Family Matters October 2018 Frome and West Wilts. edition

FROME AND WEST WILTS EDITION

ISSUE 50 • OCTOBER 2018

CARNIVAL TIME!

FORMERLY

HALLOWEEN RECIPES

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WELCOME Well done everyone, your first term of this new school year is almost over, you’ve made it! We hope it’s been an enjoyable one, especially for those of you who were attending new schools for the first time.

Hopefully our Year 6 readers will have found a secondary school to attend this time next year (eeek!), if you’ve not made a choice yet, don’t leave it too late, make sure to check the deadline for your local authority and let them know well ahead of time.

The autumn season is always an exciting one, it is almost time for Carnival, Panto and of course, Christmas! In this issue we have some themed recipes to get you in the spirit, information on where you can catch your local carnivals, how to keep your family safe during Bon Fire Night and loads more!

Don’t forget, we love to hear from you, share your news with us by email: news@ignyte-uk.co.uk and be sure to let us know all about your latest achievements!

Submit your photos to our website and you could appear on our WOW pages!

p5 Staying safe during autumn festivities

p12 Helping your child deal with anxiety

p7 losing your cool

p16 what's on this autumn

Published by Ignyte Media Ltd - email: info@ignyte-uk.co.uk call: 01761 410141 While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in the publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Ignyte do not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher.

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Bowood’s Autumn Animal Trail Bowood House & Gardens October Half Term Thursday 25th October to Monday 29th October 2018, 11am to 4pm Explore Bowood House & Gardens by following our Autumnal Animal Trail.

Normal House & Gardens admission applies

01249 812102 WWW.BOWOOD.ORG BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS, WILTSHIRE, SN11 0LZ HOUSEANDGARDENS@BOWOOD.ORG

7193 - Bowood House - Advertising August 2018 - HalfPg Family Matters AUG 2018 ad 157x115mm LS.indd 1

13/08/2018 16:13

Staying safe during autumn

festivities

Autumn is a time of great fun as we all get ready for the winter and the Christmas holidays, between Halloween, Bon Fire Night and Carnival season, there are plenty of events to get involved in, but as important as it is to have fun, it is also important to stay safe.

Trick or treating is a Halloween tradition and while most parents will go with their children, as they get older, they may want to go off with their friends instead. If that’s the case, here are some rules to make sure they all have a great time without getting into any trouble.

Know where you are going Firstly, be sure to plan your route, trick or treating can take you to unfamiliar parts of town, make sure you know where you’re going and stay in well lit areas.

Walking together and making sure everyone crosses roads with care will also keep you out of danger.

Remember that not everyone likes taking part in Halloween, so make sure only to visit well lit houses that have decorations outside.

Wear something bright As it gets dark early at this time of year, incorporating something reflective to your costume will keep you visible as you're crossing roads. Be sure to keep a torch with you too for lighting your way.

Avoid masks

It isn’t just Halloween that comes with potential dangers, so does Bon Fire Night. If you choose to have a celebration at home rather than going to an organised display, there are a couple of things you can do to make sure everyone has fun without any accidents.

They might be fun, but they can make it hard to see and hard to breathe, also if you wander off, people won’t necessarily recognise you, try using face paints instead!

Always buy fireworks that are made to British standards.

Check your goodies

Always keep a bucket of water at hand and wear protective gloves and if you can, something to shield your eyes.

Finally, when you get home, check your treats. Throw away anything which isn’t in its original wrapper or looks like it’s been opened.

When buying fireworks, make sure that they are suitable for the size of your garden.

Store them safely and when it comes to lighting them, do it at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.

Make sure you have the right supports and launchers for the type of fireworks you have.

Always wear gloves when handling sparklers and stick them straight in cold water when they have burned out.

Remember, children under five should never be given sparklers and those over five should be supervised at all times.

ukfamilymatters |

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There's spooky fun to be had Add some colour to at Avebury

your weekend this autumn at Gibside You'll have goose bumps and tremors when you

Sat 27 Oct – Sun 4 Nov, 11am-4pm, trail £2, crafts have a small charge visit Avebury this October half term. You can follow the children's trail in the Old Farmyard to win a spooky prize. There are creepy crafts and you can Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest visit the Manor to discover how beliefs and teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking superstitions influenced the people who once lived routes for all ages and abilities. here.

Call 01672 538036 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury When you visit, donate, volunteer join the When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the or National Trust,National your support your helps us to look after special <in after the region> <like Trust, support helps us places to look special property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. places such as Avebury for ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Photography © National Trust Images\Abby Images.

George.

#nationaltrust #nationaltrust

Head out on a quest with our Mythical Add some Creature colour to family trail at Lacock Abbey

your weekend this

Will you find the mythical creature rumoured to be in the autumn atlurking Gibside woodland on our new family trail? Find out what this creature looks like by Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest searching for the evidence left for you. teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking Can and solve the puzzle? routesyou for alldraw ages anditabilities. nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside Call 01249 730459 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your

helps usTrust to look 2018. after special ©support National Theplaces <in the region> <like property X, Trust propertyis Y and Z> in for ever, for everyone.

National anProeprty independent registered charity, 205846. © National Trust 2016.

The Nationalnumber Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust #nationaltrust Photography © National Trust Images. #nationaltrust Images\Trevor Hart.

l o o c r u o y Keeping ild... h c a g n i dur With the rise of social media taking an active role in our lives we can often feel the need to be the most perfect families in the universe. We like to feel that our kids are the best behaved of all the kids, we like to think that we’re the best parents, we’re fair and strict when need be, but mostly, life is super easy because our kids are the best kids. In reality, we all know that this isn’t the case. Children can be difficult, being a parent can be difficult. No one has endless amounts of patience and let’s be honest, who hasn’t wanted to crawl into a ball when their children start screaming about wanting sweets while at the supermarket.

In certain situations, like your child screaming in the back of the car or niggling their brothers and sisters or refusing to do their homework, it can be impossible to keep your cool. So, here are a few tried and tested methods to help blow off steam.

n the kitche Hiding in at th ts g swee s. and eatin id k nt for the were mea

Watching cats on YouTube.

Even if you don’t like cats, cat videos help everyone.

Texting your BFF Watching Tom Hardy episodes of CBeebies' Story Time. To keep them quiet.

Of course.

Washing up.

Seriously.

Give it a go.

Can you think of any more ways of keeping your cool with the kids? Send us your suggestions to news@ignyte-uk.co.uk

ukfamilymatters |

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SS upcoming seasonal events DON’T MI at the Hawk Conservancy Trust E DETAILS VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MOR

Join us this December for...

friday wednesday 24 6and 26 October til 8pm

Breakfast with Father Christmas

Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween.

tick ets

Includes spooky crafts, flying display and refreshments PRICES FROM

EVERY WEEKEND IN DECEMBER, PLUS CHRISTMAS EVE 8am-10am, £12.95 per child Includes gift, cooked breakfast with gingerbread biscuit and 1-hr soft play.

TO BOOK OR FOR MORE DETAILS Call us on 01761 452266 (option 3) or speak to a member of staff on your next visit to the Playbarn.

£10.99

at Feathers Restaurant for breakfast on 23 and 24 December, and tea on 23 December*

Each ch ild will rece ive an earl y Christm as present

Bring the little ones along for a bite to eat, see Father Christmas in his grotto and meet an owl. *check website for dates and times

Each Christmas event ticket comes with a half-price entrance voucher valid until Thursday 4 April 2019* * TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY – PLEASE SEE WEBSITE

We are located just off the A303 near Andover, Hampshire

01264 773 850 www.hawkconservancy.org

www.farringtons.co.uk

@HawkConservancy

CHARITY NO: 1092349

HCT_OwlOWeen_Xmas_2018_ad_78x115_AW.indd 1

2018-08-10 10:35 AM

EVENTS AUTUMN 2018 All events subject to change or cancellation without prior notice

R MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS ONE TO REMEMBE WAY RAIL EY VALL WITH THE AVON

27 & 28 OCTOBER 11am & 2.45pm

Get your wands at the ready and help in the search for the missing magic as you join the Grand Old School of Wizardry! Board the steam train, meet the characters and enjoy the adventure. For children 5+.

ADVANCE BOOKING STRONGLY

DECEMBER

WIZARD ADVENTURE WEEKEND

1997

October

DARE YOU VISIT US THIS OCTOBER HALF TERM?

ADVISED

Join the Avon Valley Railway this festive season for a ride on one of our steam-hauled trains and enjoy a special visit from Father Christmas!

Each child receives a quality gift.

Tickets available NOW at www.avonvalleyrailway.org

Book today to reserve your seats at

Tel: 0117 932 5538

www.avonvalleyrailway.org or ask at the Ticket Office

Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HD 26/09/2018 16:07

Wizard Poster 508x762mm.indd

2

www.avonvalleyrailway.org

reasons not to delay your Christmas shopping We know it isn't winter yet and the amount of shops stocking Christmas gifts and decorations and dusting off their Christmas top hit cds is disturbing, but getting started with your Christmas shopping early is never a bad thing, see the reasons why below...

We all know that the kids want to own the must-have toys or gadgets and these always sell out within hours, so getting your Christmas shopping started can guarantee you get the more sought after gifts well ahead of time.

Getting your goods early will give you time to check them to make sure they’re in full working order and exactly as you need it to be.

Starting early also means you can spread the cost and save money, you’ll notice that many shops will subtly raise prices as the big day gets nearer and then drop them all as it actually arrives. You can spread the cost and save money in So, while it the long run by taking might seem wrong advantage of lower prices to start getting your and postage.

Christmas shopping lists in order, actually, start early and you’ll be reaping the benefits while everyone else is stressed.

ukfamilymatters |

If you get organised quickly enough you’ll likely be able to come to an agreement with everyone on your list to set a cap on the cost and make sure you’re able to spend more time getting them something they’ll really appreciate.

It isn’t just the gifts you can get sorted early, you can use the time to get all the treats and drinks sorted for Christmas dinner too!

Besides, Christmas is supposed to be a holiday, so rather than spend it rushing around and getting everything sorted, you’ll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the time with your children.

@UkFamilyMatters | familymatters-uk.co.uk | 9

Create memories this Christmas at Stourhead Meet Father Christmas There's a a magical story to enjoy from the jolly man in red, with presents for all the children in his grotto at weekends in December.

'Santa's Grand Tour' trail is available throughout the festive season and sees Father Christmas writing back to Sir Richard Colt Hoare about his travels.

Father Christmas must be booked in advance, £8 per child, plus normal admission.

Call 01747 841152 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead #nationaltrust

When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places in the South West region such as Montacute House and Barrington Court for ever, for everyone.

© National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\Rob Stothard.

Enter now at www.familymatters-uk.co.uk

Win Prizes

Win 4 tickets to see Frozen in Wonkyland, Bristol Hype Agency will be running their Pop Up Cinema from Sunday 23rd to Sunday 30th December at the Passenger Shed, Temple Meads, in partnership with the Bristol Film Festival.

Set in the wonderful and quirky land of Wonkyland, this year's screenings include such classics as Frozen Singalong edition, Home Alone, Mary Poppins, Love Actually, the Muppets' Christmas Carol and many, many more!

You can win 4 tickets with two double bean bags, popcorn and drink to a screening of Frozen Singalong edition on Thursday 27th or Saturday 29th December at 11am.

Win 4 tickets to see Cinderella at The Bristol Hippodrome Strictly sensation and comedian Brian Conley leads the cast in the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes, Cinderella. In this family-friendly show packed with spectacular special effects and laugh-out-loud comedy, everyone’s favourite fashion guru Gok Wan will be offering helpful style tips to The Ugly Sisters and creating the most magical ball gown in panto-land for Cinderella in his role as The Fairy Gokmother.

The competition tickets will be for the showing on Thu 3rd Jan at 7.00pm

Family Ice Skating tickets for Icescapes up for grabs!

The UK’s largest covered winter ice rink returns for a second year to the iconic Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare. It will be transformed once again into a spectacular winter wonderland, where family and friends can skate, enjoy delicious food and drink, visit Santa’s Grotto and much more!

Open from 19th October 2018 to 6th January 2019; skaters can take to the ice - rain or shine - with a clear canopy above the ice, decorated with glowing festive lights. Icescape @ The Tropicana offer a range of skating sessions including Skate & Donate, Free School Sessions and new this year – Parent & Toddler sessions.

For full details visit our website www.icescape-tropicana.co.uk

Win a family ticket for Santa Southwest entry and Father Christmas Experience Whether you want to take to the ice on the indoor real ice rink or enjoy the delights on offer from the traders at the indoor Christmas Market, you are sure not to be disappointed. Keep the magic of Christmas alive by taking the children for a special visit to Santa’s Enchanted Adventure, a forty five minute grotto experience like no other where you will join Santa’s friends in the search for the ninth reindeer! Read more at www.santasouthwest.co.uk

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE ALADDIN AT THE OCTAGON THEATRE Don't miss our hilarious, funpacked family pantomime, Aladdin, starring Lizzie Frances, Thom Ford and a fantastic supporting cast.

Aladdin promises to be spectacluar, top-quality entertainment with the emphasis on strong casting, high production values and a genuinely funny script. Prize is a family ticket (4 seats) for the 6.30pm performance of Aladdin on Saturday 15 December.

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING THESE FANTASTIC PRIZES, simply visit www.familymatters-uk.co.uk, click on the Competitions button and complete the form. It couldn’t be easier! Closing date for entries: 1st December 2018

Helping you

W

hile it might seem like anxiety as a medical condition is something new, it has been around since the beginning of time and now with more and more pressure being piled onto their little shoulders, children are displaying more symptoms of general anxiety disorder.

But what is it and how can you help?

ur child deal with anxiety What is Anxiety?

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety presents itself in a number of different ways, you’ve most likely experienced the affects of anxiety when going for an interview, doing your driving test, having to speak in front of a big group… You’ll recognise the sweaty palms and your heart racing.

When someone is suffering from general anxiety disorder though, it is a lot more than just the normal amount of anxiety one can feel when doing something stressful.

Feeling anxious has an evolutionary purpose, it helps activate the fight or flight response which we needed when it was likely we’d be eaten by sabre tooth tigers, these days, it isn’t something our bodies really need to stay alive. However, people who have an over active fight or flight response perceive threats where there often aren’t any, which causes problems for them, especially when it starts to interfere with everyday life.

Anxiety can be caused by a wide variety of things. It could be a product of genetics, it could be triggered by a stressful or traumatic event. It can manifest over time from a combination of factors. Feeling anxious is normal in certain situations, younger children might feel anxious when separated from their parents, but it is important to keep an eye on these feelings and make sure they don’t start affecting their performance at school or relationships with other children. Adolescent anxiety is often triggered by academic pressures, again, make sure this doesn’t manifest itself into something more negative resulting in panic attacks and poor attendance.

What symptoms are there?

Some common symptoms of general anxiety disorder include: insomnia, heart palpitations, irritability, poor memory, chest pains, muscle tension, unexplained uneasiness, poor concentration, cold, sweaty, numb or tingling extremeties and in some cases, panic attacks, which present themselves in a variety of ways, but are terrifying to experience and can often make the feeling of anxiety worse.

Anxiety isn’t an easy condition to treat, as it is difficult for doctors to measure it, however, it can be treated and it is important to believe and support your child when you notice these symptoms.

If left to grow, anxiety can lead to poor school performance, depression, physical illness and more. So make sure to seek advice from the school and medical professionals if you think your child might be suffering from anxiety.

What about me?

Well, quite, parenting a child with anxiety is very stressful and can create a difficult home environment. Surround yourself with a strong support network and be sure to ask for help if you need it.

What can I do?

Although you should maintain the same expectations for your child as you did before you became aware of their anxiety, you should make sure you are able to adjust them to help manage their anxiety. Plan ahead to help minimise their exposure to stressful situations. When they are experiencing anxiety, listen and empathise with your child, it is important to validate how they are feeling and not try to belittle them, even if you don’t quite understand what is happening in their heads. You can ask for advice from your child’s school and from your GP, being transferred to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) might be an option, where your child can speak to a professional and learn behaviours to help them manage their anxiety. When waiting for an appointment or as a general rule, you can encourage them to get adequate sleep, use mindfulness techniques, exercise regularly and eat well to help them keep their anxiety under check.

Halloween recipes Spider Pizza Either use ready-made pizza bases or if you’re feeling really adventurous make your own. The easiest way is to grab a pack of mix from the super market. These can be made dairy/gluten free with a few substitutions.

You need: Pizza bases, either ready-made or a box mix Flour Passata Garlic paste Your choice of pizza toppings 1) If you’re going to make pizza bases, use the instructions on the pack of the dough or unwrap the ready made bases and put onto a floured surface.

Gluten free bases and flour are available if you need it.

2) Mix passata and garlic paste in a bowl 3) Smear a layer of the mixture over the bases 4) Use the toppings of your choice to create spiders or other creepy characters – using veg you can create spider legs or use pepporoni to create eyes.

5) Add cheese (dairy free options are available) 6) Bake in the oven for the amount of time specified on the packaging for the pizza bases.

to make with the kids

Ghostly frozen bananas It is a fact universally acknowledged that frozen bananas taste just like ice cream, especially when they also have chocolate thrown into the mix. This recipe can be made dairy/gluten free if needed.

You need: 200g white chocolate 4 ripe bananas Chocolate chips, raisins or sweets to decorate 1) Gently melt white chocolate (substitute for a dairy/gluten free version if you like) 2) Peel four ripe bananas, cut them in half and push a lolly stick in the middle of each piece 3) Using a pastry brush coat the banana in chocolate, add eyes and a mouth using chocolate chips, sweets or raisins.

4) Freeze for at least 4 hours and then enjoy!

whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on From 13th Oct Spookley Pumpkin Festival at Farringtons Farm Visit us this autumn for pumpkin picking, tractor trailer rides and to hear the tale of Spookley the square pumpkin. www.farringtons.co.uk, Farrington Farm, Farrington Gurney 16th October - 18th November Lacock's Mythical Creature trail Join us this Autumn on a quest for Lacock's mythical creature rumoured to be lurking in the woodland grounds. You'll be tracking down clues as to what it looks like, but beware you don't cross paths.

Lacock Abbey, Lacock.

22nd & 23rd October Tree Climbing with The Great Big Tree Climbing Co. Experience Montacute House from a bird's-eye view. An unforgettable experience for anyone aged from 6 to 106!

Montacute House, Montacute.

24th & 26th October Owl-O-Ween at The Hawk Conservancy Marvel at our owls as they put on a beautiful flying display against the backdrop of our moonlit grounds. www.hawk-conservancy.org/events Hawk Conservancy Trust, Visitor Centre, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover 27th October - 3rd November Spooky Shoe-perstitions at The Shoe Museum Learn about lucky shoes, Make black cat shoes, Witches storytime. Free admission. The Shoe Museum, High St, Street.

27th October - 3rd November The Great Golden Pumpkin Hunt at Hestercombe Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your job to hunt high and low to see if you can find the pumpkin and help the Witch complete her potion. If you succeed on your mission and find the golden pumpkin, you will receive a delicious chocolate pumpkin. www.hestercombe.com 27th - 28th October Wizard Adventure Weekend Get your wands at the ready and help in the search for the missing magic as you join the Grand Old School of Wizardry! Board the steam train, meet the characters and enjoy the adventure. For children 5+. Avon Valley Railway, Bitton. www.avonvalleyrailway.org 28th October Pumpkins on the Platform Dress up and play Apple bobbing and other games with WPA Have a scary face painted and do the spooky Pumpkin trail MSN Railway Station, Silver St. 10.30 -4pm.

29th Oct Spoooky goings on at Puxton Park!

Fancy dress and Halloween disco, Creepy Critter Show, Crocodiles of the world, slithering snakes and the beautiful bugs! See more at www.puxton.co.uk/events/october-half-term Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane Hewish 29th October There's spooky fun to be had at Avebury You can follow the children's trail in the Old Farmyard to win a spooky prize. You can visit the Manor to discover how beliefs and superstitions influenced the people who once lived here. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury

For further information about each event

29 October - 3 November “Sea Dragons of Street” Fossil Exhibition Come face to face with Street’s prehistoric past, when Somerset was a tropical ocean filled with sea dragons.

Alfredgilletttrust.org The Grange, Farm Road, Street.

29th October Half Term at the Palace: Make-it Monday!

Join us for our dragon-themed “Make-it Monday” family craft activity session, 10:30am-3pm. Taking place in the Undercroft of the Palace - children will have the chance to make dragon masks and tails. www.bishopspalace.org.uk 2nd November Family Activity at Glastonbury Abbey Make a bouncing spider -It is the season for spiders and creepy crawlies – make a friendly spider to play with. www.glastonburyabbey.com 2nd November Farrington Park Fireworks and Disco The area's biggest firework display! Hot food, BBQ, face painting and family disco.

Gates open 6pm.

Buy tickets at the bar or from www.farringtonpark.co.uk 3rd November Norton Radstock Round Table Fireworks Midsomer Norton Cricket Ground, 7pm.

9th - 11th November The Christmas Artisan Markets You can find the inspiration to delight your friends and family with perfectly chosen and unique Christmas gifts this year.

10am - 4pm. Bishop's Palace, Wells.

16th & 17th November Christmas Market at Hestercombe Come and explore our annual Christmas market featuring over 60 festive stalls bursting with beautiful gifts, delicious treats and unusual hand-crafted items. www.hestercombe.com

From 24th November Santa Specials at Avon Valley Railway Join the Avon Valley Railway this festive season for a ride on one of our steam-hauled trains and enjoy a special visit from Father Christmas! Avon Valley Railway, Bitton. www.avonvalleyrailway.org

1st December Lacock's Christmas List Family Trail Father Christmas has lost his list and needs your help matching the presents to who they belong to in the woodland grounds.

Lacock Abbey, Lacock.

1st December Santa Express with West Somerset Railway Have a magical experience full of festive cheer, by seeing Santa on the Santa Express. Have a magical experience full of festive cheer, by travelling on one of our Santa Expresses. This service leaves Bishops Lydeard on various dates throughout December. www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk 2nd December Travelling Light Theatre Presents: Three Kings Three Kings fuses storytelling, song and dance and puppetry in a sparkling show about finding out where you belong, overcoming your differences and listening to the secret stargazer in each of us. A wonderful Christmas treat for local families.

Victoria Hall, Radstock. victoriahallradstock.co.uk 2nd, 9th & 16th December Meet Santa on the train at Midsomer Norton Station Adult ticket £6 includes mince pie and Christmas punch Child's ticket £9, age 1-16 includes meeting Santa, gift and Christmas snack.

Children under 1 FREE (including gift).

Please book on line at www.sdjr.co.uk

please visit www.familymatters-uk.co.uk

HELP!

Settling into a new school routine is always tricky and getting used to a new classroom, teacher and curriculum is always a challenge, but what do you do when your child is consistently returning home upset because they dislike their classroom teacher?

The most important thing you can do is listen to their concerns.

Personality conflicts happen regardless of your age and as you know, not everyone clicks with all the people they interact with on a daily basis. The lesson though is to be aware of those feelings without letting it disrupt your day. Talk about why your child has such a reaction to their teacher, ask them open ended questions about their school day and find out whether the teacher is strict and whether it is the whole class or just your child. It can take a while for all of us to get used to each other’s quirks and it might be that your child is unsure of their new teacher’s personality and their way of doing things.

"Most important thing is listening to their concerns."

When talking about it though, don’t brush it off, take their concerns seriously, but do so in a controlled and measured way, don’t get angry or defensive straight away. If there is a serious bullying problem, attacking the teacher might make things worse in the classroom, there are several sides to a story, so remain calm and keep an open mind until you’ve had a chance to meet the teacher yourself.

My c h i l d h ate s t h e i r te a c h e r !

If you feel the situation with your child hasn’t improved, make an appointment to speak to the teacher. Sometimes children need help negotiating a relationship with their teacher, particularly if they have additional needs which aren’t being met for whatever reason. Many teachers will appreciate the feedback and will be interested in how your child feels and how they can make their classroom experience better.

By validating your child’s thoughts you’ll already have halved the problem as they will feel valued and supported and will give them the courage to address any other problems they may have while at school.

"In very rare cases you might come across a difficult teacher."

In very rare cases you might come across a difficult teacher, but your children take their social cues from you, so you will need to be calm and confident about how you handle the situation.

Your behaviour will show your child that they have the power to confront things they don’t like, but that they must do it in a diplomatic way and will set them up for similar experiences as they get older.

If you are faced with a situation where for whatever reason your child and their teacher just do not work well together, you are within your right to help your child have a successful experience while at school. Speak to the school’s pastoral care, if they have it, and arrange a meeting with the head to discuss your options.

Image courtesy of Somerset Carnivals

Carnival Time!

As the nights get colder and darker, we know that it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all doom and gloom because Carnival is just around the corner. In this part of the world there are plenty of carnival displays to keep you entertained featuring floats, bright lights, dancers and amazing costumes.

Carnival season runs all the way from September through October and into November, just when you need something to get your excitement up before Christmas. Whichever carnival you choose to visit, check the route, arrive in good time as roads will be closed along the route, dress warm and be prepared for big crowds. Also, make sure your pockets are full of loose change as carnival is all about charity and any small donations will be gratefully received.

2018 CARNIVAL DATES Castle Cary Carnival

13th October

7.30pm

Chard Carnival

13th October

2pm childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7.30pm main

Salisbury Carnival

19th October

7.30pm

Trowbridge Carnival

20th October

7.00pm

Taunton Carnival

20th October

7.00pm

Bridgwater Carnival

3rd November

7.00pm

Burnham-on-sea Carnival

5th November

7.30pm 7.15pm

Weston-super-Mare Carnival

9th November

North Petherton Carnival

10th November 7.00pm

Midsomer Norton and District Carnival

12th November 7.30pm

Shepton Mallet Carnival

14th November 7.30pm

Wells Carnival

16th November 7.00pm

Glastonbury Carnival

17th November 7.00pm

ukfamilymatters |

@UkFamilyMatters | familymatters-uk.co.uk | 19

Celebrating 40 Years of Pantomime

Aladdin

Awash with Swash

Buccle!

MARTIN DODD for UK PRODUCTIONS in association with THEATRE ROYAL BATH by arrangement with GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL CHILDREN’S CHARITY and SAMUEL FRENCH LIMITED proudly presents

paul BACK! jon tim rebecca wheatley nicholas monie edwards HE’S

from CASUALTY as MRS DARLING

as CAPTAIN HOOK

as PETER PAN

as SMEE

December 28th 2018 to January 2nd 2019

Ticket prices: Adult £14,

Evenings 7pm: 28th, 29th, 2nd Matinees 2pm: 29th 30th, 1st Matinee 4pm: 31st Morning performance 11am: 31st

U16 & OAP £12 Family ticket £45 (4 tickets no more than 2 adults) Group bookings £11 (10+)

Adapted from the book by J.M. BARRIE

Box office: Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 1pm

13 Dec ’18 to 13 Jan ’19

Frome Memorial Theatre 01373 462795 www.fmt.website

Theatre Sponsor

Goody Bag Sponsor

01225 448844 | theatreroyal.org.uk

THE EGG CHRISTMAS SHOW

THURS 6 DEC – SUN 13 JAN

Co-produced by the egg and Pins & Needles Productions

THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL Based on the book by Baroness Orczy Adapted by Christopher William Hill

AGE

Co-directed by Emma Earle & Joe Hufton

Designed by Zoë Squire

Music Composed by Jack Drewry

Sound Design by John Everett

Box Office: 01225 823409 www.theatreroyal.org.uk

6+

Sponsored by

Panto season is here!

For many families, the lead up to Christmas doesn’t begin until the posters advertising pantomime start appearing around town.

If you’re looking for a family friendly activity that will keep you all entertained the panto is a great option. Many parents would love to introduce their children to the theatre, but worry about them getting bored, so starting out with pantomime, where the audience is encouraged to move around and make as much noise as they like is a good starting point.

Many of the UK’s top theatres will have pantomimes starring recognisable faces, but you don’t have to splash out on a lavish performance, local amateur dramatic groups, semi professional companies and even some schools all perform pantomimes around this time of year.

Pantomimes tend to sell out quickly, so don’t delay, take a look at some of the shows in your area and book in now.

Our TOP 5 Pantos! E MISSED! O NOT T

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5 Snow White 4 Aladdin 3 Dick Whittington 2 Puss in Boots 1 Cinderella ukfamilymatters |

@UkFamilyMatters | familymatters-uk.co.uk | 21

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CONNECT IS THE MUSIC EDUCATION HUB FOR WILTSHIRE. We can help you access the right music opportunities for your child, both in and beyond school.

IN SCHOOL

BEYOND SCHOOL

We have a directory of quality assured music tutors known as Associates. You can search the directory on our website and download our ‘top tips’ for choosing a tutor.

We work with a network of quality assured organisations delivering a range of music activities. These organisations provide first time opportunities or extended musical learning.

If you need help with the cost of lessons and instruments then we can provide you with information about the financial subsidies available to some families in Wiltshire.

Visit the Directory and the What’s On page of our website to find out about organisations in Wiltshire that provide:

To find out why music education is good for your child, download our Why Music? leaflets.

• Orchestras and jazz ensembles • Wind, string and brass groups • Support for rock/pop bands and songwriters • Music technology and recording

Please tell us about the fantastic music happening in your child’s school.

I

Email info@wiltshiremusicconnect. org.uk with the words ‘great music’ in the subject line.

SIC

• Musical theatre and opera • Specialist support for children and young people with SEN/D

MU

Find out more

I

MUSIC

www.wiltshiremusicconnect.org.uk/z Parents and carers can register for our regular music bulletins at:

www.wiltshiremusicconnect.org.uk/register-for-bulletins

LATEST SCHOOL NEWS

EVENTS

DIARY DATES

YOUR SUCCESSES

News and Reviews MATHS CRAZY AT WJS! Westbury Junior School held their first MINT morning of the year which involved a whole morning of fun maths! MINT mornings – which stands for ‘Maths Is Number 1 Today’ – are held termly and allow the children to experience lots of different maths games with different teachers across the school.

They began with their Times Tables Assembly where children across the school competed for prizes then spent the rest of the morning playing a variety of maths games… the children can’t wait for the next one!

Maths Subject Leader, Hannah Duffy, said: “We find these mornings help keep maths fun and relevant. It is wonderful to see the children practising their times tables for a chance to take part in our assembly, cheered on by the rest of the school.”

NEW PREFECTS FOR OAKFIELD ACADEMY

Oakfield Academy proudly announced their new Prefects for this academic year. The Prefects will carry out a variety of duties, representing the Academy at a number of events, giving visitors tours of the campus, and being ambassadors for the Academy at community events.

WESTWOOD RADIO IS BIGGER THAN EVER! OAKFIELD CELEBRATES 10 YEARS It is now a decade since the Oakfield Academy kitchen opened its doors! The menu has gone from strength to strength, offering the pupils and staff an incredible variety of meals and healthy snacks, together with themed days. Pictured are Kitchen Manager Emma Johnson, together with Sharon Hearne, who has worked in the kitchen since the first day. Everybody looks forward to another ten years of delicious food.

ukfamilymatters |

Westwood Radio is back for the start of another jam packed academic year and bigger and better than ever at Westwood with Iford Primary School.

Broadcasting live three times a week, the children are using education radio as the perfect medium to develop their reading, writing and speaking and listening skills. Furthermore, their confidence and resilience behind the microphone is growing with every show as they prepare their own scripts to present to the community and even the world in every live online broadcast.

Since the school introduced the radio station two years ago, every member of the school community has been involved in creating high quality, informative shows which have included school and community news, interviews, live outside broadcasts and even features for the audience to interact with. With the recently acquired portable radio studio and wireless microphone kits, the school has also taken Westwood Radio out into the community to speak to residents as part of their Westwood Oral History Project.

With over 1000 listeners a month worldwide, Westwood Radio is growing all the time and the talented children are the very reason for its success, producing every show themselves and presenting with professionalism and energy. You can listen to Westwood Radio by heading to https://stream.radio.co/sb4e04fd70/listen or via the website, http://radio.westwoodwithiford.org. You can also now download apps for your Android or Apple devices to listen on the go as the 24 hour online station will keep you entertained all day long! Visit the Google Play Store or iOS App store and search for Westwood Radio. @UkFamilyMatters | familymatters-uk.co.uk | 23

OAKFIELD’S DETECTIVE DAY As part of their literacy transition work, year 5 pupils at Oakfield applied all their detective skills recently to solve a very serious crime that had taken place in the year 5 department. After a day of gathering evidence and following clues, the pupils and ‘Sherlock Holmes’ aka Mrs Higgins, were able to work out that Mrs Pegler committed the crime and therefore was arrested on the spot! A fabulous day and some real hard work in forensics, report writing, dactylography: the scientific study of fingerprints and investigative skills.

YEAR 5 BASKETBALL FESTIVAL AT MATRAVERS On Thursday 20th September, Year 5 children from Westbury Junior School enjoyed an afternoon of basketball at Matravers School. They were able to hone their dribbling, passing and shooting skills before having the opportunity to play a game on the basketball courts.

Sports Development Coach, Andy Bodymore, said: “This was a great session and it looks like we have some future stars in our school!”

YEAR 6 RESIDENTIAL VISIT TO HOOKE COURT The Year 6 children of Westbury Junior School have just returned from an action-packed three days at Hooke Court residential centre near Beaminster in Dorset. Over 50 children enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including shelter building, a low-ropes assault course, team building games and foraging and cooking wild food. They were able to develop new skills and practice working as a team in the beautiful local woodland surroundings. They even found time for a campfire sing-along, a talent show and a disco!

Despite not getting a huge amount of sleep, both children and staff had a great time! Class teacher Vicky Heslop said: “Our children gained a huge amount from this visit and experienced many new and exciting activities.”

Westbury Junior School are already looking forward to returning next year!

HEMINGTON JOINS ACADEMY TRUST Hemington Primary School has converted to Academy status and has joined the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Multi-Academy Trust.

Approved by the Secretary of State for Education, this conversion will allow the school to have more control over its day-to-day operations within the support network offered by the trust, which now operates nine primary schools in the Midsomer Norton area, as well as two secondary schools in the town and St Dunstan’s Secondary in Glastonbury.

Hemington’s head, Naomi de Chastelain, told reporters: “We are thrilled to have become a part of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership. This provides us with the opportunity to work closely with other local schools to ensure that we are giving the very best support to our children and families. At Hemington, we pride ourselves in being an inclusive school with a family atmosphere. We believe by joining the extended family of the Partnership, we will be in an excellent position to take the school into the future whilst continuing to be a unique village school.”

SELWOOD SCHOOL IS 60 YEARS OLD! As part of the ‘Year of Celebrations’ Selwood School will be hosting memory share coffee mornings to reminisce about Selwood over tea and cake. All ex staff and pupils welcome.

Bring along your memories, photographs and memorabilia.

The next Coffee Morning dates are Monday 12 November, Monday 7 January, Monday 25 February and Monday 13 May. Donations for refreshments will go to Alzheimer's UK.

OAKFIELD ACADEMY'S TV APPEARANCE

ELMHURST NEEDS YOUR HELP FOR POPPY DISPLAY

Oakfield Academy were visited by an ITV news film crew to raise awareness around the improved funding needed for all schools across the country.

At the same time Head Teacher, Miss Emma Wilkes joined hundreds of other head teachers from across the country in delivering a letter to 10 Downing Street, shining a light on the funding difficulties faced by the education sector.

Under the umbrella ‘Worth Less?’ head teachers across the country are tackling the cuts, in real terms, to school budgets, with the new funding formula inadequately resourced or funded, meaning budgets remain in an unacceptably poor state. Oakfield pupils also addressed the issues, looking at what cuts might mean to their curriculum experiences, their learning and progress at school. They worked as a team to plan and write several letters addressed to the Prime Minister asking about what the next steps were for funding in the education sector and how might these issues be solved, using their own personal experiences to emphasise what the pressures may mean for school children across the country.

Deputy Head Teachers David McGrath and Emma Thomas were interviewed, together with Year 8 pupils Jess McAlpine, Connie Bates, Cameron Baldwin and Freddie Bethell.

As we rapidly approach Remembrance Day, the staff and pupils at Elmhurst School are already planning their Remembrance Service. This year, they plan to make a poppy display with a difference, so if anyone is able to donate clear plastic bottles of all sizes, they would be appreciated!

SCIENCE WEEK AT WESTWOOD WITH IFORD SCHOOL Westwood with Iford School have got straight back into another exciting year with some incredible hands-on learning and recently held a science week for the whole school where everyone had a huge amount of fun with wonderful science.

Thanks went to Mrs Tyler who has organised some fantastic events and resources and to the staff, who planned some fun and informative days, everyone was able to immerse themselves in experiments, activities and plenty of hands-on learning that has stimulated both questioning and a thirst for learning.

From visualising sound with bungee cord to lunchtime experiments with cola and mentos and a range of fabulous experiments, everything was brilliantly interesting and perfect for keeping the children engaged, interested and it inspired great learning.

To increase the level of excitement, every child in the school was able to visit the science Explorer Dome and enjoy some up-close, audio visual science, which was just superb! This is the third time the school have held a science week and each one has been hugely successful and is just the beginning of another innovative and exciting year at Westwood with Iford School.

BebeTots Nursery & Pre-School

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7a Trowbridge Road, Westbury, BA13 3AY

Do you have a spare bedroom, patience, sense of humour and a real desire to help children and young people?

We offer a generous allowance, professional training and great local support.

www.bebetots.co.uk

 Open 7.30am ‐ 6.00pm for 50 weeks of the year.  Call to book an appointment, meet the team and discuss your childcare requirements.  2, 3 and 4 year old funding and government childcare vouchers accepted.

Capstone Foster Care needs carers for children of all ages but are particularly interested in hearing from people able to look after sibling groups.

Call 01454 423 820 or visit www.capstonefostercare.co.uk

Tel: 01373 864444 ukfamilymatters |

Email: info@bebetots.co.uk

@UkFamilyMatters | familymatters-uk.co.uk | 25

WOW

UPLOAD YOUR WOW! PHOTOS AND DETAILS TO OUR ONLINE WOW! FORM VISIT WWW.FAMILYMATTERS-UK.CO.UK

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Name: Chloe Wall Age:6 Achievement: Completed the Summer reading challenge

Name: Chloe Wall Age:6 Achievement: Achieved the British Gymnastics Proficiency award for level 6

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Name: Maddie Age: 9 Achievement: 10 metre backstroke

Name: David Knowles Achievement: Competed in the 2018 Trampoline, Tumbling & DMT British Championships in Birmingham on 22-23 September and ranked 4th in the country.

Name: Jacob Bush Age: 7 Achievement: Completed the Summer reading challenge

Name: Sharusha R Age: 5 Achievement: Passed the 1st level ballet dance exam.

Name: Bethany Wall Age: 10 Achievement: Completed the Summer reading challenge

Name: Ella Age: 5 Achievement: Merit in Ballet Preparatory Grade

ukfamilymatters |

@UkFamilyMatters | familymatters-uk.co.uk