Families Solent East Issue 43 November - December 2012

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Issue 43 | November/December 2012 www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

Solent East

The Christmas issue Jam-packed with gift ideas, competitions and reader offers! Plus, local news, events & education advice.

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The ultimate girlie gift shop...

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sales@eberhardtsigns.com

Tel: 023 9282 4624 Fax: 023 9281 8746

Job Ref. Daisy Chain Gift Shop Job No. Q9697 Drawing No. 9697-04-00 Drawn by.

Date. 28 - 6 - 12 Scale.

N.T.S.

Please sign and date for approval.

Copyright remains with: Eberhardt Signs Ltd

sales@eberhardtsigns.com

Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 Prospect Road, Portsmouth PO1 4QY

Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tel: 023 9282 4624 Fax: 023 9281 8746

Job Ref. Daisy Chain Gift Shop Job No. Q9697 Drawing No. 9697-04-00 Drawn by.

Date. 28 - 6 - 12 Scale.

N.T.S.

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sales@eberhardtsigns.com

Tel: 023 9282 4624 Fax: 023 9281 8746

Job Ref. Shop Copyright remains with: Job Ref. Daisy Chain Gift ShopDaisy Chain GiftCopyright sales@eberhardtsigns.com remains with: Job No. Q9697 Eberhardt Signs Ltd Job Q9697 Tel:No. 023 9282 4624 Drawing No. 9697-04-00 Eberhardt2 Prospect SignsRoad, Ltd Drawn by.

Date. 28 - 6 - 12 Portsmouth PO1 4QY Fax: 023 8746 Scale.

Drawing No.9281 9697-04-00 N.T.S. 2 Prospect Road, Drawn by.

Date. 28 - 6 - 12

Scale.

N.T.S.

18 Marmion Rd Southsea PO5 2BA 023 9286 4636 Item 3:

sales@eberhardtsigns.com

Tel: 023 9282 4624 Fax: 023 9281 8746

Job Ref. Daisy Chain Gift Shop Job No. Q9697 Drawing No. 9697-04-00 Drawn by.

Date. 28 - 6 - 12 Scale.

N.T.S.

sales@eberhardtsigns.com

Tel: 023 9282 4624

Copyright remains with: Eberhardt Signs Ltd 2 Prospect Road, Portsmouth PO1 4QY

Job Ref. Daisy Chain Gift Shop Job No. Q9697 Drawing No. 9697-04-00 Drawn by.

Date. 28 - 6 - 12

Copyright remains with: Eberhardt Signs Ltd 2 Prospect Road, Portsmouth PO1 4QY

Item 3:

Please sign and date for approval.

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Please sign and date for approval.

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Portsmouth PO1 4QY

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Families Welcome

Welcome ‘Tis the season…

No sooner were the kids back into the swing of school than the shops were sneaking seasonal goodies onto their shelves! With Christmas now just around the corner, we have loads of gift ideas as well as looking at how we can make this Christmas a little greener.

But it’s not all about Christmas – we’ve got our usual local news, events and educational features as well as advice on how to keep the kids calm – though perhaps a losing battle at this time of year!

I hope you have enjoyed Families this year – I wish you all a peaceful holiday period and a healthy and happy start to 2013. Also, a very big thank you to all our advertisers, distributors and creative contributors who continue to help make it happen.

We couldn’t do it without you!

contents

Local news for you and your

family

6 Gift Guide

Matt Maber

Bringing you unique Christmas

gift ideas - including brand

new products to the market.

Mandy Earle - Editor

4 Local news

8 Go Green Tips for a greener Christmas

from Friends Of the Earth &

homemade decorations from

Southsea Greenhouse

10 Education pages

Help them learn their times Cover image: Heidi Vision Photography. www.visionphotostudio.com 02392 620140

Next issue: January/February 2013 Editor: Mandy Earle - 02392 362737

tables and find out how to

support a left handed child.

12 Calm Kids

From mindful breathing to

massage - advice on how to

help them keep their cool.

editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk Advertising Sales: Nicky Cowper - 02392 422410 sales@familiessolenteast.co.uk

Editorial & booking deadline 30th November 2012 Copyright: Families Solent East 2012.

Data Protection: If you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition offering prizes in Families Solent East, we may supply your details to the company offering the samples or prizes. If you would prefer us NOT to do so, please state this clearly on your entry.

Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners’ own risk and, whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent East nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Families Group: Families Solent East is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All magazines in the Group are independently owned and operated under licence.

14 What’s On

All the best family events this

November and December

18 Competitions &

reader offers!

Don’t miss our new coupons

area plus 4 great competitions.

RECRUITING NOW

I am looking for 5 working partners to work part time from home without compromising current work or family commitments. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment, self-employed background & you wish to achieve an extraordinary lifestyle call me NOW. For more information & an informal chat call

Hesione Waugh on 01329 232 084 or 07794127732.

Start small, build big - Join our team now & see your life develop!

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

Call us now to be included in our New Year health issue!

02392 362737 Booking deadline 30th November

Solent East

Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Waterlooville, Havant, Hayling Island, Chichester, Petersfield, the Isle of Wight & all the places in between.

November/December 2012 Families Solent East 3

Families Local

News Registered charity:1093411

Wear a hat in aid of Brain Tumour Research!

Wear a Hat Day - Thursday 28th March ‘13 March is a long way off yet, but why not get planning a ‘Wear a Hat Day’ at your school or work place now?

Join the fun on March 28th and help fund the fight against brain tumours - ‘Wear a Hat Day’ is a fun way of increasing awareness and getting people raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer. It’s a day every year that Brain Tumour Research encourage people to make donations in order to wear a hat to school, at work, at social events or even at home to raise awareness and funds for vital research into brain tumours.

It isn’t the only way we could help - from sponsored silences to charity runs and school bake sales, educational facilities around the country are being encouraged to raise money in any way they can. Sue Farrington-Smith, Director of Brain Tumour Research, comments: “Brain tumour research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK yet this deadly disease kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer so please get involved on March 28th 2013”.

Register your interest by emailing

sarah@braintumourresearch.org

4 Families Solent East November/December 2012

WEAR A HAT DAY Thursday 28 th March

2013

REGISTER NOW | Tel: 01296 733011

www.braintumourresearch.org

Knowle Community Hall Many of you may never have ventured into Knowle Village near Fareham so you aren’t aware of what you are missing. Set around the old Knowle Hospital, it is a small community with fabulous facilities.

Sweeping into the village you are greeted by a cricket and football fields which are used by their successful teams. These front the community hall which was built last year and is home to a number of clubs and societies. Within the building, the 20m x 10m sports hall is the perfect space for parties and events with an added benefit of having a full alcohol and entertainment licence. The community hall also accommodates a smaller meeting room, full catering kitchen, toilets including disabled and baby facilities, changing rooms with showers and 30 car parking spaces. They are also able to supply s s projection equipment and a 12m x 6m commercial marquee. i m ’t Their committed social team hold amazing events throughout Don ristmas door h t C u the year including quiz nights and bingo evenings with the o e th with ink! upcoming Christmas Spectacular weekend featuring an d n r r e ke outdoor skating rink!

Wee skating th Decemb 9 re Hall hire rates for parties are just £20 per hour including – Sun 19 for mo h t 7 i e tables/chairs and use of kitchen so go along and visit them Fr g pa ils) (see for your next party. For further information please contact the deta centre manager on 07552 141118.

Some of the facilities at Knowle Community Hall

Portsmouth’s Victorian Festival of Christmas Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Friday 30th Nov – Sunday 2nd Dec

All Aboard The Boat Deck

Image by Matt Maber

Become transported into a Dickensian-style bygone era of real snowy white streets with seasonal carols, the raucous Fagin’s Tavern and Father Christmas with his trusty reindeer. Welcomed back this year are Hampshire Fare Trades and The Boutique Market with their quality local produce and unique gifts. A weekend not to be missed! www.christmasfestival.co.uk 02392 839766

Right now there is no better time to be British, with national pride sweeping the lands. The Boat Deck, a newly opened restaurant on Southsea’s stunning South Parade Pier, celebrates one of this country’s most treasured culinary couples - fish and chips.

At this modern fish and chip shop sustainably sourced food is their passion. Fresh ingredients from local sources prepared on the premises with minimal food miles at a fair price.

Customers can savour picture-perfect sea views like you see on a postcard, knowing that they’re dining on good oldfashioned comfort food crafted with care.

The menu takes the best of the old – twice-cooked chips, crisp battered fresh fish, calamari, scampi, and, of course, The Boat Deck’s own mushy peas. Lemon sole goujons dipped in tangy homemade tartar sauce, sweet potato chips with summery salads, and carrot, cumin and chickpea burgers offer a taste of something new. For the health conscious there are even gluten free batters and grilled options plus cholesterol free oil for frying.

Classic board games like Guess Who and Battleships for kids, live music nights for adults and even blankets and Eco-Friendly boxes for the ideal picnic are a few of the ‘little things’ that count here. So whether you’re a family enjoying a wholesome meal gathered round the long table with views over the sea, or a group of friends savouring a take away down by the shore, The Boat Deck has it covered.

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

November/December 2012 Families Solent East 5

Lorraine Morgan Photography - portraits and weddings - 023 9269 6633

Families xxxxxxx

Take them for a Christmas treat they won’t forget!

Christmas gift ideas...

Poppin Hoppies University Games bring this retro game of crazy popping madness where the characters randomly spring into the air for children to try and catch. Your own Hoppie figure is made up of coloured puzzle parts and players must catch the corresponding Poppin Hoppies to collect the pieces. The winner is the first player to catch enough Poppin Hoppies to complete their puzzle figure. Stockists include Amazon and Argos. age 4+ RRP £16.99

With a range of over 30 bears – from classic teddies to dogs, rabbits and Hello Kitty ranging in price from £9 to £20, the Builda-Bear workshop experience is one that will stick with your child forever. After choosing their empty bear, your child moves onto the stuffing machine where they pick a small fabric heart which they are asked to rub on their arm and head to give strength and brains, before kissing it and making a wish.

After you child has given his new bear a bath and brushed its fur he moves to the dressing area where it can be adorned in a huge range of outfits, from dresses to superhero costumes (at extra cost). They go on to create a birth certificate for their new friend before receiving a cardboard house to carry him in. The workshop also runs a safe interactive website bearville.com and free apps where your child can play games

Phone accessories & repairs The Fone Shop is a specialist repair business based on Kingswell Path in Cascades Shopping Centre, offering quality repairs for any type of phone - from smashed screens to water damage - that come with a satisfaction guarantee and three month warranty. Repairs are done quickly and efficiently, many within two hours, so you don’t have to be without your phone for long. They also offer repairs online with free next day return P&P, a selection of 2nd hand mobiles, unlocking service and a range of accessories including glam cases to put some bling in their Christmas stocking! See the voucher on page 18 for 10% discount online or in store. www.foneshopuk.com or call 02392 179225

and go on quests with their online character. I had thought this would be just another bear to go on my son’s already full bed, but ‘Roary’ now sits at the dinner table with us and comes everywhere we go.

The company says their mission is to bring the bear to life, and that really is what they do.

To find out more about the workshop or for information on children’s parties, call 023 8063 1334 West Quay Shopping Centre, Southampton

Family photo-shoot!

Take the whole family along for a photo-shoot – everyone will have a great time in this relaxed, informal environment, then you can go on to use the prints as lovely personal Christmas presents – a firm favourite with Grandparents! We have got together with Vision Photography of Portsmouth to bring Families Magazine readers a unique offer of 40% off of all photo prints! See page 18 for this special voucher.

Union Jack Mini Micro scooter

This limited edition patriotic Mini Micro scooter, decked out in red, white and blue, has 3 wheels, making it easier for kids from 3-6 to balance as they 'surf' the pavements. Its low centre of gravity makes it a very stable scooter to use.

Developed with the help of medical experts, the mini micro has a plastic base and a T-bar steering column that's easy for small hands to grasp. Includes a matching free Union Jack bag useful for carrying a packed lunch or books and pencils! RRP £59.95

Mini Micro Seat!

A twist on the Micro Scooter’s original Mini – an innovative and sturdy seat that clips on to a Mini Micro scooter allowing really young children to surf the kitchen floor. As a child grows and becomes steadier on their feet, the seat can be removed from the stem to create their first little scooter. Micro Scooters UK will be selling the seat and stem separately. This means an existing Mini Micro already outgrown by an older child can be turned into a Mini Micro Seat. RRP £29.95 for seat and stem.

6 Families Solent East November/December 2012

Mega Marble Run

Galt Toys has launched Mega Marble Run, a 100 piece construction set with paddle wheels, whirlpools, wiggly raceways and 180 degree turns. With the colourful slot-together plastic pieces, children will be able to create simple runs, or complex structures, to watch the 20 marbles whiz down the tubes and around the vortexes. Children can experiment with different configurations and it is great for group activity, teaching children team work and communication as they create their own marble rollercoaster. Perfect for cognitive development. RRP £29.99

m 3:

Families xxxxxxx The Roll up Chalk Matt Surrey mum of two, Lesley Hill, hopes that her new product will help take the headache out of travelling and eating out with young children. The Roll-Up Chalk Mat is a blackboard on one side, a wipe-clean placemat on the other and it rolls up to tuck into your bag neatly, ready to take everywhere.

This clever new product for the UK is the design of Lesley and her friend Louise who have teamed up to form Les & Lou. Lesley is no stranger to business, having been a partner at a Big 4 firm in London before becoming a full-time Mum, but she admits that it’s completely different taking an idea from scratch and getting it off the ground.

“It’s so exciting though, and the reward will be seeing other parents and their children getting enjoyment out of our product” sums up Lesley. There’s a special introductory offer of a chalk mat, plus chalk and free delivery for just £9.99 – perfect for Christmas! See www.lesandlou.co.uk

Beautiful Baby & Toddler Wear!

Monkey & Bob are a family-run company based in the Chilterns with the simple aim of creating fun, good quality, hard-wearing clothes for children up to 5 years old: clothes that can be worn time and again, offering value for money whilst achieving a price that is fair for everyone, from producers to purchasers alike. The clothes are produced using top quality organic cotton – beautifully soft on young, delicate skin. They currently have two collections on the go: the Farmyard Collection and the Galapagos Collection. Emphasis is on comfort, practicality and adorability - allowing maximum freedom of movement, no tight waistbands, itchy seams or high collars to distract from the important business of play!

All the winter clothes have brushed cotton on the inside which makes them feel even softer and their whole range is easy to wash at 30°C or 40°C in the washing machine. We love them and think you will too! www.monkeyandbob.co.uk

The Daisy Chain Gift Shop Southsea welcomes The Daisy Chain Gift Shop, a beautiful and newly established family business on Marmion Road.

sales@eberhardtsigns.com

Tel: 023 9282 4624 Fax: 023 9281 8746

Job Ref. Daisy Chain Gift Shop Job No. Q9697 Drawing No. 9697-04-00 Drawn by.

Date. 28 - 6 - 12 Scale.

N.T.S.

Copyright remains with: Eberhardt Signs Ltd 2 Prospect Road,

Portsmouth PO1 4QY

Please sign and date for approval.

Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“The ultimate girlie gift shop” stocks an eclectic range of unusual, beautifully made gifts and home ware everything a girl could want from twinkly fairy lights and vintage style floral gifts to cushions and embroidered quilts. They aim to source their stock in Britain wherever possible but also have a

lovely range of shabby chic cabinets ethically produced

by Indian craftsmen.

Just in time for Christmas, they will have a new range of irresistible girlie gifts from Lisbeth Dahl, a new Danish designer and a gorgeous range of Bomb Cosmetics bath blasters and creamers which are handmade in Dorset using natural ingredients. They look good enough to eat, smell amazing and make excellent stocking fillers, “Secret Santa” gifts for the office or party bag fillers for birthdays! They will

New shop !

be continuously adding to their product lines - so make sure you pop in regularly and don’t forget to use your £5 Families Magazine coupon on page 18!

A very Merry Christmas from The Daisy Chain Gift Shop Team!

Funky Giraffe bibs came to life when designer Yasmin became a mother. Unimpressed with the bibs on offer she created her own style of bib that was fashionable, practical, affordable and comfortable.

Funky Giraffe bibs fit so neatly that baby will think they are part of the outfit. See the range at www.funkygiraffebibs.co.uk

NEW FOR CHRISTMAS 2012!

The amazing Roll-Up Chalk Mat

Unlimited fun, unlimited creativity!

Naturally soft Organic Cotton

Clothes full of Character for Tots & Toddlers full of Fun! Comfortable a Practical a Adorable www.monkeyandbob.co.uk

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

The perfect Christmas present for a busy boy or girl from 3-7 years old, the Roll-Up Chalk Mat is a blackboard on one side, a wipe-clean placemat on the other and it rolls up so you can take it everywhere!

Great for restaurants, trains, holidays and home!

Available in pink or blue.

Special offer of £9.99 includes free chalk & delivery!

Designed by two mums in England

Buy yours now on www.lesandlou.co.uk

November/December 2012 Families Solent East 7

Families Christmas Make your child’s Christmas with a Letter from Santa Make this Christmas a truly memorable one by sending a child you know a magical Letter from Santa. For a suggested donation of £5 to the NSPCC, your child will receive a fun, colourful and personalised letter from the man himself – the perfect gift.

There are five magical styles of NSPCC Letter from Santa for children of all ages, making them the ideal gift for families with more than one child as each child can receive a truly unique letter. Santa can even write a special letter to celebrate Baby’s First Christmas – a keepsake to treasure for years to come.

Each letter is uniquely personalised with the child’s name, age, address, gender and best friend’s name, and there’s also the chance to include a final ‘P.S.’ thought from Santa when you order online. The letters are beautifully illustrated and arrive via reindeer mail to make the experience truly unforgettable.

Every £5 raised by Letter from Santa will help ChildLine be there whenever a child seeks help either online or by phone.

The reindeer mailroom will be open until 17 December 2012, and all those who request a Letter from Santa this year will be entered into a free prize draw to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Lapland for a family of four. Find them online at www.nspcc. org.uk/santa or call 0845 839 9304 to place your order.

If you have concerns about a child or young person, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, text 88858 or visit www.nspcc.org.uk. Children and young people can contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 or visit www. childline.org.uk.

Five top tips for a Green campaigning charity Friends of the Earth has put together five top tips to help people save the planet and some cash this Christmas without losing out on any yuletide fun.

Paperless Christmas Abandon wrapping paper – it’s expensive, can be hard to recycle and is a huge 10,000-ton burden in landfill every year. Instead wrap presents in fabric, newspapers, old wallpaper, posters or recycled wrapping paper. Tying gifts up with string or ribbon instead of tape can create something truly special for your friends and family, and allow them to re-use the wrapping again.

Gift buying with a charitable twist Two online shops have teamed up with Friends of the Earth to ensure you can donate vital funds to their campaigning work to keep the planet safe and healthy at the same time as getting some great gift inspiration. Check out The Natural Collection for beautiful and eco-friendly fashion, beauty and home gifts. Friends of the Earth will receive a donation of 10% of your order. For book worms, The Book Depository donates 5% to Friends of the Earth.

A tree is for life not just for Christmas Did you know you can rent a real Christmas tree rather than buy one?

8 Families Solent East November/December 2012

I’ve always thought that one of the most charming, warming things at Christmas is spotting a twinkling, glittery creation lovingly created within the home, hung pride of place on the family tree.

In this extra special Southsea Greenhouse craft section I’ll show you how to create lovely, light-catching baubles for all your family. Start by eating some puddings or treats and saving the containers. Recycling doesn’t get easier than this!

You’ll need at least one yogurt or pudding pot or lid, I’ve used clear cheesecake pots so that those pretty Christmas fairy lights can shine through. You’ll also need some thin thread, wire or ribbon to hang your bauble from, some cheap acrylic paints, glitter and white craft glue like PVA or similar.

Those things and 3 simple tools will see you on your way to a pretty, charming Christmas.

Those tools are: Scissors, a pin, needle or craft knife and a paintbrush.

1. Paint a seasonal picture on the bottom (outside) of your pot or

lid and if you fancy, snowdrops or snowflakes around the outside look good too.

2. When your painting is dry, apply glue wherever you’d like glitter on your bauble. Sprinkle glitter onto the glue and shake off excess.

3. When the glue is dry, use a pin to poke two tiny holes in the top centre of your pot to thread your wire or string through. Tie this in a knot.

4. Make sure you hang your creation in a window or on your tree for all to see.

If you find yourself stuck for design ideas, try looking at Xmas cards for inspiration or copy one of mine, make sure you have lots of fun and a very Merry Christmas.

By Kendal James, a volunteer from Southsea Greenhouse.

Call 07530 913211 for workshop information, volunteer opportunities or Veg box orders.

If you fancy getting arty and want some more ideas check out our family Winter Workshops at the Pyramids.

southseagreenhouse.co.uk

greener Christmas!

Plenty of businesses now offer this service and after Christmas collect the tree and return it to the ground. Try www.thelittletreecompany.com

Keep it going Consider buying rechargeable batteries and a charger to go with any electrical gifts – these purse-friendly add-ons are up to 32 times greener than normal batteries. Prioritise gifts that don’t need batteries or use solar or wind-up power, such as wind-up portable radios perfect for next year’s festival season!

Two’s company, three’s a party Save money on petrol by sharing lifts with friends when you brave the shops. Transport is the third largest source of UK greenhouse gases and accounts for over 20% of our total emissions. For car sharing with friends you’ve yet to meet, try www.gocarshare.com.

Little changes to reduce your impact on the environment over the festive season can make all the difference to the planet – and your purse. For a daily green living tip sent to your inbox visit www.foe.co.uk

Dad’s Corner with Darren Corps

Christmas begins with an Argos catalogue…

Make something special!

66 Castle Road, Southsea PO5 3AZ Tel: (023) 92 825010

www.artypotz.com

Christmas has officially started in our house because we’ve got the latest Argos catalogue.

The toys section is already bookmarked with a post it note; the epic list of presents wanted will soon appear and the excitement is already building. Skylanders and the ever present Lego seem to be the items of choice this year.

Normally the eldest doesn’t like handwriting – “it’s boring,” he says. Funnily enough, he doesn’t seem to have a problem when it comes to writing his Christmas list!

It’s the time of year when we start to think about how we might do things differently.

But in the end usually go to a family member’s house as it’s the traditional thing to do. For us Christmas day will either be a full throttle experience with lots of noise and children charging around or a quiet affair where a strict protocol is assumed.

(we’d had our Christmas dinner earlier in the day). “Where is the buffet we were promised?” he sulked.

It’s also the time of year when parents are invited to the school Nativity play (or variations on it). Parents queue around the block with their tickets in anticipation of a front row seat. Cameras, mobiles and video cameras whirl and click.

Last year I implored the teacher to give the eldest a part with lines. “Let’s take him to the next level”, I boldly stated, coming across as a pushy parent. I think I was secretly trying to move him on from the time when he seemed to enact his own mini-play within the actual play - as a shepherd (and oblivious to the audience), he proceeded to check to see if there really was a present in the glittery box presented to the baby Jesus by one of The Three Kings.

Christmas can be a magical time for children and families – it’s heart-warming that mine still send Father Christmas a presents list. However, this could be the last year as the validity of Father Christmas is suddenly being called into question. Personally, I’m hoping for the presents to be bought and wrapped early so that the family has a chance to relax: maybe go for a walk in the woods on Christmas Eve or take in a show (or both). The eldest is hoping for Spyro’s Adventure Starter Pack on Wii. It’s a win-win really!

At my sisters I have experienced a kitchen fire and associated fire brigade, ‘strangers’ appear to have been invited into the house and the traditional afternoon dinner has appeared late in the evening. On this occasion Darren Corps lives in when my eldest keenly sat to Waterlooville, is the father the tableavaliable with the adults he at was Southsea based designers Gamble hats online of two boys & Marketing Southsea based designers Gamble&&Gunn Gunnnow nowhave havetheir their hats avaliable online at www.mhmshop.com www.mhmshop.com gobsmacked to see the arrival Manager at The their Spring Arts thethe design duo create hats forformen hat patterns and blocks then introduce design duo create hats men&&women womenusing usingheritage heritage hat patterns and blocks then introduce their of yet more roast potatoes & Heritage Centre, Havant.

unique style which is,is, eclectic & &quintessentially special... unique style which eclectic quintessentiallyBritish.

British.An Anideal idealChristmas Christmas present present for someone special...

www.mhmshop.com www.mhmshop.com Southsea based designers Gamble & Gunn now have their hats available online at www.mhmshop.com the design duo create hats for men & women using heritage hat patterns and blocks then introduce their unique style which is eclectic & quintessentially British. An ideal Christmas present for someone special.

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

November/December 2012 Families Solent East 9

Families Education

How to...

learn the times tables Learning the times tables is an important skill that is the foundation for all maths. With an extensive maths curriculum, and the latest stipulation being that children should master their tables up to 12 x 12 by the age of nine, teachers need parents help in getting children to learn the basic facts. Finding a pain-free method of learning times tables is not easy, but with these tips and techniques you could help make major progress.

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Explain the concept If your child understands that multiplication is repeated addition, they will have an easier time learning them. Using objects such as crayons, illustrate a simple times table such as 3 X 2. Make two groups of three crayons, then count the crayons. Continue until they understand that multiplication is just adding a series of numbers, 6 x 4 means 6 added together 4 times (6 + 6 + 6 + 6).

Create a number line from 0 to 100. Show them the pattern to working out each multiple, i.e. the three times table answers are every third number. End by encouraging them to write out the times tables on paper, using addition, up to 12.

Tricks of the trade Now they need to start learning the facts, rather than by counting. Learn the tricks of the trade first, e.g. any number times by 10 is the number with a zero on the end, e.g. 10 x 5 = 50.

They are all listed on www. mathsisfun.com/tables.html

Help them memorise

Need childcare?

Then let the Hampshire Childcare and Family Information Team help!

For information about childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools, playgroups, out-of-school clubs, holiday play schemes and free part time early years education in Hampshire, contact the Hampshire Childcare and Family Information Team on

0845 603 5620 Monday - Friday: 8.00am - 8.00pm Saturday: 9.30am - 4.00pm or visit

www.fid.hants.gov.uk

Email: childrens.services@hants.gov.uk

www.hants.gov.uk

10 Families Solent East November/December 2012

Your aim now is to recite memorized facts quickly and in any order. If your child is a visual learner, purchase or make flashcards. Write the problem, like 4 x 9, on the front, and the answer, 36, on the back. Buy or create a times table poster and display key facts.

Times tables raps & music CDs are great for an auditory learner. Chant the times tables as multiples 0, 5, 10, 15, etc. and also as sentences 1×5=5, 2×5=10, etc. Say difficult times tables in a funny voice, a squeak or a whisper. Use helpful rhymes to remember really tricky ones, e.g. 8 x 8 = 64 becomes “He ate and he ate and he sticks in the door, eight times eight is sixty-four”.

games will help instil the recollection of correct facts quickly. Multiplication Bingo, Hoo Ha!, Know Your Times Tables and Math Whiz are great board games.

There are a whole host of multiplication computer games – multiplication. com, Learn-timestables. com, themathsfactor.com, mathsisfun.com, mathsgames.org, and computer apps such as Squeebles, Ghost Blasters, Multiple Wipeout. Another idea is to print off worksheets from Multiplication.com or Enchanted Learning, math. about.com

Keep it fun Hallelujah! Your continued energy and enthusiasm is very important – go at their pace and always praise their efforts. Aim to reward your children with every bit of progress made; it doesn’t have to be material things, just a bit of fun together.

Take breaks often, relax, give lots of ‘high fives’, and real compliments.

And keep it up!

After memorising times tables, it can be all too easy to forget them! Don’t give up too soon. It can take six or seven weeks until the facts are truly automatic. Practice quick-fire drilling. There are numbers everywhere, so multiply the digits in number plates or in recipes. Print out a times table square and keep a record of the tables your child knows well, so you know which ones you need to focus on.

Games to reinforce facts

Whichever method you choose, there is never a truly pain-free answer because real fluency requires real practice over weeks and months.

That said, it is important for your child to have a secure knowledge of the times tables with instant recall - their future maths skills depend on it. So take the challenge, make it happen, and enjoy it!

After your child has a basic knowledge of the tables,

By Elisabeth Dolton

Families Education

Supporting your Left Handed Child 1 in 10 children are left handed, but many fail to get the support they need in the early years of their education. Experts say teachers aren’t given the proper training and schools don’t have the right resources. Sarah Butters is mum to a left handed daughter. She takes a look at some of the most common problems faced by left handers and some tips for helping them out.

Messy Handwriting

If you have a child who is left handed, chances are they haven’t been taught to write. Most are simply allowed to use their left hand. As the right handed parent of a left handed child I admit to having that same attitude. I now know that I was completely wrong.

Left handers push the pen across the page, whereas their right handed friends will pull. This can lead to smudging and untidy work which in turn leads to anxiety on the part of the child. At an early stage a left handed child should be encouraged to master the correct handwriting position and paper placement to avoid problems as the writing assignments increase.

The paper should be rotated to 45 degrees with the hand and wrist below the writing.

Any pen needs to be held in a strong 3 point grip. In Early Years this can be supported with a triangular bodied pencil or a moulded grip around a regular pencil.

If your child can get into good habits from the start of their school life, they will avoid problems when they graduate to a fountain pen and longer writing assignments.

Hook Grip

Some left handers use a hooked grip to avoid the problem of smudging, and angle the pen in the same way a right hander would. This causes more problems than it solves.

The hook grip becomes more uncomfortable the more you write. It leads to an over tight grip and aching hands which in turn lead to messy handwriting.

The wrist should always be below the writing line. If your child is developing a hook grip, consider introducing a sloped surface to resolve the problem.

Elbow Collision

At some point your child will have to share a desk and if they’re left handed this can be a problem.

“I always end up banging elbows” explains my 9 year old daughter. “That makes my writing messy.”

You child should always be placed at the left hand side of a shared desk or next to another left hander. This gives them plenty of space to get their paper positioned correctly and avoid knocking elbows with a right handed neighbour.

Lack of understanding

White Boards

White boards and chalk boards are a great learning tool in the modern classroom - pupils can get rid of mistakes easily without using endless pieces of paper.

However, if you’re left handed you can end up erasing as you write. Good grip and placement of the board gives left handers half a chance. However if your child isn’t completing white board work quickly or neatly enough, it may not be their fault.

Mirror writing

I remember being hugely concerned when I discovered that my daughter had completed a Reception assignment using mirror writing. She had begun her words on the right hand side of the page and written from right to left. It’s common in left handed children and when you think about it, it makes sense. If they are sat next to a right hander, they are simply mirroring their work. Encourage them to start on the left hand side of the page by placing a coloured star in the margin as a reminder.

As a right hander, I never appreciated the challenges faced by my daughter. Until she mastered left handed writing, she was labeled untidy in her written work and lost enthusiasm for putting pen to paper.

It wasn’t until I began researching this piece that I realise how much of her attitude is linked to the hand she writes with. The bad news is she’s had a more challenging time than her right handed pals. The good news is she’s in good company. Barack Obama, Leonardo Da Vinci and Bill Gates are all lefties. Now that’s not a bad club to be in!

“Despite decades of campaigning and a string of promises from government ministers and teacher training authorities, there is still virtually no guidance provided to teachers on helping left-handed children and no process for identifying left-handers in schools.‘‘

Computers

Most ICT rooms are set up with the computer mice on the right hand side of the keyboard. This gives left handed children an automatic disadvantage because they either need to move the mouse or attempt to use their right hand.

Don’t presume the teacher knows your child is left handed. Be sure to let all the staff involved with your child know they’re a left hander and will need a different workstation set up.

The ‘right’ equipment

Many left handed children learn the basics with the wrong equipment. Give a left handed child some right handed scissors and they’ll find the blade is upside down and so they can’t see the line they are cutting. It means the child has less control and thinks of themselves as messy. This can be a real problem in the Early Years.

Check your school has left handed scissors to offer your child. Ambidextrous scissors don’t exist – trust me! As they progress to writing, shiny barreled pens are to be avoided. Make sure whatever pen you choose has a good grip so it’s easy to hold even when hands get hot and tired. Left handed fountain pens are available from www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk. They’re worth the investment for older children as they have an angled nib.

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

You can make a difference

Keith Milsom campaigns for better support of left handed children in our schools and offers some advice about what to expect from your child’s school.

Make sure you talk to your child’s teacher to make sure they know that he/she is left-handed and may need assistance and advice. Ask your child’s teacher to talk YOU through the support they’re going to give so you can be sure they really understand.

If you’re concerned, refer them to the teacher guidance sheets available from www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk. The school should have left-handed scissors available and pens that will help lefthanders write in the correct style.

If children are left to their own devices it is very unlikely they will find writing and cutting out easy. Apart from the practical difficulties this can mean they are working more slowly than the rest of the class and lose confidence - especially if the teacher tells them off for “not doing it right”.

Lefthanders can end up underperforming at school and having difficulty with written exams as a result of a lack of informed guidance at an early stage. It’s important parents keep the pressure on schools to support their left handed children.

November/December 2012 Families Solent East 11

Calm kids

Helping children relax Butterfly brain Studies are now showing that more time with technology is lowering attention spans. The American psychiatry professor Dr Gary Small (author of iBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind) claims that there is an actual brain gap between generations – those who have been born into technology and those who have come to learn it as adults (like me, for example, who relies on my fiveyear-old to work the DVD). The tendency for the technologically savvy is to skim and flit rather than focus on one thing at a time.

Nevertheless, it is not all bad news.

Neuroscientists have also discovered that our brains continue to develop throughout life, growing new brain cells and laying down new neural pathways the more we mentally exercise. Studies of meditators consistently show that it is possible to train the brain into a peaceful and relaxed default setting.

Mindfulness All this science can be found in the book ‘10 Mindful Minutes’ by the Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn, who set up the Hawn Foundation to promote children’s mental and emotional health. Using the latest scientific research, the foundation has created the MindUP programme for social and emotional learning, which is used internationally and is currently being piloted in selected UK primary schools.

There are a whole range of exercises in the book to help children relax, but the core principle is the practice of mindfulness (as opposed to mindlessness); being able to sit and quietly watch the breath whilst being aware of thoughts but not judging them.

Simply letting everything be as it is.

Ants in their pants During her decade as a children’s entertainer in the 1990s, Marneta Viegas noticed a steady decrease in children’s ability to sit still and focus. It must be due, she says, to the ever increasing pace of modern life: “We now have electromagnetic radiation and phone masts, chemicals in junk food, stressed parents working hectic jobs and the physical onslaught of electronic and noise pollution. Our world is becoming ever more unnatural and toxic.” Having meditated with her mother since childhood, Marneta decided that this

While many of us may remember childhoods playing out in the woods, garden or the street, children today grow up in a very different world. The choice of digital entertainment on offer is dizzying: TV, Internet, console games, iPods and iPads. As magical as modern technology is, you cannot help but wonder what it is doing to young brains.

was what hyperactive children needed. “I honestly believe relaxation and meditation, done well and consistently, can sort out a myriad issues.”

When Marneta started her company Relax Kids in 2002, meditations for children were eyed with some suspicion. So she decided to base her meditations on fairy stories – and it worked. To date Marneta has trained nearly 800 Relax Kids teachers in her seven step system that gets children moving, dancing and stretching before deep breathing and lying down for a short inner journey using visualisation. “When one teacher of high spectrum autistic children in Glasgow began using our techniques, the children could barely manage a minute of lying down,” Marneta adds. “But the teacher persisted and now they go a whole twenty minutes!”

Down to earth Lorraine Murray, author of Calm Kids: Help Children Relax with Mindful Activities, has noticed that children diagnosed with ADHD tend to be ‘ungrounded’: not so present in their bodies yet overactive in their minds, sometimes to the point of being in a world of their own. She recommends grounding activities like gardening and running in nature, music with a deep steady drumbeat or imagining that they have roots sinking deep into the earth like a tree.

Whilst no mindfulness, meditation or relaxation teacher professes to have a cure-all for the enormous spectrum of children’s mental and emotional needs, the evidence is clear. These practices benefit everyone.

TRY THIS: Mindful breathing (adapted from 10 Mindful Minutes) In a quiet room with no distractions, ask your child to sit comfortably with their hands on their laps and close their eyes (or focus on a single object like a picture or window). In a soft voice, guide them to become aware of their breath. Ask them to put their hands on their bellies and feel how it rises and falls as they breathe, or how the air feels as it comes in and out of the nose. If they fidget (which is normal) or get distracted, gently remind them to bring their attention back to their breath.

Start small – just a minute or two at first, especially for younger children – and build up gradually to maybe five minutes a

12 Families Solent East November/December 2012

couple of times a day. Debrief afterwards.

Talk about how mindful breathing can help them at school or other situations.

TRY THIS: Try these exercises from Relax Kids (www. relaxkids.com) Start with something active, like the Butterfly Massage below. Then you can engage their imagination with the following relaxation scripts.

Butterfly massage Try these massage strokes on your child’s back or encourage siblings to massage each other. Imagine your thumbs are a caterpillar crawling up your child’s spine.

Slowly and gently walk your thumbs up to the neck and down again. Now, rub the back to warm it up. Finally practice some butterfly strokes: flutter your fingers all over the head, neck and back.

Melting chocolate “Imagine you are a piece of chocolate outside in the sunshine. You feel yourself melting slowly. Feel your whole body becoming relaxed and letting go as you melt and sink further into the floor.”

Relaxing on the beach

“Close your eyes, be still and imagine you are lying down on the beach. Feel the warm sand underneath your body. Listen to the waves of the sea. Now, very gently you are going to relax each part of your body. Start with your feet. Let your toes completely relax and become soft. Let this feeling spread gently through your feet.

Squeeze your legs and gently let them go. Feel all the tension in your legs being released as they become relaxed and soft.

Squeeze the muscles in your tummy and let go completely. Stretch your back as long as you can and relax. Can you feel your back sinking into the sand? Let your shoulders and neck become soft. Feel all the tension melt away. Squeeze your arms as tight as you can and let them go. Your arms feel heavy as they sink into the sand.

Squeeze your fingers into a tight fist, and now uncurl them slowly and rest them on the golden sand. Scrunch your face into a tiny ball and let go and relax. Let your head completely relax: relax your eyes, your ears, your cheeks, your forehead. Feel the warm sun on your face and body as you sink further into the powdery sand. Stay there for a few more moments, enjoying the feeling of being completely relaxed.

By Helena Foss

Get your Culture-all Passport now!

Featured attraction: Manor Farm Country Park A working farm of a bygone age set in a scenic landscape of farmland and ancient woodland on the banks of the River Hamble.

Enjoy a great day out this autumn and take part in some brilliant activities for children down at Manor Farm and Country Park. Take a lesson to remember in the Victorian schoolroom, help the farmer with his daily farmyard walk, watch the cows being milked, meet the animals or take a relaxing stroll in the Country Park.

Did you know?

Manor Farm and Country Park is the home of the BBC documentary Wartime Farm and if you visit the site and look around the farmyard and nearby fields you will be able to find some of the tractors and other pieces of machinery which were used in the programme..

Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas, Sat 24 & Sun 25 November, 2.30 – 3.30pm Have a chat with Father Christmas as he drops into the farmhouse for afternoon tea. Bring along your letter to Santa to post in the special farmhouse post box. Price: Normal Farm admission charge (children do not receive a gift). No need to book – just pop in!

12 months’ unlimited entry to some of Hampshire’s best attractions

What do our visitors say?

“Wonderful - loads of rare breeds & good to see where the war-time farm series is filmed, very good for school children.”

“This is an excellent place to go for an interesting and informative day out for the whole family. It gives a great insight into what farming was like in the Victorian days.”

Passpor

t

What’s coming up?

Victorian Humour Magic Lantern Shows, Sat 17 & Sun 18 November, Performances at 1pm, 2pm & 3pm Join us for a very special afternoon of Victorian family entertainment presented by Alan Brindle. Price: Included in normal Farm admission charge

For more information, news and special offers visit www.hampshireattractions.co.uk Become a fan: www.facebook.com/HampshireTopAttractions Follow Us: www.twitter.com/HantsTopDaysOut Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

only

£75 www.hants.gov.uk/passport www.hants.gov.uk November/December 2012 Families Solent East 13

Families What’s

On

What’s On Your guide to the best family events this November and December.

9 - 11 November Christmas food festival Gunwharf Quays From 10.00am

Now in its second year, sample and buy the best from the region with from jams and cakes to chutneys and chillies. There will also be offers and displays form a selection of Gunwharf Quays Restaurants and Bars, Central Square.

Although we aim to be as accurate as possible, the events listed in our What’s On section are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Some events may have a charge, so please contact venues in advance to check full details.

10 November Little Pickles Market Merchistoun Hall, Horndean Community Centre, 106 Portsmouth Road, Horndean, Waterlooville 10.30am-12pm

Until 19 November Aspex Gallery, Vulcan building, Gunwharf Quays.

023 9264 9000 Daily 11am – 4pm

A children’s Market with preloved tables for hire to sell your baby/children’s items. From prams to maternity clothes, clothes to toys, dvds to highchairs and much more. Entry £1 per adult Children Free and Entry Bags for the first 50 buyers!

Email kelly@littlepicklesmarkets. co.uk for more information or book a table now

An exciting free community exhibition will be opening celebrating the collective response to Lone Twin’s Cultural Olympiad project: Collective Spirit. the hand crafted yacht made out of donated wooden items brought forward by people from all over the South East (50 of which came from Portsmouth).

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My Big Little Sister The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant 023 9247 2700 11.30am Pied Piper Theatre Company present this fun piece of children’s theatre. Tom says he can’t understand his little sister Ruby.

She always wants to be someone else: a pop star, a model, a princess...Ruby says she just wants to be a grown-up, with no one telling her what to do…

Mum says be careful what you wish for....!

Tickets £7/ £4.50 www.thespring.co.uk

14 Families Solent East November/December 2012

10 November Scarf-u-like Run by Southsea Greenhouse at The Pyramids, Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth 2.00 - 4.00pm

A workshop to help you create a fancy scarf - but with Christmas just around the corner, you’ll have to decide whether to keep it yourself or wrap it up and pop it under the tree! For all knitters.

Materials and tools will be provided . Please contact Lisa 07803 345 708.

14 November Dazzle! Story Time Special Gosport Gallery. Walpole Road, Gosport. PO12 1NS 2 - 2.45pm

Stories, dressing up and arty activities, all linked to the Dazzle clothing and accessories’ exhibition. For children under 5 and their parents or carers.

FREE, no need to book, just come along.

15 November Boutique Market New Theatre Royal 20 - 24 Guildhall Walk 6pm – 10pm

The Boutique Market are pleased to announce that they will be working with The New Theatre Royal to present some fun vintage events combining entertainment and vintage markets. A chance to do a little evening shopping, discovering new talents with handmade, vintage, retro, clothes and home ware as well as unusual art and unique designs whilst absorbing the atmosphere of the beautiful Victorian playhouse. Free entry. To book a stall as a seller please email sales@boutiquemarket.co.uk, visit www.boutiquemarket.co.uk

15 November Fireworks & Fairylights Southsea Christmas Lights Palmerston Road pedestrian precinct Southsea 4pm – 6pm

Community event to celebrate the switching on of the Southsea Christmas lights.

The event will be held in the area and will include a stage, musical acts, entertainments, children’s rides and a stages lights switch on. There will also be a firework finale.

16 November Christmas Fair Beaulieu Motor Museum 10am to 2.30pm

The annual Christmas Fair, held to raise funds to help the work of the Countryside Education Trust, takes place at Palace House, Beaulieu. Just the place to buy Christmas presents and stocking fillers and gifts that are just that little bit different. There is a huge variety of stalls again this year including Festive Foods, Antiques, Jewellery, Handbags, Gifts for Garden & Home, Plants, Bottles, Cakes & Preserves. Entry to the CET Christmas Fair is £3 per person. Free car parking is available in Church Meadow, in front of the Abbey church.

17 November Paultons Park Christmas Wonderland

Visit Santa’s Christmas Wonderland this festive season and step into a magical world of fun and song. Adorable animated characters greet you at your every turn as you make your way through the enchanted snow scene. Don’t miss Rudolph and Donner the singing reindeer and see the elves working hard to finish all the gifts in time for Christmas Eve in Santa’s toy factory! At the end of the journey children meet Santa Claus and receive an exciting present. Plus experience Peppa Pig World at Christmas with twinkling illuminations, Christmas trees and more!

17 November Little Pickles Market Gosport HEDCA, Coombe road, Gosport, Hants, PO12 4JB 10am-11.30am

A family market with pre-loved tables for hire to sell baby/ children’s items. Prams, maternity items, clothes, shoes, toys, books, highchairs and much more. Come and see what bargains you can find! £1 entry per adult, children free and free goody bag for the first 50 buyers! For more information email leanne@littlepicklesmarkets. co.uk or book now

17 November Christmas lights switch on Gunwharf Quay

Join Gunwharf Quays for the annual Christmas light switch on.

Families What’s 17 November Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair St Thomas Anglican Cathedral Cathedral Green High Street, Old Portsmouth 11am -1.30pm.

Many Stalls, Santa’s Grotto, Refreshments. Entrance 50p Accompanied children free.

17 - 18 November Christmas Market Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, Chichester Inspired by the lives and times reflected at the Museum and are included in the usual admission price. Please call 01243 811348 or visit www.wealddown.co.uk

17 - 18 November A Victorian Christmas 2012 Osborne House, East Cowes

Experience the spirit of a Victorian Christmas. Enjoy traditional side show games and take a ride on an original Victorian carousel. Delight in jovial entertainers including the Singing Chimney Sweeps.

Meet Father Christmas and even Queen Victoria as you tour some of the festively dressed ground floor rooms of Osborne House

21 November Cosham Christmas Lights Switch on Cosham High Street Late afternoon to early evening community event to celebrate the switching on of the Cosham Christmas Lights. This is a free event for all.

22 Nov - 23 Dec Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market and Ice Rink Winchester City Centre recognised as one of the best in Europe, renowned for its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere.

Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance. Open every day, 10am-6pm from SunWed and 10am-7.30pm from Thu-Sat. Their open-air real ice rink can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. A team of trained ice stewards ensure a safe and well maintained rink.

Ice skating sessions last for 1 hour - Free skate hire is included in the ticket price. See www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk

22 November Commercial Road Christmas lights switch on

This year’s City Centre Christmas Lights Switch On is set to be as glittering as ever.

23 Nov - 31 Dec Christmas Craft Exhibition Aspex Gallery Vulcan Building Gunwharf Quays

Find something beautiful from a local artist or maker to give this Christmas.

23 - 25 November The Christmas Festival Stansted Park Rowlands Castle, PO9 6DX 023 9241 2265

Visit a real Upstairs-Downstairs house! The House and grounds will be bursting to the seams with local crafts, perfect presents and delicious food. Free parking, picnic area, arboretum, tea room and garden centre open daily. www.achristmasfestival.com

24 November Little Pickles Market Portsmouth The Mountbatten Centre, Alexandra Park, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 9QA 10am-11.30am

Our biggest market in Portsmouth area - with pre-loved tables for hire to sell baby/children’s items.

For more information tarryn@ littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk

24 November Get hooked on crochet Run by Southsea Greenhouse at The Pyramids, Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth 2.00 - 4.00pm

If you haven’t yet been able to crochet, this is where to start.

You will create a granny square.

And once you have one, you can make another......and another..... and eventually, you will have a blanket. A small, friendly workshop. Materials and tools will be provided - Please contact Lisa 07803 345 708.

24 November Lanterns Story Time Special Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport.

11am to 12 noon

Celebrate the Gosport Town Christmas Lights switch-on, come and make your own festive

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

On

boutique market FREE ADMISSION

Thurs 15th Nov Vintage at The New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth 6pm-10pm Sun 25th Nov Portsmouth Guildhall, huge indoor market 11am - 3pm Sat 1st Dec Little Johnny Russells Pub, coolest venue, Albert Road, Southsea,12pm-4.30pm Sun 2nd Dec Portsmouth Guildhall, huge indoor market 11am - 3pm Sat 15th Dec Vintage at The New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth 11am-4pm Sun 3rd Feb Portsmouth Guildhall, huge indoor market 11am - 3pm Come down to pick up bargain vintage clothing & retro goods for the home, handmade unusual desirables, exquisite jewellery, original art, pre-loved items plus a whole lot more all served up in a terrific atmosphere!

For all enquiries please email Abigail Pallant-Sidaway:

sales@boutiquemarket.co.uk www.boutiquemarket.co.uk www.facebook.com/southseaboutiquemarket

lanterns. Suitable for under 10s accompanied by an adult. FREE! No need to book, but places limited

24 November Gosport Cats Protection Christmas Fayre St Mary’s Parish Centre, Alverstoke, 1.30pm - 3.30pm Christmas goodies (including the ever popular catnip mice!), Cats Protection merchandise, crafts, raffle, books, bric a brac, cakes & refreshments, 20p entry

24 - 25 November Eastney Beam Engine House Open Day, Henderson Road, Eastney, 1 – 5pm

An impressive Victorian building containing a pair of classic Boulton Watt beam engines and pumps restored to their original 1887 condition. Free admission.

25 November Boutique Market Portsmouth Guildhall Guildhall Square 11am – 3pm

Huge indoor market! Packed full of handmade, vintage, retro, clothes and home ware

as well as unusual art and unique designs from our local area. A wonderful atmosphere always welcomes you and makes for a wonderful day out full of shopping bargains with lots of treats and friendly faces waiting for you. To book a stall as a seller please email sales@ boutiquemarket.co.uk and check www.boutiquemarket.co.uk to find out further information.

25 November Little Pickles Msrkets Eastney Community Centre, Southsea,10.30am-12pm

A children’s Market with preloved tables for hire to sell your baby/children’s items.

Email kellyheslop@ littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk f

25 November Big Guns Display at Fort Nelson, Fareham

Demonstrations feature guns from around the globe.

30 Nov - 30 Dec Christmas past Present and Future Spinnaker Tower Gunwharf Quay This festive season and

November/December 2012 Families Solent East 15

Families What’s

On 1 December Boutique Market Little Johnny Russell’s 12-14 Albert Road Portsmouth, 12 – 4:30pm

Santa Specials The Watercress Line

to coincide with Dickens bicentenary, the Spinnaker Tower are launching a Christmas Carol themed celebration - a Christmas Past, Present & future event .

celebrations with the return of the ‘Victorian Festival of Christmas’.

Welcoming back the Hampshire Fare Trades and The Boutique Market for another year.

A Victorian Festival of Christmas 2012 HM Naval Base, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Christmas Carols & Services Chichester Cathedral West Street, Chichester

30 Nov - 2 Dec

2012 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens in Portsmouth and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is proud to be a part of the

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All are welcome, visit www. chichestercathedral.org.uk.

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Enjoy festive fun around the park, hang special Christmas wishes on The Wishing Tree, take part in seasonal crafts in the Elves’ Workshop, see our animals in the Nativity Scene and pop into Santa’s Grotto to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice! Tickets must be booked in advance on 023 9245 3405 or at our Visitor Centre. Child: £8, Under 3’s: £7. Standard admission fees apply for accompanying adults

1 - 2 December Petersfield Christmas Market Petersfield 01730 268829

Petersfield Christmas Festival will be the culmination of the Christmas Tree Trail Competition (visit www.petersfieldfest.com for more details). Visit the town for market stalls and Christmas themed activities

2 December Boutique Market Portsmouth Guildhall Guildhall Square 11am – 3pm

See previous description (25 November).

2 December Tree Dressing Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, Chichester, 12.30am – 4pm

A wonderful celebration for all the family of the life-giving properties of trees. Make a lantern (bring a jam jar!), and join the procession to dress the trees as darkness falls. Plus headdress making, music, dance and seasonal tasty treats.

6 - 16 December Aladdin The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, Havant, 023 9247 2700

A Christmas theatre production, performed by Bench Theatre Company. A Christmas pre-show supper is available prior to the Friday evening performances.

Tickets £8.95 / £6.50, or £24 for a family of four, Buy 10 tickets and get the 11th ticket free.

Christmas Celebrat

A3 HORSHAM PETERSFIELD

Celebration for the switching on of the Albert Road lights.

A272 A24 A27

HICHESTER

Christmas at Staunton Middle Park Way Havant

Albert Road Celebration of Christmas Lights Southsea, 4 – 6pm

A3

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Weekends from 1 Dec

1 December

TO LONDON PADDINGTON M4

Dress up in vintage - there will be a prize of a voucher at The Belle Isle restaurant for the best dressed vintage outfit - invite all your friends! The main aim of the Southsea Boutique Market is to give the community a place to sell that is family friendly and for businesses who do not have their own shops or premises a chance to showcase themselves. ! like a very glamorous car boot, but without the early morning start and awful weather…Unusual goods that you won’t find on the High Street, hand crafted items lovingly created especially for the market by local traders, an array of wonderful vintage and pre-loved clothing, vintage home ware and retro vinyl records.

Alresford or Alton, Santa Specials are by advance booking only.

Fares: Adults £15, Children over 1 year £15, Children under 1 year £8, Fares include all booking fees. To find out more and to book, clickety click to www.watercressline.co.uk

WORTHING BRIGHTON

17thSanta December 2011 - 2nd January 201 Specials 1 - 2 December

The Watercress Open 10am Line - 5pm • Festive activites 11am - 4pm Alresford

N TMA A S PSE C ISA LTS A R T S C H R I SSSEAE T S A N TA O N A S T E A M T R A I N O N T H E S A N TA S P E C I A L !

THE PERFECT WAY TO START YOUR CHRISTMAS

Advance booking only !

Enjoy the magic of a one hour steam train ride as Santa CALL RESERVATIONS ON 01962 733810 TO BOOK OR visits you CLICKETY at your seat with a gift for every child.

CLICK TO WWW.WATERCRESSLINE.CO.UK

STARTING 1ST DECEMBER 2012 C ALL RESERVATIONS ON 01962 733810 TO BOOK OR CLICKETY TO WWW.WATERCRESSLINE.CO.UK

16 Families Solent East November/December 2012

See Santa on a steam train - the perfect way to start Christmas!

Join Santa as we steam on a magical one hour round trip through the scenic Hampshire countryside as he visits you in your seat! Santa gives every child a gift in a special souvenir sack with soft drinks for children and wine and mince pies for the grown-ups. Departing from either

Christmas at Beaulieu

Families What’s 7 - 9 December Christmas at Knowle Village Christmas Fair, Santa’s Workshop, Grotto and outdoor skating rink.

Knowle Community Hall, Fareham, PO17 5GR

A perfect start to your Christmas shopping with a large selection of stalls and seasonal refreshments. Children can have their photo taken with Santa in his toy workshop and receive a Christmas gift for just £3. To book the Ice skating or Santa’s Grotto call 07552 141118 or 01329 832630 or see page 19 for more details.

8 December Little Pickles Market Cowplain Cowplain Activity Centre, Padnell Road, 11.30am-1pm

A children’s Market with preloved tables for hire to sell your baby/children’s items. From prams to maternity clothes, clothes to toys, dvds to highchairs and much more. Email kelly@ littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk for more information or to book

8 December Flower power Crochet-style Run by Southsea Greenhouse at The Pyramids, Clarence Esplanade, 2.00 - 4.00pm

If you can handle a granny square, then this one is for you.

A small, friendly workshop to show you how to crochet a funky flower, which can be worn as a brooch, in your hair, or wherever you fancy. Materials and tools will be provided.! Please contact Lisa 07803 345 708.

8 December Submarine Santa Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport

tions

12

Santa will be taking over the most famous submarine in the UK complete with elves, their workshop and reindeer. This year, HMS Alliance is enclosed in a giant iceberg so families need to wrap up warm to get onboard.

Once inside the children can help the elves prepare for the big day.

8 - 9 December Santa Specials The Watercress Line Alresford

See previous description or visit www.watercressline.co.uk

On

12 Dec - 6 Jan Snow White - Xmas Panto 2012 Kings Theatre, Albert Road Southsea 023 9282 8282

Can the beautiful Snow White escape the evil clutches of the Wicked Queen and marry her true love Prince Valentine? She can with the help of Muddles, Sarah the Cook and seven helpful (and not so helpful!) dwarfs. Tremendous fun for the whole family in our traditional festive pantomime!

15 December Boutique Market New Theatre Royal 20 - 24 Guildhall Walk 11am – 4pm

See previous description (15 November).

15 - 16 December Santa Specials The Watercress Line Alresford

Sat 10 Nov, 11.30am Magical Family Shows Pied Piper Theatre present for Christmas Garlic Theatre present

Fiddlesticks My Big Little Sister

Be careful what you wish for! £7 adults, £4.50

Puppets spring to life in this magical journey children Saturday 12 November, 1.30pm 5.95, £19.50 for a family of 4

Thu 6, Fri 7, Weds 12 - Fri 14 Dec, 7.30pm Sat 8 & 15 Dec, 11.30am & 3.30pm The Pied Piper Theatre Company present Sun 9 & 16 Dec, 2pm

Great Gran’s Great Games Wednesday 21 December, 11.30am £5.95, £19.50 for a family of 4

Young peoples term time classes The Adventures of a Bear HumDrum present

Called Paddington

Thurs 8 - Sun 11 / Fri 16 - Sun 18 December Adapted from the stories of children’s literature writer Michael Bond. £8.50, £7 conc., £28 family of 4

15 December

Festive stories and crafts. Suitable for under 10s accompanied by an adult. FREE! No need to book, but places limited

15 Dec - 6 Jan Christmas at Beaulieu Beaulieu Motor Museum Beaulieu, Brockenhurst 01590 612345

www.beaulieu.co.uk Fun, activities and entertainment for all the family. Visitors can talk to characters from Victorian times to discover what life was really like ‘Upstairs and Downstairs’ at Christmas time and warm themselves in front of the Yule log in the hearth of the great fireplace whilst enjoying a glass of hot fruit punch. The splendid Victorian-style decorations around the house and the magnificent Christmas tree in the Upper Drawing Room will add to the charm. Find traditional gifts in the extensive gift shop situated in the Visitor Reception which has a large selection of motor related gifts including model cars and clothing accessories, an extensive

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

Aladdin

Will Aladdin find the magic FREE London 2012 Olympic Games inspired activity lamp to save the world? sheets will be given to each child attending each of A hilarious and exciting new version the above performances. Age suitability 4+ of the classic fairy tale. £8.95, £6.50 Concessions, £24 for a family of four (2 adults / 2 children under 16)

See previous description or visit www.watercressline.co.uk

Christmas Story Time Special Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport.

11am to 12 noon

Bench Theatre present

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre | 56 East Street, Havant PO9 1BS Box Office 02392 472700 | www.thespring.co.uk

range of books and videos plus lots more besides. Soft toys and stocking fillers for children, costume jewellery, fragrant bath-time preparations as well as Beaulieu’s own wine, apple juice, cider and festive fare.

16 December Love Southsea and Express Children’s Snow Ball.

Queens Hotel, Osborne Road Southsea

A magical Children’s Snow Ball to include a disco party, fun & games, letters to Santa, Christmas feast and mocktails on arrival

20 December All I Want for Christmas SEARCH, 50 Clarence Road, Gosport. 1.30 to 2.30pm

An introduction to museums for young children and a chance to meet Santa! Lots of hands-on activities with a Christmas theme for under-5s and their parents or carers. FREE, but places must be booked in advance by phoning 023 9250 1957

21 - 24 December Santa Specials The Watercress Line Alresford

See previous description or visit www.watercressline.co.uk

21 - 24 December Christmas at Explosion!

Priddy’s Hard, Gosport 02392 505600

From the 21st - 24th December the Museum will be FREE for Gosport Residents. Get really into the spirit of the season and participate in one of the daily special events, all with a festive theme. (Proof of residency id required) £2 to visit Santa.

2 January The Muppets Christmas Carol Kings Theatre, Albert Road 023 9282 8282, 2pm

The Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser’s redemption on Christmas Eve. Contact venue for ticket details

November/December 2012 Families Solent East 17

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9am - 4:30pm Win a Shop £50 voucher for Outlet the Kenwood Delonghi 023 9239 2111 Outlet Store Havant!

New Lane | Havant | Hampshire

Monday - Saturday

www.kenwoodworld.com www.delonghi.co.uk

Make festive entertaining a special occasion withproducts DeLonghi’s Highest quality premium Italian Bean to Cup coffee machines. Using freshly ground beans and all atLowest the touch ofpossible a button, youprices... can offer friends and family a great coffee. Serve coffee-based drinks ‘with a kick’ at Christmas gatherings or whizz up some fabulous coffee-based petit fours as after dinner treats.

After you’ve cooked up a storm in the kitchen and your guests have indulged in a festive feast, what better way to finish off a great meal than with a great cup of café-style coffee.

If you didn’t already know, Kenwood Delonghi have their very own outlet store right here in Hampshire offering up to 30% discount on retail price! Situated on the site of their Head Office in New Lane, Havant, the shop stocks a variety of their products including top of the range coffee machines, their stylish Boutique range and much more. The shop is open Mon – Sat 9am – 4:30pm. (closed 1-1:30pm) Call 023 9239 2111.

Win a family ticket to the opening night!

Can the beautiful Snow White escape the evil clutches of the Wicked Queen and marry her true love Prince Valentine?

She can with the help of Muddles, Sarah the Cook and seven helpful (and not so helpful!) dwarfs. Tremendous fun for the whole family in this traditional festive pantomime!

STARRING, Lisa Riley, Marcus Patrick, Rob McVeigh (Any Dream Will Do), Jen Pringle (Milkshake!), Aiden J Harvey, Phil Randall. Don’t forget to pre-order your discounted ice cream and programme. Available at the top of the checkout page.

For your chance to win 4 seats for the opening night at 7pm Wednesday 12 December enter online at

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk/competitions Entries must be received by 1st December and the winner will be notified on the 2nd Dec.

For your chance to win £50 worth of vouchers to spend in store visit www.familiessolenteast.co.uk/competitions Don’t miss the Families Solent East reader offer below for 20% off of the Docle Gusto coffee range!

Peter’s Railway Books

151-153 New Road, Portsmouth, PO2 7QS 023 9262 0140

Sitting and prints

Offer for prints only and excludes Canvas, Glass and Block ranges. No refund or exchange and no cash alternative. This Families Solent East voucher is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or to be reproduced in any other way without prior consent. Any queries regarding this voucher should be directed to the FSE office on 02392 362 737. Expires 31/12/2012.

item 1:

£5 OFF

when you spend £25 or more in store 5150 x 485

wrapped in vinyl ----->

One voucher per person, per visit. Cannot be refunded or exchanged and there is no cash alternative. This voucher is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. This Families Solent East specific voucher is not to be reproduced in any other way without prior consent. Any queries regarding this voucher should be directed to the FSE office on 02392 362 737. Expires 24/12/2012. sales@eberhardtsigns.com

Tel: 023 9282 4624 Fax: 023 9281 8746

Daisy Chain Gift Shop Q9697 9697-04-00 Date. 28 - 6 - 12 N.T.S.

Copyright remains with: Eberhardt Signs Ltd 2 Prospect Road, Portsmouth PO1 4QY

Kingswell Path, Cascades Shopping Centre

Outlet Shop

9am - 4:30pm

New Lane | Havant | Hampshire

023 9239 2111

20% OFF

and enter the online bookshop, click the bookPANTONE you3105 would like to purchase and in the personalised dedication box type “FAMDEC” and any dedication you would like. We will send your chosen book plus a FREE book from the series.

Offer expires 31/12/2012 Please sign and date for approval.

Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10% OFF

Monday - Saturday

In store only at the Kenwood DeLonghi Highest quality products Outlet Store, New Lane, Havant Lowest possible prices...

From the Dolce Gusto range

On all products & repairs in store & online (quote FAMILIES) www.thefoneshopuk.com

One voucher per person, per visit. Cannot be refunded or exchanged and there is no cash alternative. This voucher is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. This Families Solent East specific voucher is not to be reproduced in any other way without prior consent. Any queries regarding this voucher should be directed to the FSE office on 02392 362 737. Expires 31/12/2012.

One voucher per person, per visit. Cannot be refunded or exchanged and there is no cash alternative. This voucher is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. This Families Solent East specific voucher is not to be reproduced in any other way without prior consent. Any queries regarding this voucher should be directed to the FSE office on 02392 362 737. Expires 31/12/2012.

www.kenwoodworld.com www.delonghi.co.uk

Christopher Vine

Receive a free Peter’s Railway book from the series with every book purchased via the Peter’s Railway website.Visit

www.petersrailway.com

2800 x 485 2350 x 485

Job Ref. Job No. Drawing No. Drawn by.

Scale.

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18 Families Solent East November/December 2012

&

&

40% OFF

18 Marmion Road, Southsea, PO5 2BA

Win a family ice skating ticket!

For the third year running, the historic city of Winchester will be transforming itself into a winter wonderland. The open-air ice rink at Winchester Cathedral is surrounded by the Christmas Market and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Ice skating sessions last for 1 hour. Free skate hire is included. Tickets:£9.50 adult, £7.50 concessions, £5 children aged 4-7, £30 family (2 adults + 2 children).

Win a family skating ticket! Go to www.familiessolenteast. co.uk/competitions to enter. Closing date: 30 November 2012.

Families Competitions

Win a £200 Shopping Spree in time for Christmas!

New clothes make any occasion extra special. The Polarn O. Pyret Christmas collection for new-born to age 12 years is now in stores and online. As always, the clothes are geared towards children not just looking good, but feeling comfortable too.

Cosy cotton PJ’s that will last until next Christmas Eve, a new party dress that can handle spills, or an extra cute outfit for Christmas Day. Enjoy the occasion PO.P style whatever you are planning for the holidays.

FREE! Gift wrapping is always available at Polarn O. Pyret stores.

For your chances to win enter your details at www.polarnopyret.co.uk/win by 10th of December. Terms and conditions apply. Winner will be notified via email on 11th December.

Nearest Stores: Westfield London House of Fraser Oxford Street House of Fraser Guildford King Edward Court Windsor www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

November/December 2012 Families Solent East 19

Join us at Staunton for a very merry

Enjoy festive fun around the park, hang special Christmas wishes on The Wishing Tree, take part in seasonal crafts in the Elves’ Workshop, see our animals in the Nativity Scene and pop into Santa’s Grotto to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice!

Dates & Prices Sat 1, Sun 2, Sat 8, Sun 9, Sat 15, Sun 16, Sat 22 and Sun 23 December

Tickets MUST be booked in advance on 023 9245 3405 or at our Visitor Centre.

Child: £8.00 Under 3’s: £7.00 Standard admission fees apply for accompanying adults STAUNTON COUNTRY PARK Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire PO9 5HB Tel : 023 9245 3405 www.hants.gov.uk/staunton

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NEW Sk yfall Vehicle s The world’s largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles

PLUS...

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hristmas elebrations

15th December 2012 - 6th January 2013 Open 10am - 5pm Festive activites 11am - 4pm

Christmas carols in Palace House ~ Children’s festive activities Giant Christmas tree ~ Gift ideas for Christmas

National Motor Museum Palace House & Gardens Beaulieu Abbey

Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire SO42 7ZN Exit 2 M27 Tel 01590 612345 www.beaulieu.co.uk Open daily 10am