pond and a wide range of play equipment. We’re near the spectacular Somerset countryside and the newly planted wood where children will be able to take part in fun forest school activities. We aim to make your child feel happy and secure, enjoy fun times, make friends, take part in exciting, engaging and

season

interesting activities and be inspired with the confidence to achieve their potential. To keep up to date with news, updates, vacancies and to apply for a nursery place, please visit

our website for more details www.nerrolsprimary.co.uk. Nerrols Primary is part of the Richard Huish Trust, linked to Richard Huish College, which is rated by Ofsted as ‘Outstanding’. Exam season can be a stressful time for both children and parents, often marked by sleep deprivation. AXA PPP healthcare has information on the effects of broken sleep on children and how parents can support a child who may be suffering from insomnia through exams. Recommended total sleep time for children and the effect of broken sleep A toddler needs about 13 hours of sleep, a 5-8 year old about 1011 hours, and 12-16 year olds about 9-10 hours every day. Having the odd bad night’s sleep – as we all do sometimes – is not much of a concern, but long term sleep impairment can lead to a number of complications including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Not getting enough sleep can also lead to moodiness and irritability, not the most conducive qualities for a happy, productive child. The amount of sleep a person needs increases if he or she has suffered a restless night in previous days as too little sleep creates a ‘sleep debt’ that can impair judgement and reactivity. Research into dependence on technology There is a lot of research that suggests an increasing dependence on technology among children. For example, market research firm Childwise found that children aged five to 16 spent an average of six and a half hours a day in front of a screen. However, with society as a whole increasing its dependence on technology,

12 Parent Talk May 2019

this is not surprising. The key thing is not to let technological devices interfere with your child’s sleep. Encourage them to ‘switch off’ about an hour before bedtime. Having some time to wind down will help ensure a restful night’s sleep – and of course don’t forget this is great for your perfect night’s sleep too. Sleep tips ● Stay active during the day. Regular exercise during the day increases your metabolism and helps relieve stress and anxiety by reducing stress hormones, which in turn will improve your sleep. Try a lunchtime walk or a gym session on your way home just make sure you give yourself time to relax before bed as your body temperature needs to cool before you drop off. ● Eat and drink well. It’s also advisable to watch what you eat and drink and avoid smoking. Caffeine and nicotine are all stimulants that can affect your ability to go to sleep and also the quality of your sleep, making you more likely to wake up during the night. A glass of wine may help you to fall asleep, but alcohol can disturb your sleep, making you more likely to wake up during the night and wake earlier in the morning. Avoid a heavy or spicy meal just before bed as the effects of your food metabolism can keep you awake. But don’t go to bed hungry – a light snack before bedtime is ideal. ● Create a calm environment. Try removing any distractions that may keep you awake, and keep your bedroom free from

computers, TVs and phones. You may want to try blackout curtains, eye shades or ear plugs. Aim to create a calm sleeping environment by turning your room into a dark, quiet, clean and comfortable haven. Your body will soon adapt. ● It’s all about routine. Try to develop a relaxing night-time routine that prepares your body and mind for sleep. It could be taking a hot bath, reading a book, listening to calming music or having a milky drink – the choice is yours! Just try and stay away from bright lights and stressful situations just before bedtime. ● If you can’t sleep, get up. We all know how frustrating it can be if you don’t fall asleep after 20 minutes or so. Next time this happens, try getting out of bed and reading a book or listening to music, only going back to bed when you feel tired. Likewise, if you find yourself dozing on the sofa too early, get up and do a few jobs so you save your shut-eye time for the bedroom. ● Record your sleep patterns. Keeping a sleep diary can help you monitor when you fall asleep and wake up, how many times you wake up during the night and how rested you feel in the morning. After a week, reflecting on your notes can help you pinpoint the cause of your sleep problems, identify what helps and what makes the situation worse. For more information on how to get a good night’s sleep, please visit AXA PPP healthcare’s sleep hub.

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Building confidence, self-esteem and resilience at Queen’s

Get your child off to a great start

As usual, our Summer Term at Queen’s College Pre-Prep is proving to be exciting and eventful. Our busy programme of transitional activities for those children who will be joining Reception in September and the familiarisation activities for our Year 2 children who will be moving into the Junior are well under way. These events allow the children to experience their new environments and get to know their new teachers, ensuring a relaxed and happy transition. During the Pre-Prep years, we provide a wide range of activities to help the children develop their confidence which is key to them settling and achieving. It is always a joy to see less confident children blossom as their confidence grows. Our supportive learning environment, where all are encouraged to ‘have a go’, and the variety of educational activities inside and outside of the classrooms ensure a range of opportunities for children to experiment and try out activities outside their comfort zone.

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. At Taunton School, we pride ourselves on giving all children the very best experience so that they are challenged, nurtured and inspired to fulfil their potential. With some availability in our Reception Classes for September 2019 start, now is the perfect time to apply for a place. Your child will benefit from superb teaching, small class sizes, extended opening times, excellent facilities, after-school clubs, activities and trips, freshly cooked meals that are prepared on-site and of course, highly qualified, passionate staff. Taunton School is based on one 56-acre campus, educating children from 6 months of age up to 18 years, from Nursery, Pre-Prep, Preparatory and Senior, through to Sixth Form. It’s a popular choice for families who see the advantages of a ‘through-school’.

Reception children at Queen’s College Pre-Prep present a Family Assembly on ‘Healthy Bodies’.

Our Enrichment Week is always a highlight for the PrePrep children. This year our programme includes a History Day, a Music Day, a Physical Day, a Forest School Day and a Space Day. Our enrichment activities allow the children to challenge themselves with new experiences, improve their social and interpersonal skills and further develop self-esteem, confidence, and emotional awareness – all core life skills. Life skills learned early serve as a strong foundation for a child’s future development and at Queen’s we recognise

that, in a constantly changing environment, developing these skills is an essential part of being able to meet the challenges of, and adapt to, everyday life. Today’s students are entering a world requiring flexibility, resilience and adaptability. It is our aim to ensure that, from an early age, we provide our pupils with the skills needed to ensure successful and fulfilling futures. Come and see Queen’s College Pre-Prep and Nursery in action – book a personal visit by emailing junioradmissions@ queenscollege.org.uk or calling 01823 278928.

With up to 30 hours of free childcare available per week for children who meet the eligibility criteria, this funding allows you to access the outstanding care in Taunton School Nursery. The school offers a stretched system that enables you to access funding throughout 51 weeks

of the year ensuring flexibility and convenience. So what do our parents say? “There’s never been a day when my children have not wanted to go to school” “It’s an inclusive sort of place… you’d struggle not to fit in”

For more, visit www.tauntonschool.co.uk or call 01823 703703

CHALLENGE

NURTURE

Starting School this September? We still have spaces available in our Reception classes. We’d love to hear from you. Contact us on tppsadmissions@tauntonschool.co.uk or call 01823 703302.

www.tauntonschool.co.uk

INSPIRE Parent Talk May 2019 13

14 Parent Talk December 2012

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Three in five parents consider their child a 'fussy eater' Fussy kids will refuse to eat two meals a week, while two more are thrown away practically untouched. A survey of 2,000 parents of kids aged four to 16 found three in five consider their child a 'fussy eater'. The research by the UK’s leading meal kit company, HelloFresh UK, revealed that nearly one in two parents feel obliged to cook more than one different meal each night to make sure everyone around the table will eat their dinner. And 60 per cent long for the day when they can cook one meal which everyone in the family is happy to eat. Forty five per cent feel they spend more time in the kitchen than needed trying to appease everyone with the meals they want. Despite these efforts, the average parent will have their child outright refuse to eat two of the meals they prepare each week, and two meals will only be picked at before being thrown away. Andre Dupin, Head Chef at HelloFresh UK, which commissioned the study, said: “Creating a meal that everyone will enjoy is really important to parents. “From our study we see that parents are spending hours making multiple meals in order to feed the whole family and are still met with resistance from fussy eaters.” Flavour Expert and Food Scientist, Dr Rachel EdwardsStuart, who advised HelloFresh UK on flavour profiling and eating habits commented: “How we perceive flavour involves all of the five senses and kids dislike foods based on their taste, look, texture, smell and the sound of eating them. "But there are also many environmental factors that influence whether they like or dislike certain foods.” When it comes to the foods parents find most difficult to get their kids to eat, mushrooms, leeks, onions and cauliflower prove the hardest to slip into their meals. A third think their child would turn their nose up at anything spicy, while one in four believe their child is resistant to anything on their plate which is green. One in six kids refuse to eat bread unless the crusts have been cut off, and 16 per cent demand their food is separated 14 Parent Talk May 2019

on the plate so each element doesn’t touch. Parents surveyed mentioned that picking out ingredients they don’t like is a common occurrence with one in five kids doing this on a regular basis and three in 10 kids sending a meal back to their parent if it looks a bit burnt. Parents also utilise techniques in an attempt to try and get their kids eating. A quarter of parents surveyed let their child eat in front of the TV,and two in five will tell them they only have to try a little bit, rather than finishing their entire plate. Though 22 per cent will try to disguise the fuss-causing food in a sauce so their child doesn’t even know they are eating it. Some tough-to-please kids aren’t easily fooled, however. When presented with a food they dislike, 38 per cent flat-out refuse to touch their dinner, and one in seven burst into tears as a diversion. One in four kids will attempt to bargain with their parents to try and avoid eating what is in front of them, and 14 per cent will attempt to dispose of their dinner in the bin themselves. As a result of these tantrums, 45 per cent of parents, surveyed by OnePoll.com, worry their child might not be eating a balanced diet. The fussy eating doesn’t stop there, with three in 10 parents calling their partner out on their picky preferences when it comes to their meals. To avoid the risk of having to throw an uneaten meal away, two thirds of parents say they stick to a regular menu of meals which they know are guaranteed to please, rather than trying new things at

dinner time. Dr Rachel Edwards-Stuart added: “Getting children involved in meal selection and helping in the kitchen so they have a positive and creative association with food is a beneficial way to counteract fussy eating and create good eating habits.” Andre Dupin, added: “Dinner time should be an opportunity to expand our kids’ food horizons, helping them to discover new foods they love, rather than feeding them the same meals night in, night out. ''We listen to both parents and kids who use HelloFresh to understand what the whole family want from their evening meal and develop recipes that both adults and kids enjoy so everyone can share and enjoy the one meal.”

Top 20 foods fussy eaters dislike Mushrooms Marmite Leeks Onions Cauliflower Pesto Peppers Tomatoes Peanut butter Broccoli Lettuce Lamb Pork mince Fish Eggs Peaches Cucumber Beef mince Beef Sandwich meat such as ham

Underage access to online pornographic content biggest fear for UK parents Three quarters (75%) of parents worry about their children accessing – or inadvertently stumbling upon - inappropriate adult content online, according to new research. The study of 1,500 parents, by leading age-verification provider, AgeChecked, found that websites containing pornographic material were the biggest concern for children’s safety and wellbeing. This was ahead of gambling platforms (51%) and shopping sites that sell restricted items such as knives and alcohol (40%). The worrying impact of adult content on young people’s mental health was recently highlighted in a report by the NSPCC. The charity cited widespread confusion over what constitutes “normal” intimate activity as a cause for increasing peer sexual abuse. However, despite this clear need to safeguard minors against viewing inappropriate content online, fewer than half of the parents surveyed believe that current age restrictions in place are working effectively. Better online age checks form a key part of the Digital

Economy Act, which will require the adult industry to check the age of all online users when a new law comes into force across the United Kingdom on 15 July 2019. This is in addition to growing pressure on social media platforms to better regulate their content. The research found that 59% of children have used social media by the age of 10, even though many of these have a minimum age requirement of 14. Currently, the adult industry is able to promote explicit content via certain social platforms that are easily accessible by children. However, there is nothing

within new Digital Economy Act regulations to stop sites from continuing to advertise their services in this way. Alastair Graham, CEO of AgeChecked, said: “Pressure is mounting for adult content providers to ensure they are operating entirely within the law. Although parents have a responsibility to protect their children, it’s almost impossible to constantly monitor exactly what they are doing online. The onus is therefore also on the adult industry to help safeguard young people – who can be too-easily warped by what they see on the Internet.”

What age should parents allow children to babysit younger siblings? A survey from the UK’s largest online platform for childcare providers, parents, schools and tutors has revealed that the majority of UK parents are happy to have their 12-year-old child babysit younger siblings for an evening. Childcare.co.uk surveyed more than 5,000 of its members and found that two thirds of parents are comfortable leaving younger children with older siblings who are 12-years-old for an evening. For overnight stays the majority of parents are comfortable with a sibling who is 15-years-old. Parents were asked ‘At what age would you feel comfortable having your child babysit their younger siblings for an evening and overnight?’. The youngest age received for an evening was 10-years-old and for overnight was 13-years-old. The full results from the survey can be found at: www. childcare.co.uk/blog/siblingbabysitting. When the parents were also asked if they would let their

child babysit siblings who are younger than 2-years-old, nearly all said no. When asked what age parents would be comfortable leaving their child home alone for two hours or less, more than half of parents said 11-years-old. A third said 12-years-old, a tenth said 13-years-old and 5% answered 10-years-old. According to UK law it is not an offence to leave a child alone unless they are at risk. However, the NSPCC states that ‘children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time, children under 16 shouldn’t be left alone overnight and babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone’. Childcare.co.uk is a platform which allows parents to search for and connect with babysitters, childminders, nannies, nurseries, private tutors and schools and also allows childcare providers to advertise their services. The site has more than 2 million users nationwide and is the largest online community for parents in

the UK having launched in 2009. Richard Conway, founder of Childcare.co.uk, said: “While we do not have any babysitters on our site under the age of 18, it’s interesting to see the age parents are happy to allow older siblings to babysit at. I don’t think there’s any right or wrong answer, unless it’s ludicrously young, because every child is different and maturity levels vary dramatically. I think what is important to note is that you’re not putting your child under any stress by having them childcare. “Many parents see it as a way of character building and becoming more responsible young adults, and I’m sure most of the time it does just that. Also, siblings are usually very familiar with each other’s needs and know the workings of their household, so I don’t think it can be compared with an actual babysitter, who is new to the family.” www.gov.uk/law-on-leavingyour-child-home-alone

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Early intervention vital to get girls into future workforce

“Early intervention is essential for encouraging girls to study STEM, preparing them for the jobs of the future and hopefully, building their confidence to pursue careers in the field.” George Brasher, Managing Director – HP UK & Ireland

Underpinning almost everything in the UK today is the rise of tech. But there’s a challenge: experts describe a 40,000-strong shortfall in people with the necessary STEM skills to meet the demands of the UK economy. At the same time, women comprise only 17% of the UK tech workforce. According to new research commissioned by HP, one in five women who chose not to study

STEM said it was because they ‘didn’t know anything about it’. What’s more, 32% of women who aren’t in technical roles said it was because they felt underqualified. This suggests negative associations with, or an initial lack of interest in, STEM start early and persist into adulthood. Last month, I hosted a round table discussion on the barriers

women face to joining the UK tech industry and how, working together, the industry can address such issues and attract much needed women into the industry. Held in partnership with The Fawcett Society and Tech Talent Charter, it brought together policymakers, business figures and, most importantly, young women. Here’s one of the conclusions that stood out: early intervention is essential for encouraging girls to study STEM, preparing them for the jobs of the future and hopefully building their confidence to pursue careers in the field. Firstly, for children, unless we show how attractive these areas of academia and employment are, we’ll be swimming against the tide thereafter. Before they’re faced with choices about studies or careers, we need them to think STEM and tech are fun and fulfilling – and for this to be underscored by an understanding that they’re

Didn’t get your preferred Secondary School place? There is another option… Parents choosing secondary schools for their children were on tenterhooks during March waiting to hear the outcome of the lottery everyone has to engage in for places allocated by local authorities. For many, they were awarded a place at their preferred school but for some, the wait resulted in disappointment and frustration. If your child is one of the unfortunate ones, you may be going through an appeal process or, perhaps, still searching for an alternative choice. If this resonates with you, it’s good to know that there is indeed another way. Increasingly, families are choosing a school where not only academic lessons but also a wide range of sports, drama, dance and music are part of the curriculum – at no extra childcare costs. Downside near Chilcompton, Somerset, is one such school. Traditionally a boarding school, Downside has seen a change in the flow of admissions over the past 12 months with the highest level of day pupil applicants for several years.

within their capabilities. And the opportunities to do so are aplenty. Personally, I find it inspiring to see the impact of STEM everywhere – it’s at the cutting edge, creating the products and services which impact our lives. Not only is the subject matter interesting, but it pays to study STEM too. According to PwC, if a girl studies maths and one science at A’level, she’ll earn 30% more than her peers who did not. At the edifice of innovation, careers in the tech industry are creative, challenging, and rewarding. At HP, for instance, we’re embedded in a culture geared towards meaningful growth and progress – what we do matters, and this is only set to continue given the rate of research and development. But how do we get girls to engage? The advantage of tech is that it’s ubiquitous. As parents or guardians, you can be change-makers by empowering girls to interact with tech – and

importantly, making sure they feel supported in their choice to study STEM. Our research also showed that when it comes to women’s career influencers, family came out on top (46%). Clearly, it’s critical for parents and guardians to communicate to children – particularly girls – that these career paths are open to them. At HP, we’re committed to bringing new tech into classrooms to inspire girls – as well as all other children. In the UK, we’ve invested £4.1m in computing resources for the schools most in need; we’ve also granted over £300,000 in STEM funding in England and Wales in the past year, focusing on supporting schools and staff who are driving STEM-based learning. Beyond the classroom, our ‘Careers of Tomorrow’ initiative gives students insight into the ‘cool careers’ that STEM learning can provide, enabling them to experience first-hand what life

could be like as part of the UK tech workforce. While we believe striving for equality is fundamentally a good thing, there’s also an economic imperative. The UK’s tech sector will never lead the world if we only recruit from half the population – women and girls are as able as men and boys, and we must subvert stereotypes that say otherwise. Striving towards gender parity in the tech workforce will help bridge the country’s skills gap, fuel growth and secure the UK’s place as a global leader in digital innovation. While there’s no single solution to addressing the shortfall of women in tech, one thing is for sure: there is a powerful motivation from everyone to fix this issue. By working together as an industry, alongside educators, parents, guardians and policymakers, we can and must make tech more appealing and accessible for women from the outset.

OPEN DAY SATURDAY 18TH MAY 2019 9.15am – 1.00pm

‘The quality of Downside pupils’ personal development is excellent.’ ISI REPORT 2018 The School day at Downside runs from 8.20am to 6pm, with an option to stay up to 9pm if wished, meaning that prep and exam revision can be done in a supervised atmosphere, surrounded by other pupils. Parent feedback tells us that this is not only effective, but also helps home life for the child. In addition, there are daily School minibuses running to all corners of the county to

make travel arrangements easier. Increasingly, parents are taking advantage of a day place at Downside, where the school day fits the working day, and co-curricular activities are all on-site as part of the offer at no extra charge. Come to our next Open Day on Saturday 18th May, or make a private visit to see what a day place at Downside School can offer you and your family.

admissions@downside.co.uk / 01761 235103 / www.downside.co.uk

Fully co-educational I Day & Boarding School Extensive facilities and stunning grounds Flexible school minibus network Scholarships & bursaries available

admissions@downside.co.uk I 01761 235103 www.downside.co.uk 2019_05_18_OpenDayAdvert.indd 1

25/04/2019 15:50:57

Parent Talk May 2019 15

16 Parent Talk December 2012

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Why Dads should act their shoe size If this was a school report, dads would find ‘Must do better!’ stamped on pretty much every page. Let me say this as simply as I can: pretty much across the board, mums are superheroes. In the happiest families, it is the dad that also steps up to the plate. Therefore, although this advice applies to both males and females, I’m aiming it more at dads because they are the ones who need to pull their parenting socks up the most. Let me introduce you to the little known but oh-sopowerful ‘Matthew Effect’. This is when an initial success in something leads to even greater success. And, conversely, if we are unsuccessful, we’re likely to become even more unsuccessful. It explains why the rich get richer and the poor poorer, but it also applies to parenting. Let’s take the example of reading - children who start off reading well will get better and better compared to their peers, because they will read even more broadly and quickly. The more words they learn the easier and more enjoyable reading becomes. On the other hand, it’s very hard for poor readers to catch up because, for them, the spiral goes downwards. Thus the gap between those who read well and those who read poorly grows even bigger rather than smaller. According to the Matthew Effect success snowballs, but so does failure. Dads and grandads, I don’t want you to think I’m having a pop at you but the biggest single factor in your son/ grandson reading books is if he sees a male role model reading books. That, good sir, is YOU! (if you’re a female reading this article, please find a male and read this page to them) The Matthew Effect shows up everywhere. Ben Zander talks about the transformation that happens when a young person learns to love music. For most, the early days are a chore. If you’ve ever suffered 3 blind mice on a recorder, or caterwauling scales on the clarinet, you have my sympathy. The early days of learning a musical instrument are classic Eric Morecambe territory; ‘they’re hitting all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order’. As a parent you have to hang in there and pretend you’re enjoying it. Even then, some kids will quit.

Dr Andy Cope

But some ride through the storm. These kids lean forward and begin to play. They engage, either with the teacher or with the music. They achieve some early breakthroughs, maybe playing a piece that they recognise. As they connect they lift themselves off the piano seat suddenly becoming what Zander calls ‘one-buttock players’. They’re lifted by passion and engagement. And from here on in, they experience giant leaps of learning. If I’m allowed to stretch Zander’s wonderful analogy beyond music and reading, if you want your children to find their passion (sport, maths, cooking, science, stand-up comedy; it doesn’t matter what) the Matthew Effect says that some early wins are crucial in your child powering ahead. The biggest thing you can do to facilitate that is to live it too. So, reading-wise, if the biggest thing a dad can do is to be seen reading, then it extends to all those other activities too. Put yourself out there. If you child is learning the violin, challenge yourself to learn it too. Play together. Paint together. Laugh together. ● Trampolining. Bounce together. ● Baking. Make cakes together. ● Art. Draw together. ● Stand-up comedy. Tell jokes together. ● Science. Dissect frogs together. On reflection, that’s messy. Go to the science museum together instead. ● Football. Kickabout together ● Spellings. Learn them together ● Drama. Go to the theatre together My dare is simply this - join them, play, act your shoe size. Why? Because the rule of parenting is this; your children will not do what you say, but they will do what you do.

Dr Andy Cope is a happiness expert and bestselling author of The Little Book of Being Brilliant available now on Amazon. Find out more about Andy at www.artofbrilliance.co.uk 16 Parent Talk May 2019

NURSERYdirectory Busy Bees Nursery, Portishead Fantastic setting near the marina, providing good childcare, large carpark with easy access for drop off and pick up and easy access to M5. Large and exciting outdoor area for all children to enjoy. From 3 months. We accept childcare vouchers. www.busybeeschildcare. co.uk 01275 847275 Hazlegrove Nursery and Pre-Prep, Sparkford. Our Nursery is a lovely first step into the Hazlegrove community. Children learn that the school is somewhere they can have fun, and they start to build relationships with staff, and friendships with each other. The winning combination of experienced committed staff and small class sizes, creates a friendly, stimulating and secure environment for the children. The Nursery provides a vibrant and engaging space for pre-school children and is the ideal start to their school life. For more information, please contact Victoria Dando on 01963 442 606 admissions@hazlegrove.co.uk King’s Hall Nursery, King’s Hall School, TA2 8AA King’s Hall is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 13. Traditional yet progressive, the school is set in 50 acres of rolling Somerset countryside. While sharing the preparatory school’s superb facilities, the Nursery itself is self-contained and operates in a peaceful and secure environment. Cosy log cabin classrooms, a vast on-site Forest School, and highly experienced staff make King’s Hall Nursery a natural choice for children aged 2 to 4 years. 01823 285928

Little Steps Preschool, North Newton TA7 0BG Offering fantastic learning opportunities for children aged 2-5yrs in a rural village setting getting out and about as much as possible. Highly qualified staff with extensive experience. Opening times Mon-Thurs 8am-3pm and accept 2,3 & 4yr old funding. To come & visit please contact Helen Barham, Preschool Manager Tel: 07745 229438 Email: little.steps@outlook. com Millfield Pre-Prep School (Ages 2-7), situated in the beautiful Prep campus in Glastonbury. Our aim is to encourage a love of learning through a combination of classroom and outdoor activities, using a child-led curriculum, small class sizes and excellent facilities, including our on-site Forest School and indoor swimming pool. Over 20 free after-school activities as well as an Early Birds and Late Club, and a daily toddler group during term time for ages 1-3. To arrange a visit please contact: Hannah Cox in Admissions on 01458 837524 Queen’s College Highgrove Nursery, Nursery School, Pre-Prep and Reception 0-5 years. Queen’s Pre-Prep and Junior School is renowned for excellence in infant and junior education and care. The Queen's Highgrove Nursery offers year-round care for children aged 0-3 year olds. Queen’s Nursery school is situated in the Pre-Prep Department and it is here that the stepping stones to a formal education are laid. Highly qualified and experienced Nursery School staff work in close liaison with parents and the Highgrove Nursery

team, ensuring a smooth and personalised transition. Queen’s Pre-Prep takes pride in providing a rich, stimulating and diverse education within a nurturing and caring environment. www.queenscollege.org.uk 01823 278928, junioradmissions@queenscollege. org.uk Sunny Hill Pre-School and Pre-Prep Sunny Hill welcomes pre-school and primary school aged children, taking girls from 3-11 years old and boys aged 3-7. Situated in the beautiful market town of Bruton and sharing the same 40 acre campus of ‘big sister’ school, Bruton School for Girls, children have space and freedom to learn, have fun, take on new challenges and make friends. Our small classes mean that every child receives high quality, individual attention. All pupils enjoy either Forest School or John Muir outdoor education, and there is a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs and activities. Full wrap-around care is available to suit the needs of busy families, including breakfast and supper club options and free after school care until 5.30pm every day. To arrange a visit please contact: Mrs Carrie Crook in Admissions on: 01749 814401 or email: admissions@brutonschool.co.uk Taunton Nursery School for children from 0 years. Flexible Nursery Education, 7.30am- 5.45pm. Highly qualified teachers. Spectacular grounds and facilities used by all. Children can attend a combination of morning, afternoon and late club sessions. 01823 703300 www.tauntonschool.co.uk

Wellington Prep School Nursery Attractive, well-designed buildings. Talented teachers. Cheerful children. Proud parents. All this can be yours at Wellington Prep School Nursery and Pre-Nursery. EYFS can be redeemed against our fees. We would love to have your children from 3 years upwards. Open term time with holiday clubs. Please enjoy our website www.wellington-school.org.uk or call Rachel Debenham to arrange a visit. 01823 668700 Little Wellies Term time Toddler group. Open to all pre-school children every Thursday morning 9.15-11.15am, Wellington Prep School Hall. £3 per child and £1 per additional child weekly charge. Contact Marian Bassindale for more details 01823 668700 prep@wellington-school.org.uk Wyvern Nursery Ltd Nurseries across Somerset Fun learning environment is created and encouraged to ensure your child thrives as an individual. Bishops Hull Taunton 01823 327429 The Hollies Children Centre Taunton 01823 330554 Wellsprings Leisure Centre Taunton 01823 289997 Levels Children Centre Langport 01458 250003 Victoria Park Bridgwater 01278 422409 Frome Community College Frome 01373 453838 www.wyvernnursery.co.uk

To book our Nursery Directory, please call 01458 250461 follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Paintballing company offers ‘Dream Summer Job’ UK Paintball (www.ukpaintball. co.uk) have launched the search, offering a dream summer role to one lucky school pupil keen to transfer any skills attained from playing such video games as Fortnite and Call Of Duty to the newly developed role, in order to help with the introduction of low impact paintball guns. The new range of childfriendly guns being rolled out across UK Paintball locations around the UK are lighter in weight than standard paintball guns, and fire paintballs at a slower pace making them perfect for younger visitors keen to experience paintball for the first time during the school holidays. In order to apply for the dream position of UK Paintball’s summer intern, applicants must fit the following criteria: ● Live in the UK ● Be aged between 8 and 12 years old ● Be free on select dates this summer (July – September 2019) to visit a number of UK

Paintball locations and test out the new low impact paintball guns at different sites ● Visit www.ukpaintball.co.uk/ join-our-team and fill out the application form, stating (in 100 words or less ) why they should be chosen as the UK Paintball summer intern. As well as the chance of gaining free entry for themselves and two friends to UK Paintball sites for the whole of the Summer, the intern will be paid £100 a week and given the opportunity to claim back travel expenses. Due to the age requirements, the chosen applicant will also be required to bring one parent or responsible adult, aged 18 or over, with them to each site visit to enjoy some paintballing fun themselves. Andrew Naylor, Head of Operations at UKPaintball.co.uk, said of the summer internship opportunity: “The recent rise in popularity of Fortnite means that we are seeing larger numbers of young visitors to our sites, with

a lot of them huge fans of the game and keen to experience outdoor activities with friends that are similar in nature. We are hopefully going to inject a huge amount of fun into the summer for one young fan and their friends, but the role also comes with an important task.” “As well as reporting back to us on how well the new range of low impact guns work for them, we also expect whoever is offered the role to document their experiences through a range of videos, blogs and photos on our social media accounts.”

Anyone interested in applying for the position should visit www.ukpaintball.co.uk to find the online application form and further information about the company.

Why choose King’s Hall School? King’s Hall School has much to feel proud of; a beautiful 50-acre rural setting with expansive woodlands, enviable class sizes with exceptional teachers, and outstanding facilities that include a new science faculty, adventure playground and new reception classrooms. Recent developments include a small equestrian centre, just fifteen minutes’ drive from the school. Whilst the school values its superb achievements in the academic, sporting and cultural arenas, other important features are not so easy to define – we call them ‘The Immeasurables’ of the school: the happiness of the children, the mutual respect fostered between staff and pupils, the sense of purpose and the strong family feel, all surround an incredible array of opportunities to grow both in and out of class. We believe it is about who you are and how you feel about yourself more than what you know. The amazing achievements

are natural by-products of a confidence-building and purposeful experience, full of chances to explore potential. Every child has the opportunity to flourish in whichever area they are most interested, be it academic, sporting, artistic or otherwise. To supplement the breadth of learning, and more importantly

the fun, a wealth of further activities are on offer after school or on optional Saturday mornings. These help children at King’s Hall become confident and well-rounded individuals. The best way to understand what we mean is to come and see for yourself. Do contact us if you would like to arrange a visit and for more information.

Tess Spurr: 01823 285928 / admissions@kingshalltaunton.co.uk / www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk

BE PART OF THE FUN There are still spaces available to join our Reception Class this September. Our broad teaching curriculum, partnered with dedicated staff and newly renovated facilities, make King’s Hall School the perfect place to spend the early years. Co-educational day & boarding school: ages 2-13 telephone: 01823 285928 admissions@kingshalltaunton.co.uk www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk A Woodard School

Parent Talk May 2019 17

BOOK REVIEW

Editor’s choice Sophie Johnson: Detective Genius By Morag Hood, illustrated by Ella Okstad Published by Simon & Schuster. Age: 3+ Sophie Johnson studied very hard to become a detective and it’s a good thing she did – there has been a terrible crime! Someone has stolen Lion’s tail. Unfortunately, this means that Sophie doesn’t have time to train her new (and not very good) assistant, Bella. However, is it possible that, while Sophie is busy rounding up suspects, she doesn’t see that Bella may be better than she thinks?

Grumpycorn By Sarah McIntyre Published by Scholastic. Age: 3+ Unicorn wants to write the most fabulous story in the world. He has a fancy notebook. A special fluffy pen, a nice hot cup of moonberry tea. He has everything just perfect. But Unicorn has NO IDEA what to write! When his friends try to join in, will Unicorn turn into a ... GRUMPYCORN? A funny and feisty picture book celebrating teamwork, friendship and the joys of storytelling.

Paper Planes By Jim Helmore & Richard Jones Published by Simon & Schuster. Age: 3+ Mia and Ben are the very best of friends. They live side by side at the edge of a great, wide lake and together they sail, and swing, and sing. But the thing they love the most is making paper planes. They dream of one day being able to make a plane that will fly all the way across the lake, and their planes become more and more intricate... But one day: terrible news. Ben's family are moving far, far away. How can Mia and Ben stay best friends if they are so far apart? And how will they ever realise their dream of making a plane that can fly across their lake?

Fantastically Great Women Who Worked Wonders By Kate Pankhurst Published by Bloomsbury. Age: 5+ What do you want to be when you grow up? It's a BIG question that everyone is asked from an early age. Discover eye-opening facts about a collection of go-getting women who have pioneered careers in a kaleidoscope of different industries. Join scientists, doctors, athletes, hot-air balloonists and more. Journey back in time with these brave, bold and brilliant women and discover that anything is possible when you make the most of YOUR talents. 18 Parent Talk May 2019

Forest Adventures By Claire Gillman and Sam Martin Published by Modern Books. Age: 5+ Introduced by John Blaney, the father of Forest School Movement in the UK. 80+ Ideas for children of all ages, in all seasons & types of weather, and every environment from cities to the seaside. Packed with step-by-step instructions for projects such as making a sundial, flying a home-made kite or even building a tree house. Sections on Nature Crafting, Gadget-Free Games, Water Escapades and Fabulous Feasting Witches (Un)Welcome! By Kaye Umansky, illustrated by Ashley King Published by Simon & Shuster. Age: 7+ It's summertime in Smallbridge, but, as always, nothing exciting is happening. Smallbridge doesn't do excitement. They do gossip, though. And now Elsie Pickles is the subject of the gossip as rumours spring up about her new magic skills … Things aren’t helped when Magenta Sharp, bored of running her mail-order service, Spells on Tap, opens up a popup magic shop next to Pickles’ Emporium. Soon the town is overrun with witches, much to the annoyance of the magic-hating people of Smallbridge! But maybe a little bit of magic is just the thing Smallbridge needs?

Take Me to Museums By Mary Richards Published by Agnes & Aubrey. Age: 7+ Take Me to Museums is the first book in this exciting new series of beautifully illustrated guided journals for young explorers aged 7-12. Filled with activities that will guide them around any museum or gallery, it also serves as a fantastic record of every museum visit.

Fabio The World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective: Mystery on the Ostrich Express By Laura James, illustrated by Emily Fox Published by Bloomsbury. Age: 5+ In a small town on the banks of Lake Laloozee lives the world's greatest flamingo detective. His name is Fabio. He's not tall or strong, but slight and pink. And he's very, very clever. It's the height of summer and Fabio and his associate Gilbert are taking a relaxing holiday journey on the fastest train in the world! But no sooner does the conductor call 'All aboard' than a very expensive ruby necklace disappears and the great detective is back on the case!

Football School Star Players By Alex Bellos, Ben Lyttleton Illustrated by Spike Gerrell Published by Walker Books. Age: 7+ Get young fans dreaming big with this collection of fifty inspirational lives from the world of football. What made Pele the greatest player of all time? How did Nadia Nadim flee from Afghanistan and end up playing for Manchester City? Who was the Liverpool player who invented the world's most popular football boot? This collection of fifty biographies brings together the incredible true stories of the game's greatest legends who changed the world of football. Empowering and inspirational, this is the perfect book to get young fans dreaming big, both on and off the pitch.

The Woman Who Rode a Shark And 50 More Wild Female Adventurers By Ailsa Ross, illustrated by Amy Blackwell. Age: 7+ Designed to inspire young girls everywhere, The Woman Who Rode a Shark is a beautifully illustrated compendium of history’s most adventurous female trailblazers from 231 BC to today. This extraordinary collection of stories, written by Scottish-born travel writer Ailsa Ross, feature female adventurers of all ages from across the globe. From Whina Cooper, the Maori activist who marched more than 600 miles for land rights in 1975, to Nzinga the fearless queen of Ndongo (present-day Angola) who changed her gender in order to rule during the 17th century and protected her kingdom from slavery in fierce battles, these stories shine a light on the adventurous women that the history books left out.

The Fearless Five By Bannie McPartlin Published by Piccadilly Press. Age: 7+ Jeremy, Jonny, Walker, Sumo and Charlie are about to have the summer of their lives. They’ve all just finished primary school and are looking forward to weeks of holiday freedom before they head off to their new schools. But they soon realise it’s not all going to be riding their bikes, making rope swings in the woods and climbing trees. Jonny’s mum is ill, really ill – and Jeremy decides there is only one way to save her. A way that might just involve a robbery…And by the end of it all – or perhaps somewhere in the middle – they will be The Fearless Five. Either way, this will be a summer they will never, ever forget…

The Big Book of Birds By Yuval Zommer Published by Thames & Hudson. Age: 7+ The feathered follow-up to the hugely successful The Big Book of Bugs, The Big Book of Beasts and The Big Book of the Blue! The gorgeous spreads are dedicated to specific varieties of birds, including hummingbirds, peacocks, flamingos, bald eagles, secretary birds, albatrosses and red-crowned cranes. Some spreads highlight interesting, quirky and sometimes unusual facts about each bird. Others explore bird migration, nest building, bird songs, and how birds adapt to live in strange habitats such as cities. Finally, the book invites young bird spotters to protect birds where they live and make their gardens bird friendly!

CLASSIFIED FAMILY

Science You Can Eat By Stefan Gates Published by DK. Age: 8+ Perfect for budding cooks and scientists alike, Science You Can Eat will transform your kitchen into a lab. Cooking is chemistry and the 15 fun food experiments and activities in this book prove it; find out why popcorn goes “pop” as you test it out for yourself, make gooey edible slime, play tantalising tricks on your taste buds, and discover how to make your own delicious instant ice-cream. Each experiment includes easy to follow instructions and step-bystep photography, and the science behind them is explained in a fun and engaging way. The Garden of Lost Secrets By A.M. Howell Published by Usborne. Age: 9+ The Garden of Lost Secrets will take you into a world of mystery and war. Clara is sent to stay with her formidable aunt and uncle in the Gardener’s Cottage of a country estate. But amongst the hothouses and sweeping grounds hide many secrets: a locked room and a hidden key, and a mysterious boy who only appears in the gardens at night…Except Clara has a secret of her own – a terrible one, buried in the pocket of her pinafore. And for Clara to unravel the garden’s secrets, she will have to face up to a truth she can’t bring herself to acknowledge and a war she’s desperate to forget. Malamander By Thomas Taylor Published by Walker Books. Age: 9+ Nobody visits Eerie-on-Sea in the winter. Especially not when darkness falls and the wind howls around Maw Rocks and the wreck of the battleship Leviathan, where even now some swear they have seen the unctuous Malamander creep… Herbert Lemon, Lost-andFounder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, knows that returning lost things to their rightful owners is not easy – especially when the lost thing is not a thing at all, but a girl. No one knows what happened to Violet Parma’s parents twelve years ago, and when she engages Herbie to help her find them, the pair discover that their disappearance might have something to do with the legendary seamonster, the Malamander. Eerie-on-Sea has always been a mysteriously chilling place, where strange stories seem to wash up. And it just got stranger.

Dancing the Charleston By Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt Published by Penguin Random House Age: 9+ In a little cottage on the edge of the grand Somerset Estate, Mona lives with her aunt - a dressmaker to the lady of the house. Even though Mona never knew her mother and father, she knows Aunty tries to give her the best life she can. When Lady Somerset dies and a new member of the family inherits the house, life changes drastically for Mona. Suddenly she’s invited to dazzling balls, dines on delicious food and plays with wild new friends. But with these changes come secrets that Mona can’t dance away from...

ALSTONE COURT RIDING EST

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Celebrating 30 years

ALSTONE LANE HIGHBRIDGE, TA9 3DS 07702 392120 alstonecourt@live.co.uk www.alstonecourt.co.uk

Quirky Textile Pictures www.sarahharmertextileart.com

The Unexpected Find By Toby Ibbotson Published by Scholastic. Age: 9+ When a storm hits a small and sleepy town, it ravages every living thing. But storms don’t just destroy, they uncover. And when a young boy discovers a mysterious object that has lain hidden beneath a centuries-old tree, he instantly knows that it’s special. What he doesn’t know is that his unexpected find will unite him with a girl searching for her missing father and trigger a series of events that will see them travelling across Europe in the most unusual circumstances.

How to Raise Successful People By Esther Wojcicki Published by Penguin Random House The ‘Godmother of Silicon Family’, also dubbed the ‘Panda Mom’ (as opposed to the Tiger Mom), Esther Wojcicki’s approach is about deep nurturing to encourage independence, responsibility, self-motivation and success in children – and adults! Wojcicki’s methods are the opposite of helicopter parenting and have been lauded by the like of Steve Jobs and James Franco, who credits his success with Esther’s belief in him. Her secret? Relax. Talk to children as if they are adults. Allow teenagers to pick projects that relate to the real world and their own passions. Above all, let your child lead.

Little Green Kitchen: Simple vegetarian family recipes By David Frenkiel & Luise Vindahl Published by Hardie Grant Little Green Kitchen: Simple Vegetarian family recipes is a cookbook for families with over 70 fun, modern, wholesome and vegetable-focused meals created with kids’ palates in mind. With a focus on Everyday Meals, Party Food, Lunchbox Favourites, Snacks & Drinks, Condiments & Upgrades and Baking & Sweets, this book offers inspiration, and an upgrade suggestion for adults too, so that these recipes can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Ofsted Registered Childminder in idyllic rural location 5 minutes from A303

Melanie Tuffill 01460 234325/07876481027 melanie@oliveronline.co.uk Selection of children’s books and parenting guides for one lucky school to add to their library. For a chance to win, email editor@parenttalk.org.uk giving the name of your school and, in less than 50 words, why it should be chosen. Closing date 19th June 2019.

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Take Me on Holiday By Mary Richards Published by Agnes & Aubrey. Age: 7+ Take Me on Holiday is the second book in this innovative new activity series. Packed with activities and prompts to help record trips at home or abroad, it’s a great way to make the most of every holiday – and remember it forever!

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The Somerset Smokery

A TASTE OF SPRING by post

Delivering mail order presents to your nearest and dearest Order online, phone and in person Shop and restaurant in Hambridge, Somerset TA10 0BP

01458 250875 or visit www.brownandforrest.co.uk

The Asparagus Box • 2 bundles of asparagus • 100g smoked salmon • Air cured Parma ham • A pair of trout fillets • 1 whole duck breast

All for just

£3

Normally £50

Includes Deliver y

Smokery Open Day

Saturday 18th May 10am-4pm Tour the smokery. Taste all the products. Free glass of wine, what a lovely treat Shop stocked to the gunnels Restaurant Open, Booking Advisable Mail Order Service Available