Kidscene Magazine Issue 26

Nov / Dec

2016

Your handbag sized guide

www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

ISSUE 26

Waterfront Gwledd y Gaeaf Winterland ar y Glannau 18 November - 8 January swanseachristmas.com

18 Tachwedd - 8 Ionawr nadoligabertawe.com

Your Ultimate Family Guide to having a Fun-Filled Christmas this Year!

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Contents

P.15

Nov/Dec...

A very warm welcome to the Christmas Kidscene Magazine. Today I found out that there are just 8 more weekends until Christmas is upon us....eek! Of course by the time you are reading this, it is nearly the big day itself....double eek! I probably still won't have started my shopping either!

P.30

P.5

Top Christmas idea!

Wrap 24 of your favourite books and label them 1-24. Each night have kids take turns opening a book. Open no. 24 on December 1st, with 24 days until Christmas.

Read the book as a family each night. You’ll open no.1 on Christmas Eve. I usually buy a couple of new books to start with but they don't need to be all new books. Just enjoy the story!

There is so much to share with you in this edition, as well as bounteous competitions to enter. Why not try and win a fantastic gift for your family before Christmas. Check these out on page 8.

Pick your favourite panto and discover what's on during this festive season in the bumper diary of events.

Whether you are having a quiet one at home with the kids or a busy one with the extended family, I hope that you all have a very special Christmas!

Christmas in Swansea City Centre

Oxford Street Christmas Market 20,000 copies of Kidscene Magazine are delivered directly into primary schools from SA1 to SA15 areas bi-monthly.

Next edition | January/February 2017 Copy deadline | December 19th 2016 Call | 07979 283096 sales@kidscenemagazine.co.uk www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk Follow us | kidsceneswansea  @kidscene1

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The traditional red and green chalets make a welcome return to Oxford St from 24 November to 21 December. Over 50 traders will be offering a fantastic selection of arts, crafts, fine foods, beautiful decorations and unique gifts.

Soak up the atmosphere whilst sipping a glass of mulled wine and keep warm and well fed with a hearty hog roast, delicious crepes and hot turkey rolls.

Opening times: Monday to Saturday - 9.30am to 5.30pm Sunday – 10.00am to 5.00pm

Page 5/7

What’s On

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Rice Krispie Christmas puds!

8

19 22 25 30

Competitions

Dr Louise... Diabetes Book Reviews

Perfect Christmas

Interview with Naomi

Swansea Market

At the heart of the City Centre and serving shoppers throughout the year, is the magnificent Swansea Market.

With all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas and open every day from 7 November until Christmas Eve, you’ll have no problem checking off your shopping list.

Santa’s Grotto

Christmas Cookibods - Saturday 26 November (10am-4pm) Kids can take a break from the shopping and enjoy making their own delicious festive treats at one of the Christmas Market chalets.

On Saturday 17 December, Santa’s reindeer will be flying in. Come and meet them on Oxford Street from 11am until 3pm.

A Crafty Christmas - Sunday 27 November (10am-4pm) Let the kids get creative and design their own Christmas decorations at the Christmas Market.

Lots of inspiration and ideas from the artists and crafters!

Santa will be taking up residence in his Grotto on Portland Street from 24 November to 21 December to grant Christmas wishes and spread festive cheer.

Entertainment

From 26 November FREE entertainment and activities will be taking place in the City Centre including choirs entertaining shoppers in Swansea Market, Santa’s Post Office in Shoppers’ Walk Arcade, Dickensian characters and performances from local groups on Oxford Street.

Live Nativity Scene - Saturday 10 December (10.30am-3.00pm) Visit Swansea Christmas Market and enjoy the live nativity scene on Oxford Street.

Children can pet and interact with all the animals for a truly memorable festive day out. www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk |

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November & December

Whats On November 10

10th - Swansea Christmas Light Switch on. 6-7.30pm. Check out swanseachristmas.com for more details.

12 12th - 11th Dec LEGO Brick Animal Trail & Workshops at WWT Llanelli Wetlands Centre. The Giant LEGO brick animal trail includes nine individually-designed 1.5m LEGO® brick animals, some inspired by real species at Llanelli Wetland Centre for visitors to enjoy. LEGO brick animal workshops also available at weekends from 12 Nov at 2pm for additional £8. Trail included in admission price.

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18th - Llanelli Christmas Carnival.

4-9pm. Over 15,000 people join together to help Llanelli enter the Xmas period with entertainment ranging from live music, children’s fun fair, aerial fireworks display, turning on of the Christmas lights as well as the large carnival parade through the town.

18th - 8th Jan - Waterfront Winterland begins!

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19th - Thrifty Kids: Egg Box Christmas Tree at the Waterfront Museum.Transform a cardboard egg box into a sparkly Christmas tree artwork. 10.30-12.30pm. Free.

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24th - Pinocchio at the Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University.

7-8.15pm. A brand new adaptation of the classic tale Pinocchio will combine physical theatre, quirky characterisation, innovative technologies, and dance to examine the idea of what it means to be human.

24th -21st Dec - Swansea's Oxford St. Christmas Market. Along with Santa himself. Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30pm and Sun 10-5pm.

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13th - Horrible History Stories: From the Pits to the Trenches at the Waterfront Museum. Meet our miner turned soldier to hear some fascinating tales of his journey from the pits to the trenches. Then get hands on with some wartime artefacts.

11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm

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26th - Create ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ themed snow globe in time for Christmas in this fun family workshop at the Dylan Thomas Centre. Drop in 1pm – 4pm. Free 26th - Llandeilo Traditional Christmas Fayre at NT Dinefwr Park. A mansion and courtyard filled with tasty treats and handmade gifts.

Join us and be merry as we listen to festive choirs and bands whist sipping on a free glass of mulled wine. 10-6pm.

26th - From 26 November FREE entertainment and activities will be taking place in the City Centre including choirs entertaining shoppers in Swansea Market, Santa’s Post Office in Shoppers’ Walk Arcade, Dickensian characters and performances from local groups on Oxford Street.

26th - Christmas Cookibods - Kids can take a break from the shopping and enjoy making their own delicious festive treats at one of the Christmas Market chalets. 10-4pm.

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27th - A Crafty Christmas. Let the kids get creative and design their own Christmas decorations at the Christmas Market. Lots of inspiration and ideas from the artists and crafters! 10-4pm 27th - Museum Monthly Movies: Eddie the Eagle (PG: 2016) at the Waterfront Museum. 2.30pm. Free.

December 1

1st - 2nd - We're Going On A Bear Hunt at the Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University. A family go on an expedition of a lifetime – running down the grassy bank, wading through the cold river, squelching over the oozy mud, stumbling into the dark forest, then peering into a cave … what will they find?

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2nd - Christmas parade Pontardawe. 5pm - 8pm.

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3rd - 24th - Santa's Magical Steam Trains at Gwili Railway.

Ride the Steam Train to Santa's Grotto at Llwyfan Cerrig Station where a heated marquee with an exciting program of entertainment awaits you.

Enjoy a Mince Pie and a tot of sherry while you wait to visit Santa in his grotto and the children can dive into their goodie bags (for children 1-15yrs)

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6th - Blodeuwedd Welsh panto at the Gwyn Hall, Neath. 10am & 1pm.

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7th - Toddler Time Monthly Movies: Stickman (U: 2015) at the Waterfront Museum. Free.

10.30am.

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8th - Santa in Love at the Gwyn Hall, Neath. 1.30pm & 4.15pm.

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9th - 8th Jan - Sleeping Beauty Panto at Swansea Grand Theatre.

Fresh from winning ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, Lance Corporal Richard Jones will be making magic in this year’s Sleeping Beauty.

9th - 18th - Jack & The Beanstalk Panto at the Pontardawe Arts Centre.

3rd - Festive Fun Day at the Waterfront Museum. Join us for an afternoon full of festive cheer.

Featuring Olaf the snowman, Christmas crafts, real donkeys, carols around the tree and a special visit from Santa. 12-4pm. Free 3rd - Llanelli Reindeer Parade.

1-3pm. The reindeer and Santa himself will be travelling through the town centre from 1pm. The tour will finish at Spring Gardens where there will be funfair rides and entertainment. Come along for a bit of festive cheer and a fun day for the whole family!

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4th - Festive Film Double Bill! The Snowman (U, 1982) The Snowman and The Snowdog (U, 2012) at the Waterfront Museum. 3pm. Free.

4th & 18th - Lunch with Santa at the Village Hotel. It's time to meet the man of the hour! As you'll see by his waistband, Santa loves a good lunch, so we've laid on a delicious menu, plus fun and games for the kids, family disco, plus a gift from Mr Claus himself! 12pm.

10th - SANTA Feeds the DEER at Margam Park. (10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st Dec). Ticket only event.

Come and see Santa feed the Margam deer at 11am.

9th - Little Mice Club: Festive Special at the Waterfront Museum. Drop in with your little ones to enjoy bilingual play, song and crafts and meet Morys the Museum Mouse. 10.30-12pm.

9th - 31st - Jack and the Beanstalk Panto at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

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10th - Live Nativity Scene. Visit Swansea Christmas Market and enjoy the live nativity scene on Oxford Street. Mary and Joseph will be there with their trusty donkey and joined by gorgeous lambs, a friendly pony and cheeky goats. Children can pet and interact with all the animals for a truly memorable festive day out.

10.30-3pm.

10th - A Child's Christmas in Wales at the Dylan Thomas Centre. In the lead up to Christmas come and listen to some magical stories to get you in the festive mood.

Followed by Christmas face painting and children’s play, poetry and arts activities on a Christmas theme. 11-3pm.

Drop in. Free.

10th - Christmas Craft Fair at the National Botanical Gardens. 104pm.

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11th - Salvation Army Christmas Concert at the Brangwyn Hall. 6.30pm.

11th - Festive Film: The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D at the Waterfront Museum.

2.30pm. Free.

11th - Peter Pan Panto & Lunch with Santa at the Village Hotel.

12-4pm.

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13th & 14th - Neverland Panto at the Nidum Arts Centre. 1pm & 7pm.

14th - Carols at the Square.

Celebrating the joy of Christmas together. Castle Square 7pm. Raising money for Swansea Hope projects & Welsh Air Ambulance.

14th - Christmas Singalong at the Waterfront Museum. Come and sing traditional and contemporary Christmas songs and carols in our atmospheric Warehouse Gallery for maximum yuletide delight. Suitable for Families. 6pm.

Free.

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16th - 23rd - A Child's Christmas in Wales in the Dylan Thomas Centre. Our family friendly Learning Space will be open for free ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ themed self-led play. Activities include make a Christmas mini comic, puppets, creative writing, games, reading corner, crafts and dressing up costumes. Great for families with children of all ages. Drop-in, free.

10-4pm.

16th - BBC National Orchestra of Wales Christmas Celebration at the Brangwyn Hall. Conducted by Richard Balcombe and featuring the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Choir. Start your Christmas countdown with the ever popular festive classics and seasonal singalongs. It’s a perfect event for all of the family. 7.30pm. Tickets: £15 – £20. 01792 475715

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17th - Santa's reindeer will be flying in to Oxford St. Swansea.

Come and meet them from 113pm.

17th - 20th - Tea Party with Father Christmas at St Fagans. Deck the halls with boughs of holly”...we’re already singing carols because Santa and Mother Christmas have told us they’re coming to St Fagans again this year. Come and enjoy a tea party to remember with the Christmassy couple, listen to their amazing stories and - if you’re good - they’re sure to give you a gift. 11am, 1pm & 3pm. £14 Tickets.

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18th - Festive Film: Miracle on 34th Street (U: 1947) at the Waterfront Museum. 2.30pm. Free.

For what’s on info this Christmas...

Follow us | kidsceneswansea  @kidscene1

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19th - 24th - Jermin Productions return to Penyrheol Leisure Centre this Christmas with its fourth and most fantastic season to date to bring you the brilliant, adventure filled DICK WHITTINGTON!

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24th - Lunch with Father Christmas at the Swansea Marriott Hotel.

Have fun with friends and family at our Father Christmas Lunch. Enjoy a Carvery Style Three Course Lunch, with a magical Christmas Puppet Show, followed by a mini disco and a visit from Father Christmas with a gift for every child.

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28th - 31st - Funky Calendars at the Waterfront Museum. Bored of staying in over the Christmas holidays? Then why not join our activity table to make a cool calendar just in time for the New Year.

12.30-3.30pm. Free.

To enter the following competitions go to www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

Christmas Competitions

Ce estiv rrou visit to ndings of the e season and offers, fremember! InSwansea Ma New Year in rriott a t rom fes dulgJack e in aand nd we phe luxurious WINCahfamily the Beanstalk tto ristmasticket ivetobrsee d a z z e li a ks and f ArtsnCentre g variet romise yo aon ndDecember ce patarPontardawe a Bugsyoffi9th e s t ie t iv s e , family Malone afternoy of Christmau a c e on tea N s le e b w r a Call C Year ce lebratiotions, lunch w to or e malaire our Chri ith Sant n. st il Claire a .cole@mas Coordin WIN a family ticket opening night of Sleeping Beauty a mato t o rrithe r on 017 otthot 92 6Theatre els.com on December 9th at the Swansea Grand 34824 Swans

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WIN a family meal to have lunch with Father Christmas at the Swansea Marriott Hotel on December 24th at 12 noon.

WIN a family ticket to see 'Santa in Love' at the Gwyn Hall, Neath on the 8th December.

WIN with tiny toes ballet

Enter now to win a beautiful organza bag which includes; ballet sparkle dust with charm, windmill ballet scrunchie and class CD! Tiny toes ballet classes from 6 months - 7 years old.

Voted as the Top 3 Best Pre-school class in the UK in 2015 & 2016 Visit www.tinytoesballet.co.uk for further information

We’ve teamed up with Usborne to give you the chance to win an Eddy Stone Christmas goodie bag, complete with a copy of Eddy Stone and the Epic Holiday Mash-up AND Eddy Stone and the Alien Cat Mash-up by Simon Cherry. You’ll also win a copy of the Usborne Christmas Quiz Book and Christmas Doodles. Both books in the Eddy Stone series by Simon Cherry are out now - read the first chapter of Eddy Stone and the Epic Holiday Mash-up at www.usborne.com/readeddystone.

STRONG FOUNDATIONS BEGIN WITH ABC OUR BUILDING BLOCKS BEGIN AT THE AGE OF THREE, WITH AN EQUAL EMPHASIS ON

ACHIEVING BELONGING CARING OPEN UP YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE NOW AND LET US BEGIN WITH ABC

A TRADITIONAL, WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION ST. MICH A E L’ S S C H O O L | LLANELLI, CARMARTHENSHIR E , U N I T E D K I N G D O M , S A 1 4 9 T U TELEPHO N E : 0 1 5 5 4 8 2 0 325 | EMAIL: OFFICE@STMIKES . C O. U K | W W W. S T M I K E S . C O. U K PART OF BROADWAY EDUCATIO N

Working parents are faced with a dilemma as they return to work or increase from part-time to full time work – do they make the best of state pre-school provision often with work unfriendly hours, is a nanny more cost effective, particularly if there is more than one child, or do they pay for a day nursery?

If, as a parent, you’ve considered paying for a nanny or private nursery, then consider the benefits presented by a dedicated school nursery which takes children from as young as three.

A good school nursery offers wrap around care and takes pride in nurturing a small child emotionally and socially, while beginning a learning process through play – guided play or productive play. That’s because a school nursery is full of professional teachers and every moment in life is a learning opportunity. Small children simply cannot get enough learning; they’re eager for continual stimuli and they need a professional to be there for when they have their own personal eureka moments; to praise, and to identify, how each child should be supported in order to develop them at the speed they’re ready for.

St Michael’s School are immensely proud of their dedicated nursery, the beginnings to a good mind, a healthy outlook on life and a kind and respectful nature.

On joining, professional teaching and pastoral staff are able to really learn about each child as an individual and get the most from day one.

Headteacher Alun Millington MA (Oxon) PGCE stresses: ‘If you’re in a position to invest in your child’s or grand-child’s future, it is seriously worth considering the advantages and value provided by a dedicated school nursery. St Michael’s School is one of the top performing schools in Wales and to start early is to offer a child the stability and security that all children need in order to achieve the best they can”.

St Michael’s School Nursery or Early Learning Centre, is housed in a purpose-built facility near the main school.

Building confidence, developing communication, growing friendships, enhancing skills and encouraging imagination, Acting On It offers classes for all ages.

From our exciting Tiny & Little Dreamers sessions to our vibrant youth theatres, there is something for all Little Dreamers for ages 6 months – 4 years in Gorseinon, Pontlliw, Fforestfach & Skewen Role-play, rhymes, storytelling, songs, adventures and much more Youth Theatre for ages 4- 16 years in Upper Killay & Fforestfach

Contact Clare | 07870 492 672

www.actingonit.co.uk or find us on facebook www.facebook.com/actingonit

WIN a family lunch with Father Christmas at the Marriott Hotel

visit the competitions on page 8!

Fancy Having Lunch with Father Christmas at the Marriott Swansea?

Have fun with friends and family at our Father Christmas Lunch on December 24th.

Enjoy a Carvery Style Three Course Lunch, with a magical Christmas Puppet Show, followed by a mini disco and a visit from Father Christmas with a gift for every child. The lunch includes a 3-course carvery style set lunch, coffee, novelties, entertainment, a visit from Santa and a gift for the children Prices: ÂŁ25.95 per adult and ÂŁ12.95 per child. Children under 2 are complimentary.

For more information, or to make a booking, please email claire.cole@marriotthotels.com, or call + 44 (0) 1792 634824.

CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH US

Celebrate the festive season and New Year in the luxurious surroundings of the Swansea Marriott and we promise you a visit to remember! Indulge in a dazzling variety of Christmas offers, from festive breaks and festive afternoon tea to Christmas office parties, family celebrations, lunch with Santa and a Bugsy Malone New Year celebration.

Call Claire our Christmas Coordinator on 01792 634824 or e mail Claire.cole@marriotthotels.com

Swansea Marriott, Maritime Quarter, SA13SS Tel: 01792 634824

(rice=krispie=cakes) Method

1. Clean your surface and wash your hands …

2. Put both chocolates into a large mixing bowl and sit it over a pan with one inch of water. Place on a medium to low heat and stir gently until the chocolate has melted, then add the marshmallows.. …

3. Put the rice krispies and raisins into the bowl of chocolate stir until well coated. …

4. Roll out a length of cling film then cut it into 25cm wide lengths. You need approx. 8. …

5. Put 2 tablespoonsful of the mixture into the centre of a piece of cling film. …

6. Gather up the corners and then the sides and start to twist the top of the cling film so the krispies are forced into a ball shape. You can mould them into shape with your hand. …

7. Repeat with the rest of the mixture. …

8. Put on a plate and pop in the fridge until set. …

9. Take out and carefully unwrap them from the cling film. …

10. With icing sugar and hot water make an icing paste, quite stiff but soft enough to smooth out. …

11. Place a dollop onto of the krispie puds and let it ease its way just off the top. You can help it with a teaspoon. …

12. Decorate with the icing holly leaves and berries.

Sarah Thomas Homebird Bakery Wholesome comfort cakes and savouries for special days

• 200g rice krispies • 30g raisins or dried cranberries (optional) • 100g dark chocolate, broken into pieces

and every day. Find Homebird Bakery at Sketty

• 100g white chocolate

& Penclawdd local produce markets and Smock

• 30g mini marshmallows

Vintage Events. Email: homebirdbakery@gmail.com

www.homebirdbakery.co.uk

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Ingredients

| www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

• Icing sugar • icing holly leaves & berries (bought form supermarket or make your own with coloured roll out icing

Welcome to Tales from A Welsh Kitchen!

Three Ways with…Condensed Milk … Homemade ice cream This recipe is my gift to you! You may never buy ice cream again when you see how easy this is, and how tasty. Using a mixer, whip up 600ml of double cream until it forms soft peaks. • Add your tin of condensed milk, and mix thoroughly. • Pour into a tub and freeze, ideally overnight. • No need for churning; the condensed milk does all the heavy lifting. • Add flavour as you wish-we love a tablespoon of vanilla-but for a truly grown up treat, replace 60ml of the double cream with irish cream liqueur and then serve with a slice of Christmas Cake. • A great alternative to Brandy Butter! Or replace the original condensed milk with the caramel version and add some sea salt. Delicious!

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… Lemon Posset Sometimes after a heavy meal, a dessert that is refreshing and light is greatly appreciated. I served this many times last year and will be sure to have a few in the fridge for unexpected guests.

• Whisk up 150ml of double cream until it forms soft peaks, then add a tin of condensed milk along with the juice and zest of four lemons, keeping back a little zest for the top. Or limes if you prefer! • Pour it into serving dishes, decorate with the set aside zest and leave in the fridge overnight.

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… Chocolate Truffles So easy and cheap to make, you can get the kids to help and they make perfect gifts for teachers, neighbours etc this Christmas.

• You need three different types of chocolate, two 100g bars of each; cocoa solids over 70%, cocoa solids over 50% and then milk chocolate.

• Melt your two bars of bittersweet chocolate (70%) and dark chocolate (50%) in a bowl over a pan of boiling water. • Add a tin of sweetened condensed milk and a tablespoon of vanilla then mix really well. Don’t worry about the texture! • Set aside to cool down, then put it in the fridge for a couple of hours. • Using a spoon or melon baller to scoop the chocolate/condensed milk mixture up, roll it into a ball in your hands then place a toothpick into each ball, and stick each one into a tightly wound ball of tinfoil to hold the truffles in the air (see picture). • Put them back in the fridge for ten minutes and whilst they are cooling, melt the two bars of milk chocolate. • Lift them out the fridge and dunk each one into the chocolate, turning slowly to ensure coverage. • Place back into the tin foil holders and then sprinkle with your toppings; I used cocoa powder, coconut and sea salt but its entirely up to you. • Place them back into the fridge until serving. • Place them into a box and tie with a bow. Who wouldn’t greet that gift with a smile!?

Tales a Welsh Kitchen VIKKI SHACKL ADY

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Until next time, Vikki x

COMPETITION TIME

Feeling festive after all this talk of Christmas fayre, I have got a fab competition prize on offer, a pack of Christmas decorations and activities from our good friends over at Phoenix Cards.To win, head over to www.facebook.com/talesfromawelshkitchen and find our pinned post. Like it, share it, then in the comments answer this question,

We are an online community that’s all about good food, great eating, sharing recipes and tips, cooking on a budget, and celebrating in style. With Christmas fast approaching, I am frequently being asked for tips on how to serve food that is tasty, yet simple. So here is my top tip for stress free festive fayre; condensed milk. Not convinced?

Well, stick with me…

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AT CHRISTMAS?

A winner will be picked at random on December 10th. www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk |

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Swansea Bay this Christmas Don’t let the darker nights and cold weather keep you indoors in the run-up to Christmas. There are lots of events to enjoy in Swansea Bay this Christmas – so wrap up warm!

Waterfront Winterland There’ll be festive fun galore from 18 November until 8 January, when Museum Park, in the grounds of the National Waterfront Museum, is transformed for another year into Waterfront Winterland. Enjoy ice skating on the Admiral rink and our children’s rink; visit Santa’s Grotto, experience the family funfair, taste delicious food and of course take a ride on the Big Wheel.

Ice Skating Tickets are on sale now from and on ( 01792 637300.

swanseachristmas.com

Swansea’s Christmas Lights Switch-On Christmas officially starts in Swansea on Thursday 10 November.

Bring the children (big and small) and watch Santa turn on the Christmas lights from 6pm - 7.30pm. For full details swanseachristmas.com.

For more information and exciting events: @enjoyswansea Enjoy Swansea swanseachristmas.com

Bae Abertawe r Nadolig hwn Peidiwch â gadael i’r nosweithiau tywyll a’r tywydd oer eich cadw chi’n gaeth y tu mewn wrth i’r Nadolig nesáu.

Mae llawer o bethau i’w gwneud ym Mae Abertawe’r Nadolig hwn – felly lapiwch amdanoch yn gynnes!

Gwledd y Gaeaf ar y Glannau Bydd llond gwlad o hwyl Nadoligaidd o 18 Tachwedd tan 8 Ionawr pan fydd Parc yr Amgueddfa, ar dir Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau, yn trawsnewid am flwyddyn arall ar gyfer Gwledd y Gaeaf ar y Glannau.

Dewch i fwynhau sglefrio iâ ar lyn iâ Admiral a’r llyn iâ i blant, ymweld â Groto Siôn Corn, mwynhau’r ffair i deuluoedd a’r bwyd blasus ac wrth gwrs, fentro ar yr Olwyn Fawr os ydych yn ddigon dewr.

Tocynnau Sglefrio Iâ ar werth yn nawr o neu drwy ffonio ( 01792 637300.

nadoligabertawe.com

Cynnau Goleuadau’r Nadolig yn Abertawe Bydd y Nadolig yn dechrau’n swyddogol yn Abertawe nos Iau 10 Tachwedd.

Dewch â’r plant (bach a mawr) a gwyliwch Siôn Corn yn cynnau goleuadau’r Nadolig rhwng 6pm a 7.30pm. Am fanylion llawn, ewch i nadoligabertawe.com.

Am ragor o wybodaeth a mwy o ddigwyddiadau cyffrous: @joioabertawe Nadolig Abertawe nadoligabertawe.com

L

• DIABETES • Type 1 diabetes (& Type 2) can cause serious complications but these are less common and less severe with good treatment & good blood glucose control. Keeping blood glucose levels within the normal range can ease symptoms & the patient will feel well. However, even if the glucose level remains mildly high (& even if there are no symptoms), then there’s still a risk of long term complications. As well as good treatment, regular monitoring is important to detect & treat complications early.

AIMS OF T R E AT M E N T

1

ast time, I talked about the diagnosis & symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes, plus the short & long term complications of diabetes. Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be treated & managed successfully.

to do when you’re unwell. Type 1 diabetics may need to adjust their insulin dose to keep their blood sugar normal during these ‘sick days’

2

Reduction of other risk factors: You are less likely to get complications of diabetes if you reduce other preventable risk factors ( for complications) Every person with type 1 diabetes needs to follow a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, taking regular exercise & not smoking. Blood pressure & cholesterol levels are also important to control.

Whilst these risk factors seem irrelevant Type 1 and 2 for children with diabetes, these issues become more important as the child gets diabetes can older.

Good blood glucose cause serious control: to stay well & Early detection & treatment of complications healthy, you will need complications: most GP Surgeries insulin for the rest of your life. & hospitals have special diabetes but these are less Your doctor or diabetes nurse clinics, run by a team of specialists who will give a lot of advice and operate a multi-disciplinary approach. common and less instruction on how and when At clinic visits, you will have your blood severe with good to take the insulin. Insulin is not glucose level checked, as well as a test absorbed in the gut so it needs to check your blood glucose control over treatment and to be injected rather than taken the past 6wks (HbA1c)& a kidney function as tablets. There are various types blood test. Older patients will have their good blood glucose of insulin, & your insulin type blood pressure & cholesterol measured. An control. will tailored to your needs. Most eye check is done to detect retinal (back people take 2-4 injections of of the eye) problems. A urine dipstick test insulin each day. You will need to is done to check for protein which can be eat a healthy diet & you will need an indication of kidney problems. A feet to know how to balance the right check is done to detect early changes amount of insulin for the amount of food that you eat. that may lead to ulcers, Therefore, you will normally be referred to a dietician for as well as checking for detailed advice. poor sensation of the feet which may indicate nerve You will need to monitor your blood glucose level at home damage. by using a small palm-sized device. Ideally you should aim to keep the level between 4 and 7 mmol/L before meals Patients with diabetes and less than 9 mmol/L two hours after meals (called a should get the seasonal post-prandial level) Monitoring your blood glucose level ‘Flu jab every autumn & will help you to adjust the amount of insulin and food, have a one-off vaccination according to the ( glucose) level and your daily routine. against bacteria (called One issue to be aware of is a very low blood sugar (a pneumococcus) as both hypo). Diabetics need to know the symptoms of a ‘hypo’ illnesses are unpleasant ( i.e feeling sweaty, confused, unwell-if left untreated you if you have diabetes. can lapse into a coma)& how to manage them ( sugar, a Secondly, infections may sweet drink or a glucagon injection, following which you take longer to get better should have a starchy snack) Conversely, a very high blood or be harder to treat. This glucose level sometimes develops if you have an infection is particularly the case if or other illness. It is therefore very important to know what your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled.

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| www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

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Please mention Kidscene Issue 21 26 when enquiring/booking!

If you are looking for stocking fillers, here are a selection of wonderful books I have enjoyed this year.

Factual Book Title: The Gloriumptious Worlds of Roald Dahl Authors: Roald Dahl, Stella Caldwell Illustrator: Quentin Blake Publisher: Carlton Books The Glorimptious Worlds of Roald Dahl is fantastic way to end the centenary year of his birth. It makes a fabulous gift and keepsake for any fan. Presented in a scrapbook portfolio, the book brings to life Dahl’s wonderful stories with great attention to detail.

The book gives fascinating insights into characters and events, and you can delve into interesting facts and trivia with snippets about Dahl as well as interactive pieces to enjoy such as fold out pages, and booklets. The quirky format is still easy to read with information presented in well-defined chunks in an eye catching layout. With scrumpdellious illustrations by Quentin Blake, this humorous scrapbook is treasure trove sure to grab children’s attention.

Picture Book Title: The Building Boy Author: Ross Montgomery Publisher: Faber and Faber This debut picture book by acclaimed author Ross Montgomery. It tells the tale of a young boy coping with the loss of his Grandma.

His Grandma had a career as a famous architect when she was young. To come to terms with his loss, he builds a giant structure in her image from left over building materials in her garden. This Grandma is then magically brought to life and whisks him away on an adventure. Its message of overcoming grief is moving and yet understated, as the boy works his way through his journey both literally and metaphorically. The striking colour palette of hues used in the illustrations complements the narrative quality which has an unusual depth for a picture book.

Chapter Book: Marge in Charge Author: Isla Fisher Publisher: Piccadilly Press This is a delightful and collection of three stories about a mischievous babysitter. Marge is a babysitter with a difference, she has rainbow coloured hair and likes to bend the rules! When Jake and Jemina first meet her, she looks rather dull and sensible but they couldn’t be more wrong. Soon they are immersed in fun, as she chaotically treats them to racing snails and slurping chocolate soup amongst other things! And though Marge is different and goes about things in a rather unusual way she has a great knack of looking after the children. Fresh and funny.

Children everywhere will warm to Marge!

www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk |

22

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The Turkey...

‘I’m sorry how many?’

‘2’

‘Sorry, did you say 2?’

‘Yes 2’

This is the annual conversation had in our house in preparation for the Christmas decorations. I want 2 trees, I have 2 trees, I have no idea why I have to have 2 trees but that’s what I want. I stamp my foot, my husband shakes his head, and quite rightly so as this chronic obsession in the pursuit of perfection is absolutely ludicrous! However, the 2 trees go up, one in the front lounge and one in the back lounge… I have 2 lounges?! That’s insane in itself as well!

But it is this behaviour that I have been shoehorned by society into thinking is completely acceptable and unfortunately Christmas is the pinnacle of my ‘perfection pursuit’.

This time of year I question regularly the true meaning of Christmas and vow to myself to explore it, to eschew the trappings of materialism and embrace the wonders of just ‘being together’. However… I’m a parent too, and the guilt slowly but surely creeps in. In the pursuit of perfection I am guilty of a number of questionable behaviours…

There’s the ‘musthave’ toy…

Months of loud advertisements have been screaming in your cherub’s faces that they ‘have to have it’… Life surely won’t be brilliant unless this toy is in it… The other children in class have all spoken about how they are having it, some have even conned their parents into giving it to them early as a reward for good behaviour (thanks for this other parents, not only do you make me painfully aware of my inadequacies but you force my children to feel this too!) So after much emotional blackmail you begin your search for this elusive ‘must-have’ toy only to find out it’s sold out practically everywhere apart from shops that are miles away or being sold by opportunists at a much inflated price…. You end up paying through the nose for it because you can’t bear the thought of your little one being without it, only for it to be abandoned within weeks (maybe days) and banished to the ‘car-boot sale pile’.

25

| www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

We have to have a Turkey because it’s tradition. Never mind the fact that I’m vegan, my husband and children all not massively fussed over eating Turkey… If a choice could be made then pizza would win hands down! I then have the decision to make over size… Will we have enough? I ensure it’s an organic, kindly treated Turkey, this criterion rapidly inflates the price and before I know it I have paid a deposit for a Turkey the price of a small property! Realistically I could just buy a frozen Turkey to save the cost… Or even more novel not buy the thing in the first place and save myself a load of money! We will then go to my Mother’s and be left with a huge Turkey… Follows weeks of Turkey related meals.. No wonder my family aren’t keen after the enforced feeding

Spreading the cost...

This is a fallacy. Start in the January sales, buy the things you know you’re going to give next year e.g. socks etc, bits and pieces… The truth behind this idea is that you put them in a cupboard, hide them so well you forget buying them in the first place and start panic buying in November…. Double the budget (if you had the sense to have one in the first place!) Sheer brilliance.

Decorating the house…

Best part of Christmas is the glow of coming home and it being decorated ready for the big day. I treat this exercise as if I’m having the world and it’s mother coming to my house for Christmas when reality is that it will probably only be the 4 of us and half the day will be spent at one of our Mother’s houses. Then there’s the dust… 4/6 weeks of being unable to properly clean the house for fear of upsetting the baubles inevitably leads to a dust frenzy, in a house of asthmatics this is never a good thing.

The two trees.. One real (needles everywhere) the other fake, the multiple strands of lights, which never work and my husband meticulously goes through to check

all the bulbs…

note to self must buy new set this year or did I already envisage this and buy some in the sales? Must check secret cupboard and see what beauties I can dig out.

The reality of all this is that I know no other way to behave and even though it sounds like I’m complaining, I love everything about Christmas, it’s highs and lows, it’s the idiosyncracies that make it such a special time of year. I get to spend an inordinate amount of time with my favourite people, doing some of my favourite things. No matter what you say you can’t escape the sheer feel good factor of Christmas even if it does make you act in a questionable way. I can’t wait, let the planning begin! I hope it’s a fantastic one for all you reading this too.

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Contact Vikki Napier to arrange a visit on: 01792 298537 or visit: www.oakleighhouseschool.co.uk admissions@oakleighhouseschool.co.uk Oakleigh House School, 38 Penlan Crescent, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0RL

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Best for your child - best from your child

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Oakleigh

Pen Y Fro Primary School Year 5 Interview Naomi Wilkinson

NACE Cymru Challenge Award Oakleigh House School is the 48th school in Wales, the only primary school in Swansea and the 374th school overall to achieve the prestigious NACE Cymru Challenge Award.

This Award is given for high quality work by the whole school, teachers and governors, in challenging all pupils, including those with high abilities, to achieve their best.

NACE Chief Executive, Sue Riley, said: “Oakleigh House School has worked hard to win the NACE Cymru Challenge Award status. It has shown itself to be committed to developing a school and providing an education where all pupils are challenged to be the best they can be.”

The Award is given by the National Association for Able Children in Education, a leading national education organisation and charity, established for over 30 years. The Association exists to support teachers in providing for pupils with high abilities whilst enabling all pupils to flourish. It provides advice, training and resources for teachers, including The NACE Cymru Quality Standards which Oakleigh House School has used to review and plan what it provides for more able and talented pupils.

Many primary and secondary schools are using the Quality Standards to develop their work.

Assessors, for the award, were impressed by the strong leadership and management of provision which keeps the needs of more able learners at the forefront of the school’s work, supported effectively by governors. They judged the quality of the school’s work by observing lessons, interviewing the pupils, teachers, parents and governors and by looking at the pupils’ work. The accreditation was made on the basis of the high quality and commitment they saw across the school.

September 2016 Sue Riley, Chief Executive, NACE

What's Your Favourite Animal and Why?

It's the Green Turtle. I got to snorkel with one when i filmed Nightmares of Nature in Borneo and actually got to swim with one in Australia as well. I' ve been very spoilt! It's such a magical encounter to be able to swim under the water alongside a very ancient creature like that.

What's the Scariest Animal you have ever worked with?

Anything that can kill me! I had a bit of a phobia of sharks as i was growing up but i think i am slowly battling that fear. Now, i think i would say my biggest fear is the salt water crocodile. They are massive and they look at you as if they want to eat you!

Do you have a Favourite Country that you have visited?

Ooo - I have lots of favorites! But i think Alaska was one of the most unusual and exciting places that i have ever been to. It wasn't as cold as we were expecting it to be when we were there, as i don't enjoy being really cold! The scenery is so breathtakingly beautiful there.

What inspired you to be a T.V Presenter?

I loved watching children's T.V, especially Blue Peter and The Broom Cupboard when i was younger. Caron Keating and Philippa Forrester were my favorites! So, it was from watching T.V that inspired me!

What is the Most Challenging Job that you have done so far?

I think it has been Nightmares of Nature. As the title of the programme suggests, they always want to find things that genuinely scare me! I think sometimes people think that T.V is all a bit made up and that we are acting, but with that show it's all genuine fear! The first time i got into the water with sharks it was like an out of body experience.

It has definitely been character building and has certainly challenged me!

See Naomi Wilkinson in The Best Christmas Show Ever at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on Dec 27th.

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