HEY! Magazine Mid Somerset edition

FREE • MID SOMERSET EDITION • ISSUE 43 • MAY 2016

INSIDE Fathers Day Crafts Win Camp Bestival Tickets Days out over half term Picnic Recipes

HEYMAG.CO.UK

Wolvershill Road, Banwell, Weston-super-Mare

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 Carmen Goodwin 01761 410141 | info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Graphic Designer Pamela Evans Published by Ignyte Media Ltd Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset Business Address: Ignyte Media Ltd, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH 01761 410141 info@ignyte-uk.co.uk While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in the publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Ignyte do not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All right reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher.

Distribution: We deliver to 7500 families through primary schools and other outlets in the Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Street areas.

The next edition is Summer 2016 & is filling fast.

It looks like the sun has finally decided to make an appearance and I am sure we are all enjoying spending more time in the garden and the park together.

It will soon be the May school holidays when many of us will feel that our summer has really started. Children always enjoy a picnic with family members and friends. Why not read our section on summer picnics and take your family to a beautiful area, spread out the blanket and enjoy playing games and eating together. Days like these are building memories for our children to remember forever.

June 19th is Fathers Day when we celebrate our dads and all of the wonderful things they do for us. Make sure that you make your dad something special this year, take a look at our craft page for some ideas.

Don’t miss our amazing birthday prize! Win family camping tickets to Camp Bestival, an amazing family festival held at Lulworth Castle. Some of the HEY! Team went to the festival last year and had a fantastic time.

Prize Station also offers you the chance to win a number of other great prizes, these range from attraction tickets to lost children wristbands, don’t forget to enter via our website at www.heymag.co.uk As the sun gets higher in the sky it also becomes stronger and it is vital that we make sure that we always apply sun cream to our children and ourselves.

Looking after your skin is as important as looking after your teeth and your health. Sun creams are available for all skin types, make sure you purchase your creams and keep some in the car at all times, so you are ready to apply it when needed.

Enjoy the beautiful weather and make the most of the time spent outside enjoying bbq’s, trips to the seaside, fun days at the local park and time together.

Have fun!

Tina Hey Magazine

@hey_tweeter

www.heymag.co.uk

4 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

GOING BACK TO WORK T

hinking about getting back to work?

You’ve had a few months or years off to raise children and you want to get back to work or perhaps you need to change jobs.

Before you send in your application, think carefully about the practicalities – whether you can commit to the hours and whether you have adequate childcare, including during holiday periods. Here are some tips: • Be sure what kind of work you are prepared to do and the kind of hours you want to work and be upfront about flexibility if you want it. Do you want to go back full or part time? Would you like to go to work or be home-based?

• Once you have worked out the kind of hours you want to work and whereabouts you are looking, you will have a clearer idea of what kind of childcare you will need. Don’t leave it till the last minute and think you will be able to piece something

together with a friend, your mum, etc.

Having childcare sorted will put your mind at ease and allow you to focus better on your job.

• Have back-up plans for your childcare arrangements in case anything goes wrong. Usually nurseries cover most of the year and are only likely to be closed for bank holidays and two weeks around Christmas. But childminders get sick or go on holiday. Have some sort of contingency plan so you don’t get caught out.

• Research the companies you apply for and go through the job specification with a fine tooth comb so that you know what they want, that you can provide it and that it suits your skills.

• Don’t worry about career gaps in your cv.

Think of all that you have done while you have been out of the work place.

Do you have a spare room in your home?

Are you caring, nurturing and supportive?

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Perhaps you have done fundraising or coffee mornings. All of these add valuable skills to your cv in terms of networking, fundraising, planning, communication, etc.

• Be professional about the interview.

Look smart, leave plenty of time to get to the interview in case you get lost and allow enough time for childcare to allow you to get to the interview in good time and to not have to dash away to get back home. This will help you feel more relaxed and confident.

• Prepare intelligent questions to ask at the end of the interview about the job itself and also the way the company runs. At this point, if it is applicable, you could ask if the company has a policy on flexible working. This way you are not presenting it as a personal issue and more as a general benefit of the company.

LOOKING FOR A JOB TO FIT ROUND YOUR FAMILY?

If you are friendly, caring, have bags of common sense and your own transport then a job as a care and support worker might be just the thing for you. No experience or qualifications? No problem! We train and support you. Flexible full & p/time hours with good pay rates. Evening/ Weekend-only work also available.

Candlelight provides support services to people in their own homes. Visit our website or call your nearest Candlelight branch: Glastonbury/Wells/Shepton: 01458 831201 or Frome/Trowbridge: 01225 776000

www.candlelightcare.co.uk

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 5

CHILD SAFETY WEEK E

ach year the Child Accident Prevention Trust raises awareness about the risks of child accidents and how they can be prevented. This year the campaign week will take place 6th-12th June and the theme for 2016 is ‘Turn off Technology for Safety’.

In essence, this campaign is about urging parents and carers to be aware about what their children are up to. The use of smartphones is now almost universal in the UK and this technology has brought huge benefits in keeping people in touch with one another – but accidents can happen when parents/carers are distracted.

The Trust is asking parents, at the very least, to switch off or silence phones from 5-6pm each day – and give their children their full attention. As well as helping to prevent accidents during this busy time for many households, turning technology off for a short while arguably sets a good example to children and young people.

“6th - 12th June the theme is ‘Turn off Technology for Safety’.”

Accidents that can easily happen in or around the home, particularly when children are left unsupervised, include anything from burns and scalds to falls and slips. Here are some of the most common hazards for children (specifically age 3 or more) in or near your home, and suggestions for how to reduce the risk of accidents occurring: Burns and scalds Hot drinks are the main source of scalds for the under 5s. A hot drink can scald for up to 15 minutes after it has been made. Bath water can scald in just 5 seconds, while hair straighteners can burn for well over 15 minutes after they are switched off. Children are susceptible to burns because they don’t have a reflex to pull away from something that is burning them, this is actually learned behaviour. Use fireguards on any open fires – and make sure it is secure.

Falls and slips Keep stairs clutter free, discourage play near windows that can open more than 6 inches and do something to address slippery or uneven surfaces. Consider using night lights to prevent falls at night.

Poisoning Most cases of poisoning in the home involves medicines and household products. Commonly used medications like painkillers can be dangerous and even fatal to children if eaten in quantity.

Keep all medicines locked away and household products like washing tablets and cleaning solutions well out of reach.

Glass Broken glass can result in nasty injuries. Use safety glass at a low level such as in doors and windows. Existing glass can be made safer with the addition of shatter-resistant film. When buying glass products, make sure it’s safety approved. Look for the British Kite mark. This applies to glass outside the house such as greenhouses as well as glass within the home.

Road safety Children have difficulty judging speed and distance until they are around 8 and older children are still at risk. In fact, the number of children injured as pedestrians peaks at 12 when many children start to travel to and from school on their own. Teach the Green Cross Code from around the age of 5. Remind older children not to listen to music or use phones when crossing roads.

Generally, accidents are more likely to happen in the home when there is a distraction (like the use of smart phones and other technology) and a lack of supervision. A change in a child’s usual routine or being in unfamiliar surroundings (for example, on holiday) also increases the chance of an accident taking place.

If your child does have an accident, treat with first aid if the injury is very minor. Call 999 if your child has difficulty breathing, is unconscious or has a seizure (fit). Take your child to your nearest A&E department if they have a fever; are lethargic; won’t stop bleeding; are unable to use a limb (arm or leg) or has severe tummy pains. Call NHS helpline 111 if you’re not sure whether or not your child needs medical help.

For more information about how to keep children, including babies, safe, visit: www.childsafetyweek.org.uk

6 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

CHILDREN’S SPORTS Sports, whether team-based or individual, are a great activity for children that provide a variety of benefits other than physical activity. Participation in sports can help build self-esteem and confidence, can motivate children to excel academically and can help build social skills. Participation also can teach children the benefits of goal-setting and practice.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Physical activity is the most obvious benefit of sports participation.

Children often spend too much time watching television or playing video games. But sports practices and games provide an opportunity for exercise that can help keep kids in shape and healthy. Sports can help build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints; help control weight and reduce fat; and prevent or delay the development of high blood pressure. Exercise is one of the least expensive ways to stay healthy, with one study finding that exercise can prevent chronic diseases as effectively as medication

SOCIAL SKILLS

Sports participation can help children develop social skills that will benefit them throughout their entire lives. They learn to interact not only with other children their age, but also with older individuals in their coaches and sports officials. Kids learn leadership skills, team-building skills and communication skills that will help them in school, their future career and personal relationships.

SELF-ESTEEM

Participation in sports can have a huge positive impact on a childs self-esteem and confidence. Children who participate in sports get praise and encouragement from coaches and parents, which helps to build self-confidence. They also learn to trust in their own abilities and push themselves. Constructive criticism is also a major part of sports participation, and young athletes learn to accept such criticism and use it to their benefit.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

It is no surprise that children who participate in athletics excel in academics as well. They can apply the same principles of dedication and hard work learned through sports participation to their studies.

According to an article published, playing on a school sports team increases a young persons chances of graduating from college by 41 percent.

BUILDS TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Adding extracurricular activities to your child’s schedule encourages development of time management and prioritisation skills. Teach your child that taking care of business, such as school work and chores, comes first. This gives them the tools for prioritization.

Help your child by creating a plan which helps them handle their responsibilities while still leaving time for sports practices and games.

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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 7

BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS, DYSLEXIA OR IS IT IRLEN SYNDROME? A

significant number of children are labelled with behavioural problems without the underlying causes of their behaviour being investigated. If students cannot concentrate, are restless and fidgety, have difficulty starting and completing work, they are often labelled lazy and unmotivated. However, it may be the classroom environment that is the real cause of their behaviour.

Students are expected to sit in classrooms for several hours a day. The classrooms are lit with fluorescent lights, which can affect concentration and attention and cause stress, eyestrain and headaches.

Students are also affected by the glare from interactive white boards, shiny desks, white paper when reading and writing, and from computer screens. This constant experience of glare and brightness makes it difficult for them to concentrate and relax. It may lead to avoidance of work, acting out or drawing attention to themselves in negative ways.

Sometimes they will do whatever they need to avoid work.

These types of behaviour are noticed by teachers and parents but the reasons behind these changes in behaviour and mood often go unidentified. Children are not necessarily aware of the causes and thus do not tell people how they are feeling. Adults are able to make changes in their working environment to make life more comfortable but children do not have the choice.

As many as half of children and adults with perceptual processing problems are misdiagnosed with dyslexia. Often, a diagnosis of dyslexia assumes that individuals have difficulty with phonics. But

when words jiggle, move, or disappear or when letters look like ants moving across the page, reading is so difficult that these people are labelled “dyslexic.”

Reading difficulties related to Irlen Syndrome cannot be explained by phonetic deficits or by a weak sight vocabulary.

Problems most often occur under conditions of bright lighting, fluorescent lighting, black/white contrast, and continued performance. For individuals with Irlen Syndrome print may not be clear, stable or comfortable. As a result, reading can be slow and inefficient leading to skipping of words or lines, rereading, or poor comprehension.

For reasons that are still not fully understood, these disturbing effects can often be reduced or even eliminated by placing a sheet of coloured plastic (an overlay) over the page or using coloured lenses. Interestingly, the colour required to achieve this varies from one person to another and the colour can be different for overlays and lenses. For some the benefits may be slight but for others the effects can be dramatic, significantly increasing reading speed and fluency and reducing headaches and eyestrain.

Edwards Opticians in Midsomer Norton have installed the ReadEZ software to help identify those who are likely to benefit from coloured lenses. They are the only opticians in the area offering this service at the moment and the test can be the answer to many childrens reading problems. As a company, they are dedicated to making solutions for Meares-Irlen syndrome accessible to all by offering high-quality,

evidence-based products at affordable prices. The ReadEZ system provides a complete range of solutions including coloured overlays, coloured reading guides, coloured clip-ons and coloured prescription and non-prescription glasses.

If you or your child is experiencing visual effects such as those above: text wobbling, moving, flickering, blocking out, underlining, halo effects, headaches, a feeling of over brightness then it would be useful to have an assessment.

READING PROBLEMS POOR COMPREHENSION • Misreads words • Reads in dim light • Skips words or lines • Reads slowly or hesitantly • Takes breaks • Loses place • Avoids reading COMPLAINTS WHILE READING • Tired or sleepy • Eyes hurt, ache, or feel itchy • Headaches or nausea • Fidgety or restless OTHER SIGNS • Rubs eyes • Squints • Blinks • Opens eyes wide • Reads close to the page • Moves closer or further from the page

8 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

SUMMER SOLSTICE

H

ave you ever wondered why the length of days varies during the year?

On Monday, June 20th this year, we and everyone else in the northern hemisphere will experience the Summer Solstice as the year’s longest day, while those living in the southern hemisphere will experience it as the shortest day.

Why is this?

It is all to do with the earth’s tilt. We all know that in the course of one year, the earth completes one orbit around the sun. However, it does not go around the sun with the North Pole at the very top and the South Pole at the bottom. The earth spins on its axis with a tilt of around 23.5 degrees. At different times of the year, either the northern or southern hemisphere is tilted toward, and is therefore closer to, the sun.

At the point of the summer solstice, the northern hemisphere is at maximum exposure to the sun’s rays (while the southern part of the earth has the least), thereafter the days – in the north start to shorten. Interestingly, during the days leading up to and immediately after the solstice, the sun appears to stand still in the sky – rather than carving an arc in the sky as usual. This is where we get the word ‘solstice’ – it is Latin for ‘sun-stopping’.

You might wonder why, with the northern hemisphere’s days getting shorter after the solstice, this special day in June is considered the first day of summer with July and August becoming (on the whole) progressively hotter. This odd state of affairs happens because of the earth’s vast oceans.

Oceans take a long time to heat up and cool down. In June, the oceans are still cold from winter, while they hold onto, and radiate, heat long after the lengthening days of the spring months.

CELEBRATING THE SOLSTICE

Ancient buildings reflect people’s long fascination with the sun.

Stonehenge in Wiltshire is one of the best known structures in the world to have been designed to align with astronomical events.

During the summer solstice, the sunrise lines up exactly with some of the stones. The World Heritage Site was built in a number of phases between 3,500 BC and 1, 950 BC. The first circle was made of timber while stone was brought to the site in around 2,600 BC. Another prehistoric site Newgrange, Ireland that dates from around 3,300 BC allows sunlight to hit the back of a cairn (stone pile) only at sunrise during the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year for the northern hemisphere. Other ancient structures that serve an astronomical function can be found elsewhere in Europe as well as North and South America and Egypt.

DID YOU KNOW?

• During the June solstice, a ‘Midnight Sun’ is visible in the North Pole. In other words, the North Pole (and in fact all areas within the Arctic Circle) are bathed in 24 hours of sun. On the flipside, at this time of year the South Pole is plunged in to ‘Polar Night’ – 24 hour darkness.

• The exact time of the Summer Solstice for us in the UK will be 11.34pm on Monday, 20th June 2016. This is the moment at which the North Pole will be tilting directly towards the sun.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 9

ON YOUR DOORSTEP W

SHOW INFORMATION

Kayaking : Canoeing : Caving Climbing : Archery : Bushcraft

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alk among dinosaurs on a fossil hunting tour or put nerves to the test at a thrilling theme park.

Get close to nature and camp in protected woodland or travel aboard a barge. Bike rides and picnics in a national park, long afternoons at the beach exploring rockpools, baffling mazes and hide and seek in the grounds of a stately home: Somerset is packed with inspiring child friendly days out and activities. If you think learning is for stuffy school rooms, think again. Discover the secrets of the Tudors and Victorians, marvel at Roman remains and re-live bloody battles and beheadings on days out with the kids.

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Try something different this May half term and venture somewhere you and the children have never been. You’re never too old for adventure!

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10 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

KEEPING SAFE IN THE SUN T

he weather is warming up, the days are longer and there's more time to be outside doing all kinds of fun things!

But if you're going to be out in the sun, especially on a hot day, you need to stay safe.

Let's find out how.

DON'T FEEL THE BURN

Even though the sun is hot, it does cool things.

It keeps us warm. It makes flowers and plants grow. It even gives us vitamin D so we can better absorb calcium into our bodies for strong bones. It does all these things by sending down light, which includes invisible ultraviolet rays.

These are also called UV rays. Some ultraviolet rays pass through air and clouds and penetrate the skin. When your skin's been exposed to too many of these rays, you get what's known as a sunburn. Ouch!

Some people get a sunburn faster than others because of their colouring. If you have blond or red hair, light-coloured skin, and light-coloured eyes, you'll tend to get sunburn more quickly than someone with dark eyes and skin. That's because you have less melanin. Melanin is a chemical in the skin that protects it from sun damage by reflecting and absorbing UV rays.

People with darker skin have more melanin, but even if you have dark hair, dark eyes, or darkertoned skin, you can still get a sunburn. It will just take a little bit longer.

Sunburns look bad and feel worse. They can cause blisters on your skin. They can keep you inside feeling sore when everyone else is outside having fun. They increase your chance of getting wrinkly when you get older. And worst of all, they can lead to skin cancer when you are an

May Half Term at The Bishop’s Palace This Half Term, The Bishop’s Palace is getting creepy-crawly! The theme for the week is ‘Minibeasts’ and both the Family Fun Friday and the Muddy Monday will involve activities based on all those little creatures hiding beneath your feet!

On Monday 30th May, it’s Minibeast Muddy Monday – Amanda in the Community Garden is going on a Minibeast hunt and she needs your help to find out which minibeasts might be hiding underfoot, or even in the depths of our pond with some pond-dipping!

On Friday 3rd June, Family Fun Friday will be taking place in the Stable Yard Room. Join our crafty team to make spinning spiders, dangly dragonflies and beautiful bugs. There will also be garden games and dressing up to keep little ones entertained.

All week there will be a brand new Creepy Crawly family trail around the site so get the kids to follow the clues and discover all sorts of minibeasts hiding around the gardens.

The Bishop’s Table café will have a delicious children’s menu and plenty of grown up treats for the adults too, so make a day of it and enjoy all that the Palace & Gardens have to offer this Half Term.

adult. Because getting wrinkles and getting sick don't happen right away, they can seem like things that could never happen to you. But you still need to be careful.

PRIME TIME

You don't need to hide from the sun completely or wrap up like a mummy to protect yourself. But you should take these two steps: Always wear sunscreen.

Take frequent breaks from the sun by going indoors or moving into the shade. These steps are especially important between 10:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon, when the sun's rays are strongest.

Use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. Put on sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going out in the sun. The letters SPF stand for sun protection factor, and the number rating tells you how much longer you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned.

But this isn't always true, so reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, just to be safe. Do this more often if you've been swimming or sweating a lot — even if the sunscreen is waterproof. And remember that you can get sunburned more quickly when you're swimming or boating because the reflection from the water intensifies the sun's rays. Be sure to put sunscreen all over your body. This includes some places you might not think of, like the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, the part in your hair, your face, and the tops of your feet.

You may need some help reaching the back of your body so ask your parents or friends to give you a hand. If you want to block the sun's rays, wear clothing that you can't see your hand through. You may still get burned through more sheer fabrics. Wear a baseball cap or other fun hat to block your face from the sun.

Don't forget that your eyes need protection from ultraviolet rays, too. Always wear sunglasses in the bright sun, and make sure they have a label saying that they block UV rays.

H ES 20 IC R PR FO D

EL

The Hawk Conservancy Trust

1 6

World-class flying demonstrations Every visitor can meet a bird of prey Keeper talks and feeding sessions Over 150 birds of prey on view 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow • Adventure play area • Ferret racing and tractor rides during school holidays • Feathers Restaurant & Trust shop • • • • •

DRINK UP!

Drinking water is an important part of staying healthy, especially when it's hot outside. When you're sweating, you lose water that your body needs to work properly. And if you're playing a sport or running around in the sun, you lose even more water, because you sweat that much more.

So drink up and don't wait until you're thirsty — drinking before you feel thirsty helps keep the water level in your body from dropping too low (dehydration) when it's hot or you're sweating a lot with exercise. If you forget and suddenly feel thirsty, start drinking then. There are lots of cool-looking water bottles around, so get one you really like, fill it up, and drink up!

GOT THAT HOT FEELING?

If you're out in the hot sun or you're exercising on a hot day, it's easy to get heat exhaustion. Kids get heat exhaustion when their bodies can't cool themselves fast enough. A kid with heat exhaustion might feel overheated, tired, and weak. Heat exhaustion can come on suddenly. A person may just collapse when playing soccer or tennis, for example. It can leave someone feeling really tired for days after it happens.

Heat stroke is a more serious heat-related illness and can cause someone to stop sweating; to have red, hot skin; and to have a high temperature. The person might become uncoordinated, confused, or even lose consciousness. It requires emergency medical attention.

Be sure to tell an adult if you're hot and you have a headache or feel dizzy or nauseated (like you're going to throw up). The grown-up will want to get you out of the sun, give you liquids to drink, and take you to a doctor, if necessary.

The good news is that the sun doesn't have to be your enemy if you wear your sunscreen, drink your water, and take breaks when you start to feel too hot. And don't forget your sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes from the sun, they make you look so cool!

HALF TERM FUN

AT THE FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM WW1 Spy Plane Family Workshop 31st May – 3rd June*

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MAKE A MODEL OF THE SHORT 184 SEAPLANE

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LONG JOURNEY CAR GAMES I

n the privacy of your own car, you can laugh as loud as you want or shout out the answers to questions. So don't hold back when you play these games — laugh, yell, or sing your hearts out.

EATING AN ALPHABET

Let your half-starved brood describe how hungry they are in this game, best played about half an hour before you make a pit stop for food.

This version of the "I'm Packing for a Picnic" game begins when you announce "I'm so hungry I could eat an aviator" ("alligator," or "apple").

The next player adds on with a B word. She might say, "I'm so hungry I could eat an aviator and a bunny rabbit" ("belly button," or "bologna slice"). See if you can keep it up until your family is eating zoos, zippers, or zigzags.

WORD STRETCH

Give your child a word challenge by asking her to make as many words as she can from the letters in a phrase such as "Are we there yet?" or "When will we be at the zoo?"

I SPY

Someone says, "I spy with my little eye something green." Whoever guesses the item correctly goes next. You could limit the items to what's in the area. Or you could get tricky and play I Spied, selecting items that you've already passed.

COLOUR SAFARI

This all-ages game is easily adaptable to your kids' attention spans and the amount of time you have to play. All you do is agree on a basic colour - such as red, blue, green, or yellow - and challenge your kids to ROYAL NAVAL AIR STATION YEOVILTON INTERNATIONAL

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100 items that are this colour. Younger kids can play a shortened version - counting items to 10 or even 25; older kids will be challenged if you set a time limit and make them race against one another. You can also give each player a different colour to search for.

GUESS MOBILE

Name a guess master -- the person who poses a guessing challenge. He or she could ask passengers to guess the colour of the next passing car, or how long before you get to the next town. Or, with three clues, what it is that someone else sees.

THE HOUSE ON THE HILL

Invent stories about people in the houses you are driving by. What do you think they do for work? What's their favourite food? Where do they go on holiday? Get into lots of details, such as whether they snore loudly or are afraid of spiders. Give them names, hobbies, pets, and so on.

GUESS MY NAME

In this acting game players imitate the motions, habits, and expressions of a famous person, such as an athlete, politician, musician, or actor.

The clincher: No talking allowed! Players can ask Yes or No questions (which are met by a nod or a shake). The correct guesser does the next impression.

GEOGRAPHY

Start with A to Z anyplace in the world: Kansas, say. The next person has to think of a place that begins with the last letter of Kansas, such as South Africa. Whoever goes next needs a place that starts with A. It has to be a real place — and no using a map!

it’s our birthday!

SO WE ARE GIVING YOU THE CHANCE TO

WIN A FAMILY CAMPING TICKET TO CAMP BESTIVAL! This is the next fabulous prize we are offering in our run of Birthday Surprises.

Two members of the team had the chance to go last year and had the most memorable time.

This amazing four-day camping experience has super venues and activities, along with a fantastic line-up. It really is the all round family festival.

From Dick and Dom to Jess Glynne, Mr Tumble to Fat Boy Slim, there is something for everyone.

Camp Bestival Outer Space adventures this July 28-31, plus bounteous trolley-pimping, beard sculpting and dressing-up delights throughout the weekend, all in the idyllic surrounds of Lulworth Castle on Dorset’s historic Jurassic Coast.

If you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained then you’ve found the perfect place! Camp Bestival has activities and attractions galore with everything from the crafttastic Art Town, freestyle action at the Freesports Park, The Den with its own dedicated music and arts line-up exclusively for teenagers, daring horseback feats on our jousting lawn, music workshops and much, much more.

You can read more at www.campbestival.net.

The prize is a camping ticket for 2 adults and up to 4 children.

ce simply visit ri p g in z a m a is To win th .uk www.heymag.co : llowing question fo e th r e sw n a d an urated by who? c is l a iv st e B p Cam

RECIPES

Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk to find out how to make these picnic food ideas

Banana wrap

Chickpea patties

Stripey rolls

Beef and potato pasties

Fresh fruit salad

Cup salad

HAMPER TIME!

GET READY FOR NATIONAL PICNIC WEEK. S

hake out your old blankets and dig out the Tupperware. It’s National Picnic Week from 11th-19th June and what better reason could you have for taking to the countryside with the family for a wonderful alfresco meal?

There’s something incredibly romantic about the idea of going on a picnic… Sunshine; lush scenery; beautiful hampers packed with delicious goodies; children (and perhaps the odd dog) frolicking around on daisy studded lawns; everyone smiling.

Sound like a familiar scene?

No, I’ve never experienced picnic nirvana either.

The last picnic my family went on was more like a battle fought on a number of fronts ranging from food to weather. First up was getting everything ready. This involved turning the house upside down for picnic blankets that hadn’t seen the light for a year or more, finding all our plastic plates and digging around for insect repellents. This was followed by an epic sandwichmaking mission that made an average day of preparing school packed lunches seem like a walk in the park.

By the time we arrived at our picnic spot, the kids were already starving and had no interest in exploring or taking in scenery.

They wanted to plonk down the blanket practically next to the car. Then they moaned like drains about the egg sandwiches I’d made ‘for a change’. The quiches I’d so loving prepared were also instantly dismissed as being too ‘eggy’. My novel ‘salad jam jars’ were likewise ignored. Instead, the kids ate all the sausage rolls, crisps and biscuits – and then complained about the pesky wasps.

We’d also miscalculated the weather. I would have thought that by now – having lived in Britain for decades – I would know that you can never, ever bring enough layers of clothing along to a Great British picnic. Never mind what you see of sunny, carefree picnics in films and TV adverts – bring your hats and scarves!

Just as we sat down to eat, the wind picked up and it got really cold. We tried to ignore our discomfort and goose-bump arms but, as soon as we could, we wrapped ourselves up in the picnic blankets and reflected that a thermal flask of hot tea would have gone down well.

So would I do it all again? Of course! Food always tastes better outdoors – if only because you’ve worked extra hard to earn it.

FOR MORE PICNIC IDEAS, VISIT WWW.NATIONALPICNICWEEK.CO.UK

PERFECT PICNIC 10 TIPS FOR CREATING A GREAT ALFRESCO MEAL… 1. Unless the weather is clearly fine, bring extra layers to keep warm and umbrellas to keep off any showers. Remember that you’ll all be sat down to eat and will soon cool if the weather isn’t kind.

2. Enamel or melamine plates are ideal. Paper plates get soggy and can’t be reused.

3. Bring ice cubes in a flask to add to drinks to keep them cold.

4. Use a ‘granny trolley’ or some other wheeled device, or a proper backpack, to help transport your goodies. Lugging huge bags on your shoulders soon takes the lustre away from a trip outdoors!

5. Bring plenty of wet wipes and bin bags – and foil. Picnics have a habit of getting messy even with the simplest of finger foods. Place the used plates in a bin bag to take home to ensure your blankets don’t get dirty. Use foil for leftover food you want to bring home.

6. If picnicking with friends, arrange what everyone is bringing beforehand so that you don’t end up with reams of ham sandwiches.

7. Avoid highly sticky and sugary food – jam tarts will attract wasps while fresh strawberries and shortcake biscuits are equally tasty but should be more peaceful to eat.

8. Don’t leave it too late to find a picnic spot! Find a good patch before the kids start to get hungry (and therefore moody!). And it doesn’t have to be lunch – a breakfast picnic can be great especially if the midday sun would be too hot.

9. Bring something like a frisbee, football or kite for the kids to play with while you set up.

10. Do your research to find a great location. You need a view, possibly shelter from the wind and should not be too far from your transport if you’ve a lot to carry.

Craft Corner Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for full instructions on how to make these Father's Day card ideas

Father's Day is traditionally a day of breakfast in bed and carefully selected (but hardly ever worn) ties. Whether it's his first or his fourteenth, what can you do to make this Father's Day special?

We've asked dads what would really make Father's Day great, and here's what they told us: 1. Spend time together. Enjoying each other's company as a family in relative harmony seems simple. But it's so easy to get side tracked from your time together when you get caught up in cooking, taking a quick run to the store, or the temptation to finish up a project. Get away from the house if you must, but take this day to focus on spending time together as a family.

2. Make romance. Father's Day is not just a day to celebrate Dad as provider and caregiver for the children. It's a day to honour your partner as your lover and friend. Make him feel special by telling

him how much he means to you or steal a few moments during the day to show him how much you love him.

3. Focus on him. Instead of planning everything out for him, give him the gift of freedom and choice. Let him make decisions about what to do and how to spend the day. If he wants a few hours to himself, indulge him. He deserves it!

4. Bring on the praise. Fathers want to be appreciated. Tell him how much you need him. Show him how you feel by writing him a thank-you note detailing the ways he contributes to the family and what makes him a great parent and partner.

5. Gifts from the heart. You don't have to spend a lot of money on extravagant gifts; you and your childrens gratitude and love are the greatest gifts you can give him this Father's Day.

Suzie’s Diary Dear Diary, Today I can’t enjoy the beautiful springtime sun – my lovely Archie has a problem at school.

It started with an incident a few weeks ago, which I’ve only just found out about. Archie, who’s in Year 2, asked to play football during playtime with a few of the boys from his class. They said ‘no’ because ‘he had spots’. Now Archie hasn’t any spots (not that spots are ever a reason to exclude anyone from anything), he’s only 7! They meant freckles. The following day the boys said the same thing to Archie and they’ve been cracking jokes about ‘spots’ ever since.

I realised something was up when I found Archie trying to ‘scrub off’ his freckles over the sink in the bathroom yesterday. I sat down with him over a hot chocolate and asked if he wanted to tell me anything. After a 10 minute silence it all came out.

He got very upset explaining what’s been happening in the playground – and that it all boils down to his ‘spots’.

I felt for him. I think this is his first real taste of how mean minded people can be.

Archie idolises his dad so I dug out some photos of Andy as a small boy and showed him how his dad looked aged around 7. Andy looked just like Archie. Sandy hair, freckles and a big, gappy toothed grin. We talked about why people have freckles and why it might have become a game of sorts for his classmates to tease him.

He went off to school today with a brave face, but, all the same, I can see he’s still upset. I’ll be talking with his teacher later today about it all and I’m sure we can put it behind us soon.

I just feel sad that my small son now knows what it is to be bullied.

Suzie xx

HEY! competitions WIN 2 FAMILY TICKETS TO @BRISTOL At-Bristol Science Centre is one of the UK's most exciting interactive attractions, offering an amazing world of hands-on discovery for you, your friends and family.

With hundreds of exhibits and live shows, At-Bristol is a must-see for all ages and takes you on an incredible journey exploring the inner workings of the world around us.

To win, answer this question: What is the name of the planet closest to the sun?

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO YEOVILTON AIR DAY RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday 2 July is an action-packed day out for all the family. Thrilling flying displays will include the Black Cats, Red Arrows, Typhoon, Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster. There’s also plenty of ground attractions to keep you entertained all day long!

To win, answer this question: What type of aircraft is a Wildcat?

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO NOAHS ARK ZOO FARM Bring the family along today to Bristol’s awardwinning ‘all day, all weather’ attraction. Enjoy 12 exciting adventure play areas, an indoor Animal Village and covered Animal Show Pens. We now offer over 25,000 square feet of heated areas and hotspots around the 100 acre park to make your visit enjoyable whatever the weather.

To win, answer this question: What are the names of the Giraffes at Noahs Ark Zoo Farm?

WIN 2 LOST YOU UK ID WRISTBANDS The wristband is designed for someone to locate you and reunite you with your child as quickly as possible, simply write your contact details on the small waterproof ID card provided, slot this inside the band, and slip it on to your child's wrist. They are waterproof and the bands washable material means you can wash it over and over again.

Ideal for busy outings, holidays or school trips.

To win, answer this question: What does ID mean?

WINNER of the Family ticket to Wychwood Festival: Phoebe Reys, Trowbridge 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: 18th June 2016

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 19

What’s On May 28 - June 5

Half term at Hestercombe Follow our trail around Hestercombe’s beautiful gardens as the summer flowers begin to bloom, spot bugs & butterflies and get creative with wild-craft activities (Tues & Thurs only). 10am - 5pm Normal garden admission applies (additional small charge for some activities).

May 30

Bank Holiday BBQ Work up an appetite with games on the lawn and enjoy some sizzling hot food cooked fresh on the Courtyard barbecue.

Hestercombe Gardens Adult: £9.95, Child: £4.95 12 – 3pm

May 31 - June 3

Wildlife Days at Barrington Court Wildlife craft activity. Variety of hands-on activities with Somerset Wildlife Trust, Wildlife & Wetlands Trust, Somerset Moth Group, Secret World. 11 - 4pm Barrington Court, near Ilminster.

June 1 - 4

Royal Bath and West Show Entertainment is on tap with entertainment in the main ring ranging from top class Show-Jumping, grand parade of prize winning animals. Living Countryside arena showcasing the Great British Countryside.

Come and Meet the producer of the finest food and drink in Britain. The Show is in the heart of the West Country which is home to cider and cheddar cheese and the Show hosts the British Cider Championships and The British Cheese Awards and has over 125 food producers ranging from funky street food to sit and eat and enjoy the Show to the finest produce you can take home to cook and share with all the family.

Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet.

June 3

Family Fun Friday ‘Minibeasts’ at Bishops Palace, Wells Family Fun Friday will be taking place in the Stable Yard Room.

Join our crafty team to make spinning spiders, dangly dragonflies and beautiful bugs. There will also be garden games and dressing up to keep little ones entertained. 10:30am-3pm. Included with admission.

June 10 - 12

The English Country Garden Festival Celebrating the English Country Garden on the weekend of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations. Join us to experience 14 acres of Palace gardens filled with stalls, hands-on demonstrations, refreshments, entertainment, top gardening personalities and new ideas for how to use and love your garden. 10 - 5pm. Bishops Palace, Wells.

June 19

Summer Fair Join us on Father’s Day for our annual Summer Fair! There will be a number of food stands to satisfy your taste buds and family activities such as a bouncy castle and face painting! 10am – 4pm.

The Walled Gardens of Cannington, Nr Bridgwater.

June 19

Father’s Day BBQ Work up an appetite with games on the lawn and enjoy some sizzling hot food cooked fresh on the Courtyard barbecue.

Hestercombe Gardens.

Adult: £9.95, Child: £4.95, 12 – 3pm

June 26

The Railway Children Chapterhouse Theatre Company proudly presents The Railway Children, the unforgettable and heart-warming story of adventure and family set in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside.

E. Nesbit’s classic story has delighted adults and children alike for generations and is now brought to life for new audiences in this wonderful production presented in some of the UK and Ireland’s most beautiful open-air venues. With stunning period costume, traditional music and songs and a whole host of unforgettable characters, The Railway Children is a treat for all the family, perfect for a summer evening’s entertainment. Gates open at 6pm and the performance begins at 6.30pm.

July 2

Yeovilton Air Day The Air Day is one of the Southwest’s largest one day events, will offer an action-packed day out for all the family with thrilling flying displays and plenty to see and do on the ground. Whether you’re a wide-eyed first timer or a seasoned air show veteran, be prepared for an amazing experience! www.royalnavy.mod.uk

20 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

Join the library… it’s fun and it’s free! l Explore the wide range of

books for children l Access to the internet and

other computer facilities

l Enjoy reading activities

like The Summer Reading Challenge, children’s reading clubs and family themed events

Research has shown that children who use libraries do better at school and read more for enjoyment than those who don’t.

To check if you or your child are already members, or for more information about joining, please contact your local library.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 21

TAKING ON DIY The most common answer among women when asked why they had taken up DIY was that, ‘it was the only way to get anything done.’ While four in ten women said they wanted wanted to stop asking their brothers, fathers and male friends for assistance, ten per cent said they took up DIY to increase the value of their home, inspired by TV home improvement programmes.

But it's not all bad news for men, 78 per cent of women say their partners are consulted on the planning, design and decor.

Lynne Wilson, director at WD Bathrooms said: 'It comes as no surprise that as women are increasingly spending more on their homes they want to learn skills that will potentially save them money on tradesmen. 'DIY is no longer just a man’s domain.

TOP TEN TASKS NOW CARRIED OUT BY WOMEN

S

isters are doing it for themselves!

Now 60% of women say they're in charge of DIY as men's practical skills go into decline. Some 80% of British women questioned have paid for recent renovations. Men's practical skills are in decline as more women own their own homes. Half of women think they are better at home improvements than their men.

If you thought DIY was just for the boys, think again.

Some 60 per cent of women in the UK say they are now more likely to carry out home improvements than their partners and half consider themselves handier than men, too.

The news comes as more women than ever are homeowners - single women now account for more than one in five UK households.

Do It Yourself: 60 percent of women carry out home improvements themselves, while 78 per cent say their partners are consulted on the planning, design and decor. This perhaps explains why 66 per cent of those questioned said that the materials like paint, plaster and plywood are paid for from their personal bank accounts.

The survey, by WD Bathrooms, questioned 1,244 Brits and also found that DIY still seems to be the cause of marital disagreements.

Nearly a quarter said that doing work around the house prompted bank holiday arguments, usually caused by the age-old issue of one party not cleaning up properly.

BROWNES GARDEN CENTRE COME AND RELAX IN OUR COFFEE SHOP AND THEN SELECT FROM OUR LARGE SELECTION OF CONTAINER GROWN SHRUBS, CONIFERS &PERRENIALS NEW SEASON ROSES, FRUIT &ORNAMENTAL TREES HUGE SELECTION OF TERRACOTTA & GLAZED POTS PLUS ALL YOUR GARDEN SUNDRY REQUIRMENTS OPEN 9-5:30PM MON – SAT 10-5PM SUN COFFEE SHOP 10.30-4PM TUES—SUN

GLASTONBURY ROAD WELLS

TEL 01749 673050

1. Changing lightbulbs 2. Changing fuses 3. Fixing a leaky tap 4. Fixing the toilet 5. Replacing doorknob

6. Patching hole in the wall 7. Painting 8. Hanging wallpaper.

9. Sealing windows 10. Hanging Pictures

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Hardware Retailer of the Year 2012 Phone us on:www.rightpricediy.co.uk 01749 345042 Shop 01749 344323 Office / 01749 345042 Shop

22 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

GOOD CAUSE COMING TO A COFFEE SHOP NEAR YOU T

he team hunting for big-hearted people to help Somerset’s children is launching a special series of events all about fostering and adoption.

Somerset County Council’s Fostering and Adoption Recruitment Service is teaming up with Costa events on specific caring schemes it urgently needs more recruits for. The national coffee chain is supporting the cause through its Community Projects Initiative.

Each of the informal evenings will focus on key fostering schemes for children and young people, who are unable to live with their birth families, or need extra support.

These include: • Foster Carers for older children and young people • People who could foster brothers and sisters • Skilled individuals who can care for children with disabilities • Understanding people who have the space in their lives to help a troubled teenager experiencing tough times.

You must book your place at a Costa event in advance by phoning our team on 0800 587 9900. The events are being held on the following dates: • Thursday 11 August, Costa Shepton Mallet, BA4 5EG, 7pm-9pm Cllr Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council said: “To foster for Somerset County Council is to make a direct, potentially colossal, difference to local children and families. It is to work for a not-for-profit organisation that strives to put the needs of Somerset’s children at the heart of all it does. It’s to be on the frontline, helping children and young people who need extra support or who are having a tough time.

While everyone who comes to a Costa event must register beforehand, the team are happy to accept ‘on the day’ registrations.

To sign up for any of the above events, email the team on AandFRecruitment@somerset.gov.uk or phone 0800 587 9900.

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

HAPPY AND GLORIOUS T

his year, the Collett Festival, 10th -12th June, is taking place across the whole of the weekend when the nation is taking part in HM The Queen’s Official 90th Birthday celebrations.

At the heart of the Festival is the traditional showcase of local talent, which gives young people in Shepton and the surrounding area a chance to show off their brilliant skills and passions.

They will have over 50 charities and stall-holders giving everyone an opportunity to discover new activities - or to meet old friends.

Again the festival will have a cornucopia of great street food with both old favourites and new cuisines to try and enjoy. Brothers Cider are again offering a full service drinks bar.

The weekend will run as follows: Friday Night Concert A fantastic night to kick off the third festival with the greatest ever LIVE Queen tribute band, QE2, supported by brilliant local rockers, FILTA! Saturday Day The heart of the Festival will always be the traditional Collett Park Day with loads of local talent on display. Everything from the brilliant Centre School of Dance and the absolutely fabulous gymnastic displays from the Shepton Mallet Gymnastic Club.

Saturday Night FREE fabulous concert filled to the edges of the park with talented local bands! After the fun and frolics at Collett Park Day, this is your chance to really let your hair down and boogie and rock to the sounds of great live acts.

Sunday Childrens Party. This third exciting day, is especially geared towards the children, with a ton of activities to entertain and amuse everyone, young and old! Continuing the celebration of the Queen’s 90th Birthday with a grand children’s party in the park!

All the fun is free to enjoy for children. Bring your own rug and picnic and party like its 1926!

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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 23

SOMERSET CHILDREN MEASURED AS PART OF NATIONAL PROGRAMME D

uring the summer term children in Reception (aged 4 and 5) and Year 6 (aged 10 and 11) will have their height and weight measured at school as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).

The measurement programme makes it possible to monitor the growth and health of children across the country and in Somerset.

Parents have received a letter about the measurement programme and school nurses are running information sessions to answer parent’s questions. Parents can opt out of the measurement programme if they wish.

Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health at Somerset County Council, said: “It is really important that Somerset takes part in the National Child Measurement Programme. It allows us to monitor how healthy Somerset children are and offer support to families to help them achieve a healthy weight.

A letter will be sent to parents within six weeks of their child being measured to let them know which weight category their child falls into and they will receive guidance and information on local support if needed.

Trudi Grant continued: “Parents will be given details of their school nurse who can offer advice and support on achieving a healthy weight. Plus parents can go online to access practical advice about increasing physical activity and healthy eating at www.nhs.uk/change4life or visit the National Child Measurement Programme site at www.nhs.uk/ncmp3.

“Parents may also like to explore www.zingsomerset.co.uk where they can find out about local activity clubs and get further support for the whole family. Small changes in what children eat and how active they are can make a real difference.”

Cllr. Anna Groskop, Cabinet Member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “It can be difficult for parents to tell, just by looking, if their child is a healthy weight or not because their height and weight are changing as they grow. We are giving parents lots of information and support so that they feel happy for their children to take part in the measurement programme.

“The National Child Measurement Programme is a helpful process for finding out about children’s health in the county.”

St Cuthbert’s Pre-School Play Group is providing a home from home atmosphere for the children to grow, learn and develop in. St Cuthbert’s Pre-School is about to become an official part of St Cuthbert’s Infant school and preparations to improve facilities for all children are underway. 50 years of love and care now with an exciting and innovative future.

01749 675995

www.stcuthbertspreschool.wix.com/wells

24 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS

EVENTS

DANCE FESTIVAL

DIARY DATES

YOUR SUCCESSES

SOMERSET SCHOOL GAMES GYMNASTICS COMPETITION

Children from schools across Wells and the surrounding area took part in the Wells CLP Dance Festival at the end of the Spring Term.

This fantastic event has been running for many years and sees children of all ages performing a huge range of dance styles.

For some, performing on the big stage, in front of an audience of around 300 is their first opportunity to feel like a star, while other groups return year after year with ever more adventurous music and choreography.

Highlights this year included groups from Stoberry Park School, who performed dances called Ghostbusters, Real Life Heroes and Superheroes, a brilliant Limbo from Horrington School and the impressive Coxley Street Style with Drop the Bass.

As always, it is the dedication of school staff which contributes to making this event such a big success, but all of the children involved deserve the majority of the praise – they were all fabulous!

Evercreech Church of England Primary School are proud to announce that after taking part in the Somerset School Games Gymnastics competition.

Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6 achieved Gold. Poppy Powell won silver in Year 3/4, Ella Sherwood won Gold in Year 5 & 6 and Gemma Padfield won Silver in Year 5 & 6.

Our Year 1 & 2 gymnastics members also made a big contribution to this event and thoroughly enjoyed the experience

Wells, Somerset BA5 2TJ Contact Christine 01749 677011

steppingstonesplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk

Brand New ‘MUD KITCHEN‛ Awarded Ofsted GOOD in 2016 2 year old grant accepted Term time 9am - 3pm Parent committee supported Registered Charity No. 1022365. Playgroup Leader Christine Buckley

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 25

SPRING TERM AT DITCHEAT SCHOOL The Spring term ended with a flurry of activities; football matches, basketball tournaments, a music concert and finally an Easter service. It was lovely to see all the Easter bonnets and encouraging to see so many parents and grandparents attending.

The final event of the term was the Easter egg hunt held on Easter Sunday at the new Forest School site at the top of Ditcheat Hill. Friends of Ditcheat School (FoDS) ran the event and it was a beautiful morning where two groups were guided around the area.

VISITORS FROM PROFESSEUR ROUX SCHOOL Brookside Academy saw the visit from their friends at Professeur Roux School, Gravenchon in Normandy. 29 children and 6 adults crossed the English Channel on a bright and sunny Sunday morning, arriving in Cheddar to a welcome of home made cakes!

The children were excited to meet and greet them on Monday morning, spending the whole day getting to know their new friends with games, orienteering and art activities. The language barrier proved no great obstacle as both groups were prepared to try their opposite language and when in doubt facial expressions and good old fashioned pointing helped!

The next day brought the musical concert where both schools performed together for parents, again singing in both languages! On Wednesday the sun again favoured them as they headed over to Glastonbury for activties at The Abbey and a brisk and breezy walk up the Tor! The last day at school was movie day, led expertly by Mr Kelland who had already made his own to show the children. The children planned their own legend based on King Arthur, they found costumes, made props and scouted locations to film in! These masterpieces took the whole morning, with a

film screening after lunch. The farewell assembly saw them perform again to the whole school; the teachers and staff were so impressed with the singing especially when the children sang in French.

The children and staff from both schools had a fabulous week, they are already planned to write to each other before they made the return journey to France.

26 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

OLYMPIC STARTER VISITS COXLEY SCHOOL On 25th April, the athletics legend, Alan Bell, came to Coxley School to talk about his story. The reason he visited Coxley is that their topic for the summer term is the Rio Olympics and he just so happened to be staying at the bed and breakfast run by two of the pupils’ parents.

Alan has been to three Olympic Games and Rio De Janiero will be his fourth. He has also attended four Commonwealth Games, twelve World Championships and countless major events.

He is a chief athletics starter, who has begun many races, including seventeen that have broken world records.

In his career as starter, Alan has visited fifty four different countries and he now has friends from all around the world.

After breaking his Achilles tendon as a high jumper, Alan was offered the role of race starter at his local club.

Famously, Alan disqualified Usain Bolt for a false start and apparently received a pat on the back from Mrs Bolt, who said, “He was a silly boy and he needs to learn from his mistakes!”

Alan first met Bolt when the runner was only fifteen years old. He also told us that he broke the junior world record.

We discovered that the starting pistol Alan uses is connected to wires and timers all around the stadium.

Alan meets legends like Usain Bolt and Mo Farah, some of which are our heroes.

COUNTY FINALS The staff and children at Baltonsborough Primary School have been really excited as they made the County Finals for Rugby and Netball. The teams played really well and the children had a great time. Well done to everyone who took part.

READY STEADY READ! Pupils at Evercreech Church of England Primary School took part in ‘Ready Steady Read’ a reading incentive by Usborne Books as part of World Book Day celebrations. They raised an amazing £652.50, all of the money raised has been used to purchase Usborne books for all classes across the school. A big well done to all of the children that took part and to the friends and family that sponsored them

TEA PARTY FIT FOR A QUEEN

Written by the children in year three, four and five at Coxley School.

The children in Reception and Year 1 from Ashcott Primary School held a special tea party to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday. They came to school dressed up in their smartest clothes, made delicious cakes and even had their picture taken with ‘the queen’ – a pretend one!

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WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Samuel Hopkins age 7 was awarded: Taekwondo 7th Kup Yellow Belt Taekwondo 6th Kup Green Belt 2nd place in the South West Water Ski Racing Participation 2015

Tully Ellis is 10 years old and attends Chewton Mendip School.

Tully recently cut 10 inches of her hair off to send to charity for wigs for cancer patients.

Zara, aged 5, was awarded a Star Spelling certificate and trophy!

Congratulations!

Isabelle, aged 6, achieved her preprimary in dance award. Well done Isabelle!

Emily, aged 6, was awarded for Karate Jitsu and for swimming front crawl.

Excellent!

Lara, aged 11, obtained her Grade 1 piano award. Good work!

Henry, aged 11, achieved a Merit award for making such great progress. Fantastic!

Kingsley, aged 11, achieved Foil – Grade Two award from British Fencing.

Congratulations!

Alice, aged 11, has been awarded her pen license. Great scribing skills!

Ruby Tidball aged 7 from St Benedict School Glastonbury has been awarded her stage 5 swimming certificate.

Abigail, aged 11, was awarded a merit badge for progress and also her pen license! Fabulous!

Ethan, aged 6, obtained his swimming stage 3 award. Well done Ethan!

Toby, aged 7, achieved his Tae Kwon-Do 9th Cup White Belt.

Congratulations!

Daniel, aged 8, swam his way into his stage 4 award. Great work!

Daisy, aged 7, was awarded her stage 3 swimming certificate.

Wonderful!