HEY! Magazine North East Somerset

FREE • NORTH EAST SOMERSET EDITION • ISSUE 41 • FEBRUARY 2015

INSIDE Suzie’s Diary

Mother’s Day Crafts Understanding Pre-school WOW Photos HEYMAG.CO.UK

2 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

BEING SAFE ON THE ROADS W

ith more cars on the road then ever before, children need to take extra precautions to ensure they are seen, going to and from school. We advise parents to talk to their children about the importance of the Green Cross Code.

With traffic accidents responsible for almost half of all accidental deaths in childhood, the famous Green Cross Code is more important than ever.

So here’s a refresher of the updated Green Cross Code: STOP: Find the safest place to cross then stop. Stand on the pavement near the kerb or the edge if there is no kerb.

LOOK: Give yourself lots of time to have a good look all around.

Make sure you can see if anything is coming and drivers can see you.

LISTEN: Listen carefully because you can sometimes hear traffic before you can see it. Never cross the road whilst chatting to people, listening to your iPod or talking on your mobile phone. When it is safe to cross, walk straight across the road. Do not walk diagonally. Keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross.

There has been a great deal of debate about when children are old enough to be out and about on their own and road safety is central to this.

Sing-along Showtime

with all your favourite Princesses, including Elsa and Anna.

Come dressed as your favourite princess!

Tickets only £5!

Friday 20th February at Midsomer Norton Hall Saturday 4th April at Chippenham Neeld Hall Morning Sessions: 10:45 - 12:15 and 12:30 - 14:00 Afternoon session: 14:45 - 16:15 For ticket enquiries contact

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There is no definitive answer as each child and environment is different but here’s a general guide: Children aged 3-5: Under fives need lots of hand-holding and supervision. Set a good example when you cross the road as children will copy you.

Children aged 5-7: You can start to teach children the Green Cross Code, but they are still too little to remember everything.

It’s good to start building good habits when you’re out and about.

Children aged 7-11: Older children can start to learn why the rules are important. They are easily distracted and may run out quickly. While they may still struggle to judge speed and distances, they are ready to learn the Green Cross Code.

for more info

Scarlett Princess Parties Have you ever dreamt of being a Princess?

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Packages range from a simple Princess Appearance to a full Royal Ball.

Available for weddings, to entertain the children, and special occasions with our Princess Showtime featuring all of our beautiful princesses.

Elsa and Anna Meet and Greet.

Bespoke packages to suit you.

To discuss your party requirements, please contact us on

07921 856767

Coming soon Princess Make-Over parties Hen do’s, Birthdays or Corporate events Sing-along showtimes Scarlett Princess Theatre productions

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 3

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 Limited Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset Business Address: Ignyte Ltd, Second Floor, 2 High Street, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, BA3 2LE 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 7000 families through primary schools and other outlets in North East Somerset.

The next edition is in March & is filling fast.

Welcome to the first HEY! Magazine of 2015 and we hope you enjoy our bright new look. As I write this column we are being promised some snow by the weather reporters as the temperatures outside are dropping below freezing and winters is definitely here. I certainly hope that we get a fair dusting of the white stuff as it is always great fun to go tobogganing with the children and to hear the sounds of laughter in the fields.

In our new look magazine we have introduced some new features, one which I know you will enjoy is Suzie’s Diary.

Suzie is a real life mum of 3 children and you can follow the up’s and down’s of family life with Suzie in each edition. Share in her experiences of teenage children, pre school education and primary struggles, all while balancing a job and a husband.

The children can enjoy making some beautiful homemade gifts for mummy or nanny for Mother’s Day with our craft ideas on pages 12 and 13. Visit our website for full instructions on how to make these amazing gifts.

Ensure that you enter our competitions from page 14 on our website or through our smart phone app. There are lots of prizes to be won and it is so simple to enter, don’t miss out!

Enjoy the first break of 2015 and some quality family time together.

Why not take a long stroll in the woods while the children get muddy and the dog runs in the river…always great fun for all.

Tina Hey Magazine

@hey_tweeter

www.heymag.co.uk

4 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 5

A (FLOWER) POTTED HISTORY OF MOTHER’S DAY B

efore we go any further let’s get one thing straight. The mid Sunday in Lent is not strictly ‘Mother’s Day’ but, in fact, ‘Mothering Sunday’. The former happens in America and the latter label is supposed to apply in Britain. Both, of course, celebrate that most important figure in most people’s life – Mum (irrespective of which side of the Atlantic she lives).

To continue untangling these two celebrations…In America, Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May, as proclaimed by none other than President Woodrow Wilson in 1914. It is marked on that day following a successful campaign by Anna Jarvis (18641948) to celebrate the tireless work of US mothers and pay tribute to her own mother (who had died on 9 May, 1905).

To delve even deeper, Anna’s campaign was actually the culmination of her mother’s previous mission to establish a ‘Mother’s Friendship Day’, the purpose of which was to reunite families divided by the American Civil War. The origins of the British date are more opaque. Some believe that Mothering Sunday may have originated from a 16th century practice of visiting the ‘mother

church’ – the main church in the region on Laetare Sunday, that’s the forth Sunday of Lent. Historically, this was also a time when domestic servants were given time off to visit their families.

Over time, the religious connotations of Mothering Sunday have waned and, true enough, the modern British tradition is pretty closely linked to its American cousin.

In 1913, Constance Penswick-Smith (18781938) was inspired by reading a newspaper report about Anna Jarvis’s campaign in America. She too wanted to establish/reestablish a day devoted to maternal praise in Britain. However, its wide scale revival only came about with the influence of US soldiers serving in Britain during the Second World War. By the 1950s, Mothering Sunday was a big deal; for mothers - and for card companies.

But you don’t need a big budget to spoil your mum, in fact you don’t need any money at all (as our handy tips list makes clear).

Interestingly, neither Constance PenswickSmith nor Anna Jarvis ever became mothers themselves.

DON’T FORGET MOTHER’S DAY MARCH 15TH TEN WAYS FOR KIDS TO SPOIL MUM ON MOTHERING SUNDAY 1. Write her a card – tell her what she means to you.

2. Make her a lovely lunch – why stop at breakfast in bed?

3. Do something together.

No distractions, no telly on in the background or the like; just share an activity like a walk or a jigsaw puzzle.

4. Offer her a back or foot massage.

This is one way to bring the spa experience home!

5. Plan a family photo shoot to remember the day in future years.

6. Draw or paint her a bunch of flowers. A picture lasts forever!

7. Find out more about her.

Ask about her favourite memories, her future hopes.

8. Invite one of her friends round to share that lovely lunch.

9. Run her a bath in the evening.

10. Give her a HUGE hug.

6 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

UNDERSTANDING PRESCHOOL

ESSENTIAL Longvernal Nursery Ofsted outstanding early years education and childcare provision.

Open term time 9-3 for children over 2 years old.

Provisions for extra hours after school and holidays for children over 3 years old 2 and 3 year old Nursery Education Grant accepted.

Call for more info: 01761 418226

You could have been reading your advert instead of this!

Advertise for as little as £22.50 Call 01761 410141 or email info@ignyte-uk.co.uk St.Nicholas Pre School Radstock Ofsted outstanding in all areas 2011.

Privately run pre school providing daycare for children from 2 to 4. Funded places through the early years entitlement.

With a spacious schoolroom and two lovely outdoor play areas we can offer children that all important space to run around, play and explore while parents can rest assured that their children are safe, secure and most importantly, happy.

Visit our website or email us now to arrange your visit. www.stnichspreschoolradstock.co.uk email: stnicholasradstock@hotmail.co.uk

We think our Pre-School is pretty special and judging by the smiles and laughter that dominate our day the children think so too.

Mogghill Nursery School

But don’t take our word for it - come and see for yourself.

Parents and carers are always welcome to come and have a look around.

St Benedict’s Primary School, Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton

“Children are skilfully supported by excellent staff interaction to extend and develop learning.”

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• 35 years in outstanding childcare • Experienced & qualified staff • Brilliant Ofsted reports • Secure outdoor play area • Stimulating activities • Safe & happy environment for your children

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01761 232176/ 07909 461163 mogghill@aol.com • www.mogghill.com

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 7

AND EARLY YEARS EDUCATION;

REVISION! I

t’s been a long while since I last needed to think about pre-school education.

My eldest daughter is now in Year 6 – just months away from ‘big school’, and her primary years have gone by in a flash. My youngest, also a daughter, is just 3.

Yes, it’s a big gap and don’t I know it.

Things have changed. And this seems to be especially the case when it comes to pre-school education. I can’t remember my eldest having a curriculum as such to follow, but there’s definitely one now.

So as I get to grips with her nursery and its way of working, having agonised for months over which one would be best (for more on that theme check out my ‘Questions to consider when choosing a nursery’), I’m also trying to get my head round the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In the process, I’m hoping that all the acronyms that litter her term reports will mean more.

After plenty of research and chats with nursery staff, I can safely say, this much I know…

Introduced in 2008, the EYFS framework sets out welfare and development goals for children five years and younger in Ofsted registered childcare. More than ‘just a curriculum’, the EYFS actually covers both the welfare and development of children, with the welfare aspect covering things like the suitability of facilities and equipment, as well as the qualifications and suitability of staff.

The development side covers six key areas. In short, these – and their usual abbreviations – are: • Personal, social and emotional development (PSED) • Communication, language and literacy (CL) • Problem solving, reasoning and literacy (PSRL) • Knowledge and understanding of the world (UW) • Physical development (PD) • Creative development (CD)

It follows my first piece of advice to anyone about to send a child to preschool would be to learn these acronyms, I guarantee that your child’s reports will make a whole lot more sense.

It’s also worth knowing that an EYFS check is carried out at age two. This bit of the foundation stage was introduced in 2012.

It applies only to children in England who attend pre-school, Ofsted registered settings, such as nurseries or childminders; the aim of the check is to ensure that any child who may need additional support is identified so that when the time comes for them to start school, they will be ready.

For those new to the EYFS it will also soon become apparent that a Key Person is very central to your child’s preschool education.

A key person is the individual selected to build up a strong relationship with your little one so that your child always has someone there who they can go to if they are feeling upset, happy or just want a cuddle.

The role of the key person is considered to be so important that it is looked at as part of the Ofsted inspections. And that makes sense to me – children need a constant, dependable adult they can trust. To be on the safe side though, every child will have a second person allocated to them at nursery as a sort of deputy to the key person in case they’re not available.

Generally, the aim of the EYFS is to make sure that all children get a good start both socially and academically.

Preschool education now certainly seems a lot more involved than when I went to nursery way back in the 1970s. Mind you, all I can really remember is making a mouse with cotton wool and a pipe cleaner tail. It’s a memory I treasure.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A NURSERY • Do the children look well-stimulated?

Are they sitting down at activities, engaged by the staff?

• How is the day structured? What sort of activities are built into the timetable?

• Does the building look well-kept, safe and secure?

• How many of the staff are qualified?

• Does it have good quality outdoor play areas? If so, how often do children get access?

• Does indoor and outdoor equipment appear of good quality?

• Is food cooked on the premises?

• What are the menus like? Do they include a good combination of fresh (rather than tinned) fruit and vegetables? And how about the snacks?

• Do you have confidence the nursery manager possesses strong leadership skills, is well involved and has a ‘hands on’ approach?

8 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

TURNING COTTON WOOL KIDS GREEN T

he unrelenting rise of cotton-wool kids - those coddled indoors by their parents - is resulting in a long-term and dramatic decline in children’s relationship with nature, according to a new report.

During the last decade, conservation groups, academics, social and health professionals and the media have charted the rise of so-called cotton-wool kids. The statistics reveal the change in just 30 years:

The paper by the National Trust charts academic research and a string of surveys highlighting how a generation of children is losing touch with the natural world, and it warns that urgent action is needed to bridge this growing gap before it’s too late.

Fewer than 10% of kids play in wild places, down from 50% The roaming radius for kids has declined by 90% Three times as many children are taken to hospital each year after falling out of bed, as from falling out of trees A 2008 study showed that half of all kids had been stopped from climbing trees and 20% had been banned from playing conkers or tag. Authority figures and layers of bureaucracy have combined with a climate of ‘don’t do that’ to create an environment where fewer and fewer children play in outdoors. This has led to a situation where kids having fun in the outdoors are painted as showing signs of anti social behaviour.

We all know the benefits being outdoors can bring, and as parents we want our children to spend more time outdoors than they do.

A two-month inquiry, facilitated by the National Trust, is currently taking evidence from leading experts and the public to look at how we can reconnect this and future generations of children with the natural world.

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But the research shows that capturing children before they enter the teenage years is crucial as if you get kids hooked before they reach 12, you’ll create a lifelong passion for the environment.

Suzie’s diary Dear Diary!

Finally, I’ve made it. I’m sitting down, pen in hand (well, keyboard at finger tips) ready to record 2015 as my life zigzags from high to low – and back again. Or perhaps I should say ‘we’ because ‘I am’ really means five people.

First up are the kids. There’s Scarlett, she’s my eldest and, boy, don’t I know it. Aged 11, Scarlett’s just started at secondary school (I’m not allowed to call it ‘big school’ anymore), and she is now an authority on, well, everything.

She’s currently contemplating becoming vegetarian.

My second born is Archie. He’s in Year 3 at school and just tears round without a care in the world. He’d sooner toss his homework over his shoulder than sit down and study.

Archie is in constant state of motion, unless he’s fast asleep – at which point he looks like the stuff of angels (the effect is lost as soon as he wakes up).

My youngest, Poppy is three. She’s the one who likes to snuggle. I call her my koala bear because she simply can’t get enough hugs from us all - and she doesn’t like to let go. Dropping her off at pre-school can be a real ordeal though; her super-sweet, podgy hands quiver as she cries.

That’s the image that always sticks in my mind. It makes me feel awful.

But I have to try and bring home the bacon too – and I’ve tried all sorts of jobs to try and make things work so that I can be there for this pick-up and that club drop-off.

None of the jobs worked. My husband Andy works long hours as a fit-out contractor so the job of ferrying the kids about almost always falls to me. Not to mention sorting meals, doing laundry and keeping tabs on homework – and the rest of it.

So this year, I’m going it alone. I’m setting up my own business – making cakes for cafes and caterers. Well, that’s the plan anyway. Haven’t actually got round to sorting my website out yet…

And we’re already heading into springtime 2015! This means I’m already months behind with my New Year’s resolution to keep a diary ALL year. Plus, I’ve not kept up the running I was going to do to ‘get fit at forty’.

This entry is - at least - a start.

Better late than never, right?

Suzie xx

February 12 - 14

What’s On

Arabian Night at The Egg King Shahrayer has decreed whenever he marries the following morning his new wife must die. On her wedding night, Shahrazad‘s only hope is to enchant the King with her tales of magic and adventure. Bewitched by dazzling characters like Ali Baba, Es-Sindibad the Sailor, giants, beasts, menacing ghouls, scheming thieves and birds that can talk, the King defers the execution for a thousand and one nights. Will he spare Shahrazad’s life forever?

Thursday: 7pm, Friday: 7pm, Saturday: 10am, 2pm, 7pm.

Tickets: £7.50 / £6.50 Children & Students. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

February 14 Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle Day Wincanton Racecourse. Join us while hopes for The Festival at Cheltenham take to the stage for as little as £16. Read more at www.wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk/events-tickets/whats-on

February 14 - 15 Fairytale SOS II at @Bristol Science will once again come to the rescue of some wellknown fairytale characters in distress! There’ll be plenty of audience participation as we lend a hand to a whole new cast of godmothers, dragons and heroes in this hair-raising and nailbiting show. www.at-bristol.org.uk.

February 17 - 21 The Cat in The Hat at The Egg From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischevious cat ever. But what will mum find when she gets home? Based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging experience.

Tuesday - Thursday 11am & 1pm Friday & Saturday: 11am, 1pm & 3pm Tickets: £7.50 / £6.50 Children & Students www.theatreroyal.org.uk

February 18 Story Telling on the SS Great Britain Bristol 12pm, 1pm & 2pm Join resident storyteller Sarah Mooney to hear tall tales of life on board for the ss Great Britain’s crew. Expect mayhem, mischief, practical joking, fun and games. Sessions last approximately 20 minutes and are included in the price of admission. No booking is required but capacity is limited to 100 people per session.

February 20

Sing a Long showtime Sing a long with all your favourite princesses including Elsa and Anna. Come dressed as your favourite princess too. Tickets only £5.00 Midsomer Norton Town Hall, Midsomer Norton. To book contact info@scarlettprincessparties.co.uk to book or call 07921856767.

February 27 Showaddywaddy at the Civic Centre Their live show is dynamic and uplifting featuring all of their biggest hits. So come and join the ‘Dancing Party’, ‘You’ve Got What It Takes’! Tickets £18.50. Doors open 7.30pm. Disco will follow after the main act. Book online www.trowbridgecivic.co.uk.

February 28 Vintage and Retro Fair Vintage Somerset’s Vintage and Retro Fair offering the best vintage and retro clothes and goodies in the locale. Vintage pop up tea room too. 10am to 3pm. Entry £1. Under 16s free.

Seagar Hall, Union Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PU, 07949 784117

February 28 Boxtrolls, The Palladium Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 2.30pm.

March 5 Free racing courtesy of Bathwick Tyres Wincanton Racecourse. A fantastic day out which is absolutely FREE! www.wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk/events-tickets/whats-on

March 7 Pro Wrestling Join Pro Evolution Wrestling on their annual return to the Trowbridge Civic Centre for a night of hard-hitting, high-flying wrestling entertainment. Doors open: 6.45pm (show: 7pm).

Advanced tickets: Gold (ringside): £12.50, General Admission: £10, Family of Four: £35. Book online www.trowbridgecivic.co.uk

March 21 Pro Wrestling Join Pro Evolution Wrestling for a night of hard-hitting, highflying wrestling entertainment. Doors open: 6.45pm (show: 7pm).

Advanced tickets: Gold (ringside): £12.50, General Admission: £10, Family of Four: £35. Merchants Academy, Withywood www.merchantsacademy.org

Half Term!

14 - 22 February February 13

February 14 - 22

Pyjama party time at Splodges 4-6pm. Join them in your PJ’s for softplay fun and a party tea.

Don’t forget to take your teddy. £6.50 per child.

Call 01373 865174 or email splodgesplay@gmail.com

Half Term Train Rides Why not bring along the family and enjoy a trip on our Heritage Diesel Railcar. Avon Valley Railway, Bitton

February 14 - 20 Zombie Fest 2015 at WireWorld Games, treats, competition and prizes. Free smoo for anyone dressed in costume. 1pm – 7pm £10 a ticket.

Booking is essential. Wireworld, Radstock.

February 14 - 22

February 14 - 22 Nest Box Painting Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock.

Come and make a home for birds in your garden by painting a beautiful nest box with us. All equipment supplied.

11am to 4pm daily. £3.99 for Little Acorn Club Members £5.99 for Non Little Acorn Club Members.

Book your space online at www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

Folklore February at Prior Park Come and join us for a day of activities to celebrate traditional English customs. We will be running craft activities including Greenman workshops, tree dressing and a fairy and elf trail on Sat 14 Feb. The trail will continue till Sun 22 Feb, have a go and discover many folklore facts.

More Information: Visitor Reception Team, 01225 833422, priorpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

February 17

February 14 - 22

Family activities at Bishops Palace Get crafty in the Stable Yard Activity Room making Snowdrop fingerprint cards, Paper Plate Flowers, Seed Bombs and designing your own wallpaper! You can also follow our exciting picture trail to learn more about the Palace and Gardens!

11am-3pm. Included with standard admission ticket.

Under 5’s FREE.

Family explorer trail at Dunster Castle Explore the grounds and discover some fascinating facts about Dunster Castle as you complete this trail. Don’t forget to claim your prize at the end. £2 per trail including prize.

Normal admission charges apply.

Pancake Races 11:30am at Bishops Palace, Wells

February 18

Mothering Sunday Sunday 15 March Saturday 14 March Mother’s Day at Noahs Ark Zoo Farm Treat your Mum to a day out at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm for only £5 admission rate when you download a voucher from the website. Take part in the “Wild Mums” quiz and learn about the special zoo mums. www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

Sunday 15 March Mother’s Day Train Special Celebrate Mother’s Day with the West Somerset Railway by joining us for a Chocoholic Afternoon Tea Special. Travel on any morning service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return from Minehead on the 15:35 Afternoon Tea Special.

Sunday 15 March Mother’s Day Lunch Enjoy a first class three course meal on our Steam ‘n’ Cuisine Dining Train. Avon Valley Railway, Bitton.

Sunday 15 March Mother’s Day Gert Posh Tea 4pm This Mother’s Day, treat mum to something truly special!

Gert Posh Teas are a truly scrumptious and a lovely event for all the family! Served on a tiered platter, they’re proper posh!

To book, please call Farrington’s on 01761 452266 and speak to the Café.

Sunday 15 March Mother’s Day Lunch The George Hotel, Frome. Treat your Mum to a delicious meal.

Bookings now being taken 01373 462584.

Craft Corner

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

Celery Flowers

Bouquet

Photo Cube

Can Flower Pots

Handmade Soap

Apron

Stepping Stone

String Heart

Photo Coasters

Bath Bombs

HEY! competitions WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO HAYNES MOTOR MUSEUM

WIN A SEAQUARIUM WESTON FRIENDS & FAMILY TICKET

3 to be won!

Family ticket is 2 adults and 3 children.

Valid for up to 6 people worth £38.00

Haynes International Motor Museum offers fantastic family fun whatever the weather. It is the UK’s largest exhibition of great cars from around the world.

For the children there is racing cars, Volkswagen campers, ice-cream vans, diggers, and even a fullsize double decker bus and a new motor themed family entertainment zone within the grounds of the museum. Complete your visit in the café, serving a variety of freshly made snacks and drinks all day.

Find out more at www.haynesmotormuseum.com

SeaQuarium Weston is situated on its own unique pier on Weston-super-Mare seafront.

The aquarium features Freshwater, Tropical and Marine species in 30 exhibits across 10 themed zones including the Tropical Reef Zone with Puffer Fish, Rainforest Zone with Piranha and Underwater Ocean Tunnel with sharks. The “Hands On” team are available throughout the day to bring you closer to many of our creatures and to share their unique experiences of caring for the animals at SeaQuarium!

What is the name of the Bristol Bus at Haynes Motor Museum that has a cinema inside?

Seaquaruim also have another site in North Wales, what is the name of the town it is in?

WIN A FREE GAMEWAGON PARTY FOR 12 CHILDREN 4 parties to give away Mon to Thurs, worth £225.00 Gamewagon is one of the coolest concepts in kids parties for boys and girls celebrating their birthdays. Gamewagon creates a unique social experience that is proving to be a great hit with kids and parents alike. We come to a venue of your choice (usually your home) and host a unique and memorable experience in our custom built video game wagon.

For more information please visit w ww.gamewagon.co.uk or call us on 0845 319 4263

Which game is the character from on the home page of the Gamewagon website?

WIN A TICKET FOR 4 GUESTS TO CREALY, DEVON! This years Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park boasts 75,000 sq ft of indoor, undercover play! Open for great winter adventures including the all new indoor heated play area Atlantis, the Adventure Zone and Animal Kingdom. Over 40 rides and attractions are open for fun and advertures galore, So what will be first? Race to the top of the Vortex or step back in time to meet the dinosaurs?

What does Cupid carry?

WINNERS Ava Alder-Ashman Keynsham Leah Selway Chilcompton Leila Pavey Baltonsborough Rebekah Bolton Keynsham Jack Fievez Trowbridge Sofia Veleska Westbury Joshua Blackmore Frome Dilon Endicott Frome Rebecca Harrington Norton St Philip Isaac Hillier Longwell Green Renee WeberHanham Chloe Mae Allen Writhlington Harvey Lamkin Chilcompton Thomas Evans Street Daniel Stevenson Shepton Mallet

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: 20th February 2015

WHEN CAN I LEAVE MY CHILD HOME ALONE? L

eaving a child home alone for the first time can feel like a huge step. The very idea raises a multitude of questions…

Are they old enough? Are they mature enough to handle the responsibility? Are you ready to trust them? Could they handle the myriad of ‘might happens’ should something go awry, be it spilling a milk carton or something more serious like a fall.

When it comes to the question of a suitable age at which to entrust a child to themselves the picture quickly gets confusing. In many schools, Year 5 and 6 pupils are allowed to walk to and from home alone. This seems to suggest that schools, (and they surely ought to be good judges of child maturity), think kids can handle themselves around strangers - and cars - aged around nine.

So does that mean it’s also ok to leave a nine-year-old at home alone for a few hours? Home is surely a safer environment than the Big Outdoors? And, presumably, this maturity doesn’t just happen suddenly at nine. There must be a lead up. So can you leave an eight-year-old at home, while you pop to the shops?

The law is less cut and dried than you might think. In fact, there is no set legal minimum age at which you can leave a child on their own. However, it is an offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk. The onus is on you the parent or carer to judge how mature your child is before you decide to leave them alone.

“So can you leave an eightyear-old at home, while you pop to the shops?”

This does not mean that the law is toothless. Parents or carers can be prosecuted if they leave a child unsupervised ‘in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health’.

And this is open to interpretation. In recent years, a mother, who left her son of 14 looking after his three-year-old brother while she popped to the shops for half an hour, got a police caution for cruelty. In another case, social services threatened to intervene with the parents of an eight-year-old and five-year-old who allowed their children to cycle a mile to school unaccompanied.

These sort of scenarios cannot possibly be isolated, or even rare, incidents, yet charges against parents made in connection to leaving children home are actually pretty thin on the ground.

Helpfully, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is less vague than the letter of the law about its viewpoint on the subject, but even so there is still plenty of scope for interpretation.

The charity suggests: • children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time • children under 16 shouldn’t be left alone overnight • babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone Interestingly, a YouGov poll of parents commissioned by The Times in 2014 found that two thirds wanted the government to set a minimum age limit that is legally binding. And the consensus was that age 12 was about right.

But could a law like this work in practice?

The trouble is that defining that state of ‘being left alone’ could be tricky. For example, is a child who is allowed out to play in the street with friends at age five being ‘left alone’? And what of the child playing in a large garden (or a large house for that matter), out of the sight of a parent or carer? Is being left alone, one and the same as being out of view?

It seems unlikely that the law concerning this aspect of child safety will be changed any time soon, if ever. So parents and carers will have to continue making the decision as to whether or not a child is mature enough to be left alone. And views will continue to vary.

It’s your call.

KNOW YOUR ONLINE RIGHTS W

ith no queues, no crowds and no closing time, its easy to see whey so many of us choose to shop online, but while most of us know the high street procedure for faulty goods, refunds and other customer issues, knowing where you legally stand online can be confusing at best.

If you have ever felt that twinge of anxiety as you hit the OK tab to complete your online transaction, then this guide is for you. Consumer watchdog Which? has come up with the following guide to help you navigate and negotiate your way round the legal parameters of the internet high street.

CHANGING YOUR MIND

Once an order is placed online, there is a cooling-off period starting the minute you place the order and ending seven working days from the day after receiving the goods, during which time you are legally free to cancel. If you are buying a service, the seven working days starts the day after you place the order and if you agree that a service will start straight away you give up your right to cancel. Items which can’t be returned include: CDs, DVDs or software if the seal on the wrapping is broken; perishable items; and tailor-made or personable goods.

ONLINE PROTECTION

The retailer must give both a geographical and an email contact address. If you receive an email confirming your order, you have

a legally binding contract, but if it’s just an acknowledgment, then you don’t.

your rights are before surfing the net for bargains.”

FAULTY GOODS

According to McCarthy, shopping from home can be extremely problematic if you are not familiar with internet etiquette.

“Online shopping isn’t always a case of ‘what you see is what you get’. It can be difficult when all you have to go on is a photo. As well as your statutory rights, it’s worth checking returns policies, as these do vary.

For example, online electronics supplier Dabs gives 10 days to return unwanted goods, whereas Amazon is much more generous, with 30 days,” he says.

Faulty goods - whether purchased online or on the high street, the seller is still responsible for the condition of the goods on delivery and its also worth noting that the seller must also bear the cost of returning them if they are problematic.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Always check the terms and conditions, as some companies only accept the order when the goods are removed from the shelves and this may be after the offer expires. If you are charged full price, you don’t have to pay - you can simply send the goods back with the delivery driver.

AUCTION SITES

When buying goods privately there is little legal protection. The law on auction sites is unclear, but there is an argument that if you buy the goods from a trader it’s not a true auction, so you have protection under the Sale of Goods Act. To date, the law has not been tested enough for any hard and fast rules to have been set.

Senior lawyer at Which? Legal Service, Peter McCarthy, says: “It’s a great time to buy online, especially with the new ruling on protection for credit card purchases abroad.

But it’s also important to know exactly what

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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 17

TELLY ADDICT NIGHTMARES M

illions of youngsters are suffering from nightmares - because of children’s TV, according to a recent survey.

UNSUITABLE TV PROGRAMMES FOR CHILDREN UNDER 7 YEARS OLD

Over 70 per cent of parents of children under the age of seven said their offspring had regular nightmares because of programmes like Ben 10 and the Power Rangers. Parents are blaming broadcasters for being too lenient about what is shown on children’s television - claiming many of the programmes are overly violent and aggressive.

Two thirds of parents admit they have a hard time deciding which programmes are suitable for their children and admit their children often watch television with their hands over their eyes. But parents are agreed so-called family entertainment shows such as Doctor Who, Primeval and Robin Hood should be shown AFTER the watershed.

A spokeswoman for www.TheBabyWebsite. com which conducted the poll of 3,000 parents with children under the age of seven said: “All children suffer from nightmares at some point during childhood, but there is no doubt that viewing unnecessary violence and hostility on television contributes to this.

“All children suffer nightmares at some point”

“There is a great uncertainty about what to allow children to watch - on the one hand you want them to be accepted by their peers and be able to join in conversations, but on the other you want to protect them from growing up too fast and suffering with nightmares.”

Parents are steering their young children away from Power Rangers - labeling it too violent with fast paced action, which hypes up the children.

Ben 10 received criticism for inducing nightmares, being unpleasant and aggressive.

Primeval Terrifying futurist creatures chasing humans deemed too scary and frightening for kids Doctor Who The time-travelling doctor’s battles with aliens, daleks and cyber-men causes nightmares; too dark and sinister

Doctor Who is disliked by many because it is too dark and sinister for under seven-yearolds, whilst Primeval is considered far too scary and frightening.

More than half of those polled agreed that as well as inducing nightmares, much of children’s television encourages bad behaviour.

Three quarters of parents would welcome more guidance from television broadcasters, and age certificates being shown before a programme is aired.

Kathryn Crawford continued: “We’ve come a long way with children’s television viewing - long gone are the days of gentler programmes such as Bagpuss, Jackanory and Muffin the Mule.

“Today, children’s television content on commercial free-to-air television is now regulated by the Children’s Television Standards (the CTS) and the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (the Code). “ But the polls reveal parents don’t have time to monitor what their children are watching minute by minute, and 70 per cent readily admit they leave their children watching television whilst they make the dinner or get things ready in another room.

Power Rangers The colourful costumed heroes jump from one violent action packed fight to another; too fast paced and brutal for children Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The sword wielding turtles battle against petty criminals and alien enemies, but are considered rude, cheeky and unpleasant by parents Ben 10 Ben can transform into alien life forms to fight evil, but is also open to mischievous behaviour. Generally unpleasant viewing, aggressive and causes nightmares.

Britannia High The dance school encourages children to grow up too quickly and prompts too many questions.

Robin Hood The adventures of Robin Hood are deemed brutal, aggressive and encourage dishonesty.

Horrid Henry The horrible boy, who taunts his parents and friends with nasty tricks, encourages bad behaviour, cheeky attitude and answering back.

18 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

FIVE OF THE BEST BRITISH SUMMER ROAD TRIPS W

ith many of us feeling the strain as the recession continues to bite, Brits are increasingly choosing to holiday at home.

Thankfully, we have a wealth of history and beautiful scenery on our doorstep and there’s nothing quite like hitting the open road to explore.

With new drivers experiencing their first taste of the freedom of the open road, RED Driving School has created a list of five of the best British road trips to enjoy this summer.

North Norfolk coast - with a coastline stretching for 43 miles, much of the Norfolk coast is classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Drive from Kings Lynn to Cromer along the A149 to view stunning landscapes, including white sandy beaches in Holkham, Wells and Brancaster as well as areas of pine forest, mud flats and saltmarshes.

The Lake District - for a lakeside drive, start at Pooley Bridge and drive 8.1 miles along the A592 to Glenridding, stopping to admire the Aira Force waterfall on the way. Continue down to Waterhead for picturesque views of England’s largest lake, Windermere. Then drive 17.5 miles along the A593 to Eskdale, along Hardknott Pass - one of the steepest roads in England - stopping at Hardknott Fort to take in the beautiful scenery from the ruins of a Roman fort.

The Atlantic Highway - stretches 78.4 miles from Barnstaple in Devon to Newquay in Cornwall along the A39 through Bude.

Stop at the historic fishing village of Clovelly in Devon to enjoy a picturesque stroll along its cobbled, traffic-free high street and admire the scenic coastline as you journey into Cornwall.

The Scottish Highlands - there are many national tourist routes across the Highlands which allow drivers to experience the exquisite countryside. The Argyll coastal route takes motorists nearly 150 miles along the A83 from Tarbet by Loch Lomond, joining the A816 at Lochgilphead through Argyll to Fort William in the Highlands. Visitors can stop at the Rest and be thankful viewpoint to enjoy magnificent views across the valley. The route concludes at Fort William, at the foot of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

The Cotswolds - with its rolling hills and some plant species so rare they are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, much of the Cotswolds are areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The Romantic Road is a two-day trip of two circular routes, A Road for Today and A Road for Tomorrow, each starting and finishing in Cheltenham. Travelling A Road for Today, visitors will drive 75 miles through the Cotswolds stopping at the historic towns and villages of Winchcombe, Stanway, Broadway, Chipping Campden, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and The Slaughters. A road for Tomorrow takes motorists 90 miles through villages Northleach, Burford, Lechlade, Fairford, Bilbury, Cirencester and Painswick.

Dominic Cohen, of RED Driving School, says: “Learning to drive presents great opportunities for travel, allowing motorists to experience a side of the UK sometimes inaccessible by public transport. Planning a road trip with friends is the perfect way to celebrate passing your test and to gain some valuable driving experience.

“All new drivers should thoroughly research their road trip in advance, making sure they are well prepared with maps, food and water, a fully charged mobile phone and warm clothing in case of an emergency. Motorists should always adhere to safe driving practice and take their time on unfamiliar rural roads.”

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 19

News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS

EVENTS

TALENT SHOW Do you have a talent and would like the opportunity to showcase yourself whilst also raising money for charity?

If so, come along to the Rotary Club of Midsomer Norton and Radstock’s Talent show competition at Writhlington School on 20th March. If you are good at magic, dancing, singing or impressions visit www.rotarynr.org.uk to enter.

Entry forms are also available at Eye Tech Opticians, Pierre Hair Technicians and Norad Travel, all in the High Street Midsomer Norton.

ALADDIN TROUBLE

The children from year 5 and 6 at Bishop Henderson C of E Primary School in Coleford have been working hard to perfect their acting skills.

They all starred in a production of Alladin Trouble, which was performed at the Royal British Legion in Coleford in January.

The children were asked to audition for the main parts in the play and they had to showcase their talents to a judging panel of teachers from the school. Each child was given a role to play and they all thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Well done to all.

DIARY DATES

YOUR SUCCESSES

DYSLEXIA FRIENDLY St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School is delighted to announce that they have been granted ‘Dyslexia Friendly’ status for the second time!

The staff have been praised for their calm, detailed and effective approach to learning needs and the way that children with dyslexia are included seamlessly in all areas of school life. We take pride in the way we cater for the whole child and work tirelessly towards total inclusion, thus ensuring that every child reaches their potential.

20 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

SUGAR

THE WORLDS SWEETEST KILLER W

hen was your last glucose hit? An hour ago? Yesterday evening? Are you gorging on chocolate right now, or just about to?

Britain has had a long love affair with sugar, and as such perhaps it’s no surprise that our English-speaking cousins across the Atlantic still find our dental hygiene somewhat alarming. We love sugar, whether crammed into cakes or spoon-fed via the accompanying cups of tea, but how often do you stop to consider what it’s really doing to you, other than paving the way for yet more fillings?

According to a spate of recent studies, it’s high time we all began taking this problem very seriously indeed. As per a recent article in the Daily Telegraph, Britons now consume an average of 238 teaspoons of sugar every week, and this could be having a seriously detrimental effect on our health. Worse still, not only are we choosing to ignore the dangers, it’s becoming a problem of full-blown addiction.

In fact, French scientists in Bordeaux claim that, in lab tests, rats actually opted for sugar over cocaine even when addicted to the

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latter. Apart from being appalled at the idea of rodents having coke habits, this is potentially worrying in terms of ramifications for our highly sweetened modern diets. If sugar really is so habit-forming, and we’re pouring it down our necks at such an alarming rate, then unless social norms change, a huge number of us are running in a sugar-high straight towards A&E, whether that’s through diabetes or heart disease, to name but two of the conditions that can result from too much sugar.

Of course there are hugely different types of sugar available, and the impact of each on our bodies does differ. For instance, added sugar in fizzy drinks can be eleven times more potent when it comes to causing diabetes than other forms of calories.

In contrast, stirring some molasses in with your flapjack mixture is going to be far less harmful to your health. Nevertheless, no doctor would recommend a high intake of any sugar or substitute, simply because our bodies aren’t really designed to process such substances in high levels, and particularly not in processed and concentrated forms. Put simply then, much as we hate to admit it, the time has come to kick, or at least get a handle on this sweetest of habits before it really gets out of hand.

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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 21

WOW

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

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Rosie Norris aged 7 has achieved her 100 metre swimming award.

Congratulations.

Isabelle Brown aged 7 has achieved her level 4 in gymnastics.

Fantastic job.

Kitty Boydnash aged 8 has been awarded a 1st and 2nd award for Go Ride racing.

Well done.

Stephanie James aged 7 was awarded with a medal at sports day at Kilmersdon School.

Well done.

Daisy Clothier aged 8 has achieved her stage 5 in swimming.

Well deserved.

Herbie Norris aged 5 has achieved his Stanley 5 award in swimming.

Good work.

Ethan Webb aged 5 has achieved his grade 3 in swimming.

Congratulations.

Callum Webb aged 5 has achieved his grade 5 in swimming.

Fantastic job.

Jonah Fox aged 7 was awarded a trophy for playing football.

Well deserved.

Ruby Sage aged 6 has achieved her grade 1 in swimming.

Congratulations.

Florence Rose aged 5 has been awarded a special award for bringing a beautiful smile to school each day.

Well done.

Lewis Rose aged 8 has achieved his orienteering and local knowledge badges at Cubs.

Congratulations.

Harriet Stokes aged 4 has achieved her level 2 in swimming.

Well deserved.

Rebecca James aged 9 has achieved her grade 3 and 4 in swimming.

Congratulations.

Erin Sage aged 9 has achieved her grade 3 and 4 in swimming.

Well deserved.

22 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

Evie Webb aged 9 has achieved levels 1, 2 and 3 in climbing.

Congratulations.

Zehra Sen aged 8 attended the Somerset Total Communications Club.

Well done.

Oswin Baker aged 6 has achieved his 50 metres in swimming and his snowlife ski award.

Fantastic job.

Indigo aged 8 has achieved his yellow stripe in Tae Kwon Do and a trophy for rugby.

Fantastic job.

George aged 8 has been awarded best novice at Mansell raceway for karting.

Well deserved.

Charlie aged 7 has achieved a new badge for Beavers and a medal in Tae Kwon Do. Congratulations.

Ryan aged 6 has achieved his stage and 5 metres in swimming.

Well deserved.

Freya aged 6 has achieved her level 6 in trampoline and her 10 metre swimming award.

Fantastic job.

Bodhi aged 6 has played for Midsomer Norton Rugby Club.

Well done.

Callum aged 8 has achieved his level 3 in trampoline.

Congratulations.

Phoebe aged 6 has achieved her level 3 in trampoline.

Well deserved.

Amber aged 6 has achieved her 50 metre in swimming.

Well done.

Joseph aged 7 has achived his 100 metre in swimming, his blue stripe in Tae Kwon Do and a climbing award.

Well done.

Lucas aged 10 has been awarded football trophies.

Congratulations.

Isla aged 4 has achieved her level 3 in swimming.

Well deserved.

Anna aged 5 has achieved her level 3 in swimming.

Well deserved.

Daisy aged 4 has been awarded the arts and crafts awards at Coleford Horticulture Society.

Well done.

Callie aged 10 has been awarded medals and trophies for Tae Kwon Do. Congratulations.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 23

Nathan aged 10 has achieved his green belt in tae Kwon Do and a medal for climbing.

Well done.

Liberty aged 9 has achieved her grade 3 and 4 in gymnastics.

Well deserved.

Megan aged 9 has achieved her yellow stripe in Tae Kwon Do. Congratulations.

Flora aged 10 has collected lots of money for Dorothy House.

Congratulations.

Emma aged 9 has been awarded some horse riding rosettes.

Well done.

Todd aged 6 has been awarded a 10 metre swimming award.

Well deserved.

Lily aged 7 has been awarded a 200 metre swimming award.

Well done.

Nyssa aged 6 has been awarded a 50 metre swimming award.

Well deserved.

Jasmine aged 6 has been awarded a 10 metre swimming award.

Fantastic job.

Elizabeth aged 7 has been awarded a 50 metre swimming award.

Congratulations.

Freddie aged 6 has been awarded a 50 metre swimming award.

Fantastic job.

Alfie aged 4 has achieved a purple stripe in kick boxing.

Well done.

Logan aged 4 has achieved a purple stripe in kick boxing.

Well done.

Aaron aged 6 has achieved a Puffin award for swimming.

Well deserved.

Connor aged 6 has achieved a purple stripe in kick boxing.

Congratulations.

Ciara aged 6 has achieved a 10 metre swimming award.

Well deserved.

Tia aged 7 has achieved a choir award, a student council award and 200 metres in swimming.

Well done.

Holly aged 9 has been awarded a merit badge for her amazing fantasy story.

Great job.

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