HEY! Magazine South Bristol edition

FREE • SOUTH BRISTOL EDITION • ISSUE 25 • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

INSIDE Halloween Crafts Shop early for Christmas Exciting Prizes A parents guide to bullying 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 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 7,500 families through primary schools and other outlets in Keynsham and South Bristol.

The next edition is in December & is filling fast.

The winter is now on the way and the clocks will be going back an hour at 2am on the 25th October.

This will mean that the nights will get darker and time spent outside after school, will reduce significantly. Enjoy reading about how and why the clocks change within the magazine.

With these darker nights come the cold weather and the need to purchase winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves and shoes for school. Make sure all of these are clearly named to ensure they don’t get lost.

All of the year 6 children will hopefully have made their choices for the secondary school that suits them the best. If you have not yet informed the local authority of your choice for secondary school, the deadline is 31st October and you can apply both online or by post.

Halloween and bonfire night are the key events for the next few weeks and care must be taken at all times. If you are taking your children trick or treating please ensure that you only visit properties that are showing a willingness to partake in Halloween activities. This is usually apparent by pumpkins, Halloween decorations or an outside light being on. Take a read through the pages of the magazine to find out who Guy Fawkes was and why we celebrate Halloween, I’m sure many of your questions will be answered.

Christmas will soon be here and now would be a good time to start thinking about finances and budgeting. Set yourself a budget for presents and for food and stick to it. This will reduce the stress for the family in January when the bills arrive on your doorstep. Make a start on shopping soon, that way you are not panic buying as this could cause you to exceed your budgets and buy more than you need to.

Bullying is a worry for all parents, take a look at our parents guide and make sure that you are talking to your child’s school if you have any concerns.

Enjoy October half term; make the most of the lighter nights by taking a walk across the field or enjoying the outdoors before the weather forces us to stay inside.

Tina Hey Magazine

@hey_tweeter

www.heymag.co.uk

4 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

FIVE FUN HEALTH SOLUTIONS YOU WILL LOVE

F

orget popping supplements and visits to the health food store; more and more evidence is pointing towards the fact that a little bit of what you fancy does you good.

Here we count down the top five fun things which are said to be good for you!

CHOCOLATE

The daily trip to the office vending machine is normally the first thing to bite the dust at diet time. But there are plenty of reasons that a little chocolatey indulgence isn’t as bad as you might think.

In theory, flavonoid-rich chocolate should help to protect against heart disease while its antioxidant properties are reported to be cancer busting too. According to the most recent reports, our favourite sneaky snack even has anti-ageing powers. Go for dark chocolate with upwards of 70% cocoa solids for the real benefits.

RED WINE

We all know that too much alcohol is seriously bad news, but the French know a thing or two about the healthy side of a little tipple, hence ‘the French Paradox’. Like chocolate, the skins and seeds of red wine grapes contain antioxidants - flavonoids and tannins - which can help to lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. Another ingredient, resveratol, slows down aging in the bones, eyes and muscles. Certain wines from France and Sardinia appear to be the most useful, but as with chocolate, it is important to be sensible and keep alcohol consumption low.

COFFEE

It’s the news which no doubt made Mr Starbucks’ day - coffee isn’t all bad for you! In fact, the antioxidants in the coffee

bean unclog the arteries and are good for the old ticker. While overindulgence in the evil bean can cause thumping headaches, scientists in Italy (of course!) say that a lower dose of java can even cure headaches and help the liver by preventing gallstones and cirrhosis - enough excuse to hail it as the perfect hangover remedy. Avoid overdoing it and drink freshly ground and brewed espresso for maximum benefit.

SUN

Rarely a day goes by during the summer months when we aren’t bombarded with stories about the dangers of the sun. But let’s not forget that when you’re sensible about it sunshine does great things for you. So slap on that sunscreen and get out there to soak up some vitamin D, which provides the best protection possible from colds and flu and boosts endorphins - your feelgood hormones. Twenty minutes in the sun every day could make all the difference to you if you’re feeling run down and in the dumps.

GUINNESS

The ad-men weren’t kidding when they said Guinness was ‘good for you’. In light of recent advice that we shouldn’t be taking aspirin as a matter of course to avoid heart attacks, it looks like a Guinness a day could be on call to keep the doctor away - research has proved that the black stuff works as well as low dose aspirin at keeping clots and heart attacks at bay. Believed to be high in iron, at one time pregnant women and nursing mothers were told to drink Guinness too, though advice now says otherwise.

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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 5

WHO WAS GUY FAWKES? O

n 5 November each year, the effigy of Guy Fawkes is burned on bonfires across England in recognition of his part in the failed ‘Gunpowder Plot’ of 1605.

The plot was organised by a small band of devout Catholics who wanted to kill the Protestant King James I, along with everyone sitting in the Houses of Parliament, when he opened Parliament on November 5th, 1605.

Catholics in England had expected James, the first of the Stuarts, to be tolerant of them. In fact, he proved to be the exact opposite and had ordered all Catholic priests to leave England. This so angered some Catholics that they decided to kill James and install his nine-year old daughter Elizabeth on the throne. The plan was to mould the puppet queen into becoming Catholic.

Guy Fawkes and his 12 fellow conspirators, having rented out a house right by the Houses of Parliament, managed to get 36 barrels of gunpowder into a cellar of the House of Lords. Fawkes was not the leader of the plot, but it was he who gained notoriety after the plan was foiled because he had the perilous duty of sneaking into the cellar beneath the House of Lords and igniting the explosives.

Fawkes was caught red-handed preparing to ignite the gunpowder, and for two days he was the only conspirator who the King’s men had captured. His name immediately became synonymous with the treacherous scheme.

Most of the men involved in the plot were eventually found then charged with treason and sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered. This was a gruesome method of execution that Fawkes managed to avoid by jumping to his death before he could be hung on a raised platform.

After the plot was revealed, Londoners began lighting celebratory bonfires, and in January 1606 an act of Parliament designated November 5 as a day of thanksgiving.

In time, Guy Fawkes Day became a time to get together with friends and family, set off fireworks, light bonfires, attend parades and burn effigies of Fawkes. Children traditionally wheeled around their effigies demanding a “penny for the Guy”, imploring crowds to “remember, remember the fifth of November.”

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TIPS FOR A SAFE FIREWORKS NIGHT C

hildren should never play with fireworks. If you give children sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800°F (982°C) - hot enough to melt gold.

• Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer’s name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Never try to make your own fireworks.

• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.

• Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.

• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances.

• Light one firework at a time and never relight a dud.

• Don’t allow children to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event.

Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.

• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the rubbish bin.

• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the firework night. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they’ll run loose or get injured.

If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a hospital.

If an eye injury occurs, don’t allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don’t flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it. If it’s a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice).

CALL AN AMBULANCE IMMEDIATELY. Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you’ll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe. Take extra precautions this firework night and your evening will be a blast!

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THE HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN H

alloween is not exactly a typical holiday. Other holidays, like Christmas and Shavuot, celebrate an event. Halloween celebrates a lot of things, including the lives of people who aren’t with us anymore.

The history of Halloween is not entirely a clear one. But here’s how it is thought to have started.

Many hundreds of years ago, people called the Celts lived in Europe and on the British Isles. The Celts believed that the souls of the dead visited Earth on the last day of October. They had a festival in honour of these souls of the dead, and they called it Samhain.

In time, the Roman Empire conquered the Celts and took over some of their beliefs as well. This included Samhain. The Romans combined it with their own festivals. And since the Roman Empire spread across a great part of the known world, the idea that the souls of the dead visited Earth on the last day of October spread far and wide.

Many ideas from the Roman days still survive in the Western countries. Halloween is one of them.

But how did we get the name Halloween?

In the 8th Century, the Catholic Church declared November 1 to be All Saints’ Day. The church calendar had a number of days

honouring saints already. November 1 was picked to be the day to honour all saints who didn’t already have a day named in their honour.

And the mass that the Catholic Church celebrated on November 1 was called Allhallowmas. This meant ‘mass of all the hallowed [saintly people.]’. It was commonly called ‘All Hallows’ Day.’ And somewhere along the line, the night before became known as Allhallowe’en, which was short for ‘evening before All Hallows’ Day.’ It was then shortened to what we now call Halloween.

One last question: Why do people dress up as ghosts, goblins, vampires, and other scary creatures?

The people who started all this Halloween business many years ago believed that if they appeared scary, they would scare away the spirits of the dead who were roaming the earth on All Hallows’ Eve. These people also carried food to the edge of town and left it there, hoping the spirits would eat that food and not come and raid the village.

In Great Britain, Jack-O-Lanterns are traditionally made from turnips. The Halloween custom came to America through Irish immigrants, and since turnips weren’t cheap state-side, Americans used pumpkins. Today, pumpkins are used worldwide, to the disappointment of turnip farmers everywhere.

8 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

THE MYSTERIES OF YOUR BODY EXPLAINED Y

ou may think of your body as just skin and bones, a vehicle which gets you where you want to go, but it’s also capable of jaw-dropping feats and mysteries.

When someone told us that the length of your foot matches the length of your forearm, we had to check it out. (It’s true!)

That made us wonder what other amazing (or amusing) things we might not know.

Why we sneeze? Or how it is that yawning is contagious?

Here are just a few of the weirdest most wonderful things about the human body and why we do them.

WHY DO WE SNEEZE?

Put simply, sneezing is a defence mechanism which removes foreign particles that irritate the lining of our nasal passages.

We most often sneeze due to a cold sneezing eliminates bacteria - but allergies also cause sneezing and even those who do not test positive for allergic rhinitis can react to allergens by sneezing. One in three people inherit ‘photic sneezing’, believed to be a congenital defect, which causes sneezing on exposure to bright light.

WHAT’S THE POINT OF GOOSE BUMPS?

Goose bumps occur when tiny muscles at the base of the hair follicles tighten, causing the hair to stand erect when a person is cold, scared or excited. By observing animals, scientists concluded that we get goose bumps when cold because the hair traps air to create insulation and when in a state of high emotion - in animals - to make one appear larger and more intimidating, a leftover from our earlier incarnations.

WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO CURE THE COMMON COLD?

The common cold is a virus and these cannot generally speaking be ‘cured’ (at least so far) - the only hope against any virus is vaccination. However there are so many strains of cold - around 200 at last count that it is extremely difficult to find a cure-all without vaccinating a person 200 times.

WHY IS YAWNING CONTAGIOUS?

Contrary to popular belief yawning is not a sign of tiredness but designed to keep us awake by cooling the brain and helping us to work more efficiently. Therefore some scientists believe that contagious yawning is triggered by empathic mechanisms which maintain vigilance in a group. Only half of human adults are prone to contagious yawning.

WHY DO MILK SHAKES GIVE ME BRAIN FREEZE?

Caused by eating or drinking extremely cold substances, brain freeze or an “ice cream headache” occurs when something cold touches the roof of the mouth or is swallowed. The effect is a result of the rapid freezing and then warming of the blood vessels in the palate which nearby pain receptors send to the brain, which then reads the message as referred pain in the forehead.

WHY DO OLD PEOPLE GET UP SO EARLY? It’s a common myth that the elderly sleep less than younger adults. In fact it’s a combination of earlier nights, daytime naps and a change in hormones which has pensioners down at the newsagent at the crack of dawn. Melatonin and growth hormone affect the way we sleep and a lack of both make older people tired earlier and awaken earlier. Conversely, it is the amount of melatonin in their bodies which keeps teens in bed until midday.

WHAT MAKES ME HICCUP? Excessive eating and drinking, stress or excitement can cause hiccups which scientists suggest may be caused by the fact that our distant ancestors lived in the sea. A similar system has been observed in amphibians who use the action for gill ventilation, but the fact that hiccups still exist points to the reflex’s usefulness in helping mammals learn to suckle.

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10 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

TIME FOR CHANGE BUT WHY DO THE CLOCKS GO BACK?

O

n Sunday 25 October, time in the UK will shift back an hour and there will be an extra hour to enjoy in bed. Never mind that the clocks go back every autumn, and forward an hour in spring, it always feels strange and leads to the inevitable conversations about what is the ‘real’ time.

This shuttling to and fro in time is called Daylight Saving Time (DST) and we have been using the system in the UK since 1916 when the British Summer Time Act was brought into force.

There’s still dispute over who first introduced the idea, but the campaign to make the change was led by a London based builder called William Willett. He felt that people were wasting useful daylight hours in summer by being tucked up in bed and he campaigned tirelessly on the matter from 1907 until his death in 1915.

However, it wasn’t until 1916 that the government decided to adopt the change. It is thought that the decision was in part made because Germany and her allies, during the early part of World War One, used DST to help conserve the use of coal in the summer (by having more daylight in the latter part of the day).

Britain followed suit to ensure that enemy messages intercepted by British intelligence would not lead to confusion about battle times and other events.

The upshot is that we have British Summer Time (BST), which is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 1 in, of course, summer, while in winter we shift back to plain old GMT. We are not the only country to observe a seasonal change in our clocks. Most of the USA, Europe and a few countries in South America and Africa use DST. In the case of the USA, most states observe DST but Hawaii and most of Arizona do not.

The debate about how we should set our clocks has been raging since the regime was introduced. Historically, proponents of DST have argued that it saves energy, promotes outdoor activity and is good for the economy. Some groups who prefer lighter mornings, like farmers, argue that the benefits of DST are unproven and we should just stick to GMT.

TIME ZONES AROUND THE WORLD While daylight savings may throw you for a loop, the British time change is child’s play compared to other time zone quirks around the world. Here are some oddities about time zones so strange, you couldn’t even make them up.

Russia spans a mammoth 9 time zones on a map!

The International Space Station uses GMT. Despite being gigantic, India insists on maintaining one national time zone (GMT +05:30) over the entire subcontinent.

A number of countries around the world don’t actually observe Daylight Saving Time. Among them are much of South America (including Argentina and Peru), Asia (Japan, China, Indonesia, and Thailand don’t do DST), the Middle East (such as the United Arab Emirates), and most of Africa, with the exception of Namibia, Egypt (see below), Tunis, and Morocco. And while South Australia observes DST, Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia do not.

Lord Howe Island in Australia, which curiously puts its clocks back by just half an hour in the local Winter to GMT +10:30, only to skip ahead to GMT +11:00 in the Summer. Good luck figuring out how that works!

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 11

Craft Corner

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

Bat hat

Flower pot witch Creepy you Bright eyes

No carve pumpkins Milk carton ghosts

12 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

BULLYING A PARENT’S GUIDE I

t’s a problem that can take many forms and defies a neat definition, but one thing is certain about bullying – its impact can be devastating.

Each year the Anti-Bullying Alliance highlights the issues surrounding bullying and aims to empower children, parents and carers to take positive action against this behaviour with Anti-Bullying Week, which takes place from 16th-20th November in 2015.

There’s no one give-away sign that a child is being bullied, but if your child seems out of sorts for an extended period of time, it could be possible that they are experiencing the problem at school or elsewhere. Here are some pointers about how to recognise the problem and find a solution.

BULLYING DEFINED

So what does bullying mean? There is no legal definition of bullying but it is usually defined as behaviour that is repeated, intended to hurt someone either mentally or physically, and can be aimed at certain groups, for example, because of race, religion or gender. Bullying takes various forms and can include name calling, making threats, teasing, physical harm or ‘cyberbullying’ through social media or mobile phones.

Some children come forward - without prompting – to ask for help if they feel targeted with bullying behaviour, but more often than not the victims of bullying feel embarrassed or even to blame for the situation they find themselves in. The type of behaviour that could be an indication of bullying include a reluctance to go to school; unexplained (symptomless) and frequent illnesses or headaches; anxiety on Sunday nights; becoming withdrawn or, at the other end of the spectrum, suddenly ‘playing up’; damages clothes or missing belongings; and distress after using a mobile phone/social media.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD

Don’t panic if you discover your child is being bullied. Children are resilient and with support can and do move on. Most

support groups advise parents and carers to first listen to what your child has to say and provide reassurance that speaking about the problem is the right thing to do.

Try and establish the facts, making notes if this helps understand the pattern of bullying. Notes and/or a diary of events can also be shared with your school. It’s very important that from the outset you emphasize that the bullying is not your child’s fault. Give reassurance that you will not take any action without discussing it first with your child, ask what they would like to happen next as a way of involving them in finding a solution.

Don’t encourage any form of violent retaliation. If your child lashes out at an abusive peer, they could be hurt in return or find they are labelled as part of the problem rather than the victim. In short, retaliation muddies the water, making less clear who is abusing who.

As soon as you and your child is ready, discuss the situation with your child’s teacher or head teacher (or an adult wherever the bullying is taking place). Every child has a right to a safe environment in which to learn and play. All schools have a behaviour policy which sets out the measures that will take place to prevent, and manage, bullying.

It can be very hard for parents to find out their child is being accused of bullying.

Try and remember that anyone is capable of bullying behaviour and there can often be a specific trigger such as falling in with a new crowd of friends who your child wishes to impress. Make sure that your child knows what bullying behaviour is and why it is wrong. Talk the issue through and be understanding although clear about what is, and what isn’t acceptable behaviour.

Finally, be aware that if your child shows signs of serious distress such as depression, anxiety or any form of self-harm, visit your GP without delay. Bullying can have an impact on a child’s mental health, but the sooner the issue is dealt with, the more quickly your child can put the episode behind them.

WHERE TO FIND SUPPORT ANTI-BULLYING ALLIANCE A coalition of organisations and individuals working together to stop bullying and create safe environments for children and young people.

Informative website full of useful advice. www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

CHILDLINE

A charity providing support and counselling for anyone up to the age of 18.

Helpline: 0800 783 1113 (open 24 hours) www.childline.org.uk

BULLYING UK

Offers information on all types of bullying. Parent helpline: 0808 800 222 (open 9am-9pm Mon-Fri, and 9am3pm weekends) www.bullying.co.uk

KIDSCAPE

Charity offering advice to parents, carers and professionals about antibullying and child safety advice. Info available for download online. www.kidscape.org.uk

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 13

RECIPES

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

Spider eggs

Halloween stuffed pepper

Pumpkin jelly Halloween Ghost Meringue Cookies

Vampire doughnuts

Suzie’s diary Dear Diary!

With the days shortening and the chill of the mornings becoming more and more noticeable, I’m getting the urge to hibernate. It’s not that I dislike the cold and dark of winter, in fact, there’s a lot to be said for cosying up in front of the log burner with a cup of cocoa…

Well, perhaps in my dreams anyway! I never, ever seem to have time to vegetate. And I particularly don’t at the moment.

Both my older children are having trouble at school. Scarlett is embroiled in a complex dispute with classmates, while Archie in falling further behind in his reading.

It’s hard to even explain what is going on with Scarlett.

She and her best friend seem to have fallen out with two other girls, and maybe each other, in the class over a dance project.

The plan had been for the four of them to enter a local talent show. There was disagreement about who was doing what, and who should decide on the outfits. In the end, they couldn’t decide on the music let alone a whole dance sequence. The complex bit is that the four of them have shifting allegiances with the politics ranging from all three siding together on one decision – and leaving one high and dry – and then the four forming into pairs so that you’ve got two against two.

Recently, they all fell out and went their four separate ways.

Scarlett is in a huff at the whole thing and is saying she will enter the competition as a solo act. But I know the idea of going it alone makes her nervous. Hopefully, they will all come to see that it can work as a team effort. It’s all quite a drama.

As for Archie, I can’t decide whether he really does have an issue (possibly dyslexia?), which is making it hard for him to improve his reading. Perhaps he’s just not ‘academic’, or perhaps I’m expecting too much. At the same age, Scarlett was three stages above him at reading. Archie’s teachers say it’ll all click for him eventually, but I’m not sure what ‘eventually’ should mean.

Maybe I’ll cosy up with Archie this evening in front of the fire and do some calm reading practice. I’ll be patient and encouraging, he’ll be cute and concentrate.

Ok, that’s only in my dreams too!

Suzie xx

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 15

HEY! competitions WIN TRACTOR TED DOWN AT THE RIVER DVD + DIGGERS & DUMPERS COLOURING BOOK The UK’s favourite little green tractor, Tractor Ted, is back with the launch of a BRAND NEW DVD – TRACTOR TED DOWN AT THE RIVER! Farmer Tom is busy on the farm. Watch as he drives his big tractor through the river to get to the cows and get to see some of the animals who call the river their home from the otters who are brilliant swimmers to the shy water voles. Sing along with the massive crane while it sets up the floating platform and lifts a digger high into the air. Full details at www.tractorted.co.uk And that’s not all as the NEW BOOK – DIGGERS & DUMPERS COLOURING BOOK – also launches at the same time and we have 12 sets to give away absolutely free!

To win, answer this question: Who created Tractor Ted?

WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR 4 FOR THE OPENING NIGHT OF LITTLE SURE SHOT AT THE EGG THEATRE ON THURS 3RD DEC AT 7PM! Based on the real-life rags-to-riches story of how little Annie befriends the famous showman Buffalo Bill and grows up to be the Queen of the Wild West, Little Sure Shot will amuse, delight and inspire audiences of all ages. This updated production features all the magic, theatrical flair and original music that audiences have come to love in the egg’s Christmas productions.

To win, answer this question: Who was Little Sure Shot and what year was she born?

WIN FAMILY TICKETS TO SEE SNOW WHITE AT THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME! Well it’s sure to be the best of the Hippodrome’s panto with spectacular cast, music, dance, sumptuous sets and costumes and a laugh-a-minute script. Will the Wicked Queen banish Snow White once and for all, or will the handsome Prince thwart her plans with some help from the dwarfs? Who’s the fairest in the land, and will good triumph over evil? There’s only one way to find out book your tickets now to this magical family pantomime.

To win, answer this question: Who wrote Snow White and what year was it first published?

HOW TO ENTER

WIN A FAMILY TICKET (2 ADULTS AND 2 CHILDREN) TO NOAHS ARK ZOO FARM Take a day outside of Bristol and spend a day with the Big Zoo Animals at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm home to Rhinos, Tigers, Lions and Giraffes and Elephants.

Enjoy a jumbo experience with Noah’s Ark’s impressive new ‘Elephant Eden’ - Europe’s largest elephant habitat. Families can get within a trunks length of nature’s biggest land mammal, take part in the daily Elephant Presentation and learn about the importance of conservation. For a fantastic family day out, walk beside natures giants at Noah’s Ark this season!

To win, answer this question: Brand-new babies of what animal are six feet tall and weigh almost 200 pounds?

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO AT BRISTOL (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children)

We’ve got plenty going on this Autumn, including a brand new space-themed show ‘Destination Space’, the chance to get up close and personal with some amazing anatomy in ‘Dissection Lab’, autumnal treats in the Kitchen and Greenhouse, and the chance to venture in to the depths of space in the brand new 3D Planetarium!

To win, answer this question: Phobos and Deimos are moons of what planet?

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: October 30th 2015

16 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

WHAT’S ON THIS

HALLOWEEN HALF TERM October 23 - November 1 Longleat Halloween Spooktacular Join us at Longleat for a haunted Halloween you’ll never forget!

Run from scary skeletons in the brand new Skeleton Maze, jump aboard the ghoulish Ghost Train, discover the scary secrets of Longleat.

October 24 - November 1

Halloween Spooktacular at Cholderton Charlies Farm Join us for a Halloween quiz, games and fancy dress competition.

Wriggly Worms Tea Party 30th and 31st. Cholderton, Salisbury.

Wizard school trail at Lacock Abbey Do you have what it takes to be a brilliant witch or a wise wizard?

Find out by completing the tasks of Lacock Abbey’s self-led, hands-on wizard school trail.Another chance to test your spooky skills, be warned though, some of the activities will have changed from last year to challenge other areas of wizardry. Can you become the best witch or wizard Lacock has ever seen?

More Information: Visitor Reception, 01249 730459, lacockabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk

October 24 - November 1

October 26 - 28

Prepare to be scared at Hestercombe’s Halloween Trail Of Terror Double bubble, it’s a trail of trouble, as Hestercombe gets ghoulish for Halloween. Watch out for wicked witches, gasp at the ghastly goings on, and leap from what lurks in the lake as you wind your way through the Hestercombe Pumpkins and Potions Halloween Trail. The trail runs every day during half-term, from October 24 until November 1, 10am – 4pm. The trail is included in garden admission and free to Hestercombe members. Find out more by visiting www.hestercombe.com

Scare yourself silly on our self-led ghostly gardens walk Don’t forget to bring your torch! Members go free. 6pm - 8pm Adult £4, Child £2 Dunster Castle.

October 24 - 31

October 24 - November 1 Haunted Haynes Week at Haynes Motor Museum Join in for a host of extra spooky half term fun of thrills, chills and delights at Haynes. Come in full fancy dress and get in for group rate. Throughout the day a multitude of creepy thrills, spooky chills and chocolaty delights will be happening . Have your face painted and listen to tales of terror by the Haynes Ghost Busters. Follow the giant Spider Trail around the Museum and children can carve their very own lantern in a pumpkin. Spaces for pumpkin carving are limited and booking is essential. To book a place please contact us on 01963 440804.

October 26 - 30 Halloween Half Term at Avon Valley Railway Why not bring along the family and enjoy a trip on our Heritage Diesel Train. During the half term week there will be free train rides for children in fancy dress (with a full paying adult) Trains departing from Bitton Station on the hour from 11:00 -16:00. www.avonvalleyrailway.org

October 28 - 31 Halloween Spooktacular! At Farrington Farm Join us this half term for spooky fun and some ghoulish games in the Playbarn. Scary face painting and Halloween themed activities.

Wednesday 28th - Saturday 31st October between 11am – 1pm.

PLUS FREE Farm Park Entry all week from Sat 24th October Sunday 1st November.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 17

What’s On

October 24 - November 1

November 15

November 6

November 21

Heritage Open Week 24 venues are taking part in Heritage Open Week. Museums or activities will be free of charge to residents of Bath & North East Somerset. Please check details in advance and bring along a current Discovery Card per person to gain free entry into the museum or activity. www.bathnes.gov.uk/openweek

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park Fireworks night from 5.30pm until 9.30pm. Firework display at 7pm. Funfair Food stalls and bar Indoor play barn disco. £2 per person (walk in entry) or £10 per car. Payment taken at main gate.

November 7

Little Pickles Market, 10.30am – 12pm Keynsham Scout HQ, off the main Ashton Way Car Park, Town Centre. A family market with nearly new tables for hire to sell baby/ children’s items. Prams, maternity items, clothes, shoes, toys, books, highchairs and so much more. £1 entry per Adult, Little Pickles free.

Dinosaur Zoo, Theatre Royal From cute baby dinos to teeth gnashing giants, marvel and interact with extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious live show. Direct from the West End, Dinosaur Zoo is fast becoming a worldwide phenomenon, offering a tyrannosauric treat for all the family from age 3+.

Keynsham Childminding group are hosting a Christmas shopping afternoon from 2 - 4pm. Stalls, refreshments and free entrance. Methodist Church, Queens Road , Keynsham.

November 29 & December 5

Santa Special Steam into Christmas with the Avon Valley Railway Ho-ho-ho!

Come and see Santa on the Avon Valley Railway! Every child wants to see Father Christmas at Christmas time, but busy shops with long queues full of children waiting up to a couple of hours can quickly drain you of your Christmas cheer. Adults from £10.00, Children from £5.00 www.avonvalleyrailway.org

AN EGG CHRISTMAS SHOW FOR ALL THE FAMILY 3rd Dec 2015 - 10th Jan 2016

the egg & West Yorkshire Playhouse in association with MAC, Belfast & Theatr Iolo present

LITTLE SURE SHOT ««««« «««« «««« «««« «««« THEATRE BATH

MUSICAL THEATRE REVIEW

THE STAGE

THE PUBLIC REVIEWS

YORKSHIRE POST

“EXUBERANT AND BURSTING WITH ENERGY” THE STAGE

Box Office: 01225 823409 www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the-egg

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r business to u o y te o m o r P eaders our 60,000 r vert here d a R U O Y e To se 1 or email 4 1 0 1 4 1 6 7 1 0 Call k.co.uk info@ignyte-u

A magical giant of a panto!

Martin Dodd for UK Productions in association with Theatre Royal Bath proudly presents

NIGEL HAVERS as FLESHCREEP

CBEEBIES FAVOURITE

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

KATY ASHWORTH as

JON MONIE as

THE FOREST FAIRY

10th December ’15 to 10th January ’16

SIMPLE SIMON

Theatre Sponsor

Goody Bag Sponsor

Box Office: 01225 448844 www.theatreroyal.org.uk

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 19

SORTED.

WHY IT PAYS TO SHOP EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS

I

retailers will often have flash sales, but other popular products may actually be left out of the deals you see around today.

1. A RELAXED APPROACH

Aside from buying presents, December is an expensive month with many families paying out extra for trips to see relatives, extra miles in the car, bigger food bills and Christmas parties. According to YouGov, the average family spends £820 on Christmas. Starting your Christmas present buying early means you can soften the impact on your bank balance.

t’s still autumn but Christmas goodies are already creeping onto supermarkets’ shelves. Retailers are bringing the start of the festive shopping period ever forward, and it could be worth following their cue. Here are seven reasons why it pays to start your Christmas shopping early.

We’ve all seen, or been in, the huge queues that form at bus-stops and in shops, or experienced the grid-locked traffic that all happen in the final run up to Christmas. Getting started early means you can avoid all that stress.

6. SPREAD THE COST

7. TIME TO CHECK YOUR GOODS

The must-have toy or gadget of the year can sell out in the weeks leading up to Xmas, so as soon as you know that you need to get someone something very specific – go buy it. If it’s the must-have thing, it’s unlikely to be in any pre-Christmas sale, so don’t dally.

If something you buy is faulty, it is much better to sort this before Christmas Day rather than see the disappointment in someone’s face when it transpires that the gift doesn’t work – particularly battery operated toys or electrical goods for children. Plus, you often need to return a faulty item within four weeks, if the time is already up by Christmas you could have wasted your money.

3. TIME TO GET IT RIGHT

8. MORE TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!

2. A HEAD START

Sit down as soon as you can to write your list of who you need to buy for and what they would like. If you don’t know what to buy, make use of the time you have to gather some intelligence by subtly asking what people would like. Do this too close to Christmas and you’ll be found out!

4. TIME TO HONE YOUR PRESENT LIST

Ideally, Christmas should be a holiday – a time to relax and spend time with friends and family. While some of the stresses and strains are unavoidable when there is so much happening within a few short days, taking care of all your shopping early leaves with more time, energy and motivation to prepare for the aspects of Christmas that are fixed in time like the turkey roast!

If you get organised quickly enough, you might find you can come to an agreement with those beyond your immediate family and friends not to exchange gifts – or set a ‘cap’ on the cost. This doesn’t mean playing scrooge, present buying can easily get out of hand – so try and be realistic. Does everyone on your list really belong there?

9. SORT YOUR CHRISTMAS CARDS TOO

5. SAVE MONEY

There’s something supremely satisfying in hitting 1st December knowing you’ve got Christmas sorted. But try not to look smug about it!

Be on the look-out for deals like 3 for 2 and make the most of them.

Yes, there are deals to be had in the run up to Christmas, and online

With shops stocking Christmas goods early, you can get stuck into your Christmas card list now. The deadline for second-class post within the UK is 19th December. But beat the queues for stamps, and get yours done for the 1st.

10. SATISFACTION

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RINGING THE CHANGES TO SAVE HEARING C

oldplay star Chris Martin’s confession that he has suffered from tinnitus for the last decade has thrown a spotlight on the painful ear condition.

The seven-time Grammy winner was warned by doctors that the debilitating ringing in his ears - coupled with splitting headaches could end his career and must wear earplugs to save his hearing.

Chris is now fronting a new charity campaign - Action On Hearing Loss - with other sufferers, including rapper Plan B and 80s pop legend Gary Numan.

Chris believes that listening to blaring music as a teenager was the root cause and he wants others to avoid the same fate.

He says: “Looking after your ears is unfortunately something you don’t think about until there’s a problem. I’ve had tinnitus for about 10 years, and since I started protecting my ears it hasn’t got any worse. But I wish I’d thought about it earlier. Now we always use moulded filter plugs, or in-ear monitors, to try and protect our ears.”

  

Tinnitus - the perception of noise in the head or ears when there is no external source - can result in permanent deafness if untreated.

Sufferers may hear whistling, ringing or buzzing in one or both ears, in the head or somewhere above the head. Around half a million Brits suffer such severe tinnitus that it affects their quality of life and they have problems concentrating, sleeping and working.

The researchers found there is a general lack of awareness about the condition as 80% admitted they didn’t know loud music can damage their hearing or cause tinnitus.

Action on Hearing Loss, says: “Many people are putting their hearing at risk because they listen to music too loud for too long on mp3 players. They can reach volumes in excess of 100dB - the equivalent of a pneumatic drill close by. “While people wouldn’t choose to stand near a drill for very long, many spend hours listening to music at the same dangerous level, without realising that this could damage their hearing over time”.

You could have been reading your advert instead of this!



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

Call 01761 410141 or email info@ignyte-uk.co.uk

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 21

FUN INDOOR GAMES

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nother rainy day, the kids getting restless, and you’re out of ideas for things to do? You’ve come to the right place. Here are some fun and simple games to cure that cabin fever —no TV or video games required:

BUILDING

You don’t need a fancy building set for this. Lolly stick cities, card towers, even buildings out of blocks, or forts out of boxes or pillows, will do just fine. If you want to get competitive, whoever builds the highest tower wins.

DIY BALANCE BEAM

While you have your masking tape out, why not make your own balance beam? We all know how much kids love walking in straight lines every chance they get. Put on some music, and one at a time the kids can take their turn walking onefoot-over-the-other across the straight line of tape. Make the game more challenging by having the kids walk backwards or balance with one foot on the line.

TREASURE HUNT

Exercise those creative, cognitive and problem-solving muscles with a good puzzle. You can use a store-bought variety or have the kids make their own. Have your children draw a picture on a sturdy piece of cardboard. Then use a pencil to outline puzzle pieces directly on their drawing. Cut out the pieces with a good pair of scissors, mix them up and get solving.

Kids love finding hidden objects — especially when there’s a prize at the end. Simply write your clues on some slips of paper — get creative. Place the first clue somewhere easy to find, like inside your child’s snack or cereal bowl. Then leave as many clues as you like around the house, making a trail to the final clue. Instead of a prize, the treasure hunt can lead to various coins around the house. This way the kids get to collect all the coins and put them in their piggy banks in the end.

FREEZE!

CARD GAMES

PUZZLES

Choose some of your kids’ favourite tunes and turn up the volume. Ask them to dance until the music stops. When it does, they have to freeze in whatever position they find themselves in – even if they have one leg up

INDOOR HOPSCOTCH

This playground favourite is sure to be an indoor hit, too. Set up your hopscotch game on any floor surface. Masking tape will do perfectly to form the hopscotch. Use a coin, stone or beanbag as a marker.

Card games are great for challenging young minds and creating hours of indoor fun.

INDOOR BASKETBALL

You can’t be too little for this version of basketball. All you need is a bucket and a rolled up sock (or a small, light ball).

Each player takes a turn at throwing the sock-ball into the bucket. When a player scores a bucket, he or she takes a step back and throws again until missing. The player who shoots the ball in the bucket from the farthest distance wins.

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WOW

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

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Alfie Uphill and Jude Blackmore won a gold medal each for taking part in the boys 50 medley relay at Bristol North open meet for Keynsham Amateur Swimming Club at Hutton Moor.

Alfie Uphill achieved a second gold medal in the relay at Bristol North open meet for Keynsham Amateur Swimming Club at Hutton Moor in Weston Super Mare

Evie Sheppard aged 6 took part in a floor and vault competition in gymnastics at Liberty, completed her 25 meter swimming award, her learn to swim award and her stage 3 in swimming.

Charlotte Perrott aged 8 has completed her stage 6 in swimming and also passed her level 3 on the beam in gymnastics at Writhlington.

Emily Perrott aged 7 has passed her level 4 on the bar at gymnastics at Writhlington.

Lucy Jackson aged 10 has completed the colour run and has achieved a gold in life guarding skills.

Luke Hobbs aged 9 plays football for Purnells under 10’s and was awarded a trophy for playing a tournament with the team.

Sophie Jackson aged 6 took part in the colour run and raised money for charity.

Cassie Clayton aged 6 took part in the colour run and raised money for charity.

Olivia Pink aged 7 took part in the colour run and raised money for charity.

Paige Noel aged 7 has completed her stage 3 in swimming.

Ella Hansford aged 6 has completed her stage 3 in swimming and her level 4 on the beam in gymnastics.

Matilda Bradley aged 7 has completed the summer reading challenge

Maisie Dowding aged 7 has completed the summer reading challenge, achieved a gold in mathletics and also achieved her stage 5 in swimming.

Lily Clark aged 7 has achieved her level 4 on the beam in gymnastics.

PY & LS EE S IL R LL H C RI C Y TH OK

SP

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GHOSTLY TREASURE TRAIL

PUMPKIN CARVING

SCARY EDIBLE TREATS

Come in full fancy dress if you dare see website for special offers and event details

R– E B O T C O 24 ER 1st NOVEMB th

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