HEY! Magazine Mid Somerset edition

FREE • MID SOMERSET EDITION • ISSUE 47 • DECEMBER 2016

INSIDE New Year, New You Christmas Puzzles Take part in 2017 RSPB Birdwatch HEYMAG.CO.UK

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WELCOME Director Tina Veater 07834 542955 | tina@ignyte-uk.co.uk Editorial Team Tina Veater info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Advertising Team Zoe Jenkins Theresa Saadeh 01761 410141 | info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Graphic Designer Pamela Evans Published by Ignyte Media Ltd Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset Business Address: Ignyte Media Ltd, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH 01761 410141 info@ignyte-uk.co.uk While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in the publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

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

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

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

The next edition is in February 2017 & is filling fast.

It certainly feels as though winter has arrived with the colder mornings and evenings. There has been talk about snow, will we be lucky this year and have a white Christmas?

The winter is always a time when bugs and germs spread. Central heating and a lack of fresh air can be the perfect breeding ground for bugs, so make sure you wash your hands regularly and cover your nose and mouth when sneezing too.

Winter also see’s the launch of the 2017 RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch, so make sure you check out the RSPB website and see how you can get involved. Birdwatch is a survey that helps to track numbers of birds in school grounds, providing an insight into which species are doing well or not so well and inspiring children about nature. There is also a survey which you can do at home in your own garden. The perfect way to spend an afternoon with the children.

I hope all of the children have written their letters to Santa and are excited about the forthcoming celebrations but I hope you aren't getting too stressed about the thought of it all! Read our article with tips about how to deal with stress at Christmas time. There also some alternative Christmas games to liven up the afternoon.

With candles, choking hazards and small toys around at this time of the year, our first aid article should be a must read of why it’s important for your children to learn the basics of first aid. We wouldn’t want any child to have to use it, but first aid could be a life saving skill.

Check out our competition page for fab prizes and also the chance to win an interactive workshop with the British Heart Foundation. The competition is open to all primary schools and is simple to enter.

It is always a good idea to start thinking about your New Years resolutions before Christmas and this way you can be prepared. The support from family and friends will always help you to achieve your goals. This maybe giving up smoking, saving more money or even spending more time with the children, whatever your resolutions are, we wish you good luck and success.

Everyone at HEY! would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Tina

Hey Magazine

@hey_tweeter

www.heymag.co.uk

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DEAL WITH CHRISTMAS STRESS C

hristmas can be a very stressful time of year. For many the Christmas period is a mass of complex social interactions with family or relatives, some of whom you may rather not see. Split families, guilt of not visiting others, the expectation of gifts and cooking lunch can be a minefield for many people.

Don’t let the festive season get you down: follow the tips and advice you find here, relax and enjoy yourself.

Plan Ahead - Start making a list of things you need to do for Christmas early: for example, shopping, food and presents, decorations or travel arrangements. Try to prioritise the items on your list: can they be done now, and are they essential?

Do not overestimate how much you can achieve on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Many recipes can be made ahead of time and frozen reducing tasks on Christmas Day.

Christmas Cards - Start writing your Christmas cards early too! If you can, write a few cards and envelopes each day keeping them to one side before posting or delivering.

Have a ‘Great Escape’ Plan! It’s a good idea to have some pre-planned excuses to escape from proceedings if they get too stressful. Use things such as leaving the room to make a phone-call to a friend or perhaps checking on a neighbour. Just by having planned a couple of escape routes you’ll probably feel less stressed anyway but actually leaving the situation, even for 10 minutes, will help clear your mind and relax you.

Practise Breathing - When we’re stressed our heart beat increases and our breathing shallows, it’s all part of the fight or flight reaction. Work on reversing this process and take time to breathe deeply.

Family Festive Activities Dec 17th-23rd

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Make Time for Exercise - Christmas is, for many, a time of excessive eating and drinking and exercise can be easily overlooked. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and helps produce mood-enhancing endorphins. Try going for a walk after dinner as the fresh air and exercise will lift your mood and make you feel better.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol - Avoid excessive alcohol as stressful situations can feel much worse than they are when slightly tipsy! Drink as much water

or soft drinks as alcohol as this will help you to stay hydrated, feel better and therefore cope better with stressful situations. You’ll also feel better on Boxing Day. Remember it’s your Christmas too so try to relax, have fun and be merry. If you do find others around you difficult then try to rise above the situation. If things don’t go to plan try not to worry, instead laugh about them and make them into fun memories that you can talk about during Christmases to come.

BORED OF CHARADES? TRY THESE CHRISTMAS GAMES Once the presents have been open and the dinner eaten and all washed up, Christmas afternoon can be a bit of a bore. If you’re not the kind of family who put a movie on or take an afternoon snooze, why not try some of these Christmas inspired games to play with the family.

Bauble and Spoon Race Rather than balance an egg on a spoon, like the traditional game, this Christmasthemed edition has you balance a bauble.

Penguin Waddle This is a relay race where you put balloons between your legs, waddling like a penguin, racing against another team.

Human Christmas Tree Decorate one representative from each team as a Christmas tree in the most creative way possible. Whoever has the most holiday spirit, wins!

Snowman wrapping contest - Wrap a person as a snowman in toilet paper and decorate.

First or best one wins.

Christmas memory game Put Christmas items on a tray and give people one minute to memorize the items. Take the tray away and have them write as many down as they can remember in 30 seconds Holiday ABC's Give each person or team a piece of paper with the alphabet written vertically from A to Z. Have them write a holiday word that starts with each letter. The first one to complete the list wins.

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IS IT TIME FOR A NEW YOU? W

ith a brand new year just round the corner, the close of the 2016 festive season for many of us marks the start of 2017’s resolutions.

Whether it’s to do with stopping smoking, getting fitter or starting a new career or hobby, making a New Year’s list of resolutions is the easy bit. Sticking to those resolutions is a much taller task.

In fact, recent research by the University of Hertfordshire, which tracked 5,000 people as they attempted to achieve New Year resolutions, found that only one in ten was able to accomplish their goal. The key finding from the report suggested that people are more likely to achieve goals if they are broken into smaller chunks that are specific, measurable and time-based (given deadlines).

Here’s our top tips to setting your goals – and achieving them.

Prioritise your resolutions. The temptation can be to write a long list of goals for the New Year in the hope that a new, more disciplined you will spring out of bed on 1st January. Try and be realistic. Hone in on one or two goals that you can channel your energy into.

Don’t leave your resolutions to the last minute. Give yourself some time out over the festive break to think through what it is you would like to change about your life. What would you ultimately like to achieve? If for example, you would like to feel fitter, you could work back from that goal to consider the steps you need to take to achieve that such as finding time to run or improving your diet.

Hypnotherapy allows people to take better control of what they focus on – their spotlight of attention. All those pesky, distracting

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

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  

thoughts, all those inner voices tempting you with muffins from Starbucks, can be quietened down with the help of a skilled hypnotherapist. Want to lose weight but need someone to help you focus on positive thoughts and living healthily?. Even habits and addictions which we see as being ‘part’ of ourselves can be dissolved, often as quickly as they began. It’s not a magic wand but if you genuinely want to lose weight, stop smoking, build confidence or enjoy better relationships then Hypnotherapy may well be the answer.

Think deeply about what you want from life, rather opting for ‘standard’ general resolutions. Yes, resolutions like losing weight or getting fit make sense for the sake of your health and wellbeing, but perhaps why not think about life changing resolutions. Would you be happier in a new career path, would taking a new hobby simulate your daily routine.

Enlist your friends’ and family’s support. Flying solo can make a challenging goal even harder to achieve. For example, if you want to cut the amount of alcohol you drink, the last thing you want is to see your partner quaffing wine every evening. Explain your goal to those around you. Your nearest and dearest will probably want to do all that they can to lend support.

Write down your plans – and chart your successes. Just as there are few things as satisfying as ticking off things from a ‘to do’ list, seeing your successes written on paper will do wonders for helping you to keep up momentum.

What ever your resolutions are for 2017, we hope you achieve your goals.

Clinical Hypnotherapy What would you like to change in 2017?

• Reduce anxiety • Manage stress • Overcome low mood • Sleep better • Beat addiction • Quit smoking

• Lose weight/stop binge eating • Combat phobia’s • Enhance sport performance • Improve confidence • Increase motivation • Control exam nerves

Don’t put it off another year!

Book your FREE Initial Consultation TODAY on 07966 517708 Solutions Practices in Butleigh, Glastonbury and Wells.

www.mymind.solutions

What’s On

Now until January 1

Ice Skating at Hestercombe Glide about on our skating rink (it’s artificial so you wont get chilly!) in our magical winter marquee. Suitable for all the family with a kids winter craft den and refreshments. Book online at www.hestercombe.com/christmas

Now until January 1

December 17 - 23

Visit Santa in his grotto at Choldertons Charlies Farm 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm (maximum of 5 families per session).

Booking essential.

December 17

Peter Pan at The Octagon, Yeovil Book now at www.octagon-theatre.co.uk

Collett Park Café Xmas Bazaar.

From 11am. Santa’s Grotto and Stocking filler market. Hot food, face painting mulled wine and much more.

See www.collettparkcafe.com

Now until January 15

December 17

Robin Hood at The Egg, Bath Book now at www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the-egg

December 8 -January 8 Alladin at Theatre Royal Bath Book now at www.theatreroyal.org.uk

December 10 -January 8 Cinderella at Bristol Hippodrome Book now at www.atgtickets.com/bristol

December 10-11, 17-20, 22-24

Santa Special – West Somerset Railway The Santa Specials offer a steam train trip along the Exmoor Coast from Minehead to Blue Anchor and back or through the Quantock Hills between Bishops Lydeard Station and Crowcombe Heathfield. This gives a 15 minute train ride to Blue Anchor or Crowcombe Heathfield where you will go in to see Santa and a good blaze in the fireplace in the grotto!

Children will receive a present suitable to their age and gender.

For parents there is a traditional festive drink (or a non-alcoholic drink) and a mince pie to enjoy along the journey as well as the festive atmosphere. Booking is essential.

December 24 - 26

Father Christmas at Hestercombe Enjoy a traditional Christmas visit. Follow the pathway through the winter gardens to find Father Christmas in his little house.

The real log fire will be roaring, lights will be twinkling on the Christmas tree and sacks of presents will be waiting. Book online at www.hestercombe.com/christmas.

December 16 & 22

Christmas Carols & Owls by Moonlight at 7.00pm Join us for an evening of Christmas carols plus a special owl flying demonstration and bird holding session! Tickets: £17.50 includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince-pie. Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. www.hawk-conservancy.org

A Christmas Cracker 2:30pm - 4:30pm. A festive mash up of all your favourite Christmas hits. This variety show is a fun filled extravaganza that will leave all the family in the festive spirit. Advance Discount: £7 Standard Price: £10. Victoria Hall, Church Street, Radstock.

December 18 - 19

Folksy Theatre ‘A Christmas Carol’ 3pm Come and see Folksy Theatre bring this much-loved Christmas tale to life. Using live performers, puppetry and music, this production brings something a little different to the story. Bring the family for a real treat. Bampfylde Hall, Hestercombe. Book online at www.hestercombe.com/christmas

December 18

Somerdale Pavilion will turn into a theatre!

Dick Whittington will be starring in this years Christmas Pantomime. Tickets are available now on reception or call us on 01179 865 787.

December 19 - 21

Festive Fun at Kings Chase Shopping Centre Santa’s magical elf, Xmas decoration station, Santas Grotto, Xmas Cookie decorating and much more. From 10am – 2pm.

December 19 - 23

Christmas Holiday Workshops with Jumping Clay Let the kids get creative and bring home their own masterpiece.

See facebook: Jumping Clay South Bristol or call 07802826553.

December 21 - 23

Join Father Christmas at Farrington Playbarn for a magical breakfast experience this December Cost £12.50 per child. Includes breakfast with our very special Father Christmas, 1 hours Playbarn play, home-made gingerbread man and a gift. Booking is essential! For more details or to book call our Playbarn reception team on 01761 452266 ext 3.

Win a workshop with a British Heart Foundation researcher for your school Sign up to one of the charity’s schools fundraisers to be in for a chance to win

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is offering schools across the UK the chance to win a once-ina-lifetime interactive workshop with a BHF-funded researcher to teach pupils about what the heart does and how it works.

The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools and is simple to enter. All schools need to do is sign up to take part in one of the BHF’s school fundraisers; Jump Rope for Heart or Ultimate Dodgeball before midnight on Tuesday 28 February 2017.

The BHF runs two school fundraising initiatives which show children how keeping fit and maintaining a healthy heart through exercise can be fun. The money raised will go towards the BHF’s life saving research and schools can also keep 20% of the money raised to put towards new equipment and resources to promote a healthy lifestyle for pupils.

Schools can choose to take part in either of the following fundraisers: ULTIMATE DODGEBALL The BHF’s popular sporting challenge provides participating schools with over £30 worth of free dodgeballs when they raise money for the BHF. Schools also receive an organiser’s pack with lesson plans to make it easier for teachers to teach pupils how to play dodgeball and help create a fun and successful event.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART The BHF’s skipping challenge provides participating schools with over £100 worth of free skipping ropes when they raise money for the BHF. They also receive an organiser’s pack with lesson plans to help teachers introduce skipping either through the PE curriculum, the playground at lunchtime or in after school clubs.

In the UK, one in every 180 babies is diagnosed with congenital heart disease – an average of 12 per day.

The money raised by Ultimate Dodgeball and Jump Rope for Heart goes towards powering research to help prevent, diagnose and treat heart disease.

Jessica Rose, Programme Manager for Jump Rope for Heart and Ultimate Dodgeball at the BHF, said: “Our school fundraisers are a great way to get pupils involved in energetic, heart healthy exercise whilst having fun and raising money for life saving research.

“We’re delighted to be offering a school the chance to win a workshop with one of our BHF-funded researchers, who work tirelessly to help fight heart disease.

“We’re calling on teachers across the country to get involved and sign their school up to Jump Rope for Heart or Ultimate Dodgeball to receive a free organiser’s pack and lesson plans with everything they’ll need to arrange a successful event.

“The money raised will go on to support the 7 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory disease so we can fund more research to keep more families together.”

By signing up to Jump Rope for Heart or Ultimate Dodgeball before the end of February 2017 you will automatically be eligible for a chance to win. The winners will be notified by email by no later than Friday 31 March 2017 and the workshop will be arranged during the Summer Term.

For more information on Jump Rope for Heart or Ultimate Dodgeball and be in for a chance to win, sign up for free by visiting www.bhf.org.uk/schools

HEY! competitions WIN 12 VANILLA CUPCAKES FROM MINKY KITTEN CAKES! Minky Kitten Cakes, a Gold Award Winning cake making business known for unique, funky, quirky and personalised cakes. They are incredibly proud of the home baking style used and the attention to detail they take in making sure that every cake that leaves their kitchens is of the highest quality and made from the best ingredients.

To win, answer this question: Which top magazine did Minky Kitten Cakes feature in, in May 2013?

WIN FAMILY TICKETS TO NOAHS ARK ZOO FARM With a host of impressive animals, you’ll be amazed at the variety of nature you’ll see. During cold or wet weather you can also enjoy their large warm undercover play barns, now fully heated for all indoor play and eating areas! Bring the family along today to this ‘all day, all weather’ attraction and explore 15 exciting adventure play areas, an indoor Animal Village and covered Animal Show Pens.

To win, answer this question: In what year did the first White Rhinos arrive at Noahs Ark Zoo Farm?

WIN A HORSEWORLD ADOPTION PACK Your animal adoption pack includes: a colourful certificate detailing your chosen animal’s story, a cuddly version of your favourite animal in a presentation gift box (when available if not a keyring of your Adoption Animal and more HorseWorld is an amazing charity that rescues horses,ponies and donkeys. Their vital 365-days-a-year animal welfare work is funded by voluntary donations. See www. horseworld.org.uk for more information and how you can help

To win, answer this question: How old was James the pony when he was recused by HorseWorld?

WIN TICKETS TO SEE THE WARRIOR TREASURE EXHIBITION AT BRISTOL MUSEUM & ART GALLERY (2 ADULT TICKETS WITH ENTRANCE FOR 2 CHILDREN UNDER 16)

Don’t miss the opportunity to come up close to these magnificent treasures and discover how a sword was more than a weapon – it signified a warrior’s status, wealth, family and even religious beliefs.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery tells the story of our world in every display, from the beginning of time to the present day. World-class collections of art, archaeology, geology and natural history are displayed inside. The museum also has an exhibitions and events programme throughout the year and a shop and cafe.

To win, answer this question: On what floor of the museum will you find the extinct Tasmanian tiger?

WINNERS Sam Tainton Timsbury Hollie Frost Longwell Green Emily Bird Shepton Mallet Phoebe Rose Warminster Nathan Davies Frome Charlie Payne Compton Martin

HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning these fantastic prizes, simply visit www.heymag.co.uk and click on the Competitions button, complete the form and enter your answers.

It couldn’t be easier!

Closing date for entries: 10th January 2017

PUZZLES Wordsearch

Find the 21 words listed below - they could be written forwards, downwards, back-to-front or diagonally.

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Spot the difference Can you spot the 10 differences?

SNOWMAN COLD WINTER IGLOO ROBIN FROST ICE BOOTS HIBERNATE COAT POLAR BEAR PENGUIN SLED PINE SNOW ANGEL SKI GLOVES STAR HAT FLU SCARF

Colour me i n !

Alphabet challenge Can you come up with a Christmas themed word for each letter of the alphabet

A________________________ B_________________________ C________________________ D________________________ E________________________ F________________________ G________________________ H________________________ I________________________

J________________________ K________________________ L________________________ M________________________ N________________________ O________________________ P________________________ Q________________________ R________________________

S________________________ T________________________ U________________________ V________________________ W________________________ X________________________ Y________________________ Z________________________

BIRD WATCH T

ens of thousands of schoolchildren across the UK will be staring out of their classroom window, with the blessing of their teacher, to take part in the 2017 RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch.

The survey, which takes place during the first half of spring term, is the biggest wildlife survey in schools. It helps to track numbers of birds in school grounds, providing an insight into which species are doing well or not so well and inspiring children about nature.

Over 90,000 pupils and teachers took part last year counting the feathered friends that visit their school grounds.

The blackbird remained the most common playground visitor in 2016. 87 per cent of schools that took part reported seeing blackbirds with an average of seven birds seen per school.

Starlings held onto the number two spot, but for the first time ever wood pigeons made the top three, jumping three places up the list from sixth position last year. Wood pigeons were spotted at nearly three quarters of all schools; the average counted was five.

Since its launch in 2002, the RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch has provided a million opportunities for children and teachers to connect with nature in their school grounds.

More than 70 different species have been recorded in school grounds, ranging from starlings and house sparrows, to red kites and green woodpeckers.

Many schools prepare for the event in advance by taking measures to give nature a home in the playground, such as putting up feeders and nestboxes and making bird cake. Seeing and counting the birds coming to their feeders during the Big Schools Birdwatch is the perfect reward for their efforts.

Rebecca Kerfoot, RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch Co-ordinator said: “This is a fun and educational activity and is free to every school in the UK. It’s flexible enough to fit into a lesson or during lunchtime and links well to the curriculum or project work. It also provides valuable information on how some of our familiar birds are doing and everyone who takes part will be learning about how to give nature a home at their school.

“It also gives children an opportunity to get outside and engage with nature local to them. Research has shown that children are increasingly disconnected from nature, which is linked to poorer physical and mental health. It is crucial we provide young people with as many opportunities as possible to enjoy and understand the natural world, and most importantly, have fun.”

The Birdwatch takes just one hour and teachers can pick any day during the first half of spring term to take part. It works across a wide age and ability range and there's plenty of flexibility to run it as simply as teachers would like either as the centrepiece of crosscurricular studies, project work, or a way to improve their school grounds.

The Big Schools' Birdwatch is the school version of the Big Garden Birdwatch – the world's biggest garden wildlife survey aimed at families and individuals. The event will take place over three days on 28, 29 and 30 January 2017 and further information can be found on the RSPB website rspb.org.uk/birdwatch Big Schools’ Birdwatch and Big Garden Birdwatch are part of the RSPB’s Giving Nature a Home campaign, aimed at tackling the housing crisis facing the UK’s threatened wildlife. The RSPB is asking people to provide a place for wildlife in school grounds, their own garden or outside spaces.

You can register to take part in the 2017 RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch at rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch Everything schools need to take part is available to download from the RSPB website.

THE DUAL FUELLING OF BRITAIN’S CHILDHOOD OBESITY with a study of modern day children, it revealed that the rise in obesity in toddlers was mainly limited to those with obese parents. However, by the time they hit adolescence, other factors clearly come in to play too.

Tackling obesity and weight problems in the present adult generation is therefore crucial.

Around one in four British adults is obese and it is predicted that within the next 10 years this could rise to 47 per cent of men and 36 per cent of women aged 21 to 60.

Overweight parents don’t necessarily have overweight teens – and vice versa. Like so many aspects of life – as children grow up they face all manner of other influences beyond the family home. When children start to gain their independence, parents tend to have less influence on their diet – and they can be swayed by what their friends and peers are doing.

Medication to treat obesity costs the NHS more than £500,000 a year. This cost rose 44 per cent in 2013 – and it is thought this increase could partly be due to the previous shortage of Orlistat, which is one of the commonly used prescription weight-loss drugs for adults.

RECOGNISING THE PROBLEM

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s a nation we are undoubtedly getting fatter and obesity levels have tripled since the 1980s. But what does the future have in store for our children and is their fate already sealed?

If trends continue, by 2050 more than half the population will be obese. In theory, that means the majority of today’s pre-schoolers could find themselves battling with obesity by their 30s. A worrying proportion of children are already showing signs – around one in six (16 per cent) according to official statistics.

There has been much debate about what’s fuelling the issue, but new academic research published in the International Journal of Obesity, suggested two distinct phases of influence linked to children who become overweight – their parents and their peers.

DOES OBESITY START AT HOME? Perhaps unsurprisingly, the research, which was led by the University of Exeter’s Medical School, found that the parental effect is a major factor.

Comparing data from three decades ago

For an adult, a body mass index (BMI) of 30 would put you on the ‘obese’ scale.

Your BMI is calculated based on weight, height, age and gender – and is meant to be an indication of whether or not you are a healthy weight. It isn’t an exact science, and it will depend on factors such as muscle mass and waist size too.

Patients can be very surprised to discover they are clinically obese or overweight and are putting themselves at risk of associated health problems. This distortion in perception of weight problems extends to parents with overweight children too.

A recent research paper published by the British Journal of General Practice found that parents often underestimate their child’s weight status – many are not aware of the extent to which they exceeded the healthy weight for their age.

TACKLING OUR FUTURE HEALTH CRISIS NOW Obesity brings with it a number of health risks. You’re at least five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and twice as likely to have high blood pressure – the risk is significantly higher for women. Obesity also puts you at higher risk of a stroke, heart attack and possibly some forms of cancer.

None of which we’d wish for our children, or indeed ourselves.

A HEALTHY MESSAGE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION It is important for families to embed healthier lifestyle choices when children are young, but as a society we need greater awareness of the risks of obesity.

Teenagers often live in the ‘here and now’ and rarely think about the long-term consequences of their actions – hitting 30 seems a lifetime away. Like so many things, the implications of what they eat and how active they are has not yet hit home.

So how can we get this important message to our teenagers? Health campaigns, perhaps via social media, can be a good route and we certainly shouldn’t forget the power of a positive role model.

The media and celebrities are hugely influential for the young – portraying healthy body image and lifestyle is crucial.

But the emphasis really does need to be on healthy – not underweight.

Maintaining a healthy weight is largely dependent on striking the right balance between what you eat and keeping active.

Together it’s important we help the next generation avoid a new obesity epidemic before it starts.

Dr Alexandra Phelan is a working NHS GP and member of the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service. Visit https://www. pharmacy2u.co.uk/onlinedoctor for further information.

CHEAP & EASY WAYS TO DECORATE FOR CHRISTMAS R

emember the Christmases where tinsel covered every surface and foil decorations hung from the ceiling but always ended up on the floor every morning!?

Some people love the whole idea of putting up Christmas decorations and relish in fairy lights and glitter adorning the room, others prefer a more subtle approach with just a tree or natural looking decoration Whichever way you like to jazz up the house for the festive season, here are a few great ideas that are not only really easy and effective, but also very cheap • Drape decorative Christmas throws or blankets on sofas and chairs.

• Decorate existing pillows with ribbons or bows.

• Fill a glass bowl with Christmas ornaments to place on coffee tables or sideboards.

• Hang special ornaments from ribbon and suspend on curtain rods to display in windows.

• Cut a Christmas shape - tree, star, wreath - from a sponge and use metallic fabric paint to stamp patterns on a white or cream tablecloth.

• Drape garland and tree ornaments from chandeliers and lights.

• Wrap Christmas ribbon around the backs of dining chairs and affix on the back with large bows or pine cones and fir sprigs.

• Arrange candles on decorative plates and surround with ornaments or greenery as centrepieces.

• Hole punch pretty Christmas cards and suspend in the garland along fireplace or stairs.

• Display Christmas photographs along fireplace mantle.

• Display small Christmas trees in urns or planters on either side of your fireplace.

• Hang Christmas bells strung on ribbon from door handles.

• Decorate oranges with cloves and display in a bowl on your counter top.

• Make Christmas refrigerator magnets by hot gluing craft magnets to flat ornaments.

• Tie ribbons to Christmas cookie cutters and hang them in your kitchen window.

• Suspend mistletoe from ribbon in doorways and arches.

• Fill crystal or glass jars with candy canes or peppermints.

• Wrap Christmas ribbon around existing plant pots and tie with bows.

• Tie bows made of Christmas ribbon around favourite stuffed animals and display on beds, sofas, or stairs.

• Wrap groups of taper candles with Christmas ribbon and display in the middle of a table wreath or on a decorative plate.

• Frame beautiful Christmas cards in similar frames and create a wall collage.

at Feathers Restaurant between 17 and 23 December*

Each child will receive an early Christmas present

Father Christmas will be stopping in at Feathers Restaurant for a hearty meal ahead of his impending worldwide voyages.

Meet

an owl and

donkeys Why not come along and bring the little ones to meet him? Father Christmas will be circulating among the tables in Feathers Restaurant prior to your invitation to meet him in his grotto. * Please check website for dates and times

CONSERVATION EDUCATION RESEARCH REHABILITATION We are located just off the A303 near Andover, Hampshire

01264 773 850 www.hawkconservancy.org @hawkconservancy

@HawkConservancy

CHARITY NO: 1092349

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 15

News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS

EVENTS

DIARY DATES

YOUR SUCCESSES

VISITORS FROM CHINA Baltonsborough School were very lucky to have a delegation of Chinese visitors from Yeuyang Province in China, organised by Adrian Ash at Strode College.

The youngest class of children are learning Mandarin once a week. They sang to the visitors, and then they exchange of gifts and had a traditional cream tea.

CROSCOMBE VISIT THE MENDIP PLOUGHING MACH Children from Acorn Class at Croscombe C E Primary School had a great time at the Mendip Ploughing Match at Green Ore on the 28th September.

The children could see ploughing through the ages with horses, vintage and modern tractors. They also saw giant sunflowers and different types of fodder. The day finished off with a free ice cream from Yeo Valley that was much appreciated

ELMHURST HOMEWORK GALLERY We had a lovely turn out for the homework gallery on Wednesday afternoon with many parents taking this opportunity to look at the stunning pieces of homework which had been sent in during the Autumn term 1.

It was a great opportunity to talk to the children about how they created their masterpieces and who they worked on it with.

There was such a lot of variety and such clever ideas! We will be holding another homework gallery in the spring term.

16 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

SWIMMING STARS Declan and Theo from Croscombe C E Primary School represented Wells Swimming Club on Saturday 29th October at City of Bristol Level 3 Long Course Swimming Meet. Declan won 5 golds, 1 silver and 2 bronzes and Theo won 1 bronze. Terrific stuff from both boys!

A LETTER FROM THE QUEEN The children and staff from Evercreech Church of England Primary School had a wonderful surprise when they received an official letter sent on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, thanking them for the letters and cards that they forwarded to her in celebration of Her Majesty’s ninetieth birthday. This caused a lot of excitement amongst both the children and the staff.

REAL LIFE SUPER HEROES AT ST CUTHBERT’S INFANTS, START THE TERM WITH SIRENS AND SAFETY! The children have had a fantastic start to the new half term, as the introduction to their topic on safety they have had a ‘superhero safety’ day. First the children had great fun as they arrived for school dressed up as both superheroes and ‘real life’ heroes.

In amongst the Caped Crusaders, Spider men and Supergirls were lots of paramedics, nurses, police officers and firemen. Which was perfect as the children were joined throughout the day by all the emergency services.

The police with a riot van and police car, the Fire brigade with the fire engine, the RNLI with their beach and water safety kit and St Johns Ambulance who led the children in mini first aid workshops. The children had hands on experience and safety advice from all the services, at one point the playground was covered in emergency service vehicles and personnel with a Head teacher modelling riot gear!

The staff were so pleased that these critical life saving teams took time out of their busy schedules to come to the school to reinforce key messages of safety in a truly exciting and engaging manner.

One parent said ‘my child hasn’t stopped talking about it, and we have had to be put in the recovery position at home too!” The school and all it’s community would like to pass on a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the day a success, in particular a massive thank you to: Wells Community Police, Wells Fire Brigade, the RNLI, and St Johns Ambulance.

RAVI RETURNS! Ravi visited Priddy School to be presented with a cheque for £100 from Priddy & St Lawrence’s recent church collections in aid of his Khalsa Aid charity. It was a very brief visit to update everyone on the progress of the school in Iraq and to inform them of his mission to Haiti in the coming days. Ravi was as always inspiring and the school look forward to communicating with him when he is next in Iraq.

NEW SURFACE AT CHEEKY CHIMPS Children at Cheeky Chimps in Ashcott are now benefiting from an amazing new safe surface thanks to fundraising efforts by parents and the local community. The much needed new surface has been installed with money mainly raised by the Ashcott Beer Festival, which was held on the first weekend in July.

Cheeky Chimps has been lucky to have had lots of changes over the last few years, with facilities and resources being constantly improved and upgraded thanks the generous locals and hard work of parents and staff.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 17

NEW KITCHEN FOR DITCHEAT PRIMARY

FAMILY SCIENCE AFTERNOON

It was with great excitement that Ditcheat Primary School opened their new kitchen on Thursday 20th October. The kitchen had previously been located in a small, narrow store cupboard.

A year ago the school’s PTA, called FoDS (Friends of Ditcheat School) set about raising the enormous sum of money needed.

After 12 months of fundraising, which included quiz nights, race nights, summer fairs etc. the grand total of £30,000 was achieved.

Mr Reid, Headteacher said “I am so grateful to the whole school community for the way they worked together to achieved this amazing target.”

Thank you to all the parents and family members who came along and joined in with the very messy science afternoon.

We had bursting balloons, slime, lava lamps and gorilla hands! A really great afternoon. It was lovely to see all the children working and learning alongside their parents. We will be holding our Family Music afternoon in November.

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18 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

PIRATES AT ASHCOTT SCHOOL!

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE AT WOOKEY PRIMARY SCHOOL

The children from Ashcott Primary School came to school dressed as pirates, as part of an English enrichment day involving the whole school. The children discovered a treasure map and a message in a bottle which they used as their inspiration for writing stories and creating their own ‘treasure islands’.

Wookey Primary School had the honour of hosting the annual Remembrance Service on Friday 11th November. The service was led by Reverend Paul, and this year they were proud to welcome a special guest from the Royal British Legion to be with them at this special time. They were also able to welcome a number of our parents to be part of the service.

After Reverend Paul spoke about the importance of memories, the start of the 2 minutes silence was signalled by the recitation of the British Legion exhortation by their special guest “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them We will remember them.”

At this point a music student from Wells Cathedral School played the Last Post and the silence was immaculately observed by all the children of Wookey Primary, including the ‘Little Acorns’ playgroup. After the service ended Reverend Paul showed the guest from the Royal British Legion around all the classes and the children had the opportunity to ask him questions about his life.

It was a pleasure to be part of this, and the children showed the utmost respect throughout the morning.

PR OO F

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

RAINFOREST EXPLORERS

Inspiring the HOPE of our future We don’t hold Open Days.

Because we are confident you will be impressed with our school and what we can offer your child, at any time.

Visit us at a time in the day that suits you.

Mulberry Class from Evercreech Church of England Primary School visited Bristol Zoo as part of their Rainforest Explorers topic. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to meet some of the animals that originate from rainforests. They had the chance to talk to their keepers and learn more about these creatures.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 19

WOW

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

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Sydney Rowsell, aged 6, has been awarded The Austin Cup and a certificate for super work.

WOW, great work Sydney.

Daisy HewettCooper, aged 6, has cut her hair and donated it to Little Princesses Trust.

Fantastic Daisy, what a wonderful thing to do.

Amelia Pope, aged 6, has been awarded a certificate for getting Close to Nature at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells. Well done Amelia.

Maggie Law, aged 7, was given a certificate for completing the Big Friendly Read.

Keep up the good work Maggie!

Ella Frost, aged 7, took part and completed the Glastonbury Road Run. Well done Ella!

Calla, aged 7, won a pumpkin carving competition - she did three different carvings on ONE glittering pumpkin!

She won a £10 book voucher. Wonderful creativity Calla!

Polly Green, aged 7, from St Pauls Junior School has passed her Primary Ballet exam with Distinction. Well done Polly!

Riley Green, aged 11, from St Paul’s Junior School with some of his artwork. Amazing pictures Riley, keep up the fantastic work!

Ella Baker, aged 10, entered the Young Writers' poetry competition at school.

Her poem was chosen to be published in a book 'Once Upon A Dream'. She is super chuffed! Well done Ella

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FEATURE IN THE NEXT EDITION EMAIL YOUR PHOTOS & DETAILS TO INFO@IGNYTE-UK.CO.UK

BROWNES GARDEN CENTRE Come and relax & enjoy a coffee and cake in our coffee shop

Then wander through our indoor display area where we have a colourful display of cyclamen, poinsettia, jasmine & mixed bowls.

Open 9-5pm Mon – Sat, 10-5pm Sun Coffee Shop 10.30-4pm Tues – Sun

GLASTONBURY ROAD WELLS

01749 673050 • jon@brownes-gc.co.uk National Garden gift vouchers • Nordmann & Norway spruce Christmas trees • Hand-made Christmas wreaths & garlands Snow sledges & rock salt • Delivery service available

You could be reading YOUR advert.

01761 410141 or email

info@ignyte-uk.co.uk