Page 34 - link magazine

34 swindonlink.com • December 2008
Schools get taste for healthy lifestyle

Not content to be one of the fi rst eco-schools in Swindon, youngsters at Peatmoor Primary learned about the importance of choosing the right
foods and taking enough exercise during a week of Healthy School activities in November
Owner of Bombay Lounge, Hanif Group worked with small groups to There were visits from Swindon make choices for themselves and
Robani spoke at an assembly about prepare simple meals. Greendown Council Walk to School offi cer Jane explain that if they want to have a
the best foods to eat and members pupils also taught PE exercises to Deeley and Pat McDonald from happy, healthy life they need to eat
of the Greendown Nutrition Action raise the heart rate. Sainsbury’s who spoke to the whole well,” said event coordinator, Paul
school about the variety of food Watermeyer. “I was impressed by
Lunch box inspiration for Millbrook available. A Ready Steady Cook ses- the Greendown pupils confi dence.
Parents and pupils were inspired to be more creative with packed sion organised by Swindon College “There’s nothing better than chil-
lunches at a workshop run by Pat McDonald from Sainsbury’s in late was well attended by parents and dren teaching children. They had
October. pupils and provided ideas on how the full attention of the Peatmoor
She presented alternatives to sandwiches which the youngsters to prepare quick meals. pupils and the Greendown students
sampled, and suggested that older children should get involved with “We try to educate children to were learning as well.”
preparing their lunch boxes. Greendown mentors Carly Bonner and Jake Savin with Peatmoor young cooks
Pin wheels made from pitta bread, hummous and grated carrot were
a favourite said healthy schools coordinator Eileen Pringle. “The large
prunes were a surprise hit too, though the children were a bit apprehensive
at the look of them at fi rst. The fact that the children got to help prepare
the food themselves made it all much more appealing.”
Pat McDonald and Eileen Pringle with parents and pupils at Millbrook

Lottery helps cafe bring in lone parents
Single parents have the chance to develop catering, hygiene and customer
care skills, thanks to an Awards for All lottery grant to West Swindon
community cafes at Toothill and Freshbrook community centres.
The 12 month pilot funding will the lottery liked our application;
cover childcare costs so that lone it shows that small groups can be
L u c y parents can volunteer their time successful.”
Organisers Carol Gibbons and Tina
for a few hours a week.
The cafes are entirely volunteer Mackie with single mum volunteer Indea
P e t Ca r e r run and have become a popular Woolhouse
D o g c r e c h e & destination for parents, older
people and workers in the area
p u p p y n u r s e r y because of the keen prices and so-
Free range dog care ciable atmosphere. “Mums on their
own looking after young children
7 days a week can quickly become isolated and
helping on a project like this can
Offering doggie day creche, cat feeding, rabbit and give them a lot confi dence,” said
small animal hotel, puppy Playskool & socialisation classes joint volunteer coordinator Carol
Dog bathing, home visits, holiday cover Gibbons. “We’re really pleased
New Doggy Hotel - now taking Christmas bookings
Christmas lunch for only £5 on Monday 22 December
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t Lu c y on 0 1 7 9 3 3 3 0 0 6 7 or 0 7 9 7 7 0 9 9 0 5 8 Fruit punch, turkey dinner, Xmas pudding and coffee
www.lucypetcarer.co.uk Limited places. Call Tina Mackie on 617871 to book.

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