Handprints Bath Spring 2010

Handprints sPRIng 2010

M a g a Z I n e

FRee

Inside this edition:

great discounts, competitions & reader offers exclusive to handprints Magazine readers.

Read more inside about health, family friendly work & spring garden fun.

www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk a guide to life with under 5’s in Bath Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 1

1/4/10 14:36:40

handprintartowrk.indd 1 Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 2

30/3/10 15:54:17 1/4/10 14:36:41

5:54:17

WeLcoMe

A

nd welcome from Lucy and Lisa & Becca.

Back in 2008 two Mums from Bristol, Lucy and Lisa met for the first time just over three years ago when we went to a local Parent and Toddler Group called Handprints, where we were made to feel welcome and were able to meet other parents and carers and relax for a couple of hours with good company, a cuppa and great cake.

As new Mums we found that although there were plenty of things to do for new mums and children it was mostly through word of mouth or by chance that you would find out about them, and once you did, you needed the confidence to go and try them alone which is never easy.

We had an idea to produce a truly local guide jam packed with information, resources, hints and advice for parents and carers of pre-school children. From this idea came a vision: “We want to increase access to activities, information and resources to new families and we want to produce a local guide that is relevant to our readers and their community. We want to become a link between local groups, classes, clubs, retailers, small businesses, employers and most importantly our readers”

So we launched our very first Handprints Magazine in our local community in Bristol, since then we have been asked to expand to cover more areas in the South West and in 2009 we met Becca, another mum whose passion and enthusiasm for Handprints Magazine impressed us so much we asked her to join the team to bring Handprints Magazine to even more families in the area.

Now we are very excited to bring Handprints Magazine to Bath, we have been busy finding out about life with a young family in and around Bath and in this edition we have features on flexible working, local libraries, gardening fun and much more. You can meet Handprints Bear – the newest member of our team who loves to get out and about and enjoys all the things a typical 3 year old loves to do.

We also have the beginnings of what we want to become a truly invaluable directory for parents and carers, if you know of a listing that should be in there contact us because we want to include everybody – its free and its very very useful.

Our next edition will be out in July just in time for the Summer holidays and you can find out more about us at www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk.

xx Lucy, Lisa & Becca If you would like to contact us you can on our new number 0800 8824027 or email hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk

0800 8824027 hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 3

Spring 2010 • Handprints Magazine • 3 1/4/10 14:36:42

Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 4

1/4/10 14:36:43

Back on the road again

dad’s page

Richard talks from the heart about being a Dad, he tells us about the latest stop on his journey as a dad with Charlotte (3) and Thomas (2). If you would like to read more about his “road trip” you can at www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, whichever way you look at it, my road trip has taken an unexpected diversion. Whilst cruising in my MPV I found myself suddenly back on the career highway dodging traffic cones! I was offered a job, almost 1 year since I was made redundant. It was such a great opportunity that I could not turn it down, So the MPV is now parked back up and I’m back in the driving seat of my new company car.

However the time I have spent with my children has been invaluable. Where most dads have to work at least 7 hrs a day (just like me now!) I was lucky enough to spend this time for the past year with the most important people in my life, my kids (oh yeah and the wife!). It has been such a great ride and a great opportunity to bond and to really get to know them, and them to get to know and trust me. So where before Tom hurt himself, or was upset, it was always “Mum!” nowadays “Dad!” seems to creep in a bit more often.

So to all those dads who may be facing troubled times, if the worst happens and you do lose your job, its rubbish I know, I’ve been there! But use this time to your advantage. Get to know your kids better, spend all the time you can with them. You wont regret it. At the end of the day you will find another job, but you’ll never have another chance to enjoy being part of your children’s lives as they grow up!

0800 8824027 hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 5

Spring 2010 • Handprints Magazine • 5 1/4/10 14:36:43

gardeNiNg

garden Fun

Spring is here and it’s a great time to get out in the garden with children...

Warmer weather, sunshine, longer days... there are plenty of great reasons to get out and have fun in the garden. Gardening is a fantastic free activity and you don’t need a lot of space to plant flowers or even veggies. Getting little ones involved in gardening allows them to explore nature, they will love to plant their own seeds and watch them grow.

Big seeds that are easy to handle are a good choice – miniature sunflowers are a favourite.

Growing vegetables is a brilliant way to introduce children to how food is grown and where it comes from. You don’t need a lot of space and a little bit of time invested now could see you eating your own fruit and vegetables in summer and autumn. Start simple with ideas like cress egg-heads or some potatoes in a bucket or strawberries in a pot. The joy of eating your home grown produce is amazing!

To support our gardening ideas the helpful guys at Keynsham garden Centre have donated a childrens gardening prize. If you would like a chance of winning, email prizes@handprintsmagazine.co.uk with your name and address and childs age.

Winners will be chosen at random at the end of april and will be contacted via email.

Keynsham garden Centre, hicks gate, Keynsham, Bristol Bs31 2aD Fax: 01179 776436 www.keynshamgardencentre.co.uk

Get rid of your unwanted stuff, cheaply, simply and locally.

Buy, sell or swap …face 2 face Get a 2good2tip online stall… it’s just like having a tabletop or carboot sale on your computer! ®

Visit www.2good2tip.com NOW 6 • Handprints Magazine • Spring 2010 Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 6

www.2good2tip.com – The community based website for buying, selling, swapping low cost stuff, locally – you can even use it for fundraising!

Think of all those things around the home you no longer want, use or need – most of it is 2good2tip.

Why not get your own stall on line (rather like a tabletop or carboot stall) where you can up load all your things and advertise them to people local to you. Put your stall on community groups around you – join ones that already exist, or start your own group at your school, club, workplace, village... and get your friends involved.

2good2tip is the new and simple way to trade face to face with people you know or people who are local to you. For only £1 a month – become a member of www.2good2tip and get your own stall – and then you are free to buy and sell as you please and you keep all the profit. Why not start a new group with your friends – make some extra cash or use it to fundraise for that special cause.

2good2tip is all about making friendlier, fun and safer places to buy, & sell. Find out more and meet the floggies by visiting www.2good2tip.com

www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk

A Guide to Life with Under 5’s 1/4/10 14:36:44

WorKiNg pareNts

Flexible Working – Know your Rights Working and being a parent isn’t an easy life and its often hard to maintain the balance between work and family life. You either feel like you are letting the team down if you have to deal with family issues or you sacrifice family time to get your job done either way someone is not happy.

IT WoRKs FoR Me… andrea is a personal travel agent with Dream Travel group she has two children aged 5 and 4.

What makes your job so family friendly?

I have the flexibility to work hours to suit my family life, especially around my husband’s work hours which vary daily!

Flexible Working can help parents to manage the work life balance and can benefit both employers and staff. Flexible working is a working pattern that is adapted to suit your needs – for example part time hours, flexi time, annualised hours or job sharing.

If you are an employee and have worked for your employer for 26 weeks’ continuously and not made another application to work flexibly during the past 12 months you can apply for a flexible working pattern.

You have the statutory right to ask for flexible working if you have parental responsibility of a child aged 16 or under or a disabled child under 18. This includes foster parents and adoptive parents and guardians.

Your employer must give serious consideration to your application and can only reject it if there are good business reasons for doing so, but remember…

You have the right to ask for flexible working but not the right to have it.

For more details about how to apply for flexible working and information about parental leave, maternity and paternity rights you can log on to www.direct.gov.uk and look in the parents or employment sections where you will find useful help on how to apply and what to include in your application.

How do you maintain the balance of work and family life yourself?

The mix of customer contact and administration allows me to split my work across the day – I often deal with emails and admin late at night allowing me the time to speak with tour operators, airlines and clients during the day.

In between, I’m able to get the kids up and ready for school, collect them myself at the end of their school day, take them to their clubs with time to get involved where I can, as well as fitting in the household chores of cleaning, cooking and ironing!

Diane is a Jamie at home Consultant I left work four and a half years ago after working full time. I have a 4 year old and a 2 year old. After much contemplation about work I finally joined the Jamie at Home team in September last year.

It fits in perfectly with my family life, my husband works days and I work evenings. I have even done some day parties and helped a couple of organisations raise money by having parties, this can work with children’s toddler groups too.

0800 8824027 hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk Spring 2010 • Handprints Magazine • 7 Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 7

1/4/10 14:36:45

Flexible Working Opportunity

Would you like to run your own business?

Boogie Beat is seeking energetic, confident and motivated people who would like to run their own Boogie Beat Franchise.

This fun and flexible opportunity can fit around your family.

We provide full ongoing support and training.

Boogie Beat Music and Movement classes are energetic and fun, combining music and dance with carefully structured learning.

Successful business Mum is seeking working partners to work part time from home without compromising current working or family commitments.

If you have a Supervisory, Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment or Self-Employed background or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle call me NOW.

Fran Nash-Smith 01454 316 133 07800 670598

For more information please contact Nicky or Lisa : 01934 741648 / 744272 www.boogiebeat.co.uk

Work from home Flexible hours around family commitments Full or part time Free training & support Run your own business Income potential £50 to £500+ per week

Ea this New

ster

uck d e l d d u P corner Meet our team of tame ducks, watch them follow the feeder before listening to a special talk from the warden.

Set your own targets and we will show you how you can achieve them with our popular British Home Shopping Company.

Ambitious? We are also recruiting team leaders. Unlimited income & bonus incentives

Call Diana on 0117 937 3719 for a friendly chat to find out more Recruiting in all areas of the UK. Car and internet connected PC required.

Ideal for singles or couples. Must be 18+

8 • Handprints Magazine • Spring 2010

Visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge for more details, events, news and the latest wildlife sightings.

Slimbridge

Wetland Centre

Gloucestershire GL2 7BT T 01453 891900 Reg charity in England & Wales, no. 1030884 and Scotland, no. SC039410

www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk

A Guide to Life with Under 5’s

WWTpuddleduck advert 64dx94w.ind1 1

Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 8

16/2/10 15:23:01

1/4/10 14:36:46

Woodlands Family Theme Park, Dartmouth, South Devon TQ9 7DQ

Tel: 01803 712598 • www.woodlandspark.com

Woodlands Leisure reserve the right to close the park or any attractions without prior notice.

0800 8824027 hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 9

Spring 2010 • Handprints Magazine • 9 1/4/10 14:36:46

LiBrarys

a Warm Welcome awaits you & your Children Visit a Library in Bath & North East Somerset Today Bath & North East Somerset Council

As well as our large central library in The Podium in Bath we also have branch libraries in Keynsham, Saltford Midsomer Norton, Radstock ,Paulton, Moorland Road and Weston Village. We also have two mobile libraries that regularly visit villages on the outskirts of Bath.

Libraries are fun places for children and their families. Children can join the library from birth and borrow up to twenty books for three weeks for FREE. There are lots of different kinds of books for babies such as board books, picture books, ‘ touch and feel ‘ books and lift-the-flap books. You can also hire CDs and tapes of stories and rhymes free of charge. DVDs and videos are also available for hire.

For parents and carers of young children there are books on helping bring up baby. Many libraries provide Bookstart Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions for babies and storytimes for toddlers, for details please visit the Library website www.bathnes.gov.uk We offer Bookstart Baby Book Crawl at all libraries where babies collect a stamp for each library visit and after four visits receive a beautifully illustrated certificate by a well-known children’s book illustrator.

go to www.bathnes.gov.uk for more information about library services.

Custom Made Hand Crafted Jewellery

Baby Massage A special and fun time with your baby

Some comments from parents ‘ A great course to do to help bond with your baby’ ‘ It’s a lovely way to spend time with baby’ For further feedback, see website

Your child’s fingerprint in pure polished silver! We capture a precious moment in time, by taking your child’s finger print and casting it in 99.9% pure silver.

Beautiful handcrafted jewellery as unique as you or your child.

A truly meaningful gift for your family or friends to treasure forever.

See website or call for further details and to book: www.louise-morgan.co.uk contact@louise-morgan.co.uk 07779 234144

Contact us: www.angeltraces.co.uk angeltraces@yahoo.co.uk 0117 949 2307 0r 07811287139

Learn a simple, effective massage in a relaxed group at The Minerva Centre, Bath, BA1 3NP A 5 week course suitable for babies from 7 weeks

10 • Handprints Magazine • Spring 2010 Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 10

www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk

A Guide to Life with Under 5’s 1/4/10 14:36:47

THE PARAGON NURSERY

Dress up as a policeman... make soup with plastic vegetables... paint your hands green - there's always something fun to do in The Paragon Nursery.

It's bright, happy and extremely caring and offers a gentle introduction to school life. Led by a qualified teacher and supported by experienced nursery assistants, it uses both free and structured play to teach basic numeracy and literacy skills, and develop the social and emotional skills that we all need to communicate and get on well with others. At the same time, we start to develop the good manners and moral values that are such an important part of education at The Paragon.

Nursery children take part in many aspects of school life at The Paragon and use school facilities like the library, ICT suite and music room but they have their own dedicated space with secure indoor and outdoor play areas.

The Paragon, Junior School of Prior Park College, is an independent, co-educational day school based in a beautiful Georgian house a mile from the centre of Bath. We have eight acres of our own gardens and woodland and also, following our merger with nearby Prior Park College, access to their superb sport, dance and other facilities. Catering for more than 265 children aged three to 11, we offer a broad curriculum taught in small classes by teachers with a real passion for their subject.

For more information please contact us: tel: 01225 310837 email: admissions@paragon.priorpark-co.uk website www.paragonschool.co.uk

‘This is a Prep School ‘This is a Prep School that fly’ thatisisbeginning beginning totofly.’

(Good Schools Guide (Good Schools Guide 2008)2009)

• Happy and dynamic prep school The Paragon has been • Small classes,School excellent teaching transformed music in the last years • Outstanding andtwo sport and is going from strength to strength.

• Impressive academic results Come and see for yourself.

Open Day OPEN MORNING

Saturday 2010 Saturday 7th 16th FebruaryOctober 2009 10am – 12 Noon 10am - 12 noon No appointment necessary

see the school on a normal working day

Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, Bath, Bath, BA2BA2 4LT 4LT T:T:01225 310837 837F: 01225 F: 01225 427 980 01225 310 427 980 Email: office@paragonschool.co.uk Email: admissions@paragon.priorpark.co.uk www.priorparkschools.co.uk www.priorparkschools.co.uk IAPS Co-educational Day School 3-11 IAPS Co-educational Day School 3-11

0800 8824027 hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 11

Spring 2010 • Handprints Magazine • 11 1/4/10 14:36:48

HANDPRINTS BEAR

Meet Handprints Bear...

Handprints Bear is the newest member of our team.

He is a 3 year old teddy bear and he loves to do all the things teddy bears enjoy, so we have taken him on as a roving reporter. Since joining the team Handprints Bear has been very busy. Here is his first report...

“Hi, I love working for Handprints Magazine cos I get to do lots of really fun things with the children and adults I meet.

In January I enjoyed the snow and I built a snowman with Stan and Toby – it was brilliant! I also went to the cinema @Bristol and Softplay.

In February I was very busy. First of all I joined my friend Charlotte at a Gymtastic Club 4 session.

“Gymtastic is Fantastic! I loved the activities and using the equipment. Sherri and Vicki have such fun songs and brilliant exercises. I did a handstand and learnt how to do a forward roll. My favourite bit is star jumping on the trampoline. I can’t wait to go again!

I also joined Thomas and his Mummy at a swimming class with Puddleducks in Thornbury.

I LOVE SWIMMING! Thomas and I really enjoyed splashing and swimming as a Little Kicker with Sarah the teacher. The best part was singing 3 Little Ducks with Sarah’s puppet. My fur got very wet though and I did need to use the hairdryer at the end.

Great fun – I wish I could go every week!

I joined Stan and Toby for a fantastic afternoon at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Millennium Square Bristol... Wow how exciting! Lots to sea – whoops see.

We could see and reach everything we had a great time exploring. Octopus feeding time was great fun.

We visited the Imax 3D Cinema to watch a film about Whales and Dolphins which mummy wasn’t sure we’d be patient enough for but it was brilliant, Stan said it was “Real Magic”.

And finally, I went to Flying Saucers Pottery Café with Charlotte and Thomas where we painted some Mother’s Day gifts for our Grannies. This was really good fun, I loved getting my paws wet to make a pawprint on the plates we chose and I can’t wait to see what they look like when we collect them.”

12 • Handprints Magazine • Spring 2010 Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 12

www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk

A Guide to Life with Under 5’s 1/4/10 14:36:50

Further details...

Puddle Ducks run baby and toddler swimming classes that teach your child to swim, be safe and have fun in the water in lots of pools in Bristol, south gloucestershire and north somerset. Contact sarah on 0117 971 7165 or bristolandbath@puddleducks.com or visit www. puddleducks.com for more information.

Flying saucers Pottery Café is in Clifton. They are open 7 days a week in school holidays. For more information please visit www.flyingsaucers.co.uk or call 0117 927 3666.

Blue Reef Bristol aquarium & IMaX 3D Cinema, anchor Road, harbourside, Bristol, Bs1 5TT, 0117 929 8929 www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk

KIDZFUN is a Bath based children’s entertainment buisness which specialises in creative, educational fun for the preschool and infant age ranges.

Sally Handley aka ‘KIDZFUN Sally’ a children’s entertainer and former primary school teacher created KIDZFUN in 2008 and now she runs 5 music and movement sessions and 2 storytime fun groups in Widcombe and Larkhall as well as entertaining at birthday parties in the Somerset area.

“I love the openess and sensitivity of this age group , and the drama!” says Sally who believes the magic formula with toddlers and pre-schoolers is action, repitition and participation. “Don’t expect them to listen for more than 30 seconds and have loads of songs ,rhymes and qames up your sleeve!”

To book a taster session for your child or to find out more go to www.kidzfun.biz 0800 8824027 hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk Spring 2010 • Handprints Magazine • 13 Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 13

1/4/10 14:36:51

directory nurseries & Pre-schools Alice Park Nursery, 1 Alice Park, Gloucester Road 01225 424971

Sunbeams Nursery, Southdown Infant School, Mount Road 01225 424950

Apple Tree Day Nursery, Spring Lane 01225 318744

Sunshine Pre-School, United Reform Church, Frome Road, Odd Down - 01225 837202

Combe Down Nursery, Combe Road, Combe Down 01225 840575

Westwood Nursery, University of Bath, The Avenue 01225 386518

Combe Park Pre School, 16 Combe Park 01225 332088 Foxtots Nursery, Bradford Park, Foxhill 01225 884648 Guinea Lane Nursery, St Mary’s Hall, Guinea Lane 01225 487858 Hopscotch Nursery, 98 Wellsway 01225 448191 Mulberry House Nursery, High Street, Bathampton 01225 339843

playgroups Odd Down Community Centre, Odins Road 01225 830089 or 01225 830810 Tunley Toddlers, Tunley Recreation Centre - 01761 415620 For more information on services in your area you can also check out www.1bigdatabase.org.uk and netmums.com

Snapdragons Day Nursery, 4 Grosvenor Place, London Road 01225 483660

If your organisation is not listed here please contact us on 01454 877642 or email hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk We make every effort to ensure our information is up to date.

Although we have contacted each of our directory entries their entry does not act as a recommendation from Handprints Magazine Ltd.

Snapdragons Day Nursery, Henley Lodge, Weston Road 01225 426255

When you call a listing please tell them you found out about them from Handprints Magazine.

Pepperpot Bathford Pre School, Dovers Park, Bathford 01225 852555

How to get a FREE listing in Handprints Magazine directory

If you are a childminder, nursery or pre-school, toddler group or support group you can have a free listing in our directory.

We provide you with FREE copies of Handprints Magazine and we will list your group for FREE All you need to do is email jo@handprintsmagazine.co.uk

www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk

Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 14

1/4/10 14:36:51

Next issue: Summer 2010 To advertise please contact: 0800 8824027 or email hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk To send information for events and directory please contact: hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk If you would like some free copies of Handprints Magazine please call 01454 877642 or email hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is take, Handprints Magazine does not accept liability for loss or damage.

Handprints Magazine is an independent community publication and whilst we take care in producing this magazine but we cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents or for any consequence.

Design & Print: The Magazine Production Company: 01273 46 75 79 www.magazineproduction.com

0800 8824027 hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk www.handprintsmagazine.co.uk Spring 2010 • Handprints Magazine • 15 Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 15

1/4/10 14:36:54

Alice Park Nursery, 1 Alice Park, Gloucester Road - 01225 424971 Apple Tree Day Nursery, Spring Lane 01225 318744 Combe Down Nursery, Combe Road, Combe Down - 01225 840575 Combe Park Pre School, 16 Combe Park 01225 332088 Foxtots Nursery, Bradford Park, Foxhill 01225 884648 Guinea Lane Nursery, St Mary’s Hall, Guinea Lane - 01225 487858 Hopscotch Nursery, 98 Wellsway - 01225 448191 Mulberry House Nursery, High Street, Bathampton - 01225 339843 Pepperpot Bathford Pre School, Dovers Park, Bathford - 01225 852555 Snapdragons Day Nursery, 4 Grosvenor Place, London Road - 01225 483660 Snapdragons Day Nursery, Henley Lodge, Weston Road - 01225 426255 Sunbeams Nursery, Southdown Infant School, Mount Road - 01225 424950 Sunshine Pre-School, United Reform Church, Frome Road, Odd Down - 01225 837202 Westwood Nursery, University of Bath, The Avenue - 01225 386518

Odd Down Community Centre, Odins Road - 01225 830089 or 01225 830810 Tunley Toddlers, Tunley Recreation Centre - 01761 415620 For more information on services in your area you can also check out www.1bigdatabase.org.uk and netmums.com If your organisation is not listed here please contact us on 01454 877642 or email hello@handprintsmagazine.co.uk We make every effort to ensure our information is up to date. Although we have contacted each of our directory entries their entry does not act as a recommendation from Handprints Magazine Ltd. When you call a listing please tell them you found out about them from Handprints Magazine.

Handprints 0310 Issue 1 Bath AW.indd 16

1/4/10 14:36:54