Cotswold Family Life

A Splash of Colour adds to the fun at Cotswold Leisure Cirencester!

Cotswold Family Life — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 09:17:18 +0000

Swimmers at Cotswold Leisure Cirencester may be in for a pleasant surprise soon when they take the plunge and discover that the water in the pool may not be the colour they anticipated.

Coloured Water days are planned at the Centre from 10 am to 12 noon on Wednesdays 1, 8, 15 and 22 August. On each of those days, the colour of the pool will be either bright green, ocean dark blue, vibrant orange or deep pink.

Commenting on the plans, the Leisure Centre Manager, Andrea North, said: “We experimented with this theme recently when we dyed the small pool a lavender colour and the main pool deep pink. Our customers – particularly children – loved it, so we thought it would be a real treat to do it again during the school holidays. It’s all good harmless fun and I’m sure it will go down well with those using the pool on Coloured Water days.”

Dukan Diet Recipes For British Tastes

Cotswold Family Life — Tue, 29 May 2012 13:10:29 +0000

Following this diet has proven successful for countless people over the past decade, however there is a risk of you becoming bored of your restricted food choices, especially during the first stage where you are limited to lean meats, fish, eggs and low fat dairy.

To combat boredom you must arm yourself with a selection of tasty, quick to prepare dishes to help keep you going through each phase of the diet. This book gives you a nice range of simple to prepare, yet very tasty recipes to get you through each stage with ease.

So join with me and enjoy this collection of Dukan diet friendly recipes, watch the weight melt away while you enjoy flavourful meals, and never feel deprived, or like you are following a restrictive diet.

Dukan Diet Friendly Recipes Tailored For British Tastes With Foods Commonly Available In UK Shops And Supermarkets

Groovy2Shoes – Children’s Shoe Shop

Cotswold Family Life — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:52:52 +0000

Groovy2Shoes opened in Stow on the Wold in February and offers a range of children’s shoes from pre walkers to teens. The shop has been very much designed with children and parents in mind, it is easily accessible for prams and buggies and the shop has a funky vibrant feel. The colourful artwork has been provided by local children’s artist Colourtown and to keep siblings and waiting children happy there are indestructible toys, a huge blackboard for the more creative customers and an integrated train set. For parents there are comfortable seating areas, a water dispenser, as well as magazines and newspapers for those times when a short wait is required.

Our feet are one of the most important parts of our body and walk more than 115,000 miles in an average lifetime, but we mistreat them in so many ways. Good fitting shoes in childhood are so important as a child’s foot is not fully developed until around 18 years of age. The Children’s Foot Health Register in the UK suggests that up to 70% of foot problems in later life could be related to poor fitting shoes in childhood.

Beverly Clough the owner and qualified shoe fitter is passionate about promoting foot health and providing a traditional, high quality fitting service within a bright modern and family friendly environment.

Groovy2Shoes is located on Sheep Street in Stow on the Wold for more information please contact enquiries@groovy2shoes.co.uk or visit the website www.groovy2shoes.co.uk

A Guide To Buying School Shoes

Cotswold Family Life — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:44:10 +0000

Don’t leave it until last minute to buy school shoes, this period is the busiest time for Children’s Shoe shops. Choose a week day preferably, if you can and be prepared to experience a wait. A good shoe shop should have seating for those busy periods
Cost
Children spend the majority of the day at school and in school shoes. Whilst it may seem expensive, investing in a fitted pair of school shoes is so important for your child’s foot health. Our feet are one of the hardest working parts of our body and we only have 1 pair!!! They are at their most vulnerable from birth until teenage years and several studies suggest that between 50 and 70% of foot problems in later life have been caused by poorly fitting shoes in childhood.
Second -hand Shoes
Are not a good idea, they retain bacteria and have already taken on the shape of their previous wearer. This can result in rubbing and blistering. The shoe will not support the foot in the way that a newly fitted shoe should and may even impede the normal walking pattern of the new owner.
Choosing the Right School Shoe
Leather shoes are the product of choice as leather allows the foot to breathe naturally. Did you know a normal pair of feet, produce about a tablespoon of sweat each day? A leather shoe will allow evaporation of some of that perspiration. Man-made plastic materials may be a cheaper option but they don’t mould to the foot in the same way that a leather product will and rather like a rubber glove they increase perspiration, which can result in fungal infections and blistering.
An ideal school shoe should fit snugly around the heel and should be held securely to the foot by a strap or laces. There should be suitable length and depth to allow movement of the toes. When fitted a shoe fitter will look to provide approximately 150mm growing room from the length of the longest toe to the tip of the shoe. If a shoe is too long a child will trip.
Slip on shoes for boys and girls are notoriously difficult to fit and are not the best option for school shoes. A child will use their toes in a claw like manner to keep the shoe on.
Laces versus Velcro versus Buckles
Over the past 10 years Velcro has started to dominate the children’s shoe market. Without doubt its ease of fastening has many advantages over the traditional buckle or lace up shoe. Whilst personal preference must be considered, many shoe manufacturers do not make buck le fastening shoes and those that do have limited styles on offer. A lace up shoe whilst practical and usually a good option for achieving a suitable fit is not always appropriate for a child who is unable to fasten laces.
How Long Should a School Shoe Last?
We all wear shoes very differently. If your child is particularly hard on shoes, choose a shoe that has a scuff resistant toe. No one style of shoe has been constructed to meet all of your child’s needs. School shoes no matter how well constructed were never designed to be the brake for the bike or scooter or the budding footballers football boots. Shoes will wear according to what children put them through. Whilst we all would like to see a pair of school shoes last a year in reality this is not the case, even if the shoe remains in good condition it is highly unlikely that a child’s foot will stay the same size and depth for a whole year!!!
Blistering or Rubbing
Back to school means going back to wearing properly constructed footwear. If your child has been in flip flops, crocs, sandals or trainers over the Summer Holidays their feet will have become a little flaccid. Going back to constructed footwear may feel a little strange for them and often children will not initially like the sensation of the more structured shoe. It is a good idea for them to wear the new shoes with socks on for short bursts of time at home before they return to school. Even with a good fitting shoe rubbing can occur, particularly around the heel. If the shoes continue to rub however and are uncomfortable, return them with your receipt to the shop you purchased them from.
Foot Growth Rate
Babies feet grow at the fastest rate The Society of Shoe Fitters suggest that an infant’s foot can grow at a rate of about 2 ½ sizes a year. As the child grows older this can change to approximately 2 sizes and by the time a child is 5 the average growth rate is approximately ½ -1 size per year. This is however very much a guide. Children’s growth rates are sporadic and a child whose feet have not grown in some time can have a real growth spurt. The good news is that in general by the age of 10 the rate of foot growth decreases further to an average of less than 1 size per year.
A shoe fitter is always happy to check the fit of your child’s shoe. It does not necessarily mean that they will need a new pair and a qualified shoe fitter will not sell a pair of shoes unless needed.
As a guide Children’s shoes should be checked for size every:
4-6 weeks 0-3 years
6-8 weeks 3-4 years
10-12 weeks 5 years and older
(Society of Shoe Fitters)
Beverly Clough is a qualified shoe fitter and has trained with the Society of Shoe Fitters. She is only one of a handful of shoe fitters working in Children’s Footwear in Gloucestershire. She owns and runs

Sheep Street, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire GL54 1AA
Tel 01451 798171 www.groovy2shoes.co.uk

How To Spider Proof Your Home

Cotswold Family Life — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:30:18 +0000

Do you fear or dislike spiders? Would you like to learn how to keep them out of your house?

Spider phobia is one of the most common fears suffered by people across the world, and although in truth your average spider is far more scared of you than you could ever be of it, nothing anyone can tell you will remove that fear.

But you can go a long way to reduce your chances of contact with spiders; especially those who choose to invade your home.

This book will give you the knowledge to reduce and repel spiders from your home without necessarily resorting to killing them.

The best spider catcher ever! Hero cat Those so scared of spiders they cannot even watch a video of one – don’t watch this.

Step into action… AND TODDLE

Cotswold Family Life — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:02:50 +0000

National charity, the Meningitis Trust, is calling on toddlers in Gloucestershire to take part in their very own Toddle Waddle event.

A Toddle Waddle is a fun way for the under 5s to do their bit to promote awareness of meningitis and raise money to help those whose lives have been affected by the disease with their very own sponsored walk, or waddle. Parents, toddlers, other family members and friends can join the Trust’s mascot Monty on a short ramble round the historic tree and shrub garden.

Becky Jones, who is organising the event for the Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be holding a Toddle Waddle at Westonbirt – it’s such a beautiful location and participants gain free entry just by signing up. Joining in a Toddle Waddle is a great way to help children and families whose lives have been affected by meningitis and we hope lots of you will be able to join us for this fun event.”

The Meningitis Trust’s own Toddle Waddle will be held here in Gloucestershire and will be taking place at Westonbirt Arboretum on Saturday 5th May at 10.30.

“It’s so easy to take part but you will need to register for your Free Event Pack which will give you everything you need for the big day. So, put your best foot forward and come and join us!”

In the lead up to the big day children can make their very own, charity mascot, Monty the Duck, hats and feet, plus enter the colouring competition, with prizes for different age categories. Toddlers who cross the finish line will also receive a personalised certificate to mark their achievements.

For more information call 0845 120 4530 or email beckyj@meningitis-trust.org.

Battledown Centre for Children and Families Summer Fete, Saturday 26th May 12pm-3pm

Cotswold Family Life — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:34:09 +0000

Battledown Childrens Centre are holding a Summer Fete on Saturday 26th May between 12pm-3pm primarily to raise money for the refurbishment of the sensory and soft play room.

Fun for all the family! BBQ, Stalls, Games, Bouncy Castle, Grand Raffle, Fire Engine and much more!

Battledown Centre for Children & Families
Harp Hill, Cheltenham, GL52 6PZ http://battledown.org.uk

Saturday 26th May 2012 12.00 – 3.00pm
Entry charge: adults-50p, children-free

ColourTown Art For Children Competition

Cotswold Family Life — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:21:40 +0000

Setting a new course in Life with a Young Family…

Wanting to work for ourselves has always been a dream and to fit work neatly around a young family has been an essential part of our decision making process to give our little business a go. The timing is right for us with both our children starting school and despite a tough economic climate; we decided early on that wondering ‘what if’ was not an option. The request for Tim’s teaching hours to be cut got the go ahead in April 2011. We took a deep breath, tightened our belts, watched much less TV and applied ourselves.

Tim is definitely ‘The Creative’ in the partnership and has fantastic ideas and his tenacity knows no bounds (do feel comforted when your children are exhibiting their most challenging strong mindedness – it can be a very positive adult quality, suitably applied!) It will never cease to amaze me how he built a website from scratch following a few helpful pointers from a web-savvy mum in the playground.

When he spent his first 15 minutes exploring those suggestions – his first comment was “it could be Russian for all I know”. But he stuck at it and within 5 weeks he had created something that not only looked great – it functioned well too.

From those first few tentative months – creating the artwork to creating a secure ecommerce website to finding quality suppliers and the purchase of our top quality wide-format printer – we have come so far. I feel to be emerging from a happy child-rearing hibernation, facing new challenges and rediscovering skills that had been temporarily buried and learning new ones along the way. We’ve sent a ‘personalised spaceman’ to a customer in New York and have been commissioned to create a funky canvas mural and bunting for a groovy new children’s shoe shop in Stow-on-the-Wold … so the news is spreading.

We have joined the leagues of parents that are attempting to set a new course in their lives revitalised by the arrival of their children. We still have a mountain to climb but the worst case scenario is that, yes, we have invested a good chunk of our savings and time into this dream, but the thought that we might be working towards a better future for our family, is a risk worth taking for us.

ColourTown – Wall Art, Bunting and Birthday Cards for children, view our NEW Personalised Art range at www.colourtown.co.uk

Enter our word search competition to win a triptych of your choice!
colourtown wordsearch comp
All you have to do is to print off and complete our word search puzzle from the above link, answer our additional question: How many seahorses can you see in our Under the Sea mural below?

Write your answer, along with your name, phone number and email address, on the back of the completed word search sheet, then post it to us at: Cotswold Family Life, 6 Fennells View, Stroud GL5 1RW.
The closing date for this competition is 25th April.

Alternatively, you can scan your completed entry and email it to us at michelleandnicky@cotswoldfamilylife.org

All correct entries will be entered into a prize draw to be held on the 27th April. The winner will be contacted either by phone or email.
Don’t worry, we will not share your contact details with anyone.

The GRAND Village Fête, Brimscombe and Thrupp

Cotswold Family Life — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:38:21 +0000

Photo: Stroudpeople.co.uk

The GRAND Village Fête is to be held on Saturday 26 May on the Brimscombe and Thrupp Playing Fields. This will be the 23rd anniversary of this event and this year we have managed to book the English Civil War Society – at great cost. The Society will be doing an enactment of a battle using canons and muskets – so bring your ear plugs! They will also be setting up camp and preparing food that soldiers of that period would have eaten. History talks will take place in the Tea Tent.

The bar will be open all day serving Pimms and Stroud Brewery’s real ale; there will also be pizzas, burgers, bacon rolls, ice creams and …… BBC Radio Gloucestershire will be broadcasting live!

The Fête commences with the choosing of the May Queen. Any young lady interested in competing for the title must report at the Co-ordinator’s HQ (caravan) by 10.30am.

The opening of the Fête will take place at 11am when Stroud MP Neil Carmichael and MEP Julie Girling will release over 100 bio gradable balloons! This is followed by a procession, led by the May Queen, English Civil War Society soldiers, pupils from Thrupp Primary School (celebrating Jubilee), Stroud Valley Beaver Scouts and vintage vehicles. The mainstays of the Fête are the many familiar competitions which are taking place throughout the day: – fancy dress, juggling, town crying, beautiful baby, ripping up telephone directories, knobbly knees and the now famous – jam doughnut eating! Anyone can enter, but if you are entering for the fancy dress get cracking with that costume now. This year in order to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, there will be a design-a-crown/shield competition! These set the atmosphere for the whole day along with children’s races, Punch & Judy, Stroud Fire Service Display and the tug of war. There is a fun fair, tea tent, bar, BBQ, specialist coffees, ice cream, vintage motorbikes, cars, stalls and pitches.

The Stroud District Council Neighbourhood Wardens, Gloucestershire’s Mobile Police Station and Fire Service fighting machine will all be on hand to help.
The second balloon race is at 4pm; this will be followed by the presentation of the prizes for the programme word search, poster design, skittles and Jubilee crafts.

There are still stalls available for hire and pitches – please contact the Fête Co-ordinator Mrs Elizabeth Peters on O1453 887980 or email info@grandvillagefete.co.uk for a booking form.

The Croft Cycle Recycle

Cotswold Family Life — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:19:37 +0000

24th March 2012, 11am, ‘The Croft Cycle Recycle’

This is a second hand bike sale with a difference.

The aim of the event is to give individuals the opportunity to either sell their second hand bikes, scooters & balance bikes etc or to be able to buy a second hand bikes etc with ease. (We as hosts will be taking a 30% of the sale proceeds from each bike sold- the seller receives 70% of the proceeds).

The event will also be hosting the Local Stroud Poling Team who will be kindly be providing free bike marking facilities to buyers of bikes on the day as well as team of maintenance experts who will offer free bike maintenance advice.

There will also be the opportunity to get advice on safe cycling and bike equipment storage by the local neighbourhood watch teams. Not to mention the sale of cycling accessories and the obligatory refreshments!.

For more info http://www.thecroftcr.co.uk/