HEY! Back to School Mid Somerset

FREE • MID SOMERSET EDITION • ISSUE 31 • SEPTEMBER 2014

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THE IMPORTANCE

OF A GOOD BREAKFAST 1 IN 6 CHILDREN DON’T HAVE BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST PROVIDES ENERGY, VITAMINS AND MINERALS TO FUEL YOUR DAY

If you’re a parent you’ll know how difficult it can be to get children to eat breakfast in the morning. Whether it’s because there’s no time or the children simply aren’t hungry, the fact is 1 in 6 children unfortunately miss breakfast everyday.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it provides you with the energy, vitamins and minerals to fuel your day ahead, after a good nights sleep.

The government, nutritionists and the Food Standards Agency all agree on this. But in Britain today an alarming number of people still choose to skip breakfast.

Scientific studies show if you skip your morning meal you, and in particular children, are statistically more likely to snack on high calorie, high fat foods mid-morning.

What’s more, if you don’t eat breakfast, scientists say you are unlikely to make up the nutrients missed through others meals of the day. What is really concerning is the number of children who start the day hungry.

Research tells us everyday in Britain 190,000 children don’t eat breakfast before they leave for school.

So, give your children the best start to the day with a healthy breakfast.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 3

HEY! magazine is published by Ignyte Limited Publisher: Tina Veater Business Address: Ignyte Ltd, Second Floor, 2 High Street, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, BA3 2LE Telephone: 01761 410141 Call Tina on: 07834 542955 Email: hey@ignyte-uk.co.uk www.heymag.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.

Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset.

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

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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 in October & is filling fast.

Contact us on 01761 410141 or 07834 542955 or email tina@hey-magazine.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

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Congratulations to our Winner Maddie who entered our competition to be the star of our front cover via our new mobile app. Maddie is 9 years old and goes to Bitham Brook Primary School in Westbury and she was chosen from over 500 entries.

Maddie and her family went along to a photo shoot at Made Portraits in Glastonbury and they all had great fun having some superb pictures taken.

You can see Maddie on the cover of this magazine bringing a beautiful smile to our Back to School edition of HEY!

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SPORTS AND PRESENTATION DAY Cheeky Chimps children enjoyed a lovely time at their Sports and Presentation Day. Everyone was very proud of the children as they all took part in the races, each one taking away their very own medal.This was followed by a presentation of school book bags and teddy bears to say a fond farewell to the children leaving to go to big school this September. Most will be joining Ashcott Primary School.

It is an exciting time for Cheeky Chimps as new manager, Kate Rogers, is welcomed to the team. She was born and raised in Ashcott before going away to university to qualify as a primary school teacher. Since graduating, she has been working at a primary school in Bristol. Kate not only has experience teaching and developing young children, so is a fabulous addition to the pre-school team,

but will greatly enhance the wrap around care (which opens from 7.45am until 6pm) offered for the children at Ashcott Primary and Cheeky Chimps.

Watch this space for new and exciting developments at the preschool and come along to their stay and play sessions every Thursday from 1.30pm - 2.30pm.

SPORTS DAY FUN SHAKESPEARE ROCKS Willow class at Ditcheat Primary School performed ‘Shakespeare Rocks’. They played to a full audience of family and friends. The show was a roaring success enjoyed by all.

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Ditcheat school enjoyed their sports day in July and had a whole day of activities. During the morning they enjoyed team games and in the afternoon they had fun with beanbag, egg and spoon, three legged and lap races. These were all watched by parents and families. The winning team was the black team.

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FREE SCHOOL MEALS From September 2014, the Government will be providing healthy free school meals to all children in the first three years of primary school – reception and years 1 & 2 . There’s no need to apply, your child is automatically eligible you simply have to notify your child’s school that he/she will be having the free school lunch.

Free school meals for older children If your child is eligible for free school meals, it’s worth registering them. This is because schools receive a ‘Pupil Premium’ - an extra payment for each eligible child, which they can spend on services to help them do their very best.

Registering might also get you extra help for things like music lessons or school trips.

Your child doesn’t have to eat the free meal, although it is recommended that they do as they will get a free, healthy lunch each day and you could save more than £350 per year.

RETIRED CARETAKER In July Butleigh Primary School said a very sad goodbye to a much loved Caretaker Mr Peter French who has retired to the golf course.

He has been an integral part of the school for over 6 years and has looked after staff and children with care and kindness. Children marked his leaving with a celebration assembly and a special book they had created in class including all of the qualities he brings to the school.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL The last year of primary brings a fresh set of challenges (and not just keeping a dry eye at the final class assembly/leavers’ disco) because you need to start choosing your preferred secondary school. It’s a decision that seriously stresses some of the most discerning parents, so how do you go about deciding which secondary school is best for your child?

The big question is: do you choose a school or does a school choose you, or, more to the point your child? And the answer is: it’s a bit of both because, while it’s up to you – and your child – to decide which schools are worth applying for, it’s then up to the school to say yes or no to your application.

How do you as parents decide between all the different schools?

It’s best to use as many sources as you can to decide which school is best for your child: ask around, be aware of a school’s reputation, read their Ofsted reports online, look at the exam results, browse the school website and of course, visit the school.

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In your area parents and children are invited at the start of Year 6 to visit schools. They can, of course, make an appointment sooner, but open evenings are targeted at that year group.

How schools organise their open days, and how useful they are, varies enormously. Open days for popular and over-subscribed schools are usually extremely busy and your chances to speak to individuals may be limited. Other schools have well-planned programmes with plenty of opportunities to talk to both staff and pupils.

Open days are designed to help you as parents view all prospective schools and gain as much knowledge and information as possible. It’s also reassuring for your child to be shown around and get a feel for their new school as it’s a big change for them, moving up to secondary education can be daunting. Have a good look around and encourage your child to ask questions that are important to them, this can only give them confidence and prepare them for the next stage of their education.

Settling into secondary school

The move to secondary school can come as a shock to both parents and children.You may feel your child isn’t ready to take the responsibility for what is probably a longer journey to school, perhaps using public transport.They will usually have more books and equipment to carry around and may find it difficult to stay organised.

At secondary school, your child will be expected to take greater responsibility for their own organisation.You can help to encourage this at home with the following tips: • Encourage your child to get organised for school the evening before.This can save them (and you!) a lot of undue stress in the morning. Remind them to check their timetable for the following day, pack their bag and lay out their uniform if necessary.

• Try and resist the temptation to do everything.Your child needs to learn to manage their time efficiently and they won’t do it if you get everything ready for them.

• At this age, children start to want more privacy when they’re getting ready. Consider organising a schedule for the bathroom in the mornings so no-one is made late by waiting.

• Your child will probably have several homework tasks to complete each night, and most schools record this in a homework diary. Make a note to yourself to read and sign the diary at least once a week to make sure your child is keeping up with their assignments.

• Have a calendar on display at home clearly marked with different equipment needed for different days (sports kit, music, projects etc.)

Encourage the habit of looking at the schedule the night before and organising schoolbags there and then.

• Use every opportunity to keep in contact with the school - this may be more difficult now that classes are bigger and your child has many different subject teachers. However, if the school has a website, be sure to check regularly for information updates and news.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 7

TEN TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM AN OPEN DAY 1. Take your child with you – you need a child’s eye view as well as your own, and they’ll notice things you miss.

2. Think about whether you find the open day chaotic, friendly, efficient or improvised? The organisation of the day’s events can give many clues to the general running of a school.

3. Pay attention to the pupils themselves - do they seem happy and motivated? Do they speak positively about their teachers and school-life?– Pupils are the best ambassadors for any school.

4. Don’t make decisions based on individual teachers – they may have left by the time your child starts school.

5. Don’t get too bogged down in the details - try to get a ‘feel’ for the school atmosphere. Write down your first impressions.

6. Feel free to ask questions if you want to, particularly of pupils – what do they think of the teaching – do they enjoy life at the school?

7. Look at the work on display. Does it represent a broad range of ability? A school should value every child.

8. Does the school offer extra-curricular activities - such as sports and clubs – so your child can develop their interests? This also shows that the teachers are motivated and enthusiastic.

9. Find out about the lunch arrangements - are there healthy school meals available and what do they cost? What are the other options, eg packed lunch?

10. Remember - listen to your instincts.

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GETTING READY FOR THE BIG DAY The day your child starts school for the very first time marks a huge milestone in family life.

Gone are the days when your little rug-rat was devoted to you and you alone - and now they are venturing out alone into the world. However, many parents make one big mistake which means that starting school becomes more, not less, stressful for thousands of four-year-olds across the UK who are getting ready for their big day.

Often parents are so worried about how their children will cope that they ignore their own anxiety which results in a stressed-out mum or dad struggling with their emotions - with disastrous consequences for the child. If you’re the emotional type - and we challenge even the most stoic not to

feel a little bit wobbly as your precious small person totters through the school gate - then its worth thinking about what might set you off and doing a few simple things to prepare yourself. You will feel confident that you won’t be dissolving into tears as you approach the school gates - which will mean your child should bounce into school filled with confidence rather than trepidation!

Play expert Dawn Burden says: “No parent wants to be the one in the playground sobbing behind dark glasses. But unless parents prepare themselves for the start of school, this is often what ends up happening. If a child looks to their parents for reassurance and sees someone struggling with their emotions it creates huge anxiety, making settling into school trickier than it should be.”

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HAVE FUN WITH LUNC CAT AND MOUSE LUNCH BOX Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for the full recipes and instructions.

DOGGY LUNCH BOX Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for the full recipes and instructions.

FACES LUNCH BOX Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for the full recipes and instructions.

FLOWERS LUNCH BOX Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for the full recipes and instructions.

SHEEP LUNCH BOX Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for the full recipes and instructions.

CH BOXES

Sometimes children just need a little inspiration to try new things. With this collection of ways to make food more fun, you’ll encourage your children to play with their food and enjoy it.

LADYBIRD LUNCH BOX Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for the full recipes and instructions.

MONSTER LUNCH BOX Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for the full recipes and instructions.

MUMMY LUNCH BOX Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for the full recipes and instructions.

PIGGY LUNCH BOX Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for the full recipes and instructions.

TRAFFIC LIGHT LUNCH BOX Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for the full recipes and instructions.

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Helping workers with UK’s biggest mental health problem

Tough economic times combined with rising levels of job uncertainty are boosting stress levels and psychological ill-health, experts say. Depression at work is not a new issue but it is on the rise and old taboos urging us to hide the problem from colleagues persist

even today. Depression is the most common disorder in Britain with one in four people experiencing some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year. Feeling sad or fed up is a normal reaction to upsetting or stressful experiences but those feelings usually pass. But depression is more than that - it is an illness which means that intense feelings of persistent sadness, helplessness and hopelessness are accompanied by physical effects such as sleeplessness, a loss of energy, or physical aches and pains. Sometimes people may not realise how depressed they are, especially if they have been feeling this way for a long time, if they have been trying to cope with their depression by keeping themselves

busy, or if their symptoms are more physical than emotional. Depression Alliance says not being able to see the illness in the same way as you could with a broken arm or leg can often make it difficult for sufferers to explain to others why they find it so hard to get out of bed or are unable to concentrate at work. Sufferers often feel unable to talk to their family, colleagues and friends about what they’re experiencing and may feel like they have to hide it from those around them. They might hope it will go away by itself, or that they just need to “toughen up” and “snap out of it”. Indeed, it’s often something that can go up and down and can sometimes take a long time until it becomes manageable.

take our word for it. Across the world concerns have never been higher about the sheer volume of sugar now being consumed, and its potential impact on our bodies. During Just in case this particular epicurean revelation passed you by, we’ve got some news. Forget everything you were brought the process of fruit being juiced the sugar levels actually up to believe, because one of the key ways in which millions increase even if the label says nothing has been added, of Britons strive to achieve the new recommended ten pieces meaning you’re far better off with an actual apple than its admittedly tasty, sharp and ever-popular liquid by-product. of fruit and veg per day is no longer considered particularly The same goes for any type of fruit you’d care to suggest. good for you. Thanks to the phenomenally high levels of Experts also suggest diluting the juice with water, which sugar, and the effect of pulping on fruit, orange juice and would have been seen as sacrilege by many just a decade just about every other type of fruit drink should no longer or two ago (this isn’t squash, after all), but these days is fast be part of your daily diet. Indeed, it may pack a vitamin becoming the modus for people who can’t or won’t give up punch, but drinking these refreshing bottles and cartons as a means of staying healthy isn’t going to work. But don’t just altogether.

The decline of healthy juices

Hidden dangers of chickenpox The case of a four-year-old boy who ended up in hospital fighting for his life after catching chickenpox has highlighted the potential dangers of this common childhood illness.

Christine Mullan urged parents to be aware of the virus after her son James spent six days in hospital when he contracted streptococcal and staphylococcus bacteria infections.

The Northern Irish mum said she did not want other parents going through what their family had endured and urged them to be aware of how fast and dangerous the condition can be.

She says her son’s temperature soared, he was irritable and refused to eat or drink. Christine gave him paracetamol but when the child’s face swelled up and he could not bear to look at light she rushed him to hospital.

Chickenpox is caused by the varicellazoster virus which spreads quickly and

easily through coughs and sneezes.

The illness is usually seen in children under 10 and is in fact so common that 90% of adults are immune to the condition because they’ve had it before. Most children catch it at some point and the tell-tale signs of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters are often the source of much childhood debate and comparison.

Some children have only a few red, itchy spots, but others can be covered

entirely - driven to distraction with the torment. The spots are most likely to appear on the face, ears and scalp, under the arms, on the chest and belly and on the arms and legs. It is highly infectious from one to two days before the rash starts, until all the blisters have crusted over, usually within five or six days after the start of the rash.

For most children, chickenpox is a mild illness that gets better on its own.

A fever often accompanies the first few days of the illness and the symptoms can be eased with paracetamol, calamine lotion and cooling gels. In most cases, the blisters crust up and fall off naturally within one to two weeks. However, some children can become more seriously ill and need to see a doctor immediately if the blisters become infected, they suffer chest pain or have difficulty breathing.

Fish, fish and more fish We are often being told of the benefits of fish in our diets, with recommendations that we should all be eating at least two portions of the oily variety, such as salmon, every week.

But according to recent research, we are nearly all neglecting the health benefits that this readilyavailable and low-cost protein offers. According to Dr Rachael Gibbs of the University of Reading, both men and women are falling below the recommended intakes of omega 3 oils - easily obtainable through regular consumption of fish such as fresh or smoked salmon. This means, according to scientific study, that we are not reaping the benefits which can start as early as in the womb and take us through to old age.

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BACK TO SCHO CHALKBOARD DRAWERS As your child gets older and learns to read, they can add the contents of their drawers in a fun way.

Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for the full instructions.

CHALKBOARD ORGANISER Your personal chalkboard can be used to remind you of homework or things to take to school, keeping you organised.

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CHALKBOARD CALENDAR This chalkboard calendar is so much fun and easy to make.

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OOL CRAFTS FLOWER POT PENCIL POT Use this beautiful flower pot to keep all of your pencils in one place whilst adding a pretty touch to your room.

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FUNKY BOOK MARKS Never lose your place in your reading book with these funky bookmarks.

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DECORATED PENCILS Your creative writing is sure to improve with these creative pencils.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

TOP TIPS FOR SETTLING BACK INTO SCHOOL 1. MAKE a firm decision to stick to your new routine and timetable - this will help you get back into the swing of things more easily. Get up when your alarm goes off and get to wherever you need to be on time - whether it’s the school bus stop or your science lesson.

6. IF you walk or cycle home from school, remember to make sure you’re seen. Wear bright clothing or reflective stickers on your bag and jacket and always pay special attention if it’s dark. Try to walk with someone who lives near you so you’re not on your own.

2. YOUR first day back is a good chance to clean your desk and make sure you’ve got a healthy and hygienic new work station.You can always jazz it up with some fun stationery or pictures if you’re allowed.

7. ALWAYS prepare for the next school day. Put anything you need to take in your bag and lay out your clothes ready. Being prepared always helps to keep you feeling on top of things and much more relaxed.

3. TRY to make sure you take some healthy food to school. Pick snack foods that boost your health like fresh fruit and low-fat dairy products. Also try to drink water throughout the day as this will help to keep you active and your brain sharp.

8. GET as much sleep as you can! School can be tiring and if you’re getting up early and running around a lot of the day, you need to recharge. Make a set time to go to bed at night, this way you’re less likely to have problems sleeping. Then you’ll be raring to get back to school the next day!

4. THROW yourself into any sports or exercise you do. Really making an effort will help to make up for any lack of activity over the holidays and get you going again.

5. IF you get homework to do, don’t groan - just try and get it done as soon as possible. The longer you leave things, the worse they feel and the bigger the job seems. Do it straight away, and then you can relax and enjoy yourself.

9. REMEMBER these helpful phrases in replying to other kids who are bothering you: “I don’t like what you are doing”, “Please do NOT talk to me like that.”, “Why would you say that?”. Always remember to tell a trusted adult if you think you’re being bullied.

Open to all to join this Autumn

Millfield Minis, our fun toddler group for ages 1-2½, is now running every weekday, 10.00-11.30am

Millfield Minis Clubs are our sports clubs for ages 1- 8. This Autumn Term we are running Minis Cricket, Minis Football, Minis Golf, Minis Swimming and Minis Tennis.

All our clubs are held at Millfield Prep in Glastonbury and run by friendly and experienced staff and coaches.

For more information go to millfieldschool.com/millfieldminis or ring Hannah Cox on 01458 837524

18 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

BENEFITS OF EXTENDED LEARNING Foreign language classes, sports, arts and crafts, tutoring, dance and business skills workshops - how children’s clubs aim to extend children’s education. The learning day has changed: school’s are being encouraged to offer wrap around care and this means the school day can run from 8am-6pm and pupils are encouraged to start the day with a breakfast club and finish with an after-school club. This is great news for working parents - now you can top and tail the day with good quality childcare.

Another target of the extended schools programme is to help pupils improve attendance and punctuality by offering breakfast clubs. Many schools have been delighted with the success of the breakfast club. Schools offer a healthy breakfast and a ‘wake up and shake up’ mini-exercise circuit in the school hall with music and the children have a fantastic time. Attendance has improved, because the children want to go to the club and then they are on time to start school.

Clubs and classes for school-age children are not just before and after school, but can run at weekends and during holidays. These clubs can encourage children to take part in a new hobby, meet new friends and extend their social network; all great skills for developing and growing.

Club membership provides an opportunity to participate in new roles. The leadership roles that are available in clubs provide a valuable experience that is not generally available to young people.

Other roles, such as being a helper in a service club, a soloist in a music club, or an artist making scenery in a drama club, enable identity exploration.

Not only are after-school clubs fun, but they also help boost children’s self-esteem and self-confidence. We want happy, selfconfident children because they are motivated and can achieve more. By offering after-school activities our children get the chance to succeed in a different area, then they can take success and use it to overcome barriers in the subjects they find difficult.

Raising the self-esteem of children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is a central mission of the extended

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schools programme, as is keeping children safe and healthy.

Clubs keep the children busy and active and healthy after school.

The children are safe, they are engaged in learning and they are being supervised. The clubs also give peace of mind to parents while saving parents worrying about children going home to an empty house or having to make alternative arrangements.

Finally, relationships formed with adult leaders and with peers at the clubs are important. Adults and peers at these organisations can serve as models and as sources of social support, friendship, and caring. Several developmental theories point to the importance of adult mentoring for child and adolescent development. Mentoring relationships are important characteristics of clubs and youth programs. Adolescents who have an after-school relationship with a mentor are far less likely to use drugs or alcohol than adolescents who do not have such relationships. Peer relations might also benefit from participation in clubs. “Hanging out” unsupervised with peers contributes negatively to child and adolescent development. However, participation in supervised constructive activities provides adolescents with opportunities to gain social skills from positive interactions with peers.

Contrary to popular belief that the nation’s youngsters are couch potatoes obsessed with television and video games, millions of children are involved in five or more hobbies or interests.

Girls are the more expensive of the sexes, costing their parents an average of £472 a year. More than one in 10 girls have five hobbies or interests, with ballet the most expensive. Boys’ hobbies are slightly less likely to break the bank with a price tag of £418 a year.

Twelve per cent regularly participate in five activities, with football topping the bill. More than half go swimming, and just over a third see themselves as cycling champions. For girls, swimming is the most popular hobby, followed by singing and ballet.

The research, commissioned by Abbey National and involving 650 parents, found that one in four children regularly takes part in at least five hobbies. Swimming costs an average £92 a year, football £132 a year, cycling £69 a year, art £51 and singing £39.

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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 19 This list is simply a starting point, but it certainly gives you 10 reasons to investigate sports and other clubs in your area for your children...

1. Getting Out Many children spend a lot of time in front of the TV or playing computer games. Clubs can give children an opportunity to explore more varied and healthier activities.

2. Keeping Them Out of Trouble Studies show that after-school, the twilight hours are more risky to children than night-time hours. Participating in an after-school club reduces the risk of children becoming involved in things that parents would prefer them to avoid.

3. Meeting People and Making Friends Joining a club gives children a comfortable and appropriate place to meet others with similar interests. This environment can form the basis for lifelong friendships.

4. Learning New Skills Children who participate in a variety of activities are introduced to new skills and are given a chance to develop them. As children realise they “can do” these things then their self-confidence grows.

5. Learn Teamworking Many activities require children to work together towards achieving a common goal. Whether they are trying to win a game or complete a community service project, children learn to work as a team.

6. Developing Independence By participating in clubs, young children learn to exist and thrive ‘outside of their family’. Older children learn skills and values that will carry them through to their adult lives.

7. Leadership and Responsibility Children have the opportunity to make their own decisions – they learn to lead, follow and carry their portion of responsibility.

8. Improving Selection Prospects In addition to solid academies, employers and further education establishments like to see well-rounded applicants. Club participation demonstrated over a period of time will help to enhance any application.

9. Plain Old Fashioned Fun Playing a game, camping, singing - whatever the focus, children participate because they enjoy the activities, and sometimes fun is as good a reason as any other to join a club.

EXPLORIUM YOUNG WRITERS PUBLISHED Explorium is heading into its second year with fantastic supplementary learning opportunities lined up for children age 6 to 12 years old. One of the highlights of their first year is having two young writers from their Writers’ Lounge become published authors, with one also a finalist in the Wicked Young Writers Awards. Although Seb, age 8, did not walk away with the winning prize at the awards ceremony in London, it was an incredible achievement for him to be in the final. Explorium’s Writers’ Lounge takes place between 3.30pm and 5pm on Tuesdays in their Creative Learning Centre in Compton Dundon and comes highly recommended: “Explorium has such a fresh and optimistic approach to learning. My daughter has learned so much, especially making progress in creative writing and in learning how to explore and express her ideas clearly.” Sue Kolind, parent of Explorium member.

Other after school opportunities at Explorium include learning how to make animations, creating video games and short films, and experimenting with special effects on their green screen. Explorium has also upsized their Makery to facilitate more hands-on art and design and is offering children the chance to work towards Arts Award certificates, awarded by Trinity College, London. Phone 01458 274050 for more information or to book in for a free Learning Consultation with your child.

20 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

WHAT’S ON

SEPTEMBER 5 - 7 SEPTEMBER

MEARE FUN HARVEST FESTIVAL Come and join our Harvest Fun from Friday 5th September starting with our race night (tickets in advance.) Saturday a fun packed day starting with shows and activities and ending with dancing. Sunday there is a Harvest Thanksgiving Service, Harvest Lunch (ticket only in advance), other refreshments available. 5 aside football and Car Boot Sale from 12 noon until 4pm.

For further details see www.meareandweathay.co.uk Telephone: 01458 860173.

10-14 SEPTEMBER

MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS An awe inspiring new show from the ‘Worlds, most famous circus’.

A place where dreams become reality. From £7, Wednesday 5pm & 7:45pm Thursday 5pm & 7:45pm Friday 5pm & 7:45pm Saturday 3pm & 6pm Sunday 2pm & 5pm Vivary Park, Taunton.

Telephone: 0203 375 3970.

12 SEPTEMBER

NIGHT AT THE ABBEY Glastonbury Abbey’s annual spectacle of lights, music and entertainment among the ruins. This event plays host to the top picks of local musicians and entertainers. Bring a torch, camera and your family and friends to join us for this brilliant event.

14 SEPTEMBER

MEDIEVAL FALCONRY DAY 11am - 4pm. A day of medieval living history with a difference.

Marvel as the hawks, owls and falcons show off their talents in the flying displays and talk to the experts who look after these magnificent birds. The Bishops Palace, Wells. www.bishopspalace.org.uk

14 SEPTEMBER

CRAFT FAIR A fantastic craft fair full of handmade crafts from Somerset.

Draycott Memorial Hall, Draycott.

18 SEPTEMBER

DUNSTER SCHOOL OPEN DAY/EVENING Morning 9.30am - 11.30am, evening 6.30pm with a short presentation. Telephone: 01458 832943 or email: sch.533@educ.somerset.gov.uk for more details.

20 SEPTEMBER

PEPPA PIG AND GEORGE VISIT THE WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY. Come and see Peppa Pig & George on Saturday 20th September at Minehead Railway Station, where they will be making personal appearances at intervals between 10am and 4pm.

27-28 SEPTEMBER

HEROES AND VILLAINS OF OLDE ENGLAND 11am - 4pm, The Bishops Palace, Wells.

Join the Yarnsmith of Somerset to hear tales of days gone by; when Wells was a magical place; where heroes like Robin Hood, King Arthur and fearless Saints inspired the town folk.Yet every hero must have an enemy, be it bad King John or even the Devil himself, and all will make an appearance in the Yarnsmith’s storytelling tent.

27 SEPTEMBER

MARSHES FAMILY WILDLIFE GROUP 2 – 5pm, The Avalon Marshes Centre, Westhay, BA6 9TT. Forest School for all the Family. Camp-fires, using handtools & nature exploration.

27 SEPTEMBER

ONE DIRECTION ‘WHERE WE ARE’ The Strode Theatre This is the ultimate musical cinematic experience for all 1D fans, a one-off opportunity to see the ‘Where We Are’ concert from their epic 2014 stadium tour on the big screen. Watch their performance in glorious high definition, get closer than ever before, and take part in a truly global 1D movie weekend! PLEASE NOTE: Under-11s should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

OCTOBER THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY (PG) - Starts Friday 5th September MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT (12A) - Starts Wednesday 1st October KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE (Cert.TBC) - Starts Friday 17th October MR. TURNER (12A) - Starts Friday 31st October THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 (Cert.TBC) - Starts Thursday 20th November PADDINGTON (Cert.TBC) - Starts Friday 28th November

4 OCTOBER

MILLFIELD PRE PREP OPEN MORNING 10.00am - Registration and coffee in the Assembly Hall with staff and pupils, 10.30am - Welcome Talk, 11.00am - Guided tour of the school including a visit to our Boarding Houses with staff and pupils, 12pm - Buffet lunch in the Assembly Hall, 1.30pm Optional informal tour of Millfield Senior School. Book online at millfieldschool.com/admissions/prep-overview/open-days

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 21

HOMEWORK TIPS Helping your child with reading

Reading with your child is vital. Research shows that it’s the single most important thing you can do to help your child’s education.

It’s best to read little and often, so try to put aside some time for it every day.

Think of ways to make reading fun - you want your child to learn how pleasurable books can be. If you’re both enjoying talking about the content of a particular page, linger over it for as long as you like.

Books aren’t just about reading the words on the page, they can also present new ideas and topics for you and your child to discuss.

Tips for helping your child to enjoy books: Encourage your child to pretend to ‘read’ a book before he or she can read words.

Visit the library as often as possible - take out CDs and DVDs as well as books.

Schedule a regular time for reading - perhaps when you get home from school or just before bed.

Look for books on topics that you know your child is interested in - maybe dragons, insects, cookery or a certain sport.

Make sure that children’s books are easily accessible in different rooms around your house.

Helping your child with maths

As with reading, try to make maths as much fun as possible - games, puzzles and jigsaws are a great way to start. It’s also important to show how we use maths skills in our everyday lives and to involve your child in this.

Identifying problems and solving them can also help your child develop maths skills. If you see him or her puzzling over something, talk about the problem and try to work out the solution together.

Don’t shy away from maths if you didn’t like it at school. Try to find new ways to enjoy the subject with your child.

Tips for helping your child to enjoy maths: Point out the different shapes to be found around your home.

Take your child shopping and talk about the quantities of anything you buy.

Let your child handle money and work out how much things cost.

Look together for numbers on street signs and car registration plates.

WELLS FOOD FESTIVAL Sunday 12th October 2014

10:30a

m 4:3t0opm FRETERY EN SUNDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2014 IN THE CENTRE OF WELLS

Even Bigger TEA PARTY

CREAM OF SOMERSET

Artisan Market FEAST’S Great

Autumn Italian Banquet

Sunday Lunch

LOTS OF KIDS ACTIVITIES GO ON LINE

HEDGEROW JAMS

TALKS AND WALKS

Forgotten

Vintage Stalls

STREET FOOD

www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk

Join us at Wells Food Festival on Sunday 12 October for a free, fun-filled, foodie day out. Fifty of the county’s best food producers will set up stall in the artisan markets, where you can sample and celebrate Somerset’s fabulous local produce. Then stroll down to the Recreation Ground to see the Somerset Wildlife Trust’s meadow, have a go at the mini ploughing competition or play skittles.

For kids, there will be cupcake-decorating workshops hosted

by Pickwick’s Café. Pre-booking is essential so call Pickwick’s on 01749 676697 to book your place. And in the children’s tent, lots of opportunities to taste and get messy with foodrelated crafts, demos and a Sunday lunch treasure trail.

You might want to enter the jam, tea cosy or cake-baking competitions. Or have a sweet treat at the Cream of Somerset Vintage Tea Party in the Town Hall, with special guest Pearl Lowe, who will give a prize for best stall in the Vintage Market.

For adults, there’s a Foodie Pub Quiz in the Fountain Inn or a choice of two superb ticketed lunches: Forbidden Feast’s Autumn Banquet in the Bishop’s Barn, where Tom Hunt’s team will serve up an unforgettable celebration of taste that champions the use of wild and wasted foods, including a pig grown on food waste cooked nose to tail for the banquet.

And in the Bishop’s Palace,Valentina Harris and students from Perugia’s Universita dei Sapori will transform Somerset ingredients into a Great Italian Sunday Lunch.

For tickets for both lunches, details of the competitions and more information on all the activities visit www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk

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22 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

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Your achievements in pictures

Archie Howell aged 9 was awarded 3rd place in his first ever gymnastics competition, well done Archie.

Jack Phillips aged 7 has achieved Gold & Silver medals at The Tae kwon-Do PUMA English Championships. A fantastic achievement Jack, well done.

Well done to pupils from Midsomer Norton Primary School & St Johns Primary School (Midsomer Norton FC U7’s) who successfully took part in the Trowbridge Town football tournament.

Sam Hawkins aged 10 with his grade 6+7 on the trampoline, well done Sam.

Samantha Lewis aged 7 has been awarded the gold award for mathletics, well done Samantha.

Ella Bolton age 7 has got her level 3 in gymnastics from Writhlington sports centre.Well done Ella.

Kisho aged 7 has played in a football league as goalkeeper and was awarded with his gold medal for his hard work and super effort. Well done Kisho.

Kamil from Jamie Woodland Black Belt Academy has recently been awarded two medals at the TKD Welsh Championships, great work Kamil.

Summer Spencer aged 4 has passed her grade 1 in swimming, well done Summer.

Hey Magazine

Millie Vranch age 8 has received a distinction in her regional Grade 14 gymnastics, a superb achievement Millie, well done.

Oliver Phillips aged 4 has achieved Silver & Bronze medals at The Tae kwon-Do PUMA English Championships.

Fantastic, well done Oliver.

Mario Henson plays in the Trowbridge town under 7’s team and was awarded a trophy for all his hard work this season.Well done Mario.

Noah Andrews was awarded the man of the match trophy at his very first football training session at Oakhill School, well done Noah.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 23

PARTY TIME LET’S PARTY!

One of the joys of having children is being able to create magic and fantasy for them, and seeing the sheer delight on their faces at the sight of something special.

Birthday Parties are a great chance to bring some of that magic to a child, or to a group of kids, and although it can be hard work the results and memories for the child make it more than worthwhile.

The range of choice for Birthday Parties these days is staggering, and like everything else, it is hard to please all the people all the time - even the little people! However, it is worth remembering that it is the kids you want to impress, not their parents!

To get organised, write yourself a Party Plan. Simplify the Plan by choosing the elements you want to concentrate on, broken down into VITAL and OPTIONAL. To get you started on choosing what to do, make lots of calls and get lots of quotes, catalogues and advice to help you with ideas and how to manage your budget.

Once you have decided on the options, send the invitations out

Book a real scientist for your child’s party!

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

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

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

two or three weeks before the party date, with an RSVP, so you can work out numbers. Party venues may provide these when you book, or you can buy themed cards to match your party. Don’t forget the Thank You cards for afterwards!

Having a special birthday cake made to order is a treat for the kids, and time-saving for you! Going to town on table decorations adds to the atmosphere, and there is lots of choice around to match your chosen theme. Outside catering can take a lot of the strain from you, and is not necessarily costly.

Whatever your budget, don’t lose sight of the reason for the party - enjoyment all round. Ask the little Birthday Person what sort of party they would like (within reason!) and who they want to invite - get some advice from teachers and playgroup leaders if you don’t know all your child’s friends.

Spend your money and your time wisely. If money is tight, make the things you can yourself and only spend on the things you can’t.

Even if you have a reasonable budget you don’t need to go overboard - it is better to do a few things very well than try and do too much and end up in a muddle!

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

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

Tel: 07792070010

01225 751741

E: jtsfancydress@yahoo.co.uk

Hand crafted cakes, purrrrfect for any occasion!

Contact Sarah-Jane: 07801511274

www.minkykittencakes.co.uk

Let us entertain your child and their friends with lightning, slime making and much more! prices Packages include: ‘Chemical Reactions’ from only £80!

‘Amazing Electrics’ ‘The Science of Sweets’

www.fun-science.co.uk

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