Still run by a committee of parents, the preschool has excellent links with Hutton Primary School, making the transition in to the world of big school nothing more than an exciting adventure. Children can start from the age of two, which means there is great stability for children from day one through to their school days. Run from the village hall, children get to visit the primary school across the road regularly for playing, productions and to mix with reception year pupils.

Teachers from the primary school often come across to the preschool to visit and talk to the children. The pre-school also has strong links with the Hutton in Bloom team, who come and help the children plant vegetables, fruits and flowers in their garden, which they can then dig up and cook with for their snack. The youngsters are regular visitors to the Orchards farm, in the village, where they meet cows, horses and other animals.

Outdoor time is important at the pre-school and children are encouraged to spend time outside using all the play equipment whenever they want to. They also take part in a forest school run from the school grounds, where they do activities such as making naturecrowns before tucking into hot chocolate and marshmallows. There are up to 20 children a day enjoying the pre-school which has plenty of indoor activities as well , including two computers. The pre-school is a registered charity and parents are welcome to join the committee and lend a hand with the running of it and fundraising for any extra specialist equipment required.

The normal fees are £9.10 per session and there is a lunch club between the morning and afternoon sessions, which costs just £2 and parents provide a packed lunch. For more information call the Leader Sheena Thomas on 07817867954.

Organised by North Somerset Council’s economic development service, the festival runs between Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, October 6 and is designed to raise the profile of food, drink, art and craft businesses whose products are made in North Somerset.

Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, deputy leader of North Somerset Council and executive member for economic development, said: “We know that people are increasingly looking for local, fresh and traceable products and we want to demonstrate through this festival that these items are already available on many people’s doorsteps.”

The festival consists of ‘open door’ events and activities, hosted by businesses on their premises during the three weeks. Events last year included brewery and dairy open days, evening farm walks, cake decorating workshops, cookery demos, tastings, apple pressing, creative workshops, art and craft demonstrations, talks, musical events with local food and special ‘local produce’ evenings.

“One local producer planning to get involved for the third time has told us that the festival is such a great opportunity to tell the story behind your business and encourage people to shop locally throughout the year,” added Cllr Ap Rees.

The organisers would like businesses to use their events to show people how their products are made, grown, reared, created and what goes into making their product – not only the quality of the materials and ingredients but also their knowledge, expertise and the time and skills involved.

Non producers such as independent cafes, restaurants, pubs, farm shops and galleries can also get involved if they use or display local North Somerset products and would like to actively demonstrate this in some way.

The festival will climax with the ‘Made in North Somerset Showcase’ at Tyntesfield, which will showcase some of the most talented North Somerset art and craft businesses and local food and drink producers in one place.

Due to the success of previous years the market will be held over two days on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6 from 10am to 4pm.

“A stallholder said last year that they wholeheartedly recommend selling at the annual Made in North Somerset festival – it had a high footfall and was well organised. There is a definite interest as demonstrated by the fact that the showcase now takes place over two days. I really want local organisations and businesses to get involved – they’re the ones who can benefit most,” added Cllr Ap Rees.

The deadline for entries is Monday, June 24 and for more details and a booking form visit www.innorthsomerset.co.uk/madein or call the council’s economic development service on 01934 426341/7295 to discuss how to get involved.

The St Peter’s Hospice Midnight Walk attracts hundreds of women every year who complete the 5-mile or 10-mile route dressed in pink. This year the event will take place on Saturday 13 July.

Money raised goes towards Bristol’s only adult hospice which cares for more than 2,670 patients every year and relies on public support.

St Peter’s Hospice events fundraiser Maria del Carmen Moon Park said: “The Midnight Walk is always a really popular event but we’re really pleased with the take-up this year. We’ve passed the

500 registrations milestone and with two months to go before the event we’re expecting a really good turnout.

“I think the thing that attracts so many people to the Midnight Walk is how fun it is. The atmosphere is always electric and people enjoy getting dressed up and having a girly night out while raising money for a great cause.

“Anyone can take part in this event as there is a 5-mile option and a 10-mile option. Everyone goes at their own pace and the route is well marshalled. If running a marathon isn’t for you then this is one challenge you can be a part of!”

Events like this are essential for St Peter’s Hospice as it costs £6.8 million to run yearly. Seventy-seven per cent of funds come from the generosity of public support.

Just £5 can buy a week’s worth of medicine pots or a warm fleecy blanket, while £10 can help nurses and therapists listen to a patient in distress and provide advice.

The Midnight Walk begins at the Ashton Gate Satdium at 10.30pm and women walk through the midnight hour taking in all of Bristol’s landmarks including the ss Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Maria continued: “We’re hoping as many women as possible will come together to give something back to the hospice which cares for so many in the city. Without events like this we couldn’t continue supporting patients and their families.

“So come on girls grab your tutus and feather boas and let’s go!”

Although a women-only event organisers are looking for men and women to marshal the route.

Registration for the Midnight Walk is just £15 with walkers receiving an events pack including a t-shirt.

For more information or to register please visit www.stpetershospice.org

Research released today, by Swedish clothing company me&i reveals that, given the right business idea, nearly three quarters (73%) of working mums would leave the financial security of their current employment for a more entrepreneurial life – in order to give them the freedom to spend more time with their family.

Of the 1,500 working mothers who took part the survey, conducted by OnePoll, 64% have taken steps to improve their work-life balance since having children, with 50% opting for part-time working. However, in spite of this, many mums still find working in a traditional office environment a cause of stress, particularly when having to deal with family emergencies, such as a child’s illness (54%).

This inability to attain their desired work-life balance has led to a rise in working mothers stepping outside confines of the traditional office-working environment and carving out their own careers in which they dictate the terms – fueling the growth in a Mum-Economy.

Business journalist and author, Rachel Bridge, explains: “The challenges faced by women returning to work after maternity leave are well-documented. However, what we are now seeing is a shift towards working mums taking control of their situation and setting their own employment agenda for the benefits offered by an improved work-life balance.”

According to Bridge the internet has played a huge part in facilitating this movement, either directly – with mums finding ways to earn a living through activities such as buying and selling items on auction sites – or indirectly through the world of possibilities which it has opened up.

She explains: “With just a few clicks, mums looking to make a change in the way they work, can see what options are available to them, from examples of how to use their office-gained experience in a consultative or freelance capacity, to being able to research new ways of working and the companies who are offering a different, more mum-friendly approach.”

One such business is Swedish clothing company me&i. Pernilla Kemp is their head of UK sales, she explains: “me&i operates a mum-to-mum selling business model, building on the pre-established networks which mums have cultivated since having children, from attending playgroups, through to primary school and beyond. We have found mums to be incredibly supportive of each other, willing to host parties and introduce people to the brand in order to help grow their friends’ businesses.

“Our research also indicates that twice as many mums would prefer to buy from a business run by mums (35%) rather than a big brand name (16%) – so there’s a willing market out there for women who have the right product or service.”

According to Kemp, businesses such as me&i understand that a mum’s seal of approval is the best endorsement they can get for the brand, ensuring the business model is as accessible and appealing as possible to this audience, just makes good business sense. The more companies catch on to this concept, she believes, the more opportunities will open up for working mums and the stronger the sector will become.

She concluded: “These are really exciting times for working mums keen to be the masters of their own destiny. Businesses unable, or unwilling, to offer the much-needed flexibility which working mothers need, may well find themselves losing valuable talent – talent that will filter through to the Mum-Economy enhancing it still further.”

Many people leave the completion of their tax return to the HMRC deadline of 31 January, but there is no need to – it can be submitted anytime after 5 April.

You will not need to pay your tax sooner if you complete your return sooner – in fact you will have longer to put the money to one side. If you are due a refund, the sooner you complete your return the sooner you will receive your money.

Your accountant may be able to do some tax planning on your behalf, hence saving you tax either in the current or the next tax year. You will have exact figures ready for the finalising of your tax credits claim in July. The sooner you get it done the better! If you are in need of help do not delay, we can help. Remember a good accountant can often save you more tax than the fee you pay them!

T: 07870 995938 / 01934 527888
W: www.atkinsandco.com
E: debbie.atkins@atkinsandco.com
Uk.linkedin.com/in/atkinsandco

They will be providing training for prospective volunteers for 5 Thursday evenings in September & October and will provide ongoing support and expenses.

Contact Barnardo’s North Somerset on 01934 415374 or email anthony.hill@barnardos.org.uk

Puxton Park adventure park outside Weston-super-Mare will stage a camping night for the third year running on Sunday May 26.

Previous camping nights have proved highly popular with families and this year promises to be bigger and better with more entertainment on offer.

This will include a Dusk owl display in the twilight zone, full use the play barn and a disco playing from 6-8pm.

Pitch a tent costs £15 per tent and entry is available from 4pm onwards and families can stay on site until 10.30am on Bank Holiday Monday.

Head of Park, Susie Johnson, said: “We are thrilled to announce we are once again staging a family camping night.

“We have received amazing feedback every year and due to demand we have decided to stage another camping night this summer.

“Come and play with Clover the Cow and the park rangers and watch an owl display or head inside for the disco and have fun in the play barn.”

Food will be available to purchase during the evening and for breakfast from 8am. To book a pitch full payment must be made in advance at Puxton’s main reception.

For further information please contact reception on 01934 523500, visit www.puxton.co.uk or email marketing@meadgroup.co.uk

Weston dad, Mike Cooke, has a busy home life with a two-year-old and six-month-old twins, but makes the most of time with his children by taking them swimming with Water Babies.

Mike spoke to Mum’s Diary about his experiences swimming with daughters Isabel and twins Caitlin and Niamh.

When did you start swimming with Water Babies?

We started when Issy was around four months old. A friend of ours really recommended it and myself and Caroline, my wife, had read articles and heard about the development and bonding benefits of swimming with Water Babies.

What is a lesson like?

The lessons take place at The Campus in Locking Castle, Weston. The pool is always warm and there are never more than six children, often there are less. Each lesson is great, it flies by and everyone enjoys it. The routines are built around songs and there are one or two new things to learn each week so it’s always progressive.

Has it been a challenge to take the twins?

Monday and Wednesday are swimming nights for us and it can be a challenge as we both need to be there for the lesson. Fortunately Nan steps in if work commitments get in the way. The benefits of the lessons are more than worth it. For a child to be able to swim by the time they are around two and a half is a great life skill to have. They also get to exercise all their muscles and increase their social skills as they meet other children their age.

How did you feel as a dad doing the lessons?

I didn’t feel awkward at all, I wanted to do it and there are plenty of dads getting involved. I’ve made a few friends at Water Babies and we go out for a beer to watch the footie or rugby and generally chat about the kids from our perspectives.

How have the children responded to the lessons?

Issy is really benefiting, she loves it and can’t wait until Mondays to see Carol the teacher. She tells us that she wants to jump in, sings the songs – Jelly on a Plate is a particular favourite, and loves the foam mat. The twins are becoming more aware and I personally love the fact they smile and enjoy themselves. We started them at three months and I think they will definitely benefit as much as Issy has done.

All of the girls have become more confident in the bath after starting swim lessons making it a fun part of the day for all of us, not a struggle. As parents you also become really confident at handling your baby in the water.

Do you swim at other times now apart from the lessons?

Occasionally with Issy, and the last time I took her it was great to see such an improvement in her confidence in the water and we always have great fun.

Any tips for other dads?

Yes – don’t think about it, do it. Admittedly it may be difficult workwise and financially but from my own experience it’s been a great why of bonding with all my girls as I’m generally at work most of the week. It’s great to have peace of mind that your children will be more confident and safer around water and you’ll meet people with kids of similar ages so you can share experiences and support each other.

Will you carry on swimming with Water Babies?

Definitely, for as long as possible, we all enjoy and benefit from it.

If you would like to find out more about Water Babies or book onto a course please call us on 0117 946 6919 or visit our website www.waterbabies.co.uk/local/bristol.

We run 10 week terms at the lovely warm Campus pool in Weston-super-Mare and babies can start swimming from birth.

Tell us about Pic N Clix Photography?
I truly believe a picture tells a thousand stories and captures a moment in time. But it is a lifetime memory! I have a home studio setup and cover all photography including wedding and events but my most popular shoots are baby and family studio sittings. As a mum I find it easy and great fun to really capture a personality. I am passionate about photography and believe the customer comes first and my prices are very competitive. Since starting in November, I have been inundated with work, which has come from word of mouth and Facebook referrals.

Has being a mum made a difference?
I was told I could never have children so we adopted Brendan at 13 months and just 6 months later I was pregnant with Ava. Being a mum is the most precious thing I have ever done and I just love it. Previously I was very career focused but children make you reconsider everything. Not only do I now have a job I am passionate about, but I don’t miss out on a second of them growing up as I fit it around them. At work being a mum is great for family photo shoots as I instantly connect with children and understand what everyone needs to get the best shot.

Tips for other mums thinking of setting up a business?
Just go out there and get it – it won’t come to you. Being a mum is the most amazing thing in the world but you don’t have to give up your life, you just rework it around your beautiful children. For more information visit www.picnclixphotography.com or visit the Facebook page.

Ellie Richmond asks: I’m due to have my baby in July. Is there anything that homeopathy can do to help with supporting breastfeeding and postnatal recovery?

I work with a number of mums to help support them recover from childbirth emotionally and physically with natural remedies. There are also specific remedies that can help when breastfeeding as well as helping with energy levels and lack of sleep.

Sarah Walker adds: “I contacted Bev when I had my second baby after attending her baby massage classes with my little girl and using a kit for a whole range of things.

“Bev came and saw me at home and prescribed me a remedy to help boost me up and help with milk supply. She also gave me a lot of information about boosting up my milk, positioning etc and put me in touch with further support too.

“I am still exclusively feeding Illiana at 3 months and now going strong! I feel that the support and remedy has got me through.”

Sophia Crayne asks: I’m keen to start baby massage classes with my baby. How early can I start?

The general recommendation from health professionals is from 6-8 weeks when baby has had his or her first check. However you can start earlier as long as you check with your health visitor that there isn’t any medical reason stopping you. Invariably health visitors are very encouraging to start early and get as much benefit as possible. Some cultures massage from birth and there is no reason why you cannot gently massage baby’s hands and feet and stroke them gently when cuddling them. This helps babies to adjust and enjoy it before the classes.

Babies who attend classes at an early age often seem to get less colicky symptoms and are more settled as a result.

For more information email info@westonwellbeing.co.uk

Arbonne, which provides premium skin care products to customers around the world, is now recruiting consultants in North Somerset.

The collection, which includes cosmetics, anti-ageing products and the ABC Baby Skin Care range is botanically based; dermatologist tested and is vegan certified. If you have an interest in botanically-based products, value creative control over your life and want to make a positive difference to people’s lives this could be the job for you.

Julie Iles, an independent consultant in the Bristol and South West, will personally ensure that you receive full training and are fully supported in your new role. You can begin with minimal start-up expenses and enjoy a 35% discount off the suggested retail price on all products.
For more details call Julie on 07969 359824, email julieiles@myarbonne.co.uk or visit www.julieiles.myarbonne.co.uk

Ellie Payne, now 15 months, was born on Christmas Day and was the best present ever.

Mum, Jenny, from Shepton Mallet, says: “Ellie weighed 10Ib and appeared healthy but her breathing always seemed a little laboured and erratic.

“Two months later we were told Ellie had Common Arterial Trunk, which meant that too much blood was going to the lungs and too little oxygenated blood was reaching her body.

“In March 2012, Ellie had open heart surgery to save her life and spent just four days in intensive care before coming home a short time later. Ellie will need further operations as she grows as the piece she had put in will need to be replaced.

“We are raising money for the British Heart Foundation to help with research as if heart surgery can progress even further, Ellie’s next operations could be less invasive and risky.”

Ellie and her family have raised over £8,000 so far and your child can help this appeal by taking part in a sponsored walk on October 12 at Worthy Farm in Pilton at 10.30am.

Jenny explains: “The walk is a mile and a half around the Glastonbury Festival site and there is a big pirate ship half way round for the kids to play on.

The event is free but we ask that the children collect sponsor money for the British Heart Foundation. Last year 97 children took part and they raised £4,700. To take part contact Jenny on 07708 757641 or email jenjade80@hotmail.com

The business is managed by mum and daughter team Karen and Kerri. Kerri said: “Our aim is simple, to provide our customers with great tasting coffee and tea, delicious food and a warm, welcoming experience for all.”

Families will find a range of food and drinks available to eat in or take away with a delicious range of sandwiches made daily using fresh, local ingredients as well as jacket potatoes, paninis, sausage rolls, homemade cakes, cookies and pastries.

Our daily specials board will also promise some yummy treats. If you are in a hurry you can phone to have your order ready to collect or even delivered and free WiFi will keep your day on schedule. The coffee shop also caters for events and with a car park is the perfect venue to hire for groups and children’s parties.

For more details and orders call 01934 707028 or email info@timeoutcoffeeshop.co.uk

Dreamscheme is based on a simple concept of WORK, POINTS and TRIPS. Young people are enabled to carry out community based work projects for which they earn points. These can then be exchanged for trips and activities of their choice.

As a member you need to be aged between 7 and 14.

Volunteers need to be over 16 and be prepared to be CRB checked , remember if you are currently looking for work having been a volunteer looks great on a CV.

Burnham Dreamscheme have great plans for the future including the development of our community garden based at the Bay centre but we do need more members and volunteers If you are interested in finding out more about this youth based community project please contact

John Alexander on 07961 049868 or via our website www.burnham-dreamscheme.org.uk