Weston-super-Mum

Newsletter: 11th January 2012

2012-01-11T13:47:00.003Z

Here are the winners of our Christmas Raffle:

Jenny Lines: Family portrait shoot at WoW Photography
Moffat: Cut & Finish at Hair Associates
Viv Kennedy: Cut and Finish at Hair Associates
Hobson: Cream tea for 2 at Dr Fox's Tearoom on Knightstone Island
Rej: An illustrated, unique Babimal picture (name of your choice)
Susan Oldfield: One month's free membership to Sweat FA
Lucy Frampton: I am Going to Save the World by Gail Richardson
Willow: Gift Set of all 3 Ping and Pong Books, by Amy T* revaskus
Sarah Fletcher: Aladdin Pantomime programme, signed by the cast members
Richmond: Whittard of Chelsea Lemon Balm & Lavender Bathtub Teabags
Mollie: Two tickets to The Liminal event

Thank you to everyone who donated a prize. We raised £85, which will go to putting on future Weston-super-Mum events ♥

News, Views and Discussions:
* Priory School to accept pupils from 4 years old - what are your views?
* New events on our events wall
* Family camping 2012 - for all members, on a local and inexpensive site
* Weston-super-Mare Food Buying Group - join up and save money
* The Liminal - an evening of book readings by local authors (for adults) - this Saturday and on February 18th at Dr Fox's Tearoom
* The new edition of Mum's Diary is out!
* Our Christmas Residence at the Blakehay Theatre, in the Mercury

Dreamland Adventure at The Blakehay Theatre, Weston

2011-12-20T21:27:00.000Z

Today, Dreamland Adventure, a pantomime for 2 to 7 yearolds, began its five-day residence at the Blakehay Theatre in Wadham Street,Weston-super-Mare.

The buzz could be felt all over the Theatre: the festive BrandonTrust-run café serving drinks and snacks, the Blakehay staff dressed in nightwearin honour of the show, while mums, dads, grandmothers and children got arty inthe upstairs' studio. The kids made somefabulous pictures to adorn the stage, using a wide range of materials and verylittle instruction – it’s amazing to see how imaginations go into full swingwhen we’re given reign to do nothing else but create!

After two hours of non-stop making, we headed to theauditorium for the 2pm showing of Dreamland Adventure, an interactive andwell-thought out show by The Big Act, a Bristol-based theatre production andtraining company. Elf Number 1 has tofind his way back to the North Pole to get our presents ready or else Christmas will becancelled and we, the boys and girls, have to help him, shouting, screaming,waving, clapping and singing our way through his myriad adventures.

Elf Number 1, gleefully played by Martin Williams, gets the wholeaudience going as they squeal with delight, joining him on his travels. And on-stage he is accompanied by one of twoWeston schoolgirls, Courtnei Danks and Nina Halper. Today, Courtnei was our young actress, who played the part with gustoand professionalism, showing us her dance moves and acting abilities, an inspirationto all young spectators.

Holly Sands is fun in her role of jungle native, pirate, seacreature and Elf Number Two, an actress with a sweet, strong singing voice anda command of the stage, particularly in her pirate role, when she invites us all tobe her crew.

The show is fast-paced and short enough to hold theattention of even the youngest theatre goer. The set is simple but effective and the projected images convincing andeasy to understand. There is also snowand a visit from a very special person, as Elf Number 1 finally finds his wayhome!

Dreamland Adventure is showing until Saturday 24^thDecember and Weston-super-Mum will be running free art workshops every day from12 till 2pm. The kids are welcome totake their pieces home or leave them on the stage for everyone to enjoy and addto.

Recommended!

Buytickets for Dreamland Adventure here or at the Blakehay Theatre Box Office.

The Big Act's website

- by Becky

Bath Time at the Brewery Theatre

2011-12-19T09:11:00.000Z

We were not really sure quite what to expect, coming to a seated theatre performance for under 5’s. On walking into the Brewery theatre, I immediately felt it was a perfect venue for this type of show, being small, intimate, and well lit so that it did not feel dark and threatening in the way other theatre venues might. As the lights began to dim to signal the beginning of the show and my 2 and a half year old daughter began to look perturbed and a little worried, I was pleased to see that the lights were dimmed just enough so that you could still see everything around you and that it was not completely dark, the first of many thoughtful touches.

The premise of the show is a familiar one to even the smallest audience members, and revolved around all the fun and silliness that can be had at bath time, with bubble beards, make believe, play, lots of singing, and a seemingly endless stream of rubber ducks! We were introduced to Robin and Matt, the only characters in ‘Bath Time’, and immediately they got on their audiences level with an underpants gag that had the kids squealing with laughter. You know how your 2 year old will often repeat things endlessly because they find it funny or fascinating? The writers and performers of ‘Bath Time’ clearly understood what makes little people tick, with just the right amount of repetition of jokes and themes to draw the smaller members of the audience in, but not too much that the adult members switched off. It was all perfectly silly, and pitched so well at the under 5’s. The older children were able to join in with the audience participation, while the younger ones could appreciate the very visual nature of the production. My girl was initially unsure of quite what was going on and clung somewhat tightly to me, but it didn’t take her long to warm up, and by the time the “magic cupboard” was spilling forth its contents, she was hooked and giggling along with the rest of the audience, adults included. The show lasted 45 minutes which again, was perfectly pitched, any less and you might have felt short changed, any more and my daughter would have got fidgety.

We had a ball at The Brewery Theatre, and loved the show. I found myself forgetting I was there because it was theatre aimed at my daughter, as I would have happily sat through it anyway, even if I hadn’t been accompanying a child! ‘Bath Time’ is a perfect introduction to theatre for the under 5’s. I urge you to catch it if you can, great value for a great little show.

Bath Time is on at The Brewery Theatre until the 8th of January 2012.

- Review by Karen

Aladdin at the Playhouse, Weston

2011-12-16T20:48:00.003Z

On Wednesday night my 6 year old daughter and I were lucky enough to wrap up warm and join another Mummy and her 6 year old to walk through the Christmas lit streets to the 7pm showing of Aladdin at the Playhouse.

My 6 year old was very excited, in part because we saw Cinderella at the same venue last Christmas, and she was fondly recalling the silliness of the panto on our journey there. As the show started at 7pm meaning we didn't get home until 10.30pm, I would strongly recommend an earlier performance if you don't want tired and grumpy children the next day! Was it worth it though? Oh yes it was!

The show began with hissing and booing as Abanazar (John Challis) entered the stage. "We're only booing him because he's pretending aren't we Mummy? He's not really a bad man." The little wise one reassured, we were set up for the rest of the show. And how we very much enjoyed it! Aladdin (Craig Daniel Adams) in particular lit up the stage with his smile and energy. When he was dancing it really felt as if he - and the rest of the cast - were truly enjoying themselves, which helped us to do exactly the same.

Some of the singing was particularly enjoyable, especially the operatic wonders from the Emporer (Paul Arden-Griffith) What a voice! And such an unusual twist too. The litte ones enjoyed the versions of modern pop songs the cast belted out for us, and the cultured one in the group was impressed by the Gilbert and Sullivan number.

This was panto though - and the highlight for adults and children alike were the VERY silly moments! The policemen (brothers Keith and Ben Simmons who also directed the show) with their word play and disappearing box caused hilarity in the six year old reviewers. But my favourite, without a shadow of a doubt, was the perfectly camp Wishee Washee (Terry Gleed)... "SHOW US YOUR FISHY WISHY!" He did a fantastic job of really getting the audience involved and had my own silly smile spread right across my face as soon as he came back on stage.

The panto is a lovely festive treat, and a big thumbs up is deserved to everyone involved in the production. If you want to enjoy a few hours with your family this festive period and have a good old giggle, you could do a lot worse than this.

- by Holly

Aladdin is on at The Playhouse, Weston, till 8th January 2012

Peter Pan at the Bristol Hippodrome

2011-12-14T00:30:00.006Z

Panto is changing. At least it is at the Bristol Hippodrome and, as the writer of Peter Pan is a man who has adapted no fewer than eight pantomimes in the UK this year, then this most certainly has the promise of the Ghost of Christmas Shows Yet to Come. Eric Potts, who delighted us in the flesh as Fairy Bowbells in last year’s production of the excellent Dick Whittington, brings a fresh, less traditional approach to an old family favourite.

This production of Peter Pan is certainly not as clichéd as many that have gone before: no panto dame and less innuendo, while a lack of invitation to scream “Behind you” or “Oh, no you didn’t” doesn’t necessarily mean less audience participation: after all, by now, we all know what to do. But it is undoubtedly sleeker and less camp than its predecessors.

The stage at the Hippodrome is vibrant and the costumes are a riot of colour. Hats off to Terry Parsons and his team who have really gone to town on detail – the set is beautiful. The sound is booming, the voices clear and the jokes understood. In short, the production is polished. Panto often allows for mistakes, a lot of bumbling and confusion: none of that here.

Our Panto Dame might be lacking but her replacement is excellent in The Three Divas, three very feminine, gorgeous women of soulful, strong voice, belting out numbers that we all know, including a medley of Christmas songs to open the show. And the posse of pirates, fun and crucial members of the crew, offer that camp element that we have come to expect at this time of year.

Bristol’s big name this year is David Hasselhoff, a solid and entertaining Captain Hook (how tall is that man?), who becomes a quivering wreck at the mere mention of Baywatch. He’s not as menacing as other panto villains but how could he be with that bunch of playful pirates behind him?

Andy Ford is the main stay of any Bristol pantomime and he never, ever, disappoints. Smee’s rapport with the audience is a pleasure to witness – the perfect fool and, once again, the star of the show for the adults. It’s hard to imagine a December Hipp without him.

The kids, of course, love the eponymous hero, played by Robert Rees, and every little girl adores Wendy, the ‘mother’ of the piece in Janine Esther Cowell – both roles are competently played, in an understated way. Along with her two brothers, Michael and John, Wendy leaves her London home with Peter, flying out of the bedroom window with impressive lighting by Tim Mascall. Their passage to Neverland is magical and wonderfully executed, so special mention must be given here to Flight Director, Karl Magee, and to Freedom Flying because this is this scene that will lodge itself into all of our children’s minds.

The Lost Boys and the Indians fill the stage, a mix of accomplished actors and young stars of tomorrow. Like the rest of the cast, they are professional and well-choreographed.

Is this, then, the future of Pantomine? That remains to be seen

Peter Pan runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until 8th January 2012

Review by Becky

Newsletter - 12th December

2011-12-12T21:33:00.005Z

Win a family ticket for 4 to Dreamland Adventure at The Blakehay Theatre, Wadham Street, Weston - a Christmas show for children aged 2 to 7. Choose the performance that best suits you!

Views, News and Discussions:
* Watch Weston-super-Mum on the Sofa, where 4 of our presenters interview members of the Aladdin cast, complete with scenes from the rehearsals at the Playhouse, Weston. Up on our home page.
* Buy special Weston-super-Mum £10 tickets to see Aladdin at the Playhouse this weekend
* Becky reviews Cinderella: A Fairytale at the Tobacco Factory Theatre
* Sasha, aged 11, and Phoenix, aged 9, review New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin
* Check out this week's events
* A list of places where you can find Santa in North Somerset in Mum's Diary
* Holly is looking for German classes in Weston
* New support group for multiple birth parents
* Splat Messy Play sessions in January 2012
* Victorian Christmas Fayre at Weston-super-Mare Museum on Saturday 17th December
* Congratulations to Michelle who has won tickets to see Bath Time, for 2-5 year olds, this Christmas at Tobacco Factory Theatre
* Help needed for our Crafty Corner during Christmas week, when we're building part of the set of Dreamland Adventure with the kids.
* Thanks to all the businesses who have donated prizes to the Weston-super-Mum Christmas Raffle
* New to Weston-super-Mum? We'd love to meet you ♥

New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin

2011-12-11T18:11:00.002Z

The book is amazing and descriptive. It should be sold for people over 11 because people over 11 will get it. The bit I liked most was when Sam finally settled into the school and made loads of new friends and when Sam was getting bullied, her friends stuck up for her. At the end of the book Sam and Molly became friends because Molly sent Sam a letter saying I'm sorry.

Also the book was amazing so if you want to read this book, go ahead because it is amazing!

- by Sasha, aged 11

I loved the book New Beginnings. When I read it, I feel like I'm Sam Hendry. The chapters always leave me on cliff hangers.

I would recommend this book to others.

- by Phoenix, aged 9

Order a copy of New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin here

Cinderella: A Fairytale at Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

2011-12-10T22:13:00.013Z

“I have chosen the Grimm version (of Cinderella) as our starting point because it is less syrupy and sentimental than the Perrault version … It feels more like a folk tale that has come from the oral tradition, earthy and simple. Neither does it shy away from the darker elements of the story which are intriguing.”

- Sally Cookson, Director of Travelling Light Theatre Company’s Cinderella: A Fairytale

This description of Cinderella at the Tobacco Factory Theatre is spot on. With the exception of the brash pink party dresses worn comically by three men and a woman at the ball, the costumes are mostly of neutral colour, while nature features heavily throughout the performance in the form of five birds, played by every member of the cast, who use skilful puppetry. “How did they change clothes so quickly?” asked my five year old. “I wish I could do that!”

And those darker elements are present from early on in the show, when I saddled up to my daughter, fearful that she might be a little frightened. Every now and then I put my arm around her for comfort, maybe my own, as she seemed hooked on every detail and not perturbed by the wickedness prevalent in Ella’s father’s widow.

“I think that, at the beginning, when Cinderella was a baby, her Daddy didn’t know that the Step Mother was so naughty. I liked it when the Step Mother went away,” she told me. Craig Edwards has an extraordinarily angular face, akin to a stereotypical witch, and he is convincingly menacing.

The Step Sister, played by Lucy Tuck, is a product of this wicked upbringing, jealous and self-seeking but maybe not beyond repair. Her brother (Saikat Ahamed), lets his softer nature slip, despite the overpowering presence of these two women. The step-sibling pairing is a winner: she is gawky and searching for maternal approval, he is elegant and comical, not at all happy to be used as a female proxy.

Cinderella (Lisa Kerr) and the Prince (Thomas Eccleshare) are made for each other. Her at-oneness with the ornithological creatures of the forest couldn’t fail to impress the bird-watching, geeky Prince. She impressed the audience too and the chatter with those birds of many species was greeted with laughter and wonderment. My little companion imitated the squaws and the twitter at every opportunity.

“My favourite bit was when Cinderella and the Prince danced.” Ah, a romantic at heart? The ball scenes are lit with skill (lighting by Matthew Graham) and the show would only be a story without the accompanying music, performed live by Will Bower. The Prince, not realising that he is in love, just can’t help bursting into song and we loved him for it.

We found ourselves positioned at the back at one of the four blocks of seats and, as the stage was bang in the middle of the theatre, we had a perfect view, everyone did.

Travelling Light’s take on Cinderella is a true treat. We had a ball!

Could I just ask our spirited, sweet heroine, “Where did you get those fabulous shoes?!”

Cinderella is playing at the Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol, until 15^th January.

For more information on Travelling Light Theatre Company, click here.

Review by Becky

Newsletter - 5th December

2011-12-05T22:21:00.004Z

It was great to see Amy Trevaskus back at our Coffee and Bounce, reading the new Ping and Pong book: Santa - getting us all in the mood for Christmas. The children also made some beautiful Christmas cards and tree decorations (thanks to Felicity for working so hard on these - gorgeous). So good to meet some new parents-to-be aswell! And thank you so much to the generosity of some of you who brought in baby toiletry items for Weston-super-Share, helping local families in need ♥

In conjunction with the Playhouse, Weston, Weston-super-Mum brings you a special discounted ticket price for performances of Aladdin on 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th December.

And watch out for the new Weston-super-Mum on the Sofa, where Ashlene, Amy, Kelly and Becky chat to four members of the Aladdin cast! Coming soon to our homepage

News, Views and Discussions:

* Win a family ticket to see Dreamland Adventure at The Blakehay Theatre, Weston

* See what's going on out and about on our Events Board

* The producer of The Restaurant Inspector on Channel 5 is looking for parents in Weston with young children (up to age 5/6) to be part of a focus group discussing what makes a restaurant family-friendly.

* Read Emelia's review (aged 6) of Ping and Pong Santa. Thanks Emelia x

* Almost 4m children in Britain do not own a book

Add your discussions and events anytime, engage other local parents!

Ping and Pong - Santa

2011-12-04T13:32:00.006Z

Ping and Pong, through the eyes of a 6 year old:

I like the bit where Ping said, "What if we can't get back up to the clock if we are stuck down here forever?" I thought it was funny!

There's another favourite bit of mine which I really thought was funny and that bit was where they waited and waited and waited for Santa and Ping just fell asleep straight away when they sat down!

I think this story is good for people who are learning to read and a good book to listen to and good to follow along and look at the pictures.

Thank you for giving me the book to read, it was excellent

Written and Dictated by Emelia Parker-Evans, Aged 6 x

Visit the Ping and Pong Website here

North Somerset Women's Show REVIEW

2011-11-30T19:07:00.003Z

KELLY:

Myself and Ashlene went to the North Somerset Women's Show last Sunday (20/11/11) over at Cadbury House, it was great! Lots of different exhibitors...Jewellery, hats, handbags, food, spiritualists, photographers, make-up artists...you name it, they had it! A great day for us mum's to get pampered! There was also different demonstrations going on throughout the day. Claire from "Just Brilliant – Supercharge your life!" talked about phobias…and managed to cure one lady that was scared of spiders, it was amazing!

We then saw Julia Croft, she’s a hypnotist, so I decided to be hypnotised…it was fantastic, it was so weird, she spoke very calmly and ask me to relax my body starting my head downwards, you could actually feel each body part relaxing, and Julia’s voice just sounded like mumble, but sub-consciously I knew what she was saying…then once I was fully relaxed, she started to wake me up, this time working upwards, it was so amazing, totally stress-free, I felt like a new person afterwards.

The next demonstration was by Kelly from the “Wine Tasting Company” based in Churchill, we got to try 3 different types of Wine, the white wine was nice, didn’t like the red wine, but then we got to try “chocolate wine”, it was absolutely delicious! I never realised there was so much to learn about wine!

We spoke to lots of exhibitors…the first one was “All Wrapped Up”, they sold beautiful little gift boxes personalised with messages. Then we spoke to two lovely ladies from “Slimming World”…Sharon Townsend and Christine Thorpe, they showed us pictures of themselves before Slimming World…such a transformation from then til now, they looked fantastic! Then we met Georgina from “Picture Framers”, she was the first person to recognise us from the “sofa”, we felt like celebrities! We then saw Diane from “Rose & Amber” in Meadow St, W-s-M, some beautiful jewellery, and very reasonably priced, we also got a free charm bead. Then spoke to Leslie from “Avocado”, she had a lovely selection of different foods, we had a sample of her “chutney” it was beautiful, she has done really well as she only started her business September/October time.

All in all it was a great day, and if there’s another show next year, I really recommend going!

- by Kelly Moss – Presenter @ Weston-super-Mum on the Sofa

ASHLENE:

On Sunday 20th November 2011 Kelly and I attended the show on behalf of Weston-super-Mum. We were kindly invited by Caroline as we interviewed her on the sofa the week before.

The show catered for many women of all ages, as the show included Fashion makeup, Jewellery and many other wonders of the world... For example we meet a lovely lady at Salt Yourself Out who gave us samples of salts, and peppers from the ancient worlds, from Peru, India and even black Hawaiian lava sea salt, which comes from a small Volcano.

We tasted many samples and the experience was amazing the taste buds in your mouth exploded.

There was also a familiar face to Weston at the show the lady from Rose and Amber where Diane knows what she is talking it comes to fashion.

Many of demonstrations were put on in the upper level and we did attend a few. For Example we adored the Wine tasting demo where I really have learnt a lot about wines that I never knew. And for the first time I actually tasted my first red wine which in fact didn’t taste at all bad.

While at the event Kelly and I were recognised from Weston-super-Mum show which was shown to the stall holders and it was an amazing feeling. The first person whom Recognised us was a lady from Picture framers Georgina .

As we arrived to the show we were greeted by Caroline who really made us welcome.

Another of the demonstrations was for NLP ... Supercharge your life. Basically N=Thought emotion L=Communicate body language. P=Habitual way of phobia and Behaviour. This NPL was developed in the 80s and to be honest I really think that this works. This demo put on by Justbebrilliant.

The overall experience of the day was Fantastic and I know that Kelly and Myself really enjoyed it and to be recognised as Celebs was just the best.

So Ladies Go Enjoy when the next show comes to town… Well Worth it....

by Ashlene Bishop - Presenter @ Weston-super-Mum on the Sofa

Now watch that interview with Caroline Sparks

Newsletter - 29th November 2011

2011-11-29T12:57:00.001Z

This Saturday, 3rd December, is our Christmas Coffee & Bounce at Vintage Community Church (the old Purple Sheep). Author Amy Trevaskus will be reading from the new Ping and Pong book, Santa! We will be making Christmas decorations and cards with the children and, don't forget, this is our last Weston-super-Share collection of the year so please bring your food and toiletry items to help support other local families. See you there, 10-2

Win a family ticket for 4 to see Bath Time at Tobacco Factory Theatre!

News, views and discussions:

* See a list of events going on around the town! Tell us about yours

* Abbi urgently needs a Childminder!

* What are your views on the Teachers' Strike?

* Gina and her mum are looking for somewhere to volunteer on Christmas day

* Review of Gail Richardson's new ecological, educational book for children, I am Going to Save the World

* Photo of the WsMum Children in Need Pajama Party in Weston Mercury! (18/32)

* Children's Theatre comes to the Blakehay, Weston! And Weston-super-Mum are joining in with the creative fun.

I am Going to Save the World – Written and Illustrated by Gail Richardson

2011-11-23T14:00:00.004Z

My daughter and I sat together and read this on the computer as an ebook. She wanted to take sole control of the mouse, so I read aloud while she listened and did the all-important page turning.

I am Going to Save the World is written in clear, accessible language for children, whether it’s read to younger ones by parents or read by older ones themselves. The illustrations are sweet and tell us everything we need to know, complementing the writing perfectly.

I quizzed my five year old on some of the ecological issues as they arose and was so impressed to find out that yes, she did know about composting, recycling and leaving only footprints! We finished the book, she asked a couple of questions and then we read it again. This time, before I read the words I thought I’d see what she remembered of the story. She’d been paying attention and the message had sunk in quickly: wear a jumper if you’re cold instead of turning on the heating; take bags with you to the supermarket to save plastic and when you leave the room, turn off the lights.

This book is fully engaging and not only did we both enjoy reading it but, afterwards, she sat at the computer with her pencils and paper to copy some of the illustrations and words.

She reckons her cousin, Joel, would like I am Going to Save the World for Christmas and she’s put in an order with me for a hard copy to call her own, which she’ll be probably reading to herself by then. It’s a done deal because Gail Richardson’s work is already saving me money in energy bills!

By Becky

Order a copy of I am Going to Save the World here.

Newsletter - 21st November

2011-11-21T11:19:00.006Z

Apes and Debbie organised a very successful Children in Need night at Vintage Community Church (the old Purple Sheep) and raised £116.37. Great to see so many families there, thanks all for coming and for your generosity. Here are the winners of the colouring competition - brilliant photo, taken by Apes!

News, Views and Discussions:

* Have a look at what's going on this week on our Events Wall, including Yoga Bugs (for Kids), Baby Sensory, Splat Messy Play, Pre- and Post Natal Exercise, a charity fundraising Medieval Ball and a free concert for kids at the Colston Hall

* Do you have any questions on how to keep your children safe? The No-Secrets Team is at Barcode every Thursday 10-12, as part of the WsMum Cafe with Toys drop-in. All welcome, it's free and the Brandon Trust serve coffee and cake :-)

* New at Barcode - Just for Dads Drop-in, organised by Weston Central Children's Centre. This Saturday, 26th November, 10-12.

* Denise has more baby clothes/items than she knows what to do with. Does anyone know of a local charity/refuge she can pass them to?

* Debbie tells us the Splat Messy Play this week is Winter Wonderland :-)

* New Competition!! Win a family ticket for 4 to see Bath Time at Brewery Theatre, Bristol, this December.

* We're sourcing raffle prizes for our Christmas Coffee & Bounce, if any local parents and businesses could donate a little something. Thanks x

* If you'd ever like to post anonymously, here's how: http://www.westonsupermum.com/forum/topics/anonymous-posts

Slightly Fat Features - Variety in the Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

2011-10-26T23:53:00.009+01:00

We got to the Tobacco Factory Theatre early to bagsy prime seats in the centre front row of the auditorium. And then, I couldn’t help but wonder whether this was an ill-advised move at a comedy variety show.

They were kind. Although, as we left the theatre, the Slightly Fat Feature’s drummer, Matt, did comment that my 5-year old looked a bit less scared now it was all over. She wasn’t scared but I did get my fair share of cuddles of unsurety throughout the performance, especially when said percussion man had offered her one of his knocked out Tic-Tac teeth (we’d just eaten a whole box between us, coincidentally).

As is her way, she sat opened mouthed through much of the utter silliness before her. I giggled throughout the majority of the evening. The show reminded me of being in a festival circus tent, such as Watchet has to offer: nothing too rude, definitely OK for young children, in all its pantoesque innuendo.

Initially, I cringed mirthfully when two of the performers put a row of toy dogs in a line to smash them with a hammer to play out “How much is that doggie in the window.” She got it. I got it. We were there.

50 magical tricks in 5 minutes, all completely awful and fun – congratulations. Evel Kenil on his unicycle jumping 4 double decker buses, so slapstick. A duel for the love of Anna, a female member of the audience, entertaining and a little jumpy up there at the front. Escapology, what a build-up. A Vegas Elvis harping on about healthy eating, spear that pepper! Miniature Cowboy, please sit on my lap next time.

Guest performer, Les Bubb, was excellent. Mime and comedy done well. “Balloons aren’t really that heavy, are they, Mummy. Is he pretending?” No flies on my daughter.

On our way back to the car, she gave thought to how a man could really be sawn in two. “Maybe there were two men. One on was on his knees and another one in the other box?” she said sleepily. You’d have to stay up all night to catch these kids out. Wayne Marvell, you were her absolute favourite, something about the eyes ...?

Slightly Fat Features in the Factory runs at the Tobacco Factory Theatre until Saturday 29^th October. And yes, it’s very much recommended if you like a laugh, whatever your age.

Review by Becky

Newsletter - 23rd October

2011-10-23T22:50:00.002+01:00

It's finally here! Monday 24th October sees the opening of Our Children's Art Exhibition at Weston-super-Mare Museum. Come along from 1 to 4pm to enter the Waterstones Donkey Poetry Competition and be in with a chance to win a £30 gift voucher at their Weston store.

Thanks so much to Karen Blake, who has mounted and hung a selection of the paintings done by the kids at Boomfest and Weston Community Show held in the summer - beautifully presented.

Also, Crystal D'esprit has taken a lot of care to display the rock art and wooden sculptures made by the children at this month's Wonder of Sculpture event at Worlebury Glade. Keep your eye on MUSE for more brilliant work that Crystal will be doing soon.

Thanks too to Keith Ramsey at Minedeep Photography, who has taken some lovely photos of our children at work!

And a special mention to all of our sponsors who have made this exhibition possible: Mums Diary, Coochy Coo, Connies, printing.com, Click Tat Photography, Weston-super-Grandad John Condron, Loves Cafe, Bootcamp Somerset and Coco Brown's Cafe! We love you all ♥

If you can't get to the Museum on Monday, don't worry, the exhibition runs until Tuesday November 1st. FREE entry to the the Courtyard and Gallery.

Also this half term, print off your special Weston-super-Mum 20 % off voucher for Connies in Waterloo Street, redeemable on Thursday 27th October on all things to make and in the cafe!

Competitions:

* Win a family ticket for 4 at the Tobacco Factory Theatre's Family Variety Show on Tuesday 25th October, 7:30pm

* Win a ticket for 2 to The Baby Show at Earl's Court, 28th-30th October

Halloween:

* Friday 28th October, 4-6pm: Free Spooky Party at the Play Area of Weston Woods, run by Action Pussycat

* Monday, 31st October, 6-8pm: Halloween Party in Grove Park. Free

* See our forum for more Halloween Events, posted by our members

For lots more events happening this week, please see our Events Wall

News, Views and Discussions:

* Catch the Early Bird ticket to Dreamland Adventure at the Blakehay Theatre this Christmas. Only £6 when you buy before November.

* See My Fair Baby's special Sofa Show on our home page.

* The Children's Centres are looking for volunteers

* Kelly is looking for classes in Weston for 1-2 year olds

* Karen B has collated your responses about Theatre in Weston and posted your thoughts to The Friends of the Playhouse, Weston

A big thank you to all who came to the successful Back to the Meadows street party on Saturday. The place took on a whole new vibe and we got to meet lots of the traders, whilst having some good, old-fashioned fun!

Newsletter - 17th October

2011-10-17T13:30:00.004+01:00

Weston-super-Mum Events:

* Thursday, 20th October, 10-12: Cafe with Toys at Barcode. Come and enjoy a hot drink and cake, while your little ones play in a safe and comfortable environment. Free (drinks 50p). All families welcome. Cafe run by Brandon Trust, with thanks ♥

* Monday, 24th October - Tuesday 1st November: Our Children's Art at Weston-super-Mare Museum. Paintings and sculptures made by the kids at various Weston-super-Mum events this year. We're hoping to have a gallery opening on Sunday 23rd. Please check the event for updates on this! So excited about this exhibition!!!

* Wednesday, 27th Oct, all day: 20% off at Connie's for all members - don't forget to print off the voucher here

For all other upcoming events, please check our Events Wall!

Views, news and Discussions:

* Do you know of anything going on in our area for Halloween and Guy Fawkes' night? Please tell us!

* Nikki is looking for toddler dance classes in Weston

* Find out all about the Dreamland Adventure pantomime at the Blakehay Theatre

* Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween - advice from Liz Hughes, Inspector with Avon and Somerset Police

* Weston-super-Share: Thank you from Weston Foodbank

* Find out more about Back to the Meadows this Saturday. Becky interviews Mary and Holly.

Win a ticket for two to The Baby Show at Earl's Court this weeks (pick the day you prefer!)

Back to the Meadow, come and play ...

2011-10-13T13:34:00.005+01:00

Can you remember a time before the X Box, when children skipped and played in the street? Well just for one day, Saturday the 22^nd of October, Meadow Street (from Alfred Street to Orchard Street) will become a playground, so come along and join in the fun!

Bring your family and enjoy the day that time forgot. From 11-4pm you are invited to join Central Children’s Centre and local businesses and traders to come and play on Meadow Street.

Come in fancy dress to claim your free party bag:

Weston-super-Mum is running hula hoop competitions and Sustainable Weston are planting trees (in pots to take home) There will be face painting and henna tattoos, story time from Weston libraries, baby massage in the children’s Centre, a Lego workshop, badge making from Warm Families

There will be prizes and balloons and bunting and so much more.

Atlantic Fish Bar are providing fun activities for the children and a special menu including fishy shaped chips. RM Signs & Textiles will be holding a raffle, first prize a hoodie, second prize a t-shirt and 10 runners up prizes of baseball caps! ‘Chance 2 Dance’ will also be joining in the fun with Street Dance Performances’. There are also activities in Weston-super-Mare Museum on Burlington Street, which is just around the corner and in case of very bad weather some of the activities will be moved in to the Museum. Whatever the weather there will be fun and activities in the street, so if it’s raining come along, wear your willies’ and have fun. Can’t wait to see you there.

To find out more about what is on and how you can join in call Mary Morgan from the Neighbourhoods Team on 426998

Art!

2011-10-04T22:04:00.014+01:00

On Saturday 8th October, 11am-3pm, Weston-super-Mum and MUSE, which inspires children to learn through music, art and drama, will join forces at Worlebury Glade on Worlebury Hill Road (Weston Woods).

Made possible through the sponsorship of Proper Job, families are invited to use their imagination to craft sculpture from Weston Woods' natural resources.

Some of the pieces made will form part of Weston-super-Mum's Our Children's Art exhibition, which takes place over the October half-term holidays at Weston-super-Mare Museum. This exhibition is a collection of art created by children at Weston-super-Mum and MUSE events at places around Weston, such as Anchor Head, Boomfest, Weston Community Show and Weston Woods and will include paintings, drawings, photos and sculpture.

Weston-super-Mum is asking for sponsorship from local businesses to facilitate the mounting and framing of individual works of art. Printing.com, Click Tat Photography and Bootcamp Somerset are some of the businesses who have already sponsored a painting. Businesses and individuals interested in helping to fund this project should log onto www.westonsupermum.com to find out more.

No Secrets - Keeping Our Children Safe

2011-09-09T10:03:00.002+01:00

A BRAND NEW COURSE FOR PARENTS!

Starting 15th September and running every term-time Thursday, No Secrets aims to provide an environment that will enable parents to meet together in a relaxed setting where they will be able to access a range of information, facts and resources that will enable them to raise their own awareness and strategies to review how to keep their children safe.

Led by Christine Western, Family Support Worker with a BEd (Hons) in Primary Education, No Secrets will cover a range of topics: internet safety, bullying, road safety, sexual and physical abuse, drug and alcohol awareness, peer pressure and more.

Where resources are not available on any of the topics we would hope to get parents enthusiastically working together to come up with ideas to design resources that can be made available to parents to help them keep their children safe, and so being more proactive. This would be in the form of workshops with support from the team.

Join other parents for coffee and a chat in the first instance and help shape this brand new course - your input is so valuable

No Secrets is supported by

Thanks Boomfest!

2011-08-31T21:47:00.003+01:00

Boomfest was a great success with lots to do for families with children of all ages.

The Weston-super-Mum arena was well attended on the two days that the weather allowed and, by Sunday, word had really got around about our baby feeding and changing area and it was a thrill to see so many people use the facility. Our arts and crafts area inspired the imagination and it was paintings and drawings galore. Our tipi tent was decorated fully too.

None of this would have been possible without so many willing hands, members of the community who gave their time and energy over the three days, so we’d like to thank all the mums and dads who helped out in so many ways: setting up, donating materials and furnishings and inspiring the children to create their own art. You are all very special and make this community what it is!

Thanks also to Conceptwear, who provided our pink Weston-super-Mum jackets and to printing.com on Locking Road who did us proud with a huge, personalised banner.

The three facepainters were excellent but don’t take our word for it, look at some of the evidence.

On Friday, Victoira Ayshford was our facepainter:

On Saturday, Klair Palmer from Magic Faces by Klair:

And on Sunday, Sam Maher from Dotty Faces.

Here’s what some of our members thought about the Boomfest Weekend:

Clare Kingsbury-Bell:

Jake and I spent most of our Saturday at Boomfest and he's only just stopped asking to go back. With just his two years’ experience of life, he easily recognised a special place just perfect for play.

In between his frequent visits to the ice cream stand, he made sure he tried out just about every piece of play equipment and activity there was.

Bewildered by face painting and baffled by hula hoops, he bopped along to the bands and tried to copy the dancers.

But the highlight of the day was overwhelmingly Colourscape. Uneasy at first in the entrance, he then ran around non-stop for more than 30 minutes bouncing off walls and giggling. I'm sure he thought he was inside a bouncy castle. The only tears of the day came when I insisted we finally leave.

Billed as a festival to celebrate some of the work of young people, it felt like much more - a festival to celebrate just being young.

Karen Blake:

This weekend just gone, Weston-super-Mare proved it could rival any festival Bristol can offer when Boomfest exploded into Clarence Park, and I was really proud to be associated with it as part of Weston-super-Mum. There was lots of work to do before with gathering and borrowing the stuff for setting up, taking a trip to The Scrapstore in Bristol to get materials and making the Tipi and giant jigsaw mural that would be decorated throughout the weekend. But all the preparation was so worth it. I was inspiring to see so much creativity, friendship and teamwork throughout the course of the weekend.

I had SUCH an amazing time and met some wonderful kids and parents who threw themselves into the arty activities with gusto. It was hard work, but what a great event for us to be part of. I really hope we can be part of this again next year, so fingers crossed that Boomsatsuma youth co-operative can manage to raise the funds they need to run this fantastic event again.

April Lewis:

I came only for about 4 hours on Sunday as we were in Wales on day one and two on a family holiday. Glad I removed myself from the holiday washing as personally I enjoyed the colour tunnel with my boys as I am sure lots did. It was something completely different to anything I have ever done with them and their faces were truly amazed and fascinated inside the tunnels. I wouldn't have wanted to miss it and it was thanks to Mark Bradshaw’s filming of it seen on Facebook.

It was also great fun in the Play forum area too with lots going on. Aaron particularly liked all the equipment there to play on forgetting about the entertainment which lots of older children were enjoying.

The main stage was great to here different bands and again some entertainment for the children to win an ice-cream.

And lastly, not that I am biased, the Weston-super-Mum area where I thoroughly enjoyed getting arty with my 2 year old who after his painting was extremely proud and carried his work around whilst playing for the rest of the afternoon.

Most excitedly, I thought about starting a collage and just thought I might be doing it alone. But had two girls join in and do it themselves with a little steering or was there? The girls, aged 6 and 9, got really got involved in a themed piece of work, which began by me asking, ‘What does this orange round cut out circle (almost see through, shiny sweet wrapper type, that you would get inside Quality Street), make you think about?’ Instantly the 6 year old girl said, ‘Fire.’ The piece grew and evolved with communication between me and the girls on what they felt should happen and what colour and textures could they add.

Certainly an afternoon I will never forget I loved the imaginations working and the personal questions that they asked each other, making sure they were both happy before the next piece got glued or placed.

Keith Ramsey:

I went to Boomfest with a fair degree of trepidation. I'd agreed to take some photographs for Weston-super-Mum and, although I'd photographed one event for them before, this was much bigger, with far more room for error.

As it turned out, I needn't have worried; the atmosphere was relaxed and the company was good. Everything went well and I even took one or two pictures that I was quite pleased with. My only real regret was that it was impossible to see and record everything that was on offer.

I think it's fair to say that Boomfest was a success. It was new type of event for Weston-super-Mare, and I think it may symbolise the revival of community spirit in the town. I certainly hope so, and I hope that it returns next year. One request: if it does come back, please can we have the bigger version of Colourscape?

Lucy Frampton:

My kids had a great time and I thought the organisers got it spot on with providing entertainment and activities for all ages. We particularly loved the fantastic theatre performance on Saturday night. It has been recreated many times by Reuben in the sitting room with all the props. Also thought the play rangers were fab, Colourscape and the Banghra band at the end were fantastic. Liked the risks they took with slightly less obvious stuff and of course the Weston-super-Mum stall.

And this is Mark Bradshaw's video of Colourscape, using photos taken by a few of us - HERE

School Feet: Mary Jane Shoes by Lands' End

2011-08-14T22:43:00.006+01:00

Can school shoes ever last a full year? Even if the hardware survives, those little feet grow so quickly.

In term five, it was time to let those tootsies breath a little more and admit that a new pair would be the only answer. Studying Lands' End's online catalogue, I decided on a pair Mary Jane shoes. They look good and are practical. Although they're available in a range of colours and I was tempted towards the 'Light Merlot', I ordered a black 100% suede pair (they also come in patent), which arrived during the holidays.

My daughter loved them and wanted to wear them straight away. The rip-grip strap is perfect for one so young, making them easy to put on/pull off whenever necessary. She said they were comfortable and never once complained of any rubbing over the coming months. We were onto a winner.

My sole niggle is that, during all that wet weather, the colour did at first transfer to her school socks whenever her feet got a little too wet in some puddle or other, but, overall, these are a solid, reliable pair of shoes. They have scuffed a little but I'd be worried about my daughter's activity levels had she kept them anywhere near pristine.

And unless her feet grow rapidly in the next three weeks, she'll be wearing her Mary Jane's back to school in September.

Lands' End have a wide range of children's wear at http://www.landsend.co.uk/

-by Becky

Little Chill

2011-08-09T17:02:00.013+01:00

We've just spent four days of pure, exhausting fun at Big Chill Festival at Eastnor Castle Deer Park.

This was a very well organised event: entry to and exit from the Festival was effortless, the Crew helped us lug our bags from the car to a camping pitch in the Family Area and two of them even lent a hand in putting up our tent, a feat that is always difficult alone on a (slightly) windy day. The weather was generally OK, with some heavy downpours of rain that didn't spoil the fun as there were so many undercover activities to enjoy.

The crowd was friendly and we met some new friends, the acts were excellent and the Little Chill Kids' Area offered a range of exciting things to do - painting, circus acts, bands, sandpit, model and costume making, storytellers, yoga, Baby Chill, dance ....

And we completed most of the challenges set by you. Thank you to all who took part in our Festival:

On Facebook, Laura said, "Challenge Lestie to skip on stage, and you to host a dinner party!" Sorry Laura, this is the closest we got to this one #fail:

Sweet Meal with Lynette and Tom

Swinging Poi at Deer Park Stage

@CocoBrownsCafe tweeted, "I want to know what your favourite food & drink was or just the best you see @BigChillFest. Inspiration for me!"

Lebanese Mezze of Fool Madamas, Batata Harrah, bulgar and salsa

On the original Weston-super-Mum blogpost, Keith Ramsey said, "Just go with the flow, relax and do whatever feels right"

Home sweet Home

Wheelbarrow Girl, Asleep

On twitter, @KarenBlakeArt said, 'Id like to see a phot of BOTH of you in the circus area of Little Chill, trying something new":

Spinning plates at the Big Top

Unicycle
Proud on our stilts Look! I can do it!

Thank you so much for these challenges, they made the experience all the more enjoyable at a Festival to be 100% recommended!

I've posted more photos on my Weston-super-Mum profile

The Big Chill Festival Website

- by Becky Condron

Little Chill at the Big Chill at Eastnor Castle Deer Park

2011-07-31T23:45:00.009+01:00

At the beginning of June, we wetted our appetite for summer festivals as mother and daughter at Sunrise Celebration Festival in Somerset.

I learned a few things:

· That a wheelbarrow adorned with soft and colourful blankets is a very good idea when you have a small child who may want to have a rest/get noticed.

· That it’s sensible to have no plans and to go with the flow

· To eat little and often

· To get there as close to the beginning of the festival as you can, so as to ease small child in gently.

· To not worry if she wants to play in the tent when it first goes up. This should be seen as part of that acclimatisation process; there’s plenty of time for the Madness.

· To dress her in patterned clothing and definitely nothing white

· That asking people to set challenges is really very enjoyable, especially when it comes to the inevitable tweeting-through-festival.

So, as we prepare for our second festival of the summer – The Big Chill at Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire – I invite you to link in to their website (link below), have a look around and set us more challenges to do while we’re there. Again, take into consideration that I have a 5 year old with me and limited financial resources.

The Big Chill has a festival within a festival, The Little Chill, which has ‘entertainment laid on especially for younger audiences as well as housing the family camping area and facilities’ - and this is where we are sure to be spending much of our time.

The Little Chill sounds very exciting, with illustrators and authors, dance and drama workshops, a circus area, the Enchanted Garden WITH GIANT UV BUTTERFLIES J, bands and, get this, Caberet! Tom Baker will be there. Tom Baker! One of my Doctor Whos.

The link to the Little Chill is here.

I’ll be documenting much of this via twitter @Dr_Reba

What do you want us to do? We will endeavour to rise to the occasion.

Junk Orchestra Supervisors needed for Guinness World Record attempt at Boomfest

2011-07-30T12:13:00.002+01:00

Boomfest is an exciting new 3 day festival for children, young people and families and will be held from Friday 19th – Sunday 21st August in Weston-super-Mare.

One of the festival headline acts is Weapons of Sound and we will be working with them to create a new record for the World’s Largest Junk Orchestra!

We hope to break the current world record of 617 and create of a new world record of 750!

To help us meet the criteria laid down by Guinness World Records we need 15 - 20 responsible adult volunteers to be independent supervisors between 3.30pm – 5.30pm on Saturday 20th August in Clarence Park, Weston-super-Mare.

Their responsibilities would include submitting a signed statement confirming;

ü the number of people attempting the record within their allocated grid (a maximum of 50 people in each grid)

ü all the participants within their grid actively took part in the record attempt

ü all the participants were proficient musicians

Registration for the record attempt will take place throughout the day at Boomfest and participants will be allocated in advance their grid.

Guided by the Main Stage MC the participants will then move to their grids in front of the Main Stage and this is where the independent supervisors will undertake their responsibilities under the guidance of a designated overall Independent Supervisor.

If you want to join us for this amazing event please contact Andy Jeffrey at andy.jeffrey@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 07775 027468.

BOOMFEST

2011-07-19T10:42:00.004+01:00

An exciting new FREE festival for children

and young people in North Somerset

Friday 19^th – Sunday 21^st August 2011

Clarence Park, Weston-super-Mare

Boomfest is an exciting new 3 day festival for children, young people and families and will be held from Friday 19^th – Sunday 21^st August in Weston-super-Mare.

The FREE festival will offer a variety of performances and workshops for all ages including live music, dance and free running, theatre, film, comedy, performance poetry, graffiti, BMX-ing, skateboarding and art exhibitions. There’s a whole programme of family activity too including lots of great events for the under 5s.

Festival organisers have been overwhelmed with over 100 applications from all over North Somerset and far beyond from children and young people wanting to get involved.

The programme has been largely arranged by four young apprentices, aged 18 to 22, who run a youth arts co-op called boomsatuma.

Apprentice Amy Davis said “Boomfest is the most fantastic opportunity for young people to own their own festival. I hope as many as possible will get involved.”

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME ANNOUNCEMENT

Early Years

An exciting programme of activities for 0-5 years from 12 noon – 4pm daily including arts and crafts, fashion, music, soft toy play area, dance and storytelling. With the North Somerset Play Forum, North Somerset Children’s Centre team, and Weston-super-Mum.

Live Bands

boomsatsuma Mainstream project auditioned over 60 bands during the last 6 months offering the monthly winners a day in a professional recording studio. Watch the very best bands play live from 5pm – 9pm on Friday 19th, and throughout the weekend on the Main Stage and Big Top there’s live music, dj-ing and mc-ing including talented musicians and bands from Weston College.

North Somerset Slambassador Championships

SLAMbassadors UK return to WSM to finish what they started! Catch the poetic depth, musicality, spirit and stunning live performances from North Somerset youth as they tear apart the stage on Friday 19th in the Big Top. Featuring Joelle Taylor and Louise Hill plus guests. It's a brave new word...!

Fashion

An amazing Fashion Show on Saturday 20th with young people from Girls Allowed, North Somerset Youth Service, Barnardo’s, and the Hans Price Academy modelling a collection of outfits designed during boomsatsuma fashion courses at Weston College and Weston Youth Centre. With MC Chris Wakeling.

Dance

Catch hugely talented local dance crews in an exciting programme with headliner Tommy Franzen from BBC’s “So You Think You Can Dance”, top UK b boy crew Physical Jerks, and all girl street dance crew Fresh Dance Company on Saturday 20th.

With workshops for all ages in Breaking, Street Dance, Contemporary, Capoeira, and Parkour/Free running displays from 4pm in the Dance Tent daily.

Weapons of Sound

Having played major festivals all over the world, Weapons of Sound are internationally acclaimed as the UK's greenest band who thump out their brand of percussion on an array of unusual instruments – from shopping trolleys and plastic barrels to gas pipes and scaffolding poles!

Ever wanted to be a World Record Holder? Join Weapons of Sound as Boomfest goes for a new record of 750 people for the World’s Largest Junk Orchestra on Saturday 20th at 4.30pm!

Colourscape

Colourscape is a visually stunning labyrinth of huge inflatable chambers creating a truly remarkable and unique performance space. Open Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st, visitors can open up their senses and stimulate their creativity with a variety of performances and workshops.

Over the two days there will be a range of musicians performing inside Colourscape. Michael Ormiston is Europe's top Mongolian Overtone Singer - hear him create several notes at once with his voice while playing Mongolian Horsehead Fiddle. Ansuman Biswas is an amazing Asian percussionist and they will be joined by Colourscape director Simon Desorgher on flutes and Rosie Nobbs.

Only their second visit ever to the South West! Adults £3, Children (under 16) £2.

Beastie

Do you want to be let into a jaw dropping secret and catch a glimpse of something amazing? Bring your children along to say good-bye to Beastie on Saturday 20th, the very special new friend that children aged 6-10 all over Weston will have had an extraordinary adventure with this summer.

Bash Street Theatre

Bash Street Theatre perform their internationally renowned silent slapstick comedy The Station on Saturday 20th at 6pm. Set in dilapidated railway station in the age of steam locomotives, be prepared for a dramatic train crash, a daredevil rescue and some great comedy action from this award-winning street theatre company.

Rotations

Rotations is a unique fusion of BMX flatlanding, breakin’ and contemporary dance, creating a visually thrilling performance on Sunday 21st of high-energy twists, flips, breaks and world class BMX tricks that is pulsing with energy, verve and invention.

Coneheads

Join the Natural Theatre Company and develop your Conehead character in a fun workshop and perform at Boomfest with full costume, make up and camera!! No experience necessary. Come and find out how to be a Natural on Sunday 21st!

Pierunder Exhibition

The Pierunder exhibition is a showcase for talented young artists from across North Somerset; their exciting work includes fashion pieces, paintings, photography and sculptural installations.

The festival site will include a Main Stage, Circus Big Top, Dance Tent and marquees throughout the park offering performances, workshops and activities for children, young people and families.

A full programme will be announced in August.

You can also find us on Facebook

For more information please visit www.boomsatsuma.com

Festival Partners include:

Avon and Somerset Constabulary

Aquila Events

Barnardos

Barcode Youth Café

Broadoak School

Bournville Primary School

Behaviour Improvement Team

Inspire

North Somerset Council

North Somerset Early Years Team

North Somerset Rangers

Playforum

Somerset Wood Recycling

Theatre Orchard Project

Weston College

Weston Excellence

Weston-super-Mum

Weston super Television

Hans Price Academy

Xtnd Learning & Leisure for All

YMCA

North Somerset Youth Offending Team

For more information please contact:

Andy Jeffery E: andy@boomsatsuma.com

Cultural Projects Co-ordinator M: 07775 027468

North Somerset Council T: 01275 884220

Springboard Art Exhibition

2011-07-09T15:25:00.011+01:00

An exhibition launch evening might not appear to be the ideal place to take an almost five year old. But this was no ordinary view night.

The paintings were vibrant and the drawings thought-provoking. In 'Play Days', the artist(s) had personalised a swirling explosion of colour by sticking blades of grass to the mix. Another, 'Ladybirds are Bugs, Aren't They?' was a pen drawing that looked suspiciously like plagiarism to me - one I'd seen maybe dozens of times when this almost five year old by my side was a little younger.

I gave her the camera and she began the task of creating her own art, documenting the various hangings by a group of pre-schoolers from Springboard Opportunities Group, a local charity that supports children with additional needs. The exhibition, housed at the independent, contemporary Fizz Gallery, which nestles among the delicatessens and boutiques of Clevedon's Hill Road, is a stroke of genius: a fundraiser that illustrates Springboard's dedication to each child's personal development, displayed in a setting where any artist would be proud to show her work.

And the crowds came. It was a well attended launch night, with the only difference from any other being the age of the artists. Not once did I hear, 'My three-year old could have done that.'

When we got home, she grabbed her pens and sheets of A4 paper to unleash at least a dozen drawings, many inspired by the huge rainbow, revealed to us on our journey back to Weston, that had appeared among the dark grey clouds of July. In the morning she went in search of a half forgotten photo album and asked me to help her make a display of her new artwork. I have no doubt that the experience of seeing pieces so similar to her own, hung in such a fine manner at Fizz Gallery, prompted her to be curator of her own drawings in felt-tip pen on 80 gsm.

Every child deserves to have their work recognised in this way. I raise a glass of orange juice to the parents, the staff and, of course, the children of Springboard Opportunity Group - a very big well done, all round!

These photos are a child's eye view of the exhibition:

Links:

Springboard Opportunity Group

Fizz Gallery

- by Becky

The Light Garden at Tobacco Factory Theatre

2011-07-07T21:08:00.004+01:00

As my daughter has only just turned 2, I thought it would be a few years yet before she was old enough to experience going to the theatre. After all, what 2 year old could sit still enough to enjoy any kind of performance? Well, today at The Tobacco Factory Theatre in Bristol, we experienced a unique performance that was perfect for my active and inquisitive toddler, and mostly because sitting still was definitely not on the agenda!

As part of the World Stage Festival, Rachel Davies Film Ltd presented ‘The Light Garden’, an interactive light and video installation for children aged 18 months to 5 years old. As we were ushered into the theatre space, each little person present was handed a mini torch, and we were met by a grown woman with antennae, spotty ladybird pattern shorts and t-shirt, and stripy knee high socks. And I knew this was going to be no ordinary show…..

Our guide led us into the semi-darkness with the torches to light our way, and the first stop was a makeshift hillside (well, cushions, but after a few minutes of being part of this interactive world, you soon stopped seeing things for what they were!) where a series of light-projected ladybirds scurried around. Through a series of gestures and mime, our guide encouraged the toddlers to ‘catch’ them as made an appearance. Slowly but surely, our guide made sure that no area was left undiscovered, as she skipped and danced around the floor, enticing the children to follow her and explore this strange yet safe feeling new environment. There were pools of water projected onto the floor with fish to catch, illuminated switches that controlled the sound of the weather, lights that projected your shadow hugely onto the wall, tents and a ‘campfire’ to play in and with, and a magical cave where we were encouraged to make light drawings with our torches. These glowing images that remained visible long after the torch had been taken away brought a look of amazement to my daughters face, and I stopped trying to figure out how it was done and just tried to immerse myself in the experience as you could clearly see all the little people were doing so easily.

My only criticism of ‘The Light Garden’ was that is felt too short at only 20 minutes long. Although it was quite gentle, it took a while for most of the children to warm up. For the first ten minutes, my daughter was fine, but was a little anxious if she couldn’t see me right by her. By the end, she had forgotten I was there as she climbed in and out of tents with lights projected in them, chased our guide and her shadow around the room and threw herself at piles of cushions to catch the bugs. She was just warmed up nicely, and then it was over. However, overall this was a brilliant introduction to theatre for the very young, and we will be sure to be back at The Tobacco Factory soon to see what else is on offer.

Tobacco Factory Theatre Website

- by Karen Blake

'A Corner of the Ocean' at Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

2011-06-30T21:33:00.008+01:00

‘Thank God!’ was the first statement I made, after the four actors had taken their final bow, ‘I’m normal.’

Because we all have moments of confusion, frustration, despair and clarity – states of mind so imaginatively and comically highlighted by Jammy Voo’s A Corner of the Ocean, a tale of four women’s lives in the aftermath of the disappearance of a diver we never meet.

This hour long piece of theatre is an intense and dark experience that holds your attention throughout. There’s so much going on that it’s impossible to take your eyes off the stage for even a moment: so many cultural references, so much of life given to the audience that, as soon as I finished watching, I wanted to see it all over again.

The use of puppetry is sublime, the writing excellent and the acting first-rate. Although there are four actors on stage, all of whom could easily stand alone, this is a 6-person show – as my theatre companion and friend, Viv, pointed out, the man with the guitar and voice {so much more than a sound guy} is the glue of the piece and it couldn’t have worked without him. And the lighting technician really comes into his own with the spinning, illuminated hand puppetry.

A papier maché newspaper figure that reaches out from the memo board is delightfully threatening and the faux-fur creature who throttles the neck of our Norwegian actor is sinister yet hilarious – this woman is a skilled puppeteer, to be sure.

Dance, song and thought provoking words make for a collective work of art that is deserved of a Tobacco Factory Theatre audience, a venue that continues to attract must-see, inspirational theatre.

Brilliant.

Watch a little of A Corner of the Ocean here.

Tobacco Factory Theatre website

- by Becky

Pitch-a-Tent at Puxton Park

2011-06-26T22:23:00.005+01:00

We erected our tent at Puxton Park to overcast skies on a thankfully dry evening. We hadn’t brought very much with us: you learn to camp light when you need to and, anyway, we’d only be here for 18 hours – the doors opened at 4pm on Saturday and all tents were packed away by 10 the next morning, plus the burger bar complimented the fruit and biscuits we’d bought from the Farm Shop there, which took the whole cool box and stove carrying out of the equation, though some people did light their own barbeques.

In all, 17 tents were pitched at the circumference of the ‘Main Arena,’ leaving plenty of space for the kids to run and play, if needed. But really, with so much to do here, we only went to the camping area to sleep.

Our first stop {and one we returned to often over the hours that followed} was the jumping pillow and, with so few people at Puxton, I was able to bounce as hard and as high as I could, delighting my daughter. This may have been the best part of spending an evening as a camper – we felt as though we had the place to ourselves. The Play Barn was open till 9:30pm, which is also when the toilets closed. Throughout the evening, three keen young lads strummed their guitars and sang barely audible numbers at the entrance to the building, next to the burger van on the other side of the doors. We slid, bounced, crawled, swung and squealed our way through a couple of hours.

At 8:30pm we passed the cows, goats, sheep, ponies, chickens and alpacas and all trotted down to the Twilight Zone for a highly entertaining owl display, where we learned a few things about these creatures’ habits. Children and adults got to be hand perches for a range of birds and the Owl Guy, who clearly loves his job, had us all taking part in some way, even if only through our laughter and listening.

Then we went back outside for a sheep race. We were giving betting slips, so C decided on Sheep Number 6, who didn’t win but that was fine because everyone got a lollipop prize. Next we were treated to a slightly wild trip around the Park on a cart, pulled along by a big red tractor, The Wurzels playing loudly in our ears. Completely bizarre and very Somerset. We absolutely loved it.

I barely had time to catch my breath when she pulled me over to the wooden fort as the sun went down. Finally it was time for bed with no resistance from a happily exhausted almost 5-year old.

We awoke to full sunshine, had a touch of breakfast in The Meadows restaurant and then made our way to The Barn for some more sliding and twisting – all by 8:30am. We found our way once more to the jumping pillow, where she perfected her gambol, and then we went to say ‘Hello’ to the adorable new-born piglets, snuggled up with Mummy Pig. A quick look in the Falconry Centre and time for one more swing before collapsing the tent and packing the car. Another stop at the Farm Shop for Sunday’s bread and milk to take to our home, just 10 minutes away.

My only problem with this £10 a night Pitch a Tent at Puxton Park is that they don’t do it more often. We would go at every available opportunity. It’s the most relaxed camping trip that we have ever been on. And that’s saying something.

A big thank you to all the staff, who were so friendly and very helpful. And to Clover the Cow :-}

Puxton Park website

- by Becky

Sunrise Celebration Festival 2011

2011-06-10T22:26:00.009+01:00

It’s fair to say that we were both super-excited about our first festival together, though it’s fairer to say that I was the more excited of the two, being the only one who actually knew what a festival entailed. She just thought she was going camping and the experience would be something akin to sitting in a field with a theatre – how do you explain the British weekend festival to a four-year old?

Best to just take her there.

We had everything on our side really: it was half term week, the weather was astoundingly good and Sunrise Celebration is only a short car journey across the beautiful Mendip Hills to Bruton, just this side of Frome. And we’d managed to borrow a wheelbarrow from our neighbour – thanks Tim.

We arrived, got our pass and put everything bar the rucksack into the barrow. I was loathe to traipse miles with our load and a little girl who just wanted to get into the still bagged-up tent, but all the marshalls I asked {about a dozen of them} couldn’t tell me where to camp. They said it was mad-busy, most of the revellers having already arrived and set up.

So, I panicked a bit and found a space wherever I could, squeezed between two tents, thus becoming a guy-rope hazard. It didn’t matter too much, we spent so little time in the tent anyway and I don’t really think we annoyed anyone else. Someone lent me a mallet and another neighbour held the tent up in the wind while I pegged it securely to the dry ground. The friendliness began.

I’ve never been to a festival with a young child before and, in this respect, there’s nowhere else I can compare it to. But I can’t imagine that any festival could be as family friendly as this one. Throughout we felt safe, secure, welcome and at ease.

The Ladybird Tent was awesome, full of helping hands, happy kids and loads of activities. Here, we heard stories about Irish giants, made dreamcatchers and masks, drew pictures and relaxed. Then, in the Forest Area, we listened to an hour’s worth of stories, without a sigh of boredom, whilst enjoying leek and root vegetable soup and stone-baked bread.

Bug catching in the rolling green field that was overlooked by Sunset Boulevard was a highlight, kids everywhere, exploring, running, learning. We caught aphids, parasitic wasps and beetles with a big, white net. In the Tin Village, we sat with a family of travellers and made books and did a little sewing. In the main arena, we sat on the ‘Practise Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty’ bus, where she played very happily in the ball pit upstairs and a very nice woman brought me a free coffee first thing on a Saturday morning.

We rolled on birthing balls in the Green Dome Tent, courtesy of the Holistic Birthing team. We listened to some kind of chanting therapy, Celeste with her mouth wide open again, taking it all in. She was still singing the ‘Red River Roll’ chant ten hours later. On Sunday morning, she played the drum in Floating Lotus Free Jam Tent, as kids on stage performed parts of Smoke on the Water and Cocaine {without lyrics} in a music workshop, over and again.

Musically, we enjoyed funk, reggae and folk in the excellent Chai Wallahs’ Tent – thank you Leigh Coleman, Mankala, Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin. At the Spit and Sawdust we danced to the Ten O’Clock Horses as the sun went down and, at Floating Lotus, we had great fun with the Red Hot Frilly Knickers burlesque dancers, followed by a spot of English folk. We stared into a fire and gave ourselves ice-cream mouths.

As Celeste tried to get to sleep in her pink and yellow blanketed wheelbarrow, we listening to a poet rant on about lucid dreaming at Rag Tongue, their generator powered by bicycles. I wonder what she imagined that night?

Sunrise Celebration Festival is a true treat, with plenty of places to sit inside and out, hardly any queues and many happy faces. Please, allow me to say a word about the compost toilets, which were, undoubtedly,the best I have ever seen at any festival – clean and well stocked. My daughter was conscientious about pouring wood chippings down the hole everytime she had even a wee.

Oh and I managed most of the challenges – not to get drunk, to chill and go with the flow and to sit in the tortoise and eat grapes with bunny ears on. I didn’t make a penpal but I did have plenty of chats with some very friendly people.

Congratulations, Sunrise, all round. Even when it rained on the Sunday, we loved it and there was plenty to do. And for the first time in my life, I returned home feeling refreshed and ready to face real life.

See you when the sun comes up next year.

http://www.sunrisecelebration.com/

Sunrise Celebration Festival - 2-5 June 2011

2011-05-26T21:29:00.012+01:00

- By Becky Condron

I am stupidly excited!

We're going to the Sunrise Celebration Festival, held not far from Weston on a farm close to Bruton in our very own Somerset countryside. Next week - 2nd to 5th June!

I have no worries that my 4 year old daughter and I will be travelling to and arriving at this very chilled out, family friendly festival on our own. It promises to be the sort of place where it's so easy to meet other, like-minded families with plenty of new friends for us to play with.

Part of the vision of Sunrise Celebration is to strengthen communities and I'm a great believer in that, it's exactly what Weston-super-Mum is achieving after all.

But which arena to try first? Besides the music there is just so much to do. The Forest Garden sounds interesting - a school area, plenty of opportunity for fun learning and the Green Man story teller. Or there's the Village Green with its playground, twinkling labyrinth and scented garden. There's even a Conscious Birthing Group, though maybe I should give that a miss, as even I can get broody.

The Sunrise Kids' area has workshops and a child-friendly cabaret. So much colour, life and spectacle to be experienced.

As for Performance Art, we're promised "wandering minstrels, sword-drawing cavaliers, stilt walkers, fire dancers and poets." Wow. "Expect the unexpected," is just about the best warning I have ever heard, given the context.

There is also a fancy dress theme. Ready? .... Steampunk Time Travelling. Erm

I have a favour to ask and I know that I could live to regret this but I invite all of you to set me a challenge. Head over to the Sunrise Celebration website (link below) and think of something that you'd like us to do at the Festival. Something ridiculous, wacky, daring or exciting. Please bear in mind that I have a 4 year old with me so keep it safe, inexpensive and practical and leave your challenge below. The winner will be pulled out of a hat and announced by Brad Burton from 4Networking on Tuesday 31st May at Weston-super-Mum's Go Wild in the Woods at the Water Tower. OMG, OMG, OMG!!

I will take loads of photos to evidence us rising to the challenge and, on our return, I'll let you all know how we got on. How could I not?

I'd also like to ask for your advice. I have been to plenty of festivals and I'm savvy but I've never been with a young child before. Do you have any tips to make this even more enjoyable than it promises to be anyway? Food to take? Accessories we might need? How to pace ourselves? What to do if she gets tired? Thank you.

And if anyone else is going, please send me a FB message (Becky Condron) or look me up on WsMum and we can hook up, if you like. I have space for 3 max in the back of my car if anyone wants to lift-share.

Here's Sunrise Celebration's website: http://www.sunrisecelebration.com/

They also have a Facebook page, just type "Sunrise Celebration" into the search box

Look forward to reading your tips and challenges. I think ;-)

Rip Fold Scrunch

2011-05-22T20:10:00.006+01:00

A big cheer! We've been to the Tobacco Factory Theatre again today and you know how much we love that place. Not just for its community feel, the market, the cafe and the chance to peep in at the classes going on there but, mainly, because it brings us innovative and fresh theatre productions at an affordable price.

This morning our treat was Rip Fold Scrunch, a three-person performance that uses paper to inspire children at play. Half Moon Young People's Theatre taught us a thing or two. Like, just what is it possible to do with a sheet (or several dozen) of paper?

Well, to start you can rip it, fold it, scrunch it and the show, aimed at 2 to 5 year olds, used a movement based mantra to illustrate this - even a toddler with limited vocabulary would have grasped the meaning of those three words - Rip. Fold. Scrunch.

Once you have your raw material, you can make rain or you can dance, maybe fish for creatures, throw and catch it, swim in and through it or fight with it. Butterflies, kites, umbrellas, masks, spirals - all of these things are possible with a bit of paper. Set to the cello, played live on stage, we watched our hosts fashion all sorts of wonderful shapes. The dance was fun and the dancer's ankles were adorned with bells, making her tinkle everywhere she moved.

Little voices laughed as the cast teased each other, using facial expression and emotion that was so relevant to its audience.

We went with friends and our three reception year girls sat on the front row, giggling, whispering and nudging each other.

"Are you thinking about the end?" Emelia asked her pals. Yes, they were thinking of exactly that because they understood that, then, they too would get to go on the stage and play with the paper, letting loose their own imaginations.

My highlight was the Wizard of Oz moment when the white paper used throughout became paper of colour. Every colour. And then ....

The performance was over but, for the kids, the fun was about to reach its heights. It was so interesting to see the girls express their own individuality, those personalities unique to each of them bursting through. Emelia, the thinker, could be found sitting on the floor of the stage, ripping a small piece of paper incredibly slowly and noting the result as it made a tiny noise, the jagged edges being guided this way and that by her steady little hands. Celeste, the artist, found the biggest piece of white paper she could and arranged small, coloured squares upon it. Ada, the communicator, couldn't wait to talk the performers, she played the cello, she asked questions of the cast and interacted with the awe-inspiring confidence.

After the show, we sat down for a cuppa or an ice-cream and I had to ask my own question, though I knew the answer.

"What was your favourite bit?"

"When we got to play with the paper," it came in unison. Paper. These children use it everyday but now they might just think a little more whenever they put a pencil to it.

Upcoming Tobacco Factory Theatre shows can be found on their website.

For more information about Half Moon Young People's Theatre, see www.halfmoon.org.uk

Written by Becky Condron

Murders and Ghosts of Olde Weston with Weston Walks

2011-05-18T10:53:00.007+01:00

We met under the granite arch on Weston's sea front on an evening well suited to tales of mysterious deaths and long-forgotten murders. The wind was high and so was the tide as it lashed over the sea wall, the spray from it wetting our faces just enough to taste our seaside town, the grey sky accentuating its many colours of brown and grey.

Those of us on tonight's tour of Weston's murky past had our own local ghost stories to tell - mine of a woman who used to visit me in South Road while I tried to sleep, a woman who nobody had told me about, although they all knew. Mike, our guide, invited conversation as we pushed along the front to Knightstone Island.

And so the stories begin. Tales of dead brides in baths, Jack the Ripper suspects, sororicide, butchered butchers, love turned sour, policemen who perished. Accounts of bigamists, cads, thugs, the mentality unstable, the infuriating and the innocents. The perpetrators hung, transported, locked up, acquitted and disappeared.

Mike is a natural story teller, who elicits sympathy for some of his subjects and mistrust of others. He puts the points across and asks tricky questions, "Do you think she killed him?" He describes vividly the characters and the setting (many of the stories are, understandably, from the Victorian era, Weston being a town of little over 100 people at the turn of the Nineteenth Century).

The Weston Walks' Murders and Ghosts tour takes the party up to higher ground, so be prepared to hill-walk a little. I know this town very well but walking around the Shubbery and the areas above Grove Park with a knowledgeable and entertaining guide made me see my home in a different light. I communicated with the topography of Weston and with people I shall never know.

Future visits to some of these crime scenes will get me thinking of Weston's long departed over and again. And I will always wonder whether that stolen cheese was really worth it? But that's a story that Mike should tell you ...

Murders and Ghosts of Olde Weston takes place at 7:30pm every Tuesday and Thursday evening and cost £4 for adults and £3 for children. Booking is essential. Weston Walks also does daily Seaside Strolls, where history and entertainment combine. For more details, see www.westonwalks.co.uk

Written by Becky Condron

Ping and Pong - Grow

2011-05-07T20:48:00.007+01:00

My Book review of Ping and Pong, Grow by Amy Trevaskus, Illustrated by Alison Heath

by Aidan Bishop, aged 11

Ping and Pong are Lucy's imaginary friends who live in a clock ... a Grandfather clock.

What Happened:

Ping and Pong go on a trip with lucy and her grandfather to the allotments (where people can grow food like Mr Bloom's Nursery) and find out how to grow food and Vegetables.

Then Ping and Pong go on a trip with the bees who have fun.

My little brother who is 3 years old pointed to the bees and said "Buzzzzz." So happy he enjoyed that part.

After that they helped Lucy to plant some seeds, Then Ping and Pong went home to bed in there clock house after a long day of fun.

Illustrations:

The pictures in the book were colourful and child friendly and it followed the story.

Aidan's opinion:

I think this book is a very good book for young children and they will want it to be read again and again, I also enjoyed reading it with my Brothers and sister on a rainy Saturday morning.

Professor Paradox and the Pirates of Green Bogie

2011-05-01T20:35:00.006+01:00

We got to Princes Hall as the doors opened, to take full advantage of the “Coffee and Crayons” before the show proper. She found herself one of the many pots of crayons and a pirate colouring in sheet and I grabbed a cup of tea, while other children, some dressed as pirates or fairies, piled into the venue with parents and grandparents in tow.

Princes Hall is part of Clevedon Community Centre, which adjoins Sunhill House. It’s a large area that is well-placed to hold theatre goers: it seats 300 people. It's a comfortable place for parents because the children can run around without danger or frowns from others - there's space enough for everyone.

I counted about 30 kids here today, many of whom sat on the padded mats to watch the star of the show, Professor Paradox, a clown/magician/Master of Silliness, who has a way of warming children (and adults) to him.

The first glimpse we got of the Professor was his bottom, always a good start when you’ve got a crowd of excited little people, who just love anything that is a tinsy bit naughty. He sneezed into a spotty hanky, he talked about poo and smelly socks and he was mildly slapstick, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of pantomime. He has an air of Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonker about him, not just the unkempt hair that he is “very proud of,” but also that nonchalant attitude of “I told you so but you didn’t listen, did you? So be it.”

The Pirates of Green Bogie were coming to steal our sweets and we had to make a magic smell to keep the stinky, naughty crew at bay. The spells went wrong because Professor Paradox kept losing things even though the audience squealed and shouted that “There! There’s your hat! On your head!” His magic wasn’t working, mostly because we had failed to shout loudly enough. We remedied that.

Helpers were sought to come onto stage. The young assistants came willingly, the older ones had to be hand-picked, though they got into the spirit of the play immediately and one Dad was a great sport, dressed by our host as a big fairy.

This was a fun and easy-going event, organised by Event Architects of Clevedon, who hope to raise the profile of Princes Hall. For us, it worked: I’ll be checking out future events held there, of that I have no doubt.

Written by Becky Condron

Malina's Dream by Angel Heart at The Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

2011-03-27T20:49:00.007+01:00

Being a Sunday, the journey to was effortless along the A370, so we arrived at The Tobacco Factory Theatre with an hour to spare, which was very lucky because a market of books, food, home-made craft wear and even bicycles was in full swing in their outside area. We sat in the courtyard amongst the lovely smells and hustle and bustle and ate a little of our mammoth sized picnic, enough, it turns out, to last the whole day.

Inside, after queueing with all the other excited families, we took our chosen seats at the very back of the theatre, with a great view: this theatre is small and well-planned enough to ensure that everyone can see the stage. My Girl worked out that there was an igloo on set plus a lake and possibilities of fishing. We guessed as to the animals that might live here: fish, seals, penguins, polar bears. Polar bears! Without realising (I think), she had opted to bring her Mummy Polar Bear, a bag that unzips to reveal Baby Polar Bear nestling inside, so they got to sit on our laps and watch the entire show about their "home."

Angel Heart Theatre presented Malina's Dream, the story of a little girl and her Grandpa and all the creatures Malina counts as her friends - Yes! Penguins, seals, a polar bear and a very smelly Walrus, who kept blowing off, to the delight of everyone in the arena. The two actors used the puppets with great skill and it was enlightening to see the expressions on their faces as they played their parts. I have never seen this done before and it really worked.

We were treated to some lovely pieces of live music, including the flute, the concertina and a sweet lullaby. The music punctuated the sometimes intense scenes and at one point we all got to clap along. The two scenes that could have proved a bit scary were well handled, though she did reach for my hand when Samuel, the yellow haired sailor man, went down with his ship, surrounded by Whales: "How did that get there?" she asked.

The yellow haired man, his spirit lost in the Land of Dreams, was saved by the metamorphosis of Grandpa into an eagle and went on to play a part in young Malina's life. "But where is the land of Dreams?" asked my spellbound companion. "Wherever you want it to be," my reply.

The show lasted for about an hour and, two minutes before it finished, she asked, "Has it finished yet?" I guess you could say then that it was the perfect length.

After the show, we were all invited by the actors to come and meet the puppets, so we took Mummy and Baby Polar Bear to meet the huge ice-bear, quite possibly, for us, the star of the show.

The Tobacco Factory Theatre is an excellent venue, with so much to look at in the building. And the tickets to Malina's Dream cost just £5 each. Once more, an absolute bargain.

We stayed for an ice-cream and a cup of tea and then headed up to Greville Smyth Park to burn off some energy on the very impressive play areas on offer here - an absolute must if you have the time!

A very successful and fun-packed day for both of us.

Weston-super-Dad, Nutty Noah, continues his "Magic, Music and Mayhem" tour at the Tobacco Factory Theatre on April 10th, 11am and 1pm, £5.

Review by Becky Condron

Love Food Spring Festival from a Food Lover's Perspective

2011-03-27T18:35:00.005+01:00

So finally we got around to getting out of Weston to check out The Love Food Spring Festival. Easy to get to it was in Brunel's Old Station - for those of you who may remember it used to house the Science Museum many years ago.

As we get there its early and relatively quiet still, a couple of stalls are outside selling sausages and plants, so we sneak a quick peak then go in. Slightly smaller than I had expected but lots crammed in and, as we wonder around, the aroma of all the different stalls starts to soften my somewhat fragile state this morning. The stalls range from Jamaican food, pies, wine, locally sourced fruit & vegetables and even Greenpeace showed up so it was certainly eclectic. My interest lies in the food and to be more specific the cakes and wow I was not disappointed: the Beach House Bakery cup cakes were so beautiful you didn't dare touch. However, Crumpet Cakes were so simply irresistible, it was all I could do not to scoff my way through the entire selection.

Cakes aside, we did peruse Smokey Joes, the delicious B-B-Q Sauce stall, Kernow Kreperie, Franks & I enjoyed a tomato cheese & spinach sensation and finally we tried the drip filter coffee. Lovely way to while away a couple of hours this morning and great to have possibly found a new supplier of cakes that is relatively local and definitely independent.

Review by Weston-super-Mum, Clare Morris, Owner of Coco Browns in Regent Street, Weston-super-Mare

Time Out From Anger - Lighthouse.

2011-03-20T16:26:00.005Z

On 10th March I began a parenting course at St. Paul's church on Walliscote road. The course is led by Julie Lanham, who works for an organisation called Lighthouse. I saw the course advertised on the Weston-super-Mum website and I would like to tell other Mums and Dads about how helpful I am finding it.

The title of the course is "Time out from anger". I think that some people may be put off by this title. It can be really difficult for people to accept that they get angry sometimes. The course is aimed at parents but the issues are ones that we face in all aspects of life. As a parent of over 5 years I understand that some parents feel they need to hide their feelings and pride can stop themselves seeking help. There is no instruction manual for this important role and we are all trying to cope in our own way.

The course is 4 sessions long. The first 2 deal with our own anger (as parents) The last 2 help us to cope with anger in our children. Each week there is discussion about why we feel so upset and ways we can deal with situations (for example, how to explain things to our children) There is also advice about having a break from your children, doing exercise or other relaxation etc.

Many of us who are attending the course have felt a lot better just by talking things through with other parents. We have been very open about our feelings. For instance, It can be reassuring to know that someone else has felt very hurt when their child refuses to eat the meal they have cooked.

For more information on this and other courses available see the web site.

www.lighthouse-weston.org.uk

Review by Weston-super-Mum, Emma Hartley

Our Response to Water Park Charges

2011-03-03T11:10:00.006Z

Collated response of local parents to the £1 per person charge to be introduced at the Water Park, Knightstone Road, WsM – from the Weston-super-Mum discussion Water Park Charge

The majority of parents would not mind paying a £1 per person charge to enter the Water Park, as long as facilities were improved at the site.

The general consensus is that a permanent toilet block is a priority and this is the main source of concern amongst parents. The Town Council should also consider offering a nappy-changing area.

That the Water Park is clean and safe is paramount for all families who enter. If the charge helps to deter older, unaccompanied children from using the Park, then it is a good thing.

Though most who responded to the discussion understand the need to charge for entry, a flat £1 per person might preclude larger families from using the Water Park, which has become a much valued resource since opening in 2010.

The fear was expressed that once an entry fee has been introduced then it might continue to rise.

Points for consideration:

· A reduced rate for residents, a season ticket or a discount scheme.

· An unlimited day pass that permits re-entry

Three Little Pigs at the Brewery Theatre, Bristol

2011-02-23T22:08:00.008Z

"Following last year’s sell-out success and multiple sell-out performances of The Little Red Hen and The Enormous Turnip, the inexhaustible Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company bring us a brand new re-telling of the favourite children’s story"

(via the Tobacco Factory Theatre website)

We opened our picnic before the train even left Weston-super-Mare station: I was just amazed that the sandwiches went before the chocolate. My daughter was so excited - a train journey AND a trip to the theatre to see Three Little Pigs.

The walk to the Brewery Theatre in North Street was NOT 20 minutes from Temple Meads, as the website promises. Well, not with a 4 year old skipping and pulling and stopping to point at the river. But it was do-able and we'd allowed ourselves plenty of time. It was all part of the day.

Once in, we sat in anticipation, surrounded by lots of other enthusiastic little people and chilled out parents, who must have known that this theatre is perfected suited to the smaller variety of the species - the angle of the seats makes sure that everyone can see the stage, eyes well clear of those in front, no "Mummy, I can't see! Can I sit on your lap?"

The music was jazzy, old school, fun. We waited, the seats filling up around us and then ... here's Gwen and Adam, our actors, dancers, comperes, mime-artists, fun-givers and puppeteers, dressed in the most ridiculously English old-fashioned with a 70s twist outfits.

The pigs introduced themselves and built a house of straw to knowing giggles from the audience. But, oh dear, here comes Adam, dressed in a grey furry coat and red sunglasses, deplete of Bacon Fries, fresh out of PIG. Do we know of any pigs around here?

"Yes, behind you," screamed young voices. Oh, no! The pigs are supposed to be our friends, we should be protecting them, shouldn't we? But so goes the show and what a fun-packed hour. My companion just sat there, mouth hanging wide open for almost the duration of the show, she didn't miss a heartbeat. Although, I would like to borrow Gwen and Adam because when they told the kids to hide, the wolf was coming, she took a dive to the floor, ducked behind the seat in front and pulled her coat over her foetal positioned little body. Marvellous, such commandeers.

The interaction of the audience was spot on in a pantoesque sense and they were all completely absorbed. So many children, from babies to about 7, and no crying - how DO they do that?

Thanks Gwen and Adam. That's the best £6 each you could spend!

Three Little Pigs is on at the Brewery Theatre until Saturday 26th February. Various showings

- Review by Becky Condron

Red Ted Art - Time on Your Hands

2011-02-15T20:13:00.007Z

As an artist and a mum I was really impressed with this book. It uses a simple toilet roll tube to make 14 different funky craft ideas. I've found it especially useful for times when I have an hour to spare in the afternoon and need to think of an activity on the spot! The use of a loo roll means that the activities are really cheap to do so they are good to do with groups of any size. They could be good as the craft activity for kids parties,especially since many of the ideas tie in with seasonal holidays.

Each one of the suggestions could be tailored for any age group. If you have children of different ages they could do the same task and get as much enjoyment from it. None of the ideas take too much preparation either and use a lot of household items that you are likely to have in the cupboard.

The explanations are very easy to understand and the pictures are bright and clear. My son enjoyed looking at the pictures and choosing for himself which ones he wanted to make.

I don't have anything negative to say about this book at all. It produces quick and effective results that your children will love.

Review by Asha Hutchings

Buy Red Ted Art's Time on Your Hands ebook HERE

We tried out Red Ted Art's new ebook, Time on Your Hands, with the children at our Weston-super-Mum monthly Coffee and Bounce at the Purple Sheep, with brilliant results. Everyone had a ball. Here are some of the photos from our Arts and Crafts Corner. Making Owls:

The Secret Diary of a New Mum Aged 43 1/4 by Cari Rosen

2011-02-10T15:19:00.012Z

We share an armchair. She’s watching Mary Poppins and I’m wedged in there somewhere with a book and a cup of tea. I’m oblivious to the film but, it seems, I am disturbing her viewing. “Why do you keep laughing, Mummy?”

Because I’m reading Cari Rosen’s account of being pregnant, giving birth and raising a young child for the very first time in her 40s (and she’s far from alone - apparently, the number of babies born in Britain to women over the age of 40 has doubled during the past decade). And it’s very funny. Throughout. In the first chapter, I was worried that the author might have added too many self-deprecating or observationally comedic moments but, as I warmed to her style, I was happy for her to just bring it on.

It’s an easy memoir to read, an effortless journey of, “Oh, yeah, I so remember that one,” or, “Totally!” for any mother, regardless of age. The first half of The Secret Diary of a New Mum Aged 43 1/4, which deals with pregnancy and birth, got me thinking in earnest about my own experiences as a (not so young either) mum, while the second, which concentrates on Cari’s experiences as a real-life mum to a baby who becomes a toddler, is jam packed with astute comments as she comes to terms with the stumbles and joys of new motherhood. References to her own child are immensely cute, without any sense that she would consider hers to be funnier/prettier/happier/more intelligent than yours, while recollections of a 1960s and 1970s childhood are great fun.

It’s insightful too and the author has done her research, talking to other new mums of the younger and older variety, whom she quotes, bringing a wider perspective to motherhood in the 21^st Century. As for fatherhood, some of the quips and sideways glances supplied, through Cari, by her husband are priceless.

A recommended read! Especially if you've already said goodbye to 35. And then had a baby.

The Secret Diary of a New Mum Aged 43 1/4 by Cari Rosen is published by Vermilion and available to buy at £11.99

To win a copy of the book, see Weston-super-Mum's Competitions and Offers

Review by Becky Condron, author of Broody

Fairies with Attitude! The Valentine's Fae by Emma Shortt

2011-02-04T13:15:00.013Z

I’ve always been an avid reader but, just lately, I’ve been stuck for what to read, so few books managing to hold my attention. Recently, I tend to open the pages, only to find myself switching off almost immediately, not being one to force the issue, knowing that life is far too short. But after trying out Emma Shortt’s new romantic novella, I seem to have overcome this inability to concentrate for any given length of time.

In fact, with The Valentine’s Fae, just the opposite happened: I didn’t want to stop reading. Romantic, sexy fiction isn’t a genre I usually find myself browsing, so this short magical tale took me by surprise.

The story centres on the Valentine’s Fairy, Amelia: confidence-deficient, gawky, vulnerable, kooky, rebellious Amelia. We can see that she’s beautiful but she hasn’t realised it yet. Sent reluctantly by the Fae Council to the human world, armed with fae magic, to grant one wish on Valentine’s Day, she lands up as secretary to the “impossible, hot, annoying, hot, infuriating” Gavin Peters. Now, all Amelia has to do is discover his one true Valentine’s wish.

Emma Shortt writes with wit and originality and, at some points in the story, I had to let out a little cheer and a clap of the hands. The Valentine’s Fae is deliciously sexy and keeps the reader right on the edge, eyes not daring to leave the page. This fairy tale for adults flows effortlessly and it kept me gripped to the very end. And that is something to be celebrated!

Now, I just need to get hold of some of that fae dust ...

The Valentine’s Fae is currently available as an ebook and is published by Evernight Publishing.

For more of Emma Shortt's writing, check out her blog and her website.

Review by Becky Condron

Relax Kids!

2011-01-18T21:36:00.004Z

I first put the Relax Kids: Magical Meditations for Superheroes CD on in our living room late on Saturday afternoon, after a fun-fuelled party where my 4 year old had been playing with most of her closest friends and partners in crime. She was excited and not a little boisterous. Ah, who am I kidding? She was approaching manic.

I explained that we were going to listen to some new stories and she acquiesced, up for something new and exciting. The first track on this CD, that is designed to help children to relax and de-stress while using their imagination to put themselves into the minds of some of our best known fairy story characters, is "Aladdin," a tale she’s already familiar with, mostly thanks to the CBeebies Pantomime at Christmas. Within a very short while, she had sat down, crossed-legged, just like the soothing, but not condescending, voice in the story suggested she do.

I let the whole disc run, noticing how she had completely chilled out and it’s fair to say that she stayed that way for the rest of the evening. When "Aladdin’s Magic Lamp" came on, I saw her rub the small lamp on my computer desk and then head over to the fridge. “Oh, it’s not there!” she said, disappointed. “What’s not?” I asked, half guessing. “The chocolate!” That had been her wish: she was Master of the Story and by now we were on track 11. Impressive: that’s staying power.

I must’ve drifted off into my own world at some point because when she routed through the freezer and pulled out a bag of peas to place on her toes to “get my feet cold,” it didn’t occur to me until later that she was simply playing the role of “The Snowman” (track 5).

When it was bedtime, I asked whether she wanted to listen to the CD again. She did. While she was brushing her teeth, I prepared the system for our meditative bedtime stories. “Don’t put it on until I’m ready,” she shouted, dribbling toothpaste down her pyjamas. As if I would.

Duly prostrate and comfy-cosy, I put Superheroes on again from the start. She closed her eyes to listen, wanting to get the full benefit of the experience. Two minutes into the CD, she asked, “How long can we have it on for?” Until it’s finished or you’re asleep, of course.

She never heard the end.

We have a copy of Relax Kids: Meditations for Superheroes to give away on the Weston-super-Mum Website .

The Relax Kids website has a range of CDs, books, Keyskills packs and many other products, as well as offering training, classes and publishing a magazine.

Prepare to be Entertained - Panto in Bristol and Weston

2010-12-16T20:04:00.008Z

Hooray: it’s panto season once more. If British campery, shouting at the top of your voice, rubbish jokes and self-deprecation is your thing, then the West is the place to be.

This year, those living in North Somerset are lucky enough to have easy access to two very different and highly entertaining pantomimes: Dick Whittington at the Bristol Hippodrome and Cinderella at the Playhouse, Weston.

Dick

You don’t expect to be handed a pair of 3D glasses when you go to the theatre to see a traditional panto, do you? That’s what happened when we collected our tickets to Dick Whittington at the Bristol Hippodrome. We were in for a treat.

With her trademark tottering walk, her love of huge hair and that high-pitched, unique cackle, Barbara Windsor is an inspired choice as Fairy Bowbells. One of the first things we hear is that famous, and more than a little annoying, giggle of hers, which transports so many of us back to the days of Carry-On humour. And Eric Potts, the scriptwriter, who has cast himself as a proper pantomime dame in the role of Sarah the Cook, don’t ‘alf milk Babs’ lengthy career to delightful effect.

Here she comes, sitting upon a star, floating high above the stage while the well-choreographed and exquisitely dressed dancers move gracefully to the EastEnders theme tune. She tells us all about the 16 year Nightmare she’s just awoken from (yes, you’ve got it), before joining the troupe to do the “Lambeth Walk,” Oi! From then on there are Walford and Carry-On jokes aplenty, particularly ones involving breasts.

And that Dick loves a good old singsong too! Throughout the performance, Owain Williams, in the title role, unleashes his trained-for-theatre voice onto us, belting out a catalogue of songs by anyone from Take That! to Michael Buble (uh-huh).

For the second year running, it’s Andy Ford who truly steals the show as this year’s panto fool, Idle Jack. With his West Country accent, his silly expressions and his perfect timing, he delivers the mostly deliberately terrible gags with comic genius. Eric Potts makes sure Jack doesn’t forget Portishead in his repertoire but my favourite joke of the night (apart from all the ones about willies) is, understandably, when the cast is about to sail the oceans. “Bristol for the Continent,” shouts Jack. “Weston for the incontinent!”

My four year old was made up with this trip to the theatre and particularly with Dick’s dancing cat, courtesy of Omari Bernard. She shouted at the stage along with everyone else and, when it was time to put on the 3D glasses, she gasped, “They’re coming in my eyes. Are they coming in your eyes? They’re magic glasses.” Spellbound.

The set is spectacular in all its symmetry and sparkle and the costumes simply beautiful on one hand and outrageous on another: I’m thinking here of Sarah the Cook’s outfits, particularly her terrible lime green bikini! Cue Carry On Camping with absolute predictability but, hey, this is pantomime.

At the end of the show, we all have a sing song in ship-shape Bristol fashion. Oh, what fun to shout “Gurt Lush,” and “Cheers Drive,” as loudly as you can and with no inhibitions. Ooh, saucy.

Cinders

The Playhouse, Weston, delivers a less lavish production than the big city 20 miles up the road, but it’s no less enjoyable because of this. I noticed it last year; the way panto in Weston juxtaposes ballet and dance with absolute tomfoolery to great effect.

And because this year the Playhouse brings us Cinderella, we get two pantomime dames for the price of one in the form of those delightful Ugly Sisters: Ravishing Rita, played by Mark Two, and Wicked Wanda (Jamie Steen). And they cause havoc, those two hags – spraying the audience with super-soakers or with water from their boobs and at one point threatening us with a hosepipe (“Thanks, Linford”), tormenting poor Cinderella, and dressing in the most hideous outfits of leopard and Dalmatian skin, Christmas tree/cracker, cakes and birdcages, among others.

The scriptwriters, Keith and Ben Simmons (with additional material by Lee Waddingham) have done their homework on the local area and jokes about the Bourneville and Bleadon are thrown in, as well as mentions of the outlaying villages. Buttons is played convincingly enough by Sean Wilson (Martin Platt from Coronation Street) and his on-stage presence demands unavoidable reference to Corrie and sour-faced Gail.

Costume design is good, with glitter and twinkle in all the right places. The best scene must be when the girl in rags turns into a princess, accompanied by falling snow and a very cute white Shetland pony. “Did they come from the beach?” asked the four year old who once again wiggled, sang and shouted her way through the show, as much of the audience did.

In the role of Cinders, Kelle Bryan, formerly of the band Eternal, gives good voice to many a tune, the majority of which I’d thankfully never heard before, and this is when the production really comes together, so convincing are Kelle and the cast of dancers, with children from the Tina Counsell School of Dance and Drama completing the family feel.

We boo-ed, we hissed, we cheered, we laughed, we screamed, we shouted our “Behind yous” and our “Oh, no, he didn’ts” but the biggest hysteria from the adults came when the Ugly Sisters, Baron Hardup (John Lyons of A Touch of Frost fame) and Buttons failed to get to sleep in a haunted house. Deliberately misplaced props and costume calamities caused uproarious laughter from the audience, who had completely thawed out by this point.

And now we’re on fire. So much so that I think we’re going to go to the ball all over again!

Oh yes we are!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Dick Whittington is on at the Bristol Hippodrome until 9th January 2011
Cinderella is on at the Playhouse, Weston until 9th January 2011

Ping and Pong - Splash

2010-11-30T19:25:00.010Z

Book Review - Ping and Pong: Splash.
Written by Amy Trevaskus, illustrated by Alison Heath

"I've got you a present."

"Wow!" said my 4 year old girl.

Two minutes later, we started to read Splash, the first in a series of books about Ping and Pong. She's just started school and has recently learned most of her letters, phonetically of course.

As I told her how Lucy was going to the park with her two friends, Ping and Pong, miniature beings, who live in the clock in the hall, she listened. On the fourth page, My Girl let her fingers glide over a series of letters and voiced them, "P-I-N-G. P-I-N-G," she looked up to the ceiling. "Ping!" she announced suitably proudly. Then she searched the text. "P-O-N-G. Pong!" We both got excited. And so the journey has begun.

After school today, still with her uniform on, she sat down with Ping and Pong and read quietly to herself. I was unable to hear the words of the story, until she shouted, just like Pong does, "I LOVE PUDDLES!"

At bedtime, we revisted our new friends. She relayed the story, in her own words first. It went something like this:

"Right, what do you think is in the story?" I ask what happens. "That's Lucy. Look. Ping got all ready to go out in the park. She puts her boots on just in case it rained. They went out. What do you think happened? It's really good!" She turns the page, "Hello frog, where did you come from? I came from the pond." There is no frog in this story, it's called imagination ;)

"And what do you think happened? It's not good! It got raining and raining and raining. And Pong said, 'I LOVE PUDDLES'. And what do you think happened? She poured water out of her boot. That's Ping."

Then, she spells out ten words. We both get excited again. Cue my turn to read the story, this time in the author's own words, beautifully written and cleverly illustrated, one of those books that I actually enjoy reading and one that she hangs onto every word of, only interrupting me to give her analysis, "Pong likes to go up high in the swing, Ping doesn't like swings a lot." Or to ask a question, "Why is she taking the water out of her wellies?"

We finish reading our new book and she says. "I love Ping and Pong. I love your presents, Mummy. Thank you."

If only all bedtimes were this easy! She's asleep now: I wonder what she's dreaming about....

Weston-super-Mum has a signed copy of Ping and Pong: Splash to give to one lucky winner.

For more information about Ping and Pong and to order your own copy, please visit their website

Weston's Outdoor Treasures on Foot or by Bus

2010-11-05T10:05:00.010Z

Weston is the ideal location for getting out in the open air and for walking, running and exploring. For the price of a picnic (we take one everywhere with us) and maybe a bus fare, leisure pursuits in this town are many. Two years of being a non-car family has really shown me how much there is to do in Weston with young children, at very little cost. All these hills mean that you will develop strong legs and sturdy kids; we've certainly become a family that isn't afriad of a little rain, or a lot of rain come to that.

Bus routes up to South Road mean that the Old Town Quarry and Weston Woods are easily accessible to all, although a slow walk up through Grove Park and to the top of Queen's Road will also lead you there, and this area is no more than ten minutes on foot from the High Street. Alongside the Quarry entrance is a path to the woods that will lead you to Water Tower or the Encampment (Iron Age Fort), depending on whether you take the left or right path at the top.

Old Town Quarry

Weston Woods, Encampment

If you have a whole day, drop down by the Water Tower and head over to Sand Bay, which isn't as far as you might imagine, though for this you will need food and drink as there is nowhere in Sand Bay to buy anything at all, which for the budget-conscious parent must be a plus! And any energetic child will be in his element here, with all those sand dunes to slide down and millions of tiny shells to find. If you don't fancy the walk back, the Number 1 bus runs half-hourly from the beach, along the magical toll road and back to Weston town centre.

Winter at Sand Bay

Going the other way, catch the 14A or the 5/5A/5B from Worle or Weston to Uphill and check out the boats in Uphill Boat Yard, climb up to St Nicholas Church and take in those magnificient views (you can see Glastonbury Tor from here!). Wildlife aplenty and lots of room to run.

Brean Down & Boat Yard - View from Uphill

It's comforting to know that all of these Weston treasures are really easy to get to, even without a car!

StoryShed @ North Somerset Museum

2010-10-11T10:56:00.010+01:00

We hadn't been to North Somerset Museum in Burlington Street since their highly successful arts and crafts sessions with Helen and the Punch & Judy shows by Professor Walton during the summer holidays, so after Bargains 4 Babies and Toddlers at Victoria Methodist Church on Saturday, we decided to pop in for an hour.

The women on reception kindly let me put my shopping bags behind the desk and we entered the courtyard to a new but temporary structure - StoryShed! This turned out to be a locally recycled wooden hut decorated with all manner of sparkly and interesting items, each one relating to one of the stories that you can listen to on the laptop inside.

My 4 year-old, attracted initially by the fairy lights overhead, made a bee-line for the computer and clicked randomly. The first story we listened to (and that she wanted to hear 3 times!) was called "Dancing at the Hippodrome," all about Jasmine's experience of going to the Bristol theatre, a venue we could both relate to. Hearing another child's voice kept mine transfixed and she listened intently. An accompanying logbook assigns each story a set of keywords that can be used as an educational extension and you can search for the related objects dotted around. We looked for an item or two on display that might be connected to the story and we found a pair of ballet shoes.

Produced by Theatre Orchard, StoryShed brings together pupils from our local Priory Community School and adults from Somerset Racial Equality Council's Friendship Group, who, between them, have documented their personal experiences and diverse cultural backgrounds. It's a good example of how interactivity can really work in a museum setting, relying on visual, audio and kinesthetic stimulus.

It kept us occupied for a good 10 minutes and then she was off to dress up as a ladybird, torment Mr Punch, decorate a paper vase with coloured pencils and set up an imaginary picnic for both of us.

Storyshed closes on October 22nd.

Weston Hospicecare "Strawberry Jam" Bike Riding Fundraiser

2010-09-20T11:44:00.003+01:00

Over the last few weeks the fundraising team at Weston Hospicecare have been busy planning a new and exciting event called the ‘Strawberry Jam’. The event is a cycling event and is suitable for families and keen cyclists alike. The Hospice hopes to raise over £10,000 from the event which would pay for all the medication to keep patients pain free in the Hospice In-patient Unit for well over 12 months.

The Hospice is a lifeline for people with life-limiting illnesses all over Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding communities such as Burnham on Sea, Cheddar, Wedmore, Yatton and Congresbury. The Hospice sees 1300 patients and their carers through their doors every year and without it a lot of these people would have nowhere else to turn. The funds raised at the Strawberry Jam will contribute to the £3 million that the Hospice needs to raise every year to keep its services running – Only 20% of these costs are funded from the NHS.

One team that is getting really excited about the event is the team in ‘Cupcakes’ the new Hospice café that opened in Weston-super-Mare this summer.

Mark who heads up the team at Cupcakes says “I started working for the Hospice in the summer and I absolutely love it. I am from Weston-super-Mare and being local it has always been an organisation very close to my heart, I am very proud to now be part of it. There will be a group of us taking part in the Strawberry Jam including the volunteers that help out in the shop. We are being very ambitious and are going to have a go at the 50 mile route, we have started to get sponsorship in already and are determined to raise as much money as we can so there is no going back now!”

If you would like to take part in the event either on your own, as a family or as part of a team it takes place on Saturday 2nd October and you can choose from 3 routes.

10 Mile: The Strawberry Line - Yatton Station to Cheddar (passing through Congresbury, Sandford Winscombe and Axbridge)

25 Mile: From Cheddar to Uphill - through Cocklake, Wedmore, Blackford, Mark, Burnham on Sea, Berrow, Brean, Lympsham and Bleadon

Or for the toughest test of strength and endurance the…

50 miler which smashes through the Strawberry Line section and out into the 50 mile all out circuit! You will pass through Hutton, Locking, Banwell, Puxton, Congresbury, Wrington, Claverham.

Olly Joseph who is organising the event says “We have had amazing feedback from this event which is great as its new this year. We have been very careful to make sure that it is suitable for everyone so whether you are a family with young children or a keen road biker there is a route for you. Spaces are limited so hurry to ensure that you have your space reserved, you can pop into cupcakes to pick up your registration form and talk to the team there about the event or give me a call - I guarantee it’s going to be a fun day!”

To register for the event call the fundraising team today on 01934 423960 or visit the website www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/strawberryjam

A free day of FUN at Weston's new Water Park

2010-07-23T16:39:00.007+01:00

Woo-hoo!! This week we spent an afternoon at the new Water Park on Weston’s sea front.

It’s free. Completely free. Doesn’t cost a penny. And for this reason alone, I was ready for absolute mayhem. It must be chaotically busy right?

Well, yes, there were certainly a lot of people enjoying the July sunshine, children everywhere, darting from swing to slide, from fountain to fountain, mums and dads all over the place, changing nappies and drying little bodies. But, no, the Tardis-like size of the place means that there is enough room for everyone and, in fact, it was a relaxing experience.

There are enough trees to find some shade and the wall that runs all the way down the left side of the park means that you can easily rest against something solid. Everyone seemed to be taking the fun in their stride and the sound of laughter and excited screams dissolved up into the skies above. I don’t even think I heard anyone crying.

We bumped into a few other Weston-super-Mums with children ranging from babies to four years old (the Summer Holidays had not yet started but the Park invites anyone under the age of 13, let’s see whether the tempo changes now schools have broken up). The café offers inexpensive snacks, drinks and toys and I was amazed to pay only 30p for a Mini-Milk!

My four year old went on just about everything and three hours were taken up in the blink of an eye. We met a boy called Sportacus, who showed us his talents for standing up on the zip wire, so that My Girl had to follow suit and proceeded to stand on the adjacent zip wire, on the regular swing AND at the head of the snake swing that sits at least four kids at a time. She insisited on taking off her wet swimsuit and replacing it with her dress, in order to whiz down the curly slide atop the climbing frame castle and she made music on the upright glockenspiel type instrument.

I stood with her in the water pool, which has no depth at all and is suitable for those not yet old enough to walk. The water levels go up and down and I hadn’t noticed that I was standing on a floor fountain until it hit me from below, quite a surprise – but a funny one! Even more entertaining to see it happen to others.

This is a must-visit for the summer and I felt so at ease with this excellent and safe playground that, next time we go along, I am sure to take a book to read.

:0)

By Becky @ http://www.docbec.com/

Weston-super-mums first monthly meet up

2010-07-15T23:08:00.002+01:00

On Saturday July 3rd, The Purple Sheep Centre on Hughenden Road threw its doors open to the Weston-super-Mums for our very first monthly weekend meet up. It was a particularly special day for me, as my girl Ruby had turned one a couple of days before, so we were kicking off her weekend birthday celebrations here.

By the time we arrived, there were plenty of people already there and taking full advantage of the glorious weather. Outside The Purple Sheep Centre is a great space with loads of outdoor toys and play equipment. In such a safe environment where the kids could run free, the mums and dads at the event were able to relax and have a coffee and cake whilst their kids played. There was a really welcoming vibe to the place, and it was great to see a few new faces who I have not met yet at other meet ups and playdates.

We decided to make the most of the fact that most of the action was happening outside by having a cheeky go on the bouncy castle. I have been to The Purple Sheep a couple of times before, but it has always been too busy to take Ruby on the castle. Today with most of the kids being under 5, it was the perfect time. Also, I couldn’t let her on on her own, could I?! (I LOVE bouncy castles….) I was able to let Ruby off to explore, and she loved it, laughing her head off when others were jumping on it and flinging her around. She was only ever in danger when 3 over excited four and three year olds wanted to take it in turn holding her whilst bouncing. She gave me a look as if to say “quick, mummy, SAVE me…” so we jumped off and back out into the sunshine.

After blowing it out candles and eating birthday cake, we all carried on playing, chatting and enjoying the sun. It was amazing to see how a simple chocolate cake could make all the kids gather in one spot so quickly though…..

When the time came to leave, none of us could believe the event had gone so quickly. We all reckoned most of the kids could have gone for at least another hour of play. Its safe to say that the first super mum gathering was a roaring success and we can’t wait for the next one!

Weston-super-Mum will be having a monthly meet up at The Purple Sheep Centre on Hughenden Road in Weston on the first Saturday of each month. For more details of the next event, keep an eye on the website, www.westonsupermum.com

Where the fun never ends!

2010-06-07T21:10:00.007+01:00

My Girl isn't yet of school-age so I haven't done a half-term proper but she is at pre-school five mornings a week. "What do parents do in the holidays?" I've always thought.

If they're a Weston-super-Mum, they wouldn't have been stuck for choices, that's for sure. Half-term was, no other word for it, full-on!

Bank Holiday Monday saw us camped up in Grove Park, watching the very talented Klair singing live at the bandstand. She belted out a fair few numbers, from Shania Twain to Queen to Carole King and Amy Winehouse. Fabulous! Most of us took a picnic and the cafe must have practically sold out of ice-creams. It was a real family affair in the sunshine - friends, food, song and blue skies, what more could a parent wish for?

The kids? They all collected themselves on the steps of the bandstand - as Weston-super-Dad, Mike, pointed out, looking like they were following the Pied Piper, magnetised to the music. And that voice.

Tuesday lead us to Hutton Moor Leisure Centre where Debbie had organised a couple of hours of inflatable fun, more music, lots of bouncing, followed by a buffet-style dinner for the little people. Thanks Debbie :)

Wednesday. Ah, Wednesday. An amazing Funday at the Purple Sheep in Hughenden Road, Milton. This was a laugh a minute: face-painting, an 8 foot hedgehog, more bouncing, garden toys, stalls, pizza and BBQ'ed food and a fire engine. With real-life fire-men. The kids got to sit in the big red truck and put on the yellow helmets, while some of the mums managed to hose down one fireman with particularly big muscles. A treat for all.

It's Friday - slap on the sunscreen and head over to Ashcombe Park with a picnic for hours of play and chatter. Well done to Gin for getting us together for this one.

And then Sunday, a truly magnificent event by the team at North Somerset @Play Forum. There was so much to do up there in Worlebury Woods by the Water Tower. But this deserves a whole blog post on its own - please check into our Weston Mercury Blog sometime later this week to read all about it.

For upcoming events, please check our Events Board on http://www.westonsupermum.com/

Badge Design Competition

2010-05-09T20:14:00.010+01:00

After searching the town, high and low, for talent amongst the little people of Weston-super-Mare, we are pleased to announce that we have our winners.

A very cheery thank you to staff at the Purple Sheep Cafe in Hughenden Road and Baby Break Parent and Toddler Cafe at Victoria Methodist Church for hosting fun Arts and Crafts sessions for us during February and March and to all those who took part.

The finalists were displayed at the Children's Corner of Central Weston Library and here's to Librarians Tricia and Tricia for hanging the entries on their wall and for encouraging members of the public to vote.

The badges will be used on our Community, twitter and Facebook sites and .....

here they are:

WINNER - Caitlin Heathcote

Family ticket to Court Farm Country Park

Runner Up - Neve Tait

Family Ticket to Puxton Park

Runner Up - Celeste Condron

2 Film Passes to the Odeon, Weston

Introducing Amy Nation!

2010-05-05T11:27:00.005+01:00

Amy Nation, tells us all about life as a Weston-super-Mum to her baby daughter, Lexie.

Hi Amy! How's life? A bit topsy turvy but OK.

What do you like about living in Weston? I like the fact that there are plenty of child-friendly places to take children and that you can go down onto the beach and have a bit of fun before all the tourists turn up.

Anything you’d change? I think I would change the selfishness of people when you are trying to walk around town with a buggy, also the lack of slightly cheaper baby clothes shops

Where would you like to be right now? And who with? I would like to be at the Harry Potter Theme Park over in America with Lexie, her dad and her godparents.

You’re involved with the Children’s Centre in Central Weston. Tell us about that It's great. I take Lexie to the ‘Stay and Play’ every Monday morning. It lets us meet other mums and their children and I’m able to get my confidence up. It’s a brilliant place for Lexie as well, as she gets used to the environment of having other children around, some older than her and others the same age so she gets to grow up and make friends her age. The Centre also holds a health visitor drop in clinic, allowing us to get Lexie checked up easily without having to go to our doctor’s.

So how, as parents, can we take ownership of what happens in our local community? I guess by making our voices heard about important issues, as we need to make sure this community is safe for those growing up in it. By either making a Parent Committee that meets up once a month, then having one or two representatives and taking our concerns to the Council.

Tell us about your work at Weston Hospital. Well, I do paid work there at the holiday club. There is a nursery at the other end of the building and more often than not the children come to us from them but, in the past year and half or so, we have started taking on children outside of the hospital so everyone is welcome. I often work from 8am - 6pm about 2 days a week and have done for the past 5 years. During the summer holidays, we take the children on two trips. Just to break it up a bit. We also do things at Christmas and Easter and we make the weeks themed as well so we do different activities on different days like cooking or arts and crafts. The kids love coming every holiday, they sometimes don't want their parents or who ever brings them to leave but, once they start playing with the other children, they go home with the biggest smiles on their faces, most of all when they have made something. It’s a fantastic feeling to know that you have helped them make something. It’s a long day but its themost rewarding job and its made me realise that I want to go into childcare full time.

Share a Mummy Moment with us. When I go into town for something and I don't get Lexie a little toy or some clothes, I feel guilty. Also when she is crying for me and she launches herself from her daddy's lap just to get to me faster then gives me a filthy great big grin.

What are your hopes for the future? For Lexie to grow up big and strong and to be herself.

Click here to see what's on at your local Children's Centre

Introducing real-life super-Mum, Karen Blake

2010-04-27T14:15:00.006+01:00

What makes you smile? Monty Python, The Mighty Boosh, Bill Bailey, Vic and Bob, and my baby girl Ruby, who is swiftly developing into a little comedy genius to match those already mentioned!

What annoys you? The current obsession with “celeb culture”, amongst so many other things, but that is a whole blog post in itself!

Where, in Weston, do you like to take Ruby? – She is a real outdoors girl, so we are loving all this good weather. We like walking in the woods, on Sand Bay, around Knightstone, and up to The Old Town Quarry where I have my art studio. Also love going to Grove Park, which is near where I live. It’s all got so much more interesting now she is crawling!

Who has been your biggest inspiration personally? I can’t pick out anyone specifically, but I was really inspired by all the artists I met and had the opportunity to work alongside whilst I was a volunteer artist at Studio Upstairs, a mental health charity and arts community based in Bristol. (http://www.studiosupstairs.org.uk/)

Who has been your biggest inspiration professionally? An American artist called Keri Smith. She is into guerrilla art, (nothing to do with monkeys!) and writes about how to free your creativity and get out of creative ruts through being more playful and rebellious in the way you work. She is also a fairly new mum like me, and I can really relate to her struggles to keep on being creative whilst balancing her role as a mum.

How do you juggle your art and motherhood? It’s difficult trying to fit it all in, but my art is such an important part of my life I have to try. I remember just before Ruby was born lots of people said with absolute certainty that I would abandon my art as soon as she arrived. I’m pleased to say I proved them wrong, and I’m currently busier than ever. It helps to have a great support network of grandparents, and her very “hands on” dad who relishes time with Ruby at weekends so I can get to my studio.

How would you best describe your paintings? That’s a toughie, as my work is pretty abstract. I always tell people to have a look at my website so they can see what I do. So! If you want to know, go to http://www.karenart.co.uk/.

Tell us what’s happening in the world of Karen Art then! Like I said, I’m pretty busy right now. I am currently designing some fabric for American company Pansy Maiden Bags (www.pansymaiden.com) for their Autumn collection. I am also involved in the forthcoming Donkey Parade (www.donkeyparade.co.uk) that will be hitting the streets in Weston over the summer. 40 life size donkeys will be appearing in a sculpture trail all over town, and I am painting one of them! Lastly, I have an exhibition coming up with Camilla Stacey at Loves Café in September as part of Weston Arts Week. Phew! It’s manic!

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever had? A woman who approached me during an exhibition and told me that she had felt inspired to paint again after 20 years because of seeing my work. That felt great!

What are your hopes for the future? Simple really. To keep painting, to watch my family grow, to stay true to myself and to be happy. I want Ruby to be proud of her mummy!

Wordless Wednesday - Tyred Pool on WsM Beach

2010-04-21T15:22:00.001+01:00

Introducing real life super-Mum, Claire Palmer

2010-04-19T18:09:00.007+01:00

At home, Claire is mummy to her 3-year old son, Leo. At work, Klair is a singer with soul. Here, the Dutty Girl gives us a window on her busy life.

What makes you smile? My little son Leo :)

What annoys you? Judgemental people who don’t give you a chance!

Where, in Weston, do you like to take Leo? In the summer, the beach and Grove Park and other times, Baby Break Cafe and the Purple Sheep Centre

Who has been your biggest inspiration personally? My parents: they are awesome. They are grafters and they give so much love to all of our family.

Who has been your biggest inspiration professionally? My dad. He was in a band when I was growing up. He now has a recording studio and has always helped me to focus on becoming a professional singer. He helps me out a lot. Thanks Dad!!!!

How do you juggle work and motherhood? It’s hard sometimes, but I manage. Leo’s a good boy and my parents are superstars!!

How would you best describe your sound? Soulful, Heartfelt and Powerful!

Tell us about Dutty Girl. Dutty Girl are a crew from Bristol that musically span a multitude of genres from Hip Hop, Dubstep to Grime, Drum n Bass, Bassline, Funky and Dancehall. We do things our own way, with our own sense of home-girl haute couture style! Providing our audiences with an alternative from the overtly male-dominated scene and bringing a light-hearted, cheeky and feminine approach whilst always taking seriously our music and our audience's enjoyment.

What’s the weirdest gig you’ve ever done? Probably my first big gig with my friend Emma. That felt weird!!! It was a charity gig in Clevedon ...... on a trailer!! One minute the place was dead, the next thing we knew the entire sea front was full of people watching us! We even got called back on to do another set!!!

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever had? “You’re the best singer we’ve ever heard!’’

Who would you most like to meet? Beyoncé

What are your hopes for the future? Simply to make a good living out of what I enjoy doing, to be happy and to make Leo proud of me

Klair will be performing her very own set live at Grove Park Bandstand, Weston, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 31st, 14:30-16:30

Weston-super-Mum Does Sports Relief

2010-03-23T22:03:00.006Z

A few of us met at the Silica, aka the Carrot, so that we wouldn't get lost in the crowds, though the way a couple of us were dressed, that was unlikely to happen.

For Sports Relief this year, Debbie Smith organised a small but dedicated group of Weston-super-Mums to join the rest of Weston in running a mile from the Grand Pier to the Seaquarium along the beach and then back again on the promenade.

We were all so excited to step onto the half-built Grand Pier dressed as Superheroes, among us Wonder Woman, an unimpressed 9-month old Princess Leia, two Supergirls (one of whom maybe should know better, the other was three years old), Sportacus, SuperFairy, an extra cute Superbaby and Glasto Girl, plus one dad and three Supergrannies without costumes but with amused expressions.

We got our foot in the door of the Pier, amid the near-frenzy of hundreds of fellow Westonians, some serious in their running shoes and shorts and others, like us, in ridiculous fancy dress: the prize really should go to the man dressed as a Curly Wurly, even though he scared the superpants off of one of our younger team members.

You could tell that our team was more serious about dressing up and having fun than about coming in in record time as we waited, fizzy drinks in hand, chatting instead of doing our warm up exercises. And then we were off. Well, in fact, we weren't because we thought we should wait until those with stopclocks and determination on their faces got their race well underway first so as not to get trampled underfoot.

We dutifully took our place near the back of the hoards, pushing buggies and holding tiny hands. The sun shone down gloriously, quite remarkable considering the weather 24 hours before. Wonder Woman was thrilled that Theo Paphitis spoke to her as we passed him but 3-year old Sportacus got a strop on about a totally unrelated incident, I'm sure.

We didn't run the mile, we didn't even walk it, we toddled - our very own Sports Relief Toddle. One circuit equalled one mile and so we were overtaken by the fit people running the three mile race: in fact, some madmen and women overtook us twice! A very nice man dressed as a horse chased Superfairy and Sportacus until they looked a little worried and we witnessed 5 girls painted blue tied together so they only had six legs between them fall over time and again.

It was great fun and we all deserved an ice-cream at the finish line! Furthermore, we raised over £150 for Sports Relief: Ker-pow!! A super-douper thank you to everyone who sponsored us.

All Aboard

2010-03-06T15:45:00.006Z

Activity is high at Weston-super-Mum, with memebers really making the place home, joining in discussions and organising events. Super Grandmother, Kay Blake, created the group Into the Arena, where we can tell others about those bargains that we have seen around town and household tips that we just can't keep to ourselves. On our Forum you can share tips on how to be green-minded. Some funny comments have appeared on the discussion "Mummy Moments," about those odd times when it really hits home that you're a parent - like when you go clothes shopping for yourself and come back with bagfuls of stuff for your little one instead!

Karen Blake hosted a play-date at Central Weston Children's Centre and Emma Tait organised a super-Mums get together at Milton and Old Worle Children's Centre, while Gin got a few of us together for a picnic at Ashcombe Park, for which, miraculously, the sun shone bright!

The Arts and Crafts Afternoon at the Purple Sheep Cafe in Hughenden Road brought in a number of colourful entries for our Logo Competition - many thanks to Chris, Claire, Shane and Kayleigh at the Purple Sheep, who all made us feel very welcome, and to all of you who manned the event or who brought your children along. The competition hasn't closed yet, so there's still time to get your entries in!

In fact, it's all gone a bit Competition Loco over on the Community. We're running a blog writing competition for our Weston Mercury online slot. So if you want to be in with the chance of winning a family ticket to Puxton Park, tell us all about a place you like to visit in North Somerset with the kids and mail it to us at info@westonsupermum.com Closing date is 14th March.

At the end of March, one lucky Community member, picked at random, will receive a game of Cluedo, which has been kindly donated by Lloyds Toys in Weston High Street. To enter the draw, simply sign up as a member of Weston-super-Mum :)

We're organising charity events too - Debbie S has brought us together to dress up as superheroes and raise money for Sports Relief on our Toddle from The Grand Pier to Seaquarium with other entrants from all over the region. It's not too late to sign up. Alternatively, if you'd like to sponsor the Weston-super-Mum Team, you can do so here: http://www.mysportrelief.com/TeamPage.aspx?Lang=en-CA&TSID=17280

Please support us!

Exciting news from Weston Hospicecare! Olly Joseph and the team at WH are ready to organise a Family Fun Day in the summer, with entertainers, face-painting and the like. We need as many people to sign up for the group dedicated to Weston Hospicecare so that the event can go ahead. Olly welcomes any suggestions you may have to make this a day designed for YOU and would also like to know whether any of us would like to take a more active role in the preparations and staging of the event. Sign up to the group to ensure that the Fun Day can be staged and tell us your views on it.

In other WsMum news, Kelly has launched her very own website, http://www.notjust4baby.co.uk/, which sells homemade nappy cakes and beautiful wooden gifts, perfect for Mother's Day and beyond. And Claire Palmer aka Klair appeared on HTV news in her role as one of the Dutty Girls and and their excellent work in "encouraging young women to express themselves through music to boost confidence and self esteem." View it here!

If you have any news you'd like us to share with the Community, sign up to our site and tell us all about it.

Happy Parenting in Weston!

Gaining momentum

2010-02-19T11:34:00.002Z

It’s been another busy week for the Weston-super-Mum community. The site keeps gaining momentum, with another twenty members joining this week.

We have had lots of involvement from our very active members on the site. Kate R has set up a breastfeeding support group where members can share their thoughts, feelings and experiences of breastfeeding. Already, members of the group are starting to share their thoughts on places in Weston that are breastfeeding friendly, but so far it looks like Weston-super-Mare is a pretty welcoming place for breastfeeding mums!

Apes has also set up a Health Support Group online this week. This supportive and friendly group is already helping members to share experiences and gain support from others who are experiencing physical or mental illness.

Lucy F has been keeping our community up to date with what is happening with the campaign to save Weston museum. A protest was held this week at the museum, and the story can be seen in this weeks Mercury.

Kay B has posted a heart-warming account of her experiences of being a new grandparent in the blogs section of this site. Its great to see that we have lots of super grandparents and aunties joining our community too.

Lots of members had news to share this week. Debbie S’ sister Angie is opening up a brand new hair salon in Clevedon Road called ‘Angie’s Hair Obsession’. The salon opens on Saturday 20th Feb, so why not pop along and see her? Not only will you be supporting a Super-mum, but you could have a bit of pampering time too, and we all know how important that is as a busy mum!

Shane Dean has had an article published in this weeks Mercury where he talks about his experiences of young people with antisocial behaviour problems. He wants to spark a debate with local and national politicians to come up with positive solutions to the problems faced.

Also, congratulations go to Maxine, who passed her driving test this week, and was telling us about the freedom this will bring her in getting out and about with her children.

This week has been another busy social one for the Super-mums. On Wednesday, a play date was held at Court Farm. Although the weather was against us and kept some of the mums with prams away, a few brave souls still met and enjoyed a day out with the kids. Thursday night saw an altogether more adult gathering, as around twenty of us had drinks, food, giggles and good conversation at The Manor Inn in Worle. Thanks to Debbie S for organising the night so we could let our hair down without a child in sight!

Next week is looking busy, with a Monday morning knitting group organised by Camilla, an arts and crafts afternoon on Thursday at The Purple Sheep café for your little ones to design a logo for our competition, and then a play date at Weston Childrens centre on Friday afternoon. For more information about these events, pop over to Weston-super-Mum and see us!

Have a good week.

Bumper Week at Weston-super-Mum

2010-02-13T19:59:00.002Z

We are delighted to welcome the 50 or so new members who have joined Weston-super-Mum this week and, phewie, what an active and interesting bunch they are!

Lucy Frampton has added the "Save our Museum" group, in protest of the threatened closure of our Burlington Street Museum (the one and only museum in Weston) and is continuing to post updates - supporters of the museum will be meeting at there on Weds 17th Feb admist much fanfare: the local press and news channels will be on site. Please go along if you can to show support and keep our museum where it is!

Natasha Sykes is furious about the state of her local park in Walford Avenue, Worle, and through a discussion dedicated to this subject, "Get our park Fixed!" finds that she is not alone in her wish to improve facilities there.

Everyone's getting excited about the new Water Park promised for June of this year at a sea-front location, while the new inflatable centre due to open in March on the Oldmixon, Bounce!, is still creating much positivity.

Magdelena H is our first member from Poland and she shares with us her new blogs: http://czteryrece.blogspot.com/ and http://www.do-jasnej-anielki.blog.pl/. At the top right hand of these blogs, google will translate from Polish into English for you, just click. And self-confessed History geek, Melanie, has a stunning blog, "Kill them all, God will know his own" all about the French Revolution: it's well-worth a look.

Groups have now been set up for those living in Milton, in Weston Village and in the Oldmixon, so if you live in these areas, please join your respective group and meet others living very close to you. Also Karen Hoodinott has created a supportive group for all working mums.

Our Friday play date at Central Weston Children's Centre in Meadow St, Weston, was so popular that Health and Safety dictated that we couldn't have squeezed any more parents and children in! We were also thrilled to see 2 dads at the event. Another has been arranged for Friday 26th Feb, 1-3pm.

We're collaborating with dad and WsMum member, Shane Dean, to bring you a special event called "Arts and Crafts Afternoon: Design a Logo" at the Purple Sheep Cafe in Hughenden Road on Thurs 25th Feb, 1-5pm. The cafe and all facilities at the Purple Sheep will be open as usual, so you have a cup of tea while the kids get arty or bounce around on the castle. Winning entries will receive either a family ticket for Court Farm Country Park or Puxton Park or film passes for the Odeon. If you are unable to attend the afternoon, you can still bring your child's entry along to any other one of our playdates or email us on info@westonsupermum.com.

And ...

We've just announced a blog writing competition. Write a blog about where you like to take the kids in North Somerset for Weston-super-Mum to be published at the Weston Mercury and enter into a draw to win a family ticket to Puxton Park. All entries can be posted to info@westonsupermum.com before the closing date of Fri 12th March. The lucky winner will be picked at random and announced on our site on Mothering Sunday.

DON'T FORGET our Sport's Relief Toddle on March 21st, brainchild of Debbie S, where we will be walking with the children from the Grand Pier to the Seaquarium with the rest of the town. Our fancy dress theme is superheroes. Sign up here.

Look out for our exciting March draw in conjunction with Lloyds' Toys on Weston High Street!!

Happy parenting in Weston!! :-)

Winter Draws to a Close

2010-02-08T11:13:00.003Z

Is it really only two weeks since the last post? If so, two weeks is a long time in the world of Weston-super-Mum.

More mums, dads, aunties and grandparents have been getting involved in the Community and we are almost 100 strong. Discussions and groups are multiplying: Made in Milla asks us about Child Trust Funds and Lady Martina informs us of a new play centre, Bounce, that will soon open in the Oldmixon. Our chat room is now open, the hours of 8-10pm being reserved for general chat each evening, a natter en masse if you like.

We've had a play-date at the Central Weston Children's Centre, Meadow Street, where it was great to see new faces and some, it has to be said, adorable babies. We will be meeting there again this Friday 12th 1-3pm. It's a comfortable and safe area for all those with children under 5 and you are most welcome to join us.

We launced our Logo Competition in the Weston Mercury this week (page 18) and we have secured prizes from some of the top attractions in the area so it's getting very exciting. Entries designed by the budding young artists in the family can be emailed to us at info@westonsupermum.com. We'll also be organising some arts and crafts play-dates based around our Logo Design very soon - we'll let you know.

Debbie S is busy rounding up entrants for our mile walk for Sports Relief, for which we'll be promenading the seafront in (non-obligatory) super-Hero costumes on March 21st, 2pm, joining other entrants from Weston-super-Mare at the Grand Pier and then heading down to the Seaquarium on our toddle. Join us if you can and help raise money for this worthwhile charity; sponsorship forms can be downloaded and attendance confirmed on our discussion board.

Karen B has written a humourous and heart-warming blogpost for Weston-super-Mum at the Weston Mercury about how her gorgeous baby girl has helped her to fall in love once more with her home town.

That just leaves me to tell you about upcoming events ('What's On' downloadable posters and leaflets are now available on the discussion board).

Friday 12th Feb, 1-3pm - Play-date at Central Weston Children's Centre, Meadow Street. Under 5s

Weds 17th Feb, 10am-2pm - Play-date at Court Farm Country Park, Banwell. All Welcome (half-term week)

Thurs 18th Feb, from 7:30pm - Girl's night out at The Old Manor Inn, Queensway Worle. Child-free!

The week that was

2010-01-21T16:48:00.003Z

Well, it's been a lively week! Since the creation of our on-line Community last Wednesday, over 45 local members have joined, we've had a well attended play date and a Mums' night out.

The site is attracting not only Mums from Weston but aunties, grandmothers, mums-to-be and today, our very first Dad joined the ranks! And we've expanded a little southwards with a member from Burnham-on-Sea. Via the forum, our members have discussed places to go in the local area, the swine flu vacination, the 2010 school intake, holidays and work, among some other 11 topics. They've set up groups dedicated to food, mums-to-be, twins and multiple births and single parents. Members are also invited to share those things they love about Weston-super-Mare and have debated what's missing from the town. Hhm, a central swimming pool seems to be quite a talking point. Funny that! There is now a group for Mumpreneurs and a place you can go for a good old rant when you've had one of those days.

Karen Blake is in the midst of creating a much needed database of places to visit with children in Weston so that parents can find a suitable group to attend at a glance.   Please help Karen to achieve this by sending her information about activities in the area (see our forum).

Debbie Smith wrote her very first blog, wittily chronicling her family's joy at her eldest's daughter's school allocation by North Somerset Council. Furthermore, Debbie has bravely volunteered to set up and help run some of our play-dates.

And Clare Kingsbury-Bell's amazing IT skills have been most welcome.

Thank you to every single person who has joined Our Community and a special thanks to all of you who have contibuted to the discussion and group wall - MUA!!

Around 15 of us (plus kids) met at the Purple Sheep Cafe in the H Church in Hughenden Road yesterday. Quite a turn out! And, oh, how the children old enough to bonce bounced! MANIC.  Thanks to Shane, Lorraine and Chris for making us so welcome. We will be writing about this in the Weston Mercury very soon.

Last night (yes it was a busy day!), five of us enjoyed a gorgeous meal of 7 small courses plus wine/cider/peppermint tea at The Alasia restaurant in West Street (opposite The Playhouse). Outstanding food and excellent service, revealing chats and some whirring heads. A couple of us carried it on in the pubs across the road. Thank you to Michaela and Charlie at The Alasia.

And the future?

On Tuesday, Rebecca Condron is attending a meeting for professionals who work with parents, which is being held at the Central Weston Children's Centre.  It's a chance to promote our Community and to find out more about what going on for parents in Weston.

We're currently organising a shopping trip to Bristol, brain-child of Emma Tait, while the indefatiguable Debbie Smith is getting us together for an evening of pubbery at the Old Manor Inn in Worle on Feb 18th.

Join us if you can ....

:-)

Starting From Scratch

2010-01-15T22:39:00.003Z

Change is afoot.

This is a brand new blog that will chart our new Community of Mums in Weston-super-Mare: Weston-super-Mum with a clean twitter account,

Weston-super-Mum is an organisation that welcomes all mothers in this area of North Somerset. Our social network was set up earlier this week and is attracting new members - it is a joint effort and therefore is not personalised (Anyone wishing to follow Rebecca can now find her own blog at Celestial Motherhood and on twitter). The blogposts here will now be written by a collective of Mums who are coming together to share information about life in Weston.

We hope you enjoy it :-)