Family Matters - Frome and West Wiltshire edition

FROME AND WEST WILTS EDITION

ISSUE 58 • DECEMBER 2019

HOW TO HANDLE WINTER ILLNESS

SCHOOL NEWS

www.familymatters-uk.co.uk

MAKE YOUR HOME CHRISTMASSY!

WELCOME

We can hardly believe that it’s this time of year again, it seems like only yesterday we were wishing you all a wonderful summer and here we are, getting ready for Christmas!

There’s lots of fun to be had in the lead up to Christmas and New Year and you’ll find plenty of things to keep you occupied over the holidays, whether you celebrate Christmas or not. Make sure to check the What’s On for a whole host of festive treats and keep checking our website for any additional events that are going on in the local area. One tradition at this time of year is the Pantomime, so we’ve included a guide for you so you don’t miss out as well as a few fun recipes you can try!

With everything from VE Day anniversary celebrations and the Mayflower 400 amongst other things being celebrated in 2020, we think it is going to be a very exciting year, so for now, enjoy this final edition of Family Matters for 2019, we’ll see you in 2020, have a great Christmas and a happy New Year – whatever your plans.

p8 fun things to do this Christmas

p11 THE DREADED TWEENAGER!

p19 WINTER WILDLIFE GUIDE

p13 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

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CHRISTMAS P R E S E N TS

ON A

BUDGET

Christmas doesn’t have to be an expensive time of year.

By setting yourself an affordable budget and sticking to it you’ll be able to start the New Year without mountains of unplanned debt.

Use our tips to help you make the most of your money.

WRITE A LIST

CUT BACK

Estimate the cost of each present and check that the total is within your budget. Stick to your list.

Sounds simple, but it’s easy to get carried away when Christmas lights are twinkling and the displays entice you to buy everything.

See if you can find one or two areas where you can make savings, eg packed lunches for you or your children, or cancelling a gym or magazine membership which you’re not using.

If you’re buying online remember to budget for delivery costs and try and consolidate your shopping to get the best delivery prices.

COMPARE PRICES

PLAN WHAT TO BUY AND WHEN

SEARCH FOR DISCOUNTS

Some things are best paid for early to get the best deals, for example travel, and others best to leave until the last minute, such as stocking fillers.

You can find vouchers in magazines and voucher codes online. If there is space to enter a discount code, always search for one.

Different retailers, as well as internet and shop prices, often differ. Price comparison websites can be useful but use more than one source to get a full range of price information.

DON’T BE TEMPTED Two-for-one, three-for-two, mixand-match or other enticing offers are there to tempt you. Check the original prices to make sure that they really are value for money.

And only buy them if you really need them.

BUDGET FOR DELIVERY COSTS

If you are getting benefits, did you know you may be entitled to a Christmas bonus? And if you don’t currently get benefits, find out if you should be. See the direct.gov website for more information.

If you are planning to borrow to help pay for Christmas then make sure to research your options. You can find information for credit cards and loans from comparison websites.

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Save the date: Christmas Jumper Day, Friday, 13th December 2019

Raise money for

Save the Children

while wearing a fun jumper!

Christmas Jumper Day is an annual event where schools, businesses and individuals wear a cosy (or ugly – depending on your preference) Christmas Jumper to help raise money for Save the Children! Basically, it is a celebration of Christmas and taking part in that wonderful tradition of Goodwill to all.

Want to be involved? Your school/work place just need to sign up online for a fundraising pack which contains all the resources you need! You don’t even need to buy a new jumper – just decorate an old one! As long as it looks Christmassy, you’re good to go! All you need to do is wear donate a small sum, usually £1 or £2 in order to wear your jumper.

Want to raise more money? Why not hold a Christmas themed bake sale? Or hold a Christmas design competition? You could take part in a some fun activities to get the blood pumping or get a team together and compete in a Christmas themed quiz – the possibilities are endless! Often schools and businesses like to add to both the fun and the funds by including something extra as part of the day – do you have any other ideas? You can get in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter and send your suggestions.

The annual event has raised over £17 million in the past few years and we’re sure that we can beat last year’s amount.

If your school is taking part in Christmas Jumper Day or any other fundraising activities in the lead up to Christmas, we’d love to hear from you! Send us photos of your festive outfits and details of how much you’ve raised to news@ignyteuk.co.uk and we’ll feature them all in our next issue!

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FU N THING S TO D O WITH TH rate Whether or not you celeb tting the day itself or you’re cu an me ’t down this year, doesn of you have to endure a case is FOMO while everyone else h wit dia me bombarding social e y’r the photos of the great time having. We’ve put together a list of fun things you can s do with the whole family thi ’re winter season whether you ng on a budget or you’re avoidi Christmas entirely.

Build a snow man

Well… This one might be a bit weather dependent, but if it snows and it is safe for you to go out and enjoy yourself, building a little snow family is always fun!

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Snuggle up with a hot chocolate or other festive drink You can find plenty of spiced, festive drinks suitable for the kids and the parents at supermarkets throughout the winter months. As the nights draw in and it starts to get colder, why not make evenings a special time by cuddling up together with a warm drink and talking together? It’s a low cost way to spend time together and it isn’t overly Christmassy for those of you that don’t celebrate the holidays.

Go to the Panto It’s a British winter tradition and with moving around and joining in being encouraged, it’s the ideal thing to experience together as a family! In this issue, we’ve even put together a handy guide of what shows are on where for you!

Make treats

At this time of year, you can’t escape cinnamon, apples and raisins and baking is always a great way to spend time together – plus, making stuff is always better if you can eat it afterwards! Why not make Christmas themed sweet treats or just seasonal ones, you can even leave them out for Santa as a little thank you on Christmas Eve!

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Build blanket forts

It is a universally ackn are much better than w Why don’t you get the roles to make the best f cuddle up and watch a Plus, after the kids have can hide away in them

Go searching for th neighbourhood ligh

Why stand around in t waiting for the official on in your area when go for a nice walk toge evenings searching for decorated house? Whet celebrate or decorate y doesn’t matter, this is a seeing other people’s cr and getting out and ac

S

HE FAMILY THIS CHR ISTMAS

Track Father Christmas

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nowledged fact that movies watched from a blanket fort. family together and assign fort you can and then a family favourite together. e gone to bed, the adults m too!

he best hts

the cold l light switch you could ether in the r the best ther you yourself all about reativity ctive.

who This is one for the little ones but , rse cou of ta San believe in let on Christmas Eve, set up a tab of one up n ope and or computer n the , sites ta San ck the many Tra he as s gres pro his ck you can che ld. makes his way around the wor re mo the get to way It’s a great won’t excitable kids to sleep as he come if you’re still awake!

Put together a care package

ugh to have nice While we might be lucky eno ty to do all the uni ort warm homes and the opp is. If you can, e yon things listed here, not ever kage for your pac e why not put together a car which you rity cha s local food bank or homeles ating? It is don ore bef can plan and fill together all. the season of goodwill after

Decorate the house

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, getting some winter themed décor going on is always fun, even if it’s just putting some throws on the sofas for when it starts to get chilly. You could make it fun by getting the kids involved with making the house look festive and if you do Christmas, you could get them to make their own decorations for the tree and then display them all.

Play party games

There is always a bit of a par ty atmosphere at this time of yea r, so join in by playing some party gam es. Either use a board game you have lying around or consult the internet for som e other fun suggestions, like a Christmas themed pin the tail on the donkey or a festive Who Do You Think You Are style gam e.

Do you have any other suggestions of fun things to do at this time of year?

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TWEENAGER? TWEENAGER? It seems that children are growing up more quickly than they used to. These days it isn’t unusual to see eight year olds getting interested in make-up tutorials and toddlers knowing their way around an iPad better than you do. For parents, the transition from child to teenager isn’t as gradual as it used to be. If you have what is commonly known as a ‘tweenager’ you’ll already know this, but if you’re not sure or you think that your own child might be entering this phase, here are a few tips to make the whole thing a bit easier.

It can be difficult for parents to not get frustrated when their formerly pleasant child suddenly becomes sarcastic and starts pushing the boundaries. You might worry that children are completely aware of how they’re behaving – but that’s not always the case. Science suggests that most kids aren’t aware of how they come across and this is all down to the changes in their brains as they start to mature and develop into teenagers – so don’t take it to heart, but do keep a check on it in case their change in behaviour is stemming from an issue such as bullying.

What can you do about it?

Classic tween symptoms:

Background photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com

Do you have a....

Not listening Answering back Refusing to do as they’re told Swearing Keeping secrets If you answer ed yes to thes e, then congratulatio ns, the tween stage has hit!

Firstly, don’t panic and don’t judge – you were like this once too!

If you have a child who doesn’t listen to anything you say make sure to talk to them calmly and without raising your voice, if you nag them they’ll tune out and if you get angry they’ll get defensive. Maintain eye contact and show by your language and tone that you mean what you say.

If they start answering you back or being cheeky make sure that you use the same technique when letting them know what is acceptable. Understand that they are becoming their own person and they want to figure themselves out, but at the same time, you are still the parents and what you say goes.

Are they starting to use swear words or other language that you don’t like? Make sure to check they haven’t learned it from home and curb your own language if they are within hearing distance whilst making sure they know it won’t be tolerated while they’re at home.

Do you have any suggestions for parents experiencing this for the first time?

Share them on Facebook and Twitter, @ukfamilymatters

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME Not everyone wants to be that person who transforms the outside of their home into Blackpool Illuminations for two months every year. Especially with high energy costs and environmental issues, it is hardly the most sensible of ideas.

Everyone does, however, need a boost, and each year Christmas provides the perfect excuse to be full of joy.

Regardless of budget, there are plenty of ways to bring Christmas into your homes this year.

FESTIVE FOLIAGE AND HOMEMADE DECORATIONS

Bearing in mind what we have just mentioned about the environment and single use items, it is useful to find ways to decorate your home the ‘green’ way. Festive foliage is a great starting point for this. Pine cones, ivy and bits of fern can all easily be gathered at this time of year and they really create a great Christmas environment. You can also be a bit creative yourself and stray away from these age-old traditions with other plants and greenery.

MAKE THE LIVING ROOM COSY

Nothing beats sitting around a warm fire with the family at Christmas, watching the same films you watch every year.

These movies have now simply become ingrained within our Christmas experience. What would Christmas be without Home Alone? To encourage this family time, it is imperative that you are able to create a great environment in your lounge. If you have a fireplace, then use some of these tips

Christmassy to make it nice and Christmassy. Put down a heavy rug and have blankets and pillows at the ready. Candles and mood lighting can also add to the ambience, with one option being fairy lights. Get lots of good snacks in and settle down for many evenings of relaxation.

MAKE EATING AN EVENT

Another great way to get the family together is at mealtimes.

Many of us look forward to our Christmas dinner more than anything else, but meals throughout the whole holiday can be an event, too. In the same way that you made your living room nice and Christmassy, you can also brighten your dining room up with some choice lighting and tasteful decorations. Having a centrepiece is always a great place to start, so why not bring the candelabras out early. Crackers may be going a step too far, but taking some time to make mealtimes an event will truly help to create a great atmosphere. No-one will be expecting turkey every night, but designing a fun weekly menu may help to get the kids involved too.

DECORATE THE DOOR

Even if you don’t want to push the national grid to its limits, having a nice wreath and a few other decorations on your front and back doors can provide a nice welcome into the festive environment that awaits you. By following some of these simple steps, you can have your house primed and ready for the Christmas period.

Take 10 minutes on Christmas Eve to sit with the children and read this traditional, well loved poem together.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

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Twas the Night before Christmas

SKATE ON OUR REAL ICE RINK

Skate from only £5.99 on our real Ice Rink located at our Lacock site.

S

kate here at Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock this Christmas. This activity is great for all ages. Join us for our disco nights every Friday & Saturday at 6:00pm and 7:00pm, or why not join us for our beginners nights every Monday at 5:00pm & 6:00pm. Skate with Olaf or Buzz Lightyear every Wednesday & Thursday at 5:00pm and 6:00pm. Once your skating session has finished why not visit our Ice Cafe for delicious hot food and drinks.

VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS IN H I S G R O TT O

Bring your little ones along to enjoy a magical experience that will make their Christmas one to remember & meet our real life Nativity Animals!

Adult: £2.99 / Child: £14.99 Tickets can be purchased online at: www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

FESTIVE FOOD ESSENTIALS Entertain this Christmas with our delicious array of seasonal food and drink, or why not leave the cooking at home this festive season and dine with us in style in one of our restaurants.

Discover more in store and shop online at www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

Mistletoe, ÂŁ5.99 each

H

House plants are a festive house decoration too!

Bring the garden colour inside with these popular festive plants.

become the top interior trend of 2019. They are

and also add a touch of festive colour to your home at Christmas, as well as being a brilliant Christmas present!

HOUSE PLANTS! Here at Whitehall Garden Centres we have a large selection of houseplants for all. We have plants for small & large spaces, for hanging, windows & shelves or for decorative pots. Visit us in store to choose from a wide selection this Christmas.

Perfectly Potted Poinsettias!

5 OF THE BEST FESTIVE HOUSE PLANTS . Poinsettia: perfect for any window, from each . Succulents:

each . Orchid: A great all year round each . Cyclemen: Small yet attractive house plants each . Amaryllis: each

Shop online at: www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

what’s on Until the 24th December Father Christmas at Whitehall The Father Christmas Grotto Experience includes a festive story read by Father Christmas. Guests also meet his Elves and real reindeer. In addition to this, each child ticket includes a present, which they can personally choose. As a reminder of your visit, they will also receive a mini Christmas tree and badge. This is an extremely popular attraction. We would strongly recommend booking in advance. Whitehall Garden Centres, Lacock and Whitchurch.

Weekends during 7th – 22nd December Elves' Workshop Free family event at The Galleries shopping centre, Bristol. The Elves' Workshop will be taking place between 11am and 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Each session will offer a different activity, giving little ones the chance to see what it really takes to be Santa’s assistant. Selected sessions will be pre-bookable via www.galleriesbristol.co.uk.

Until the 30th December Christmas at Stourhead For the very first time at Stourhead the tree-tops will glisten and the gardens will shimmer and sparkle.

It’s definitely the most wonderful time of the year to wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in seasonal colour and dripping with shards of light, frosty snowflakes, stars and baubles Stourhead, National Trust, Wiltshire.

Until the 5th January 2020 Ice Skating at Whitehall Skate at Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock this Christmas. This activity is great for all ages, join in on the disco nights every Fri & Sat at 6:00pm and 7:00pm, or why not join in on the beginners' nights every Monday. Skate with Olaf or Buzz Lightyear every Wed & Thurs. Once your skating session has finished why not visit the Ice Cafè for delicious hot food and drinks.

8th December Meet the Ponies Come and enjoy Christmas mulled wine, mince pies and meet the ponies.

Glenda Spooner Farm, Kingsdon.

8th, 14th,15th, 21st and 22nd December Meet Father and Mother Christmas Each child will get individual time with Father Christmas, and of course, a gift! Tickets for Father Christmas can be purchased online and always sell out in advance.

The Bishop's Palace, Wells.

13th - 22nd December Jolly Midwinter Merriment The Court and formal garden will be sparkling and festive with music, dancing and activities for all. Enjoy the more relaxed ambiance on Fridays and Mondays, or family fun on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December.

Barrington Court, Somerset.

For further information about each event

14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December Father Christmas at Barrington Court Meet Father Christmas in his atmospheric study; he'll have a quality gift for each child who books in to see him. Catch him while you can! He'll be in residence (weekends only) throughout December from 11am until 3pm. Barrington Court, Somerset.

19th - 22nd December Supper with Santa Would your little one love to have supper with Santa? This sell-out event includes a buffet tea, ice cream, a funky disco and a present from Santa! Puxton Park.

20th December Christmas Party at Hullabaloo Meet Santa, disco, Face painting, and much more. Christmas Tea included and a licensed bar. Hullabaloo Jungle Play, Shepton Mallet.

20th December - 1st January 2020 The Lord of Misrule returns to Montacute House (except 24th and 25th December), 3 - 6pm. No two days will be the same with the Lord of Misrule presiding over the celebrations, as he would have done in Christmases past. He will be popping up everywhere and anywhere, telling stories and spreading mischief. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/montacutehouse.

21st December A Christmas Carol Wells Theatre Company will be performing a costumed reading of Dickens' atmospheric tale ‘A Christmas Carol’ in the Entrance Hall of the Palace at 11am and 2pm. The shows will involve costumed actors, musicians and carol singers bringing this timeless tale to life in a wholly unique way around the medieval fireplace of the stunning Entrance Hall. The Bishops' Palace, Wells.

21st - 30th December Cinderella Don't miss this year's funfilled, family pantomime Cinderella brought to you by Moorlight Theatre Production.

Book your tickets at www. moorlighttheatreproductions. co.uk. Meyer Theatre, Millfield School, Street.

23rd December Cale Park Christmas Party Christmas themed party with music, games and prizes suitable for all ages on Monday 23rd December. Cemetery Lane, Wincanton.

31st December Family New Year's Eve See in the big 2020 at Almondsbury Creative!

All four rooms in action, with plenty of things to do for all the family, including a live performance by the amazing Soul Strutters. All tickets include a complementary meal with the delicious 'Taste of America' buffet serving you up a slice of the New World. www.almondsburycreative.com. Almondsbury.

31st December New Year's Eve Fireworks Make your New Year spectacular and welcome 2020 in style.

Longleat, Wiltshire.

4th, 11th, 18th and 25th January 2020 Goat Walks Banish those January blues, and come have some fun at Hope Nature Centre! On Saturdays throughout January, where you can take the resident goats on a walk around our Animal Park.

After you’ve taken them ‘out and about’, you can help feed them, alongside the sheep too. Hope Nature Centre, Trowbridge.

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Everyone talks about looking out for hedgehogs over bonfire night and spotting newly born lambs in spring, but there are plenty of other creatures you can spot throughout the winter months while out and about. We thought we’d give you the lowdown on the British wildlife you can see at this time of year, so that when you’re out exploring and enjoying bracing winter walks, you know what to look out for.

Starlings

Robins

If you’re lucky enough to live in the more marshy and open areas of Somerset you might manage to see the starling murmuration as dusk starts to creep in. These murmurations look like beautiful dance performances in the sky as the starlings start to return to their nests.

No doubt these guys will be hanging around your gardens, school grounds and in hedgerows as you make your way from place to place. They have a distinctive song and are cute, colourful birds, so keep your eyes and ears peeled!

Owls You don’t even need to stay up late to catch sight of one of Britain’s owl species, some of them hunt during the day! One such owl is the short eared owl that you’ll find near wetter ground. Otherwise keep a look out for barn owls and tawny owls, especially if you have a shed or barn nearby.

Foxes You might hear them rather than see them, but foxes like to scream around this time of year!

Grey squirrels

Woodpeckers You don’t even need to be somewhere particularly rural to spot a Green Woodpecker, they’re most commonly seen in January and February and feed off the ground so you might be lucky enough to spot them.

While you might think that they hibernate during winter, squirrels are actually pretty active during the colder months, you’ll find them in wooded areas particularly.

If you spot any of these while out and about this winter, we’d love to know, drop us a message on Facebook or Twitter! @ukfamilymatters ukfamilymatters |

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Forget New Year New You, we say it every year and we feel motivated all the way up until maybe the second week in January, when we realise we’re far too tired to start trying to change our habits right now. Sound familiar? It’s the same for many of us, which is why New Year’s Resolutions tend to fall by the wayside, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Researchers suggest that only one in every ten people who set themselves goals at the beginning of the year actually accomplish them by the following December, but as its also fact that you can change a habit in less than a month, settling on and achieving a goal is completely possible – as long as you choose something that is manageable.

Will you be fluent in a new language by the end of next year? Unlikely, but will you be able to hold a conversation? Probably – if you are able to dedicate the time to study and practice.

Will you have played your first gig? Of course, if you are able to do the leg work and get your name out there.

Could you build muscle or make healthier life style choices? Absolutely.

The point we’re making is that it is easier to achieve something if it is obtainable and manageable and the best way to do this is to start off by choosing your goal and then breaking it down into chunks with a deadline for each milestone. That way, there isn’t a huge pressure and you can actually take your time to make the changes that

you want. For instance, if you want to get healthier, why not start by promising you’ll go for a walk once a week, then twice a week, then you’ll go jogging, then running and by next year, you’ll be fit, healthy and signing up for a marathon! Or what about learning how to knit? Start off by figuring out how to hold the needles, then making a few stiches before moving onto patterns. There’s no point in deciding to just jump into making a jumper, you’ll just get disheartened.

Don’t feel boxed in either, sometimes we fail at sticking to resolutions because we’re pressured into doing what everyone else does. It isn’t all about learning new skills or getting fit – it can just as easily be able having a more positive outlook, making time for yourself or even challenging yourself to watch films / T V outside your comfort zone.

Choosing smaller steps to get to where you want to be will help make the journey much more enjoyable and easy to manage.

It’s also important to celebrate when you reach those milestones, we all love rewards after all and by treating yourself when you get to each individual goal, it’ll help keep you motivated and positive about the end result.

The important thing is to not beat yourself up. Failing is ok, stuff doesn’t always work out, it’s fine as long as you learn from it and do something different next time. And of course, there is nothing wrong with deciding to set yourself a goal at the start of a new season or on your birthday – it isn’t all about New Year New You after all!

Are you thinking about setting yourself some goals this New Year?

We’d love to know how you get on and what you choose, don’t forget you can get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook! @ukfamilymatters ukfamilymatters |

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LATEST SCHOOL NEWS

EVENTS

DIARY DATES

YOUR SUCCESSES

News and Reviews OAKFIELD PUPILS REMEMBER

SPOOKY GOINGS ON AT OAKFIELD

On a chilly Monday morning, all 650 pupils and staff lined up on the yard to observe 2 minutes silence at 11am for Armistice Day. Bella Sherba-Chapman, 9, gave a powerful reading of one of her own poems, followed by 12 year old Millie who read In Flanders Fields. The occasion was finished

by Mr Oates, the Year 5 tutor playing the Last Post.

Celebrating Halloween early, Oakfield Academy's Year Fives arrived dressed in their scary outfits and bringing with them Halloween cakes for a Cake Sale to raise money for Year Five activities and resources. Pictured are Rosa-Belle, Hugo, Jack and Caitlin.

OAKFIELD ACADEMY RUGBY Oakfield Academy's Year 7 boys' rugby team did the school proud on Thursday 17th October, their attitude, effort and team work was amazing! At the final whistle, Oakfield players shook hands, congratulated Selwood Academy for their efforts, and created a “clap tunnel” as Selwood left the pitch and gave them three cheers. Both sets of players were respectful towards the referee throughout the duration and they said it was a pleasure to host such a competitive but fair match. The game finished with Oakfield scoring 12 trys to Selwood’s 6.

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REMEMBRANCE AT WESTBURY LEIGH Westbury Leigh Primary School has been remembering those who gave, and who still are willing to give, their lives for our country in securing a better future for everyone.

Every class has taken part in art projects around the theme of the poppy and remembrance. As part of exploring these images the children have learned about why the poppy is such an important of symbol of hope. In WW1 the battlefields were so damaged and muddy that no one thought anything would ever grow there again, but poppies did. They blossomed and flourished in their thousands and were a beautiful and moving sight which gave hope during a time of destruction and desperation.

Ms Isherwood, Assistant Headteacher, explained that: “Art and design contributes to the development of the whole child emotionally, spiritually, creatively, intellectually and socially; it generates in them a sense of enjoyment and purpose. We provided a stimulus that they interpreted in their unique way, linking this to our work on remembrance has instilled a deep knowledge and understanding of our heritage and how it shapes the things we do today such as buying poppies at remembrance to support the British Legion”.

The artwork that has been produced was displayed during the Remembrance service in school, when the service children and collective worship team lead assembly and provide a reference point for the children as they reflect on the significance of this time.

PEACE POSTER COMPETITION In the summer term, Selwood Academy pupils were given the opportunity to design a Peace poster for the international Lions Club competition. Around 50 pupils entered the competition and the school are very proud to announce that three of Selwood’s children were selected as winners for the Frome area.

Evie L, Melissa D, and overall winner for Selwood Academy, Kieran D, were all selected by the judges for their creative interpretation of the theme, the bold use of colour and their technical skills.

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BIKEABILITY AT OAKFIELD

OAKFIELD TAKE PART IN LANTERN WORKSHOP

Oakfield Academy has had another successful 2-day training course. Special thanks go to parent helpers, Mr & Mrs East and Mr Scammell who gave up their own time as volunteer helpers to make the course possible. Although the weather was challenging each pupils showed great resilience completing the course.

Ninety Oakfield Academy Year 6 pupils were lucky enough to take part in a lantern workshop with local artists Mel Day and Aliss Vaas as part of the ‘Light the Night’ lantern parade for the Frome Christmas Lights switch on event which took place on Friday 29th November.

Pupils worked in teams to create life size ‘Angels’ from willow and tissue paper. Meta Joof from 6A said “It was a brilliant experience to work on a team project”.

THANK YOU BATH RUGBY! Oakfield Academy were delighted to receive a wonderful donation from Bath Rugby Club for their silent auction, which formed part of this year’s Christmas Fair. The donation is of this season’s rugby shirt - and it has been signed by all of the current team! Oakfield Academy Fundraisers will be holding a ‘silent auction’ at the Christmas Fair on Saturday 7th December, 12 - 2pm.

They look forward to seeing many people at the Fair, which will have a wonderful selection of stalls, tombolas, raffles and much more!

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SELWOOD’S HARVEST FESTIVAL

WESTBURY’S HARVEST FESTIVAL SUCCESS

Thank you to all the parents and carers who came along to the Selwood Academy Year 6 Harvest Service. The children worked so hard on their performance and were pleased to have such a lovely audience. The school were also delighted at the generosity of the parents and carers, they collected a huge number of food items to be donated to Fair Frome.

Pupils at Westbury Leigh Church of England Primary School held their Harvest Festival in the school and Year 2 celebrated in the local parish church, Holy Saviour, Westbury Leigh. The children generously bought in tins and dry food contributions for Warminster and District Food Bank. This local charity provides emergency food boxes for Westbury and the local area. Year 2 have been thinking carefully about what Harvest means to themselves and others and in particular Fairtrade. Lily in Wardour class said, “We think it’s really important that farmers get a fair price for their goods, so next time we go shopping with our families we will be looking out for the Fairtrade logo!”

THANK YOU WESTBURY MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL Thank you to Westbury Music and Arts Festival for giving young performers an opportunity to showcase their talent in such a fabulous venue with great acoustics.

Three of Westbury Leigh’s musical students took part in the local schools concert at All Saints Church. The children played a piece of baroque music called Hampton Court in a violin trio. They have been receiving violin lessons for only a couple of years from the wonderful Fern Joyce.

They performed exceptionally and received praise from both staff and the public alike. It was a great privilege to be part of the Festival – thank you.

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WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Name: Amirah Age: 9 Achievement: Amirah performed with her drama club friends at Cedar Hall in the Shakespeare Festival. Good work Amirah!

Name: Amy Age 8 Achievement: 6th Kup Green Belt in Taekwondo and Level 8 Swim England Award.

Well done Amy!

Name: Evangeline Age: 8 Achievement: Passing level 4 swimming, good job Evangeline!

Name: Calla Age: 10, Achievement: Won the silver medal for aged 9-10s at the Southwest Tumbling championships well done!

Name: Gabriel Achievement: Chosen to represent England in the European Rapid & Blitz Chess tournament (U10's).

How exciting Gabriel!

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