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North Devon & Exeter

Issue 7 May/June 2013

Time to Party!

www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk

❤ plus your local What’s On Guide & much more inside

photo - mothercare

Gardening with the kids

7 signs of ADHD

May/June 2013

Contents

News 2-3 Special Needs 4 7 clues to ADHD Health 5 allergies Parties Feature 6 choosing a party Family Breaks 7 a weekend in Cornwall Bumps & Babes 8 have an orgasmic birth Books 9 getting girls back on track Divorce & Separation 10 supporting a friend Gardening 11 getting the kids growing things Parenting Tips 12 books and libraries What’s On 13-15 out & about

Note from the editor

6 8 11

Hello!

Dr Sue has advice on dealing with allergies and if you think your child may have ADHD take a look at the article on page 4 Don’t forget to have a look at our parties feature, we have lots of tips for your next party. We also have our new parenting tips page with some info on libraries and some parenting book reviews. You will of course find our What’s On at the back, lots to keep you busy over the next couple of months. All the best,

Editor and local mum

• Summer Holidays

•

If you are interested in advertising and would like to know more about pricing, distribution and upcoming articles please call 01271 863995 or email editor@familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk

Families Wanted

Do you enjoy spending time with children and have time to spare to offer support to an international student who attends a boarding school in Devon? The children return home to their parents during the long holidays of Christmas, Easter and Summer, but require an English family to have them to stay during a couple of weekends each term and the half term holiday? Imagine your child were attending a boarding school in Moldova and the reassurance you would gain from knowing a local family is supporting them, keeping you in touch with how they are getting on. This is an excellent opportunity For your own children to make new friends, to learn about other countries and gain cultural understanding. To fill the ‘empty nest’ when your own children have perhaps gone off to university or left home. To become involved in the school life of a young person, supporting them through attendance at school matches, concerts or parents’ evenings. To build lasting friendships with international families overseas. The role is suitable for families, single mums, couples without children, retired couples with empty nests – guardian families come in all shapes and sizes. All have a common interest in offering care and support to children and teenagers from overseas. Why not put your spare bedroom to good use and bring in a few extra pennies? The role is voluntary, with generous expenses paid per night’s stay, as well as to cover travel, time and entertainment. To find out more about this interesting and rewarding role, visit The Guardian Family Network website www.guardianfamily.co.uk or give us a call for an informal chat on 01865 522066

Antenatal, Postnatal and Baby Classes at Glow Baby

In this issue you will find some great features; John Hind is back with more advice on dealing with divorce and separation, we have a very interesting article on birth and some seasonal features on family breaks and gardening.

Next issue: July/August 2013

News

Glow Baby in Cross Street, Barnstaple has become a baby centre as well as an established award winning baby store. Since their store expansion late last year Glow now offers Antenatal, postnatal and baby classes every day in their studio on the 2nd floor - These classes are a great way for North Devon parents to meet other parents The very popular Antenatal classes are run weekly for parents to be and include covering stages of labour, a virtual tour of NDDH, breastfeeding and is also a great way to meet other parents to be due arround the same time as you. The Postnatal weekly classes are then offered after your baby is born and is for mums and babies to chat about how their birth went, any problems, and covers subjects such as breastfeeding, weaning and going back to work Glow also runs Active Birth classes, stetch, breathe and relax classes for mums to be, soothing calming babg classes, Baby Sensory classes (Currently running 4 classes per week) Karma kiddies baby massage courses, homeopathy appointments, Kids first aid courses and hypnobirthing classes If you would like details on any of the classes Glow runs please pop into Glow Baby, Cross Street, Barnstaple or e-mail kate@glowmaternityandbaby. co.uk for an information pack

© Families North Devon & Exeter. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families North Devon & Exeter nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families North Devon & Exeter is part of the Families ® group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. Printed by Warners www.warners.co.uk

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News If you have any news which our readers would like to hear about, send it to editor@familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk

Get walking Yes, it’s that time of year again. 2013’s Walk To School Week runs from 20 - 24 May, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, teachers and parents and promising to be the biggest and best yet! As part of National Walking Month, the campaign aims to teach children about the benefits of walking, with each day focussing on a different aspect of walking including safety, discovery, healthy, eco-friendly and social time. Take part in Strider’s 5-Day Walking Challenge and reinforce the benefits of walking, plus download puzzles, pledges and challenges at www. livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walk-to-school/walk-to-school-week.

Recycle recyle Support Friends of the Earth and recycle your old mobile ethically. Send your unwanted phone to ShP for Charity and they will not only recycle it in an environmentally friendly way but will make a donation to Friends of the Earth too. Call 020 7490 1555 or email info@foe.co.uk with your name and address and Friends of the Earth will send you a freepost envelope for your phone.

New Nursery After what seemed like an uncertain future for St Michael’s Nursery due to St Michael’s School going into administration at the very end of 2011, the nursery of St Michael’s has come through this very difficult time and is now flourishing and expanding. This can be seen in the fact that they have now secured a second location for their nursery in recent months and have invested a great deal into this location within the Sticklepath area of Barnstaple. With the second nursery, due to open in May, parents are now given a choice of both rural and urban locations, although the same high quality child care, dedicated and highly trained staff is consistent to both nurseries. St Michael’s nursery is also so much more than a nursery as it offers a breakfast club, afterschool clubs for the older children, holiday clubs for 4 to 13 year olds with the addition of trips out and about and also a parent and toddler group during term time. Very helpful flexible hours and sessions with child care at St Michael’s Nursery, makes it child’s play! See how we can help you. 01271 327074 www.stmichaels-nursery.org

PacaPod baby changing bag company relocates to Devon Jacqueline Waggett owner and inventor of the highly successful UK baby changing bag brand PacaPod, has moved her Manchester based business and family to Barnstaple to enjoy the region’s outdoor lifestyle and to expand her company. PacaPod is one of the UK’s leading baby changing bags, voted Mumsnet’s favourite bag for three consecutive years and winners of a host of prestigious industry and consumer awards. Jacqueline established a thriving office in Manchester but with her business ready for expansion she and her partner Dave decided the time was right to make the move. Jacqueline explains; “We’d visited Croyde a few times and fell in love with the area – one day we thought why don’t we move here? It’s still hard to believe the beach and all this gorgeous countryside is on our doorstep. We are settled into the new office on the High Street in Barnstaple and will be recruiting for more sales staff shortly. We have new products in development, increasing worldwide distribution - it’s an exciting time!” Jacqueline is an outdoor clothing designer and worked for many well-known high street names before she created her own brand. Her eye for a practical design, love for travel and experience as a mother meant Jacqueline was uniquely placed to create a truly practical product. Inside each bag is a unique ‘baby organisation system’ which consists of two pods to store baby feeding and changing items, which is perfect for busy parents on the move. PacaPod’s ingenious 3 bags in 1 design allowing parents to unclip the pods from the main bag and use them separately. The bags come in a range of unisex styles and start at £65 for a canvas bag, up to £265 for a luxury designer version. For full range can be viewed at the website www.pacapod.com

 ‘I am pleased with my child’s progress and all aspects of QE.’

 ‘The staff are very helpful and make the

atmosphere at QE a friendly place to be.’

 ‘The students are excellent ambassadors for the College’

Parent comments from 2011-2012

Western Road and Barnfield, Crediton 01363 773401 www.queenelizabeths.devon.sch.uk

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Special Needs

Seven Clues to ADHD After her youngest child was born, Sally Bunday learned to live without sleep. For years, Miles slept for just three hours a night, and when he was awake he was irritable, clumsy and so distracted that he could only concentrate for a few minutes. Doctors claimed Miles’ attention deficit was due to some sort of brain imbalance but Sally thought there might be another reason, particularly as her son had other strange symptoms: he was always thirsty, he suffered from constant headaches, runny noses and stomach aches and his hearing was often poor. So Sally decided to do some investigating and eventually discovered the Feingold Diet, which treats hyperactivity in children as largely a reaction to food additives and other allergies. Within four days of Miles starting the diet, every one of his symptoms disappeared. Sally went on to found the Hyperactive Children’s Support Group which has helped thousands of families investigate and find the source of their child’s ADHD (www.hacsg.org.uk). After observing that many children suffered from excessive thirst and dry skin, she was the first to propose that children with ADHD might be deficient in essential fatty acids (EFAs). Although medicine classifies hyperactive attention-deficit in children as a ‘brain disorder’, most cases of hyperactivity or attention-deficit are nothing less than an environmental or dietary assault, with foods containing artificial colours and flavours mainly responsible. So, if you are faced with a hyperactive child and a doctor poised to write out a prescription, first try a bit of detective work, ideally with a trained nutritional practitioner, to find out what is lacking in your child’s diet and what they might be getting too much of.

The pill approach

Clue 1: Suspect allergies or food sensitivities Various studies, including one by Great Ormond Street Hospital, have discovered

that the rise in ADHD cases is mainly down to food sensitivities. The foods children react to most include wheat, dairy products, chocolate and oranges. Also at fault are foods containing salicylates, aspirin-like substances found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as sugar, corn, beef and egg. Among your suspects don’t forget environmental allergens such as cat hair, house dust and pollen.

Clue 2: Junk food and additives are likely suspects Junk food and additives have been suspected for many years of causing hyperactivity, with studies showing that hyperactive children put on an additive-free diet had significant behavioural improvement. Beware tartrazine, carmoisine, ponceau 4R and sodium benzoate. Put your child on a diet free of processed food and see what happens.

3 4

Clue No 4: Eliminate much of the white stuff Studies have found that the combination of sugar and starch in the absence of substantial protein (a combination found, for example, in children’s sugary breakfast cereals) increased deviant behaviour in normal children. Hyperactive children may benefit from a highprotein, low-carb, sugar-free diet. The real issue may be that children overloading on carbs are invariably taking in a good deal of processed sugar.

Take control of your own health

WHATDOCTORS DON’T TELL YOU Take control of your own health

march 2013 £3.95 WWW.WDDTY.cOm

The danger vaccines and the better alternatives

The safest hair dyes Which brands to avoid

Your DIY ThYroid programme Just-in-case mastectomy

instant cures for a headache

simple steps to a pain-free back

What to do instead

THE BIG CANCER COVER-UP

What’s really working

www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk

The complete version of this article is available at www.familiesonline.co.uk.

9 771352 124003

Clue No 5: Zero in on your child’s gut bugs Many children with learning difficulties have ‘bad’ bacteria, clostridium, in their gut. Probiotic bacteria, the ‘good-guy’ gut bacteria in live yoghurt and other supplements given to autistic children can improve their behaviour and concentration.

WDDTY’s verdict Hyperactivity and ADHD are not ‘conditions’ with a single suspect, but complex examples of slowmotion poisoning by modern industrial life. Once you’ve isolated your biggest likely suspects you can best treat your child with an organic, wholefood, unprocessed diet that is rich in essential fatty acids and low in or free of gluten and dairy, and with good-quality supplements. Happy hunting.

! W

Clue No 3: Investigate a lack of ‘good’ fats An EFA deficiency is also a major factor in ADHD. Some essential fatty acids play a major role in the workings of the brain and eye, while others are crucial for normal brain development. Deficiencies in omega-3 fats have been linked to visual and mental problems. Add several portions of fish (or flaxseed or purslane, which both contain omega-3s) to your child’s diet and consider adding omega-3 complex supplements.

Clue No 7: Isolate dietary deficiencies Hyperactive children are often low in zinc and B vitamins, and magnesium. Deficiencies in nutrients adversely affect your child’s mental capacity and can cause behavioural disorders. Studies have shown that adding B6 and magnesium can help to calm ADHD children. Add a quality multivitamin/ mineral supplement to your child’s daily regime along with extra EFAs, zinc (10 mg/day) and magnesium (100 mg/day).

The detective work needed to isolate the cause of your child’s hyperactivity might seem daunting compared with the medical solution of taking Ritalin, but the drug has been linked to restricted growth, anorexia, psychosis, insomnia, paranoia, hallucinations, epilepsy-like seizures, stroke and even death. Up to 10 per cent of children taking the drugs develop Tourette’s syndrome, which includes facial and bodily tics. It only works during the day to control symptoms, so parents have to wrestle with full-fledged monstrous behaviour in the morning and later in the evening as their children spiral out of control. Using brain-imaging techniques, US researchers have concluded that Ritalin exerts the same effect on the brain as cocaine. And it still doesn’t seem to work. A study which tracked 485 children revealed that those still taking a stimulant drug at the end of two years showed the same levels of inattention and hyperactivity as those who had never taken a drug.

Here are your seven biggest suspects. Following these clues will almost certainly lead you to a calmer kid.

Clue No 6: Probe for environmental poisons One reason for the increased incidence of ADHD may be environmental. Your first suspects are pesticides, especially organophosphates, which are present in nonorganically grown food. Also investigate whether your child is being exposed to environmental pollutants such as lead, mercury and PCBs, which can affect developing brains. PCBs are found in hydraulic oils and lubricants, electrical equipment such as switches and circuit breakers, plastic toys, fire retardants, paints and varnishes. ADHD children may also have higher than normal levels of perfluorinated chemicals which are used in food packaging. Steer clear of ‘diet’ foods like diet coke, which are laden with the artificial sweetener aspartame. Your child can also take in heavy metals from tap water, processed foods and toiletries. Go unprocessed, use eco-toiletries and filter your water—and limit your child’s exposure to plastic toys.

 Standard treatments unmasked  The most promising alternatives  ‘I said no to chemo and beat cancer’

Health

Allergies

Doctor Sue

With the sunny days and lighter evenings comes the dread for many of the start of the hayfever season. Due to the late spring it has been reported that hayfever sufferers can expect much higher pollen counts this year. Dr Sue has the following advice for hayfever and allergy sufferers.

Every seventh child Medicine generally classifies ADHD as a ‘brain disorder or imbalance’, variously blamed on genes, faulty thyroid, a bad prenatal start or even bingedrinking. If that’s the case, we’re getting more dysfunctional by the day. In the US an estimated one in every seven American children under the age of 18 is regularly given a stimulant such as Ritalin to treat their ADHD, a figure so high that even the World Health Organization has urged a more cautious approach. In fact, any child who has trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviour and being ‘overly active’ will probably be labelled as ADHD and prescribed a drug. The UK is catching up fast; its drug use increased by 21 times during the 1990s and there is no sign of this acceleration slowing today.

Avoid these foods Foods which contain high levels of salicylates are often implicated in cases of ADHD. Try avoiding these to see if it makes a difference. If it doesn’t, then try the eliminating the big five (wheat, dairy, orange, egg and chocolate). Almonds These fruits: apples, apricots, avocado, all berries, cherries, dates and dried fruits, grapes and raisins, currants, oranges, nectarines, plums and prunes, pineapples, tangerines, tomatoes These vegetables: chicory, courgettes, cucumbers and pickles (and anything else pickled), endive, peppers (bell and chili), radishes and water chestnuts These spices: chilli powder, cloves and paprika Breakfast cereals with fruit, nuts, honey or coconut Cider and cider vinegar Coffee and tea Cornmeal and corn/maize cereals and polenta Food colourings and preservatives Green olives Rose hips or acerola (often found in vitamins) Wine and wine vinegar Wintergreen oil

Allergic reactions are getting more common although we don’t know why. There is a lot of publicity about allergies and many people worry about them. At least 1 in 4 people have an allergic reaction at some time during their lives. They are more common in children than adults. Some families will be more prone to allergies particularly where there is a history of asthma, eczema and hayfever. An allergic reaction is a response by the body’s immune system to something (called an allergen) that is not necessarily harmful in itself. Common allergens are: • Grass and plant pollen • Pets and other animals • Insect stings • Nuts and other foods • Dust (house dust mite) • Medicines (such as Penicillin) • Chemicals (such as latex)

Many allergic reactions are mild but they can be life threatening

Symptoms • Runny nose and sneezing(rhinitis) • Watering itchy eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) • Skin rashes –skin may be red and itchy. May have raised lumps or hives (urticaria) • Other symptoms may be stomach pain, palpitations, and feeling sick • Swelling of lips, tongue and throat. This can block the air passages and can be very serious (angio-oedema) • Difficulty breathing. Wheezing and chest tightness. This can be life threatening. If very severe and untreated, unconsciousness and death may occur. There is often no reaction the first time the body meets an allergen but the body forms antibodies and these come into action the next time the substance is met. The immune system remembers the previous meeting. Antibodies help to attack the allergen that the immune system believes to be dangerous. A reaction is set up and chemicals are released by different blood cells. These chemicals cause the allergic symptoms. Histamine is one such chemical. Treatments Mild reactions can be treated with antihistamine medicines. There is not much difference between the different brands but some can cause drowsiness. They can be bought at the pharmacy and the pharmacist can advise. Nose sprays and eye drops can also be used. Skin problems can be helped by moisturisers but get advice from your pharmacist about what cream to use. The allergen should be avoided as far as possible In a severe reaction with breathing difficulty, swelling or unconsciousness, you must call an ambulance urgently by dialling 999. Some people with known severe allergies carry an injection device which they can use themselves or can be given by anyone familiar with them. If they have one, it is very important that it should given as soon as possible, through clothing if necessary. Allergy testing Allergy testing is not always helpful and NHS availability is limited. I would not recommend private, non-medical tests. Skin prick test Suspected allergens are mixed into a liquid and a drop put on skin. The skin is pierced with a needle. The skin is then observed for a reaction Blood test (RAST) Can be used in some circumstances and for some allergens. Patch testing May be useful for skin reactions and eczema

Is food intolerance the same as allergy? Food intolerance is not the same as an allergy. There is no allergic reaction. The symptoms tend to be bloating, loose motions and stomach cramps due to difficulties with digestion. The symptoms come on more slowly and more of the food can be consumed before a reaction. It is never life threatening although it can be distressing.

Useful website for more information: http://www.allergyuk.org/

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Parties feature

It’s Party Time!

A birthday party is the highpoint of the year for most kids - so the pressure is on to get it right. The secret, as ever, is in the planning. But how do you find out which party is right for your child? We guide you through the options.

The church hall party What is it?

The traditional party What is it?

Who’s it suitable for?

An at-home for the birthday child and friends, with traditional games like pass the parcel (always a winner), pin the tail on the donkey, and musical bumps.

Who’s it suitable for?

Great for nursery and reception age children, but don’t neglect its values for older kids, especially girls of eight or nine who often enjoy nothing more than inviting their friends back to their house and having a girly time.

The pros:

It’s cheap (or at least, it certainly can be); other parents often stay to help you out, keep you company, especially if you promise a glass of prosecco to help everyone through

The cons:

You may need to redecorate afterwards; you’ll certainly need to do a major tidy up. It can be difficult to keep your birthday child’s siblings out of the way, which could lead to conflict.

Top tips to make it work:

1. Agree ground rules with the birthday child beforehand about which rooms are in and out of bounds 2. Have a timetable for what’s happening when 3. Think about a project, eg build a bear kits, jewellery-making, pirate games 4. Give them chance to let off steam in the garden 5. For tea, spread a huge paper tablecloth on the floor and get them to sit around the edges of it. At the end, simply fold it up with all the rubbish inside and bin.

The action party What is it?

Who’s it suitable for?

Children of five plus, who are confident about being left somewhere they don’t know

The pros:

A lot more space than they’d have if you were at home

The cons:

You’ll have to leave the place spotless afterwards, and pay for any damage

Top tips to make it work

1. Try to find somewhere with outdoor space as well in case it’s a lovely day. 2. Ask if you can borrow/use playgroup play equipment. 3. Have lots of help, and have tea reasonably early in the afternoon so you can get it tidied away before the end. 4. If you’ve got the budget, consider hiring an entertainer - the extra space will make it a lot more fun. 5. Musical games, dancing, discos etc are great fun in church halls.

The restaurant party What is it?

A meal-based party in eg a pizza restaurant, where the kids are allowed to help or watch in the food preparation

Who’s it suitable for?

Older kids of eight-12; children who enjoy the chance to meet and chat more than the chance to run around

The pros:

The cons:

It’s expensive; raucous behaviour will upset other diners

Top tips to make it work

Older children (seven plus); kids with lots of energy who enjoy racing around

The pros:

Your house remains intact; the kids have something to focus on, and lots of opportunities to let off steam; many children end up covered in bruises from paintballing (though they don’t seem to mind!)

The cons:

It can be very expensive; although some options, eg a swimming pool party, trip to an adventure playground, can be good value

Top tips to make it work

An indoor party in a hired venue

At its best, it’s very civilised; you can even have a second table in the restaurant and invite some other parents along, so it’s a meal out for you as well. Children enjoy sense of being ‘grown up’ and eating out with friends

Paintballing, go-karting, swimming, Go Ape etc

1. If the activity is long and energetic it might be best to postpone a winter birthday party to the spring (the kids might get wet and cold as they’ll be outside for ages). 2. Take plenty of water, squash, snacks including fruit - they’ll need plenty of energy for all that running around. 3. Make ABSOLUTELY sure you’ve checked all restrictions, eg height restrictions, beforehand - there’s nothing worse than finding out on the day that one of your guests is too small to participate. 4. Make sure you get parental consent forms signed well in advance the venue will require you to do this before they allow you in. 5. Ensure the kids wear any safety equipment at all times.

By Joanna Moorhead

1. Make sure you’re booked for a time when the restaurant won’t be busy 2. A restaurant near a park, where kids can run off a bit of energy afterwards, is a good idea 3. Don’t rely on the pizza-making/chef-watching for absolutely all the entertainment. Bring eg colouring packs or check the restaurant will provide them, and think of some easy games to play round the table, eg I-Spy, in case things flag 4. Make sure you sort out the cake arrangements beforehand; most restaurants allow you to bring your own (don’t forget the candles and matches) 5. Don’t limit yourself to chain restaurants - your local eaterie may well be prepared to accommodate your party, and may be more flexible than bigger establishments

And finally...whatever sort of party you’re having don’t neglect the party bags! Every kid, at every party, is secretly (or not so secretly!) longing for a party bag - and part of the excitement for your child is helping to put the bags together. Have a budget and stick to it - party bags can add hugely to the cost of a party - but try and limit the wasteful plastic toys that get thrown away immediately. See our online Children’s Parties Section for more, including: 8 low cost party bags ideas: www.familiesonline.co.uk/lowcostpartybags Our editorial team top tips: www.familiesonline.co.uk/ourbestpartytips

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images - © oksun70 - Fotolia.com

Travel

Family breaks If you’re beginning to feel that you need a break and you’re wondering where you can go that won’t be more stressful than staying at home, we might have found what you’re looking for. We have found somewhere that welcomes the whole family, has lots of thing nearby to occupy everyone and you can sit and relax for an evening meal without worrying that anything over a whisper will upset other diners. Sound to good to be true? Well it’s right here on our doorstep! Recently I decided that we needed a family break so I went with my two children, aged 10 and 15, to Cornwall for the weekend. One of the main reasons I chose the area we stayed in was because I have been meaning to go to the eden project for years but had never got round to it. We stayed in Lostwithel, at the Best Western Restormel Lodge Hotel, which is an ideal base for visiting some of Cornwall’s best attractions and is only 15 minutes from The Eden Project. We often drive long distances to visit family so the short journey times were wonderful - not one ‘are we nearly there yet?’- a definite bonus! We arrived to a warm greeting and a welcome pack for the children. Our rooms were superb, the children had their own brightly decorated bedroom with bunk beds. There was lots of information on local attractions in the hotel. Sadly we didn’t have time to do all of them but we decided that we would also visit The National Trust Lanhydrock House on Sunday. On Saturday morning, after a good night sleep we set off for The Eden Project. We certainly weren’t disappointed by our high expectations. We had a very memorable day, there was loads to do, we even made our own pasties for lunch. We could easily revisit again as it was apparent that the project continues to evolve and develop so there’s something new to see every From £129.00 for a family room including breakfast time you visit. They are currently planning a tree top walk through the Best Western Restormel canopy, a taste of which you can Lodge Hotel currently get from the viewing platform Castle Hill at the top of the dome (not suitable if Lostwithiel you’re afraid of heights!) Cornwall

Hotel Info...

PL22 0DD

To book call 08457 76 76 76 For more info please go to www.bestwestern.co.uk • • • •

Free internet access Three star AA Pet friendly Outdoor pool

Kids under 12: Stay for FREE when sharing a family room (up to two children, minimum two adults) Can enjoy breakfast for FREE when their parents purchase breakfast Will get a fab FREE welcome pack when they stay

We dined in the hotel on Saturday night, everyone was happy with the varied menu and the food was delicious - perfect after a long day sight-seeing. Throughout our stay all the staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast before we checked out on Sunday morning. Then we stopped off up the road at Lanhydrock. We were fascinated by this house which was fully refurbished in the 1860’s, around the time that our house was built. Lots of interesting decor (not sure about the taxidermy though) and activities for children in almost every room. All in all a very relaxing and memorable weekend away, I’d definitely recommend.

Nearby attractions: Best Western is a collection of over 270 independent hotels across Great Britain. Every hotel welcomes kids with a free welcome pack and all under 12’s sleep and breakfast for free when they share a family room. There are over 25 hotels in the new Family Favourites collection, featuring everything from children’s check in desks, golf lessons, free ice cream refills, DVD and book libraries. To find out more go to www.bestwestern. co.uk or to book call their award-winning reservations team on 0845 33 00 120

4 miles from Eden’s global gardens 10 miles from Heligan Gardens 3 miles from National Trust Lanhydrock House 8 miles from Carlyon Bay 20 miles from Padstow

www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk

Bumps & Babes

I’ll have what she’s having!

By Helena Foss

The bible told us it is women’s lot to suffer pain in childbirth. Midwives in ante-natal classes talk about ‘labour’ and pain relief. In the movies birthing women scream for drugs. The belief that childbirth is agony is not only firmly imprinted in our collective psyche, it’s a fact, right? My idea of a pleasurable childbirth was lounging in the hospital birthing pool getting high on the gas and air. (The reality was an emergency caesarean section. Oh, well.) But for some women, childbirth goes way beyond pleasure. For some women – and come closer because I’m going to tell you a secret here – actually have an orgasm. © Olga Khoroshunova - Fotolia.com

Are you choking on your coffee? I know. Outrageous, isn’t it? How on earth does that happen? It seems that being a professional dancer, practicing yoga, having few expectations, a loving husband and a hot tub under a tree in a home in Hawaii to give birth in, most certainly help. According to an American news feature on the documentary ‘Orgasmic Birth’, it was a simple kiss from her husband, which helped turn Amber Hartnell’s labour into unexpected rolling waves of ecstasy. (See: www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5bm9-B6Ec4 or search ‘Birth as we know it’. ) The producer of Orgasmic Birth, childbirth educator Debra Pascali Bonaro, says that the same organs involved in orgasm get stimulated during childbirth. According to Dr Christine Northrup, author of ‘Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom’, it is theexpectationof pain that causes women to tense up and release stress hormones, disrupting the surging hormonal changes that accompany labour. The mix of prolactin, oxytocin and beta-endorphins are nature’s painkillers. Or, as Northrup describes them, “the molecules of ecstacy”. Not that Amber Hartnell didn’t feel any pain in her hot tub. She did. But she was relaxed enough to be able to transform it into what she called “sensations” by squatting and moving her hips in a spiralling motion, leading to an orgasmic birth experience that overwhelmed her with both tears and laughter. Rather than having contractions, she felt like she was being expanded. When the documentary aired in America in 2009 it caused a mixture of fascination, shock and horror, not least at the perceived ‘indecency’ of equating birth with sex. But hang on, wasn’t that how conception happened a mere nine months previously? The British birthing guru Sheila Kitzinger, who had three orgasmic births herself and says she has met hundreds of women during her career who

All Change!

By Shannon Murphy

There are so many changing bags to choose from, finding one that will have all the features you need can be tricky, especially when those needs are going to change dramatically over the next couple of years. We’ve reviewed a couple of our favourites that are well worth a look.

Pink Lining, Not So Plain Jane, £75 - This bag has a lovely look and

feel to it, it’s very fashionable and also has some handy features. It has thermo-insulated pockets on the inside that can keep milk warm for up to 3 hours and a waterproof lining. The extendable key/dummy fob holder it eliminates the chances of loosing things in the bottom of your bag. It also has a pen loop, a pocket for your mobile phone and a detachable mirror. Also included are long pockets for nappies, a zip up baby wipe bag and a baby changing mat. This is a good sized bag and considering the light coloured fabric it is very durable. It comes in three different designs and matching accessories are also available.

have too, wrote her book ‘Birth and Sex’ to illustrate the connection hardwired deep in our biology. When a woman is free to follow her instincts and give birth naturally she says, “birth and sex mingle to become one in the thrilling, sweet, intense and overwhelming experience of creation.” Nature really is extraordinary, isn’t it? And we forget that our bodies are nature itself. “The genius of [a woman’s] body is designed to give birth with ease and grace,” says birth educator Elena Vladimirova in the film ‘Birth as We Know It’, which has become an international word-of-mouth phenomenon. It shows footage of women giving birth in the sea. Their faces appear trancelike; their bodies relaxed, not a trace of agony in sight. There are so many factors in having a pleasurable birth; feeling safe, supported, being able to trust one’s own body – and even with the best will in the world, it doesn’t happen for every women. But isn’t it great to know it actually exists? We might not have been so lucky, but at least we can educate our daughters about the awesome power lying dormant right inside of them. www.orgasmicbirth.com www.sheilakitzinger.com http://birthintobeing.com

PacaPod, Mirano Chalk, £99 - This bag

is the perfect bag if you are a mum who wants a bag for them rather than a ‘baby bag’. It is a multi functional bag that has 3 in 1 packing system which I love. It comes with 2 pods - one changing pod and a second feeding pod, these pods are detachable and can be used individually or strapped to a pushchair. In the main compartment you can store all your essentials, there is plenty of room for a laptop and everything else. It also has an across body strap and handy extra straps to velcro to a pushchair handle without sliding down. The changer pod comes with a nappy changing mat and a small bag for a change of clothes. The feeder pod is all thermo-insulated and comes with a insulated wrap to go round a bottle. This bag is also available in navy but don’t get deterred by the white, I have used this bag almost everyday and it has stayed the same white from day one, surprising considering that it has been shoved in the footwell of the car and dragged around with me everyday. A very good bag and perfect for every woman who likes a bit of order in the most chaotic situation.

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Books

Getting girls back on track

A few years ago, psychologist Steve Biddulph was advising parents of boys on how to raise them to avoid a battery of difficulties. Now he’s back with a formula for how to raise girls. Joanna Moorhead, a mother of four daughters, asked him what matters most. The day after I gave birth to our fourth daughter, my husband was involved in a puzzling exchange with our neighbour. The baby had been born at home overnight, so the neighbour was keen to hear the news over the garden fence. “It’s another girl,” announced my husband excitedly. “Oh,” said the neighbour, looking downcast. “And are you very disappointed?”

feels safe and loved. In a world where the arrival of a little girl is often seen as an invitation to start showering her with possessions – cute outfits, a pretty bedroom – he advocates forgetting all about what she has (especially if it’s of the ‘girly’ variety) and concentrating entirely on how welcome, and wanted, and loved she is in your life. The deeprooted confidence that brings will, he promises, be something she carries with her right through her life.

By Joanna Moorhead

From two to five, a little girl starts feeling interested in the world around her: now, she needs to be introduced to the world as an exciting and fascinating place, a place full of adventures. From five to ten it’s all about people skills – what she most needs to discover, says Biddulph, is that while her feelings are very important indeed, other people’s feelings matter too.

Gary and I enjoyed telling the story, and we enjoy telling it to this day, because disappointment was truly the very last emotion we felt when our lovely little Catriona arrived to join her big sisters Rosie, Elinor and Miranda. Raising boys may, for all I know, be every bit as exciting and fun-filled as raising girls; but the truth is, I know nothing about it. I’m sure it’s similar, but I’m sure there are also ways in which it’s different: and the point is that, by the time Catriona was born, I was already quite certain that bringing up girls was a fabulous task to be taking centre-stage in my life. So, from the moment the line went blue on my pregnancy test, I was secretly hoping for another daughter. And when she finally landed, Gary and I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Fast-forward ten years, and it’s still every bit as wonderful now as it was back then. But the last few years have brought a few scary moments – and, explains psychologist Steve Biddulph, I’m certainly not the only parent of daughters to have discovered that. Fifteen years ago, Biddulph leapt to fame when his ground-breaking book ‘Raising Boys’ tackled the difficulties that were making life tough for parents of boys – rising rates of ADHD, aggressive behaviour, teenage drinking. Back then, he says, “girls were doing just fine”. But no longer. “It all started to change about five years ago. We began to see a sudden and marked plunge in girls’ mental health. Problems such as eating disorders and self-harm, which once had been extremely rare, were now happening in every classroom and every street. And more than this, the average girl was stressed and depressed in a way she hadn’t been before.” So now Biddulph is back with a new book aimed at parents with girls. And the message he wants to give us is that, from their earliest times, we need to bomb-proof them from what he calls “a world that seems bent on poisoning their confidence and trashing their lives”. What the onslaught is all about, says Biddulph, is the fact that advertisers have fixed their beady eyes on our pre-teen daughters: they’ve realised that little girls are extremely malleable from a marketing point of view, and they’ve gone all-out to sell them not only pink-clad dolls and sex-typed toys, but also sexualised clothes (long, long before any little girl should be thinking about looking attractive to the opposite sex) and pre-adolescent make-up. Biddulph’s advice is simple Avoid all sex-stereotyped toys and products like the plague. From her earliest days, think not about what material possessions you are giving your daughter: instead, concentrate on how you’re making her feel. From birth to two, he explains, all that really matters to a baby girl is that she

With the coming of puberty, a girl’s thoughts shift towards what Biddulph calls ‘finding her soul’: if she is helped and encouraged to find what he calls her ‘spark’, some passion or interest that she cares deeply about and is willing to invest her time in, that will help her to find fulfilment through her entire life. It’s an empowering message: best of all, for parents like me, is Biddulph’s conviction that the family and the adults surrounding a girl are the most important elements in helping light the fire that will burn through all her days. If girlhood has sometimes seemed scary, Biddulph reminds us that it’s exciting and enriching – and guides us through the skills that will help us help our daughters, time after time. Steve Biddulph’s Raising Girls is published by HarperCollins, £12.99

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Divorce & Separation

Supporting a friend through divorce By Soila Sindoyo MBPsSS

There are so many emotions that people go through during divorce but one of the main ones are loneliness, shame and anger. So what can you do when someone tells you his or her marriage is over?

Here are the dos: •

•

• • •

•

Listen. Just listen. You don’t need to come up with any solutions. You don’t need to offer any advice. You don’t need to do anything else other than listen. Be ready for those long telephone conversations and repetition about incidents and things that the spouse has done/said. Take the initiative. Go see your friend, be with him/her, call her/him. Sometimes people going through divorce feel, for various reasons, that they cannot approach other’s for help. Don’t leave it up to your friend to ask for help. Offer it and keep doing so. Do continue to invite him/her out for social events. It’s amazing how once you become single, the dinner parties and social events invitations become thin on the ground. Get him/her out of the house as much as possible. If they are going through solicitors, attend the meetings with him/her and take a notebook/pad to take notes. Encourage your friend to keep the long view in mind, especially where children are concerned. We make strange and weird decisions when in anger. Do offer practical help e.g. cooking or looking after the children

Here are the don’ts. •

• •

Don’t take sides. Remember that no matter what, the ex-spouse was/is someone whom your friend loved enough to marry and have children with. Also, you never know, they might just come back together. If you would like to continue being friends with both of them, then let them know. Don’t fan the flames of anger and resentment. Don’t share in his/her anger as a means of showing support. It’s not your anger to have and to hold. Divorce can be resolved with dignity. Yes it can. Don’t push your experiences onto them. If you have been through divorce yourself, by all means share your experiences but allow her/him to make his own legal decisions. Your experience was yours and each case is different. If you have information that can be beneficial, offer it but expect that it might not be the best one for him/her. Don’t rush them through the coping process but instead allow them to really feel the emotions and live through them. It’s all about processing what has happened and/or what is happening. Don’t start planning and organising blind dates for them. Let them find their way. Under the same breath, if they seem too eager to start dating almost immediately, speak with them about this as it might just be a means of getting away from the pain and loneliness.

Soila Sindiyo is a seasoned therapist who helps families and children get through the challenges of divorce. A twice-divorced parent, she deeply understands the challenges faced by families going through divorce. Her coaching approach was developed over 10 years whilst working with children and families as a trauma therapist, helping children and families overcome the trauma and after effects of crime. Soila today specializes in working with mums and children living with or in the shadow of divorce. Soila is an accredited Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) practitioner. She has a Bsc (Hons) and Msc in Child Psychology) and training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Soila is also a soon to be qualified family mediator. www.soila.co.uk

The ‘Family Communication’ column After the 1st of April, when legal aid will only be available in exceptional circumstances, Family Mediation will very quickly become the main route to resolving family disputes so, in this column our expert will seek to answer some important questions on the subject put to him by you, the readers. In future issues readers will be invited to ask our expert for his views about how to approach difficult family situations they have found themselves in. I have never had much to do with the finances in my family. I am afraid that without my solicitor by my side my partner will ‘run rings around me’. I am frightened that I will miss something. These feelings of vulnerability are completely understandable. As a family lawyer and mediator I recognise them only too well. I see it is an important part of my role and any mediator’s role to ensure that any such imbalance is rebalanced. We do this in a many ways. For example, we are able to provide as much financial information as needed and take great care to ensure that it is understood. We also work very closely with other financial experts such as family lawyers, financial planners and accountants if and when needed in a very cost effective and focussed way. It is very important that all the options are carefully explored, the implications of any agreement reached are fully understood and no one is rushed into anything. Do I need to be in the same room as my former partner? Although this is the normal family mediation set up, the simple answer is, no. Mediation is a flexible process based on a series of meetings. When mediations are set up, mediators are particularly careful to speak to both clients separately and put in place arrangements that work for both clients. If being in the same room makes it very difficult or impossible to manage, it makes sense to be in separate rooms and this will be offered. My former partner is a bully and rarely listens. This got worse towards the end of the marriage and the text messages have become quite abusive. We have not spoken now for about 6 months. I know that we have things to sort out like the family home, pensions and various arrangements in relation to the children but I don’t know where to start. I say to everyone who rings me, just come in for a confidential chat or simply chat on the phone to find out more. I find that most people have questions they need answering and that most are relieved after they have had one of these initial chats. Because mediation is about a neutral person working with you both, it is important that you each have the opportunity separately and confidentially to find out about mediation and have your questions answered before making any decisions about how to proceed. I also recommend that each person takes one step at a time. I recognise that there is so much information out there, much of which is confusing so I nearly always recommend people to take time to inform and reassure themselves. Also, you never know, the whole process may be free of charge for you and/or your partner because if you earn less than £31,884 gross a year you may be entitled to legal aid and free mediation which will save your £1000’s. The mediator will assess you for this. If you have any more questions or concerns about mediation please email/text..... John Hind Director, Compass Resolution john@compass-resolution.co.uk 07789 275907

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Gardening

How to get the kids to grow things

Getting Started Gardening doesn’t require a huge garden or allotment; in fact, it can actually be beneficial to start out with smaller spaces such as a window box or a restricted area. Just ensure that the allocated area gets enough sunlight and start with a small, manageable project. It needn’t cost a lot of money either – you don’t need to buy anything special or fancy, and if you grow your own fruit and veg then you’ll ultimately be making a saving! Start with margarine tubs, yoghurt pots, and any other small containers you might find lying around the house. Instead of fancy trays with separate sections, you’ll find just as much use in

and toads eat the slugs and snails, and worms create holes in the soil. Kids will eat anything they have grown themselves, just try with peas, cabbage and lettuce. Sheer pride will lend a flavour never to be forgotten. They will realise that whenever they eat yummy fruit and vegetables that someone had to grow them and that we can all grow our own fresh foods.

Prepare for mess! empty egg cartons. A lollypop stick can make a great plant label and can be used when dipping out seedlings. And what about a water pistol instead of a watering can. Who would have thoughts watering the plants could be so much fun. (hum good idea this?)

Opportunity to learn There is so much for children to learn. Explain to younger children that the seeds have popped underground and covered up to sleep, helping them understand that they need to be gentle with them and treat them with care. Make sure they know to water regularly and then sit back and watch it grow. You don’t have to be green fingered yourself, gardening opens up a whole host of great experiments and different ways of looking at things, almost like having your own laboratory in your kitchen. A good idea to show how plants need time to grow, lots of sunshine and water is to grow three separate pots of cress. Place one in sunlight with plenty of water, one in a dark cupboard with plenty of water, and one in sunlight with no water. The difference will be there to see.

We all have a particular fondness for plants which stimulate our senses and children are no different; point out plants with soft leaves and bright flowers, aromatic herbs, scented flowers, grasses and leaves that rustle when blown, etc. These can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs and requirements. Plants attract wildlife, which can be hugely exciting. Wildflowers attract bees and butterflies, and watch out for the insects. All of them have a purpose in the garden, for example hedgehogs

Gardening isn’t a clean business but its lots of fun and easy enough for children to get to grips with. So peel your children away from the TV and explore the garden - touch the flowers, feel the leaves, and look for bugs. Once they get in the garden and explore, in time they will want to take care of the plants they have learned to love and really gain pleasure along the way.

Enjoy!

We do recommend: The Family Kitchen Garden by Karen Liebreich, Jutta Wagner and Annette Wendland (14 May 2009)

Pitc h fromes £9

“

We left feeling a part of the family

”

Inspire their senses

As we reach for the back door, or open a window for the first time in several months, we may spot a daffodil emerging through the cold hard ground, and just maybe the first sight of blue sky overhead - what better time to encourage your children to explore their environment and discover the world of gardening. Involving children in gardening can be a great and fun experience for everyone regardless of age. Children can really get engrossed in planting and caring for flowers – even those with shorter attention spans! Most kids can’t get enough of the anticipation and excitement of waiting for a seed to sprout or a plant to grow, even making mud pies, as all children find pleasure in a patch of soil they can call their own. Imagine sparking the green fingers of little children, as you point out the wonder of the natural environment around them. And what better way to learn about photosynthesis, by watching it happen in front of your eyes! Show your child the magic of Mother Nature.

Hidden Valley Quality family holidays Hidden Valley Park, West Down, Nr. Ilfracombe, North Devon EX34 8NU info@hiddenvalleypark.com

• Luxury 5 star facilities • Woodland walks & dog exercise areas • 4 miles from Woolacombe Beach • Wi-Fi across the park

• Children’s play areas • Coffee shop

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Parenting Tips This issue we’re talking about... libraries and books! Whether it’s reading up on the latest fad, picking a holiday read or sharing a bedtime story we can all learn something from finding a new book. Something for Everyone by Sarah White

Gail Levine reportedly said “A library is infinity under a roof.” Here in Devon we have 58 libraries (eight of which are mobile). In this magical world, there’s something for everyone:

Mums

Join a club and learn a new skill (e.g. Knit and Natter). Group activities - bring the kids and take turns reading to the group, meet other mums, help with homework. Social networking – see the girls for coffee and get some me time.

Dads

Rent DVDs (including Blue Ray). Ancestry/family tree/local community research. Clubs (e.g. movie/book of the week).

Teenagers

Rent music CDs. Homework help and project research (in a quiet, spacious, warm environment). Free Wi-Fi and broadband Internet. Throughout 2013 Devon’s library computers are being updated with Windows 7 and Office 2010. Printing facilities are available for a small fee.

Little Ones

Hundreds of stories and new worlds to explore. Expand the horizon of your imagination! Activity days - face painting, bounce and rhyme classes and more.

Did you know?

eBooks and Audiobooks – borrow/download digital media anywhere, anytime to gadgets including home computers, iPods, Sony Readers, Kobo and many more. Audiobooks are a great way to catch up with the latest book on the go. Titles automatically expire at the end of the lending period so no need to worry about late fees! Seasonal events – Christmas crafts with coffee and mince pies, Easter egg hunts, meet famous authors e.g. Patrick Gale, sleepy storytime sessions and more. No transport? Fearsome weather conditions? Did you know you can search, reserve and renew your library catalogue online? Library members can also access out of copyright books online through Project Gutenberg which includes thousands of classic titles. Free Fridays - free computer and internet access with support from trained library staff on how to get the most from local job vacancies, benefits, budget management and email accounts. Many libraries also offer an opportunity to practice interviews in quiet rooms and brush up on maths, reading and writing skills. Great for career builders, refreshments available on request. Despite these amazing services, hundreds of libraries were closed last year. It’s more important than ever to protect this vital (and free) community hub. Tweet, email or write to your MP in support of your local library. Download the latest book from your sofa, get some space, rent a movie, join a club. No matter how big or small your family is, there’s something for everyone at the library.

Send your tips and stories to us! email editor@familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/FamiliesNDevEx 12

Book reviews Reviewed by Sarah Naughton and Jan Deykin Storytelling For Life:Why stories matter and ways of telling them By Josie Felce (Floris, £14.99) Pick up this book looking for practical tips on storytelling and you may find you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. Josie Felce has been a storyteller for thirty five years, and has travelled the world gathering tales and wisdom from diverse cultures. Far more than a simple practical guide her book is a rich amalgam of storytelling theory and history, alongside a selection of traditional tales. Felce believes passionately in the power of stories to combat abusive childhoods and prepare children for the challenges of growing up and, although some of the language can be esoteric at times, she makes a pretty strong case.

Families Rating: 4 out of 6 ★ ★ ★ ★ Show me a Story By Emily K Neuburger (Storey Publishing, £11.99) A wonderful book to help you inspire children’s imaginations. Specifically written to develop children’s storytelling skills, it has 40 projects and activities for a single child or big group. The idea is that children make props then use them as prompts to kick-start and develop stories. Paint characters on stones; invent the history of an everyday object; pass on a plot with Story Ping Pong! It also guides adults on encouraging storytelling and how to structure stories. Perfect at home, outside or traveling, this is a fabulous, fun resource full of colourful photographs. Families Rating: 6 out of 6

★★★★★★

Parenting a Teen Girl: A Crash Course on Conflict, Communication and Connection with your Teenage Daughter By Lucie Hemmen PhD (New Harbinger Publications, £17.99) This practical, thoughtful and comprehensive book contains straightforward good advice to help your parenting of teenage girls. “Did you know that driving you nuts is part of your daughter’s healthy development?” asks the author, a psychologist and mother. How we respond has an enormous impact so the specific steps suggested, for example towards productive conversations, are invaluable. In addition to sex, drugs and alcohol experimentation, girls today have the pressures of social media, websites and mobile phones. Knowing how to support our girls with appreciation and love will have a lasting value. Essential reading. Families Rating: 6 out of 6

★★★★★★

GCSE’s: A Parent’s Guide By Charlotte Evans (Need-2-Know Books, £9.99)

GCSEs seem a distant milestone until your child starts secondary school. This concise guide helps to understand the process and steer your child through the ups and downs. Full of useful advice on choosing subjects (and schools) through to practical information on the qualifications themselves such as exam, coursework and controlled assessment elements. Stressing children’s responsibility for their learning, it also outlines parental support including time management, effective revision and preparing for the aftermath. These techniques apply to all exams, but with GCSEs ending soon it is especially helpful for Year 8+. Be prepared! Families Rating: 5 out of 6

★★★★★

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LANDMARK THEATRE

Ilfracombe www.northdevontheatres.org.uk

Freddy Dare & the Ginger Robber

Saturday 1st June, 14:30 Meet Fred Andrews, schoolboy and loser. Fred’s dad died a while ago, and his mum is too sad to pay attention to him. To make it even worse, he’s struggling to make any friends at his new school. But then he discovers a mysterious package at the bottom of a wardrobe and an unexpected visitor in the shed. Will these things give him the answers he needs or will they lead to his ultimate downfall? Is it a film? Is it a play? Yes… FREDDY DARE & the GINGER ROBBER brings you both! With influences ranging from the hit TV show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and the films ‘The Artist’ ‘Scott Pilgrim’, cube theatre transports you on an epic adventure through striking visual effects, great original music, stylish performances and a dazzling script that packs an emotional punch. Come and find your inner superhero! All seats £9.50 NDT members/supporters £4.00 Young Person £4.00 Approx running time 70 minutes. Minimum age recommendation: 8

Tiddler and Other Teriffic Tales From Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Monday 17-06-2013 13:30 and Tuesday 18th , 10:30 & 13:30 A brand new show from the awardwinning Scamp Theatre (Stick Man - Live on Stage!) adapted from the bestselling books by Children’s Laureate, Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler (creators of The Gruffalo). This is a magical collection of Julia Donaldson’s most popular titles including Tiddler, The Smartest Giant in Town, A Squash and a Squeeze and Monkey Puzzle brought to the stage spectacularly by the team that brought you Aesop’s Fables, Stick Man and Private Peaceful. Under sea, over land, on the farm and in the jungle, these tales are woven together with live music, songs, puppets and a host of colourful characters who will delight. An absolute treat for ages 3 + and their families. All seats £11.00 Schools £10.00 Approx running time: 55mins. Minimum age recommendation: 3

QUEEN’S THEATRE

Barnstaple www.northdevontheatres.org.uk

Fame - The Musical

Thursday 16th - Saturday 18th May, 19:00 This year Barnstaple Young Generation brings the iconic 80’s show Fame right up to date. Performed entirely by youngsters aged between 13 and 21, Fame - the musical is the bittersweet but ultimately inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of gruelling artistic and academic work. With candour, humour and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today – issues of prejudice, identity, self-worth, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance. With its contemporary pop score which includes the hit title song, this high-energy show is one you shouldn’t miss. All seats £11.00 Restricted View £9.00 Minimum age recommendation: 12

Varmints

Tuesday 28th May, 3pm & 7pm There was once only the sound of bees and the wind in the wiry grass, the low murmuring of moles in the cold dark earth, and the song of birds in the high blue sky. Varmints is a brand new children’s dance theatre show, which tells the poignant tale of one small creature’s struggle to preserve a world in danger of being lost forever. Every day the city grows larger and the noise grows louder, until there is so much noise that no-one can hear themselves think. Based on the award-winning book by Helen Ward with beautiful illustrations by Marc Craste www. travellinglighttheatre.org.uk Tickets: £12.50 Concs: £2 off. Family Ticket: £30 for 3 + up to 3 more £10 each. Schools: £7.50 for groups 10+. Student Standby: £8 Age: 8yrs+ Post Show Talk: Tues 28 May 7pm

Exeter Northcott Theatre Open Day

ROCK ON!

Friday 7th June, 19:30 The Pavilion, Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe A night of music from Ilfracombe Rocks students. All tickets on the door £1.00 Minimum age recommendation: 5

Schools: £7.50 for groups 10+ Student Standby: £8. Age: 7yrs+ Running Time: 1hr 50mins Post Show Talks: Thurs 16 May 1.30pm & 7pm; Fri 17 May 10.30am BSL Interpreted performance: Sat 18 May 3pm. Audio-described performance: Sat 18 May 3pm

EXETER NORTHCOTT www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

I was a Rat

Wednesday 15th - Saturday 18th May “I Was A Rat!” insists a scruffy page boy who turns up one evening on the doorstep of old married couple Bob and Joan. But what is he now? A terrifying monster rampaging in the sewers? A money-spinning fairground freak? A champion wriggler and a downy card? Or just an ordinary boy, though a little ratty in his habits? Philip Pullman’s glorious and gripping story is brought to life on the professional stage for the first time in the UK. Combining humour, fantasy and adventure, this moving and darkly comic tale slowly reveals its connection to one of the most famous fairy tales of all time. Full of music, fantastic physical performances and unforgettable images, I Was A Rat! will surprise, delight and move audiences of all ages. Tickets: £12.50 Family ticket: £30 for 3 + up to 3 more £10 each

Saturday 25th May, 10 am - 4pm. Free entry. Have you always wanted to explore behind the scenes of a theatre? To see the stage from the wings or lighting box, poke around in the dressing rooms and hear tales from some of the people who work here? The come along and join us as we throw our doors open to the public for a day of activities and events. There will be something for everyone with workshops, talks, demonstrations and plenty of fun. throughout the day.

The Elves and The Shoemaker

Wednesday 29th - Friday 31st May Sitting in his kitchen workshop, Sam Lacey makes terrible shoes and tries to sell them online. They are so bad that no-one really wants them, not even his neighbour (who thinks he should give up and get a real job!). Then one night, two tiny visitors climb in through the window and start cutting and stitching and gluing... and Sam’s life is never quite the same again! Following their sell-out shows, The Enormous Turnip, Little Red Hen and 3 Little Pigs, the inescapably eccentric Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company return with an up-to-date, size 13½ retelling of everyone’s favourite

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story about Elves and Shoes. There are stunning puppets, music and surprises aplenty in a show for everyone aged 3 and above. www.aloadofstuffandnonsense. co.uk Tickets: £10. Family Ticket: £24 for 3 + up to 3 more £8 each. Age: Children aged 3-7 and their families. Running Time: 85 mins

WESTPOINT ARENA Exeter www.westpointarena.com

Devon County Show

16th May- 18th May The Devon County Show is the biggest (and best!) event in the county calendar and is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day out sampling the many wonders of the local countryside. From fabulous livestock and fine local food, magnificent flowers and gardens, to rural skills and country pursuits and practically non-stop activity in six rings, there’s something for everyone who loves the Devon way of life. Come and be part of it, enjoy a breath of fresh air and spoil yourself - why not?! Check out the website - it’s all there including lots of special ticket promotions. Showing classes and Ring events from 8am. Trade stands from 9am - 6.30pm. www. devoncountyshow.co.uk. Email: info@dcshow.org. Tel: 01392 446 000

Out & About

What’s On

Race for Life

30 Jun 13 Enter your local 5k Race for Life this summer! Tesco and Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is more than an incredible day out - it’s helped fund major breakthroughs in cancer treatments across the UK for the last 17 years. Thanks to people just like you, more people are beating cancer than ever before. So, help us make this year’s event the biggest one ever. Simple walk, jog or run to help save even more lives. Adults: £14.99 Children: £10.00 (up to 16 years) Registration must be completed in advance of the event. Please see contact details below to register. Tel: 01392 211697 Web Site: www.raceforlife.org

What’s On

Out & About RAMM Family Activities: Close Encounters Close Encounters

29 May to 30 May, 10.30am 3.30pm. Drop in 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm Look at wildlife close up with a digital microscope and magnifying glasses and draw the patterns revealed. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults can watch/ supervise for free. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty. If an activity is busy there may be a short wait. RAMM Courtyard: £2 per child

Exploring the Vertues of Herbes

30 May 2013, 11am - 1pm Learn more about the power of plants in the year 1602 by helping our ‘herb women’ prepare natural remedies in the Tudor kitchen, using a variety of plants gathered from their own physick garden. Mistresses Eleanor and Christina are skilled in the knowledge and the use of herbs. They will be preparing infusions, tisanes, poultices and healing salves for the benefit and wellbeing of the Hurst household. St. Nicholas Priory

Family Activities: Art Gallery

31 May 2013, 10.30am - 3.30pm Your opportunity to have your work in the children’s gallery on the RAMM website. Produce your own picture inspired by one of RAMM’s paintings, drawings or prints currently on display. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults can watch/ supervise for free. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty. If an activity is busy there may be a short wait. Drop in 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm RAMM Courtyard - £2 per child

Family Activities at the Priory: Butter Making

31 May 2013, 10.30am - 3.30pm A chance to make butter Tudor style. Please bring one large pot of real double or whipped cream which is at room temperature and wear clothes that can get messy. Places are limited. If the activity is busy there may be a short wait. Accompanying adults can watch and help. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults can watch/ supervise for free. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that

can get dirty. If an activity is busy there may be a short wait. Drop in 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Admission charged. St Nicholas Priory, The Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

Exeter Respect Festival

1 June to 2 June 2013, 11.30am - 7pm Belmont Park, Exeter EX1 2DH Visit RAMM’s stall at the city’s annual celebration of cultural diversity. The festival presents two days of free live music and performance, a plethora of stalls offering children’s activities, information about local groups and institutions, fair trade and crafts for sale, food, a licensed bar and friendly atmosphere. www.exeterrespect.org

We have taken every care in preparing the listings in this magazine but sometimes events are cancelled or times change, so please double check details before setting out.

RAMM is celebrating National Volunteering Week with a selection of its volunteer-led activities for all the family. Volunteers at RAMM today are sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for RAMM and its collections. Visitors can join one of the spotlight tours featuring different aspects of the displays, handle a range of artefacts, try on costumes or take part in family activities. Sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm: RAMM has around 120 volunteers who support the museum in many ways across all departments. If you are interested in volunteering with RAMM, email ramm.volunteer@exeter.gov.uk or visit the volunteer section on RAMM’s website. Around RAMM, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, drop in. Handle objects from a range of collections: beadwork from Africa, Roman ceramics, Victorian under clothing, Ancient Egyptian Shabtis, fragile echinoderm shells and a 300,00 year old handaxe. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults can watch/ supervise for free. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty. If an activity is busy there may be a short wait.

The Contemporary Craft Festival 2013

Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June 10am to 5pm Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9AF This fair, which is run in association with the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, is one of the largest and most prestigious craft and design events in the UK. Find RAMM in the Children’s Craft Marquee and join in with our activities and explore crafts from around the world. The Children’s Craft Tent is supported by The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Devon Arts In School Initiative (DAISI), RAMM and the Crafts Council’s Crafts Club. Tickets from Bovey Crafts. Call 01626 830612 or visit the website www.craftsatboveytracey. co.uk

ARLINGTON COURT May-hem half term

Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th, Thursday 30th & Friday 31st May 11am - 4pm Child £2 (per activity) Join in with a series of activities and crafts taking place at Arlington. From working with clay, to creating felt and creating a piece of natural art, to building a den from sticks, there’s something for all ages and abilities.

Volunteering Day at the Priory

Saturday 8 June, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm St Nicholas Priory, The Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL There are Tudor costumes to dress up in, Tudor games to play, magnetic mosaics and 45-minute tours starting at 11am and 2pm.

Making a difference: Volunteering Day

Saturday 8 June, 10am to 5pm

Open farm Sunday

Sunday 9th June, 11am - 4pm Visit Arlington and find out how we look after our sheep, cattle,

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horses and Shetland ponies. Meet the animals who live onsite and discover where they live, what we feed them, plus learn about their histories and their funny antics. Booking Not Needed. Normal Admission Charges Apply. The location of the event will be advertised on site. A programme will be on site, displaying what it happening at different times.

Ploughmans for Papa

Sunday 16th June, 12pm - 3pm Free event. Spoil your Dad and enjoy a tasty treat for Father’s Day in our tea room. A selection of Ploughmans lunches will be available using local produce, some of which is grown on the Arlington estate. Booking Not Needed. Normal Admission Charges Apply.

The Big Picnic

Friday 21st June, 5pm - 9pm Join us on the longest day of the year and enjoy a special evening opening of Arlington. The house and garden will be open until 7pm and there will be family games and activities. plus a chance to take part in a wine and food matching master class with Majestic Wine Warehouse. A great evening out for the whole family. Booking Essential 01271 850296. Suitable for Groups. Bring a picnic and something to sit on and your favourite outdoor game. The event will take place in the grounds, house and tea room. Locations will be signed on site. Dogs on leads welcome. A great event for families. We will be offering pre-packed picnics which can be booked in advance to pick up on the night. PLease call and ask for more information. Adult £7.50 (Includes wine and food matching master class), All Tickets £5

Outdoor theatre - Sherlock Holmes Sunday 30th June, 7pm - 9:30 pm The Pantaloons, who brought us Grimm Fairy Tales last summer, will be returning to share a tale of wit, comedy and bizarre songs as they bring to life the timeless character of Sherlock Holmes. See if you can help them solve the mystery, before your sides split from laughing! Booking Essential 01271 850296 Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring your own chair or picnic blanket to sit on. Dogs on leads welcome. Picnics are welcome onsite from one hour before the performance begins, but please take all rubbish away with you. Accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Gates open: 6pm. Adult £12.50, Child £8, Family £35 (2 adults & 2 children)

What’s On

Out & About

KILLERTON Killerton Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 300m fun run Sunday 12th May, 11am - 3pm. Gates open: 10am At Killerton, it’s more than just a ‘Race Day’. There is a run for everyone with prizes and a full family day out. To enter visit: www.relishrunningraces.com/ killertonrunning- races.php. More Information: Killerton, 01392 881345, killerton@nationaltrust.org. uk Dogs on leads welcome. Entry fees: Half Marathon: Unaffiliated £22 Affiliated £20 On the Day £25 10km: Unaffiliated £12 Affiliated £10 On the Day £15 5km: Unaffiliated £7 Affiliated £8 On the Day £10 300m fun run: Unaffiliated £3 Affiliated £3 On the Day £5. Last admission time: 11am. Please arrive for 11am run start. Free event (normal admission charges apply)

Survival Day

Wednesday, 29 May, 11am - 3pm Child £2 (activity charge) Become your very own wilderness explorer and see how many things you can tick off your 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4 adventure pack. Build a shelter, forage for wild food, go on a minibeast hunt and discover how creatures hid and camouflage themselves from predators. More Information: Killerton, 01392 881345, killerton@ nationaltrust.org.uk. Booking Not Needed. Normal Admission Charges Apply

Wildlife day

Thursday, 30 May, 11am - 3pm Child £2 (activity charge) Step outside and discover untold wonders of wildlife. See what you can tick off on your 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4 adventure booklet. Come face to face with insects, bugs and beasties. Learn how to make bird and bug boxes, uncover what lies hidden in the pond in the park. More Information: Killerton, 01392 881345, killerton@nationaltrust.org. uk. Booking Not Needed. Normal Admission Charges Apply

RHS GARDEN ROSEMOOR Lake and Streamside Walk

16/05/2013, 11:00 - 12:30 Type: Walk/Walk & Talk/Guided Tour Skill Level: General The planting along the stream and around the lake is one of the highlights of Rosemoor in the spring. There is a huge range of plants that thrive in damp and boggy conditions and provide a wonderful display of foliage and flowers, from the mighty Gunnera to the colourful Primula. This walk will look at many of these plants and will also

Suitable for children of all ages and their parents/guardians. Sessions at 11am, 1pm and 3pm Normal garden admission

Bee Weekend with The Bee Team

cover practicalities of cultivation. A comprehensive plant list will be provided for participants. Member: £10.00, Non Member: £18.00 Call 01805 626800 and quote booking ref: 9702 (weekdays 9am5pm)

Plant Heritage Spring Fair

18/05/2013, 10:00 - 15:00 This popular Plant Fair has grown in size and interest since it was first held at Rosemoor over a decade ago. There will be a wide variety of rare and unusual trees, shrubs and perennials from local nurseries for sale under the Plant Heritage banner. A must for all keen gardeners and collectors. Plus free talks at 11.30am and 2.30pm each day, covering some of the rare and interesting plants available to buy in Rosemoor’s Plant Centre. Normal Garden Admission. Plant Heritage Members Free

Family fun at Rosemoor 25 May - 2 June

This May half term, spend a delightful day out at Rosemoor. Enjoy the summer garden and get stuck into a range of family workshops designed to keep holiday bordeom at bay!

25/05/2013 - 26/05/2013, 10:00 16:00 Local beekeepers, producers of honey, honey products, beeswax candles, polish and soap, plus the local Swarm Liaison officer will be in the Plant Centre to share their knowledge. There will be talks at 11.30am and 2.30pm on both days about the benefits of attracting bees to your garden, plants to attract bees, the difference between honey bees and bumble bees, swarms, and general information about these fascinating insects. Honey and beerelated products also for sale in the Plant Centre.

THE BIG SHEEP Bubbalicious Balloon Fesitval

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th May Go ballistic with balloons at the BIG Sheep’s Balloon Festival and let Colin Johns, our resident balloon expert entertain you with his humour, mischief and incredible artistic ability to produce mind boggling entertainment which will have you dumb with amazement and shaking with laughter whatever your age. The World’s Largest Wellie Parade - Wellie Wanging - 9th June. Prizes for the most

decorative wellies. If you want a fun and free day out to take part in the ‘World’s Largest Wellie Parade’ then all you have to do is don your wellies and come along to the BIG Sheep on Sunday 9th June and take part in creating the world’s largest parade of wellies. There will be free entry to everyone who turns up wearing your wellies.

Doughnuts for Dads

Saturday 15th June A special day for kids to come along and get creative. Design a delicious doughnut to give to dad on Father’s Day. After you treat him to his own ‘dad’s doughnut’ you can treat him to a day at our South West Classic Car event on Sunday 16th June.

Fathers Day

Sunday 16th June 2013 Treat Dad to a fantastic Fathers Day present this year at The BIG Sheep. A perfect day for Dad and the kids. You can prove to everyone that Dad’s just as big a kid as the little ones!

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Family Sow ‘n Grow and craft workshops

25 May - 2 June, 11am - 1pm and 2 - 4pm Calling all young gardeners - it’s time to ‘accessorize’ your garden! Make a pot out of bio-degradable material and then sow your seeds for summer flowers. You can also design and draw your own miniature garden. Create as many weird and wonderful plants and flowers as you can, then colour them using all the colours of the rainbow! Normal garden admission

Favourite story books and poems with Rob Pudner 29 May Rob has been educating, inspiring and entertaining young and old for over 16 years, and his dramatic antics have delighted hundreds of visitors to Rosemoor. Find out more about the man at the helm of ‘Entertainingly Different’ as he shares some of his favourite books and talks about his love of reading, children’s literature and his earliest memories of stories and poetry.

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o r e t s i g e R The Landmark Tour

Ilfracombe start/finish

Barnstaple

Beaford

Limited Entry of 500 Places Register online at www.coast-coast.co.uk SUPPORTING:

Registered Charity No. 286554

KINDLY SPONSORED BY:

Libbaton

Join the challenge and cycle 100 Speedy Miles or 66 Steady Miles around your favourite Landmarks from previous rides Sunday 9th June 2013

£20 per rider plus raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship for North Devon Hospice