Pt april low res for advertisers by Parent Talk

FREE!

FAMILY

Parent talk

Clubs & Classes Schools Events Reviews Essential reading for parents and grandparents in Somerset

April 2017 Volume 24 Issue 4

Happy Easter

WIN a Sundome . Tickets to Devon County Show Facebook “f ” Logo

Visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

/parenttalksw

@parenttalksw

To advertise in Parent Talk please call 01458 250461

parenttalksw

Bring your little ones for a morning of mark making fun! (For ages 18 months to 6 years)

Friday 5 May, 9.30-11.00am

Book

your place at

millfieldschool.com/ markmaking or call 0 14 58 837763

Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8LD

FAMILYFAMILY PAGES

Parent talk Devon County Show contents Family pages

p2-3

Out & About

p4-9

Book Bag

p10-12

Education, information

p13 -17

Book Review

p18

Classified

p19

Dear Readers... Welcome back and finally, I feel Spring is really here. That extra hour of daylight makes all the difference and I’m all set now for adventuring outdoors on nature trails or even more appealing, Easter trails! There are chocolates everywhere: garden centres, historic houses, zoos. Somehow, we never quite completed activity sheets and trails as a family but with the added bonus of a chocolate at the end, we might have had the necessary focus! This month, we’ve got some great competitions so keep those entries coming as when it comes to winning, you never know… ‘it could be you’! Best wishes for a very Happy Easter and enjoy the break! Tamsin

Parent Talk

Newtons, Churchstanton, Taunton TA3 7QF T: 01823 601086 E: sales@parenttalk.org.uk Disclaimer: The editorial and advertising content of this publication does not imply endorsement of them by Parent Talk. Nor can Parent Talk be held responsible for any actions or consequences arising from contact between reader and advertiser. Readers are therefore advised to check carefully, any references, professional qualifications and stated membership of professional bodies before entering into contracts or making arrangements to use a service featured herein.

Editor Tamsin Humphreys Advertising Juliet Barber Production Sarah Harmer May deadline 19th April 2017 To guarantee receiving your copy of Parent Talk every month why not take out a subscription for just £17 a year and it will be sent to your door?

Devon County Show will be jam-packed with fun activities and entertainment for children on May 18-20 at Westpoint, Exeter. Every day there will be a nonstop, action-packed programme for the whole family to enjoy. There will be lots to see in the five rings around the showground as well as music on the bandstand and entertainment in the avenues. And there are lots of activities where youngsters can try something new. Top things to see and do: 1. Monster trucks (Friday & Saturday) - watch Big Pete and the Grim Reaper jump over - and crush – old cars! 2. Children’s Farm - watch the milking, have-a-go at baking, plant seeds and lots, lots more! 3. BMX stunt bike show and then have-a-go! We’ll provide

Don’t let the kids sit around this Easter and May Half Term…… get them outdoors with our exciting adventure days. Action packed and fun filled, we have an exciting range of activities to choose from. Our activity days are for children aged 7 to 14 years and run from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Take a look at what we have coming up. Commando Days A day to get dirty…. take part in camouflage and concealment & escape and evasion games, have a go at target shooting, build hides and set ambushes and conduct raids. Cost is just £15 including lunch. Family Woodland Fun Days NEW!!! All ages welcome. Join us from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Parent talk

Running out of ideas for a family meal? head over to our website www.parenttalk.org.uk where you'll find lots of ideas for preparing easy, wholesome and tasty dishes.

Tickets bought in advance cost £18.00 for adults who can bring two children (5-15) FREE on Saturday. Car parking is free. Find out more and visit our website www.devoncountyshow.co.uk

Come and spend a fabulous fun day with your tribe in the woods, activities will include den building, paintball target shooting, climbing, fire lighting, rope swings, scavenger Hunt and BBQ lunch and much much more! Cost is £25 per family inc lunch (up to 5 people). Ambush Paintball Days Perfect for the beginner to the seasoned veteran. Learn how to target shoot, take part in a close quarter battle lane, games include Capture the flag, Seizure Hestercombe Hill, Bomb disposal and Run rabbit run! Cost is £20 inc BBQ lunch. Wild Woodland Adventure Camp A 2 night action packed camp in the fabulous woodlands of

Hestercombe Gardens. All food and equipment provided. Loads of fun activities including Cam and Con, Paintball shooting, Rafting, Climbing and nighttime woodland walks (badger and bats watch). For 7 to 13 yr. olds. Cost is £155. Check our website at www.1610.org.uk for full info

and dates. For more details or to make a booking please contact Andrew on 01823 410126 or at aburns@1610.org.uk. Please quote PARENTTALK to get 5% off your booking. 1610 Ltd, Hestercombe House, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA2 8LG. www.1610.org.uk

One stop shop for Summer

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter

CMYK / .ai

– see if you can spot the special wheelbarrows.

with 1610 this Easter and May Half Term

01458 250461

Facebook “f ” Logo

10. Follow a great new family trail around the showground

Muddy Good Fun

MORE COPIES?

@parenttalksw Parent Talk and facebook parenttalksw

the bikes and an experienced professional will provide top tips. 4. Get up close to amazing animals – see the biggest bulls, thousands of sheep, pigs and goats as well as hens, pigeons and guinea pigs. Don’t miss the dancing sheep in the fun Sheep Show! 5. Buzz along to see if you can spot a queen bee and roll a beeswax candle. Fairground fun! Are you brave enough to take a ride on the ghost train? 6. See the police puppies being trained for action – will they catch the baddy? 7. Smell the flowers in the junior flower and garden competitions. 8. If you like horses, you will love all the ponies, showjumpers and heavy horses! 9. Explore the Army’s display where they are armoured vehicles and challenges to try.

With the summer season fast approaching, Sunproof Limited are opening their outlet store to the public during weekdays, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for a wide range of baby and children’s products. The range available includes: ● Australian branded children’s sunglasses for ages 3 months to 10 years, together with a free

animal shaped kids sunglasses case for all sunglasses purchases. ● Sun protective UV clothing, UV flap hats, and UV bucket hats for ages 1 – 8 years ● Banz ear defenders for babies 0 – 2 years and kids 2 – 10 years. Banz ear defenders are essential kit for any noisy outdoor event with high or event dangerous decibel levels. Think Glastonbury, Wembley, Twickenham, Silverstone or even the Bath and West Show. There are literally hundreds of reasons why parents have been buying Banz Ear Defenders to protect their children from noise. ● Beach tents, beach parasols and buggy UV canopies ● One of the largest Crocs footwear selections in the South West, also in adult sizes ● Sun Sense Australian sunscreen for toddlers, children and adults. Choose from a

large range of over 10 different sunscreen types, - for toddlers, family, sun sensitive skin, anti ageing, matt face cream, lip balm and after sun lotion. ● Back to school nametapes with fun symbols and special colour options. ● Baby bottle holders, and Shore Feet infant padder shoes ● Full range of Rukka branded Scandinavian rainwear for ages 1 year to adult. The Rukka range includes raincoats, dungarees,

waterproof trousers, rain capes and souwester hats. ● We will always have items on special or clearance, these will ONLY be available at our outlet store, so please ask when visiting! Sunproof Outlet Store is at 6 Ilton Business Park, Ilton, Ilminster TA19 9DU. Tel 01460 258040. Store hours 9 am– 4 pm Monday to Friday. Cards welcome, ample parking.

Sunproof

Outlet Store is open

Crocs - Babyybanz - sun hats - UV swimwear Beach tents - buggy shades - Ear defenders Australian sunscreen - beach shoes - UV hats Scandinavian rainwear - Baby gift packs

Open . Mon - Fri . 9am - 4pm . 01460 258040 Parent Talk April 2017 3

OUT & ABOUT

Easter at Living Coasts

The Easter holidays are the ideal opportunity to go somewhere different – like Living Coasts, on the Torquay harbour-side. Let the fresh sea air blow away the winter as you explore above and below decks. The combination of cheeky free-roaming penguins, restful wading birds and mysterious aquarium species is unique. The single sweeping path is easy on prams, wheelchairs and little legs - and the view from the cafe is great, whether you’re looking at the food in front of you or the panorama of the Bay through the windows! Over Easter there will be special daily enrichment at the animal talks: these will vary dayto-day, so check what’s going to happen on the day you decide to visit when you arrive at the ticket hut. You could see things like the fur seals being given flatfish - a tasty treat that they really enjoy; eggs on boats for the otters; toys for the octopus; or a bubble machine for the penguins.

For the Easter long weekend there’s a traditional Eggs-cellent Easter egg trail kindly sponsored by Marshfield Farm, plus talks and activities. The colourful egg trail will lead the way to fun facts about the animals - and there’s a chocolate bunny at the end (while stocks last)! Trail sheets are just £1.50; standard admission prices apply. Look out for some welcome signs of Spring; you might see birds displaying, building nests, sitting on eggs – or even spot chicks! And, if you want to do something silly, then get yourself into the giant deckchair in the entrance hall and take a selfie! Meanwhile, Tuesday 25th April is World Penguin Day, which makes it the ideal occasion to visit Living Coasts and help the zoo keepers celebrate these amazing birds. Penguins are marvellous; they are real survivors, living, laying their eggs and raising their young in some of the most hostile environments on Earth, from the ice and snow of Antarctica to rocky ocean coasts.

Easter at Paignton Zoo Easter means eggs – but when you visit Paignton Zoo this Easter holiday weekend you can follow an egg trail with a twist… The Paignton Zoo Reptile Eggs-travaganza runs from 14th to 17th April and involves a journey around the Zoo to discover a variety of reptile eggs. Find out fun facts about crocodiles, tortoises and more - you'll even receive a chocolate treat for all your hard work. The trail sheets are £1.50 each while stocks last and there’s one chocolate per trail sheet. The event is kindly supported by Marshfield Farm Real Dairy Ice Cream. April is National Frog Month, so hop along to Paignton Zoo to celebrate with the experts. Frogs are fascinating; did you know that there are over 5,000 species of frog? There are glass frogs that have translucent skin so you can see their bones and muscles. Another species in Indonesia has no lungs - they breathe through their skin! During the Easter school holidays in April there will be special talks in Amphibian Ark, daily at 12.30pm; a bugeating challenge so you can be (almost) just like a frog and special activity sheets to pick up and take home so you can learn how to make a toad abode.

Paignton Zoo is open all winter, but it really does start to buzz again at this time of year. With the warmer weather comes Spring blossom and bulbs and new arrivals of the furry and feathered kind. The miniature train begins to run more regularly and the seasonal food outlets start to open their doors. Now is a good time to think about an annual pass, which gets you into Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall as often as you like, plus free or discounted entry to nine other zoos! http://www.paigntonzoo. org.uk/support-us/annual-pass

Overseas expeditions with Outposts Outposts' pre-planned, exciting Open Expeditions are OPEN to all young people, aged 1517 at time of travel, to join individually, with friends or with a group from school and depart on set dates during the school summer holidays. They last 3 weeks and the itineraries include a mixture of trekking, safaris, environmental awareness, history, culture, adventure activities and voluntary work. There are two destinations - South Africa and Nepal. Students travelling on an Outposts Open Expedition can achieve the ASDAN Certificate of Personal Excellence (CoPEL3) and earn 70 UCAS points to use for entry to University in the future. The expeditions can also be used for the Gold DofE residential. All involved have the opportunity to meet twice before the expedition on training weekends, where they take part in team-bonding activities and receive important information and support prior to the expedition. Outposts has provided overseas expeditions for young people since 1997 and has in-depth knowledge and experience of South Africa and Nepal. Outposts is a member of the Young Explorers Trust, conforms to British Standard

Institute’s 8848, ATOL bonded and in the UK is licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service. "A great experience, very well organised from start to finish!! The staff were all lovely, helpful and I had full confidence in their abilities. Dan had a fabulous, life-changing experience all due to Outposts – a huge thank you!” Parent. For more information on how to get involved T: 01823 451959 E: info@outposts.co.uk www.outposts.co.uk

P se s

Eggs-cellent Easter Weekend!

Good Friday to Easter Monday Visit Living Coasts this Easter for some fantastic fun.

Follow our colourful egg trail to find fun facts about our animals and you’ll receive a chocolate bunny* at the end.

ly sponsored by ind

3 week expeditions for 15 - 17 year olds Community interaction projects, game drives, trekking, elephant rides - learning, adventure, fun and much more... Standard admission prices apply. *£1.50 per trail sheet, chocolate available whilst stocks last.

www.livingcoasts.org.uk 01803 202470 Registered Charity Number 1099076

4 Parent Talk April 2017

The expeditions can be used for your Gold DofE Residential & earn you up to 70 UCAS points

July / August 2018 - BOOKING NOW! www.outposts.co.uk info@outposts.co.uk 01823 451959 follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Easter with the West Somerset Railway image © Ian Brodie, Visit Somerset

Entertain the children this Easter with the West Somerset Railway. We will be having an Easter Egg Trail which can be carried out whilst travelling on our services. The West Somerset Railway is a heritage railway offering a fun day out for all the family. Nestled in the Somerset Countryside, four miles outside the county town of Taunton, our trains depart from Bishops Lydeard to the seaside town of Minehead. Nine idyllic stations are situated along the line which include the historic harbour town of Watchet with its harbour, small shops, cafes,

Children love the all round fun at Mill on the Brue Activity Centre The summer holidays are not that far away and the place you must send your kids is Mill on the Brue Activity Centre in Bruton, South Somerset. Whether for a day or a week’s residential, the children love Mill on the Brue. Based on 25 acres of woods, fields, and river valley Mill on the Brue is now in its 35th year and we think we really know what kids like! Whether it’s challenging and exciting activities such as canoeing or raft building, two giant zip wires, assault courses, archery, grass toboggans, air rifle shooting, fire lighting and shelter building, command tasks, or gentler activities such as feeding our animals or crafts, with fun and experienced instructors, the kids have a whale of a time and come back year after year. We also offer delicious meals, much of it home grown organically and all home cooked. No wonder that many remember their time with us as being a highlight of their childhood – even after twenty years! Day Summer camps start on Monday 17th July and run weekdays until 25th August. The cost is £58 per child per day, weekly ticket £262, (7 – 12 years) 8.30am – 5.30pm and includes a packed programme plus drink and snacks and two course cooked lunch. Pre Booking is essential. Residential summer camps run from Sunday 9th July until Saturday 19th August for 8 – 15 years old. Children are placed in small groups (maximum 12) of the same age with the same two instructors all week, and the programme is appropriate for their age group. Cost £584 pp; early bird discounts and other discounts available.

See our website www.millonthebrue.co.uk or enquire for our summer camps brochure on info@millonthebrue.co.uk or 01749 812307

This is my year!

pubs, museums and beaches to keep you busy. There’s also the medieval village of Dunster, home to The National Trust’s Dunster Castle, as well as an old Yarn Market building which is flanked on either side by shops, tea rooms, Dunster Museum and doll Museum. On 15th April, The Gruffalo will be making appearances on Minehead station at intervals throughout the day. There will

be lots of entertainment on the platform too including a Helter Skelter and bouncy castle, Facepainting, an entertainer and crafts. We have further meet and greet days later on in the year,

with visits from PAW Patrol’s Chase and Marshall on 3rd June and Peppa Pig on 16th September. The characters will be appearing on Minehead Platform at intervals on each date.

For more information about the railway and what we have to offer please visit our website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or contact us on 01643 704996

Come and see The Gruffalo at the West Somerset Railway on Saturday 15th April 2017 The Gruffalo will be making appearances at intervals between 10am and 4pm on Minehead station. Entertainment at Minehead station includes: • Andrews Leisure bouncy Castle and Helter Skelter. • Children’s entertainer • Free Facepainting • Crafts • Turntable Cafe • Buffer Stop Shop • Free entry onto Minehead station • Woodland themed Easter Egg Hunt Book your train tickets in advance of travel for a 10% discount. www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or 01643704996

Forest School Open Week Find out what’s at the heart of our Pre-Prep (ages 2 - 7) Bring your child along, or save all of the fun for yourself! Nursery (age 2+) - Monday 24 April 9.30 am - 11.30 am Reception - Tuesday 25 April 9.30 am - 11.30 am Year 1 - Wednesday 26 April

Summer camp

9.30 am - 11.30 am

Day & residential

Year 2 - Thursday 27 April 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm Come along to one of our fun-filled Forest School sessions in our wonderful woodlands!

01749 812 307 Bruton, Somerset BA10 0BA www.millonthebrue.co.uk

schooloffice@kingshalltaunton.co.uk Telephone: 01823 285920 kingshalltaunton.co.uk

Parent Talk April 2017 5

OUT &Talk ABOUT 6 Parent December 2012

Easter Eggstravaganza at Monkey World! This Easter is an egg-citing time to be visiting Monkey World, as the first 100 children into the park each day from Good Friday to Easter Monday receive a FREE Easter Egg! Open every day over the Easter holidays, come and see our internationallyacclaimed rescue centre, home to over 250 primates – including the largest group of chimps outside Africa. Many have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty. At Monkey World, they can all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment, and some are now part of international

breeding programmes for endangered species. Combining fun with conservation and animal education, half-hourly talks at the park explain all about man’s closest living relative. Visitors can see the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest Great Ape play area for children with its huge variety of swings, slides, and climbing frames. The children’s Activity Centre will also be open throughout the Easter

holidays, where kids can make a present for the primates, and create their own sand art to take home with them!

For more details, please go to: www.monkeyworld.org, email apes@monkeyworld.org or call 01929 462537

Animals, adventure and great play at Court Farm Country Park! Celebrating its 26th year of being open to the public, Court Farm Country Park in Banwell is looking forward to providing another fun-filled summer of entertainment for all the family.

The centre has been voted a finalist in the Farm Attraction of the Year competition three times in recent years. Owner Peter Gwyn says the accolade is in recognition of the farm’s friendly atmosphere and excellent facilities. With over 25,000sq ft of undercover attractions and playgrounds, together with a brilliant outdoor adventure castle, everyone can enjoy a day in the countryside whatever the weather. Budding Farmers and adventurers will love the Safari Jeep Track, diggers and ride on tractors. There are two large indoor adventure playgrounds including sandpits and the farm’s own Cowboy fort, which suit children of all ages. All visitors can enjoy the free tractor rides around this real working farm. In July, a new attraction is due to open for the summer season. The Maize Maze will give the whole family the chance to solve the puzzle. The maze is set in five acres and, at a height of eight feet, it comes complete

with LOADS OF WAYS OF GETTING COMPLETELY LOST. For smaller children a simpler maze is planned, giving visitors of all ages a chance to enjoy the fun. Tractor rides, pony rides,ferret shows, bottlefeeding – and the host of other things going on - will leave your children begging to come back time and time again. Court Farm Country Park is home to many friendly animals, which you can touch and hold. With lambs, piglets, goats, deer and horses, children can marvel at the antics of the baby animals.

As with many of the other experiences on the farm, the educational value is priceless. Also running again for the season is the Milking Show, which takes place twice a day. It is a fun and informative experience giving kids the chance to get up close and find out where milk really comes from.

For more details visit the farms website at www.courtfarmcountrypark.co.uk or call (01934) 822383. Court Farm Country Park is open all year round, seven days a week from 10am to 5.30pm.

Wolvershill Road, Banwell, Weston-super-Mare

6 Parent Talk April 2017

OUT & ABOUT

SOMERSET children can hop along to a garden centre in the county and take part in an Easter treasure hunt. Treasure has been hidden around Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre and youngsters can solve the clues on the treasure trail and earn a prize from Monday, April 3 until Thursday, April 13. Andrew Pitman, Store Manager of the award-winning, independent, family-run garden centre at Monkton Heathfield near Taunton, said: “There’s lots of treasure hidden in different locations across the entire garden centre and we are challenging children to find it all for the chance to win a prize. Treasure hunt forms will be available from our reception desk and these include helpful instructions on how to take part. Completed forms can be returned to us and those with correct entries will receive a chocolate bunny to take home and enjoy.” The Easter treasure hunt will cost £2.50 per child.

Andrew added: “The Easter holidays are the perfect break for families to spend some quality time together and we hope everyone has a hopping good adventure taking part in our treasure hunt. “Once the hunt has been

completed, families can stop off at our Elm Tree Restaurant for some tasty food. A children’s menu is available as well.” The hunt will take place at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre from Monday, April 3 until Thursday, April 13.

For more information, please call the garden centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton, on 01823 412381, visit www.monktonelmgardencentre.co.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/Monktonelm or follow the company on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/Monktonelm.

Barrington Court Paint your own Easter decoration 2 – 17 April, 11am – 4pm, (1 – 4pm on Sundays) £3 each

Spring at National Trust properties Hurrah, Spring is here with all of its vivid colours, sounds and smells, which make being outside a true joy – and where better to delight in the gifts of this special season than at your nearest National Trust property. There are four locally in South Somerset, all easily accessible from the A303: Barrington Court, Montacute House and Garden, Lytes Cary Manor and Tintinhull Garden. They all have their own characters, but the one thing that binds them together is that they all are beautiful places where children can run, play and even learn, whilst having loads of fun. There is plenty for all to enjoy. With fascinating old houses to marvel at, intriguing gardens to explore (great for hide and seek) and acres of parkland, woods, hills and streams, what’s stopping you from making a day of it. Top everything off by indulging in

image © National Trust

Hop along to Monkton Elm Easter treasure hunt

a great selection of delicious cream teas, cakes and other delights. So, if you are looking for activities and great days out,

including the ever popular Cadbury Egg Hunt, check out the National Trust websites for opening time, prices and what’s on in April and May.

Cadbury Egg Hunts

Den building 4 April, 11am – 3pm Suggested donation of £1 per child

Barrington Court

Face painting 6 April, 1 – 4pm £3 each

nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court

Lytes Cary Manor Craft Fair 22 & 23 April, 11am – 4pm Free entry to market nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor

14 – 17 April, 11am – 4pm £2 per trail

Lytes Cary Manor

14 – 17 April, 11am – 4pm £2.50 per trail

nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor

Montacute House

14 – 16 April, 11am – 3.30pm £2 per trail nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house

Montacute House Copying Holbein Until 29 Oct, 11am – 4pm Exhibition in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery Levels’ Best Craft & Farmers’ Market 25 March, 29 April & 20 May, 10am – 2pm Free entry to market Wild Goose Chase 3 – 7 & 10 – 13 April, 11am – 4pm Outdoor fun activity

Normal admission applies unless otherwise stated. Printed on 100% recyled paper. Please recycle after use. Photographs © NTPL/Arnhel de Serra/Rob Stothard

nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house

Normal admission applies unless otherwise stated.

Design by Pure Glow Media.

Parent Talk April 2017 7

8 Parent Talk December 2012

Parent

events

Got an event to share? Like us on

/parenttalksw

. M A R K E T S . T H E AT R E S . FA I R S . F E T E S . S H O W S . E X H I B I T I O N S . 28th March-8th April: Jesus Christ Superstar The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. Presented by Yeovil Amateur Dramatic Society. 7.30pm. 01935 422884 1st-17th April: Easter at Hestercombe, Cheddon Fitzpaine, TA2 8LG. See p9 for details. 01823 413923 3rd April: Nature Ninjas at The Bishop’s Palace Wells, BA5 2PD See p9 for details. 01749 988111 5th April: Juggling and Circus skills workshop at The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton TA1 1JL. 10.30am. 01823 283244 8th April: Dragon Puppets at The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton TA1 1JL. Come along to our morning craft session with your family to make a funny dragon sock puppet. All materials are provided but if you have an old sock that wants to be a dragon please do bring it along! Drop in at anytime between 11am – 1.30pm, minimum of one adult to two children please 01823 283244 8th April: Don’t Dribble on the Dragon at The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton TA1 1JL. Tom is a toddler with a cool older brother, a secret dragon… and a dribbling problem that just won’t stop! A spectacular musical adventure about growing up and the importance of family is the perfect feel good show for big

hearted adults and loving little ones alike. 2.30pm. 01823 283244 8th April: Get Creative, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath BA2 4AT Join in and let your creativity grow. Part of the BBC’s Get Creative Weekend, which will see people across Britain take part in three days of 'have a go' creativity. All activities are included in the admission price (free for Bath & North East Somerset residents with a Discovery Card). Booking not required – just turn up on the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm3.30pm. 01225 477233 9th April: Exmoor Ponies Day, Ashwick, Dulverton, TA22 9QE.Come and join in the fun with Exmoor Ponies and support a local charity. Ride and/or groom a pony, crafts and refreshments. The whole family can take part in an Easter Quiz Trail and claim a chocolate reward at the end. No booking required and no entrance fee. Small charges for individual activities. Min age for pony rides – 4 yrs. All weather event with riding under cover if necessary. 01398 323093 9th-10th April: Robin Hood – Easter pantomime at The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. From the same team behind The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan, Enchanted Entertainment return this Easter with another

fantastic pantomime for all the family. Sun 6pm, Mon 1 & 5pm. 01935 422884 14th April: Medieval Falconry at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, BA5 2PD See p9 for details. 01749 988111 15th April: Mrs H and the Sing-Along Band. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Bringing together elements of Folk, Soul, Afro, Latin, Dub, comedy and theatre this unique band present the ‘singalong’ with a new lease of life for all the family to join in with. Bring your voices, silly dances, a sprinkling of mischief and don’t hold back from joining in the fun! 11.30am & 3pm. All ages. 01225 823409 15th-16th April: Glastonbury Medieval Fayre. Glastonbury Abbey, 10am-6pm BA6 9EL. A weekend of fun for all the family. Tel: 01458 832267 16th April: Oliver in the Overworld. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. The first ever musical created from scratch with sign language. Beautiful puppets, magical transformations, 10 super songs and daft dances and featuring fully integrated Sign Language, this is an ingenious and imaginative theatre show. 11.30am & 3pm. Age: 5-11. 01225 823409 18th April: Roman Beauties, Roman Baths, Bath BA1 1LZ. Come along and find out about bathing, Roman style. Activity included in the

admission price (free for Bath & North East Somerset residents with a Discovery Card). Booking not required – just turn up on the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm 18th-23rd April: Eloise and the Curse of the Golden Whisk. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. The year is 1944. In the depths of a dusty larder in the bombed ruins of a Bath restaurant, Eloise finds a beautiful, golden whisk. But when she clutches the shimmering relic, she unleashes an ancient curse. Times vary. Age: 7+ family show. 01225 823409 19th April: Side by Side, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath BA2 4AT. Investigate mirror images and create work using mixed media. Ages 3 to 7. 10.30am12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm. 01225 477233 22nd April: Fox and Rabbit’s Idiots guide to The Owl and the Pussycat The Regal Theatre Minehead, TA24 5UQ. Join the wayward Reynard. H. Fox and his reluctant sidekick Rabbit as they meander their inelegant way around the world of the Owl and the Pussycat in their beautiful pea-green boat.. Bring your imaginations and your runcible spoons and be entertained whatever your age. 2.30pm. 01643 706430 22nd April: Secret World’s Wild Academy Earth Day Special, TA9 3PZ. 2-4pm All

ages. £5 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 01278 768723 22nd April: Free tennis for all at Wells Open Day. Wells Tennis Club, Wells, BA5 1TU. All five courts and two mini courts will be packed with free tennis-related activities. As well as a chance to try tennis with a coach there will be crafts for children, hook the ball competitions, refreshments and discounted memberships on offer. Rackets and balls can be provided on the day. The club has once again joined forces with BTEC business studies students from The Blue School to help organise, run and promote the day. 9.30am-2pm. 01749 670429 23rd April: Dance, Dance, Dance. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. Something for everyone from children to adults! The Dance Factory will be joined by other talented dance/performance groups from the area, giving as many opportunities as possible to those who just love to perform. A show not be missed! Family show. 7pm. 01935 422884 23rd April: World Heritage Day. Parade Gardens, Bath BA2 4DF. 10am-3pm. Celebrate World Heritage Day in Bath, a World Heritage City, with trails, talks, walks, music and family fun. 10am-3pm. 01225 477000 24th April: Dinkies Storytime adventure. The Tale of Two Planets. the egg, Theatre Royal

Bath, BA1 1ET. Up up up, zoom zoom zoom a lot lot further than the moon. Meet Dot who’s very excited about her first visit to Planet Earth and then….visit where she lives! 10am & 11.15am. 18 months to 4 years. 01225 823409. 26th April – 21st June: One item only. The egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. This is the decision our young hero has to make in this story of human migration. Times vary. Age: 7+. 01225 823409 28th April: Cinderella – Vienna Festival Ballet. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare,BS23 1HP. Vienna Festival Ballet’s production of Cinderella is based on the traditional story and is a combination of pure classical dancing and a touch of pantomime. 7.30pm. 01934 645544 28th-30th April: One little word. The egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. A beautiful and gentle story of friendship, power struggles and the rich world of creative play. Fri 10.30am & 1pm, Sat & Sun 11.30am & 3pm. Age: 3+. 01225 823409 30th April: Alice in Wonderland ballet at The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. With its whimsical flights of the imagination, eclectic music and joyful dance, Alice in Wonderland is delightful entertainment for all ages. 2.30pm. 01935 422884

Enjoy your garden with Willowbrook With the sun shining brightly every day, now is the time to get out into the garden! At Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre we have a wide choice of plants including alpines, heathers, herbs, clematis and not forgetting the trees, shrubs, conifers, climbers and roses. We have a new look pet shop with a wide range of feeds for all types of animal and a very large range of wild bird care. We also have a new menu in our café for Spring – definitely worth a visit.

Craft Studio Holiday Clubs for 6+

Don’t forget to visit Winesolution wine shop in their new location inside the main shop. We are open seven days a week and can be found situated between Taunton and Wellington on the A38. With our Click & Collect service at www. willowbrook gardencentre. co.uk you can pick your gardening products that you need and then collect them either the next day or even the same day – aimed to save you time so that you can get out and enjoy your garden!

A fabulous craft studio, minutes from Wellington town with ample parking

Birthday Parties for any age Various Workshops throughout the year For more information and to book contact: sam@bodleycraft.co.uk or www.bodleycraft.co.uk 8 Parent Talk April 2017

Fun for all at Bodley Craft For any age: Craft-themed Birthday Parties. We take care of everything: materials, food, birthday cake, games and party bags! PixelHobby: Workshops, Parties or simply come and buy. We stock sets from just £2! Works Parties, Team Building and Workshops: throughout the year. Come along and be creative! Felting, sewing, decopatch, mosaics, bunting,

flower arranging and more! For 6 years and over: Holiday Clubs full of creative activities, both inside and out – creative play, sticking, gluing, painting and more! Your local Craft Studio, Bodley Craft, Bodley Yard, Ford Street, Wellington, TA21 9PG. Email: sam@bodleycraft.co.uk phone: 07525 127878 www.bodleycraft.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Easter family fun at The Bishop's Palace Keep little ones entertained this Easter Holiday with a range of fun activities at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells! The holiday fun kicks off on Monday 3rd April from 11am3pm with “Nature Ninjas” – a day of family nature sessions in the Gardens with a range of activities including pond dipping, minibeast hunting, seed sowing and a garden trail! On Friday 7th April from 10:30am-3pm families can head along to the Stable Yard Room for Family Fun Friday with a theme of “Baskets & Bonnets”. Our team of crafters will help little hands to create Easter Bonnets, Easter Baskets or a Mosaic Egg and there will also be an Easter trail around the site available. For fans of Falconry, don’t

miss the Palace’s Medieval Falconry Day on Good Friday (14th) from 10am-4pm when The Raptor Foundation will return to the South Lawn for a day of fantastic flying displays, entertaining information and beautiful birds! Suitable for all ages, the displays will illustrate how these birds would have been used in Medieval times and why. Marvel at their skill and training as they show off their well-honed moves in front of the audience and in between displays, visitors can have the chance to handle some of the birds. On the same day, there will also be another Easter-themed Family Fun Friday, “Bouncing Bunnies and Chirpy Chicks” from 10:30am-3pm so don’t miss the craft activities too! The 14 acres of Gardens

EASTER FAMIILY FUN! 'nature ninjas' tadpoles and minibeasts! 3rd april OPEN DAILY

medieval falconry day 14th april Under 5's Free

family fun fridays & Easter trail: 7th & 14th April

The Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk

will be open daily throughout the Easter Holidays and the new Dragon’s Lair Play Area is the perfect place to give little legs a good spell of exercise – climb the Dragon’s Wings, explore the Tree Pods, crawl through the Dragon’s belly or pump the water to spill the bucket and send the Dragon to sleep – the choice is yours! Don’t forget The Bishop’s Table Café on site which is open daily serving childfriendly menus alongside lunches, cakes and hot drinks to refresh the grown ups too! All activities are included in standard admission.

Easter fun at Hestercombe

Head to Hestercombe this Easter holidays and explore the colourful springtime gardens as you follow our Easter trail. Find everything that has fallen out of the Easter bunny’s basket and collect a chocolate treat and an egg to decorate at the end. Trail: £1.50 per child. Normal admission applies. On 4th & 11th April, wander down to the Woodland Barn

and take part in an Easter Basket Workshop. Using recycled materials, you can make your own little eco-friendly basket to take home with you. £2 per child. Normal admission applies. Limited places on each workshop. Sign-

up at the Woodland Barn when you arrive. Join us in the Stables Café for a roast lunch on Easter Sunday and Monday - if the weather is sunny, enjoy your food outside in the Courtyard. Adult: £9.95; Child: £4.95.

Hestercombe is open every day during the Easter holidays, 10am - 5pm. For details about all our events, visit our website: www.hestercombe.com

Parent Talk April 2017 9

welcome to your NEWS n EWS sectio Nbringing you competitions, job tasters, boredom busters, interesting facts and everything topical...

Book Bag

Spring - March, April and May Male and female bird Spring is a time when everything is growing and bursting into life. Birds are singing, leaves are unfolding, butterflies are starting to be seen and mammals are beginning to wake from their winter sleep.

Spring is usually said to start at the beginning of March and the 21st of March is the Spring Equinox; the date on which day and night are of equal length.

Male and fem

This season is a time of days getting longer and the spring sunshine bringing growth and greenery everywhere with buds bursting and leaves unfolding. Birdsong reaches a peak and many flowers appear, in turn attracting insect-life, including bees and butterflies. Animals that hibernated over winter appear on the first warm days of spring so keep an eye out in early Spring for hedgehogs, newly emerged queen bees, frogs, toads, grass snakes, lizards and adders.

Other animals such as squirrels become more active and are easier to spot. Millions of migrant birds arrive, with chiffchaffs, sand martins and wheatears amongst the first to appear in March and swallows, swifts, cuckoos, nightingales and many warblers in April and May. Nature is at its most busy in Spring, every day brings Blackbird changes, the (m) sap is rising, House sparrow (m) and for many species finding a mate and successfully breeding is top priority. Blackbird Blackbird(M) (m)

Blackbird (f)

House sparrow (f)

Bullfinch Bullfinch (m) (M)

House sparrow (m)

Bullfinch (f)

Chaffinch

Bullfin

Chaffinch

Credits: Blackbird male (c) Neil Aldridge / Blackbird female (c) Steve Waterhouse / House sparr (c) Amy Lewis / Bullfinch male (c) Bob Coyle / Bullfinch female (c) David Longshaw / Chaffinch m / Blackcap male (c) Amy Lewis / Blackcap female (c) Steve Waterhouse

Blackbird (f)

House sparrow (f)

Bullfin

Credits: Blackbird male (c) Neil Aldridge / Blackbi (c) Amy Lewis / Bullfinch male (c) Bob Coyle / Bull / Blackcap male (c) Amy Lewis / Blackcap female

for more information please visit www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Book Bag NEWS

WIN!

Hedgehog

Long-eared owl

Badger

Lesser black-backed gull

Mallard

Tadpole

Rabbit

ed Hawkins / Lesser black-back / Fox & Mallard (C) Jon & Rabbit (C) Elliot Kneep Burkmar (C) Gilian Day / Fallow deer tock / Tadpole (C) Richard Wilds Credits: Coot & Hedgehog (C) er Badg / d owl (C) Harry Hogg Mike Snelle / Long-eare

Coot

Fallow deer

Fox

gull (C)

r e t t o p s s l a m i n a Baby

SPRING FLOWERS

Snowdrop

Bluebell

Daffodil

Primrose

Spring crocus

Wild garlic

Winter aconite

Cowslip

Wood anemone

Lesser cel

andine Image credits: Snowdrop - Anna Guthrie / Daffodil - ukwildflowers.com / Sprin anemone - David North g crocus - ukwildflowers / Bluebell - Philip Precey .com / Winter aconite / Primrose - David North ukwildflowers.com / Woo / Wild garlic - David Nort d h / Cowslip - Philip Prec ey / Lesser celandine Philip Precey

Get ready for a summer spent on the beach or in the garden this year with the Instant Sundome from Coleman®. Take shelter from all the elements this summer and stay protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays at the beach, the campsite or picnic area thanks to Coleman’s UVGuard™ providing an SPF50. The Instant Sundome weights just 4.4kg and can be pitched in less than 1 minute thanks to Coleman’s innovative Instant Technology. The Instant Sundome has pre-attached, telescopic, collapsible fibre glass poles meaning your shelter can be set up with ease. The Instant Sun dome’s groundsheet zips up in seconds leaving you with a spacious interior with inside pockets, protecting valuable items while splashing around in the sea, or to provide a private changing area. Parent Talk have one Sundome to give away. For your chance to win, rearrange the word below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 19 April 2017.

MDNUESO www.coleman.eu/uk/p-26296-sundome.aspx

for more information please visit www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Book Bag NEWS

There are 5 differences between the two pictures above, can you spot them?

WIN Tickets! to Devon's BIG day out!

May 18, 19, 20

Devon County Show food, farming, fun & country life

3 Amazing animals – livestock, horses, dogs and even bees! 3 The very best of local food and drink 3 Top chefs including Michael Caines and Elly Wentworth (BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals) 3 Dazzling entertainment including monster trucks 3 Blooming flowers and crafts – don’t miss BBC Devon’s Andy Breare’s allotment! 3 A unique shopping experience – from combine harvesters to cushions! 3Try something new and drive a tractor or a 4 x 4!

Parent Talk have 3 pairs of adult tickets to give away. For your chance to win, answer the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 19 April 2017.

Name two top chefs who will be at the Devon County Show

Devon remembers 3 Visit a moving, handcrafted tribute to the 11,000 men and women of Devon who lost their lives in the First World War. Especially for youngsters 3 Children’s farm – watch the milking, experience hands-on baking, plant seeds, see the Sheep Show and lots more 3 Bees and honey – spot the queen bee and make a candle 3 Flower & garden junior competitions 3 Have a go at riding a BMX 3 Fairground fun 3 Army display Save £s and buy tickets now! Kids go free on Saturday!*For ongoing updates and further information follow @DevonCountyShow www.facebook. com/devonsbigdayout *up to two children (aged 5-15) go free on Saturday when accompanied by a paying adult www.devoncountyshow.co.uk

visit www.parenttalk.org.uk for the answers

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

No need to be bored in the summer holidays! gain new skills and build their confidence. This year we celebrate the world of Shrek and present ‘This is our Story’. All students receive a certificate. You do not need to attend Razzamataz classes to join in the fun! Our summer schools are a great chance to come and get a taste of what we’re all about. This year’s Summer School for Razzamataz Yeovil will be at Westfield Academy, Stiby Road,

Razzamataz Yeovil is on hand with the perfect solution to school holiday fatigue. We invite you to take part in a fun filled week packed with Street Dance,

Pop Singing & Musical Theatre and a chance to perform in front of family and friends! With the help of our experienced teaching staff, students can

Kids Camps this Easter

The Princess Royal Sports Complex, Wellington School is open to the public all year round. We offer fantastic facilities to local clubs, organisations and individuals for a variety of sports and activities. We have the biggest sports hall in town, a full size all weather pitch and a modern all purpose fitness suite. Easter KIDS CAMPS 2017! We are running days for all children aged 8 – 14 including: Sports & Multi-Activities and off-site Adventure camp. See website for details. We offer regular discounts to new gym members and class users (please keep an eye on our website). Our gym membership starts at £20 a month and we do not tie members down to a contract – sign up for a month or

a week, it is up to you! We offer FREE regular programmes for our monthly members as well as offering monthly members FREE access to all our classes The Princess Royal Sports Complex plays host to a whole range of courses including: rugby coaching, hockey coaching, netball coaching, strength & conditioning coaching and lifeguard courses. Also – why not come here for a birthday party? Leave the mess and the stress somewhere here! We cater for: football, cricket, bouncy castles and even indoor go-karts! If you are looking for a whole hall football booking or badminton courts – please get in touch with reception. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Yeovil, BA21 3EP from Monday 7th to Friday 11th August. The course runs 10am to 4pm daily for 8-16 year olds, with a 10am to 1pm option for 4-7 year olds. Prices are £100 for the full week and £60 for Under 8s. Book before May 31st to receive a 10% discount. An early 9am drop-off is available on request for an additional charge. We’ve already had a phenomenal response with over 50% of spaces booked.

To secure your child’s place contact Claire on 01935 411128 or 07856 273166. Alternatively email yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk for a booking form. Follow us at facebook.com/razzyeovil to keep up-to-date with our latest news, or see our schools pages at yeovil.razzamataz.co.uk for more information.

Lace up for National Walking Month 2017 Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, is urging the public to ‘Try20’ during National Walking Month this May. The campaign encourages people to walk for 20 minutes every day throughout May and observe the big differences small steps can make. Last year, Living Streets’ Try20 campaign saw thousands of people across the UK pledge to walk for 20 minutes a day. A follow up survey in December found that 75 per cent of pledgers were still walking for 20 minutes a day and reporting stories of weight loss, money saving, improved social life and increased fitness. Living Streets recommends walking as a free, easy and fun way to improve your health. This year, Living Streets will also be commissioning an extensive survey to try and find the best cities in the UK for walking judged on a range of criteria, including safety, air pollution and street clutter. Anyone across the UK will be able to ‘Rate their city walk’ throughout National Walking Month in an online

quiz. The charity will then offer recommendations on action participants could take to make their city more walking-friendly. Key messages: ● Try20 this May: add a 20 minute walk into your day. This small change makes a big difference to your health and wellbeing; ● 20 minutes of walking a day is a good step towards achieving 150 minutes of physical activity a week as recommended by the Chief Medical Officer; ● You don’t have to go out of your way to exercise: walk your daily journey to work, to the shops, or the school run – or skip a stop on public transport; ● Getting people out of their cars and onto their feet is part of the solution to the UK’s congestion and air pollution problems; ● 'Rate your walk’ and help us improve spaces and create a walking nation where everyone can enjoy the benefits this simple act brings on streets that are fit for walking. For more information, visit www.livingstreets.org.uk/nwm and follow us on Twitter: @ livingstreets #Try20

The Princess Royal Sports Complex

Located in Wellington School Wellington, Somerset 01823 668718 (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!) www.wellington-sport.org.uk 01823 668718 /

Multi-Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli visited Tops Day Nurseries to deliver a special cookery class and shared healthy eating tips with chefs within the family of 17 day nurseries. Tops Day Nurseries were contacted by the Novelli Academy for more information about the low sugar menus the nurseries provide to help tackle the obesity crisis. An assistant for ‘the nation’s favourite French chef’ spotted the story on the news and informed Jean-Christophe of Tops Day Nurseries new menus. Jean-Christophe showed a keen interest in learning more about the project lead by Tops Day Nurseries, particularly with his own passion for ensuring dishes are created in a health conscious manner. Chefs from Tops Day Nurseries were invited to watch a demonstration lead by Jean-Christophe showing

how quick and easy meals could be incorporated into the new low sugar menus. Diane Wycherley, Senior Area Manager at Tops Day Nurseries commented “We are extremely proud that our new menus attracted the attention of JeanChristophe Novelli, and we feel privileged that he attended the chef’s forum to present new ideas and recipes for us to use within our nurseries.” Jean-Christophe commented “It is wonderful to see that Tops Day Nurseries are as keen as I am to help our children and their parents understand nutrition from this important age of their development, I only wished more schools were this conscientious.” Tops Day Nurseries plan to continue to work with JeanChristophe as well as parents, to demonstrate the importance of a healthy diet both in childcare and at home.

Tops Day Nurseries is a friendly active family of nurseries based across Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset. Why choose Tops: 17 day nurseries Open from 6am-8pm*, Monday to Friday, 52 weeks of the year

01823 668718 / www.wellington-sport.org.uk

THE PRINCESS ROYAL SPORTS COMPLEX

Celebrity chef trains local nursery staff

Available booking to the nearest 15 minutes, so you only book the hours you need Holiday clubs offering activities for children from the age of 5 The Princess Royal Monday 7th to Friday 11th August 2017 at Sports Complex

Westfield Academy, Yeovil Ages 10am – 1pm, just £60 for the week 018234-7: 668718 www.wellington-sport.org.uk Ages 8-16; 10am – 4pm, just £100 for the week Call Claire on 01935 411128/07856 273166 www.wellington-sport.org.uk or email yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk to book a place Wellington, Somerset

Book before 31st May for a 10% early bird discount!

2, 3 and 4 year old funding available *subject to demand

To find out more, visit our website or find us on Facebook.

www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk Parent Talk April 2017 13

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Happy children at All Hallows

Choosing a school for your children is one of the most important decisions parents make, which is why at All Hallows we are so proud of the work we do with our pupils. We see it is as our responsibility to help children grow and develop from Early Years through to Year 8, when they leave us as confident young people ready to stride out into their senior school. Happy children are successful children and our

first aim for all the pupils is to provide them with a safe and secure environment where they are able to discover who they are, form strong friendships and develop their many talents. In the classroom, beyond the classroom in our stunning grounds and in every activity we offer, the focus is on enjoying new learning, learning how to learn, having a go, developing a good work ethic and acquiring skills that will last well beyond childhood. Each pupil is supported and

encouraged by the other boys and girls and by a strong and very committed staff. Whilst protected and nurtured, the children are also challenged and stretched in order to develop their ability to thrive as resilient adults in the future. Our Head, Dr Trevor Richards, is a chartered Educational Psychologist, who practises what we preach – leading whole child meetings regularly, and overseeing the SENCo provision to ensure that our pupils have the best start in life.

Queens's College Pre-Prep We believe that our small classes, engaging teaching and superb facilities ensure children have the very best start in Early Years education, building a strong foundation for future learning. We were delighted to have this reinforced with an ‘outstanding’ rating in EYFS in our last OFSTED inspection. Our aim at Queen’s College Pre-Prep is to nurture and develop every individual’s talents, ensuring that every pupil is the best that they can be and achieves their potential. Our reception classes provide a stimulating, fun, child-centred learning environment. We encourage our pupils to follow their natural curiosity and become enthusiastic learners and recognise that children flourish when they are allowed the freedom to control their own learning. Dynamic and creative topicbased teaching provides a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum for all children. Every week, our children take part in a Forest School activity, swim, enjoy two PE sessions, French and Music. We pride ourselves on our outstanding pastoral care – building strong relationships with our parents and focusing on getting to know each individual child to develop their

self-esteem, confidence and independence. We offer a variety of transitional activities to our pre-school children in the term before they start Reception to allow them to become familiar with the setting and teachers and to ensure a relaxed, happy and smooth introduction to school. We recognise that parents may be apprehensive about

their child starting school and invite them to information evenings and other events prior to their child joining. We also hold weekly parent coffee mornings and a weekly family assembly while our parents’ committee organises regular social events for parents and families. Come and see how we inspire young minds and experience the buzz of purposeful learning.

Visit our Open Morning on Monday, May 1st (9.30am-12noon) or book a personal visit – email junioradmissions@queenscollege.org.uk or call 01823 278928.

The inde pendent di fference on your doorsT ep. We can offer your child: • the freedom to learn through feeling safe, happy and valued • small class sizes, single year groups and personalised learning • the opportunity to discover their creative talents through the arts, drama and music • excellent coaching, superb facilities and competitive sports opportunities • transport available from surrounding areas.

Come and visit us

admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk allhallowsschool.co.uk

14 Parent Talk April 2017

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

A New adventure begins at King's Hall School

OPEN DAY Starting school is perhaps one of the most emotional journeys you and your child will go through during their formative years. You will all be likely to be very excited about this next step in your child’s learning journey, yet also anxious. There will be endless questions... will they cope? Will they make friends? At King’s Hall Pre-Prep (for children aged 2-7) we understand this combination of excitement and anxiety. We

draw on our vast experience to make the transition from home to nursery or school as smooth as possible. Ultimately, we want the very first day to be the start of a new adventure; each child has a blank map ready to start filling in as they begin their voyage. Unique and successful journeys are achieved through forming close partnerships between staff and parents who can work together to help guide and steer children’s paths, if needs

be. This relationship begins the minute you register with us so that by the time the big day comes, we have a shared understanding of what is best for your child. We would be delighted to meet you and your child to show you all that we can offer. Our next Open Day is on Friday 28 April or you can arrange to visit any time by calling Emma Guppy on 01823 285921 or visiting www.kingshalltaunton. co.uk for more information.

Centre for Young Musicians forms new partnership with Richard Huish College, Taunton Centre for Young Musicians (CYM), a division of the Guildhall School, is delighted to announce its branch in Somerset is expanding and embarking on a new partnership with Richard Huish College in Taunton. The Centre, which currently operates from Hestercombe House & Gardens outside Taunton, has outgrown its current facilities and will move to Richard Huish College from 22 April 2017, changing its name to CYM Taunton. John Abbott, Principal of Richard Huish College said “At Huish, we are renowned for the talent of our music students and excellence of teaching across A Level and vocational music courses. Some of our students have been involved with CYM for many years, so this partnership, with such an outstanding organisation, is a natural step for us.” CYM Taunton, formerly Hestercombe CYM, opened in March 2014, and has since become a fast-growing pillar of the Taunton community, offering young musicians aged 5-18 in the South West the opportunity to gain access to ensembles, performance workshops and individual lessons in all orchestral instruments as well as singing, piano, guitar, bass guitar and

B E PA RT O F T H E DRAMA Students at CYM Taunton enjoy singing workshops as well as a wide variety of instrumental ensembles each Saturday in term time.

harp. Students are also offered academic subjects in addition to their practical lessons, including composition, history, theory and aural training. Each student follows an individual programme of study across a range of genres and benefits from many performance opportunities. During the summer term CYM Taunton, which is led by Rachael Parvin, will hold a series of open days at Richard Huish College,

offering free workshops for under-18s, tours of the facilities and Q&A sessions with staff members. The open days take place on 29 April, 20 May, 17 June and 24 June between 9am and 12pm and booking information can be found below. CYM is part of the Guildhall School’s Young Artists division, which also includes Junior Guildhall. The Guildhall School of Music & Drama is provided by the City of London Corporation.

Booking for CYM Taunton open days: Tel: 07754 217993 Email: taunton@cym.org.uk Facebook: CYMtaunton

Friday 28th April 1O am arrival

Please contact us to reserve your place Little visitors are welcome to join all the fun of a Forest School session—for over 3s—starting 9.30 am

Co-educational day & boarding: ages 2–13 telephone: O1823 285921 admissions@kingshalltaunton.co.uk www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk A Woodard School

Parent Talk April 2017 15

16 Parent Talk December 2012

All Hallows Preparatory School Nursery Class Give your 3 year old the best possible start within the environs of this renowned Prep School. Fantastic facilities and activities including Forest School, LTA Tennis Academy and Swimming Pool and access to specialist teaching staff for languages, Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Sport set this facility apart from other nurseries. Visit at any time: 01749 881600 admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk Brook Green Early Years Recently relocated to purpose built setting offering a larger learning environment and large garden, which can be accessed at all times for free flow play. Highly qualified staff. Spaces available now, 2/3/4 year old funding accepted. Please call 01823 353072 for further information. Bridgwater & Taunton College Childcare Centre is Ofsted rated Outstanding and open to the general public and children of students, from four months to five years of age. There is also a Holiday Play Scheme for children up to eight years old. It has a secure outdoor area boasting an inspirational garden, where children are encouraged to explore both indoor and outdoor learning. T: 01278 441270 E: childcare@bridgwater.ac.uk www.bridgwaterchildcare.co.uk Hazlegrove Nursery and Pre-Prep Sparkford. Hazlegrove’s innovative Pre-Prep curriculum is outstandingly successful, evident in the increased confidence and ability levels as children move up to the Prep School. The children benefit from experienced staff, specialist teaching and exceptional facilities including an indoor swimming pool and woods for Forest School. “Hazlegrove children

NURSERY

directory

are happy children” says Headmaster Richard Fenwick, “we simply want to provide the very best education we can for the pupils in our care”. For more information, contact Fiona O’Neill on 01963 442606

King’s Hall Nursery King’s Hall is a wonderfully traditional yet progressive school set in the rolling Somerset countryside just outside Taunton. Although the Nursery shares the Preparatory school’s superb facilities, it is self contained and operates in a secure and peaceful environment. Log cabin classrooms, vast on-site Forest School and highly experienced, dedicated staff make King’s Hall Nursery the natural choice for children 2 to 5 years. 01823 285921 www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk Little Boots Day Nursery (Ages 0-5, 8am-6pm) Come and visit us on Pottery Farm! Our idyllic setting offers fantastic opportunities for enhanced outdoor learning; we work with a maximum of 16 children a day ensuring each child gets the individual attention they need. Contact Cleo Wilson for more information. T 07936 555 676 littlebootsdaynursery.co.uk Millfield Pre-Prep School (Ages2-7), situated in the beautiful Prep campus in Glastonbury. Our aim is to encourage a love of learning through a combination of classroom and outdoor activities, using a child-led curriculum, small class sizes and excellent facilities, like our on-site Forest School and indoor swimming

pool, support this. Over 20 free after school activities as well as an Early Birds and Late Club. To arrange a visit or a taster session please contact: Hannah Cox in Admissions on 01458 837524 Perrott Hill Montessori Nursery and Pre-Prep. Given ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the Nursery is situated in the attractive, safe courtyard of the manor house. The Nursery children, aged 3-4 years, have the use of the extensive grounds and facilities of the school (age range 3-13) as well as having their own outdoor adventure play area. The staff are warm and friendly. Free after school care is available. 01460 72051 www.perrotthill.com

Queen’s College Highgrove Nursery, Nursery School, Pre-Prep and Reception 0-5 years. Queen’s Pre Prep and Junior School is renowned for excellence in infant and junior education and care. The team at Queen’s Highgrove Nursery embrace such standards of education and development offering year round care 0-3 years. Queen’s Nursery School is situated in the Pre-Prep Department and it is here that the stepping stones to a formal education are laid. Highly qualified and experienced Nursery School staff work in close liaison with parents and the Highgrove Nursery team, ensuring a smooth and personalised transition. Queen’s offers well-established parent and toddler groups. Queen’s Pre-Prep

takes pride in providing a rich, stimulating and diverse education within a nurturing and caring environment. www.queenscollege.org.uk 01823 278928, junioradmissions@ queenscollege.org.uk Rydal Day Nursery, Clevedon, is bright, fun and full of learning opportunities and happy children. Run by a fully qualified dynamic team, in a Makaton friendly setting and are "I Can accredited". Outstanding Ofsed July 2015. Open 8-6pm Monday-Thursday, 8am-5.30pm Friday all year. Two and Three year old funding accepted. www.rydaldaynursery.co.uk 01275 342352 Taunton Nursery School for children from 0 years. Flexible Nursery Education, 7.30am5.45pm. Highly qualified teachers. Spectacular grounds and facilities used by all. Children can attend a combination of morning, afternoon and late club sessions. 01823 703300 www.tauntonschool.co.uk Tops Mini Mariners Tops Mini Mariners is based in Taunton (UKHO) and caters for children from 3 months old until they are ready to start school. Our nursery prides itself on being a warm, friendly and caring environment for young minds to develop. The outdoor spaces accommodate a good range of climbing, balancing and sliding

equipment, a sand pit and planting areas. We access the outdoor play area in all weathers. Bookings at Mini Mariners are taken per session: Morning session: 8.30am – 1.00pm and Afternoon session: 1.00pm – 5.30pm Monday to Friday 01823 323513 info.minimariners@topsdaynurseries. co.uk Tops Musgrove Park Hospital Tops Musgrove has a warm, welcoming and friendly team who form good relationships with our families. For children from 3 months old until they are ready to start school. Holiday club for children aged 5 – 11 year olds. Friendly, relaxed, safe and playful environment where children can learn, develop and enjoy their time at nursery. Hours: 6am – 8pm Monday to Friday Afternoon session: 1.00pm – 5.30pm 01823 342038 info.taunton@topsdaynurseries.co.uk Wellington Prep School Nursery Attractive, well-designed buildings. Talented teachers. Cheerful children. Proud parents. All this can be yours at Wellington Prep School Nursery and Pre-Nursery. EYFS can be redeemed against our fees. We would love to have your children from 2 years upwards. Open 50 weeks per year. Please enjoy our website www.wellington-school.org.uk or call Rachel Debenham to arrange a visit. 01823 668700 Little Wellies Term time Toddler group. Open to all pre-school children every Thursday morning 9.15-11.15am, Wellington Prep School Hall. £3 per child and £1 per additional child weekly charge. Contact Maria Kerr for more details 01823 668700 prep@wellington-school.org.uk

To book our Nursery Directory, please call 01458 250461

A family holiday in Devon Cottages around a garden green, lots of safe play space, animals to watch and help

look after, an outdoor heated summer swimming and baby pool, a playroom and

Family Farm Holidays

In Glorious Devon welcoming comfortable cottages in an idylic setting

Join us on the farm, watch and help feed the animals. Large gardens, play room, games room. Lots of play space. Outdoor heated swimming pool. Providing very special child friendly relaxing holidays for over 29 years. Highly recommended. ‘VisitBritain 3 & 4 star’

Torridge House Cottages Little Torrington, Devon 01805 622542 www.torridgehouse.co.uk

16 Parent Talk April 2017

games room; the 9 cottages at Torridge House provide a friendly, laid back, relaxing setting for a family holiday. The small farm is in a very private setting surrounded by fields on the edge of a sleepy Devon village. Torridge House Cottages has an outstanding reputation for wonderful holiday experiences. For families with babies and toddlers it is a delight; relaxing, with great hospitality, truly welcoming with lots to entertain young children. Every day you can help to feed the animals on the little farm at Torridge House. Lots of magic moments helping with all the babies - bunnies, guinea

pigs, mice and ducklings; letting the ducks and chickens out and later on getting them home again; eggs to collect; ponies to see and pigs to feed. Near by the cottages are woodland walks, cycle trails, wonderful gardens, sandy beaches and lots of other fun places to visit. Massages, throwing and painting pots, babysitting, chef cooked ready meals and chilled dinners can all be arranged. So much to see and do and to help make your holiday as restful as possible. So easy just to relax in the tranquillity of the glorious North Devon countryside. Torridge House have cottages available for term time

dates in the coming year and some vacancies over Easter holidays.

There are more details on www.torridgehouse.co.uk or phone 01805 622542 for a chat.

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

All round excellence Starting Reception this September? at Wellington If it is academic results you are concerned about for your child, Wellington School has just what you need. We had superb GCSE and A Level results across all subjects and 5 of our pupils went to Oxford or Cambridge this year with many more heading to the prestigious Russell Group Universities. Pupils study the more rigorous IGCSE in Maths, Languages and Sciences as well as Latin and Greek and the emphasis is strongly academic. However, Wellington has so much more to offer than exam results. The performing arts go from strength to strength and Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils enjoyed producing a spectacular production of Oliver. There are workshops, creative performances and technical opportunities and with a huge range of bands, orchestras and ensembles, the whole school is taking advantage of a variety of exciting opportunities. Our superb Chapel Choir performs regularly and our versatile musicians regularly sweep the board in singing competitions and exam results. We have superb sports facilities and a unique new Sport and Wellbeing department

with specialist strength and conditioning coaches who take fitness to new levels across all sporting disciplines. Our competitive sports have been resoundingly successful this year and the new Wellbeing Programme teaches pupils a healthy lifestyle that will serve them at school and long into the future. This includes nutrition, Judo, sports psychology and a vibrant and active Outdoor Education programme. We nurture and teach pupils from 2 -11 in the Prep School and 11-18 in the Senior School, and we are justly proud of the rounded, all-encompassing education they receive. We call it “Learning For Life”. Come and see what makes

us so special. Contact us on 01823 668800 or admissions@ wellington-school.org.uk to find out more about our scholarship and entry procedures. Wellington Prep School has opened the doors to a host of two year olds in the new Chapel Nursery. Situated in the former Salvation Army Hall in the town, the lovely building, which sits on the edge of the School’s campus, has been re-developed to create a superb nursery unit for two year olds. It is open all year round from 8am to 6pm each week day with flexible options for busy families who are keen for their children to receive an excellent start in life. “Happy parents, happy pupils!” – The Good Schools Guide

Approaching ‘big school’ or Reception is an exciting time for your little ones and a new era for you as a parent. Which school will you choose and how do you go about making this important decision? Millfield Pre-Prep is expanding its Reception provision this September and, we believe, offers the best possible start to your child’s learning journey. Our Reception classes are hives of activity and discovery with an inspirational, child-led curriculum including French and music lessons. Outside learning is a key priority, including weekly Forest School where the children develop skills including exploration, tool use, craft and use of natural materials. Children also enjoy

the sensory garden, orchards and allotments, and visits to see the Shetland ponies and horses in the stables. Each week the children swim in our onsite indoor heated pool and have a wide range of free and paid for after school clubs to choose from, including tennis, rugby, horse riding, yoga and nature detectives. Before and after-

school care is from 8am through to 6pm and children are served nutritious, tasty lunches and snacks to keep them fuelled. Why not come along to see how children learn at Millfield Pre-Prep? We have a special Open Morning on Friday 5 May where your little ones can learn to mark make, the stepping stone to handwriting. To arrange a Personal Visit or book a place on our Open Morning on 5 May please call 01458 837524 or email hannahcox@millfieldprep.com millfieldschool.com/pre-prep

Parent Talk April 2017 17

BOOK REVIEW

Editor’s choice

Destroy This Book in the Name of Science: Einstein Edition By Mike Barfield Published by Buster Books The ultimate activitybased book, perfect for curious children who are inspired by cool science. Jam-packed with fascinating science facts and famous faces throughout history, as well as pages to colour, doodles to draw and a dozen press-out projects to create. There’s hours of fun to be had cutting, tearing and pulling apart the pages. Best of all, no expensive craft supplies are required.

Nature Explorer Series Published by DK Perfect for children who are curious about the world outside, the Nature Explorers series encourages children to embark on their own adventures and discover new things about the natural world around them. The series introduces little ones to new topics in nature they will love to explore, with four titles including Seashore, Birds, Weather and Woodland and Forests. The series is beautifully designed with stunning illustrations and eye-catching photographs, alongside clear and accessible information for young children to enjoy.

The Pirate Craft Book By Laura Minter and Tia Williams Published by GMC group A book packed to the gunnels with a whole heap of crafts to allow you to create everything your little pirate needs. Containing 15 fantastic pirate-themed projects to make, The Pirate Craft Book will get swashbuckling children crafting and creating in no time. Aimed at boys and girls aged 3+, all of the projects can be made either from readily available items or from easy-to-source materials, and parents with little to no crafting experience to help! Message in a Bottle By Matt Hunt Published by Scholastic Lion is fed up with the busy city so he moves to a desert island, just him and his trusty guitar. But he soon starts feeling lonely and sends out a message in a bottle, looking for a friend – one friend – to play guitar with. Lion waits but no one comes, so he sends out more and more bottles. Suddenly, animals of all shapes and sizes start arriving from around the world! There are lots of them… but not one of them brings a guitar. Will Lion open his home and heart to the new arrivals?

#Help: My Cat’s a Vlogging Superstar By Rae Earl Published by Walker Books Everyone relies on Millie Porter for good advice – her friends, family and even her cat. So she decides to start a vlog with her best friend Lauren, where they will help people with the things that really matter: parents, cats, make-up and boys. Not even Erin Breeler, Queen of Instagram can stop them. But is fab contouring and a cat who likes standing on Millie’s head really enough to make her an online sensation and is that really all it’s cracked up to be anyway? 18 Parent Talk April 2017

Superbat Written and illustrated by Matt Carr Published by Scholastic Pat the bat thinks he is special…a SUPERBAT! But he soon realises being a superhero is harder than it looks. All his bat friends have amazing hearing. All of them can fly. And all bats can find their way in the dark. Pat is starting to think he will never stand out – until a family of mice see him for what he really is… A SUPERBAT!

Tiara Friends By Paula Harrison Published by Scholastic The Case of the Stolen Crown Best friends Millie and Jess look just like twins! Millie is a princess and Jess is a maid so they have lots of fun swapping dresses and going on adventures around Peveril Palace. When a diamond crown is stolen before a royal birthday party, can the girls uncover some clues and work out where it's hidden? The Secret of the Silk Dress When Millie’s snooty cousins come to stay, a silk dress goes missing. Can Millie and Jess work out who took it before the wrong person gets the blame?

Travel Activity Book Illustrated by Charlie Brandon-King Published by GMC Group If you’re heading off on holiday with children, in search of sun, sea, sand (and hopefully some relaxation too!), don’t forget to pack this exciting book of travelinspired activities to keep your young explorers entertained. Full of mindteasing puzzles and fabulously fun colouring and drawing activities, it will keep alert minds occupied while they’re travelling to and from their destination, and rescue them from boredom in restaurants, queues or on rainy days.

Funny Faces and On the Move Illustrated by Mojca Dolinar Published by Pat a Cake, Hachette Children’s Group Stimulate a baby’s developing vision with these bright and bold, high contrast novelty cased board books. Babies are able to react and respond to simple patterns and contrasting colours in just a few weeks after birth. Babies and parents can pull tabs and interact with the words and pictures.

Patrick and the President By Ryan Tubridy, illustrated by P.J. Lynch Published by Walker Books The captivating true story of John F. Kennedy’s return to his ancestral home in Ireland, . Told through the eyes of a young boy named Patrick, who wants nothing more than to shake the President’s hand, this feast of a book offers readers a pure and personal take on this historic visit, and marks the centennial of John F. Kennedy’s birth.

The Bookshop Girl By Sylvia Bishop Published by Scholastic Property thinks living in a bookshop is wonderful! She can smell the lovely musty smell of secondhand books, feel the crisp paper under her fingers and laugh or cry in all the right places, but she has a whopper of a secret… Property Jones can’t read!

CLASSIFIED

Is it time to put a spring in your step?

With daffodils blooming, is it time to put a spring in your step and make some changes? You didn’t (did you?) stick to your New Year’s Resolutions and now perhaps is the time to have a look at longer term goals rather than one month wonders. So why not make Spring the time you take the steps you need to change your life in the long run. We’ve all been there and

sometimes it’s difficult to know where to make that change, particularly when it comes to employment. You spend a huge amount of your life in work, and it’s important for health and wellbeing to enjoy what you do. “It is possible and when you tackle one thing at a time” says Julia Hill (pictured), a 36 year old mumpreneur from Andover. Like many other mums in the UK, Julia struggled to juggle a career as a Data Analyst Team Leader with her two beautiful young children. And, like many other mums, Julia felt that she was being pulled in all directions. After the birth of her second child Julia knew things had to change. Although she’d been there 12 years, her job was no longer fulfilling her and her young child was in nursery;

neither of them were happy. Julia looked at the aspects of her role as a Data Analyst Team Leader and realised that what she loved was working with numbers. As they say, from small acorns grow big trees. Julia investigated which roles included a large amount of numeracy and would also provide the flexibility to work around her children. Then, she looked at which providers would be best suited to deliver the Bookkeeping qualifications she needed. After researching all options, Julia decided on a Bookkeeping course with Open Study College/ ICB and taking the bull by the horns, signed up for ICB Levels 2, 3 and 4 certificates in Bookkeeping. Being out of the learning cycle for some time, Julia

A-lone parents

The most isolated generation ever UK MUMS are suffering a crippling epidemic of loneliness - leading them to be dubbed ‘the most isolated generation ever’. Despite 24-hour social media contact, a shocking 92 per cent of mums admit that they feel lonely - with 54 per cent feeling more friendless than before they had children. The new study from video parenting site ChannelMum. com found 70 per cent of current mums with dependent children say their generation is the loneliest ever, compared to 14 per cent who believe it was their own mothers and 16 per cent who feel it was their grandmothers who were most alone. Of mums who do feel disconnected and abandoned, a huge 61 per cent try to hide their feelings from friends and family, and only 38 per cent have ever told their partner how they feel. Worryingly, 55 per cent of lonely mums say being isolated has left them suffering anxiety, while almost half (47%) per cent feel ‘very stressed’. Four in ten (37%) regularly cry while 29 per cent have struggled to leave the house with fear. A further one in 20 admit they drink to cope with the loneliness whilst 1.5 per cent even self-harm. And 16 per cent admit to getting angry with their children due to their unhappiness. The poll of 2,025 mothers found the biggest source of isolation comes from ‘cliquey and bitchy’ groups at the school gates or baby & toddler groups, with 51 per cent of mothers revealing they feel excluded. A quarter feel alone as they live far from their own families while a third (30%)

feel other mums are coping better or they don’t know how to meet more ‘mummy mates’. Almost half admit social media makes them feel worse looking at other mums ‘perfect lives’ while a third compare their bodies to other mums online. But surprisingly, it is rich mums who are most likely to be isolated with 70 per cent of mothers polled saying they wouldn’t approach a wealthy or upper class mum to be a friend. Over half of Muslim mums admit they feel lonely as other mothers are hesitant about approaching them - with 35 per cent of nonMuslim mothers admitting they are nervous about speaking with a mum who wore a Hijab. A further 23 per cent won’t approach mums from other countries while 27 per cent of mums don’t try to befriend mothers from another culture. One in five also said they are worried about making friends with a mum who has children with special needs, along with seven per cent who are frightened about befriending single mums. Meanwhile older mums are more likely to feel isolated compared to younger mums. And sadly, two in five of mums even admitted they wouldn’t invite the child of a mum they didn’t know to a party or playdate - suggesting divisions are being perpetuated to the next generation. The study showed the main reasons mums are scared to approach other mothers is being judged, with two in five fearing they ‘will be looked down on’. A third were worried about accidentally causing offence or ‘saying the wrong thing’ while 35

per cent simply believe ‘we are too different’. As a result, modern mums are now a quarter more likely to confide in online friends than real world friends about feeling lonely - with online friends as valuable as ‘real world’ ones. A third of mums revealed they like seeing other mum’s ‘parenting fails’ online as it reminds them others are struggling too, while almost a quarter find having someone to turn to 24 hours online as very valuable.

soon found that she enjoyed distance learning as it gave her the flexibility to learn when it suited her and before long, in just one year, Julia had completed levels 2 and 3 with flying colours, achieving distinctions in most of the exams. Julia went on to work for another bookkeeping business to gain experience whilst in the process of setting up her own Bookkeeping business. Then, after less than a year of studies Julia was awarded her own Bookkeeping Practice licence in June last year. "As a mum with young children you feel that your employment opportunities are limited to either compromising your childcare or stacking shelves. I decided to be the owner of my own destiny and thanks to the courses through

Open Study and ICB, I am now on the way to having a thriving Bookkeeping business which is rewarding for me and works for our family." Julia said. "I gained an Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) qualification through Open Study College and exams with ICB. I found the course easy to follow with brilliant tutor support and it was a very smooth process.” Julia adds “It has not only allowed me to set up my business, my ongoing ICB membership also provides great networking opportunities. With ICB, you don’t just get the qualification then you’re on your own, they provide the support to help you start your own business. This, together with the recognised ICB accreditation, has helped me network with

and secure my first client." "It’s daunting starting a business, but ICB has given me the tools I needed to open my new practice together with the ongoing support and networking which has been a great help.” Julia added "I am already working with companies to deliver Bookkeeping services and I hope that my business will grow through recommendation of the outstanding service I deliver." This time of year is a time for reflection on what’s good and bad. In these turbulent times, it’s good to try and keep focused on the positive. Take that first step towards a better life. So, will you change your life in 2017? #changeyourlife #education #mumpreneurs www.openstudycollege.com

Overall, the report also revealed 80 per cent of mothers want more mum friends but 30% have never started a conversation with another mother which led to them being friends. To overcome this, two thirds of mums agreed they want to slow down their busy lives and make more time to talk with other mums, while 55 per cent say mums must be less judgemental. Half say simply ‘smiling and being more approachable’ will lead to extra friends along with 48 per cent who say mums must learn ‘you are not alone and others are going through the same feelings’. And 44 per cent want more community events involving children, while 30 per cent

vow to learn more about other countries and cultures to bring communities together. Siobhan Freegard, founder of ChannelMum.com - who admits to suffering crippling loneliness after the birth of her first child - said: “We all know having a child takes a physical toll on your body, but it can take a mental toll too. It’s terrifying that in our connected ‘always on’ society, nine in ten mums still feel isolated and lonely, often with deeply troubling consequences. “Being a mum can be tough but we need to remember there is more that unites us than divides us. Scratch the surface and us mums are going through the same fears, worries and joys. “As a society, we need to get back to the idea of it taking a

village to raise a child, and to help and support parents. So today, take the time to smile at another mum - it may be the only smile she gets all day, and could lead to the start of a new friendship.” #YANA Challenge To support lonely mums, ChannelMum.com has launched the #YANA (You Are Not Alone) Challenge, to help connect mums online and offline. Mums are being challenged to carry out one of five daily activities to widen their friendship group, meet new mums and feel supported. For more information, visit http://www.channelmum.com/ youarenotalone To watch the videos or embed, see: #YANA Challenge (full video) https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=nTZZMKMJLKU

MAGIC & BALLOONS

“DAVE” THE MAGICIAN & BALLOONATIC

Ofsted Registered Childminder in idyllic rural location 5 minutes from A303

Melanie Tuffill 01460 234325/07876481027 melanie@oliveronline.co.uk CATHERINE’S MAGIC ENTERTAINMENT For tailor-made Magic Shows, Mini Discos, Games and Balloon Twisting Family Fun For Everyone!! Ideal For Any Party, Large or Small, Indoors or Out 07770 227812 catherine@magicentertainment.co.uk [c/w enhanced DBS for added peace of mind]

Quirky Textile Art www.sarahharmertextileart.com

Malcolm the Magician Magic and balloon modelling for Schools, Playgroups and Birthday Parties.

Tel: 01823 412750 Mob: 07989 585979 www.malcolm-the-magician.co.uk

(insured and police checked)

available for birthday parties, playgroups, schools, fetes, promotions etc DBS Checked & fully insured

01823 288644

KEITH’S MAGICAL ENTERTAINMENT

Children’s parties a speciality. Magic, Puppets, Comedy. Terrific entertainment. Police checked and insured.

01935 822135

www.keithsmagic.co.uk Parent Talk April 2017 19

GREAT SOMERSET

COLOUR RUN

21|05|17 Wincanton Racecourse Wincanton Somerset BA9 8BJ

To book, visit www.st-margarets-hospice.co.uk search ‘colour run’

St. Margaret’s Somerset Hospice, Heron Drive, Taunton, TA1 5HA 0845 345 9671 Charity No.279473