HEY! Mid Somerset edition

FREE • MID SOMERSET EDITION • ISSUE 35 • APRIL 2015

INSIDE What’s On this Easter Suzie’s Diary The Beauty of Boredom WOW Photos

HEYMAG.CO.UK

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WELCOME Director Tina Veater 07834 542955 | tina@ignyte-uk.co.uk Editorial Team Tina Veater info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Advertising Team Zoe Jenkins Theresa Saadeh 01761 410141 | info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Graphic Designer Pamela Evans Published by Ignyte Limited Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset Business Address: Ignyte Ltd, Second Floor, 2 High Street, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, BA3 2LE 01761 410141 info@ignyte-uk.co.uk While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in the publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

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

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

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

The next edition is in May & is filling fast.

The sun certainly seems to be gracing us with its presence now and we can start to look forward to Spring. It is always wonderful to see the trees begin to turn green again and the spring flowers make an appearance. Enjoy some family time in the garden or take a trip to the park, the fresh air always makes us feel so much brighter.

Easter is just around the corner and this edition of HEY! Magazine brings you some great ideas of things to do and places to visit during the extended school holiday.

Don’t miss our competition page and take some time to enter each one, you never know, you could be the lucky one this term. You can enter the competition on our website at www. heymag.co.uk or through our smartphone app, simply download the HEY! App onto your phone and enjoy all of the great things the app has to offer.

Follow Suzies story in her diary where she recalls the beginning of her cake baking business and the daily juggle and stresses of a family life with 3 active children.

Our craft pages showcase some wonderful ideas for Easter crafts and gifts for families and loved ones. Many of our schools also have Easter craft projects, maybe you could use one of these ideas for your entry this year?

The nights are getting lighter and we can look forward to more time spent outside and with the onset of the BBQ season, family laughs will, I’m sure, be heard across our region.

Enjoy your Easter holidays, why not arrange to get together with friends and visit one of the fabulous days out mentioned in this magazine….. but most of all, have lots of fun.

Tina Hey Magazine

@hey_tweeter

www.heymag.co.uk

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THE BEAUTY OF BOREDOM H

ow having nothing to do could be good for your child.

For many families, 3pm doesn’t just mean the end of school. It means the start of a journey to a club or other after school activity. Similarly, the weekend isn’t necessarily for kicking back and relaxing, the regime of extracurricular commitments may well continue whether its football, ballet or gym.

More and more child development experts are asking the question, when does the amount of stimulation that a child receives become too much? Should children be allowed to have more downtime in their week; is it actually good to be bored sometimes?

A number of high profile commentators and experts in child education have certainly made a case for the goodness of boredom.

“Right to be bored to give them the stimulus to be inventive, resourceful and self-reliant” According to Dr Mary Bousted, the general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, children have no less than a ‘right to be bored to give them the stimulus to be inventive, resourceful and self-reliant’.

Dr Teresa Belton, a senior researcher at the University of East Anglia’s School of Education and Lifelong Learning, has recently argued that getting bored actually aids children’s creative development following a study that looked at the role of boredom in the formative experience of artists.

Belton’s work suggested that boredom gave individuals a chance to reflect and develop an ‘internal stimulus’ like noticing what

was going on around them in terms of others’ behaviour, the changing seasons, colours and sounds, and interpreting their experience of the world.

It is an ability for children to find interest and meaning in the world - under their own steam – that many experts say underpins the importance of boredom. When a child is free from stimulation, their mind begins to wander and daydreaming begins. Boredom teaches a child that they are able to create their own entertainment, and that they are fully-capable of creating enjoyable ways in which to stay busy.

Being bored can be an uncomfortable feeling, but through experiencing boredom and letting it in, children are then propelled by the need to be productive. The result is often imaginative play, hands-on learning, critical thinking, problem, and/or creative expression.

Of course, with smart phones, tablets and laptops at the ready, many children would rather ‘plug in’ than feel bored. But this would be to side step the value of boredom.

Unstructured free play and adequate time to think provides children with opportunities to act out their fears and sort through their emotions.

Consider the value of unstructured outdoor play too. Although children may complain (beforehand) about outdoor trips like

going for walks as ‘boring’. They will be instinctively pulled into the rich sensory environment in which they find themselves, which is actually the opposite of boring.

Here, no toys or equipment are needed in order to have a good time. If not overly inhibited by adults’ warnings of danger or dirt, children will start to explore. In short, nature stimulates the imagination.

In fact, the ‘loose parts theory’ of play devised by leading architect Ben Nicholson, suggests that the degree of inventiveness and discovery made possible by any environment is directly proportional to the number of its elements which can be combined in different ways.

And nature is full of loose parts: sticks and stones, moss and leaves, puddles and streams, mud and sand, slopes and caves. Given the opportunity, children are programmed to engage with them.

So what of the argument for having structured play, clubs and other activities?

Well, too much free time can get boring to the point of being frustrating. And after school clubs, sports and other activities can offer a valuable opportunity for children to explore and develop their talents, as well as the chance to meet new people.

As with so many things, it’s all about balance. So whatever your weekly schedule, bear in mind the wise words of Maurice Sendak, author of the ‘Where the Wild Things Are’, who wrote, ‘Everybody should be quiet near a little stream and listen.’ At least once in a while anyway.

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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 7

ANIMAL MAGIC

THE BENEFITS OF HAVING THE RIGHT PET FOR YOUR HOME

A

fter saying ‘no’ to my kids’ many pleas for a pet, I finally relented when a friend put a fluff ball of a kitten (in need of a good home) into my arms. She mewed and her fate was sealed – she was coming back to ours.

This was a classic situation where the heart suddenly gets to be in charge of the head, but six months on and the whole family is enjoying our fluffy addition. And perhaps that’s not surprising; study after study suggests that owning a pet has a range of benefits for children – and the rest of us.

If you make the right choice (more on this in a bit).

Firstly, there are obvious health benefits to owning certain types of companion pets.

Dogs need to be walked, and cats (some of them anyway) like to play. There are even official ‘petsercise’ programmes you can join, for example the Pet Health Council runs a fitness course that encourages people and their pets to get fit and healthy together.

Pets can also encourage children to spend more time in the ‘real’, rather than the ‘virtual’ world, if you feel this has become an issue in your household.

A Finnish research report, published in 2012, has also shown that pets have an important role to play in building up a child’s immune system. Children who live with a cat or dog in their first years of life have a lower incidence of hay fever and asthma and are less likely to develop animal-related allergies.

So there are lots of scientific reasons to take on a pet. But perhaps the most compelling case is simply the emotional connection that a child can develop for an animal. A dog, cat or hamster will not judge them, will not ‘break friends’ with them, and will not tell tales. An animal’s presence is quite simply a source of comfort.

Other studies also show that the immune systems of children (particularly those between the ages of five and eight) of petowning families are more stable than those of children from non-pet owning families – suggesting that pet-owning children are better able to fend off illness.

Interacting with pets can also help to release endorphins (feel good chemicals) into the brain. In fact, a number of hospitals now include a pet therapy programme; the aim is to make young patients feel relaxed and comfortable by having animals around in a medical environment. Positive interaction with pet animals has also been proven to speed up the patient recovery process, and generally reduce stress and promote overall wellbeing. It’s for this reason that retirement homes for the elderly often arrange animal visit through the charity Pets As Therapy.

But before you dash to the nearest pet shop there are a host of practical considerations to take on board. Consider issues such as the space you have available for an animal; the cost of its food and vet bills; a pet sitter (or equivalent) for when you go on holiday; and the temperament of the kind of animal that would work best in your household.

So a rabbit is relatively low cost but not all rabbits like to be handled, a Labrador is a great companion but arguably needs access to a garden… A terrapin turtle needs heat lamps, doesn’t like to be handled and has a life span of 10-20 years!

Ultimately, for a busy parent or carer, a pet can at times just feel like another mouth to feed and look after. But once you have found an animal that can fit in with your lifestyle, the payback can be immense. Enjoy!

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What’s On March 21

April 4 - 5

Westcountry Game Fair with The Mangledwurzels Two days of countryside demonstrations and entertainment in the indoor and outdoor arenas, shopping opportunities including country clothing, rifles, gun accessories, gundog equipment, feed, stalking equipment and much more. www.westcountrygamefair.co.uk/tickets The Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet.

Glastonbury Medieval Fayre There will displays of jousting, archery tournaments, one to one combat trials, majestic Birds of Prey. With by far too much to see and do the whole family will find a never-ending supply of Artisans touting their wares or demonstrating daily life in the middle ages. info@glastonburymedievalfayre.co.uk

March 22 Forest Discovery Day @ Great Wood Spend the day in the fresh air at Great Wood. Follow the self-led Explore and Discover your Forest trail and learn about types of woodland, trees, timber production and wildlife. This is one of the activities in a fun-packed day of learning to celebrate the annual World Forestry Day on 21 March. Please see the website for further information. Great Wood near Over Stowey, Bridgwater. www.forestry.gov.uk/discoveryday

April 1 Minibugs @ Bishops Palace Our family activity this week will focus on Minibeasts that you might find in our gardens! Take part in craft activities such as grass caterpillars to grow and bug hotels for the garden at home, there will also be a rock bug painting activity, particularly good for little ones. Included with admission. 11am-3pm.

April 3 - 6 Badger Bonanza Secret World is the largest badger cub rearing unit in the country.

Come along and learn more about badgers on this specially themed Easter Weekend, which also offers the chance to see very young badger cubs. Secret World Wildlife Rescue.

April 3 - 6 Archery and pistol shooting @ Dunster Castle Try your aim with archery and pistol shooting. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

April 4 Peppa Pig & Daddy Pig Visit @ West Somerset Railway They will be making personal appearances at intervals between 10am and 4pm.

April 7 Knight School @ Dunster Castle Learn about what it was like to be a knight. Create your own shield and try jousting on our wooden hobby horses. Suitable for ages 5 to 8. Pre-booking essential. Guardians must supervise their child during Knight School. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

April 7 - 8 Beauty and The Beast Easter Pantomine A fantastic Easter treat for all the family starring comedy legend Bobby Davro as Silly Billy and Dani Harmer as Beauty.

Tues: 3pm & 7pm, Wed: 1pm & 4.30pm www.octagon-theatre.co.uk.

April 8 Family Activity: Springtime @ The Bishops Palace We’ll be thinking about the changes that take place in Spring and how the changing seasons affect the living things in the garden.

Craft activities will include making daffodil bunting, wooden peg butterflies and caterpillars, and herb and lavender bags. Included with admission. 11am-3pm.

April 9 Woodland Activity Day with 1610 @ Dunster Castle Drop your little ones of for a day of outdoor fun with 1610.

Activities will include camouflage and concealment, capture the castle, orienteering, den building, team challenges and much more. Aged +7 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

May 1 - 2 Wells May Charter Fair Wells Market Place

gg Hu E r e nts t s a March 28 - April 6

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Cadbury Easter Egg Trail @ Dunster Castle Complete our Easter themed trail and collect your chocolatey prize. Explore our gardens and complete the trail to collect your Cadburys Easter egg prize. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

March 28 - April 6

Easter Egg Trail @ Glastonbury Abbey Join us for an egg-citing trail around the abbey and its grounds.

Normal admission applies.

March 28 - April 12

Easter @ Hestercombe Discover the blooming gardens as you follow our Easter trail and collect a yummy chocolate treat at the end. Have a peek inside the Witch House, watch the ducks on the Pear Pond and look at the intricate patterns in the Formal Gardens.

April 2 - 6

1000 Easter Egg Hunt @ Haynes Motor Museum The Museum will be filled with baby animals and delights for children - young and old to discover. This year features a new springtime baby animal trail, grab a trail sheet and see if you can find all the creatures around the museum to earn a chocolatey prize, we have 1000 Easter treats to give away.

April 3

Easter Egg Race @ Mini-Marshes Next to the new RSPB Ham Wall car park. £3 per person - adults can take part too!

Ham Wall, Glastonbury.

April 3 - 6

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail @ Lytes Cary Manor 11am – 4pm

April 4

Noah’s Chocolate Trail @ Noahs Ark Zoo Farm Hunt through the Easter trail and discover a chocolaty and sweet surprise!

Adults and children can take part in the novelty games and get creative making some fun Easter crafts. Plus look out for the new born Easter chicks, bunnies and lambs!

April 4 - 6

Easter Weekend @ The Walled Gardens of Cannington, 10am – 4pm Fun for all the family, see the Gardens full of the colours of spring, with activities for the children, and maybe a chocolate egg or two!

Normal entry fees apply, adult £3.95 and children (under 16) free!

10 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

THE NATURAL REMEDY W

hen you feel the onset of a cold are you more likely to reach for the paracetamol or the Echinacea? If it’s the latter then you’re not alone, as more of us are turning to natural remedies over traditional ones, according to a recent study.

Once thought of as old wives tales or airyfairy, alternative remedies from natural sources are now used by 61 per cent of adults, says a report by honey producer Rowse.

Natural remedies such as honey and lemon are used by 72 per cent of us, while 48 per cent of us use Echinacea for the relief of colds. A third of us would look to herbal remedies such as St John’s Wort for the relief of mild depression, says the report.

An increasing disillusionment with traditional medicine is behind this trend for natural remedies, according to the report.

As a result, traditional medicines such as paracetamol, anti-depressants and flu remedies are being shunned in favour of alternative treatments. In fact, half of UK adults admitted they were more likely to use

natural-based remedies today than five to 10 years ago. However it’s not just herbs we reach for when we’re not feeling well. Foods are also helping us to battle conditions such as colds and high cholesterol. You might use aromatic root vegetable garlic in a recipe, but 58 per cent of us have used it to boost our immune function and lower our blood pressure. It’s not only garlic and honey that people have been raiding the larder for protein-rich almonds are not only a delicious snack but are used by 43 per cent of us to help reduce cholesterol. Similarly a refreshing glass of pomegranate juice is the remedy chosen by 48 per cent of people to help keep their hearts healthy.

Foods and herbs are not just good at easing colds and flu. They can help in other areas of life too, such as weight loss. In particular, green tea, which acts as a natural antioxidant that helps free your body of free radicals, can also help to stimulate your metabolism. It’s hardly surprising that 45 per cent of people use it when trying to shed those unwanted pounds.

Classes for children aged 18 months to 6/7 years Interactive story telling & yoga make this a fun way for young children to access all 3 prime areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, including physical development Yoga aims to relieve tension from body & mind, creating the calm alert state that is optimal for learning – supports staff in creating an ideal teaching environment Supports children’s learning, development & wellbeing FREE TASTER sessions available for schools, preschools & nurseries/other organisations; see for yourself how your children & staff could benefit from regular Adventures in Yoga

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People are also turning to natural remedies when they feel a bit sluggish, as 42 per cent of us reach for some ginseng to improve our energy levels or as a general tonic.

Stuart Bailey, Rowse chairman, says: “The research clearly shows that people are seeking alternative and natural ways to treat their ailments because they realise they can deliver real benefits. Rowse commissioned the report because we’ve seen an increase in the number of people contacting us regarding the health benefits of honey.”

Other findings from the Rowse survey include the fact that just over a third of UK adults would most likely follow their mum’s advice when it came to switching to natural remedies. In contrast, 42 per cent of women opted to consult their friends over switching to alternative medicines - but only 29 per cent of men did.

However, there is still a place for conventional medicine, as 60 per cent of adults would still seek expert advice from their doctor or a health expert.

n reading e e b e v a h ld u You co tead of this! s in t r e v d a r you le as £22.50 tt li s a r fo e s ti Adver 141 or email 0 1 4 1 6 7 1 0 ll Ca k.co.uk info@ignyte-u

Suzie’s diary Dear Diary!

Spring in the air and there’s a sense of new beginnings. I love this time of year – it makes me pull my finger out and get things done…

Finally, after months of procrastinating, I’ve launched a website for my cake baking business and the effect has been almost too positive. Now that people can see what I do, the orders have come piling in and I’m struggling to keep on top of things. I’m going to have to start turning away business if I’m to keep my sanity. My business is supposed to work around the family and not the other way round. But I don’t mean to sound ungrateful for the custom, I just wish I could control the flow of interest!

As for the kids. Scarlett has now confirmed that she is now definitely a vegetarian. That means extra work too. I want to respect her decision but at the same time it means cooking her a different version of any meat (or fish) dish we have.

Still, it’s become such an important thing to her that I’ve decided the best option is for us all to eat less meat.

Chickpeas for tea tonight (I can almost hear my other kids groan!).

Archie is actually causing me more of a headache. He just doesn’t seem interested in reading or writing. He won’t knuckle down to homework and I know that his literacy isn’t where it should be. But then again, he is only seven. I was hardly studious at that age, and maybe it’s because the school’s spelling tests are a bit, well, abstract. Maybe if they were all connected to football or bmx-ing, I hope he’d find them more meaningful and just possibly remember them.

I’ve decided to try and not stress too much about it. He’s happy and healthy, that’ll do for now.

Dropping Poppy off at nursery has got a bit better, which is just as well. I really need the time for my business. She’s got really attached to her ‘key worker’ – it’s wonderful to see.

And with the days getting longer, I’m getting out to do a bit of running as soon as hubby gets home. I’ve even managed 3 miles without getting a stitch – an achievement for me!

I’ve got six months before my first running event (a 10km) since I was a teenager.

Running time is me time, I love it.

Suzie xx

Craft Corner

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

Cress Egg Heads

Easter Basket Cupcakes

Easter Balloon Basket

Easter Egg Tree

Easter Bunny Mask

Easter Bonnett

Easter Door Decoration

Easter Table Runner

Paper Plate Bag

Easter Chicks

BOOK BONDING

THE ONGOING VALUE OF READING ALOUD TO YOUR CHILD W

orld Book Day on 5 March saw the joy of reading celebrated up and down the country, and beyond! It was a wonderful occasion to mark, but, of course, a good book can be enjoyed any, and every, day of the week, and reading aloud to your child can bring special rewards whatever their age.

That’s because when we talk to children about the pictures, scenes or characters in books, we’re giving them the time and the opportunity to ask questions about what they see, and make connections with the world around them.

Sharing books with younger children is not necessarily about ‘teaching them to read’, really it’s about helping children to make sense of the things taking place in the story and, possibly, how these things might relate to the ‘real’ world. A good story feeds a child’s imagination (and interests), and talking about a book encourages them to ask questions.

Older children benefit too from hearing stories read out loud. They also enjoy the time and undivided attention it means you are giving them - along with the chance to discuss and explore aspects of the story with you. Reading aloud is truly a shared experience.

Stories not only help children learn about the world and themselves, but also learn about language and how books work. Through hearing stories, children are exposed to a rich and wide vocabulary. This in turn helps them build their own vocabulary and improve their understanding of diction, and tone, as they listen. This comprehension is vital as they

start to read independently and develop their own reading skills. Even if children don’t understand every word, they’ll hear new sounds, words and phrases which they can then try out for themselves.

It’s important for children to understand how stories work as well, for example, the use of chapters to organise a story and the role played by a narrator. Older children will soon begin to understand the difference between fact, fiction and myth; there’s no reason to stick to reading aloud just fiction, a great book about the Vikings will be just as fascinating as a piece of creative writing!

In short, sharing a book with your child – at any age - helps opens their eyes and minds to different people and situations and stretches their horizons. Numerous research studies have proved that children who enjoy reading do better at school in all subjects, and lifelong readers tend to have richer, more empathetic, lives.

Yes, reading together increases literacy skills but it does so much more - it helps to build a strong and loving relationship with your child.

For ideas about how, and what, to read to your child, visit www.booktrust.org.uk.

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WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEAQUARIUM!

4 family tickets to be won The 2015 Royal Bath & West Show takes place from Wednesday 27 May until Saturday 30 May at the Bath & West Showground. From the country’s finest livestock, over 600 trade stands, the British Cheese Awards to the UK’s biggest cider competition, there really is something for everyone - family or food lover.

What town is The Royal Bath and West Showground in?

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

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

What type of fish was Nemo and his dad in the film Finding Nemo?

WIN A SWEET BEES KEEPSAKE PICTURE! Generic or personalised This Sweet Bees framed picture can take pride of place on the party table, brighten up a bedroom or on the wall of a playroom from Feather Grey Parties. They offer simply stylish party supplies, decorations and gifts. Everything you need to throw a super stylish party for all. www.feathergreyparties.co.uk

Name 3 other items you can buy in the Bumble Bee range from Feather Grey Parties

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WIN A FAMILY PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE WORTH £185 WITH BARRETT AND COE An hour in the hour in the studio and a framed 10” portrait. Barrett & Coe Bath is owned by Marisa Taylor. The studio was established in June 2009 and caters for baby, portrait and wedding photography.

Can you name three different types of photography offered by Barrett & Coe?

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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.

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Closing date for entries: 13th April 2015

COMING SOON TO A CHILD NEAR YOU...

ALLERGY A

llergy Awareness Week, which this year takes place on 20th26th April, has never had a more urgent mission. Each year, the number of allergy sufferers increases with as many as half of all those affected being children.

In fact, according to the charity Allergy UK, the latest surveys show that the rates of allergy are increasing throughout the world, affecting up to 30-35% of people at some stage in their lives.

This increase was initially seen in countries such as the UK, Europe and USA, but can now be found in all countries undergoing industrial development. In the UK, it is estimated that up to 21 million adults have one or more allergies.

The pattern of allergy is also changing. Initially, the increase was in asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). However, recent studies have confirmed a significant increase in the incidence of food allergies, particularly amongst children.

With allergy such a widespread problem, it is important to understand more about the condition, and how it differs from a food intolerance.

An allergy is the response of the body’s immune system to normally harmless substances, such as pollens, foods, and the house dust mite. Whilst in most people these substances (allergens) pose no problem, in allergic individuals their immune system identifies them as a ‘threat’ and produces an inappropriate response.

When a person who is allergic to a particular allergen comes into contact with it, an allergic reaction occurs. This begins when the allergen (for example, pollen) enters the body, triggering an antibody response. When the allergen comes into contact with the antibodies, these cells respond by releasing certain substances, one of which is called histamine. These substances cause swelling, inflammation and itching of the surrounding tissues, which is extremely irritating and uncomfortable.

Anaphylaxis is an extreme and severe allergic reaction. The whole body is affected, often within minutes of exposure to the substance which causes the allergic reaction (allergen) but sometimes this reaction happens after several hours or more.

Physical reactions to certain foods are common, but most are caused by a food intolerance rather than a food allergy. A food intolerance can cause some of the same signs and symptoms as a food allergy, so people often confuse the two.

A true food allergy causes an immune system reaction that affects numerous organs in the body. It can cause a range of symptoms. In contrast, food intolerance symptoms are generally less serious and often limited to digestive problems.

“An estimated 21 million adults have one or more allergies.”

The complicating factor about allergies is that symptoms (including anaphylaxis) can either be immediate, or delayed. This, of course, makes a diagnosis more tricky.

So what do you do if you suspect an allergy in your child?

Immediate allergies to food are usually quite easy to spot because of how quickly they happen after the food is eaten. If you think that your child has had an immediate reaction, it is best to avoid the food until you have seen a doctor. If you suspect that something in your child’s diet is causing more delayed symptoms such as eczema or reflux then it can be helpful to keep a food diary to see if the relationship between having the food in the diet and the symptoms is consistent. If it is, then the diary will be helpful to the doctor.

With ‘immediate’ type allergies, testing can be done by a blood test or by a ‘skin prick’ test, where food extracts are placed on the skin of the arm and gently pricked. This can help confirm if the allergy is present. Unfortunately, with delayed allergies, things are less straightforward as there are not any reliable straightforward tests. However, careful exclusion diets, where the suspected food is completely taken out of the diet may be recommended with the assistance of an experienced dietician.

The key thing is seek professional medical help, and be prepared for the possibility that an exact diagnosis could take time.

FAMILY FUN THIS EASTER M

SHOW INFORMATION

ake the most of the Easter break by spending some quality time with the whole family, it’s the perfect time to try something new or something you wouldn’t normally have time for.

44

Here are some ideas for great family days out that break the mould.

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AGRICULTURE Consider this quality time squared: you get to spend theENTERTAINMENT day with your children, they learn about the joy of helping others, and you all makeFOOD the& world DRINK a better place.

When choosing an activity, take a cue from the things that your children love. If 27-30 MAY 2015 they’re keen on dogs, they’ll enjoy helping at an animal shelter, while kids who love a welly walk might enjoy spending the day with a nature conservation charity.

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GO ON A PICNIC

Really do your homework. Research a place that has it all; history, interesting terrain and nooks and crannies to explore. Think Enid Blyton and go all out with the food, taking everyone’s favourite dishes and get the kids involved with the preparation of the nosh (to up the anticipation). And take lots of layers and blankets. Nothing spoils a great picnic spread more than feeling the cold. A flask of hot chocolate will help keep the chills out too.

GET ARTISTIC

Pack up your family’s pens and crayons, grab a wedge of paper and head out to one your favourite local beauty spots to enjoy some artwork together. Take cardboard too to fix down the paper so it doesn’t fly off with the first gust of wind. Draw each other, draw the landscape or just doodle, but have fun and take lots of snacks!

CREATE YOUR OWN NATURE TRAIL

Kids can be reluctant to go for walks if it’s not clear what the purpose is, so create one. Do some research together beforehand about a particular bird or animal that lives in the countryside local to you, and head out on a mission to find it (or at least evidence that it lives in the area). Other missions could include looking for, and tracking, animal footprints; searching for a particular wildflower, or looking for the best tree for climbing in your area.

Wolvershill Road, Banwell, Weston-super-Mare

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 19

www.canningtonwalledgardens.co.uk

easter weekend Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 April, 10am – 4pm © National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Fun for all the family. Wander around the Gardens, full of the colours of spring, with activities for the children, and maybe a chocolate egg or two!

Normal entry fees apply, adults £3.95, children (under 16) free!

Upcoming events FeStivAl oF WildliFe, Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 May, 10am – 4pm

Dunster Castle and Gardens

Summer FAir, Saturday 20 June the Walled Gardens of Cannington, Church Street, Cannington, Nr Bridgwater, Somerset, tA5 2HA

Cadbury Easter Egg trail 28 March - 6 April, 11am - 4pm

Easter eggs

Eggsplore the gardens and complete the trail to claim your Egghead prize. If you're lucky you might even spot the Easter bunny. £1.50 per trail including prize

nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

If you’re looking for some family fun to keep your little ones occupied this Easter Holiday, The Bishop’s Palace has a great programme of family activities for all ages.

From gardening to grasshoppers and caterpillars to crafting there’s something that sure to appeal to everyone.

Throughout the Easter Holiday the Palace will be running an Easter Egg Hunt – visitors can pick up details in the Shop and have fun exploring the Palace & Gardens whilst looking for clues.

On Monday 30th March 11am-3pm there is a Minibeast Hunting Day in the Community Garden where visitors can explore the variety of minibeasts that live in the garden and even in the pond. There will be games and activities to keep the whole family entertained.

On Wednesday 1st and Wednesday 8th April 11am-3pm the successful series of Family Activity Days continues in the Stable Yard with crafts and trails themed around Minibeasts and Springtime. The Minibeast day will include craft activities such as making grass caterpillars and bug hotels for the garden at home, and the Springtime session will include making daffodil bunting, wooden peg butterflies and caterpillars, and herb and lavender bags.

Whatever the weather, little minds and little hands will certainly be kept busy! All events are included with standard admission. Children under 5 are FREE.

20 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS

EVENTS

DIARY DATES

YOUR SUCCESSES

HOME SCHOOL CHALLENGE Winning children from Shepton Mallet Infants’ School who took part in the half termly Home School Challenge.

The Home School Challenge is an activity that includes all the family. The topic was “Cold”.”

Cheddar Crazy Golf Family Fun for all ages

18 hole course in attractive setting Open daily from 11am

Kayaking : Canoeing : Caving Climbing : Archery : Bushcraft

Only £3.50 per player 01934 741112 7 Queens Row The Cliffs, Cheddar www.somersetadventures.co.uk info@cheddarcrazygolf.co.uk

07981 826919

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 21

SAFER INTERNET DAY On Tuesday 10th February, Butleigh Primary School held their ‘Safer Internet’ day. This year’s theme was “Let’s build a better internet together”.

During the week the children focused on many of the important aspects of internet safety while also discovering what they and others enjoyed doing on the internet and how to play online respectfully with others.

The children held a smilie face over their own face when exploring the idea of a happy internet for all children. The school works hard with the children to develop an understanding of e-safety and how their actions can affect others.

Throughout the year they have many activities linked to e-safety but the National e-safety week is a great opportunity to really focus on the key messages.

ASHCOTT ARE MENDIP SCHOOLS CHAMPIONS! The children from Ashcott Primary School Football Team were presented with the ‘Sporting World’ Trophy after winning the Street and Glastonbury Schools’ football league 2014-15. The league is organised and run by Sporting World and the trophy was presented to the team in a special assembly by Wayne Spencer from Sporting World.

Ashcott managed to win all of their league matches and scored an impressive total of 33 goals in 5 games. Top scorer for the league this year, and also from Ashcott School, was Toby with a massive 19 goals in just 5 matches. Toby received a £10 sports voucher for his achievements.

The school would like to thank all of the children’s parents for their help with lifts to away matches and for their enthusiastic support at all of the games!

22 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

CHINA DAY AT ASHCOTT SCHOOL To coincide with Chinese New Year, the children at Ashcott Primary School have been learning about Chinese culture and language as part of a special China Day at the school.

The children all wore red to school and took part in Chinese themed activities throughout the day. Some classes learned a dance using traditional Chinese music and props, whilst others learned about Chinese New Year from a visitor from the Confucius Institute.

Tutors from the Confucius Institute have been teaching Mandarin to Years 5 and 6 this year as part of a group of schools in the area who have strong links with schools in China, a partnership co-ordinated by Adrian Ash at Strode College. On the day, a group of children visited nearby Catcott School to share some of the language they have learned in these Mandarin lessons during the year.

The school lunches had a Chinese theme too and the children and staff had a go at eating their lunch with chopsticks. After lunch, the children had their midday rest, just like the children from Yueyang Tower Primary School, Ashcott’s link school in Yueyang Province, China.

The children’s day culminated in activities with their buddies from making lanterns to painting blossom pictures, the children had lots of fun! The children thanked Mrs Serena Shore, the school’s International Link Teacher for organising such an exciting day for everyone!

An Academy Trust Keward Walk Wells Somerset BA5 1TZ 01749 672591 sch.395@educ.somerset.gov.uk

Inspiring the HOPE of our future

PLACES ARE FILLING UP FAST We don’t hold Open Days.

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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 23

BOOK WEEK

A CARYMOOR ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST Children in Years 3 and 4 from Ashcott Primary School visited Carymoor Environmental Trust near Castle Cary this week as part of their topic about the Iron Age and took part in a ‘Crafty Celts’ session.

After an introduction to life in Iron Age times they immersed themselves in hands-on experimental archaeology workshops. During the day they mixed ‘daub’ using their wellies to stamp and squelch the mixture and then applied it with their hands to the Iron Age roundhouse at the centre.

Book Week at West Pennard Primary School has a ‘read to your pet’ theme this year. This is because the school have linked up with Siobhan Jefferson from Jefferson Dog Training on a ‘Listening Dogs’ programme. The children are invited to share their love of reading by reading stories to volunteer dogs. The concept of ‘Listening Dogs’ makes reading time fun and helps to develop children’s self-esteem and passion for reading. All the children taking part in this scheme enjoy and look forward to their time with one of the reading dogs.

In assembly the children enjoyed a talk given by Siobhan about the scheme and also about how to approach dogs. Afterwards some of the children met the listening dogs, Mr Darcy and Purdy, and read to them. During book week the children have also been asked to bring in a photograph of themselves reading to a pet.

The year 6 group ‘The Children’s Reading Society’ have also set the children a task of designing a pet-themed book mark in a competition to win a book of their own choosing.

It was great to see children overcoming their aversions to getting muddy and realising how much fun could be had by getting outdoors and getting mucky! However, parents may not have been so pleased when they saw the state of their children’s clothes!

Other activities included weaving willow hurdles and making their own models of round houses to bring back to school. Several children commented: “it was the best trip!” and the children and staff at the school all agreed that the visit helped to bring history to life.

Headteacher, Mrs Burchell commented, ‘Our children love reading and enjoy our annual book week. This year is even more exciting as their pets are involved too!’

WORLD BOOK DAY The children and Staff at Shepton Mallet Infants School and Nursery enjoyed dressing up for World Book day. Lots of fun and some very exciting reading was enjoyed by all.

24 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

DRINKING ENOUGH? O

We all know that not drinking enough water is bad for you, but it seems drinking too much can be equally bad, according to recent reports. With all these mixed messages it’s hardly surprising that many of us are left wondering how much water is enough.

As most of us know, it’s very important to make sure we are drinking enough because our bodies need water and other fluids to work properly. Water makes up about two-thirds of our body weight. It’s important for this to be maintained because most of the chemical reactions that happen in our cells need water.

Unfortunately, we lose a lot of this water through evaporation, when we breathe and sweat. As the temperature rises or as we do more activity, this increases the amount of water the body loses.

As a result you need to replace the fluids you lose to stay healthy.

In the British climate, we should drink approximately 1.2 litres (six to eight glasses) of fluid a day to stop us becoming dehydrated.

In hotter climates the body needs more than this. It’s also worth remembering that we get some fluid from the food we eat.

While it’s not wrong to drink caffeine, its best to avoid too much, particularly when it is very hot or you are in danger of becoming dehydrated. This is because drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola, can act as mild diuretics, which means they

make the body produce more urine. This affects some people more than others, but it also depends on how much caffeine you drink and how often.

It’s fine to drink these sorts of drinks, but we should also try to drink some fluids each day that don’t contain any caffeine. This shouldn’t be too difficult, as there are plenty of options. You don’t just have to stick to plain water. A few drops of fruit juice in a glass of water gives it an instant injection of flavour, while a pure fruit juice or homemade lemonade makes a welcome change from tap water on its own.

   

     

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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 25

HOW TO NURTURE SEEDLINGS G

rowing plants from seed is an immensely satisfying gardening experience, credited by health professionals as being therapeutic. So follow this simple fool-proof guide to learn how to rear your own seedlings.

SOWING YOUR SEEDS

In all, it will take about four months (16 weeks) for the first blooms to appear. In the first week you should sow your chosen seeds in scrupulously clean plant pots or trays. This is important, because bacteria can affect the fragile seedling, so use a water solution of about 10% bleach to clean them first, to ensure a bacteria-free environment.

Before sowing the seeds, be sure to thoroughly read the seed packet for specific details on germination times, as this can vary by several weeks between different seed varieties.

For the best results, seeds need a moist, warm soil to germinate (between about 18 and 24C). Using a waterproof heating mat provides heat from beneath the seed, aiding the process. Keep the seeds on an indoor windowsill or in a greenhouse to provide the necessary warmth. Now be patient and wait for the seeds to work their magic.

FIRST SHOOTS

In the second to fourth week, you should see the first signs of life slowly emerge from the soil in the form of shoots. If the soil begins to look dry, water the seeds from the bottom, rather than directly into the pot or tray. Place the pot or tray in a larger pan containing water for about 20 minutes, so that water can be absorbed up from the root. Be careful to avoid overwatering.

Seedlings will need a lot of light in their initial stages. Keeping them on a window sill or in a greenhouse maximises light exposure. You can use fluorescent lights to provide up to 16 hours of light a day, but if you do so, keep the lights very close (about 5cm away from the seedling tops).

Ensure that you have good air circulation to the seedlings; if necessary use a fan. This will prevent a fungal disease known as ‘damping off ’, which will make the seedlings collapse.

Snip unwanted seedlings at the base with scissors, rather than pulling them out, as this can damage adjacent seedlings. Thinning out the seeds will encourage those you keep to flourish by giving them plenty of space.

PINCHING OR PRICKING-OUT

This refers to transplanting seedlings to individual pots from the seed tray. Usually this will be in about the fourth week. The seedlings will still be fragile, so handle them by their leaves.

Replant the seedlings into an organic fertilizer at half strength and give them a small amount of water to encourage the roots. To help make the seedlings stronger, gently brush your hand across them each day.

HARDEN OFF YOUR SEEDLINGS

This refers to gradually getting them used to outdoor life. In week 11 your seedlings will be one week away from outdoor life. Withhold fertilizer and water them less often. 7 to 10 days before transplanting, put the seedlings outdoors in a shady area, protected from wind, for a few hours each day to acclimatise them to the outdoors. Each day, gradually increase their exposure to full sun and windy conditions. In their penultimate watering before moving them permanently outside, add some transplanting solution to encourage root growth.

TRANSPLANTING

Transplant into loose, well-aerated soil, as this will hold moisture, drain well and allow the roots to penetrate easily. If possible, transplant your seedlings on an overcast day or late in the afternoon, so the plants can acclimatise overnight before the sun becomes very hot. Water the soil around the seedling immediately and use mulch, as this will help to prevent moisture loss.

The seedlings may suffer a mild shock from the cold ground temperature, so to prevent this plant into raised beds. Make a shallow hole with a trowel and mix a diluted organic liquid fertiliser to help the plants get off to a good start. Now wait and watch as your seedlings grow into beautiful plants.

26 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

WOW

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

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Alice aged 9 has passed her RYA competent crew award for sailing, well done Alice.

Annabel aged 7 has been awarded the handwriting cup at West Pennard Primary school for super progress.

Edward aged 6 has been awarded a medal at west Pennard Primary school for fabulous phonics, well done Edward.

Ella aged 6 has passed her pre-primary ballet exam at Glastonbury School of Performing Arts, well done Ella.

Evie aged 7 has achieved a sports award for outstanding attitude, well done Evie.

George aged 9 has been awarded his medals for playing for Wells Football Club, well done George.

Henry aged 10 has been awarded the golden cushion for sitting so beautifully in assembly, well done Henry.

Imogen aged 7 has been awarded with her level 5 in gymnastics, well done Imogen.

Kia aged 8 organised a car boot sale and a lucky dip and raised ÂŁ5,000 for children with Cancer UK.

Lily aged 9 has been selected to join the school council at West Pennard Primary School, well done Lily.

Lily aged 9 has achieved a level B in her Kumon mathematics programme, well done Lily.

Ella Hansford aged 5 has achieved her level 5 on the bar in gymnastics, well done Ella.

Ellie Ashwood aged 8 has passed her level 3 on the bar in gymnastics, well done Ellie.

Ellis Price aged 6 has achieved her level 4 on vault, grade 2 in water skills, level 5 in gymnastics and stage 3 in swimming.

Elsie RhymerNott aged 6 took part in the swimming gala at Norton Radstock Swimming Club and also achieved a badge for skiing.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 27

Emilia Kingman aged 8 has passed her level 4 on the vault, grade 3 in swimming, her dance exam and also attended a swimming gala.

Finley Wilkinson aged 7 has been awarded the player of the year award for Midsomer Norton Football Club under 7’s.

Harijs Bermaks aged 9 has been awarded a medal for playing in a football tournament, well done.

Harry Harmer and Thomas Biddle aged 9 and 10, have both been awarded with the silver award at Cubs.

Harry Voss aged 5 has achieved his 5 meter swimming award, well done Harry.

Hollie Oatway aged 7 has been awarded a trophy for always helping at Stardust Majorettes, well done Hollie.

Holly Minall aged 8 was awarded with the cutest baby award, well done Holly.

Izabella Gardiner aged 6 has achieved her level 4 on vault and also a holiday award, well done Izabella.

Izzy Dargue aged 9 has achieved her grade 1 in dance, well done Izzy.

James Shepherd aged 10 has achieved 1st place at Cubs in the archery competition, well done James.

Jeanette Ford aged 7 has passed her ballet exam with distinction, well done Jeanette.

Joe Bishton aged 8 has been awarded for playing as part of the Radstock rangers under 8 football team.

Joe Evans aged 6 has achieved his award 4 in football, well done Joe.

Joel Fenton aged 10 plays rugby for Bath’s junior team and has been awarded the player of the week trophy for the under 11’s.

Joesph Moore aged 6 has been awarded the student of the year award in Tae Kwon Do, well done Joseph.

Joshua Singtathong aged 11 has been awarded the highest award at an international sports comp, well done Joshua.

Katie Allen aged 4 has achieved her level 5 on the bar in gymnastics, well done Katie.

Lacey Hatcher aged 7 has passed her ballet exam, well done Lacey.