Family Life - Nottinghamshire County Council
Transcription
Family Life - Nottinghamshire County Council
2015 Family Life Welcome to your Family Life Packed with features, listings, and tips for the whole family. How adoption can make a difference Tips to keep your children safe online 12 page ‘What’s On’ pull out Celebrate the name of your new child nottinghamshire.gov.uk 0300 500 80 80 FREE childcare places for two year olds* nottscc.gov.uk/childcare 0300 500 80 80 *Worth up to £2,900 a year (check website for details) Family Life Family Life 3 03 Welcome to Family Life Contents I’m delighted to introduce the second edition of Family Life. We had a great response to the first edition and based on what you said you wanted to see, we’ve improved this latest copy. Your County News 4 Summer fun in libraries 6 As the summer holidays approach, the What’s On pull-out section in the centre of the magazine provides some great ideas for a family day out with many of the events free of charge. Our headline event is the ever popular Robin Hood Festival in the heart of Sherwood Forest, which this year celebrates its 31st year with a week full of medieval fun. Adoption creates happy families 8 The stars of the magazine are Nottinghamshire people with real-life stories that are both inspiring and entertaining. The feature on adoptive carers (pages 8-9) shows what a difference these amazing and selfless individuals make to the lives of vulnerable children; and at the same time reduce huge costs to the Council that would otherwise be needed to look after these children in care. The young people featured in this edition demonstrate we have a positive future in Nottinghamshire with such resourceful, hardworking and talented individuals. The County Council is committed to helping young people and the volunteering and apprenticeships schemes illustrated in Family Life are just a few examples of how we’re doing this. At Nottinghamshire County Council we’re currently busy building our new website which we will launch this autumn. The new website will have a responsive design so you can view it on your mobile phone, tablet or personal computer; it will also be much easier to search and use. Whilst the digital world brings many opportunities there are also risks and the tips on page 29 will help to keep your children safe when online. I hope you enjoy reading this copy of Family Life and welcome your feedback, so we can continue improving and developing the magazine with what you’d like to see. Let us know what you think by completing our reader survey at nottinghamshire.gov.uk/familylife and be in with a chance of winning cricket tickets for Trent Bridge. I hope you and your family have a great summer, that we have some good weather, and that you find Family Life interesting and useful. Apprentice’s success story 10 Summer What’s On guide 11 Applying for a school place 23 Archaeology volunteers tale 24 Naming ceremony for 25 baby Gracie Young dancer inspires others 26 Pupils get recycling 28 Online safety tips 29 Broadband helps family life 30 Win cricket tickets 31 It costs 25p per copy to produce, print and distribute 88,300 Family Life magazines to key locations around the county. The magazine provides useful information about Council services which affect you and your family, including helpful advice and guidance. There’s also a What’s On supplement featuring almost 100 events and activities. Family Life is printed on paper which is sourced from well-managed and sustainable resources conforming to the Forest Stewardship Council’s standards. If you would like to receive Family Life in a different format, please call 0300 500 80 80. Alan Rhodes Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council If you are interested in advertising in Family Life magazine please take a look at the media pack on our website for full details or for other opportunities to promote your business. Visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/advertise All information is correct at the time of print, June 2015. Front cover photo: The photo on the front cover was taken at Rufford Abbey Country Park. Family Life 04 Your County News Top marks for school meals School meals across Nottinghamshire are considered better value than Starbucks, KFC and Greggs! This was one of the findings from a recent schools catering survey. More than 900 pupils and 190 head teachers were asked what they thought about Nottinghamshire school dinners, including their rating for the quality of food (which scored 88%) and their menu choices (91.5%). The positive survey results follow the presentation of the Soil Association’s Food for Life Catering Mark ‘Gold Standard’, with Nottinghamshire being one of only a handful of local authorities to have earned the accolade. The Gold Standard recognises the progress made to buy organic and serve fresh food rather than frozen meals. Produce selection has been key to this success with the extensive use of seasonal vegetables and fruit, and searches across the region to use the very best quality local produce to make exciting meals. Following the introduction of free school meals for infant-aged children last September, the number has risen to, on average 47,000 Nottinghamshire pupils enjoying a school lunch provided by the County Council’s school catering service each day. You can visit our website to see what’s on the current menu. i: For more information visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ schooldinners or call 0300 500 80 80. Newly extended archives welcomes families In May, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Archives re-opened to the public with an Open Day that had something for everyone. From local history buffs keen to see the building’s new look to families designing their own coats of arms. The new building can accommodate thousands of additional historic documents, adding to the four million already cared for, and includes specialist storage for photographs and digital media. There is also an additional new meeting room and multi-purpose learning space and an improved computer suite for accessing digital heritage and free public wi-fi. The building’s graphics tell the stories of Nottinghamshire’s past, using layers of photographs, documents and images to show how archives can be used to build as complete a picture of the county’s heritage as possible. Nottinghamshire Archives have launched their latest events programme with something of interest for everyone, from family history activities to fascinating talks and a Magna Carta/Civil War themed Open facebook.com/nottinghamshire Day. Find out more about forthcoming events and how you can play your part in building up the history of Nottinghamshire on our website. i: Find out more at nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ archives @NottsCC Find out first... emailme Family Life Family Life 5 Helping families get healthy In Nottinghamshire it is estimated that nearly 166,000 adults aged 16 and over and more than 20,000 children (aged 2-15) are obese. In response to this Nottinghamshire County Council is working with public health specialist, Everyone Health, to help families across the county to get fitter and healthier. ChangePoint is the new county-wide obesity prevention and weight management service, which launched in April this year to support Nottinghamshire adults, children and families to make informed decisions regarding their weight and ultimately, to lead healthier lifestyles. Community-based services will offer personalised care packages for people who are overweight, obese or at high risk of obesity, including advice on healthy eating, physical activity and lifestyle changes. Family weight management sessions will take place in school holidays and health coaches will support and ‘buddy’ families to help them to keep up with the changes they make in their lives. Families and individuals are being referred to ChangePoint by health practitioners, so if you feel you could benefit from the service, talk to your GP, health visitor or midwife. i: Find out more about healthy living and tips on some easy changes you can make, visit nhs.uk/change4life New support services online directory A new online information and advice directory has been launched to help people find support from a wide range of services across Nottinghamshire. From discovering local activities and groups that you can get involved with, to accessing information on how to arrange care for someone that you know nottshelpyourself is the one-stop place for the latest information. 05 Free childcare places – are you missing out? Since September 2013, parents of over 2,250 Nottinghamshire children have taken advantage of up to 15 hours a week of free childcare for two year olds. The scheme was extended in September 2014 to enable even more children to have free places. As of spring term 2015, 64% of eligible children have taken places through the scheme and the number is increasing all the time. The free childcare gives parents more time for leisure, work and other responsibilities. The scheme provides up to £2,900 worth of childcare. This works out at 570 hours of early education and play, which has been shown to help support children’s development and social skills to make new friends. If you are on a low income, certain government benefits, your child is ‘Looked After’, receives Disability Living Allowance, or has an Education Health Care plan, you could be eligible. Places are available for up to 15 hours per week for 38 weeks per year (term time only). Places are available with Nottinghamshire childcare providers rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. You can use the directory to find out more about health, social care and your community. Search the directory by location, post code or type of support that you are interested in, for example: • see what help is available to help you improve your health and wellbeing • look up information about housing, carers’ support and transport • search for local groups, activities and support services. i: Find out more at nottshelpyourself.org.uk i: Find out if you are eligible, or apply at nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ childcare or call 0300 500 80 80. Family Life 06 Books and volunteering, the perfect mix for Karl 18 year old Karl Southern is a well-known face at Newark Library, where he has been a regular visitor ever since his family moved to the area five years ago. Karl has always been a fan of the Summer Reading Challenge, taking part every year until he was 11 (the oldest that children can participate) and then volunteering since he became eligible at age 14. “Reading is a very big part of my life” says Karl enthusiastically “and I would like to think that my volunteering helps encourage more children to read, so it can become as big a part of their lives as it is mine.” Karl helps out for three to four hours a week over the six week holiday, including signing children up to the Challenge and handing out rewards. His favourite bit though is when children come back in to tell him about the books they’ve read. “Mostly they talk about what they’ve been reading and what they’ve enjoyed, then I can advise on what they can read next.” Karl Karl continues “It’s great meeting the same children each year and seeing how they’ve developed and matured normally the youngest volunteer, but over the years, it really goes to show now more and more young people are how the Challenge does help.” helping” says Karl. Every spring the Council recruits volunteers for the Challenge, especially young people, as anyone aged 14+ can apply, “I was really pleased to find that last year lots of other teenagers helped out, I was Karl is taking his A levels this year and hopes to go to Durham University to study computer science, in his spare time he also volunteers at Oxfam and writes computer programs. His passion for reading has clearly helped with his education but most importantly has provided a hobby that will go on giving pleasure for a lifetime. “I find it really disappointing that very few people carry on reading once they’ve left school, that’s one of the reasons I think it’s so important to get children into reading.” i: Karl helping young readers “I think it’s so important to get children into reading.” For information on volunteering at your local library visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ volunteering or call 0300 500 80 80. 07 © Dave Warren Picture Team 2015 for The Reading Agency and with thanks to Southwark Libraries, Canada Water Library and the children from Alfred Salter Primary School Family Life The Summer Pop up theatres visit Reading Challenge Nottinghamshire libraries returns A brand new play especially for families Children can sign up for the free Challenge at their local library from 11 July. They will collect a poster and choose their first two books, then collect rewards as they finish and return books up until 6 September. Everyone completing the Challenge will get a certificate and medal. There will be special visitors to some Nottinghamshire libraries, lifesize images of actual record breakers, so children can see how they would measure up against the world’s biggest horse or tallest man! i: Find out more at nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ summerreadingchallenge or visit your local library. has been written by Stewart Melton, based on the brilliant children’s book ‘A Boy and a Bear in a Boat’ by Dave Shelton. The story follows the adventures of the boy and bear on their epic voyage out to sea. The play has been commissioned by The Spark Arts for Children, in association with Nottinghamshire County Council and will tour 16 libraries across the county this summer. To find out more about the play and where your nearest performance will be, visit: nottinghamshire.gov.uk/boybearboat Over the coming year there will also be a range of theatre companies bringing exciting plays for families to enjoy and family theatre-making workshops for you to get creative, in libraries across the county. The project is supported using public lottery funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Illustration copyright © Dave Shelton, 2012 The Summer Reading Challenge, organised by the Reading Agency, encourages children aged 4-11 to read up to six library books of their choice over the summer holidays. This year’s theme, in association with Guinness World Records™, is Record Breakers. i: To find out where your nearest library pop up theatre will be, visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ popuptheatre or call 01623 664943. Family Life 08 Caroline and Christopher One big happy family When Ashfield couple Caroline and Christopher first started fostering, they never dreamt that 17 years later they would have become a family of eight and be helping others to start their fostering and adoption journeys. The couple already had three birth children when they fostered six month old twins Alex and Eryn. A year later the twins came up for adoption. Caroline explains, “One of the children had special needs and we really wanted them to be able to stay together”. With the backing of their birth children and support from Nottinghamshire County Council, Christopher and Caroline decided to apply to adopt them and have never looked back. The couple have since adopted Lucy, who they fostered for several years since she was only six weeks old. Now Caroline and Christopher are helping the Council to encourage more people to foster or adopt children across Nottinghamshire and have featured in a video telling their story. Caroline explains that they were both keen to help the Council with the videos. “We think a lot of people know about adoption, but don’t really understand it. They think all children needing homes are going to have lots of problems, but that’s not the case. It’s not their fault that they need a new family and every child deserves to be loved.” Caroline and Christopher’s story is just one of the inspiring and moving videos on the Council’s website. All stories (previewed on the opposite page) help to explain what’s really “Every child deserves to be loved.” Caroline Family Life 09 Online videos telling real stories We think a lot of people know about adoption, but don’t really understand it. They think all children needing homes are going to have lots of problems, but that’s not the case. Adopting a child can make a real difference to both your life and theirs. The videos highlighted below, and available on the Council’s website, reveal real-life-stories from adoptive parents and a social worker. The videos illustrate what’s involved in adopting a child, how it can be so rewarding and the support provided at every stage. The Council is looking for loving homes, particularly for older children, sibling groups and children with special needs. The videos are a great introduction for anyone who may be interested in becoming a parent through adoption. Ben Ben wanted to use his experience as a professional carer to look after children with complex needs. He has adopted Jack and siblings Ruby and Lily. involved in adopting a child to give them a loving home and better future. Mandy and Louise The best advice that Caroline can give for anyone thinking about fostering or adoption is to, “Really look into it and don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they may be silly, ask anyway and you will get lots of help and support from the Council along the way.” The couple had always wanted children. In May 2013 their dreams were realised when Mandy and Louise adopted Alice and her brother Max. Nottinghamshire County Council is currently looking for more people to foster or adopt sibling groups and older children. i: Sheila Sheila is a social worker and her video gives an insight into her work, the support she provides and the children that are in most need of adoption. Find out more online, visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ fosteringandadoption or call 0845 301 2288. i: Watch the videos at nottinghamshire.gov.uk/adoption Family Life 10 Say YES to an apprenticeship! “I really enjoy the variety of the work.” Keia 16 year old Keia Watson has fitted well into the team at Grannies tearooms in Cotgrave and it’s all thanks to her hard work and the apprenticeship scheme which provided her first break. ‘Grannies’ is just one of the 87 Nottinghamshire businesses who have taken on an apprentice with the support of the Youth Employment Scheme (YES) funding from Nottinghamshire County Council. The YES scheme offers a grant of up to £1,500 to small firms taking on an apprentice for the first time, helping to give young people aged 16-19 the opportunity to train in a real job and Louise and Keia Karl helping young readers gain a real qualification, laying the foundations for a successful future. Louise Beaumont, a director at ‘Grannies’, explains “Keia is very capable and is now learning some culinary skills. When we’re busy it’s great to have Keia working alongside us delivering the high standards of service our customers expect.” Keia is enjoying her role and is hoping to stay with ‘Grannies’ once her apprenticeship is completed: “I really enjoy the variety of the work and I’m very pleased to have landed such a great role with such a positive team.” i: Find out more about becoming an apprentice and read more Nottinghamshire apprentice’s stories at nottinghamshire. gov.uk/apprenticeships or call Nottinghamshire Futures, who are administering the YES grant scheme on 0845 850 88 99. What’s On in Nottinghamshire Summer 2015 Don’t miss • Medieval fun at the Robin Hood Festival • Record breaking Summer Reading Challenge • Nottinghamshire Sports Heritage 2015 nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson Pull-out and keep. FREE and great value things to do! Family Life 12 Family Fun What’s on? Arts & Heritage Great Outdoors Getting Active Events and activities in Nottinghamshire between 1 July – 30 September 2015 Drama Night Wednesday 1 July 7.30pm BBC Beat Gig Thursday 2 July 7.30pm The Old Library, Mansfield £3/£2 concessions Part of TOLFest, an arts festival for young people. Find out more at nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ countyyoutharts Conservation Days Thursday 2, 16 and 30 July Thursday 13 and 27 August Thursday 10 and 24 September 10am – 3pm Bestwood Country Park FREE Meet at the classroom near Alexandra Lodge to join in with various tasks across the park. Bring a packed lunch and stout footwear and dress for the weather. Tools and gloves are provided. Booking required, call 0115 975 3782 or email: sue.mcdonald@ nottscc.gov.uk All outdoor events are weather dependent. Please contact the venue before visiting if in doubt. Southwell Library Poetry Festival Friday 3 – Sunday 5 July Southwell Library With poetry performances from readings to music (including LiTTle MACHiNe), and workshops on subjects ranging from Dr Seuss to Shakespeare. Find out more at nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ southwellpoetryfestival or call 01636 812148. (W) Track in a Day Rock School Saturday 4 July 10am - 5pm Singer Songwriter Academy Tuesday 7 and 14 July 5 – 9pm The Old Library, Mansfield FREE Work with a professional producer/ musician to create, record and produce a track, or bring a composed track to record, produce and polish. (Note: need to attend both days at songwriter academy.) Part of the SONAR Music Industry Week, find out more at nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ countyyoutharts facebook.com/nottinghamshire (W) Suitable for individuals who use a wheelchair Summerlight Sunday 5 July 12noon to 4pm Southwell Workhouse FREE A summer’s day concert featuring performances from Notts Performing Arts County Performers and guests. Bat Walk Saturday 11 July and Saturday 22 August 9.30 – 10.30pm Sherwood Forest Country Park £5 Join a ranger on this 1.5 mile evening walk to learn more about the bats of Sherwood Forest. Please bring a low powered torch and insect repellent is recommended. Places are limited, call 01623 823202 to book. Please note a parking charge applies at Rufford and Sherwood Country Parks at certain times. Visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ countryparks for more details. @NottsCC Find out first... emailme Family Life 13 LiTTLe MACHiNe Summer Reading Challenge Launch with Dave Shelton Saturday 11 July 11am – 12noon Worksop Library (01909 53 53 53) Saturday 11 July 2 – 3pm Mansfield Central Library (01623 651337) FREE Meet the author and illustrator of the award winning A Boy and a Bear in a Boat, Dave Shelton. Look out for special brand new theatre performances of A Boy and a Bear in a Boat visiting libraries this summer (see page 7 and visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ boybearboat). Booking advised. (W) Bestwood Health Walks Summer Reading Challenge Launch with Andy Newbound Saturday 11 July 2pm – 3pm West Bridgford Library £3 per child (accompanying adults free) Word wizard, author Andy Newbound, leads a fun packed session of puzzles and quizzes exploring some of the weirdest, wackiest and even record breaking words. Suitable for ages 7 – 11. Booking essential, call 0115 981 6506. (W) Lego Links Saturday 18 July Saturday 15 August Saturday 19 September 10am – 12noon Newark Library FREE Come and play for free at Newark Library and see what you can construct in two hours at the Lego Links Club, for ages 5 - 18. (W) Exploring the Calendar Wednesday 22 July 2.30 – 3.30pm Nottinghamshire Archives £4 Wednesday Health Walks Wednesday 15 July Wednesday 16 September 10.30am - 12noon Bestwood Country Park FREE Illustration copyright © Dave Shelton, 2012 Exploring the Calendar Meet at the Winding Engine House car park for a gentle but invigorating walk. Improve your fitness and make new friends in lovely countryside surroundings. No need to book, just turn up. The different ways our ancestors counted days, months and years are crucial for understanding how documents are dated. Examine different techniques and get exploring original documents to see how dates have been written in the past. Booking essential, call 0115 958 1634 or email [email protected] (W) For even more events visit nottinghamshire. gov.uk/whatson Don’t forget to look out for fun family activities every school holiday, visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson for details. Family Life 14 Regatta Lake Big Swim Nottingham Saturday 25 July All day National Water Sports Centre Outlaw Triathlon Sunday 26 July All day National Water Sports Centre FREE for spectators National Water Sports Centre FREE for spectators See competitors take to the Regatta Lake for an open water swim. Everyone from novices to experienced open water swimmers and Olympic athletes can take part and choose to swim a distance of 1,500m, 2,500m or 5,000m. www.nwscnotts.com (W) The renowned one day endurance challenge returns, competitors take on a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run. Contact: www.nwscnotts.com (W) Butterfly Hunt Saturday 25 July 10.30am – 12.30pm Sherwood Forest Country Park £3 adults, £1.50 children, (£3 parking) Join one of our Rangers on a butterfly stroll to see how many species we can find. Then make a butterfly feeder to take home and hang in your garden. Call 01623 823202 to book a place. In The Footsteps of Robin Hood Sunday 26 July From 11am (Storywalk 2.45 – 3.45pm) Worksop Summer Safety Roadshow Doncaster Wheatsheaf Singers Sunday 26 July 2 – 4pm Rufford Abbey Country Park FREE (£3 parking) The ladies from the Doncaster Wheatsheaf Singers will be performing in the Coach House Courtyard at Rufford Abbey. (W) Summer Safety Roadshows Monday 27 July Mansfield Central Library (mansfield.library @nottscc.gov.uk) Sherwood Forest Country Park Adults £3, children £1.50 (£3 parking) Thursday 6 August Worksop Library ([email protected]) Between 2.45pm and 3.45pm join Robert of Wentbridge on a gentle wander through the forest as he tells tales of Sherwood’s most famous outlaw. For additional information call the Visitor Information Centre: 01623 823202. Thursday 20 August West Bridgford Library (westbridgford.library@ nottscc.gov.uk) facebook.com/nottinghamshire 12noon – 3pm FREE Join local firefighters, East Midlands Ambulance Service, Notts Road Safety, Ambulance Heritage Society, Notts Police and St John Ambulance for fun and education in the library with hands-on activities for all and visits from emergency vehicles. (W) @NottsCC Find out first... emailme Family Life 15 Reading Old Handwriting (Early English) Wednesday 29 July 2.30 – 4pm Nottinghamshire Archives £4 This workshop will get you exploring the handwriting used in different documents from the 16th and 17th centuries, with tips on how to read scripts from a wide selection of records. Booking essential, call 0115 958 1634 or email [email protected] (W) Yoga in the Park Sunday 2 August, Sunday 6 September 10 – 11am Rufford Abbey Country Park £6 (£3 parking) Experience yoga in the great outdoors with yogadawn. Mixed ability class. Please bring a yoga mat or exercise mat and layers of clothing. Meet outside the Savile Restaurant at 9.45am. To book your place call 07941 206952 or email [email protected] Monday 3 – Sunday 9 August Sherwood Forest Country Park Walk with the Hawks Wednesdays: 29 July, 12 August, 19 August, 26 August 2.30 - 4pm Sherwood Forest Country Park Adults £5, children £2.50 (£3 parking) Take a walk on the wild side with falconer Chris Miller and his birds. A chance to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures and learn some fascinating facts. Pre-booking essential, call 01623 823202. Sorry no dogs. Maximum distance 1.5 miles. FREE entry Mill Adventure Base Summer Holiday Club 3 - 21 August (weekdays only) 8.30am – 5.30pm The Mill Adventure Base, Sutton-in-Ashfield £25 per day Enjoy at least three adventurous activities each day with supervision throughout from qualified and experienced staff. For ages 8 - 12. Bring your own refreshments and lunch. Advanced booking is required, email outdoor.environmental@ nottscc.gov.uk, call 01623 556110 or visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ themill £5 car parking charge applies each day Discover a host of medieval merriment including archery, jousting and jesting in a fun-filled week for all the family! Find out what’s happening every day at nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ robinhoodfestival or call 0300 500 80 80 Reading Old Handwriting (Latin) Wednesday 5 August 2.30 – 4pm Nottinghamshire Archives £4 This workshop will explore documents written in Latin, giving you essential advice and help in reading different handwriting styles used in earlier documents and interpreting Latin. Booking essential, call 0115 958 1634 or email [email protected] (W) Don’t forget to look out for fun family activities every school holiday, visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson for details. Family Life 16 Creative Writing Workshops: Write You By The Lions Saturday 8 August 9.30am – 12.30pm Nottinghamshire Archives £8 Using documents held at Nottinghamshire Archives, this workshop by Nottinghamshire Writers’ Studio will use the history of Market Square and the city centre to inspire writing about the people and buildings who have shared the space over the ages. Booking essential, call 0115 958 1634 or email [email protected] (W) Midland Kite Flyers Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 August 10am – 4pm Rufford Abbey Country Park FREE (Kite making £2) (£3 parking) Come and see these expert kite fliers and pick up some tips. A kite workshop will be open each day where you can make your own kite for £2. Flying displays will vary depending on wind and weather. (W) Flintknapping at Skylarks Tuesday 11 August 9.30am – 4pm Skylarks Experimental Archaeology Centre, West Bridgford FREE Join expert Karl Lee for a day in prehistory, learning about flint tools and their uses. You will see demonstrations and have the opportunity to make tools of your own. Spaces on this popular workshop are very limited so book early. Not suitable for young children. Contact the Community Archaeology team 0115 993 2590 or email community.archaeology@ nottscc.gov.uk Creative Writing Workshops: Writing The Lifeless Body Wednesday 12 August 1.30 – 4.30pm Nottinghamshire Archives £8 This workshop by Nottinghamshire Writers’ Studio uses documents held at Nottinghamshire Archives to inspire stories about sudden death in the nineteenth century and generate ideas for writing stories. Booking essential, call 0115 958 1634 or email [email protected] (W) facebook.com/nottinghamshire Rhubarb Theatre present The Bookworms Wednesday 12 August 10 – 11am (Performance and workshop) 11.30am – 12noon (Performance only) Newark Library FREE Join The Bookworms at Newark Library as they worm their way into twisty and fantastic adventures through imaginative worlds. Suitable for ages 5+. Interactive workshop follows 10am performance. Booking advised, call 01636 703966 (W) Archaeology Walk at Rufford Wednesday 12 August 11am - 12.30pm Rufford Abbey Country Park FREE (£3 parking) Join the Community Archaeologists for an illustrated, guided walk around Rufford Country Park. There will also be artefacts from recent excavations on show. Please note some of the areas in the Abbey are unsuitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. For even more events visit nottinghamshire. gov.uk/whatson @NottsCC Find out first... emailme Family Life 17 Medieval Forest Life Fire Lighting Workshop Thursday 13 August 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm Sherwood Forest Country Park £2 (£3 parking) Under the guidance of the Nottinghamshire Community Archaeology Team, learn how our ancestors made fire without the use of matches, and how it transformed our lives, then have a go at making fire for yourself. Booking essential, call 01623 823202. Medieval Forest Life Weekend Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 11am – 4pm Sherwood Forest Country Park FREE (£3 parking) Step back in time as the Savile household recreate a medieval forest encampment featuring a range of crafts people, combat and archery displays, as well as cooking and wood turning demonstrations, all against the backdrop of the mighty Major Oak. (W) All outdoor events are weather dependent. Please contact the venue before visiting if in doubt. Tobias Ringwood Dyes and Textiles Workshop Saturday 15 August Time 10am – 3pm Skylarks Experimental Archaeology Centre, West Bridgford FREE A day of investigating ancient textiles and dyes. A mixture of teaching sessions and practical activities will introduce you to how textiles were made and dyed without the use of modern machinery. Spaces are limited so book early. Unsuitable for young children. Call 0115 993 2590 or email community.archaeology@ nottscc.gov.uk Summer Reading Challenge: Wildest Creatures Monday 17 August 10am – 12noon Bingham Library (01949 837905) Tuesday 18 August 10am – 12noon Beeston Library (0115 925 5168) 2 – 4pm Hucknall Library (0115 963 2035) FREE Join artist Gordon MacLellan from Creeping Toad to invent your own record-breaking animal. Make your animal and help create a Big Book of Beasties. Please allow at least 30 minutes to finish your creation. Suitable for ages 5 – 11. Tobias Ringwood – WW1 Recruiting Sergeant Sunday 16 August 11am – 3pm Rufford Abbey Country Park FREE (£3 parking) Take a step back in time to 1915. Sergeant Tobias Ringwood of The Notts and Derby Regiment is waiting to convince you to enlist. See the latest weapons in use by our forces and also enemy equipment. (W) For even more events or further details, visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson Make a creature Please note a parking charge applies at Rufford and Sherwood Country Parks at certain times. Visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ countryparks for more details. Family Life 18 Mansfield Town FC Summer Football Firelighting Technology at Skylarks Tuesday 18 August 10am - 12noon & 2pm - 4pm Skylarks Experimental Archaeology Centre, West Bridgford FREE Learn how our ancestors made fire without the use of matches, and how it transformed our lives. Have a go at making fire for yourself. There will also be a demonstration of how prehistoric pots would be fired. Booking is essential. Call 0115 993 2590 or email community.archaeology@ nottscc.gov.uk Family Archaeology Day Thursday 20 August 11am - 4pm Skylarks Experimental Archaeology Centre, West Bridgford FREE A wide variety of family-based drop-in activities will take place throughout the day, such as making a prehistoric pendant and reconstructing artefacts. Call 0115 993 2590 or email community.archaeology@ nottscc.gov.uk Mansfield Town FC Summer Football Spectacular Friday 21 August 11am – 3pm Mansfield Central Library FREE Test your footy skills in our inflatable football pitch and don’t miss the chance to take a shot at the radar goal. Have a go at our keepy-uppy challenge and see if you can be a record breaker! Call 01623 651337, [email protected] (W) Club Relay Triathlon Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 August All day The National Water Sports Centre FREE for spectators Club Relays revolve around teams of four using a tagging format where everyone swims, everyone bikes and everyone runs - with a 500m swim, a 15km bike and a 5km run. www.nwscnotts.com (W) Please note a parking charge applies at Rufford and Sherwood Country Parks at certain times. Visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ countryparks for more details. facebook.com/nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire Beekeepers’ Association Sunday 23 August 10am – 4.30pm Rufford Abbey Country Park FREE (£3 parking) Meet the members of the Nottinghamshire Beekeepers’ Association as they give an insight into the science of beekeeping. See the live honey bees in the observation hive, candle rolling demonstrations and even the chance to sample and buy local honey. (W) Falconry Demonstration Day – Hawks Of Steele Sunday 23 August 10am – 4pm, flying display at 12noon & 3pm Rufford Abbey Country Park FREE (£3 parking) Meet the resident falconers from Hawks of Steele. Listen as they explain why and how the birds of prey are trained and how they can entice them to perform the most amazing aerial displays. (W) (Note flying displays are weather dependent.) @NottsCC Find out first... emailme Family Life 19 Canoeing Sprint Regatta Prehistoric Pottery Workshop Prehistoric Pottery Workshop Wednesday 26 August 11am – 1pm or 2 – 4pm Sherwood Forest Country Park £2 (£3 parking) The Community Archaeologists will teach you about pots in prehistory, and then you can have a go at making your own to ancient designs. Booking essential, call 01623 823202. (W) Drumming For All Wednesday 26 August 11am – 3pm Rufford Abbey Country Park FREE (£3 parking) Join Neil McCarthy from ‘Let’s Get Drumming’ and enjoy this free hand drumming session for children and families. You don’t need any experience to join in and a good time is guaranteed. (W) Get the latest events with our what’s on emails. Register at nottingamshire.gov.uk/ emailme Jazz Live in the Libraries – Nottingham Jazz Orchestra Thursday 27 August 7.30pm West Bridgford Library £10 / £8 concessions We’re excited to welcome professional musicians from the Nottingham Jazz Orchestra for a special summer jazz gig. This band is on fire, demonstrating what is possible when the best music is played by the best musicians. Not to be missed! Booking essential, call 0115 981 6506. (W) Living History Camp – The Falchions Saturday 29 – Monday 31 August 11am – 4pm Sherwood Forest Country Park FREE (£3 parking) Come along to the living history camp down by the Major Oak and meet the Falchions as they depict life in the 14th Century. Get up close to weavers’ fletchers, armourers and woodworkers. (W) emailme For even more events or further details, visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson Steel Pantastic Sunday 30 August 2 – 4pm Rufford Abbey Country Park FREE (£3 parking) Bring your own folding chair, get comfortable, close your eyes and listen to the talented members of The University of the Third Age, Worksop based ‘Steel Pantastic’. This steel pan band will take you on a tour of the sunny Caribbean! (W) British Canoeing Sprint Regatta Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 September All day The National Water Sports Centre FREE for spectators Watch races on the 2km Regatta Lake. Sprint racing is one of only two canoeing events included in the Olympic Games and races take place over 200, 500 and 1,000 metres. www.nwscnotts.com (W) All outdoor events are weather dependent. Please contact the venue before visiting if in doubt. Family Life 20 Woodland Festival Brass Band Sunday – Hucknall and Linby Brass Band Sunday 6 September 2 – 4pm Rufford Abbey Country Park FREE (£3 parking) There is no finer way to spend a Sunday afternoon than to relax and listen to a traditional brass band. Please bring a chair (some chairs will be provided) relax, make yourself comfortable and listen to Hucknall and Lindby Brass Band. (W) Three Shires Clog Dancers Saturday 12 September 10.30am – 12.15pm (approx.) Rufford Abbey Country Park FREE (£3 parking) Come along and be entertained by six clog dancing groups as they perform around the Abbey. (W) Terry Pratchett: a celebration Saturday 12 September 12noon – 4pm Mansfield Central Library FREE As the final Discworld novel by Terry Pratchett hits bookshops, join us to celebrate the life and works of one of the best-loved and best-selling authors of the last thirty years. With authors JG Parker, a writing workshop and themed activities. Major Oak Woodland Festival Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September JDRF Charity Photoshoot Day Sunday 13 September 11am – 4pm Rufford Abbey Country Park Participation requires a donation to JDRF charity (£3 parking) Amateur and professional photographers will be permitted to photograph approximately 10 - 12 models at various locations within the country park. All monies raised will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). For details and to book your place please call 07752 755527 or email [email protected] Sherwood Forest Country Park FREE (£3 parking) Meet the Wild Man of the Woods, and enjoy heritage crafts, traditional toys, hurdle making, outdoor learning, charcoal making, bee keepers, conservation organisations, traditional tool and chainsaw demonstrations and much more! Please note a parking charge applies at Rufford and Sherwood Country Parks at certain times. Visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ countryparks for more details. Photo - Dave Mangan facebook.com/nottinghamshire Rufford Abbey @NottsCC Find out first... emailme Family Life 21 FREE music, dance, sport and art activities for 10 – 19 year olds Jake McMahon Jazz Steps Live in the Libraries present: Jake McMahon Quartet Tuesday 15 September Worksop Library 01909 53 53 53 Wednesday 16 September Southwell Library 01636 812148 Thursday 17 September West Bridgford Library 0115 981 6506 All performances start at 7.30pm £10/£8 concessions This exciting quartet features saxophone, clarinet, piano, bass and drums. Jake has toured Europe, America and Australia giving this quartet a melodious mix of mainstream and modern jazz with a hint of vocals. Booking essential. (W) Nocturnal Nature Saturday 26 September 7 – 9pm Sherwood Forest Country Park £5 Join our ranger team on a two mile walk to try to find and see those elusive creatures of the dark. Please bring a low powered torch. Sorry no dogs allowed. This event is not suitable for young children. Booking essential, call 01623 823202. Image credit: Red Zebra Photography On The Home Front, 1939 – 45 Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 September 11am – 4.30pm Rufford Abbey Country Park FREE (£5 parking) Experience the sights, sounds, emotions, glamour and humour of wartime Britain with period vehicles, living history shows, troop manoeuvres displays, weapon firings, an air raid scenario, puppet show, Home Guard drill, Baby Boot Camp, live music shows, swing dancing, a 1940s market and a flypast of wartime aircraft. Nottinghamshire Sports Heritage 2015 Saturday 26 September – Sunday 4 October For full details visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/4uth Tuesday 28 – Thursday 30 July 3 – 7pm Various locations in Newark and Sherwood FREE Saturday 11 July 12noon – 7pm The Canche Park, Worksop FREE Saturday 1 August 2 – 9.30pm myplace@Westfield Folkhouse Young People’s Centre, Mansfield FREE Cost dependent on event We are supporting the National Campaign for Sports Heritage and holding a week-long celebration of our county’s sporting past through a series of events and activities at various venues throughout Nottinghamshire. Find out more at nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ sportsheritage Picture opposite: Nottingham City Ladies football team. www.picturethepast.org.uk Don’t forget to look out for fun family activities every school holiday, visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson for details. Advertisement Now Open IN A WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN WHICH SIDE WILL YOU CHOOSE? www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com Advertisement Download Our Augmented Reality Trail App Search for NCWT Advertorial Book your 2016 Disney break before 3rd November 2015 and everyone in your party dines for FREE!* Book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Laura Higgins, Preferred Disney Specialist Homeworker, on 01623 842451 or [email protected] Terms and Conditions ˆExcludes Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. **Excludes arrivals 16 Mar-2 Apr 2016. ††Excludes Little Mermaid accommodation at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. For bookings of over five nights or more, including Disney Park Tickets Country Parks are officially excellent! There’s now another reason to visit two of Nottinghamshire’s most popular visitor destinations. Rufford Abbey Co untry Park TripAdvisor have recently awarded the 2015 Certificate of Excellence to both Sherwood Forest Country Park Rufford Abbey Country Park and Sherwood Forest Country Park. The award is for consistently receiving great reviews from TripAdvisor travellers. For more information about the parks visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ countryparks © Disney Family Life 23 Admissions to schools If you live in Nottinghamshire it will soon be time to apply for your child’s school place for September 2016. The easiest way to apply is online at nottinghamshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions. Online applications will be acknowledged straight away and then on the offer date (shown in table below) you will receive a decision by email. Alternatively you can apply by phone on 0300 500 80 80. Your application will need to include your top four preferred schools. Visit the website to search for schools near your home. All applications must be received by the closing dates shown below. Admission Apply online from Primary to secondary transfer - year 7 10 August 2015 31 October 2015 1 March 2016 Admission to studio school, university technology colleges - year 10 10 August 2015 31 October 2015 1 March 2016 First admission to school - reception 2 November 2015 15 January 2016 18 April 2016 Infant to junior transfer - year 3 2 November 2015 15 January 2016 18 April 2016 facebook.com/robinhoodfestival Closing date @NottsCC #robinhood Offer date FREE entry £5 parking Family Life 24 Digging into the past Last summer, during a week-long archaeological dig, student Gabrielle Hames got more than she bargained for as the team unearthed remains of a medieval church and even some monk’s teeth. The 21 year old from Hucknall, who volunteers with Nottinghamshire County Council’s community archaeology team, attended the Council’s week long archaeology field school at Rufford Abbey Country Park. “Each day started with a talk or demonstration in the morning, where we were taught how to use certain tools or identify bits of pottery,” explains Gabrielle. “Then in the afternoons we got busy digging in the trenches.” Archaeology volunteering is not just for people studying or with a background in archaeology. Gabrielle says “It’s really interesting and anyone can do it, you don’t need any experience. A lot of people came up to me at the dig last summer and said they wished they’d had a go before, but thought it was too late now, but it’s not at all.” If you fancy trying your hand at archaeology or going to one of the events, then find out more about the Council’s community archaeology “It was a successful dig, we uncovered team by visiting the website. the remains of a medieval church,” Gabrielle continues, “and the week after I was there, teeth believed to Contact the community have belonged to a medieval monk archaeology team on were found.” 0115 993 2590 or visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ As well as hands on digging, archaeology Gabrielle’s time spent with the Family Archaeology Day Thursday 20 August 11am - 4pm Skylarks Experimental Archaeology Centre, West Bridgford (FREE) Join community archaeologists for activities throughout the day, including making a prehistoric pendant and reconstructing artefacts. i: archaeologists has included volunteering at family events across the county. “I helped children to make finger puppet monks at a medieval event at Rufford Abbey and showed visitors some of the interesting artefacts the team had taken along.” You can keep up to date with their current projects on facebook.com/ communityarchaeology “I also helped children with viking themed craft activities at Worksop Library, while Emily from the archaeology team, told some viking fables.” Gabrielle Hames Family Life 25 What a great-great name for Gracie What are the chances of having two great-great grandmothers called Ellen? Well that’s exactly what happened for newborn Gracie. In recognition of this amazing coincidence, and to celebrate her family heritage, parents Hollie West and Eddy Slack chose Ellen as her middle name. The Mansfield couple join the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in acknowledging their ancestors in this special way. Back in May Kate and William gave Princess Charlotte the middle name Elizabeth, after her great grandmother, the Queen. To confirm and celebrate Gracie’s new name, the couple decided to have one of Nottinghamshire County Council’s naming ceremonies after reading about it in a leaflet which they picked up at their local registration office. The Council’s personalised naming ceremonies are a great alternative to christenings and can be very modern or traditional events. Mum Hollie said “I didn’t want a christening, because we are not religious. I wanted it to be about us and our daughter and we really wanted everybody to celebrate”. The ceremonies are also a unique opportunity for everyone to feel involved, with friends and relatives able to promise their love and support to the child and their parents. Hollie West and Eddy Slack with their daughter Gracie Explaining why they chose to have their special ceremony in the Oakdale Suite at Mansfield Registration Office, Hollie said: “We liked the large room because it’s simple but classy and the grounds outside are really nice for photographs after the ceremony.” Gracie’s ceremony was really special for all the family, five life mentors gave speeches, poems were read and Hollie and Eddy gave flowers to Gracie’s grandparents and aunties in recognition of the roles they will play in Gracie’s life. i: Find out more about planning your perfect naming ceremony, visit celebratein nottinghamshire.co.uk or call 0300 500 80 80. When sending out the invites Hollie realised a lot of people hadn’t heard of a naming ceremony before, but she has since recommended them to others. Hollie says “For us it was just perfect. The registrar made it very special, I really enjoyed the day and we got a lovely certificate.” The ceremonies are a unique opportunity for everyone to feel involved. Family Life 26 Kyle makes moves to aid his future and others Kyle Sterland was 14 years old when he saw a flyer asking for young people to become dancers. “I was looking for something to do” explains Kyle, “I’d never even heard of breakdance, I just went along to try something new”. Five years later and not only has the Mansfield teenager become an outstanding dancer, he now choreographs several street dance groups at the Council’s County Youth Arts base, The Old Library in Mansfield, where he volunteers. “I’d always had trouble meeting new people”, says Kyle, “but I soon built up confidence and made friends.” Kyle describes MX4, a street dance crew he works with, as “one big family”. Kyle says, “When you dance with people regularly, you get close.” Kyle found dancing was a great way “to just get away from things,” and recommends others go along to see the County Youth Arts team. “They give young people a chance to try something new” says Kyle. “It’s not just dance, there’s music, art, drama, singing, there’s all sorts you can do. If you want to make a go of something, County Youth Arts will help you any way they can.” “When you dance with people regularly, you get close.” Kyle For the last two years Kyle had been a dancer for Xzibit, a young choreographers’ dance programme. This year he was chosen to choreograph for the programme, accessing master classes with some of Britain’s top choreographers and his piece was performed at Nottingham Contemporary. The Council are now supporting Kyle with his ambitions to help other Nottinghamshire youngsters to get into dancing. “They’ve helped me become a volunteer, giving me new ideas, sorting out my checks so I can work with young people, giving me sessions to work at and supporting me to teach.” Kyle with other members of MX4 performing in illuminated suits Family Life 27 It’s not just dance, there’s music, art, drama, singing all sorts you can do. If you want to make a go of something, County Youth Arts will help you any way they can. Kyle takes centre stage Now aged 19, Kyle has found that his interest in dance, and the volunteering time he spends with County Youth Arts, has other uses. “I always put it on my CV, if you show you’re spending time doing something just for the experience, it shows you’re willing to get involved and work hard” suggests Kyle. Over the last five years, Sam HolgateDavey, co-ordinator at County Youth Arts has also observed these positive changes. “I have seen Kyle grow in confidence from a quiet teenager to someone who is now capable of teaching and supporting other dancers, and he has developed so much as a dancer through sheer hard work, dedication and from grabbing the opportunities as they have arisen” explains Sam. County Youth Arts offer a range of opportunities for young people aged 13 to 19 to get involved in creative activities. i: To find out about County Youth Arts workshops and performances visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/cya or call 01623 644377. Family Life 28 Worms wage war on waste Worms are the new best friends for pupils at a Church Warsop school. Coming in all shapes and sizes, the worms are being used to compost the school’s waste food, which in turn will be used to grow flowers and tasty vegetables. Nottinghamshire County Council’s Schools Waste Action Club (SWAC) has been working with Church Vale Primary and Foundation Unit in Church Warsop to make school pupils and staff more aware of their waste and supporting them in how best to manage it. SWAC Education Officer, Lydia Powles visited the school as part of their science and maths week, to show children the magic of composting: “I started by showing them pictures of food rotting. All the children were saying ‘eurgh’, but when I told them about the work done by lots of little creatures to turn it into compost, they were really interested,” Lydia explained, “especially as I’d taken my pet worms in to show them!” Teacher Jo Law recalls, “The children have remembered a lot from the visit and really loved digging and finding out about the worms. I even learnt some new things”. Jo explained how the school will be benefitting from this new knowledge. “Now we know how to make the best compost, we will be using it in our raised beds and growing vegetables and flowers. Then in autumn the children will be harvesting the vegetables they have grown and get to eat them”. work together to reduce, reuse and recycle more of their waste. Nottinghamshire County Council provides SWAC sessions free of charge to Nottinghamshire primary, secondary and special schools. If you think your children’s school could do with a visit from Lydia and her pet worms, then ask their school to contact the SWAC team. i: To find out about SWAC visit nottinghamhire.gov.uk/swac or call 0300 500 80 80. It’s hoped the children will become composting champions and pass on what they’ve learned back home, so families in Church Warsop can Four year old Cali-Rae succinctly described the composting process after one of the sessions. “You have to put the fruit in the compost bin so worms can eat all the leftover food and then it makes compost! We then use it to feed plants!” Whilst four year old Kayden described what he enjoyed the most, “I liked getting the little worms and the long worms”. Digging for worms with teacher Jo Law Family Life 29 Keeping young children safe online Children love using technology and are learning to navigate websites, online games and consoles and touch screen technology like iPads and smartphones from a younger and younger age. Latest Ofcom research has shown that 91% of 5-15 year olds live in a household with internet access and over a third of all 3-4 year olds are now accessing the internet in their homes. These four frequently asked questions provide useful information and tips that you can put in to place at home, to help keep your children safe online. 1 Where do I start? The best way to keep your family safe online, and to understand your children’s internet use, is to use the internet together. Active engagement and conversations with your children are key. Be positive and embrace the technologies that young children enjoy and look for family activities or games. 2 Should I set any rules? In the same way that you set rules for most areas of your children’s lives, establish your expectations regarding online activities. Creating a family agreement is a useful step, which might include time spent online and sites that can be visited. 3 Are there tools to help? There are free parental controls and filters available to help you set safer boundaries for your children, but you will usually be required to set them up. Your internet service provider will provide free filters to help block age inappropriate content for children, and on the UK Safer Internet Centre website (www.saferinternet.org.uk) you can watch video tutorials that show you how to find and set these up. 4 What advice can I give my child? Education is the best tool that a child can have, so discuss with your child the importance of telling an adult immediately if someone, or something, upsets them online. Make sure that your children know that they can come and talk to you (without necessarily getting into trouble), and encourage them to feel confident enough to do so. © Childnet International i: This information is taken from www.childnet.com which includes even more information on how to keep your child safe online. Other useful sites include: www.thinkuknow.co.uk and www.nspcc.org.uk Family Life 30 The Skype’s no longer the limit! Simon and Samantha Gray and their two boys Charlie (3) and Maxi (2), live in one of the 50,000 properties which now have access to faster, fibre broadband thanks to the Better Broadband for Nottinghamshire (BBfN) programme. Watching our favourite TV programme online, keeping in touch with loved ones on Skype and sharing photos and videos with friends on YouTube and Facebook have become a way of life for millions of families across the world. to close the digital divide between different parts of the county, with more coverage planned between now and 2018. Simon, a businessman from the Rushcliffe village of Bunny said, “I have no fixed office base and But a lack of good quality broadband work from home when I can, but my business was being severely in parts of Nottinghamshire means that some of the things we do instantly hampered by the poor broadband speeds at my property. online, are still painfully slow or even impossible for others. “It caused problems for us as a family too. We’d sit down together to watch a The £27m BBfN programme is a partnership between the County Council and BT, which is helping The Gray family enjoying faster broadband movie on Netflix or Amazon and it would take an hour before we could start to watch it – almost as long as the movie itself!” Simon added “As soon as I found out that fibre broadband was available to me, following a presentation about BBfN at a Nottingham Means Business event, I got straight on to it and it’s made the world of difference” “Since switching, for just an extra £2 to £3 per month we’re now getting download speeds of around 30Mbps, as opposed to the 3Mbps we had before. Family Life 31 Simon continued “I can now work from home whenever I need to, safe in the knowledge that my internet connection is more than adequate for my needs. We can manage our finances using internet banking, get the most out of social media for business and pleasure and use applications like Skype and GoToMeeting to communicate with friends and clients. “What’s more, I have two very happy children who can now download their favourite Fireman Sam episodes in minutes rather than hours! “It was only by chance that I discovered that Bunny had access to fibre broadband, thanks to BBfN, so no matter where you live in Nottinghamshire, I would urge you to check and see if you can benefit it’s made a massive difference to my businesses and my family.” i: To find out if your home is eligible for better broadband visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ postcode-checker. If available, then contact your internet provider to arrange set up. No matter where you live in Nottinghamshire, I would urge you to check and see if you can benefit - it’s made a massive difference to my businesses and my family. Reader Survey - your chance to win cricket tickets! We want to make sure future editions of Family Life include what’s important to you and your family. To help us with this please visit nottinghamshire.gov.uk/familylife where you will find a link to our online survey. By completing the survey and adding your contact details you can also be in with a chance of winning four tickets to Notts Outlaws v Kent Spitfires in the Royal London One Day Cup match on 17 August 2015 (Closing date: 31 July 2015). If you don’t have access to the internet you can complete the survey by calling 0300 500 80 80 ur er o to t n E aw e dr priz N I W ws utla ts O ts Not h ticke c mat Family Life 32 LIFE’S AN ADVENTURE Family Fun this Summer! From our Family Fun Park to the NEW Wakeboard and Water Park, we have everything you need for the perfect day out: 25% OFF WAKEBOARDING AND WATER PARK ACTIVITIES! Subject to availability. Valid until 30th September 2015 at Holme Pierrepont Country Park. Redeem this voucher at the Wakeboard and Water Park Reception. Terms & Conditions apply. ✃ Family Life 2015 • Sky Trail High Ropes • Segways • Mini Golf • ECombat Laser Tag • Wakeboarding • Canoeing & Kayaking • Country Park and Water Park Cafés Visit www.nwscnotts.com to find out more. Holme Pierrepont Country Park Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham NG12 2LU Advertisement A PART OF