Families upon Avon 17 Nov-Dec 2010

FR EE

Issue 17 • Nov/Dec 2010 • www.familiesuponavon.co.uk

NEW

upon Avon

EDITOR, DESIGN & FORMAT Local News

The latest from your region

Safety Online

How you can protect your children in the virtual world

Gift Guide

A

RS

A

CE L

20

BR

Our usual guide to what’s on in your area over the festive season

CELE

What’s On

RATING 20 EB

ARS YE

Hamleys guide to the ‘must have’ gifts this Christmas

TI

E N G 20 Y

The FREE Magazine for Families in Bath & North East Somerset, North Wiltshire & Bradford on Avon

Welcome A

fter a very busy couple of months I am pleased to present my first edition as Editor of this already well-established magazine.

Whether you are an existing reader of Families upon Avon or found yourself reading this for the first time, I encourage you to take a moment to scan through and see what our new look magazine has to offer. I am making some positive changes to our publication for instance updating the design, creating an easier to read format and increasing distribution. I am also putting a large amount of resource on increasing our online visibility which we see as an ideal opportunity for our readers to share experiences, gain access to further details and widen the scope of the printed version.

Our aim is to have our readers interacting with us and providing us with local information, short stories, articles and anything that could be helpful and interesting to other members of the local community.

Please also get in touch if you have any feedback, tell us what you like, what you don’t and help us to shape this into the publication you want to see.

In future editions, my introduction will be replaced with more local news, views and advice direct from those in the community.

Please therefore get in touch if you have something to say by emailing me directly editor@familiesuponavon.co.uk.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Caroline Sherry Editor and Mum Email: editor@familiesuponavon.co.uk Tel: 07921 257992

www.familiesuponavon.co.uk PO box 3492, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 9FP

What’s Inside?

3-5 6-7 8 9 10 11 12-15 16

Local News Families Gift Guide First Time Swimmers Guide Creating an Eco Nursery Safety Online A Guide to Taking Seasonal Snaps What’s On Families 20th Anniversary

Next Issue: January/February.

Copy Deadline: 7th December 2010 - Distribution 1st week of January 2011.

To advertise please contact Caroline directly on the details above.

12,000 copies of Families upon Avon are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Bath and North East Somerset, North Wiltshire and Bradford on Avon. If you would like some free copies for your organisation please let us know.

Call 07921 257992 or email editor@familiesuponavon.co.uk Designed by: Mark Mayers: www.markmayers.co.uk Printed by: Bishops Printers 023 9233 4900 www.bishops-printers.co.uk © Families upon Avon October 2010.

Disclaimer: Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners own risk, whilst every care is taken neither Families upon Avon nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Families Group: Families upon Avon is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West (London). All magazines in the Group are independently owned and operated under licence.

2

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010

Local News

HIDDEN GEM

Just Kids Shoes,Trowbridge

A New Website for Bath Parents Parents in Bath can now have their say on local schools, nurseries and other local services thanks to a new website, www.bathmums.co.uk.

Local parents Richard & Lisa Speigal, the husband and wife team behind Bath Mums have been amazed by the response, “Parents have a wealth of knowledge and they’ve certainly been happy to share it.” Lisa explains.

Members can offload unwanted toys on the free classifieds, ask questions on Mums Chat and use the events listings to occupy their kids. With 500+ pages of information Bath Mums is an invaluable resource for parents and completely free. www.bathmums.co.uk

New Owner of Tumble Tots Bath Want to get your children learning and active at the same time? Tumble Tots will do just that. Run during school term times, each session provides challenging and structured play activities for pre-school children aged from six months.

Tumble Tots provides a great opportunity for children to fully explore and develop their physical capabilities, language development and social skills whilst having lots of fun.

Debbie Bensley has recently taken over as the owner of this local franchise. As a trained Nursery Nurse, Debbie first came across Tumble Tots when she was a nanny in her twenties and then as a mum.

“I am really looking forward to the challenge of running Tumble Tots” said Debbie. “Running a small business means that I can use all the skills that I trained for and be able to enjoy the satisfaction of seeing children develop in such a positive way.”

Debbie runs classes in Bath, Trowbridge, Melksham and Chippenham so there’s sure to be one near you.

To find out more contact Debbie on 01225 811579 or by email debbie.bensley@tumbletots.com or head online to www.tumbletots.com/bath

Get Cooking with St. Joseph’s The new school year started with St. Joseph’s PFA racking their brains for a new fund raising idea, in time for Christmas. We all have that favourite recipe that has been passed down through generations so what better stocking filler for 2010 than a St. Joseph’s Cookery Book, containing favourite recipes submitted by parents of the school. Recipes will range from stunning starters to impress at dinner parties, to easy, child friendly dishes which can be made in a moment and the kids can help too! The finished book will go on sale at the start of December and will be available from St. Joseph’s Primary School, Malmesbury or contact Sarah Turner for details at pfa.stjosephs@gmail.com.

Copies will also be on sale at their Christmas Bazaar on Sat 11th Dec in Malmesbury Town Hall.

At Last! New Local Children’s Clothes Shop Opens YoYo Children’s Clothing in Devizes, sell new clothes for children from 2 to 14 years. Parents in the area will welcome the much needed clothes shop and will be delighted by their very reasonable prices.

Jeans start from £8, dresses from £12 with t-shirts and tops from as little as £4. Get ready for the winter with coats from £13, plus a huge range of jumpers, cardigans, sweatshirts and hoodies from £6.

View their photos and special offers on Facebook at YoYo Children’s Clothing. Visit the shop at 6 Snuff Street, Devizes.

Vouchers are also available.

Tel 01380 724020

Just Kids Shoes opened in August 2007 aiming to offer quality children’s footwear and a comprehensive fitting service. Owner Heidi Lickley has six years experience working as a qualified shoe fitter and wanted to create a child friendly and fun environment. Heidi told us “as the name suggests we’re here exclusively to provide quality children’s shoes and the store has been designed to allow children to play and relax while they are measured and fitted. The store is off the high street with free parking which we hope makes a family’s trip to the shoe shop as stress free as possible!”

Heidi went on to say “the benefit of being an independent store is that we can offer unbiased advice on all aspects of children’s shoes and foot development. All staff are professionally qualified and our priority is to ensure that children have the best possible fit and that parents are well informed and confident in the service they receive. In our first three years we have been lucky to build a loyal customer base in the local community and we’re very proud that some of the first little feet we ever measured will soon be ready for their first school shoes!”

Visit Just Kids Shoes at 15 Hackett Place, Hilperton, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 7GW Tel: 01225 777696, or find them on Facebook under Just Kids Shoes.

Nominate a local shop or business that you believe is that ‘Hidden Gem’ – email us and tell us why you love it!

Looking for a Unique Gift?

SPECIAIELS FAMIL R OFFE

Crockadoodledo is a paint-your-own pottery shop offering painting to adults and children alike and host many birthday and hen parties, as well as printing countless baby hand and footprints onto pottery for a lasting memory. If you are looking for that unique, hand painted Christmas present, pop in to their new shop in Larkhall, Bath and take advantage of their generous discount offer with this edition of Families upon Avon.

10% off your next visit with this magazine.

2 Beaufort Place, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6RP. Tel: 01225 442700. www.crockadoodledo.co.uk

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010 3

Editorial inclusion in the local news pages is always FREE

Bath Christmas Market Dates Extended for 2010, 25 November – 12 December Due to popular demand, the organisers of Bath Christmas Market, Bath Tourism Plus, have arranged for the festive event to be extended well into December.

Bath’s extremely popular Christmas market, which is Bath Christmas Market, Bath. Photo: visitbath.co.uk celebrating its tenth © Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins anniversary this year, has previously attracted over 200,000 people from all over Britain and overseas during its 11 days duration. This year, there is an extra week to enjoy the festive atmosphere and top quality shopping, and with the

Call-IT! A New Volunteering Support Line Launched for Wiltshire Anybody seeking to help out in their local community can Call-IT! to find out what volunteering opportunities are available in the area. They currently have over 900 volunteering opportunities throughout the County with more being added every day.

People volunteer for a number of different reasons, ranging from a desire to learn new skills, increasing employment chances, to try new experiences, or to have fun and make a difference The Call-IT! Team - Rachel Nouch (Volunteering Advisor) in their community. The range & Vanessa Wells of volunteering opportunities is (Volunteer Centre Development Worker) enormous. Volunteers can befriend an older person, support a young person, get physical restoring Wiltshire’s canals and waterways, DIY in care homes or even a spot of gardening. You can volunteer for as much time as you can spare, some opportunities require as little as an hour a month, others a day a week.

Lesley Bennett, Chair of the Board of Directors said “This new Call-IT! telephone number means that anyone can speak one-to-one with a volunteering advisor about local opportunities. This handy one volunteering number has never been possible before in Wiltshire.”

Sandie Lewis, from Wiltshire Council said “We are delighted that this exciting new service will help us to expand volunteering across the County. The impact of volunteering on communities is tremendously positive and we look forward to the growth of volunteering as the project develops.”

Find out how you can help in your community by calling Call-IT! on 0845 521 6224.

Calls will be answered Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am – 2pm, at other times an answerphone provides further information or you can visit www.volunteercentrewiltshire.org.uk.

4

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010

dates extending closer to Christmas, everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the event at their leisure.

Set in the stunning surroundings of Bath’s historic centre, right next to Bath Abbey and the World renowned Roman Baths, Bath Christmas Market really is the Christmas Shopping event that should not be missed.

123 local and regional retailers offer their wares in quaint wooden chalet style stalls, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to acquire that perfect Christmas gift. Set off with atmospheric entertainment and with the aroma of roasted nuts and Gluhwein on the air, there couldn’t be a better way to ease into the Christmas celebrations.

There are a number of events happening in the city at the same time as Bath Christmas Market 2010, which visitors may wish to combine with their shopping – Bath Abbey, which is right next to the Christmas Market offer regular shoppers carol services which always prove extremely popular. The Jane Austen Centre presents Jane Austen’s Regency Christmas, and the American Museum in Britain starts its popular ‘Christmas at Claverton’ celebrations.

For more information about Bath Christmas Market as well as other events happening in Bath during its duration, visit www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

Downturn What Downturn?

Local entrepreneur Caroline Palmer is delighted at how her business has grown in 2010 despite the continuing economic downturn. She told us “I do feel that mainstream media can exacerbate a situation and if we hear several times a day about redundancies and hours being cut we can wallow in it and think there is no way out. I am privileged to work alongside a 32 year old international company which has bucked the trend in every global recession in its history. I’m excited to be able to help people locally to secure an income which no employer can ever take away, reduce or indeed cap. What’s more, it can be earned in the hours people wish to work without compromising on family or other work commitments.”

To find out about Caroline’s business, call 01380 888218 to arrange an appointment.

The Wiltshire Home Library Service Bringing the library to you

The home library service is for Wiltshire residents who want to continue reading or listening to books from their local library but have difficulty getting out and about or carrying their books. Local library staff will get in touch to discover what you like to read and will introduce you to the library volunteer who will visit you regularly to exchange your books.

There are no fines or charges for this service and you can also request items. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from receiving this service, please contact your local library or telephone the outreach services librarian on 01225 713706.

Further info online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/artsheritageandlibraries

ADVERTISE WITH US FOR AS LITTLE AS £65 AND REACH OVER 12000 FAMILIES IN YOUR REGION Our next issue will feature Schools & Nurseries Clubs & Classes. Booking deadline 7th Dec Contact: editor@familiesuponavon.co.uk Tel: 07921 257992

If you have some interesting news email: editor@familiesuponavon.co.uk

Take a Magical Trail around Westonbirt’s Trees The magical Enchanted Christmas returns to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum this winter. Alongside carols and festive treats of mulled wine and roast chestnuts, visitors will be able to take the 45 minute illuminated trail around the Old Photo © Rob Cousins/Westonbirt Arboretum Arboretum.

Children can see Father Christmas, who this year will be dressed in his traditional green costume to celebrate the famous trees of Westonbirt.

The event takes place from 5 to 8.30pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 26 November to 19 December, with the last entry at 7.15pm. The trail is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, which can be hired in advance by calling 01666 881218.

Admission is adults £8, concessions £7 and children £4.

Discounted entry is available for pre-booked groups over 10 people and Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum members receive half price entry on Fridays.

Find out more information and book tickets online at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt.

Meet Stonars New Head New Head of Stonar School, Elizabeth Thomas joined the school at the start of the autumn term. Elizabeth has enjoyed visiting the school over recent months, meeting many of the pupils, parents and staff. “I have been impressed by the range of talents the pupils display, the friendly welcome given by all and the commitment demonstrated by the staff at the school,” commented Elizabeth Stonar pupils benefit from small classes and superb facilities which encourage Elizabeth Thomas – Head of Stonar School them to aim high and adopt an adventurous approach to all aspects of school life. The school, catering for pupils from 2 -18 years, is well known for its equestrian centre but has many strengths.

Elizabeth, who has been Deputy Head at Leighton Park School for four years, studied English and Mediaeval Studies at Lancaster University before completing her postgraduate training at Bath University. She has worked in maintained and independent schools in a variety of posts including Head of English and Assistant Head at Luckley-Oakfield School, also a girls’ day and boarding school.

Elizabeth, who is a keen gardener, enjoys going to the theatre and taking long walks in the countryside. She has a home in Somerset and says her family is looking forward to being based full-time in the West Country.

For further information on upcoming events or to arrange a visit, please contact Karen Ibbott the Registrar k.ibbott@stonarschool.com Tel: 01225 701 741 or 742 www.stonarschool.com

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010 5

Families Gift Guide

by Holly Wadsworth-Hill

The nights have drawn in, there’s a magical feel to the chill in the air and there’s more than one kind of wrapping-up on everyone’s mind. It can only mean one thing. Christmas is on its way!

Whether that fills you with ho, ho, ho’s or Scrooge-like groans, we hope this fun-filled guide to all things festive, will help make this year a Christmas to remember.

It’s the thought that counts

Recent economic difficulties have triggered a new dawn of consumerism. Many of us are now concentrating on quality purchases that will stand the test of time. Nostalgia has unveiled tradition as the new vogue and whilst the latest crazes and popular characters certainly have their place, children are arguably more demanding and harder to please than ever before. There’s a reason why some of the old favourites are resurfacing and proving their worth to a new generation of inquisitive minds. Children like to be entertained but they thrive on interaction, they will happily watch but they learn quicker from doing, they benefit from competition but they enjoy team work. Classic toys are all this and much more and they really do have timeless appeal. With that in mind this year, why not focus on something they will love this Christmas but will treasure for many more to come.

Top 10 Toys for Christmas 2010!

We know a thing or two about toys but if you want guaranteed smiles or favourite aunt/ uncle status, you can’t go wrong tracking down something from this list. Be warned though, these toys are set to fly from the shelves quicker than Santa’s sleigh, so don’t miss out!

Your comprehensive list of this year’s most-wanted: • Toy Story 3 Buzz Lightyear Action Figure • Dr Who Sonic Screwdriver • Ben 10 Ultimate Alien Disc Ultimatrix • Beyblade Metal Fusion Super Vortex Battle Set • Barbie Video Girl • VTech Storio Animated Phonics Book • Kung Zhu Hamsters • Armouron Action Set • VTech Kidizoom Video Camera • Monopoly Revolutions Board Game

A Hamleys Tale...

Stuck on the basics or searching for finishing touches? Take inspiration from the world’s most famous toy store this year. Hamleys was established by Cornishman, William Hamley, in London, in 1760. Today it remains the world’s most wonderful toy shop, synonymous with theatre, magic and entertainment; add a mince pie or two and you’ve got all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas!

BABY’S FIRST CHRISTMAS

Latest additions may be slightly oblivious to the seasonal chaos but you’ll remember their first Christmas forever and will be keen to make it extra special. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a keepsake or something they can cherish for years to come.

663336 – My First Dolly £19 My First Dolly will be loved by all. She is so squeezably soft that little arms will adore snuggling up to her. Dressed beautifully, she has wild hair that little hands will love to touch and tug!

463497 – Alphabet Blocks £17 Painted with bright colours, clear letters and imaginative illustrations these wooden blocks can help little children when learning letters, colours and much more besides.

6

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010

T IS FOR TROUBLE AND TODDLERS! Busy little hands are into all things naughty as well as nice, so classic toys should be at the top of the list. The educational benefits and development of imagination and play skills from these toys are extensive but cleverly masked behind the colour, fun and excitement that toddlers crave.

780114 – Teaching Clock £14 Hamleys colourful Fun to Learn Teaching Clock helps teach time, number and letter recognition, as well as developing motor and problem solving skills through play. (made from fsc wood) 778498 – Wooden London Bus £32.50 The wheels on the bus go round and round! The top of this traditional big red bus opens to reveal 24 little wooden passengers and one cheerful driver. Great for developing hand to eye coordination. (made from fsc wood)

FOR HIM

Boys of all ages need to be kept busy and love fun and games that they can really get stuck into. If he can burn off some energy, create mess and make some noise, he’ll be in his element!

157982 – Jet Plane Set £55 The Playmobil Jet Plane Set is great for developing thinking processes and encouraging creative play.

This exciting Playmobil play set is a hit with boys and girls alike.

780585 – Wooden Garage £65 This brightly coloured garage has three levels, multi-storey graphics and realistic features throughout. There are loads of games and adventures to be had with this traditional role-play Garage.

FOR HER

Sugar and spice and all things nice, most of the time anyway! Creativity is a girl’s best friend; indulge her imagination with everything from dressing-up costumes, role-play sets and arts and crafts.

92429 – Dolly Tea Set £10 Time for tea anyone? This enchanting Hamleys tea set comes in a cute carry case, so it’s perfect for taking to friends houses and keeps everything safe and tidy when little one’s aren’t busy entertaining.

783969 – My Ballerina Doll £12 My Little Ballerina Doll is so pretty, soft and cuddly, she’s perfect for hugs! From the Sweet Peas collection, this doll is great for encouraging imagination and nurturing role-play skills.

IT’S ALL ABOUT QUALITY TIME...

‘Tis the season to spend with your loved ones: keep things merry with fun and games for the whole family.

681346 – Games Chest £60 Enjoy a gaming adventure with this classic wooden gaming chest. Open the sliding drawers to reveal a smorgasbord of fun with 10 of the world’s greatest games!

Includes chess, mancala, backgammon, solitaire, tic-tactoe and lots more to keep the very young and most experienced young-at-heart entertained!

We hope this guide has given you some ideas and eased you into the spirit of things. We wish you a fun-filled festive season and a very happy New Year!

FAMILIETSION COMPETI

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £250 OF HAMLEYS VOUCHERS

To celebrate 250 years of The Finest Toys in the World, Hamleys have teamed up with Families upon Avon to give you the chance to win £250 of Hamleys vouchers.

To enter log on to www.familiesOnline.co.uk/competitions Vouchers can be used online at www.hamleys.com or in one of their UK stores. Closing date for the competition is 8th December. See online for full Terms and Conditions.

Christmas Top Tips • Make room for the new and a have a pre-Christmas clear out.

• Prepare a list of gifts to suggest to Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and friends.

• Buy a couple of extra gifts just in case you have unexpected guests.

• Remove additional packaging, tape and winding straps to make it easy for your child (or you) to remove the gift from the box.

• Make sure all the toys have batteries before you wrap them and a selection on hand just in case.

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010 7

Taking Your Child Swimming for the

First Time?

The facts every parent should know by baby swim expert Gaby Lixton

Gaby Lixton, founder of Turtle Tots UK has eight years experience of teaching babies and toddlers to swim. Gaby explains the many benefits and provides some vital tips for taking your baby swimming.

What are the Benefits?

Introducing babies to swimming improves babies and children’s development in many areas such as the following.

Physical:

Strength is built through muscle development from an active lifestyle.

Co-ordination and associated motor skills are improved through regular exercise such as swimming. A weekly swim provides a good workout and improves the cardio-vascular system – heart & lungs. Swimming is unique in that it’s exercise that babies can do from birth. Not only does it provide a complete physical workout, but the lack of gravity allows certain key movements that would be impossible on land.

Intelligence:

Weekly classes maintain development – using building blocks of development and progressive practices. Classes are structured to ensure babies are constantly & continuously stimulated. In the first year of a baby’s life the brain grows more rapidly than any other. Every action a baby makes stimulates growth, strengthening nerve fibres & making it function more effectively.

Language:

Language development can also be improved via swimming. Babies are constantly interacting with their parent / carer and other babies and children throughout the sessions. The teacher also provides a verbal stimulus through teaching.

Emotional:

Water is a natural environment for a baby. Babies feel safe and secure within this environment. Weekly swimming is a very special time for a baby and mother and further develops the maternal bond. Many mums state that their baby’s sleeping and feeding can improve. Starting to swim early familiarises children with deep water and gives them the confidence to swim below the water level.

Social:

A Locally Produced Christmas Feast

At Allington Farm Shop the team are getting ready for Christmas, the shelves are full of Christmas goodies; delicious local chocolates, handmade Christmas Cakes, Marshfield Mince Pies, tins of biscuits and local preserves, chutneys & pickles. Allington have some great ideas for hampers and can make these to order, full of the things you have chosen. Other gift ideas include Le Chameau Wellies, Gift Vouchers and baskets of fruit.

It is a busy time of year in their butchery which is now taking orders for their home – reared turkeys and locally reared Christmas chickens, local geese, beef, bacon, home reared lamb & pork, homemade sausages & local game.

Christmas orders can also be placed for their fresh fruit and vegetables, home cooked ham and West Country cheeses. Why not take it easy this Christmas, order from Allington Farm Shop who will carefully select all of the ingredients you need for your delicious, locally produced Christmas Feast.

8

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010

During lessons, babies interact with adults, other babies and children creating a fun and happy social environment. Parents and carers also have the chance to interact and socialise.

Life Saving:

Drowning is the 2nd most common form of accidental death in the UK! The earlier you can introduce your baby to water and teach them to swim the better. Babies have natural reflexes; the ‘gag reflex’ which allows babies to instinctively hold their breath when they are fully submerged; and the ‘mammalian dive reflex’ allowing your baby to have instinctive stroke action when underwater.

Tips and Advice:

As a general guide, feed babies 30 minutes before the lesson. Feed them just enough to keep them going and keep the rest for after the lesson as they will be very hungry.

•Sleeping time is very important too, so for them to have a good nap in the morning before swimming is vital.

•Wear a secure neoprene outer nappy over the top of the disposable nappy (such as the Splash About ‘happy nappy’) to prevent accidents in the pool.

•Finally, for a lifetime of water confidence wear a big happy reassuring smile whilst encouraging and praising your baby with positive language. Have fun.

Is Your Baby Living in a

Toxic Environment?

Part One from an original article by Joanna Parry

husk), hemp, organic cotton, natural rubber latex or organic wool, which is naturally fire resistant.

•Toys: Baby toys made from PVC plastic may contain phthalates, the suspected hormonedisruptors that have been linked to liver and kidney damage. Choose toys made of natural, non-toxic materials such as FSC wood, hemp and cotton, and check the manufacturer has used non-toxic dyes and natural oil finishes.

Read the full article at www.familiesonline.co.uk

Helpful Websites

www.nrdc.org - for information on how to protect your home, health and the planet www.simplesteps.org www.theecologist.org www.projectnesting.org/start http://www.naturalnurseryblog.co.uk http://www.ehow.co.uk/video_2050064_ design-functional-baby-nursery.html - for how to design a functional green nursery www.ecohouseagent.com/green-nursery. html Many of us try to be as green as we can when it comes to our babies. We dress them in organic cotton babygrows, buy natural sheepskins and some of us even use real nappies. But how green really are we? Recently there has been a spate of publicity about the potentially harmful toxins in baby toys, nursery furniture and cot mattresses, so is it possible to reduce these toxins and truly ‘green’ your baby’s nursery?

The Eco Nursery

Newborns can spend as much as 80% of the first part of their lives in their nursery, so it is important to make it as green and nontoxic as possible, in short, to create an eco nursery.

•Flooring: As a general rule a hard floor is best, although bamboo and cork are also eco-friendly options. If you do want carpet, choose one made with natural fibers such as organic wool or cotton and check that it has not been treated with unnecessary chemicals or glues. Add natural wool rugs for softness and warmth.

•Walls: Choose low- or no-VOC paint and natural pigments made from ingredients such as milk casein, clay, bee’s wax, and natural mineral dyes. If you prefer wallpaper you can buy recycled or wood chip paper which is ‘breathable’ and doesn’t have a negative impact on air quality. Lead paint is an age old problem, and some older houses may still have lead paint on the walls or window sills. If you are concerned about this get the professionals in, as stripping lead paint can release toxins.

•Curtains: Use natural materials such as wool, cotton, linen or silk. Wash and air the curtains before hanging them up as even natural fibres are treated with substances to make them moth resistant.

•Electrical: Remove Wi-Fi, cordless phones, mobiles and wireless baby monitors from

the baby’s room or better from the house altogether. Children are more susceptible to electromagnetic waves which can be very harmful to development, even leading to long-term illnesses and damage to the immune system.

•Open the window and let the fresh air in. Also, reduce unwanted chemicals and pathogens the easy way by bringing plants into your nursery that remove toxic chemicals from the air.

•If you’re pregnant let someone else renovate! It doesn’t matter how green the products you are using are, it is still safer to keep away from them until the paint has dried.

Don’t forget to think green about what you put inside your nursery, too. Families reader Amy said “I was careful about what I put on my nursery walls, but I never stopped to think about the furniture.” It’s true, most of us don’t. We assume anything and everything we buy for our nursery will naturally be safe.

•Cots and Cribs: Some conventionally-made cribs in manufactured wood products like hardwood plywood paneling, particleboard and mid-density fiberboard are sources of VOCs and harmful flame retardants. Solid wood treated with non-toxic varnish, oil or wax is best. Avoid chipboard wood (made using formaldehyde) or furniture plastic or a plastic coating as they may contain harmful softeners.

•Cot linen: It’s not just baby’s clothing that can be organic. Cot sheets, sleeping bags, blankets and towels are now available in 100% organic cotton. Don’t forget to wash all new linens before use.

•Mattress: Choose a mattress made from natural materials. Many conventional mattresses use PVC as the mattress cover and foam treated with potentially toxic flame retardants as filling material. A better option is a mattress made from natural coir (coconut

Suppliers

Flooring – www.healthyflooring.org Walls - www.earthbornpaints.co.uk, www.MyLittleEco.co.uk/ecopaint Furniture – www.thegreenfamilia.co.uk, www.kiddisave.co.uk Mattresses - www.abacaorganic.co.uk, www.greenbaby.com Bathing products – www.greenbaby.com Eco-nursery products www.hellobabydirect.co.uk Next issue: Are you green enough for your baby? – Part Two. Many ways to protect your baby from harmful chemicals and pollutants are free. We’ll find out how to be as green as you can while not spending a fortune.

The New Cuddlemat from Cuddledry The Cuddledry mums famous for their appearance on Dragons’ Den have released their new Cuddlemat product. Now kids can have just as much fun getting out the bath as they did in! The new colour-changing bath mat from Cuddledry will never fail to keep kids entertained while you dry them off. Neon pink or yellow funky footprints appear like magic when hot little feet fresh from the bath land on this super soft mat.

The mat is made with 100% natural, absorbent cotton, is machine washable and is available in deep lilac or aqua. Available now £14.99 from www.cuddledry.com

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010 9

Child Safety in a Virtual World

As our children become more dependent on the internet for research, entertainment and socialising, what support is there and what can we do to ensure their safety?

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre is dedicated to eradicating the sexual abuse of children. Their aim is to protect children, young people, families and society from paedophiles and sex offenders; in particular those who use the internet and other new technologies in the sexual exploitation of children.

The CEOP has five key objectives that focus their aim: • To identify, locate and protect, children and young people from sexual exploitation and online abuse - both in the UK and globally; • To engage and empower children, young people, parents and the community through information and education; • To protect children and young people through the provision of specialist information and support to professionals, families, industry and the community; • To enforce the law by bringing offenders to justice and acting to disrupt and deter future offending; and • To enhance existing responses to the sexual exploitation and online abuse of children and young people by developing a safer by design online environment and refining the management of offenders.

Working directly and in partnership with local and international police forces, the CEOP take a very measured, intelligence driven approach that tracks perpetrators, supports the victims and minimises the risk to the wider majority. Partnership is fundamental to their approach so law enforcement officers sit alongside specialists from children’s charities, education, government, business partners and other interested groups.

ClickCEOP Organisations providing online environments for children are being encouraged to adopt the ClickCEOP reporting button. The button is a direct link to the CEOP website and provides instant advice and guidance to users who may be concerned about something that may have happened to them whilst online from cyber bullying to potential viruses. Social networking sites such as Facebook provide a specific application (app for short), which users can share with their friends and places a visible icon of the app in plain view so that their friends – and others viewing their profile – can see they are protected online

10

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010

Facts and Figures • 278 children have been safeguarded or protected from sexual abuse either directly or indirectly as the result of CEOP activity, 47 of whom have been identified through the victim identification process.

• 417 suspected child sexual offenders have been arrested – for offences ranging from possession of indecent images to rape – as a result of intelligence reports from CEOP and/or through the deployment of CEOP resources.

What can you do?

• Visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk to learn how to protect your children online.

• Help your children to understand that they should never give out personal details to online friends - personal information includes their instant messenger id, email address, mobile phone number and any pictures of themselves, their family or friends. If your child publishes a picture or video online – anyone can change it or share it and it may be online forever.

• Know what your children are doing online and who they are talking to. Ask them to teach you to use any applications you have never used, such as a social networking site or online chat room.

• Help your child to understand that some people may not tell the truth online and therefore internet friends should remain online and be treated with caution. They should never meet up with any strangers in the real world without an adult they trust being present.

• Always make sure your child feels comfortable in being able to come to you or someone they trust if they are worried about anything online. Teach young people how to block someone online and report them if they feel uncomfortable. Most sites will have guidance on this and any reports can be made directly to the CEOP Centre via www.ceop.police.uk • Encourage your child not to open files from people they don’t know. They could contain a virus or inappropriate content.

• If your child receives SPAM/ junk email and texts remind them never to believe them, reply to them or use them.

The ClickCEOP Facebook page can be accessed at www.facebook.com/clickceop.

Useful Information for Parents, Carers, Teachers and Trainers www.thinkuknow.co.uk

Snap Yourself a Piece of

With the wonderful colours autumn brings us and the festive season a time spent with families and friends, your camera will rarely leave your side.

To ensure you capture that perfect moment, we asked Colourful Thoughts, a Chippenham based company, to provide some hints and tips to think about when you next reach for your camera.

• Focus on the eyes – we are immediately drawn to this part of the face and so it can quickly ruin a photo if the eyes are out of focus.

• If you are taking a portrait shot, turn the camera on its side to ensure you are filling the frame and not wasting space either side of the subject.

• Check your background, try not to have too many distractions to take focus away from your subjects and be careful not to miss trees, lampposts or similar stray items cutting through your subject.

• Always look at different ways to take your picture – try different angles and viewpoints.

• Taking pictures from a slightly lower position looking up at subjects generally provides a more flattering result.

WITH KIDS IN MIND •Natural light is the best source for people shots as it captures the natural skin tones. If you can, take your images outdoors. Even indoors, near windows for example provides ideal conditions. In or out, experiment with different angles but generally you get a better result when the sun hits from the side. Directly behind or in front leads to extremes in exposure.

• Most cameras have a pre-focus which works by pressing the shutter release half way down when on your focus point. You can then move and better frame the picture whilst the focus remains on your original point. This is very useful when taking images of children or active family shots.

• The more fascinating images appear when you capture a child just being them – draw their attention away from you rather than making it too formal.

• Why not try staging a photo session at home. Set aside some time with a space free from clutter and keep a collection of props close by – consider clothing – it may have an effect on the overall image colour as well as an impact on your subject’s mood. Pop on some music and have some fun!

Most importantly, experiment and get to know all the features on your camera. With digital photography there is no cost for happily snapping away, so take plenty of shots – you never know when that perfect picture will suddenly appear!

Digital artists at Colourful Thoughts are transforming client’s photos into personal and unique pieces of artwork, creating stunning images which can then be printed or downloaded for any personal use.

For more tips and examples of work visit www.colourfulthoughts.com You can also visit them on Facebook under Colourful Thoughts

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010 11

What’s On

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since our press deadline.

FESTIVE FUN AMERICAN MUSEUM The American Museum in Britain Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath. Tel: 01225 460503 www.americanmuseum.org 26th November - 19th December 2010 Christmas at Claverton A wonderful event to start the festive season and get the family into the spirit of things.

The children will be awe inspired by the stunning decorations and they may even learn something of American history - even if they don’t realise it at the time!

BATH ABBEY 12 Kingston Buildings, Bath Tel: 01225 422462. ww.bathabbey.org Shoppers Carol Services.

Come and join the festive carol singing at Bath Abbey. Special, shorter services (20mins) are held at times suitable for shoppers to pop in and get into the Christmas spirit - a reminder of the true meaning of the festivities.

Services are to be held on the following dates: Saturday 27th November: 13.00, 14.00, 15.00 and 16.00 Saturday 4th December: 13.00, 14.00, 15.00 and 16.00 Saturday 11th December: 13.00, 14.00, 15.00 and 16.00 WESTONBIRT THE NATIONAL ABORETUM Tetbury GL8 8QS. Tel: 01666 880220 www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

Enchanted Christmas 2010 Take a walk along the famous illuminated trail and see the National Arboretum lit up at night.

Visit Father Christmas plus lots of other festive excitement - carols from local choirs and bands, roast chestnuts, mulled wine and great gift ideas from the Christmas Market and Forest Shop.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 26 Nov - 19 Dec 2010 Check the website for further details.

12

Families upon Avon

THE JANE AUSTEN CENTRE 40 Gay Street, Queen Square, Bath Tel: 01225 443000. www.janeausten.co.uk Jane Austen’s Regency Christmas At the Jane Austen Centre in Bath, the month leading up to Christmas is marked with seasonal additions to the exhibition, illustrating how the festive time of year was celebrated in the early 1800s.

SS GREAT BRITAIN Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, BS1 6TY Tel: 01179260680. ww.ssgreatbritain.org Visitors to Brunel’s SS Great Britain will arrive at the stunning new visitor centre, before stepping back in time to experience the hustle and bustle of a ship preparing to embark on a two-month voyage to Australia.

Meet Father Christmas 18th December Board the festive ship, meet Father Christmas and win prizes.

LONGLEAT Warminster, Wiltshire. Tel: 01985845408 www.longleat.co.uk Photo © SM Santatrain09

BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET (next to the Abbey). Tel: 0906 711 2000 www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk 25th November - 12th December 2010 Each year, the Abbey Churchyard area – a magical setting in the shadow of Bath Abbey is transformed into a Christmas shoppers’ haven – Bath Christmas Market.

WWT SLIMBRIDGE WETLAND CENTRE Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT Tel: 01453 891223 www.wwt.org.uk/slimbridge Christmas Shopping Days 27 November and 28 November Enjoy a weekend of festive shopping. Browse an array of stalls selling everything from beautiful and unusual gifts and decorations for the home to the very best in local festive produce.

Winter Wildlife Festival 29 November - 5th December A week long celebration of wildlife themed activities, stalls and special talks is coming to WWT Slimbridge. There really will be something for everyone at this wildlife extravaganza from the devoted birdwatcher to those just curious about what creatures live in their gardens and countryside.

For more details visit www.wwt.org.uk/slimbridge ROVES FARM Nr Highworth, Swindon SN6 7QG Tel: 01793 763939. www.rovesfarm.co.uk Visit Santa in his Grotto Follow thousands of sparkling lights, as you make your way to Father Christmas in his magical grotto.

Roves Farm Nativity Join Roves Farm’s animals in traditional nativity plays throughout the day. There are over 60 costumes to fit all ages, including shepherds, kings and angels or will you be lucky enough to get the lead role of Mary or Joseph.

Dates in December Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th Friday 17th & every day until Thursday 23rd.

Please allow plenty of time for all the Festive Fun! Go to the website for more details.

• Nov/Dec 2010

Santa Trains for Christmas at Longleat From Saturday 4th December with various dates running up to and including Christmas Eve. The Longleat Santa Trains have enthralled thousands of children over the years. The journey takes visitors through the forest and alongside the lake where, in the daytime, visitors may see sea lions, hippos and the gorilla before passing through the tunnel and stopping close to Santa’s woodland grotto.

Every child who visits Father Christmas will receive a present and this year. For further information on dates and availability of trains please telephone the Longleat Railway on 01985 845408.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol Tel: 01179325538 www.avonvalleyrailway.co.uk Visit Santa Special Dates from 28th November – 24th December (see website) Up to six trips depart throughout the day.

Tickets are priced from £8 each for children and adults.

BRISTOL ZOO Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 01179747399 www.bristolzoo.org.uk Santa & Elf weekend special 27 November – 19 December Visit Santa in his magical grotto, journey through the mysterious Elf Hollow and take a ride around the Zoo on the Santa Express - the perfect way to spend the festive season Santa’s Grotto Weekends Dates: 27 & 28 Nov; 4 & 5 and 11 & 12 Dec. Open every day from 19 – 23 Dec £3.80 Meet and feed Santa’s reindeer 17 Dec – 29 Dec, small charge for reindeer

To publicise your event in our What’s On pages email editor@familiesuponavon.co.uk food. Jingle & Belle will be flying in to Bristol Zoo for the holidays.

Sustainable Christmas tree sale 27 Nov – 24 Dec Quality, locally sourced Christmas trees will be on sale in the Zoo’s west car park.

After-school Christmas Cracker!

Discounted entry to the Zoo, journey through Elf Hollow and visit Santa in his grotto.

Mon 13 Dec – Fri 17 Dec, 3.30pm – 5.00pm Pre-booking essential. Book online or call 0117 974730 LACOCK ABBEY Lacock Abbey, Lacock, SN15 2LG Tel: 01249 730459 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Professor Heard’s Christmas Magic Lantern Show Sunday 19th December Experience a Victorian magic lantern show in our magnificent Great Hall. Children can also create their own magic lantern style picture to take home. Performances at 12 noon, 1.30, 2.30, 3.30. Normal admission charges apply, National Trust members and under 5s free.

Tickets available at reception, places are limited. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Christmas in the Cloisters Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December A magical Christmas shopping experience in the Medieval Abbey Cloisters, live music,

refreshments and an appearance by Father Christmas! Adult £2.50, National Trust Members and children free. There is a cost for a visit to Santa.

WHITEHALL GARDEN CENTRE Corsham Road, Lacock. Tel: 01249 730204 www.whithallgardencentre.co.uk Father Christmas in his Grotto 13th Nov 13th – 24th Dec Breakfast with Santa & Tea with Santa Various Dates after 5th Dec – 24th Dec See website for dates and costs PRIOR PARK The National Trust, Prior Park Landscape Garden, Church Lane, Widcombe, Bath Tel: 01225 833977 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wessex Autumn Wildlife fun at Prior Park 6th November 2010 – 6 February 2011, 11am - Dusk See how many different types of wildlife you can spot in the garden with our family wildlife spotter trail . Normal admission prices apply.

THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pultney Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 445848 Lantern Making Workshops & Lantern Procession Join the Holburne Museum in celebrating the season. You can collect a FREE lantern-kit to

be creative at home from No. 4 Sydney Place (Mon – Fri 9.30am-12.30pm) from Mon 22 November to Wed 1 December, or you can join FREE workshops.

Lantern Workshops For Toddlers Monday 22 - Thursday 26 November FREE session but must be booked 10.30am-12noon for children aged 2-5 accompanied by an adult After School Lantern Workshops Monday 22 - Friday 26 November FREE drop-in session – including light refreshments 3.30-5pm for school aged children Lantern Procession Thursday 2 December. 4.15pm-5.45pm.

Gather outside the Gardener’s Lodge in the wild garden with your lantern for a Winter Warmer and a sing song: 4.30pm for family carols with Bath Spa University Singers 4.45pm lanterns judged by our curators.

MILSOM PLACE CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL 41 Milsom Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 789040 A Piece of Chocolate Heaven...

4th and 5th December A decadent Chocolate festival and Christmas festivities.10-15 high quality producers from around the UK the best chocolate money can buy in the country! Call Milson Place for further details.

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010 13

BRADFORD ON AVON LIBRARY Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1BY Tel: 01225 863280. www.wiltshire.gov.uk Late Night Opening for the Christmas Lights Switch On Tuesday 30th November How the Grinch stole Christmas story and craft activity 5.00 - 5.45pm Bedtime stories at the library 6.10 - 6.25pm Christmas Family Fun Afternoon Monday 20th December 2.30pm Christmas story time 3.00 - 4.00pm Drop-in and make Christmas decorations for the children’s library Christmas Rhyme Time Thursday 23rd December 10.00-10.30am Action songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

STOURHEAD ESTATE OFFICE Stourton, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6QD Tel: 01747 841152 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead Accessories R Us Saturday 13th November 1.45pm-4pm.

Find out about the accessories ladies from the past used to finish off their outfits, before making accessories from scrap materials.

14

Families upon Avon

Tree Dressing Saturday 27th November 10.30am-1pm Find out about the traditions of tree dressing all around the world, before exploring Stourhead’s winter glory. Bring back cones and leaves to the warmth of the Learning Centre, to make your own ‘dressings’ for a tree at home as well as for decorating a tree at Stourhead.

Christmas Past Saturday 4th December 10.30am-1pm Learn about Christmas in the past and make old-fashioned presents and cards, and then hide them from your family till Christmas Day! Cinderella Sunday 5th December 2pm -3.15pm. Joe Gladwin’s Paperplays presents Cinderella - a magical and colourful miniature experience!

Curtain up at 2pm and after performance refreshments and chat about the history of toy theatres.

Stourhead Christmas Fayre Sunday 19th December 11am-7pm including Family Christmas Crafts, 11am-3pm. Join us for this drop-in event to make something Christmassy together! No unaccompanied children please.

Other activities on the day include the Christmas Festival of the Voice; meeting Father Christmas and watching him turn on the Christmas tree lights.

• Nov/Dec 2010

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS BATH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON 18th November 2010 The evening’s entertainment will begin at 4:30pm in Milsom Street. On Thursday November 18th Bath’s Christmas Lights will be switched on. Bath’s fantastic mix of high street stores and independents shops will be staying open late so it all adds up to an unforgettable festive experience.

CHIPPENHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON 19th November 2010 Chippenham’s Annual Christmas Lights switch in The Market Place Chippenham, Craft Fair in The Town Hall, Fun Fair, Fireworks and much more. For more information 01249 446699 MELKSHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON 27th November 2010 at 5pm Christmas Fayre - Santa arrives in the Market Place at 2pm and switched on at 5pm for more information visit www.melkshamchristmaslights.co.uk BRADFORD ON AVON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON 1st December 2010 at 6pm Switching of the town Christmas lights, 6pm

by the winner of ‘buy a Christmas bulb’ competition together with some surprise guests! Late night opening for town shops.

THEATRE THE EGG THEATRE & THEATRE ROYAL BATH Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET Box Office: 01225 448844 or 01225 823 409 Or visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the egg The Night Pirates

The Snow Queen Age: 6 years and over The Snow Queen rules her magical kingdom with a heart of ice. When her enchanted mirror shatters and a shard falls into Cei’s eye, he falls under her evil spell. Only Gerda, Cei’s best friend believes he can be rescued and sets out on a life-changing journey to save him.

DATES TO REMEMBER KEYNSHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON 26th November 2010 Keynsham Town Council are again organising the ever popular Victorian Evening.

The Christmas lights will be switched on and there will be fairground rides, entertainers, music and food stalls. For more information call 0117 9868683.

CORSHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON 3rd December 2010 For more information call 01249 702130 MIDSOMER NORTON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON 3rd December 2010 For more details call 01225 396539

PANTOMIME THEATRE ROYAL BATH Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET Ticket Office: 01225 448 844 Or visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk John Monie, Chris Harris and Gemma Hunt. Photo © Freia Turland

Aladdin 16th December 2010 23rd January 2011 BRISTOL HIPPODROME St Augustines, Parade, Bristol Ticketmaster 0844 8472325 – 24hrs a day Dick Whittington 11th December 2010 - 9th January 2011 WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon Ticket Office: 01793 524 481 Peter Pan 11th December 2010 - 9th January 2011

Sat 18 Dec 2010 - Last Posting date for second- class mail in the UK Tue 21 Dec 2010 - Last Posting date for first-class mail in the UK The Night Pirates Age 3 - 5 years When dark shadows come stealing down Tom’s bedroom walls he thinks it might be monsters or ogres or trolls. But Tom’s not afraid – he peeps out of the window and what should he see but PIRATES. Stranger still they’re GIRL PIRATES, stealing the front of his house!

Tuesday 9th November Blowing Age: 11 years and over Blowing is an explosive farce, upgraded for the YouTube generation. Tom and Jessica are not prepared to play along with their mum’s pretensions any more. They are taking power back because soon they’ll no longer be able to distinguish between fact and fiction.

This blisteringly funny look at how adults condescend to children is by one of the most talented playwrights in the Netherlands and has been translated by Rina Vergano.

The Frog Princess Age 3 years and over.

This Russian folktale tells of three brothers who are ordered by their father to find a bride.

Each prince must shoot an arrow into the air and marry whoever finds it. Perfect princesses return the arrows to the eldest two brothers.

Unfortunately a frog finds the third brother’s arrow!

Sunflowers and Sheds Age: 4 years and over On the allotments down by the railway, Frank’s peaceful routine is turned upside down by the arrival of lively Isabella and her chickens on the neighbouring plot. Through the changing seasons, the seeds of friendship grow side by side with the raspberries, runner beans, memories and dreams.

Handa’s Surprise Age: 2 – 6 years Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Handa is taking seven delicious fruits as a surprise – but seven different animals have seven very different ideas The Egg presents Alice Through the Looking Glass Age: 6 years and over Join Alice on her quest to become a queen as she encounters the worrisome Red Queen, talking flowers, Humpty Dumpty and the original terrible twins. Is she going forward or backwards? And who is she really?

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our readers!

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010 15

Families Magazines Proud to be 20 Years Old Today Families upon Avon is part RATING 20 EB of a thriving group of franchised magazines across the UK from the Solent to Fife, but twenty years ago it was a much smaller operation.

The first issue in October 1990 was A E a cut and paste affair in black and TI N G 20 Y white meaning scissors and glue, not copy and paste!

The very first edition, Families® South West, had a mere 4,000 print run, and colour wasn’t to be seen until Oct 2000. How things have changed, it would be unthinkable nowadays to have a Families magazine in black & white.

Even when the experts said that “it would never work in publishing,” Families started franchising the magazine in 1995. There are now 30 editions of Families in the UK and well over 500,000 copies are printed across the group. But throughout it all, Families has remained true to the original thinking, a hands-on magazine for busy mums with useful information, centred around the local community.

We think (well of course we would) that Families is, and always will be, the best source of local information, news, events and what’s on for parents. You are reading the right publication, well done.

RS

BR

A

CE L

CELE

ARS YE

20

Going Online and Interactive

When the World Wide Web beckoned in the late 1990s, we were there. Families has had a web presence from 1997; www.familiesonline.co.uk was launched in 2000 and last December saw a massive re-launch of the website. The Families website is a powerful resource that currently reaches into nearly all areas of the UK. Local editors look after their own local section filled with local articles, listings, discussion forums and free small ads. Register as a user and find at the bottom of your chosen articles a list of relevant companies local to you. No more searching, the info comes to you.

This is simply unique.

It’s almost like having a really knowledgeable friend at virtually every school/nursery gate in the country. So whereas one parent may get some information on self-esteem for older children, another will find exactly where to take a pair of rambunctious toddlers on a rainy Monday.

What’s Next?

For Families upon Avon we intend to embrace the online opportunity.

Our website www.familiesuponavon.co.uk will be a focus for us over the coming months where along with a Facebook presence we hope to encourage local discussion via our Forums and extend our local directories, listings, What’s On and loads of great competitions. You can register now and each time you visit us, remember to log in: by logging in you allow all articles you read to automatically show the relevant local companies at the bottom. It also means Families upon Avon becomes your default Home Page when you visit us. Isn’t it clever!?

Families upon Avon is only made possible by the support of our local advertisers.

Please let them know you heard about their product or service through Families upon Avon.

16

Families upon Avon

• Nov/Dec 2010