HEY! Magazine Frome and West Wilts edition

FREE • FROME AND WEST WILTS EDITION • ISSUE 30 • DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

INSIDE Keep your cool this Christmas New Year, New You feature Christmas Recipes Win exciting prizes HEYMAG.CO.UK

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WELCOME Director Tina Veater 07834 542955 | tina@ignyte-uk.co.uk Editorial Team Tina Veater info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Advertising Team Zoe Jenkins Theresa Saadeh Carmen Goodwin 01761 410141 | info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Graphic Designer Pamela Evans Published by Ignyte Media Ltd Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset Business Address: Ignyte Media Ltd, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH 01761 410141 info@ignyte-uk.co.uk 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.

Distribution: We deliver to 9500 families through primary schools and other outlets in Frome and West Wiltshire and surrounding villages.

The next edition is in February 2016 & is filling fast.

It certainly feels as though the winter has arrived. The mornings and evenings are getting colder and we have seen out the first few frosts of the season. Although there have been lots of talk of snow, it looks as though we will not be celebrating a white Christmas this year.

The winter is always a time when many bugs and germs spread.

Central heating and a lack of fresh air create breeding grounds for these horrible bugs. Ensure you wash your hands regularly throughout the day and cover your nose and mouth when sneezing too. Always discard used tissues and be sure to keep a healthy diet.

I hope all of the children have written their letters to Santa and are also starting to prepare the goodies to leave out for him on Christmas Eve. Make sure you stay safe over the festive period, be careful with lit candles, open fires and the choking hazard of small toys for little children.

Many of us will be thinking about losing a few pounds after Christmas and our “New Year, New You’ section will give you some great ideas of how to get yourself in shape and looking forward to enjoying a healthy start to 2016.

This edition of the magazine includes some great festive craft ideas, which can make wonderful gifts for friends and family. There are also some novelty recipes enabling you to bring a festive feel to your buffet table or Christmas parties. The children, with adult supervision, can make all of the crafts and recipes.

It is always a good idea to start thinking about your New Year resolutions before Christmas. The support from family and friends will always help you to achieve your objective. That may be giving up smoking, saving more money, having a healthier diet or even planning more fun times with the children, whatever your resolutions are we wish you good luck with achieving them in 2016.

Christmas is a wonderful time to spend with those that mean a lot to you so make a pledge to visit the elderly, spend time with your family and enjoy fun with friends throughout your holiday break.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all.

Tina Hey Magazine

@hey_tweeter

www.heymag.co.uk

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KEEP YOUR CHRISTMAS COOL A

perfect Christmas. It’s what we see in the television adverts, it’s what we all want for our families.

The desired scene looks something like this: everyone grouped around the log burner/fireplace/gas fire, exchanging gifts (exquisitely wrapped) while looking forward to a wonderful roast followed by a jaw dropping selection of deserts and fine wines and sherries, and more goodies...

The 25th December is loaded with expectation and trying to measure up to those expectations can be tough. According to the mental health charity MIND, one in five of us feels seriously stressed during the festive season, while the Samaritans expect an additional 100,000 calls during the holiday period.

Much of the pressure surrounding Christmas actually comes from within and there’s a lot you can do to reduce the stress you put yourself under. Before you start to feel your stress levels rise, consider these stress-busting suggestions…

PLAN

As is so often the case when it comes to stress, the key to keeping your Christmas cool is to make a plan. Getting stressed/losing your cool is usually a response to feeling out of control of any given situation.

Creating a plan of action is one way of putting yourself firmly in the driving seat for the festive season.

Write out what you need to do in the run up to the Big Day, and, where possible, delegate some of these tasks. You might ask your family to help out with putting up Christmas decorations. When people offer to help, for example, by ‘bringing a dish’, say yes.

By writing out a plan, you’ll be able to better see where the opportunities lie for outsourcing some of your responsibilities. Plus, if you are in danger of expecting too much of yourself – it’ll be all the clearer in a list. You may be planning to make everything from scratch, but once you see the list of all there is to do (cakes, pies, quiches, stuffing etc…), you might forgive yourself for buying in a bit more…

CHRISTMAS DISCO PARTY! A Disco Party with great music and your children get full use of all the play equipment!

Friday 18th December 2015 6.00pm – 8.00pm Disco Party Includes: * Dancing * Playing & Party Games * A Hot Box Meal For Every Child * Unlimited Squash * A present from Santa for every child £7.50 Ticket STRICTLY TICKETS ONLY!!

Limited number available!

(Children must be accompanied by an adult) Graphic House, Station Approach, Frome, BA11 1RE Tel: 01373 453670 (opposite Frome Railway Station)

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MONEY

The tendency is to overspend at Christmas and feeling anxious about the amount of money flying out of your account can really mar your enjoyment of the festive period. Try and reassure yourself that you are not about to be measured by what you spend.

Yes, December will be a more costly month than most, especially footing the bill for gifts. But there is no need to buy more food and drink than you need. And it might be possible to cut the cost of present buying by agreeing with wider family and friends on a cap for spending. Create a budget that you can afford and stick to it.

FAMILY

Another pressure at Christmas time is the prospect of spending time with family members you may not normally see or even get on with. Add overly excitable kids into the mix, and it’s not hard to see why divorce lawyers count January to be their busiest month… But you try and make sure that Christmas doesn’t become a memorable day for the wrong reasons.

If there have been family rows during the year, try and resolve them before the festive season. Use your plan for the day (as discussed above!) to involve others in things like cooking so you don’t feel like you’re slaving away in the kitchen while everyone else is relaxing.

It’s also worth thinking about how the day will pan out. Rather than sitting around for hours on end, perhaps after Christmas dinner you could go for a family walk, play a board game, or watch a good film.

Avoid drowning your sorrows! Too much booze could send you over the tipping point in a fragile social situation.

ACTIVITY

On the theme of the post-Christmas dinner walk, an excellent way to combat stress in the lead up to Christmas – as well as on the day

– is to keep active. You may feel that the short winter days are a cue to hibernate indoors. But brisk walks, cycling or running will do wonders to help energise you.

PERFECTION

Much as most people want the perfect day, it can be hard not to get caught up in the hype of Christmas and the wish to host a perfect family day. But perfection doesn’t necessarily equate to enjoyable.

Above all, Christmas should really be about enjoying time out from the usual routine. Imperfections create some of the best memories about Christmas. The collection of odd sized chairs around a wobbly dining table, forgetting the sprouts in the microwave and someone opening the wrong present… It is all part of Christmas’ chaotic charm!

YOU

Christmas day can whizz by in a festive blur without you so much as pulling a cracker or tasting your turkey because you’re anxiously watching everyone else eating, wanting to make sure they have all that they need. But remember that it is your Christmas too. Make sure that you factor into your plan time to relax, play with the kids and generally enjoy your efforts.

CHARITY

Whether you are or are not Christian, it’s worth remembering the occasion of the festive season. This is a holiday that is all about love and giving. You and your family might take the attention off yourselves and give some time towards a charitable cause. If you are Christian, or just open minded, go along to a Christmas church service, you find that you enjoy connecting to the wider spiritual significance of the day.

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU W

ith a brand new year just round the corner, the close of the 2015 festive season for many of us marks the start of 2016’s resolutions.

Whether it’s to do with losing weight, stopping smoking, getting fitter or starting a new hobby, making a New Year’s list of resolutions is the easy bit. Sticking to those resolutions is a much taller task.

In fact, recent research by the University of Hertfordshire, which tracked 5,000 people as they attempted to achieve New Year resolutions, found that only one in ten was able to accomplish their goal. The key finding from the report suggested that people are more likely to achieve goals if they are broken into smaller chunks that are specific, measurable and time-based (given deadlines).

5. Break you goal into a series of steps. Successfully achieving one small step towards a larger goal, means you are far more likely to stay on track. Take for example the goal of changing career. It’s a daunting prospect that could well leave you feeling you lack the energy to make any move at all. So start small. Resolve to revamp your CV and maybe start researching the career area you’d like to move into. Set a series of realistic deadlines to achieve these tasks.

Here’s our top 10 tips to setting your goals – and achieving them.

1. Prioritise your resolutions. The temptation can be to write a long list of goals for the New Year in the hope that a new, more disciplined you will spring out of bed on 1st January. Try and be realistic. Hone in on one or two goals that you can channel your energy into.

7. Think positively! It’s easy to focus on the negatives when you are trying to achieve something. But try not to beat yourself up. Try and balance negative thoughts with all the positive things you have manages to accomplish.

2. Don’t leave your resolutions to the last minute. Give yourself some time out over the festive break to think through what it is you would like to change about your life. What would you ultimately like to achieve? If for example, you would like to feel fitter, you could work back from that goal to consider the steps you need to take to achieve that such as finding time to run or improving your diet.

3. Avoid previous New Year resolutions. Going over old ground can feel demoralising and, if you were unable to stick to a resolution last year, why would this year be different? Instead of setting the same goal, set a related goal with, perhaps, more bitesize aims. So, if you’d like to lose weight, rather than setting an ambitious weight-loss goal, consider something like not snacking between meals.

4. Think deeply about what you want from life, rather opting for ‘standard’ general resolutions. Yes, resolutions like losing weight or getting fit make sense for the sake of your health and wellbeing, but perhaps think in more specific terms. Would you like to be fitter so that you could enjoy activities such as running? If so, would doing something specific like joining your local running club be more doable? The chances are that taking this one decisive step would in any case lead to further benefits, like meeting new people and getting involved with events that would necessarily mean you’d start to get fitter.

6. Enlist your friends’ and family’s support. Flying solo can make a challenging goal even harder to achieve. For example, if you want to cut the amount of alcohol you drink, the last thing you want is to see your partner quaffing wine every evening. Explain your goal to those around you. Your nearest and dearest will probably want to do all that they can to lend support.

8. Carrot rather than stick! Give yourself a small reward when you achieve one of your ‘sub-goals’ or a step on the way to your larger goal. As well as being a well-earned treat, these rewards will help to make the process of realising your goal enjoyable. And the more fun it is to achieving your goals, the more likely you are to get there.

9. Write down your plans – and chart your successes. Just as there are few things as satisfying as ticking off things from a ‘to do’ list, seeing your successes written on paper will do wonders for helping you to keep up momentum.

10. Progress your goals throughout the year. You don’t have to set your goals on 31 December! As the New Year progresses, shift your goal posts as you progress too. You may find that you are more successful at making changes that you thought you would be – so push yourself that little bit extra. In the case of running for example, if you get achieve your goal of running 5k by June, why not try for 10k by Christmas 2016!

There’s a wealth of information out there about how to make changes to your life and improve your health and wellbeing. One good place to start is the NHS’ Livewell website at www.nhs.uk/ livewell. The website is packed with information about how to get, or keep, active; lose weight; improve diet; and make a host of other beneficial lifestyle changes. Remember that your GP can also signpost you to services that will help support a healthy and positive lifestyle.

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THE HISTORY OF THE STOCKING A

ccording to folklore, the tradition of the Christmas Stocking dates back to the days of a kindly nobleman whose wife had died of an illness leaving him and his three daughters in despair.

After losing all his money in useless and bad inventions the family had to move into a peasant’s cottage, where the daughters did their own cooking, sewing and cleaning.

When it came time for the daughters to marry, the father became even more depressed as his daughters could not marry without dowries - money and property given to the new husband’s family.

One night after the daughters had washed out their clothing they hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. That night Saint Nicholas, knowing the despair of the father, stopped by the nobleman’s house. Looking in the window Saint Nicholas saw the family had gone to bed. He also noticed the daughters’ stockings.

Inspiration struck Saint Nicholas and he took three small bags of gold from his pouch and threw them one by one down the chimney and they landed in the stockings. The next morning when the daughters awoke they found their stockings contained enough gold for them to get married. The nobleman was able to see his three daughters marry and he lived a long and happy life.

Children all over the world continue the tradition of hanging Christmas stockings. In some countries children have similar customs, in France the children place their shoes by the fireplace, a tradition dating back to when children wore wooden peasant shoes.

In Holland the children fill their shoes with hay and a carrot for the horse of Sintirklass. In Hungary children shine their shoes before putting them near the door or a window sill. Italian children leave their shoes out the night before Epiphany, January 5, for La Befana the good witch. And in Puerto Rico children put greens and flowers in small boxes and place them outside the front door.

Christmas & New Year Fancy Dress COSTUMES & ACCESSORIES

NEW YEAR FIREWORKS AVAILABLE FROM 28th to 31st Dec 98 Bradley Road Trowbridge BA14 0RB (Opp. B&Q) 01225 751741 e: jtsfancydress@yahoo.co.uk

Suzie’s Diary

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Dear Diary, It’s just a few weeks until Christmas and we are nowhere near prepared. We don’t even know for sure if we’re hosting Christmas dinner or going to my mum’s.

Of course, it’s all very sensitive with my hubby wanting to stay put at home and have his parents round (which means I do all the cooking and waitressing), and me vying to go my mum’s and not cook.

I try not to feel bah humbug about the festive season but it does get my back up how much the day gets hyped. The festive ads on TV started on 1 November, or was it even earlier?

That’s just nuts (or should I say, roasted chestnuts).

I’ve been online shopping like crazy to try and get everyone’s presents sorted – with half an eye on the practicalities of where all the stuff will get stashed once the kids have tired of it. I know that after a few days the kids will resort back to default mode. Default mode is texting (Scarlett), playing Minecraft (Alfie) and chasing cats around (Poppy).

We’ve new pets. Yes, that’s in the plural. Our cat never returned so we’ve two kittens who have happily trashed those parts of the house that our previous cat missed. But we’ll forgive them because they’re super cute.

Suzie xx

So onwards we go – muddling through another Christmas which I expect will all work out just fine in the end. It always does.

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    

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Craft Corner

Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for full instructions on how to make these crafts

Bottle caps snowmen

Candy cane mice Cone tree Heart felt decorations

Toilet Roll Owl

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CHILDREN’S WINTER ILLNESSES

THE LOW DOWN W

inter has arrived, and along with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. Runny noses and coughs abound, especially among children. Here are some pointers outlining some of the more common winter illnesses – and key tips on how to keep your family healthy this winter.

SORE THROAT

COMMON COLD

STREP THROAT

A cold is a viral infection marked by runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, or headache. Children may also have low level fevers early in the illness. Colds are caused by hundreds of different types of virus and can occur year round, although they are most frequent in the winter months. Most colds worsen over 3-5 days and then begin to improve and their course by around 7-10 days.

CROUP

Croup often comes on suddenly in the middle of the night. You may wake up to your child coughing loudly. The croup cough often is described as ‘barking’ or ‘like a seal’. Your child may also be making a high-pitched, or wheezing noise while breathing.

Children with mild and moderate coughs can often be looked after at home. Severe croup will require a trip to the doctor for nebuliser treatments and steroids.

INFLUENZA

Commonly known as the Flu, it usually comes on quickly with high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches and pains. The fever often lasts up to 5 days. There are some antiviral medications available to help fight the flu, but generally, these are only recommended for children at risk of more serious complications. Some children aged 6 and under are eligible for the NHS’ nasal spray flu vaccine – check with your GP.

Sore throats are common in winter and are almost always caused by viral infections. There’s some evidence that changes in temperature, such as going from a warm, centrally heated room to the icy outdoors, can also affect the throat.

Strep is most often seen in school-aged children. Children frequently present with sore throat, headache, and stomachache.

Some children will get high fevers or vomit. Strep throat does not cause cold symptoms or coughing. It can usually be easily treated with antibiotics (it’s a bacterial infection rather than a virus), and children with strep throat should be treated to help prevent later complications from this infection.

NOROVIRUS

Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is an extremely infectious (viral) stomach bug. It can strike all year round, but is more common in winter and in places such as hotels and schools.

The illness is unpleasant, but it’s usually over within a couple of days.

CONTROLLING THE SPREAD OF VIRUSES You can take some simple steps to help prevent the spread of a virus, though it’s worth bearing in mind that people are often contagious before their symptoms materialise. For example: • wash your hands regularly, particularly before handling food • always sneeze and cough into tissues – this will help prevent any virus-containing droplets from entering the air where they can infect others; you should throw away used tissues immediately and wash your hands • clean kitchen and work surfaces regularly • use your own cup, plates and cutlery • don’t share towels or toys with someone who has a cold

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BEATING SCHOOLBAG PAIN B

ack pain in school-age children has been linked to heavy schoolbags and ill-fitting classroom seating. Nearly half of all pupils have had occasional backache from poor posture, carrying overloaded bags and leading an unhealthy lifestyle. A recent study of over 1,400 schoolchildren found that over half the children had backpacks exceeding 10% of their body weight. The research also found that those carrying the heaviest backpacks had a 50% higher risk of back pain than those carrying the lightest and a 42% higher risk of diagnosed back problems.

However, while school backpacks are believed to be linked to back pain and disorders in later life, problems are exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle and poor muscle tone. Experts advise that schoolchildren should not carry loads exceeding 10% of their body weight and point out that the such weights would not be allowed for adults in employment. The backbone isn’t really a bone at all - it’s made up of 33 little bones, called vertebrae, all stacked up and held together by ligaments. The spine, or backbone, isn’t completely straight: it curves slightly forward as it runs up your back and it helps support your head and upper body.

Putting too much weight on the spine can change the way you lean, forcing your back into a bad position. Carrying too much weight can injure your bones, nerves and soft tissues in the back.

Rucksacks are the best bags because they spread the weight. It’s

important they are carried over both shoulders, and make sure the straps are adjusted so that the bag is held close to the back. Heavy satchels and shoulder bags are best avoided. If your child finds it difficult to stand up straight or move when wearing their bag, then it’s too heavy. Make sure they are only carrying things they need and leave heavy objects at home or school.

Try to encourage them to think about how you pack your bag heavier objects should be packed first and placed on the inside of the bag, close to the spine and pelvis. Shoes are important too - soft-soled shoes that are supportive and have a good grip will make it easier for your child to carry a heavier school bag.

However, getting active is the best thing you can do to help your children’s back health. The fitter they are, the less likely they are to hurt themselves. Encourage them to adopt a good posture when sitting at home, at school or in the car and take care when lifting heavy objects - bending using their knees and asking an adult to help. It’s important they tell a teacher or parents if they feel any back pain. Watch out for any redness or soreness on the shoulders as it could mean that their bag is too heavy. Encourage your child to exercise regularly or plan joint activities, such as a walk in the countryside or a trip to a swimming pool, as it’s vital to build strong back muscles.

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HEY! competitions WINNERS

WIN A BESPOKE HANDMADE BIRTHDAY CAKE Make someone’s birthday special by winning a bespoke handmade birthday cake made by Minky Kitten Cakes just for them, or perhaps treat yourself to this tasty prize!

To win a fantastic 8” sponge birthday cake of your choice to the value of £60.00 with one figure and wording of your choice, (Gluten and dairy allergies can be catered for). Please give 4 weeks notice.

To win, answer this question: Which famous queen had a sponge cake named after her?

WIN HAYNES INTERNATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM TICKETS

WIN A FAMILY DAY PASS TO WOOKEY HOLE CAVES (2 adults and 2 children)

The UK’s largest exhibition of the greatest cars from around the world with over 400 amazing cars and bikes from nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s glorious Bentleys and Rolls Royces to exciting super cars like the Jaguar XJ220. Win a family ticket to Haynes International Motor Museum for 2 Adults and up to 3 children.

Please note: these tickets can be used on any standard day, but they are not valid for special events. Please check their website for special event dates. With this ticket you can go and visit the caves and learn about the witch of Wookey, explore Dinosaur Valley, experience the 4D cinema, get lost in the Mirror Maze and go crazy on the Pirate Island Golf course! Please check website for opening times.

To win, answer this question: Who is the 2015 F1 World Champion?

To win, answer this question: What used to be made at the famous Mill in Wookey Hole?

WIN A LEGO EDUCATION KIT This set enables children to build and program simple LEGO models that are connected to and operated by a computer. This kit is great for budding programmers.

To win, answer this question: Who invented Lego?

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO ATTEND A BATH CITY MATCH AT TWERTON PARK (2 adults and 2 children) Bring extra children for just £1.

To win, answer this question: Which league do Bath City play in?

Oscar Dutson - Street Ava Alder-Ashwin Keynsham Wes Marsh - Trowbridge Skyla Hagen Chilcompton James Tilling Chew Stoke Brooke Lepage Trowbridge Zak Hogan - Wells Austin Britton - Bristol Callum Baron Holcombe Rylea Lang - Street Ben Pursey - Wells Willow Atton - Street Lily Knowles Gurney Slade Luke Tedford - Street Isaac Hillier Longwell Green Kristian Toop - Frome Oliver Perry - Frome

HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning these fantastic prizes, simply visit www.heymag.co.uk and click on the Competitions button, complete the form and enter your answers.

It couldn’t be easier!

Closing date for entries: January 10th 2016

14 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

RECIPES

Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk to find out how to make these festive treats

Swiss roll penguin

Cheese reindeer

Strawberry santa hats

Gingerbread men

Bauble cakes

Snowman marshmallows

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What’s On Until December 3

The Festival of Light at Longleat Hundreds of illuminated designs (some measuring up to 20 metres in height, and 70 metres in length) transform the worldfamous Wiltshire estate.

Until December 3

Snow White at Bristol Hippodrome.

Mirror mirror on the wall, which is the fairest panto of all? Well it’s sure to be the Hippodrome’s panto with spectacular cast, music, dance, sumptuous sets and costumes and a laugh-a-minute script. TV and film star Warwick Davis heads up the cast of Snow White as head dwarf Prof, joining him is CBeebies star Andy Day (Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures) as Muddles and Hippodrome panto comedy favourite Andy Ford returns as the Henchman.

(0)117 302 3310.

December 12

Cinema at Victoria Hall.

Minions, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm. Victoria Hall, Church Street Radstock

December 12-13

Haynes Festive Food & Gift Fayre Looking for Christmas presents with a difference? Find unique handmade gifts for your friends and family at Haynes Festive Food and Gift Fayre. Over 50 stalls will provide festive inspiration and gift ideas galore. Browse the stalls picking up delicious food for Christmas. This is a great opportunity for you to buy all of your fresh, local produce for the festive season. Haynes Motor Museum.

December 12-13, 19-20

Visit Santas Grotto at Cholderton Charlie’s Farm Story time with Santa, a gift, animal cuddling corner, Elsa and Anna join in the fun, photo opportunities and more.

December 12, 16, 19, 22 and 23

December 18

Christmas Disco Party at Junction 21 Disco party includes: dancing, playing & party games, a hot box meal for every child, unlimited squash, a present from Santa for every child. £7.50 ticket - STRICTLY TICKETS ONLY - limited number available! (Children must be accompanied by an adult).

December 19-20

Illuminated Festive Trail at Dunster Castle Follow this self-led trail and see the gardens illuminated with festive lighting. Don’t forget to visit the shop to pick up some festive treats. National Trust members free. Last entry is 6.30pm.

Until December 24

Christmas Experience at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park Enjoy a fantastic Christmas Experience at Avon Valley, includes: ALL DAY entry to the park, visit to Father Christmas’ Grotto where your child will get a hand delivered gift from him, mug of hot chocolate, reindeer safari trip, entry to the Elf Craft Workshop, free photo opportunity in the grotto; snow machine forest & stalls,and some Christmas surprises too! £15.50 for children, £5.00 for adults. Booking is essential.

Until January 3

Bath On Ice Come and enjoy spectacular family fun at this festive ice rink.

This year we also feature glow in the dark adventure golf as a great adventure for all ages. Make sure to try our lovely wood-fired pizza’s and great range of drinks at the bar. Suitable for all ages, we offer skate aids for children who need a bit of help getting started.

For more info visit our website or call 07960083303. During off peak: Adult-£8.75 Child £7.25 During Peak: Adult £10 Child £9.

Until January 5

Victorian Christmas at Trowbridge Museum Come and visit our cosy Victorian parlour, meet Father Christmas and listen to stories read by our Victorian lady. Includes a Christmas gift for every child. 11:00 and 11:30am. £2.50 per child.

Lacock’s snow joke Christmas trail Follow our self-led family trail to find the snowfolk around the abbey grounds to find some truly awesome festive jokes that will fill you with festive cheer. Some of the trail continues out in the lovely village. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk for full details.

December 12-13, 19-23

Until January 10

Santa Visits at Farrington PlayBarn Come along for festive fun and games. Cost £3.00 including a gift.

December 13

Get Christmas Crafty at Dunster Castle Get crafty and create your own decorations including peg fairies and mini Christmas trees to take home.

Jack and the Beanstalk at The Theatre Royal, Bath Make sure the whole family is full of beans this Christmas and follow the hilarious ups and downs of our hero Jack Trott, the boy who manages to sell the family’s only valuable possession, Daisy the Cow, for a handful of beans. See www.theatreroyal.org.uk for more details.

16 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

BURNS NIGHT B

urns’ Night is annually celebrated in Scotland, and by Scots living the world over, on or around January 25. It commemorates the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, who was born on January 25, 1759. The day also celebrates Burns’ contribution to Scottish culture.

Formal events include toasts and readings of poems written by Burns, whose best known work is ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – a poem traditionally sung in the UK on New Year’s Eve. Ceremonies during a Burns’ Night supper vary but the evening often centres on the grand entrance of the haggis (a type of sausage prepared in a sheep’s stomach) on a large platter to the sound of a piper playing bagpipes.

After the haggis is placed on the table, the host reads the ‘Address to a Haggis’ - an ode that Burns wrote to the Scottish dish. At the end of the reading, the haggis is ceremonially sliced into two pieces and the meal begins.

Other foods associated with Burns’ Night include cock-a-leekie soup (chicken and leek soup); neeps (mashed turnips or swedes) and tatties (mashed potatoes); cranachan (whipped cream mixed with raspberries and served with sweet oat wafers); and bannocks (a kind of bread cooked on a griddle). Whisky is the traditional drink.

At traditional Burns’ Night events, men sometimes wear kilts and women may wear shawls, skirts or dresses made from their family tartan. A tartan was originally a woolen cloth with a distinctive pattern made by using different colours of weft and warp when weaving. Particular patterns and combinations of colours were associated with different areas, clans and families.

The Scottish flag is often displayed at Burns’ Night celebrations. It is known as the Saltire and consists of a rectangular blue background with thick white bars on the diagonals. The diagonals form a cross that represents St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 17

The Night Before Christmas

We all have a busy schedule, so many chores with the run up to Christmas but one thing we recommend you do on the evening of Christmas Eve, is to take a few minutes to get cosy with the kids, make hot chocolate and inspire the magic of Christmas with this popular poem.

‘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; 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, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my 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.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.

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

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—

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.

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 pedler just opening his pack.

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 on his chin was as white as the snow; 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 bowl full of jelly.

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; 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; 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!”

18 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

STAY SAFE THIS WINTER A

s the days continue to shorten, make sure you and your family stay safe this winter by following these essential and practical tips.

SAFE DRIVING

Check that your car is well maintained and ready to cope with whatever the weather wants to throw at it with adequate screen wash, oil and fuel to last your planned journey. Check the spare tire is roadworthy too.

Keep an ice scraper, torch, warm clothes, first aid kit, and shovel in your car, and consider stashing jump leads and a tow rope in the boot. You never know when you or a fellow driver might need these items.

Never leave your car engine running on cold winter mornings as you defrost the windscreen, there is a chance the car could move

TROWBRIDGE CIVIC CENTRE

Call: 01225 765072

ZUMBA & SHAPES

Monday & Wednesday Evenings

GIVE BLOOD

23 December 27 January 10 February

Easter Panto!

LIVE EVENTS

For more information visit:

www.trowbridgecivic.co.uk

LEARN TO DANCE MODERN JIVE 07 December 14 December 04 January 11 January 18 January

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 19 forward. Nor should you leave the car unattended with the engine running in case of theft.

Respond to weather warnings – and your car’s own thermometer.

Drive more slowly in adverse weather conditions, use your fog lights if needed, watch out for floods, and beware of black ice on a very cold rainy day.

JOURNEY PLANNING

If you are using public transport, plan how and with who you will get home, let someone know where you are and when you should be home, avoid empty compartments on trains, sit near the driver on a bus and only ever use a licenced taxi.

STAYING ACTIVE

If you’re exercising after dark, keep to well-lit areas and wear bright and reflective clothing. Ideally, exercise with a friend, but always tell someone where you’re going.

Always use lights when cycling after dark, in the rain or if the weather is overcast. It is illegal to cycle in the dark without a front white light and rear read light.

Always wear a helmet when cycling. This is especially important for you (and your children) in the winter months when road conditions are less than ideal. Make sure children wear a helmet when scooting, skateboarding or roller booting – the damp, dark conditions in winter can lead to accidents.

Keep an eye on the weather report, if rain or ice is making exercise dangerous, do it another day. The weather might be better tomorrow, but an injury could take weeks to heal.

If you have asthma, take extra care when out and about in winter as cold air can trigger symptoms.

OUT WITH THE KIDS

Make sure your children can be easily seen on dark mornings and evenings. Brightly coloured or reflective clothing is a good idea.

Plan your route and walk in well-lit areas whenever you can.

Keep away from the kerb area and hold your child’s hand if space permits.

Follow the Highway Code and set a good example to your children.

Teach your child road sense and, for example, choose spaces where drivers can see them clearly if there are no crossings nearby.

HOME SECURITY

Prevent crime by leaving a light on in your home when you go out at night If you’ve stocked up on your Christmas gifts, keep them in a secure place or, if they are under a Christmas tree, be doubly sure to secure your home if you need to leave it for a few days.

GENERALLY…

Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged, and has sufficient credit, when you leave the house in case you need to make an emergency call.

Wrap up warm when you go out, and ensure the kids have enough layers on too. Be visible and consider using a torch if walking in poorly lit places.

Remember that in reflective clothing shows up clearly in car headlights, while fluorescent clothing is not so visible after dark.

Look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours in the winter months, make sure they know they can call on you should they need help.

TIME TO TAKE THE STAGE Acting, singing and dance classes for 2 - 19 year olds.

Find out more and start your child’s journey today stagecoach.co.uk/ trowbridge 01249 714 333 trowbridge@stagecoach .co.uk

20 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

The Hollies Inn

55 Westbury Leigh 01373 864493 www.theholliesinn.com

Tuesday Quiz Night

Call us to save your table and be in with the chance of winning a share of £100.

Not forgetting our raffle where the top prize is a two course meal for two and a bottle of wine. Only £2 per person with a max team size of 6.

Thursday Steak Night Two 10oz Rump Steaks with all the trimmings and a bottle of wine only £25!

Sunday

Christmas

Chuckles

Why was Cinderella such a poor football player?

Because she kept running away from the ball What’s a child’s favourite king at Christmas?

StocKING What’s brown and sneaks around the kitchen?

Mince Spies What do you give a railway station master for Christmas?

Platform Shoes www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

Sunday Roast served from 12pm till 8pm, only £8.50 (£4.50 Child).

Plus take away roast from only £7.50.

Book now for Christmas Lunch

01373 864493

Looking for that special gift?

Whether its for afternoon tea, dinner, overnight stay, spa treatments or a spa day there is sure to be something to suit all tastes. Please see our website to make a purchase.

Your Gift Voucher

January Detox Choose from one of our Elemis treatments to kick start your January detox.

Evening Treatments Open until 7pm on Thursday evenings.

Loyalty Card Buy 5 one hour treatments and get the 6th one free.

Book now for Christmas!

15% discount on all treatments in December and January Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Subject to availability.

Voucher must be surrendered to Reception on use.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 21

News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS

EVENTS

MENDIP FIRST SCHOOL HALLOWEEN

It was a most unusual day at Leigh on Mendip First School when all manner of bats, zombies, witches, vampires, evil pandas and even Beetlejuice arrived at school for the day.

The children held a mufti Halloween themed day to mark the end of term.

The ghostly fun carried on into the evening at a disco organised by Friends of Leigh School (FOLS) at which the PTA raised funds for the children’s activities at school.

DIARY DATES

YOUR SUCCESSES

OAKFIELD ACADEMY ANDERSON SHELTERS

As part of Year 6 history lessons, 60 children have been learning about World War 2. They have been looking at what life was like as a child being evacuated, rationing, the role of propaganda and living through the blitz.

At the start of learning about the blitz, the children were set the project of designing and building an Anderson shelter.

There was certain criteria that the shelter had to meet, that being able to fit a lego man inside, waterproof and being able to stand a 1kg weight being placed upon it. Pupils Jessica Willmott and Alexis Sherred proudly show their models to Head of Humanities, Mr David McGrath.

Westbury Leigh Church of England Primary School “Pupils say they are proud of their school” Ofsted 2015 Places still available come and visit our school *Tour the facilities *Meet the staff *See what our school has to offer

01373 822230 www.westburyleigh.wilts.sch.uk Sandalwood Road, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 3UR

Making your Little Princess’s party a Dream Come True!

Choose a Princess, a party package, and enjoy a hassle-free party solution!

To book a REAL Princess for your daughter’s party visit: www.princessandmeparties.co.uk princessandmeparties@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 07792070010

Suppliers of Themed Partyware, Banners and Balloons Fancy Dress Costumes and Accessories available in store with thousands more available online

www.jtspartyshop.co.uk www.jtsfancydress.co.uk 98 Bradley Road Trowbridge BA14 0RB

01225 751741

E: jtsfancydress@yahoo.co.uk

22 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

OPERATION XMAS CHILD AT WESTBURY JUNIOR SCHOOL This year, the children at Westbury Junior School have prepared over 75 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

This initiative was the idea of Caitlyn, a Year 5 child. During a class council meeting, Caitlyn suggested that the school should be involved with this wonderful initiative. She felt that many children in other countries often don’t receive any presents for Christmas and Caitlyn wanted to do something about it.

“There has been a tremendous outpouring of generosity from the families at our school,” said Mrs Francis, a teacher at the school, “In fact, over 75 boxes have been made up, ready to send to the children through Operation Christmas Child”.

The boxes are set to leave this week and the children are extremely proud of their achievements

WESTBURY JUNIOR SCHOOL RESIDENTIAL TRIP All of the Year 6 children at Westbury Junior School recently went on their annual residential trip to Hooke Court in Dorset.

Over 50 children and 8 adults visited the education centre for an action packed 3 days. Under wonderful blue skies, the children built dens, learnt how to light fires, prepared and cooked food over a camp fire, took part in a barn dance and stayed up far too late!

Mrs Sweet, one of the teachers, said “It’s a marvellous opportunity for the children to experience quality outdoor learning activities and a chance for the year group to bond as a team.”

Shooting for the stars!

Two lovely, welcoming nurseries in Trowbridge.

We have 2 and 3 year old funded places available - contact us to arrange a visit to see our facilities and meet our friendly team.

Green Shoots Day Nursery Westfield Road,Trowbridge BA14 9JQ 01225 751744 greenshoots@bathymca.co.uk Little Shoots Day Nursery BroadCloth Lane, Trowbridge BA14 7HE 01225 754777 littleshoots@bathymca.co.uk Open Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm 50 weeks of the year (closed between Christmas and New Year)

www.bathymca.co.uk

Our two nurseries in Trowbridge Green Shoots and Little Shoots deliver a high standard of care and all activities are based on the new Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and is enhanced by great staff and a high standard of resources and equipment.

• Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured; • Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships; • Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers; and • Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities.

There are three distinct areas within the nursery each offering care for different age groups; all bright and airy and well lit.

We make full use of every inch of our outdoor space both nurseries. In our garden we grow fruit and vegetables, have extensive play equipment, and use the grass area for different activities depending on the time of year.

We take healthy eating seriously and all meals and snack times are designed to be sociable and special dietary needs can be accommodated.

Contact: Green Shoots 01225 751744. Little Shoots 01225 754777

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 23

DOGS TRUST VISITOR

“For our recent Enrichment Afternoon a lady called Jayne Boundy from Dogs Trust visited Year 5. She showed us a powerpoint presentation about dog re-homing centres, why dogs are rehomed, and what it is like to work at the Dogs Trust - including how often the dogs are exercised and need cleaning. We were shown pictures of a real life room where dogs stay, she explained it is familiarise dogs with sofas, TV’s etc.

She also taught us how important it is to ask the owner before you go to touch their dog. You should never touch dogs when they are eating!

Dogs can become very protective of their food, and don’t like being watched normally when they are eating.

At the end, the lady talked about what to do when you re-home a dog. You should let the dog sniff your hands first - but don’t dangle your fingers over it’s nose as they look like sausages!

At the end a lot of Year 5’s spoke about how keen they would be to work for such a good cause in the future.”

Jessica McAlpine - Year five pupil, Oakfield Academy

NATIONAL ROAST DINNER DAY WITH THE ‘BEST OF BRITISH’ Pupils at Sambourne CE VC Primary School celebrated National Roast Dinner day in style on Wednesday 4th November with a ‘Best of British’ theme. Alongside patriotic music and video footage, children and staff thoroughly enjoyed a traditional roast beef dinner with all the trimmings, followed by spotted dick and custard all freshly prepared by Alex and his team at Warminster School who provide all of our hot lunches. Headteacher Cathy Chalk shared: “There was a fantastic atmosphere in the dining hall and it was lovely to see all the children clearly enjoying a healthy British favourite”.

THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON

VISIT TO MONTACUTE HOUSE

It was a damp day for the Oakfield Academy Year 7’s visit to Montacute House recently, but this did not spoil the enjoyment. The pupils were given a very informative talk from National Trust staff about the history of the building and the incredible collection of famous portraits. The pupils were encouraged to sketch some of paintings and the rooms that they visited. “The trip was totally inspiring, I really enjoyed it, especially the picture of Henry VIII. I hadn’t realised that Montacute House was so immense, it was amazing”. Clayton Sale, 7S

OAKFIELD ACADEMY REMEMBRANCE DAY On a grey November morning, the entire staff and pupils of Oakfield Academy assembled on their school yard to observe a two minute silence for those who died in the two World Wars and all conflicts since.

Year 8 pupils read poems including ‘Ode to remembrance’, and the school would like to thank Mr David Hynds, for playing ‘The Last Post’.

A Drama and Arts Day for KS1 children at the Avenue Primary School in Warminster to finish off their topic of “Time travellers”, culminated in the re-enactment of The Great Fire of London (1666), where the children’s model houses were set up in narrow rows to replicate the overcrowded streets in the City of London (as they would have been in those days). A fire was started in one of the houses and this spread quickly through the streets! Children also made 3D clay fire sculptures, “wattle and daub” walls and were dressed in fantastic costumes from the era.

WOW

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT EMAIL US YOUR WOW! PHOTOS AND DETAILS TO INFO@IGNYTE-UK.CO.UK

Izzy Blake aged 9 passed her yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do with an A pass, well done Izzy.

Ryan Bell aged 9 has passed his stage 5 in swimming, well done Ryan.

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