Kidscene Magazine Issue 46 by KidsceneMagazineOnline

M a rc h / A p r

il 2020

Your handbag sized guide

www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk kidscenemagazine

ISSUE 46

www.dynamoscricket.co.uk

All stars Cricket is for ages 5-8yrs

Dynamos is a NEW programme to inspire boys & girls aged 8-11yrs

Get into Cricket for a Summer of Fun!

Happy babies & children in a safe, stimulated environment, where they can develop & reach their full potential

01554 820325 admissions@ stmikes.co.uk Extensive bus service to Llanelli

Credit: The Sunday Times

PA G E

M A R /A P R

9-11 17 19 21 26 29

W H A TS O N MUM PR E N E UR JUST JUM P BOOK REVIEWS COMPETITIONS CHOCOLATE COOKIES

NEXT EDITION | MAY/JUNE 2019 COPY DEADLINE | APRIL 17th 2019 20,000 copies of Kidscene Magazine are delivered directly into primary schools from SA1 to SA15 areas bi-monthly.

Fun Filled Role-Play Centre in Gorseinon Under New Management Play Den offers children the chance to play, learn, explore and party. Bring the children to Play Den and let them play in a healthy, fun and above all safe environment whilst learning some of the most valuable development skills at the same time. Its somewhere were you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and interact with your children within a role play setting. We specialise in role- play equipment and have a great sensory room ( with an age range of 0-7yrs). We also cater for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday parties, baby showers and much more. We have a great menu option, including vegan, so you can de-stress and not have to worry about the dishes when you get home! Come and visit us at 103 High st, Gorseinon SA4 4BP contact us on 01792 891483 Or 07542716678

5 Reasons Why Role Play Is Important For Kids

1: Encourages creativity and imagination 2: Fosters social and emotional development 3: Improves communication and language 4: Develops thinking, learning & problem solving skills 5: Supports physical development

Easter Holiday Tennis Fun Our popular holiday camps at Swansea Tennis & Squash Club combine fun and learning and are designed for all levels of players. Run by our professional,CRB checked coaches our holiday camps take place every half term and during school holidays. Our camps are designed for all level of players, we put the children in the most appropriate groups and make sure that there is a balanced combination of fun and learning. Each year we teach over 400 kids at holiday camps aged between 4-12 years. Prices start at £12 per day. Discounts are applied when booking a full week's camp. We also now offer a sibling discount, 20% discount on your second or third child per day Activities include: warm-ups and coordination challenges, tennis coaching, tennis drills and games, team competitions, multi-sports, 5-a-side football and much more. Every week each child will receive colourful Ace Coaching certiﬁcates and 4 special awards / medals are won - Most improved, Most Promising, Highest point scorer of the week and Player of the week. In the event of inclement weather camps will continue indoors. Squash courts will be used as mini tennis courts, table tennis and other fun activities will be set up. The camps are recommended for ages 4 to 12yrs. Week 1 - 6th-9th April, 10-1pm. Week 2 - 14th-17th April, 10-1pm. £12 per day, £48 per week Get in contact to book in or for more information Contact David on 07791584115 or email david.acetennisacademy@yahoo. co.uk

Bikeability BikeAbility Wales is a charity that provides cycling opportunities to people of all ages and abilities. Our aim is to give people the opportunity to improve their physical health and psychological well-being through cycling.

Try cricket in 2020... All Stars Cricket returns this May! Guarantee a fantastic cricket experience for all 5-8 year-old girls and boys with 8-weeks of jam-packed fun, activity and skills development. Plus, we’ll kit them out with their very own All Stars Cricket backpack full of goodies including a cricket bat, ball, personalised shirt and cap – free of charge with each registration. Learn more at allstarscricket.co.uk Registration opens March

Introducing Dynamos Cricket. A brand new cricket programme We are based at Dunvant Rugby Club, Swansea, where we have a large variety of specialist cycles. Each one is speciﬁcally designed to allow people to experience the freedom and empowerment of physical activity. Everyone is welcome to come and get involved in activities on or off our site. We have two open-air cycle tracks, where people can practice their cycling skills in a quiet, trafﬁc free environment. We also have direct access to the Clyne Valley cycle track (National Cycle Network Route 4), taking you to Swansea Bay, the Mumbles, or out to the Gower, the Millennium cycle path, and beyond! CYCLING IN APRIL TIMETABLE BikeAbility Wales Companion Rides 10am-12pm every Wednesday 7th& 4th - Tots on Tyres 11.30-12.30pm 7th & 14th - Cycle skills 2pm-3pm 15th - Road Safety Cycle Training (National Cycle Standards) 1-3pm 16th - Road Safety Cycle Training (National Cycle Standards) 10-3pm

Please see the Whats On pages for further information!

for 8 – 11 year-olds graduating from All Stars or those new to the sport! Apply your skills in an exciting, fast paced, and energetic game of countdown cricket! Each child will be kitted out with their own New Balance t-shirt, personalised with their name and number on the back, just like the heroes of The Hundred. Get ready to download the Dynamos Cricket participant app, packed full of exclusive videos, challenges and activities to practice at home or with friends. Learn more at dynamoscricket.co.uk Registration opens February

Ar agor: Dydd Llun - dydd Sul 1 Ebrill - 30 Medi a phenwythnosau yn ystod mis Hydref 11am - 5pm

Open: Monday - Sunday 1 April - 30 September and weekends during October 11am - 5pm

Sad 4 Ebr / 11am - 4.30pm Ysgol Marchogion

Sat 4 Apr / 11am - 4.30pm Knight School

Sul 12 Ebr / O 11am - nes bod dim gwobrau ar Ă´l! Helfa Bwniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;r Pasg

Sun 12 Apr / From 11am - until the prizes run out! Easter Bunny Hunt

Sad 18 Ebr / 11am - 4.30pm Diwrnod Dreigiau a Daeargelloedd

Sat 18 Apr / 11am - 4.30pm Dungeons and Dragons Day

abertawe.gov.uk/castellystumllwynarth swansea.gov.uk/oystermouthcastle

Outdoor Adventure Play • Indoor Adventure Play Indoor Race Track • Woodland Walk Farm Animals • Duck Ponds • Farm Cafe N EVERY DAY OPE CLOSED CHRISTMAS AND BOAXINLL Y GD

OPENING TIMES:

Mon - Fri (Term time) 10am - 6pm

Sat/Sun & School Holidays 10am - 5pm

EAR !!!

01656 743 246 info@wiggleysfunfarm.co.uk www.wiggleysfunfarm.co.uk

Admission

Children over 90cm Children under 90cm Adult with paying child Children’s Parties AFTER SCHOOL DEAL:

Hot meal, drink & play (Term time, Mon-Fri after 3.30pm)

£6.50 £4.50 £1.50 £8.50 £6.00

AMGUEDDFA GENEDLAETHOL Y GLANNAU | NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM

We’re as full as an egg with Easter activities and adventures for the whole Family MANY FREE m Spring Masquerade an d crafts, BIG Museu a r i T l r a e n t d s flms Ea for the whole family

Rydym mor llawn ag wy o ddigwyddiadau a gweithgareddau Pasg i’r teulu cyfan LLAWER AM DDIM sg Masgiau a chrefftau’r Gwanwyn, Helfa Ba A r m y gueddfa n FAWR a fflmiau i’r teulu cyfa

amgueddfa.cymru/abertawe/digwyddiadau museum.wales/swansea/whatson

Every Saturday and Sunday For enquiries and bookings call 01792 513513 or email wnp@swansea.ac.uk Wales National Pool Swansea Sketty Lane, Swansea SA2 8QG

r e t s Ea

march 16th, 17th - The Slightly Annoying Elephant at the Taliesin Arts Centre. A slightly annoying elephant, of course! One day Sam gets a very big surprise as a tired, hungry, antique-loving, cycling enthusiast elephant turns up on his doorstep. 21st - Mum, You Rock in the Waterfront Museum. 11.30am, 2pm & 3.30pm. Join this special Mother’s Day workshop to decorate a rock, and present it in a personalised gift box to treasure. £4 per child.

21st - Star Attractions at the Museum at Cardiff Museum. 104pm. National Museum Cardiff will be hosting a FREE fun-filled day of astronomical activities, shows and displays for all the family on Saturday 21 March, 10am-4pm. Explore the Museum’s meteorite collection, and use our impact simulator to discover the effects of a meteorite hitting your home town. Think you’ve found a meteorite? Bring it in and our museum scientists will identify it for you.

APRIL 4th - Knight School at Oytermouth Castle. Step back in time at Oystermouth Castle and join re-enactment group Gwerin y Gwyr (People of Gower) for some demonstrations of what life might have been like in mediaeval times at Oystermouth Castle. 11- 4.30pm. 4th, 5th, 8th-11th, 12th, 14th, 15th-19th -‘Here in this spring’

Self-led Activities, Dylan Thomas Centre. 10-4pm. Our family friendly Learning Space will be open for free self-led play. Activities include spring themed creative writing activities, ‘Dylan’s animals’ puppets, games, reading corner, crafts and dressing up costumes. 4th - Balloontastic Science Show in the Waterfront Museum. 2pm. £3.50 per child. Join Ha Ha Harries’ and Cbeebies’ Becky Kitter for this interactive Bonkers Balloon Science Show full of thrills, spills, pops and bangs! Not to be missed!

4th - 6th - Giant K’NEX Innovate Challenge in the Waterfront Museum. 12.30 - 3.30pm. Join us to celebrate our Innovate exhibition, working with K’NEX on a BIG scale to make some cool inventions! Delivered by XL Wales 5th Easter Movie: Frozen 2 (PG, 2019) at 2pm in the Waterfront Museum. 6th - 17th - Easter Tennis Camps at Swansea Tennis & Squash Club. Prices start at £12 per day. Discounts are applied when booking a full week’s camp. Activities include: warm-ups and coordination challenges, tennis coaching, tennis drills and games, team competitions, multi-sports, 5-a-side football and much more. Every week each child will receive colourful Ace Coaching certificates and 4 special awards /

medals are won – Most Improved Player, Most Promising Player, Highest Total Points Scored and Player of the Week. In the event of inclement weather camps will continue indoors. Squash courts will be used as mini tennis courts, table tennis and other fun activities will be set up. 6th - Mr Tumble Tribute Family Fun Day at Gnoll Park. Mr Tumble Tribute Funday with lots of your favourite characters that will also be joining him, for a day of fun, games and party dances.join Mr Tumbles Tribute gang and have your nose painted red. 11am. 7th, 8th - Dinosaurs in the Jungle in Plantasia. Sessions last 45mins and include meeting baby dinosaurs, a dino hunt around the jungle, ending with meeting our life size T-rex Ronnie in the jungle hut. 7th - Donkey Day at Gnoll Park. 11am. It’s a Free Donkey Ride Fun Day at the Gnoll Country Park this Easter. This is a free event so no tickets needed just turn up (subject to availability) please note there is a weight restriction of 8 stone. 7th & 14th Tots on Tyres 11.30am12.30pm . Tots and toddlers come and play with us. We have Scooters, Trikes, Balance Bikes and many more. Join us for fun and games, start them young and have some fun. (£6 per child). Bikeability, Dunant Rugby Club. 7th & 14th Cycle skills 2pm3pm. Bike ability, Dunant Rugby Club. Cycling games, basic cycle maintenance and cycle skills training in preparation for National Standards Level1. (£10 per child) 8th -14th - Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Rhosili NT. Follow our family trail to discover the hidden treasures at Rhosili and earn a chocolate prize. 11-3pm. 8th - Teddy Bears Picnic at Gnoll Park. 11am. If you come down to The Gnoll Country Park today, you are in for a big surprise, the giant Teddy bear will be coming out to play along with lots of your other favourite mascots, bring a teddy bear and blanket and join in all the party games and fun we have planned. This is a free Admission event so no ticket needed just turn up (car park charges apply)there will also be kiddies rides, stalls and refreshments

8th - Aberavon Easter Fun Fair. Fun fair - to include large rides, children's rides, games, stalls, hot dogs and burgers. Opening Times: 1pm to 9pm daily except for: Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday & Easter Monday which will be 12pm to 9pm 9th - The BIG Museum Easter Trail…After Hours Film Special! Waterfront Museum. 6pm. An exclusive chance to be the first to take our BIG Museum Easter Trail! Along with crafts and a fun family movie – this special after hours event is the perfect way to spend family time this Easter. Children £7.50 Adults £4.50 Here’s what’s in store… Take the trail to crack the Easter code and claim your Easter Treat. Make a fun springtime mask Decorate your own popcorn box to fill up with popcorn …then top it all off with a fun, free family film in our atmospheric Warehouse Gallery

9th - 17th - Easter Make & Take – Spring Masquerade at the Waterfront Museum. 12.303.30pm. Let you imagination run wild and delve into our colourful baskets of feathers, felt and fur to create your own springtime mask. 9th - Dinosaurs in the Park, Gnoll Park. The Dinosaurs are back and bigger and better than before, new Dinosaurs that have never been seen before at The Gnoll Country Park. This is a free Admission event so no tickets needed just turn up. 11am. 10th - 13th - Easter Bunny Weekend at Gwili Railway. Meet the Easter Bunny with an Easter Egg for every child, along with magical fun with Loopy Lews. 10th-13th - The Big Museum Easter Trail at the Waterfront Museum, St Fagans and Cardiff Museum. 103pm. £3.50. Come and join in the fun with our annual family Easter trail. Solve the clues and follow the trail

around the Museum, then head back to the start to claim your egg-citing prize! No advance booking needed for this event – pay on arrival by card or cash. 10th -13th - Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Dinefwr Park NT. 10-3pm. 10th - Under The Sea Family Fun Day at Gnoll Park. Under atheism Sea Family Fun Day you will get to meet your favourite characters all to do with the sea. There will also be party games with prizes to be won. 11th - Character Fun Day at Gnoll Park. 11am. 11th& 17th - Quiet Hour at the Waterfront Museum. We'll be holding our next Quiet Hour between 3pm-4pm. If you know anyone who might prefer the Museum a little less crowded and noisy, bring them along. Everyone welcome.

12th - Easter Bunny Hunt in Oystermouth Castle. Castle open 11am-5pm | Easter Bunny Hunt from 11am – until the prizes run out! Find the hidden Easter bunnies and bag yourself an Easter treat! Normal castle admission charges apply. 12th - Easter Sunday Eggstravaganza at Gnoll Park. 11am. Joint us for an Easter egg hunt at the Gnoll Country Park, also bring a hard boiled egg to decorate on the day, plus take part in the Egg rolling Competion. 13th - Easter Monday Movie: Missing Link (PG, 2019) at the Waterfront Museum. 2.30pm. 13th - Easter Monday Eggstravaganza at Gnoll Park. 11am. It’s the Big one at The Gnoll Country Park, with all of your favourite activities all rolled into

one with Free admission (car park charges apply) free donkey rides, free petting farm, free meet and greet characters, free meet and greet princesses, plus party games and prizes to be won plus there will be kiddies rides, stalls and refreshments. 14th - Unicorns In The Park at Gnoll Park. It’s back and bigger and better than before, cone along and see the real unicorns, unicorn princesses, unicorn mascots lots of unicorn props for photo opportunities plus lots more, remember this is free Admission so no tickets needed just turn up (car park charges apply) plus there will be kiddies rides, stalls and refreshments. 15th - Easter Crafty Fun in Oystermouth Castle. 11.30am – 3.30pm. Join us for a crafty Easter workshop in the castle and make your own Easter wreath, Easter basket or try some Easter egg decorating! Suitable for children aged 3-11 years. £1 per child plus normal admission charges apply.

place on quieter residential roads. Trainees must pass Level 1 before they can do Level 2 training. (£30 per child, 10yrs upwards) 17th - FREE Biggest Princess Line Up & Carriage at Gnoll Park. 11am. For the first time at the park, we have arranged the most beautiful princess carriage to visit the park along with upto 10 of your favourite princesses for a free meet and greet. This is a free Admission event (car park charges apply) so no tickets needed just turn up. 18th - Museum Sleepover - Dino Nights! Cardiff Museum. 5.30pm - 9am. Children 6-12yrs. Adult: £50 - £60 | Child: £50 - £60 You're invited to a very special sleepover - discover what goes on after dark in an action-packed night at the Museum. Here's the plan: Take a torch-lit tour to explore Wales as it was 200 million years ago Meet some friendly dinosaurs and watch their eggs hatch in a Dino-show to remember Get creative in our craft workshops - you'll be inspired by fossils, footprints and bones from the Museum's collection Enjoy a snack box and hot chocolate with a choice of special extras from our toppings station Settle down for a film before bed in our grand theatre - then camp under the dome to dream of ancient lands filled with fabulous beasts Wake up bright and early for breakfast together before you head back to life in the 21st century.

15th - Toddlers Day Out at Gnoll Park. 11am. 15th Road Safety Cycle Training (National Cycle Standards). Bikeability, Dunant Rugby Club. 1pm-3pm Level 1 Training takes place in a traffic free environment at our venue. Trainees must be able to ride a bike & must pass Level 1 before they can do Level 2 training. (£20 per child, 8yrs upwards) 16th - Rose Princess & Friends Family Fun Day at Gnoll Park. 11am. Join the Rose Princess and her friends for a magical day and great photo opportunity against our fairytale background. 16th Road Safety Cycle Training (National Cycle Standards), Bikeability, Dunant Rugby Club. 10am-3pm Level 2 Training takes

18th - Dungeons & Dragons Day in Oystermouth Castle. 11am – 4.30pm. Fancy meeting some baby dragons? Join us for a fun filled day of storytelling, puppetry and dragon processions.

18th - Free Petting Farm Fun Day at Gnoll park. 11am. Visit the petting farm with lots of your favourite animals like sheep, goats, donkeys, chicks, Guinee pigs and rabbits. This is a free Admission event so no tickets needed just turn up. 11.00am – 11.30am Meet the Baby Dragons 11.30am – 12.00pm Dragon Tales 12.30pm – 1.00pm Dragon Parade 2.00pm – 2.30pm Meet the Baby Dragons 2.30pm – 3.00pm Dragon Tales 3.30pm – 4.15pm Meet the Baby Dragons 18th & 19th - Book Swap at the Waterfront Museum. 11-4pm. Having a clear out? Then offload your unwanted books and rummage our bursting book shelves to find a different collection in exchange. All books should be in good, readable condition and a ‘book for a book’ token system will be in place. CDs and vinyl can also be swapped. 19th - Meet the Innovators at the Waterfront Museum. 12-3pm. Meet the amazing people who make inventions. For one day only, we welcome the inventors behind our Innovate exhibition. Ask them questions and learn their stories. … perfect for the curious minded and budding creatives. 19th - The Snake Dude at Gnoll Park. 11am. Learn about a range of reptile species including royal pythons, corn snakes, king snakes, western hog nose, boa constrictors, Burmese pythons, reticulated pythons, lizards and tarantulas. Please note this is subject to the reptiles being up to it on the day. If you are brave enough you will have the chance to handle some of the reptiles, each handler will receive a certificate. This is a free Admission event so no tickets needed just turn up on the day. 25th - Well-Being Festival, Cardiff Museum. Well-being is playing a part in more and more people's lives these days, and for good reason with the stress and strain of our busy, overloaded lives. At this Well-Being Festival we can offer you a chance to leave the Saturday chores behind for a while and take part in activities to soothe both body and mind. Perhaps an old favourite like yoga or perhaps something new, like journaling. So, come with friends or come alone and maybe make some new ones - all are welcome!

PLANNING FOR YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE When it comes to your child's future, it is important to plan ahead. Selecting the right school is a vital step in planning their educational and career pathway however it is equally important to prepare for unforeseen eventualities, and none are more vital than a Will. While no parent wants to think of a time when they are not there for their children, it is prudent to have your Will in place and inheritance affairs in order should one, or both parents pass away suddenly. There are many considerations including:

Twirlywoos Live From the producers of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Sarah and Duck Live on Stage comes another enchanting show for young audiences. The Twirlywoos are setting sail around the UK to welcome young fans along for a theatrical adventure. Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as they share the delight of discovery. With beautifully inventive puppetry the show promises a cast full of all your favourite characters from the hit TV show. The show is billed for ages 1+ but its fine for younger children too, no problems for babes in arms. The show has a run time of around 55 minutes with no interval. No pyrotechnics or strobe lighting will be featured, any effects will be ‘young child friendly’ – bubbles, confetti etc.

Twirlywoos Live Thursday 25th June at 1pm Gwyn Hall, Orchard Street Neath, SA11 1DU Box Office: 0300 365 6677 www.gwynhall.com

· · · · · ·

Who will look after your children should you die during their childhood What are your wishes as to their upbringing? Who will they live with and where? What ﬁnances are in place for their upbringing and who will manage the funds? At what age will they receive their inheritance? Can they access their inheritance early, if so under what parameters?

At Peter Lynn and Partners, we are experts at tax efﬁcient Wills planning and offer a professional, personalised service that tackles these questions and more. We also specialise in Wills where the child may be disabled, and the care needs are more complicated. Areas for consideration that we can plan for and look to establish a Disabled Persons Trust include: · · · · ·

Do they need continuous care or periodical assistance? Will they be able to manage their own ﬁnances or their own social care? Do they receive means-tested beneﬁts and would they lose these should they inherit a lump sum of money? Would they be able to manage an inheritance? Where, and with whom, would they live?

For expert Wills advice, arrange a confidential meeting with our team by calling 01792 450010 or email Wills@plandp.co.uk

Os ydych chi’n chwilio am rywle i fynd â’r plant wrth i’r tywydd gynhesu a’r nosweithiau fynd yn oleuach, ewch i joiobaeabertawe.com i weld rhestr o’r holl weithgareddau, atyniadau a digwyddiadau sydd ar gael.

Dyma’n hawgrymiadau gorau… 29 Chwefror ac 1 Mawrth: Croeso Dewch i ddathlu’r ffaith eich bod yn dod o Gymru gyda gŵ yl ddeuddydd llawn bwyd, diod, cerddoriaeth, celf a chrefft ac adloniant stryd, canol y ddinas 14 Mawrth: Diwrnod Hwyl i’r Teulu Arddangosfa, celf, crefftau a ffilm, Oriel Gelf Glynn Vivian 4 Ebrill: Ysgol y Marchogion Castell Ystumllwynarth 7 Ebrill: Gweithdy deunydd ysgrifennu a chardiau i deuluoedd ar thema ‘Here in this spring’ Canolfan Dylan Thomas 7 Ebrill: Babanod Celf Ychwanegol Oriel Gelf Glynn Vivian

8 Ebrill: Diwrnod Gŵ yl Gelf Oriel Gelf Glynn Vivian 12 Ebrill: Helfa Bwni’r Pasg Castell Ystumllwynarth 17 Ebrill: Cirque Enfant Brangwyn 18 Ebrill: Diwrnod Daeargelloedd a Dreigiau Castell Ystumllwynarth

Gallwch hefyd fwynhau gweithgareddau hunanarweinedig yng Nghanolfan Dylan Thomas, mynd ar daith ar Drên Bach y Bae Abertawe, mynd ar daith ar gefn alarch ar y llyn cychod neu gael gêm o golff gwallgof.

I gael rhagor o fanylion am ragor o ddigwyddiadau ac i brynu tocynnau, ewch i

joiobaeabertawe.com

If you are looking for somewhere to take the children now that the days are getting warmer and the evenings lighter, then head to enjoyswanseabay.com where you will find all the activities, attractions and events taking place.

Here are our top tips… 29 February & 1 March: Croeso Celebrate being Welsh with 2 days of food, drink, music, art and crafts and street entertainment, City Centre 14 March: Family Fun Day Exhibition, arts, crafts and film, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery 4 April: Knight School Oystermouth Castle 7 April: ‘Here in this spring’ Stationery and Cards Family Workshop Dylan Thomas Centre 7 April: Art Babas Extra Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

8 April: Art Festival Day Glynn Vivian Art Gallery 12 April: Easter Bunny Hunt Oystermouth Castle 17 April: Cirque Enfant Brangwyn 18 April: Dungeons and Dragons Day Oystermouth Castle

You can also enjoy self-led activities at Dylan Thomas Centre, a ride on the Swansea Land Train, a trip on a swan at the boating lake or a round of crazy golf. For more details, more events and to purchase tickets check out

enjoyswanseabay.com

Mum to Mumpreneur with Helen Davies

1. Tell us about your business Cake Davies is a small cake making business that specialises in handpainted cakes. Cake Davies has a reputation for creating beautifully tasting cake that is designed especially for you. I love drawing, painting and baking. At Cake Davies, I am able to bring all these talents together to create a stunning celebration cake centre piece to enhance your celebration. Cake Davies has been awarded a 5* Food Hygiene Rating 2. Where did you begin and what motivated you to start your own business? I began baking cakes with my Mamgu when I was a little girl. She had run a little cake and sweet shop from the window of her front room in her little terraced house in Treorchy, Rhondda. Her recipe is well over 150 years old and I still use it for making Welsh cakes today. I started making cakes for my family when Tomas, my eldest son developed a life-threatening allergy at the age of 3years old. There was less awareness of life-threatening food allergies then and ﬁnding shop bought cakes and treats that were safe for him to eat was more difﬁcult. I did not want him to feel different when going to friends’ parties or events in school, so I took on the mission of creating my own cakes and treats for him! Friends and family repeatedly told me that I should turn my cake making talents into a cake making business, however I didn’t really believe that could be an option. Then one day, I was having a coffee with a friend, who was already running her own business. She challenged me to stop dreaming about running my own business and start taking action to turn my dreams into reality. The rest is history and Cake Davies was born. The business is named after my Father in Law who was known for his love of all things cake. His nickname was Cake Davies. 3. How many children do you have. Tell a bit about your family. I have two boys aged 21 and 12 years old. My eldest son is in the middle of studying for a Law degree at Swansea University. He is currently completing a one-year work placement at JCP Solicitors in Swansea and is a very keen cricketer. He has just moved to Bronwydd Cricket Club where he will be one of their opening batsman and wicket keeper. My youngest son is in Year 8 at Gowerton School and is also a keen sportsman, playing rugby for Gowerton RFC and Cricket for Gowerton Cricket Club. He is dyslexic and we made the decision to move him to Gowerton Primary School when he was in Year 3. This decision had

a hugely positive impact on how he felt about school and his belief in his ability to learn and to succeed. My husband is a Biology teacher who teaches in Bryntirion Comprehensive School in Bridgend. We met when we were completing our PGCE and teaching at Morriston Comprehensive School. Alongside running Cake Davies, I work for Reaching Wider at Swansea University, where I run a project for young people in Foster Care and for Young Carers across South West Wales. I am also a qualiﬁed History teacher and worked for many years as a recruitment manager for national recruitment companies in Swansea and across South Wales. 4. How do you juggle childcare? My Mother-in-law moved in with us about 6 years ago which makes childcare much easier, especially now my youngest son is wanting to be more independent and do things like getting the bus to and from school or going into town with his friends. I have peace of mind knowing that there is someone in the house who knows that he has arrived home safely whilst I am in work. As a teacher, my husband is also home during the school holidays which is an enormous help. I remember very well though, the juggle of trying to work full time and get my son to nursery, cover periods when he was unwell and the stress that mornings could bring before even starting work. 5. What do you do to relax? I absolutely love to draw, paint and bake. Setting up Cake Davies means that I can combine all of may favourite things together. I have recently decided that I need to take more time for self-care rather than always running around, doing things for other people all of the time. I have started going to the Swansea Wellbeing Centre and taking part in activities such as meditation and Sound-baths. 6. What has been your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it? I think that this has been working full time including running youth groups in the evenings, running a family and setting up my own business all at the same time. In order to overcome this, I have moved from working 5 days per week to four days per week. This has given me more time to concentrate on building the business whilst keeping a regular income and without having to stop working with my colleagues and the young people who take part in the events that I organise and run. 7.What one piece of advice would you give to other mums wanting to start their own business? Don’t think you have to have all the answers before you start. Don’t be too proud – ask for help from people who have expertise and experience in areas that you don’t eg with Social Media or understanding what is required to get a 5* Food Hygiene Rating. Joining a group such as MIBA Swansea (Mums in Business Association) has been really helpful to meet other ladies who are in a similar position and where you can get advice and tips on setting up and growing your business. Cake Davies contact details Email: cakedavies@gmail.com | Tel: 07711 889441

Facebook: @cakedaviesSwansea | Instagram: cake.davies

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EVENING CLASSES

Wednesday 6 - 6:45pm & 7 - 7:45pm Waunarlwydd Community Centre

Thursday 6 - 6:45pm & 7 - 7:45pm Gowerton Comprehensive School

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL AS REBOUNDERS ARE LIMITED!

Love at First Bounce... Does it Really Work? Oh yes! Bouncing on a mini trampoline has amazing allover toning and body-renewing benefits. In fact, rebounding is so incredibly effective, you only really need 15/20 minutes a day to notice its effects. In Just Jump classes, we bounce on the Rolls Royce of rebounders - the bellicon. The reason why I love the bellicon is because the bungees make the bounce smoother and gentler on the body, which helps you reap the full benefits. You get a total body workout when you use a rebounder! Everything from aerobic/cardio, toning and more. You can lose weight and inches with hardly any stress on your joints. A NASA study has said you could burn more calories in 10 minutes of rebounding than in 30 minutes of running and to add to that, rebounding is a form of physical exercise that doesn’t strain the heart, so, even adults at the age of 60 plus can get on a trampoline and start jumping....gently to begin with, of course! Some of the long list of benefits you could enjoy include: Improves the cardiovascular system Improves the immune system Improves the hormonal system Strengthens and tones muscles Increases lung capacity Improves flexibility Reduces cellulite Boosts confidence Strengthens mental capacity One of my favourite benefits is that it is the best way to De-Stress. Just a few minutes of bouncing at the start or end of your day can make a big difference to your health and happiness. Light bouncing can help increase blood flow to underused muscles and loosen and release overused ones, plus it helps the body release endorphins (your brain’s natural calming aid, they make us feel good).

Bouncing relaxes tense muscles and lubricates your joints and massages away the days cares. Leaving your mind and body at peace.

IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE

Rebounding can also be great for improving balance and proprioception, which is the ability to sense the orientation and position of your body. No matter how old you are, training on the bellicon® rebounder will improve your balance. A better sense of balance will improve resilience in everyday life and help to prevent injuries, for example from falling or lack of physical coordination.

STRENGTHEN YOUR PELVIC FLOOR

Working on the unstable surface of the rebounder will constantly challenge the deep core muscles thereby strengthening the important muscles of the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor strength is super important for everyone, especially women!

HAVE FUN!

Finally..... Rebounding is really fun! When something is fun, you’re more likely to do it. You are in control of how hard you work by how hard you push into the mat surface through your legs. This controls the intensity of your workout and allows you to increase your fitness levels gradually.

Come and Join us!

To try out a class, get in touch to book your space. Message Stef on 07388054097 or contact via Just Jump f.

My own particular favourites are Stanley Stanza; Alternative Haikus; The Importance of Breakfast and my favourite of them all Level Scofﬁng about a hungry “chew chew” train! The skill in presenting educational matter in such an entertaining way is to be applauded. Joshua is normally known for light hearted and fun work having recently won a Lolly Award for I Bet I Can Make You Laugh. This was an anthology that he complied, contributed to and edited so the last poem Barney took me by surprise. An extremely moving account about a beloved pet being put to sleep brought tears to my eyes by its deep feeling of sadness. Title: Welcome To My Crazy Life Age: 7+ Poetry by Joshua Seigal and Illustrated by Chris Peascik. Publisher: Bloomsbury Education Delight your children with this fabulous collection of poetry by the dedicated and highly skilled wordsmith Joshua Seigal. Welcome To My Crazy Life is a blend of rhyme, rhythm and clever word puns. Amongst the ﬁfty poems there is an excellent variety of rhyming forms, haiku, acrostic poetry, free verse style and picture poems which demonstrate that poetry is indeed an art form and craft. The wordplay found in the concepts of many of these poems would be good starting points for teaching English and also inspire children to write their own work based on Joshua’s ideas. They show that the use of words is to be savored and enjoyed. For example, Tips For Writers demonstrates how you can make a poem from simply listing the various permutations of the word “said” from the thesaurus. And Bean’s Talk demonstrates that by adding an apostrophe and changing the position of the letter “s” in the word beanstalk, the entire meaning is altered.

Overall Welcome To My Crazy Life is a fabulous resource for schools and libraries or to pop in with the chocolate eggs this Easter. Title: A Songbird Dreams of Sleeping Age: 5+ Poetry by Kate Hosford and Illustrated by Jennifer M Potter Publisher: Running Press Kids This beautifully produced book is ideal for bite size bedtime reading combining fascinating facts about how the animal kingdom sleep with some whimsical poems. By showing children what we have in common with creatures’ great and small - the importance of sleep - and highlighting some of the adorable characteristics our animal friends have, will encourage a healthy respect and kindness towards the beings that we share this planet with. Thus serving as a good introduction to raising awareness of the importance of preserving our wildlife. Another great book which could be used as a teaching resource in a different way.

Giveaway! Glimmer: Sing of Sun! (Clear Fork Publishing) This edition we have a wonderful enchanting poetry book to give away from the award winning writer Raven Howell and illustrator Carina Povarchik. The sun on the cover says it all! Glimmer is full of charming sweet gems complemented by beautiful illustrations which have been given high attention to detail and presented in vibrant colours. Both the pictures and poems are lovingly crafted flights of the imagination as they transform the everyday into something magical for little people. A perfect introduction for younger children to enjoy poetry. I can hear the giggles now! Raven’s work is written in a very different style to the two previous books. All of them have something different to offer. Though her short verses do often contain a gentle humour, they are written in a more lyrical abstract voice. Their line length makes it easy for little children to digest. To be able to write something so engaging, convey a meaningful image or story and when appropriate have a punch line in just a few lines is highly skilled. Most definitely a book that children will want to keep and would make an excellent gift. To be in with a chance to win a copy, just send your name and address on an email and the first name pulled out the hat will be the winner!

Does your child enjoy acting, singing or dancing? Perhaps all three? Then joining Musicality could be exactly what they are looking for! Classes at Musicality Academy are so popular that there is usually a waiting list in operation, but this Summer, Musicality is offering a chance for children to enrol BEFORE the usual September intake. There are many classes available for children, that include: Musical Theatre, Dance and Acting for Stage & Screen. Musicality Academy, is a multi-award winning company based at The Canolfan, Gorseinon, and since 2008, has continued to grow and ﬂourish into a highly regarded Theatre Academy. We asked Company Principal, Amanda Murphy why she thinks Musicality Academy has become so popular:

Ranked a fivestar day out and current holders of a Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor... A Visit Wales Gold Award, and recipients of both a Day Out with the Kids ‘Best for Little Kids in the UK’ Family Favourite Award and the Pembrokeshire Tourism ‘Best Visitor Attraction 2019’ award, the award-winning zoo is home to giraffes, flamingos, penguins, African lions, lemurs, meerkats, Eastern black rhinos, tapirs, bongos, squirrel monkeys, bats, sloths and red pandas…plus many, many more. Alongside the zoo sits the Jolly Barn with all your favourite farmyard friends, including miniature pigs, ponies, giant rabbits, sheep, donkeys, goats, chickens and ferrets, plus the ever-popular ‘Cwtch Corner’ and the opportunity to milk a goat! The Jolly Barn is also the gateway to the rare breed paddocks, the piggery and land train tractor ride. The fun continues in the magical indoor vintage fairground containing 16 lovingly restored fairground favourites like the Golden Gallopers, Dodgems, Caterpillar, Chair-o-planes and the Twist plus a whole host of indoor and outdoor adventure play areas, including the legendary ‘Black Bart’s Pirate Cove’. During the Pembrokeshire school holidays the park will have all of the usual fun and games including meet and greet sessions, zookeeper talks and character walkabouts. There will also be a fantastic magic show courtesy of Luke Jugglestruck and on their Pirate Fun Days, it’s Black Bart’s Pirate Folly show. Both shows take place in Folly Farm’s very own, purpose built, Follies Theatre. In 2019, Folly Farm continued their trend of constant reinvestment with the inclusion of two new habitats on the zoo. You can now take a stroll through ‘Tortoise Country’ – a state of art purpose built, sulcata tortoise enclosure.

“Our staff are passionate about performing arts and without exception, aim to inspire and nurture every one of our students. The emphasis is on having fun, growing in conﬁdence and improving self esteem, so we dont have exams, just loads of fabulous fun learning new skills and putting on shows. No matter our age, we are all one big family and I think that lends itself to a lovely safe atmosphere in which to grow.” Don’t take Amanda’s word for it... Here is what the students and parents think about Musicality: “My daughter loves it so much her little brother has joined too. Such a supportive group I would recommend them to everyone” “The teachers are ﬁlled with so much positivity and support which is the best atmosphere to work and learn in”

To take advantage of early enrolment call: 07980 185462 | www.musicalityacademy.com Also, ‘Asian Adventure’ – where East meets West. A large walkthrough exhibit, transporting you to the Far East. They’ve also been busy sprucing up some of their existing exhibits. So, why not pop along to see the two-toed sloths in the newly rebranded Tropical Trails habitat. It is here that they will also be welcoming some new arrivals – a pair of West African Dwarf crocodiles! The fun doesn’t stop there…oh no…as throughout 2020 Folly Farm will have several ‘Meet and Greet’ theme days and will also play host to some of your favourite children’s TV characters. They’ll be welcoming Hey Duggee, Trolls and Paw Patrol to name but a few. A full list of character appearance dates and times can be found on the Folly Farm website. There really is a full day of family friendly fun waiting for you at Folly Farm. And with around 50% of the attractions being located undercover, there is plenty to see and do whatever the weather. And there’s now also the opportunity to ‘play and stay’ at Folly Farm, as phase one of their brand new holiday park will open on 19th June 2020. For more information visit www.folly-farm. co.uk or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/FollyFarm So go on, jump in and ﬁnd out for yourself exactly what Folly Farm has to offer. Whether it’s your ﬁrst time to the park or you’re an annual pass holder – a fun day out is always guaranteed. Zoo, Barn, Fairground, Play – pick your own adventure!

Have you planned for the visit from the... Childhood characters generally consist of Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy, the Bogey Monster, the Easter Bunny and Jack Frost. But rarely related to the examination officer for SATS. This is one thing we need to be aware of.

like they can’t do anything right or feel they’re struggling, they have no understanding of purpose. So, explain to them why taking part will make them feel great about themselves and explain what they gain by being part of the activity.

Whilst life can be much happier in ‘make-believe-land’ and ‘happily ever after’, the reality is that many of our children are being prepared for rigorous testing. So, how can looking forwards to the Easter Bunny, delivering one’s body weight in chocolate, help to prevent the stress or anxiety of exams coming up in May?

Socialising and building friendships outside school are important. The reason being that if there is anything going wrong at school, children need to know they have friends in other areas and as a parent its important to help them remember where their friends are. They could have friends from the road you live on, activities they do outside of school, a place of faith, and children of your friends. The more social avenues a child has the better support network they are likely to build. They are able to share their struggles, upset, frustrations and also laugh, play and be happy together. Of course, it’s not always perfect, but by enabling your child or children to explore avenues outside of school they become more comfortable in understanding the wider world we live it.

Easter can provide a happy distraction from the necessity of schoolwork and in many families, it helps to distract from the constraints of life too. Egg hunts, egg painting, egg rolling, egg eating, and all things egg associated, chocolate or not, all contribute towards the wellbeing and mental health of children (and adults). Taking time away from life itself and becoming absorbed in enjoyable activities throughout the Easter half term is crucial to their mental health and mindset (as well as yours). Try to plan activities around any revision or work set from school. This helps shift mindsets and build up something to look forwards too. Mindsets can be defined as a set of beliefs, perceptions and attitudes about oneself, others, community and the environment. Try using the acronym GPS: G for Growth (think growth mindset) P for Purpose (because children ask why) S for Social (building friendships and communities) When planning activities around revision and school requirements try to see how you can integrate these 3 pillars. Taking part in activities which help to grow thought processes of ‘I can’ rather than ‘I can’t’ are incredible ways to help children learn confidence. Confidence in an activity which is not related to education helps to embed selfbelief which will then boost them in school or with work/revision. When there is a purpose to an activity, children can see a reason to take part. Whether it’s for self-gain or just fun, children love the idea of fun. So, if an Easter activity sounds like fun, I can guarantee your little ones would love to take part. When there is a purpose to life, life is worth living. When children can’t see any point to life or they feel

When faced with the stress or anxiety of exams at any age, the mindset can be the ﬁrst ‘go-to’ mechanism used. If the mindset is supported and ﬁlled with growth-mindset thoughts, positive experiences, love, social friendships both in and out of school and encouragement to try, then they are going to feel more secure in their ability and selfbelief when it comes to SATS and beyond than without. Help your child/children to keep an open mind and ask questions which grow their mindsets, seek out new situations which enable their purpose and give them time to create social connections and friendships.

Remember: Life is for LIVING! Encourage the next generation to LIVE and try their best in everything they do. We learn from our mistakes and are then able to move forwards. This is the most valuable lesson in life. With love and Positivity

Jennifer Barnfield Positivity and Visualisation Practitioner.

First Aid for Children Between May 2018 and May 2019 over 160,000 children between the age of 5 and 17 attended A&E in Wales. Learning a First Aid skill allows you to support a child until professional help arrives. We can get professional help by calling 999 or 112. You can text 999 if you have pre-registered your number. However, the ambulance service is not the only option and should only be called in life threatening emergencies. In non life threatening emergencies you can contact your doctor, call NHS direct or visit the appropriate walk in clinic, for example walk in physio. You will need find out what is available in your area. In our third article of the series we take look at seizures, also known as epilepsy.

Seizures There are different types of seizure, but all affect the electrical activity taking place in the brain. A seizure can be a one off or a doctor may diagnose epilepsy if they have had more than one or expected to have more. We look at one type, tonic-clonic, which most people recognise from the severe jerking of the body.

Recognition A young child may have a seizure linked to infection causing a high temperature and affecting the electrical activity in the brain. As the brain is young it does not know how to cope. However this is just one cause in children. The signs are:  Loss of responsiveness  Falling to floor  Body muscles all stiff  Arched back  Clenched fits  Jerking of the body  Grey-blue around lips  Loss of bladder control

Action 1. Protect the child from injury, including the head, by placing padding under it. 2. If the child is very hot, cool them or the environment. 3. After the seizure, if still unconscious, place in recovery position. 4. Provide reassurance and protect their dignity, especially if they have lost bladder control. 5. Allow them to rest when they recover. Call an ambulance, if:  First seizure  Continues for more than 5 minutes  They have multiple seizures in row Do not  Restrain movement or hold them down  Place anything in the mouth  Move them, unless they are in danger

If you would like to learn more, attend one of our first aid courses covering children and infants.

Paediatric First Aid - 2 day course First aid training for Primary schools, nurseries, childminders and parents. Learn life saving skills for babies and children, including choking, infantile convulsions, asthma, fainting and meningitis. Level 3 accredited award recognised by EYFS and OFSTED/ESTYN. 15 - 16 June 2020 - Village Hotel, Swansea - £125

To book contact Dewi Development 01792 834141 info@dewidevelopment.co.uk dewidevelopment.co.uk/paediatric

Chunky Chocolate Cookies With Easter fast approaching you can’t move in the supermarket for chocolate eggs. Whereas I’m not one for buying eggs early (as I like to secretly eat them when the kids are in bed) I do like to help the kids use up the chocolate and sweets after the bunny has been. These classic, slightly chewy cookies are perfect for broken bits of chocolate you may have left over from Easter eggs.

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Use the largest mixing bowl you have (these are best to contain over eager kid-mixing) Mix your butter and sugars together until well combined then add

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the vanilla and beaten egg. Pop your ﬂour, salt and chocolate in and mix to form a sticky dough. With a tablespoon gather a heaped spoonful of dough and lightly roll into balls. Place well spaced onto the baking tray allowing room for them to spread out

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whilst baking. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden at the edges and just set in the centre. Allow to cool before serving.

If you enjoyed this and fancy trying a few more kid-friendly recipes head over to our website baking-with-kids.com or find us on Instagram @baking_with_kids.

YOU WILL NEED: You will need two baking trays ideally lined with baking paper or well greased if you have none to hand. Preheat oven to 170 degrees C INGREDIENTS: · 125g butter · 100g caster sugar · 50g soft brown sugar · 1 egg beaten · 225g plain ﬂour · 100g broken up chocolate, smarties or chocolate chips. · Pinch of salt

Independent Speech and Language Therapy Clinics in Swansea and Cardiff For infants, toddlers and children Home and school visits Assessment, diagnosis, therapy and reports Speech sounds pronunciation Language delay Stammering Autism spectrum disorder Learning difficulties Collaborative working with NHS SLT Adult services also available

The Speech Clinic 56 Walter Road, Swansea SA1 5PY T: 01792 206 784 | M: 07934 432 116

E: reception@thespeechclinic.co.uk www.thespeechclinic.co.uk

with every two full price tickets.

Experie n Come and

Kidscene

Vo uc he r

One child free entry Play

t the Fun a

round g r i Fa

Barnthe

Explore the

Zoo

Come and see character appearances at intervals on each day

Poppy & Branch

5th & 6th April

12 & 13 Apr 30 & 31 Aug

See website for more appearances

Kidscene

www.folly-farm.co.uk

10% discount on online day tickets

Terms and conditions One child (aged 2-15) free entry with two full price tickets on presentation of this voucher. Children under two years old qualify for free admission on our standard tariff. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer including Tesco clubcard and online discount. Valid from Saturday 15th February to Tuesday 1st September 2020. Please refer to our website for opening times. Offer is non-transferable.

Gorseinon Sketty

01792 89 11 44 Address 01792 29 99 96 Web Address

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