Families Dorset Issue 11 May/June 2014

May/June 2014

FRE

PIC

E

KM UP! E

Dorset www.familiesdorset.co.uk

Inside: Baby & Toddler of the year competition – 1st prize £500!

Fabulous parties at every age What's On in Dorset in May and June

The really useful magazine for parents with children 0 to 12 years in Dorset

In this issue News & Views 02

Big Date from the Little Pickles Team

National Young Writers’ 05 Award

6

Fabulous Parties at every 06 age Choices in Childbirth

08

Dazzling Decorations 09

10

Booking your September 10 Classes What’s On

12

12

Front cover image - Abby Wilkes

Team Little Pickles are proud to announce their next major event - Little Pickles Baby and Toddler Show Dorset on Sunday May 11th 2014! Bringing together all the things parents love to provide for their Little Pickles.

Please keep an eye on their website for the latest updates on exhibitors, taster sessions and guest appearances.

Little Pickles are in the ideal position using their network of children’s markets, social media following to bring you a great show. They will have a balance of retailers, services and entertainment for you to enjoy. Free goody bags will be available for the first 200 families visiting the show. There will also be a charity raffle with some great prizes.

Little Pickles are also pleased to be supporting Naomi House and Jacksplace, Dorset Fire and Rescue plus Julia’s House For more information visit the website: www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk

Front page picture by photo artist Abby Wilkes.

Abby won the West Midlands Master Photographer Award for her work with children three years in a row.

She specialises in photographing children and families, creating art from life’s special moments. If you would like to book Abby for a photo shoot, contact her for information on: 07966 867 306. She travels throughout the UK and abroad on photo shoots. www.abbywilkes.com

Families Dorset Magazine Editor: Sarah Carr Tel : 07876 761623 Email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk www.familiesdorset.co.uk

MAGAZINE

Next issue: July/August 2014 Booking deadline: 2 June 2014 Copy deadline: 9 June 2014 24,000 readers per issue

Could you be the next Editor of Families Dorset Magazine?

Printed by Bishops

If you are looking for a fun, creative and worthwhile business opportunity and want to work at home and do hours that fit around your family then a Families franchise could be for you.

@familiesdorset www.facebook.com/FamiliesDorset Copyright: Families Dorset, May/June 2014 Data Protection: if you send us your name and address in order to win a prize in a competition, we

No particular qualifications are needed but it does help if you are confident, express yourself well, know your way around a computer, can drive and live in or near to Dorset.

may supply your details to the company offering the prize. If you would prefer us not to do this please state this on your entry.

Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither Families Dorset not 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 advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for consequence.

Families Dorset is part of a group established in 1990 headed by Families South West London. All magazines are independently owned and operated under licence.

2

Families Dorset

The Families group of magazines has been expanding since its very first issue in South West London in 1990.

Everyone is friendly, helpful and advice and support are always available.

If you would like to discuss this unique opportunity please call Sarah on 07876 761623 or email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

Rob Paul Studios, in Partnership with Wave 105.2 FM, are looking for bonny babies, terrific tots and cheeky children in their search for model children and calendar kids!

At venues across the South this summer, the search is on with Rob Paul Studios Baby and Toddler of the year 2014. There are fantastic prizes on offer, with £500 awarded to the overall winner and lots of amazing framed prints, canvases and vouchers up for grabs over the 4 entry categories. Not only that, but the winner will be featured on the front cover of Families Magazine, distributed across the region, and all the category winners and runners up will join the Baby and Toddler of the Year to star in a 2015 calendar which will be sold in selected Sainsbury’s across the South.

Venues include the Cascades in Portsmouth, The Meridian Centre in Havant, The Dolphin Centre in Poole and in a Sainsbury’s Store near you. Check the website for full details. At each location you will get great photographs taken, see them straight away on our specialist viewing equipment and select your choice for the competition as well as taking home some fantastic photographs there and then. The competition is free to enter but there is a minimum £10 purchase requirement. This year Wave 105.2 FM Cash for Kids Charity will also benefit from 50% of the minimum purchase being donated to them.

To find out more call: 02392 455255 or visit the website: www.robpaulstudios.co.uk/baby-and-toddler-of-the-year www.facebook.com/BabyandToddlerPhotoCompetition

Share your stories This May sees the return of National Share-A-Story Month, an annual celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing.

Run by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, Share-A-Story Month is a fantastic opportunity to bring children and stories together, with a whole host of events running across the country.

The theme for 2014 is ‘Imagination and Inventiveness’, celebrating with Dahl & Dahl and Puffin Publishers the 50th Anniversary of the publication of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Check out the website for plenty of ideas, activity packs, posters and competition prizes. www.fcbg.org.uk/national-share-a-story-month

Carbon monoxide kills Have you got a carbon monoxide detector yet? If not, make sure you get one now.

Lucy, who tragically lost her 7-year-old child to carbon monoxide poisoning, campaigns for parents to install CO detectors in their homes. A few months ago she told her good friend Christine, a mum of 4, to install one in her house as soon as possible.

Christine took Lucy up on her advice and only days after she got a detector installed, it went off. A CO detector costs from as little as £7, and it could save your life, just like it saved Christine’s and her family’s.

New figures reveal that over 650 people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning in the past 20 years. Now, a charity is calling for the introduction of public health warnings about the gas, as it is not only odourless and colourless but can kill in seconds. ‘Being a deadly gas which cannot be sensed by smell, taste, touch or hearing, it is vital that people are aware of the dangers and know the steps to take to reduce their risk of being poisoned,’ said Stephanie Trotter, president of CO-Gas Safety. ‘That is why we are calling for public warnings to be introduced, to advise families of the dangers and how to protect themselves.’

Reduce your risk of CO poisoning by having all appliances regularly maintained and chimneys regularly swept and checked. Ensure that all vents are clear and never take a barbecue or stove into any interior space such as a tent, boat, caravan or home, even if you think it has burned out. Most importantly buy a CO alarm that works to standard EN 50291. www.gassaferegister.co.uk / www.co-gassafety.co.uk

3

Families Dorset

Jayden MacNally 2013 Winner

News & Views

Sylvanian Families shopping weekend - Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 June 2014 The Sylvanian Families shop is having a weekend away from London and is teaming up with the Gill Nethercott Centre and the historic Whitchurch Silk Mill in Hampshire to bring you the biggest Shopping Weekend yet!

In addition to our shopping area in the Community Centre, we will be expanding our displays and activities area onto the Silk Mill lawn. As well as offering our usual fantastic range of Sylvanian products for sale, plus lots of special offers and competitions, there will be visits from your favourite Sylvanian characters! As a special treat, there is free entry to the Silk Mill for our collectors. It's going to be a fabulous day out! The event runs from 10am - 4pm on both days and there is free entry to Community Centre and Silk Mill, Whitchurch, Hants RG28 7HP. Refreshments, light lunches and afternoon teas will be available in the Silk Mill.

For more information call 01256 895511 or visit the website: www.sylvanianstorekeepers.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sylvanianshop

hats

booties

clothing

10% discount for Families readers on orders placed during May and June Quote Familiesmay at the checkout

www.etsy.com/shop/emilyandevelyn

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

News & Views Walk that way It’s time to get walking again! This year’s Walk To School Week runs from 19-23 May, bringing together nearly one million school children, teachers and parents. 2014’s campaign promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with plenty of fun ideas of how to get involved. With Strider’s 5-day Walking Challenge it’s easier than ever to take part, plus you also get a chance to win an iPad mini.

Walk to School Week reinforces five benefits of walking: safety, discovery, health, eco-friendly and social time, so how about setting up a Park & Stride area around your school, or holding a Walk to School event and encouraging everyone to leave their cars at home for a day?

One of our favourite ideas is to team up with neighbouring schools and organise a walking relay between schools, with refreshment stops at each one! Or you could nominate your dream walking companion from the world of books and dress up as them on Walk to School Day. A treasure hunt is a fun way to add a bit of competition on the walk to school, too. Don’t forget, if you are celebrating Walk to School Week, they’d love to hear from you. Tweet them at @ livingstreets using #walktoschool, or post on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/livingstreetsuk. Just remember to have fun!

Download loads of puzzles, pledges and challenges at www.livingstreets.org.uk

Be a hero for Julia’s House, your local children’s hospice Mums and dads are being actively encouraged to let their child stay up way past their bedtime on Friday 20th June – but it’s all in a good cause.

The Julia’s House Superheroes Night Walk is perfect for families looking for something exciting to do to support their local hospice during Children’s Hospice Week.

They can join a three or a five miles walk along the seafront starting from Bournemouth Pier at 10pm.

Children – and their parents - are invited to get in the spirit of things by dressing up as their favourite superheroes with prizes for the best outfits. As it’s a late night, maybe we’ll even see some Spiderman pyjamas!

But please, don’t worry if you haven’t got a costume. You don’t have to dress like a hero, just turning up and taking part is far more important. The families Julia’s House support are the real heroes, facing difficult times together. So come along and be a hero for them.

It costs just £10 to enter, but if you can raise some sponsorship money, that would be even better. Download an entry form at juliashouse.org or phone 01202 644220 to register by phone.

Can’t make the Night Walk? We hope schools will take part in Hero Friday and encourage children to come to school in their Superhero costumes during the day on the 20th in return for a donation to Julia’s house.

“Wee One” a rare 84 year old mini teddy bear goes on display at Teddy Bear Museum Staff at Dorchester’s Teddy Bear Museum are used to seeing interesting teddy bears of all shapes and sizes and hearing all about their owners - but recently a teddy popped through the post like no other. His name is Wee One. He is about 84 years old, looks a bit frightened after his journey in a tiny cardboard box. This is his story.

“I started my long life in Australia and was sent to England in 1942 by either the Red Cross or the W.V.S. to a little girl named Pat. She didn’t like me much but really fancied the painted celluloid doll that had been sent to her friend, Ann, lived next door, so a swap was agreed. Wee One continued “Of course it wasn’t very long before the horrible celluloid doll got broken but the swap held and for the past 72 years I have lived with and been much loved by Ann. But she is worried now that there is no-one to whom she can give me - I might even end up in a skip!” Wee One appealed “Could you please find a little corner for me amongst the bears in the Teddy Bear Museum in Dorchester, so that Ann can be happy and doesn’t have to worry about me any more?”

Jackie Ridley, the Museum’s Curator, said “Wee One is a charming addition to our collection. We are very grateful to Ann who now lives in Bourne End in Buckinghamshire for giving him to the Museum.

We have given him a lovely place to live and will sure to be a great “mini” attraction for our visitors ”.

The Teddy Bear Museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

For further information visit: www.teddybearmuseum.co.uk

4

Families Dorset

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

The National Young Writers’ Award Returns! Best-selling author, Liz Pichon to judge this year’s ‘fairytales and fables’ Once upon a time Explore Learning launched the first ever National Young Writers’ Award.

Children all across the land took their chance to delve deep into their imagination and write a story that captured the judges’ attentions and win themselves a prize of £500 worth of books for their school and a trip to the fairytale kingdom of Disneyland Paris for their whole family.

Since launching six years ago, hundreds of thousands of children all over the country have taken part, overwhelming the team at Explore Learning with tales of time travelling bears, of magical musical instruments, of lost letters and of heroes undertaking electrifying journeys that have made them laugh, and cry.

This year’s theme of ‘fairytales and fables’ is anticipated to attract more stories than ever before as children share their tales of princes and princesses, of dungeons and dragons, of witches and mermaids and goblins and giants! Children aged five to 14 can enter for free by submitting a 500 word story via www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters or popping into your local Explore Learning centre. The closing date is Tuesday 3rd June.

Previous judges of the competition have so far included some of the UK’s most prolific authors, like Cressida Cowell, Alan Durant

and Andy Cope – and this year is no different with award winning illustrator and author of the Tom Gates series of books, Liz Pichon taking the mantle. With countless awards for the hugely popular Tom Gates, she is perfectly positioned to review this year’s stories and inspire even more children to put pen to paper and give writing a try.

Liz says: “I’m thrilled to be the judge of this year’s National Young Writers’ Award.

Competitions like this are a fantastic way to encourage as many children as possible to put pen to paper and write their OWN stories. I’m really looking forward to reading them so good luck to everyone and have some FUN!” Explore Learning, who have 89 centres located across the UK, will be running free workshops with local libraries, schools and community groups to inspire children’s love of writing and encourage them to get involved.

Heather Garrick from Explore Learning says: “We’re delighted to have Liz Pichon as our judge for 2014. Her illustrations and hilarious stories have made children and parents laugh out loud for years and she is a fantastic inspiration to children entering the competition.

“We believe the theme of ‘fairytales and

fables’ opens up a whole world of possibility for our young writers. We all have our favourite fairytale and we want children to get adventurous and create something that they and their families can treasure forever – and, most importantly, have FUN while writing!”

Last year’s victor was eight year old, Shathana Sivanesavajah from Tooting, London, who was awarded her prize by 2013 judge, Cressida Cowell.

Explore Learning provides English and maths tuition to children aged five to 14.

Each session is tailored to a child’s needs and Explore tutors work with children in a low ratio (1:6 maximum) to create a fun and vibrant atmosphere for learning that has results.

For more information about Explore Learning please visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/ bournemouth or tel: 01202 233909

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online and from good bookstores. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. www.edontheweb.com

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS Cosmic Colin: Sneezy Alien Attack

The Case of the Feathered Mask

ED SAYS: ‘Colin is over the moon when he and his friend Harry set off for another adventure in Harry’s spaceship but he is not at all pleased that he has to take his little brother David with him. David is even more annoying than usual because he has a terrible cold.

When they are confronted with aliens what will they do? Could David’s coughs and sneezes become an advantage for them?

ED SAYS: ‘Maisie is totally fascinated by all the mysteries waiting to be solved around her in Victorian London.

Professor Tobin has rooms in her grandmother’s house and Maisie enjoys hearing stories and looking at artefacts from his travels abroad. When the professor’s rare feathered mask is stolen, Maisie has to use all her powers of detection to solve this latest mystery.

by Tim Collins (Buster Books £4.99)

‘This book in the hilarious Cosmic Colin series is very entertaining for young readers. They are sure to be enthralled by this super story with fantastic illustrations throughout.’

5

Families Dorset

by Holly Webb (Stripes £5.99)

‘Here is a great story that will appeal to newly confident readers who enjoy an exciting adventure. So get on the case with Maisie!’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS The Quirks in Circus Quirkus

The Impossible Boy

ED SAYS: ‘The Quirks are a very unusual family who bring a whole new meaning to the word quirky. Each has a unique magical power that they constantly try to hide as they really want to settle in their new town – Normal in Michigan. When the circus comes to town the children learn to juggle and fly on the trapeze. But however good their circus skills are, will they be able to keep their nosy neighbour from uncovering their secrets?

ED SAYS: ‘Things are not always as they seem. Blue Hills appears to be like so many other towns but on closer inspection the impossible is happening.

When a new boy starts to entertain his schoolmates with inexplicable magic tricks, Gabby and Barney – aka Geek Inc – set out to investigate. They soon realise that the weird and mysterious goings-on could threaten the whole world and they mean to find out the truth.

by Erin Soderberg (Bloomsbury £5.99)

‘This is a crazy action-packed story with superb illustrations.

The imaginative characters show how being different from others is cool!’

by Mark Griffiths (Simon and Schuster £6.99)

‘This is a fantastic page-turner that is sure to entertain boys and girls alike. Readers who enjoy a good mystery will wish they were members of Geek Inc to get in on the action.’

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

Party feature

Fabulous parties at every age A birthday party is a ritual of childhood and an event that’s remembered forever. So the pressure is on – how do you ensure success and survival (both your own and your home’s)? Joanna Moorhead guides you through what’s best, age by age 0-3 Years There’s just one word that matters here: simplicity. Birthday parties for tinies can be marvellous, memorable affairs, but they don’t need to be elaborate or to involve much expense or entertainment or special props.

In essence, you’re catering for the grownups as much as for the children – because at this stage, the adults will definitely stay (and you’re more than likely to have a few grandparents in the mix as well).

Concentrate on creating a fun, easy, safe space for the children – a soft play space with plenty of toys strewn around is ideal – and make sure the adults are well catered-for: if they stay calm, the children will as well.

If you want something with a bit of a theme, how about a teddy bears’ picnic? Make sure everyone remembers to take their favourite cuddlies home at the end though, or there will be tears at bedtime!

4-6 Years At this stage parties can be a bit more ambitious and a time when it is well worth investing in a great entertainer: they are experts, know how to crowd control while

Picture credit © Konstantin Yuganov - Fotolia.com

producing shrieks and honest laughs.

However don’t assume that to put on a great bash you need to spend lots of money.

At this age children can have loads of fun without a big outlay; later on, when they’re tweens and teens, you’ll be under pressure to shell out big-time, so don’t pre-empt that now.

A party at home or in the local park can be huge fun; traditional party games will be popular, and if you want to push the boat out a bit consider investing in a bouncy castle; or if home really isn’t a possibility, a soft play centre will be hassle-free, if more expensive.

Themed parties are great for this age group, and they actually make life simpler for the party organiser: a pirate theme is always popular, or sea creatures, or pick up on your child’s favourite book or TV programme.

Dressing up is a big hit for this age group too.

get them to mix and decorate them and then pop them in the oven to bake while you play a few party games (shortbread biscuits are easy peasy; have a range of cutters for exciting shapes).

10-12 Years Older children like going out to party. To keep the costs down, encourage a smaller number of guests – think about a trip to the seaside or to an exciting adventure playground they’ve not visited before, and remember that the journey can be as much fun as the activity at the end of it.

If you don’t mind spending a bit more, a trip to a climbing wall, an ice rink, a bowling rink or a go-karting centre can be wonderful fun too.

The golden rules

7-9 Years Activities work a treat at this stage, whether you’re at home or in a church hall or at a park.

For a popular and low-budget option, think about a baking party at home – weigh out all the ingredients before the children arrive,

• • •

•

Never have a party that lasts more than two hours The younger the child, the fewer the guests Party bags can be cheap as chips, thanks to charity and pound shops – but always have them, they’re hugely popular Have a plan mapped out for what should happen when

Party food tips • • • •

6

Families Dorset

Food doesn’t need to be complicated It does need to include options – many children won’t eat ham/ cheese/eggs/grapes/pizza Don’t overface guests with too much food Putting cup cakes rather than slices of cake into party bags makes life easier

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

Let’s Party! Your local party directory ACTIVE PARTIES

New Forest Activities 01590 612377 www.newforestactivities.co.uk Little Kickers 01489 871916 gary@littlekickers.co.uk Snowtrax 01202 499155 www.snowtrax.eu

COOKERY PARTIES

Little Munchkins 07971 443085 www.littlemunchkins.info Red Cherry Catering 01202 476461 www.redcherrycatering.com

CREATIVE PARTIES

Crafts & Giggles 07824396645 www.craftsandgiggles.com Lilly in Lemon 07826 148908 www.lillyinlemon.co.uk Nature’s Way for Kids 01202 748930 www.natureswayforkids.co.uk

FACE PAINTING

Caked in Paint 07791 608412 cakedinpaint@hotmail.co.uk Head Turners 01202 397153 www.headturnersfacepainting.co.uk

ENTERTAINERS

Jules the Entertainer 01202 510013 www.julestheentertainer.co.uk

MUSIC PARTIES

www.popuppartiesdorset.co.uk Party In Style 01202 764821 www.party-in-style.co.uk Peeks Party Store 01202 489489 www.peeks.co.uk

Jo Jingles 01202 739444 www.jojingles.com/poole

Hollywood 01202 532262 www.hollywood.uk.com

DNA Kids 01621 853000 www.dnakids.co.uk

PARTY CAKES

Monkey Music 01202 461943 www.monkeymusic.co.uk Tappy Toes 07557 904187 www.tappytoes.com

PARTY VENUES

Adventure Wonderland 01202 483444 www.adventurewonderland.co.uk Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park 01202 622022 www.farmerpalmers.co.uk Honeybrook Farm 01202 881120 www.honeybrook.org The Toy Barn 01935 815040 www.toy-barn.co.uk Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park 01202 824040 www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk

Cake Expectations 07834 837698 www.mycakeexpectations.co.uk Lulubelle’s Of Dorset 01202 707429 www.lulubellescakes.com

INDOOR/SOFTPLAY PARTIES Bee a Bug Play Café 01202 766710 wwwbeeabug.co.uk

Lemur Landings 01202 740500 www.lemurlandings.co.uk Monkey Madness 01202 481015 www.serendipitysams.co.uk The Good Play Café 01202 425577 www.thegoodplaycafe.co.uk Treehouse Family Play 01202 552228 www.treehousefamilyplay.com

PARTY SUPPLIES

Pop Up Parties Dorset 07956 848925

Picture credit © Petro Feketa - Fotolia.com

Krazy Kev www.krazy-kev.com 0800 528 2931

Jamie Jigsaw 01202 722149 www.jamiejigsaw.co.uk

7

Families Dorset

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

Picture credit © evgenyatamanenko - Fotolia.com

What choices do you have in childbirth?

By Joanna Parry

Who decides how you give birth? Midwives? Politicians? You? And how much does it matter where and how it happens?

I have had three children and when I started on my pregnancy journey nine years ago I embraced it wholeheartedly. I read the books, I attended antenatal classes, I wrote a birth plan. I thought I had choices in where and how I gave birth.

Several months later, having never seen the same midwife twice and my birth plan remaining unread at the bottom of my bag, I realised I didn’t really have a choice. A home birth was never offered to me, nor was the option of the natural birthing unit in the hospital. I didn’t have a named midwife overseeing my care so I didn’t build up the trust that is so vital between mother and midwife. I was fortunate – my babies came quickly and my hospital births were fine.

However, many women want something different, and it is not as readily available as it might be.

In a recent survey by Birthrights and Mumsnet only half of women said they had the birth they wanted. These mums weren’t whining about not having candles burning or music playing, they merely wanted the time and space to give birth the way they chose to bring their baby into the world in a gentle, stress-free environment and have the time to bond properly with their babies. Whether this is at home or in hospital, they wanted a midwife alongside them they knew and trusted, who has seen them through from the beginning of their pregnancy and has spent time going through their birth plan.

They didn’t want to be rushed or pushed into choices they weren’t one hundred percent happy with.

Doula Lucy Pilkington is well aware of this problem. ‘Women need time to birth. As a doula I see women not being given enough time to go into labour naturally or being told they aren’t progressing fast enough. They end up being induced because it is hospital policy,’ she says. ‘Today induction is often “routine” rather than medically necessary.’

For some women there is nothing wrong with a hospital birth but for others having options open to them is vital. Some women want to avoid having a Caesarean section, as evidence mounts that babies delivered this way could have a higher propensity towards obesity, asthma and allergies. By not passing through the birth canal babies potentially miss out on protective bacteria that could help prevent a host of disorders in childhood and later life, including type 1 diabetes, eczema and celiac disease. The Royal

8

Families Dorset

College of Midwives says this research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that natural deliveries are healthier for mother and child. And although emergency Caesarean births can be life saving, even planned surgery can be risky for mothers.

We are more likely to develop complications and can spend twice as long in hospital as women having a natural delivery.

Mums keen to give their children the best start in life also sometimes want to avoid epidural pain relief. Although the research in this area is ambiguous, studies suggest that drugs administered by epidural enter the baby’s bloodstream and although these are not harmful in the long term some babies might become lethargic or struggle to latch on when breastfeeding.

Dr Michel Odent, who introduced the concept of ‘home-like’ birthing rooms in hospitals and birthing pools, and which are now standard in maternity units, is particularly concerned about the use of synthetic oxytocin to induce labour. ‘Too many women give birth now on a synthetic oxytocin drip. It is the most common medical intervention in childbirth,’ he says.

But with no long-term studies on its side effects, he adds: ‘We are playing with the oxytocin systems of human beings without knowing what we are doing.’

So what choices do we really have?

As the belief grows that how we are born can have a real impact on who we become, and that the way we give birth can have a bearing on our future health and the future health of our babies, isn’t it time women really had the choice about how they give birth?

As the NHS struggles with a shortage of midwives, many women are turning to home births or independent midwives, doulas or private hospitals to get the birth they want. A home birth can give women the space and time to deliver they way they desire, with a National Childbirth Trust study showing that if you book a home birth you halve your chances of needing to have a Caesarean, ventouse or forceps delivery and are less likely to need an episiotomy.

Babies who are born at home are less likely to have infections after birth and are more likely to breastfeed successfully, with some studies saying they are more relaxed and peaceful too. Although some doctors and scientists warn of the dangers of giving birth at home, saying that it offers many risks for little benefit, The Royal College of Midwives counters with evidence that home births are generally as safe for the baby as those in hospital for low-risk women having their second or subsequent baby.

Some women are hiring independent midwives - fully qualified midwives who work outside of the NHS – to oversee their care during pregnancy as well as the birth.

Some are choosing a doula, a non-medical carer who offers emotional and practical support and is experienced in childbirth. But all of these options cost money, and I believe that everyone should be able to have the birth they want (in principle—we all know things can change greatly during labour), not just those who can afford it.

In 2012 the Department of Health issued a mandate saying that it wanted every woman to have a named midwife overseeing their care. I truly hope this will happen for each and every woman in the UK, which will help us towards securing the birth choices we desire. Whether it’s a natural homebirth or a hospital C-section, having a choice of where and how we give birth is better for us and better for the next generation, in the short term and beyond.

Website and links www.birthchoiceuk.com www.m4m.org.uk www.aims.org.uk www.positivebirthmovement.org www.thebirthiwant.org.uk www.birthrights.org.uk www.nct.org.uk www.independentmidwives.org.uk www.neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk www.doula.org.uk www.britishdoulas.co.uk

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

9

Families Dorset

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

Clubs & Classes How early should you book your September classes?

It is certainly worth starting to look for classes early on – even as much as a whole term in advance. Here’s why: •

you won’t get stuck with a term of classes your child detests. Many classes offer trial sessions so if you make the most of them now you can be sure you are choosing what’s right for your child come September. Just because their best friend is doing trampolining doesn’t mean your child will love it

•

some activities are so popular that they have long waiting lists (some over a year long!). Book early to avoid disappointment

•

you can avoid the mad panic of early September. It can be hard enough settling your child into nursery or getting them back into the routine of school, homework and getting up at the crack of dawn – the last thing you want to do is try to sort out clubs!

•

you’ll get your first choice of time slot.

Some classes get so booked up that if you leave it until September the only time you’ll be left with is 7pm on a Friday night – not fun! It’s not unheard of for parents to be queueing outside swimming pools from 6am on the morning registration opens, just to get a workable slot. After-school activities affect the whole family and you don’t want to have to pick up from activities while your other children are desperate for their supper

•

you’ll get a class that works for your family. More than one child can mean more than one activity on the same afternoon and much as we’d like to be in two places at one time, it’s just not possible. Planning in advance means less stress and more peace of mind.

•

you’ll get a class in a branch that is close to home. It’s often easier to walk than cramming everyone into the car again, let alone better for the environment

Let’s get active! May Half-Term activities The 115 Club

Themed activities for children including cookery, drama, games and painting.

27 – 30 May Moordown St Johns School, Bournemouth St Clements & St Johns School, Bournemouth Queen’s Park Infant School, Bournemouth Tel: 01202 301756 www.the115club.co.uk

Super Camps Fun, action-packed and stimulating activity camp, welcoming children aged 4-14 years.

27 - 30 May Talbot Heath School, Bournemouth For more information or to book one of their camps go to www.supercamps.co.uk or call 01235 467300

The Junction

Broadstone, Poole Various activities available such as swimming lessons, trampolining, football, gymnastics, tennis, dodgeball and dance.

Tel: 01202 777766 www.thejunctionbroadstone.co.uk

Littledown Junior Football Club

Join around 800 boys and girls aged 3 – 17 years playing football at the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth each weekend from September to April, in over 100 teams.

To enquire about spaces contact 01202 417600. www.littledowncentre.co.uk

10

Families Dorset

Planet Sport

Sports coaching and fitness for children aged 4 to 12 years.

27 – 30 May Multi Sports & Football Ashdown Leisure Centre, Everyone Active in Poole Sir David English Sports Centre, Bournemouth 27 – 30 May Dance Ashdown Leisure Centre, Everyone Active in Poole www.planetsport.co.uk Tel: 08456 589800

Picture credit: © Jasmin Merdan - Fotolia.com

Rugby or ballet, swimming or gymnastics, drama or Brownies – whatever activity your child loves, how soon should you book for the autumn term? While some of us are happy to wait until the very last minute to book our children’s classes, others prefer to book well in advance.

•

extra-curricular activities are not essential and too many can leave everyone exhausted and stressed, but if you do choose carefully and book in advance, a few clubs and classes can bring huge benefits to your child.

Active Soccer

Sir David English Sports Centre East Way, BH8 9PZ Fun, healthy and inclusive opportunities for children in physical education and sport and leisure activities.

27 – 30 May 8.30am to 3pm To book or for more info contact Chris on: 07832266025 or email bournemouth@activesoccer.co.uk www.activesoccer.co.uk

Family Surfing Course

27, 28 & 29 May, 10am – 12pm Instructor led courses. Participants will meet at Highcliffe Beach, below the Cliffhanger Cafe, BH23 5JA. Boards and wet suits will be provided and all participants need to be aged 8 and over, with all children accompanied by an adult.

For further information call 01425 470721.

Learn to Sail

3 day Sailing Course – 26 May Junior Beginner (8 – 11 Yrs) RYA Stage 1 - able to steer and understand basic principles.

Tel: 01202 677272 www.rockleywatersports.com

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

How to burn kid’s energy The long summer holidays are approaching and, if your kids are anything like mine, after just an hour indoors they’ll be climbing the walls. But don’t despair! There are so many things to do over the holidays, from play centres to sports clubs to creating your own fun, and many of them are free! Check out our guide to burning off some of your kids’ energy.

Why not try a summer club, class or activity? From cricket to tennis, football to drama, athletics to trampolining or even dry slope skiing, there are hundreds around. Many clubs and classes offer free trials over the summer break – why not try one, and then book an ongoing class for September?

Visit a museum. From the British Museum to the V&A, museums offer a huge range of activities during the summer holidays, almost all of which are free. Museums don’t have to be quiet or sedentary activities – most of them run children’s workshops throughout the holidays, some of which can be very energetic! Visit The Tank Museum, learn about Dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Museum, go fossil hunting at Lyme Regis Museum, and much much more…

Picture credit © len44ik - Fotolia.com

Don’t forget the park. Acres of room to run around in, trees to climb and most with children’s playgrounds. Best of all, they are free!

Or the lido… Often inexpensive, lidos can make a great day out when the sun is shining. Many parks also have paddling pools too If the weather is not so great why not try an indoor swimming pool or go-karting or even ice skating? Indoor play centres can seem pricey, but if you get there early

Picture credit: © thierryplouchard - Fotolia.com

before they get busy and stay for most of the day, they can be great value for money Make up your own games! It’s creative, you’ll have great fun with your kids, and it’s completely free. Organise a treasure hunt in the park, have a trampolining competition in the garden or set up an obstacle course, invite some friends over and give them a scavenger hunt to get stuck into. Go geocaching (similar to a treasure hunt, where you use a GPS to find a hidden treasure), divide your brood into two teams and start a water fight, fly a kite, pitch a tent and fill the paddling pool, or run your own Sports Day If it’s bucketing down there’s still plenty of fun to be had (and energy to be expended) indoors. Have a Games Day and challenge your kids to get through a number of board games or table tennis sessions in a day. Make dens or castles out of cardboard boxes, then decorate them. Have a disco – all you need is your best dancing queen outfit and an iPod. Treasure hunts can be just as fun indoors as out, or you can even get the kids running up and down the stairs if you’re really stuck! Make a movie or build a den or just put on the wellies and waterproofs and go splashing about in the rain The real trick to have peace, bizarrely, is to have MORE children at your place. They are more likely to engage in games and run around than if they are with you only!

Baby & Pre-school Clubs & Classes Kidagility

Elementary gymnastics instruction, soft play and inflatable bouncer.

Under 5s Pay ’n’ Play. 15 mths to school age.

30 May 9.30am, 10.25am & 11.15am Littledown Centre Tel: 01202 417600 www.littledowncentre.co.uk

Turtle Tots

Baby swimming with a difference - promoting post-natal fitness and bonding time with your child in a fun, sociable environment.

For more information contact Caroline Kelly on 01202 802670 or email caroline.kelly@turtletots.com. www.turtletots.com

Pavilion Dance South West

Mini Street with Katie Morris Wednesday 10.30am - Summer Season Fun games and imaginative movement whilst learning street dance moves and styles for little dancers!

Mini Movies with Ruby Adams Thursday 10.30am - Summer Season Sing, dance, move and play to songs from your favourite movies!

Mini Movers with Aimee Smith Friday 10.30am - Summer Season Learn and socialise together in a fun environment that will boost your child’s confidence and inspire creativity.

Tel: 01202 203630 www.pdsw.org.uk

11

Families Dorset

Monkey Music

Specialist teachers catering for children from as young as 3 months up to 4 years, gently encouraging social and musical skills in a stimulating and friendly environment.

For more information contact Esther on 01202 461943 or visit the Monkey Music website at: www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Wiggle Waggle

For ages walking to 3’s at Treehouse Family Play, Bournemouth Energetic, upbeat multi activity sessions combining vocal technique, dance-styles from around the World, yoga, instruments, drama, fitness, sports and more....

Tel: 07795 472816

The UK’s No.1 school holiday day camps

Fun and affordable childcare in the school holidays

Book online at www.supercamps.co.uk or call 01235 467300

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

What’s On

Out & About We aim to be as accurate as possible but the listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please contact venues in advance to check details and prices.

Little Pickles South Coast Baby and Toddler Show 2014 11 May, 10am-4pm Littledown Centre, Chaseside, BH7 7DX Family friendly local and national business’ ready to help you through parenthood! From baby classes, clothes, gifts, nursery supplies, wellbeing, travel and christening supplies there will be a whole range of exciting offers. We’ve loads of entertainment, special guests and demonstrations lined up for a great family day out. There will be 400 free parking spaces on site plus overflow parking in the surrounding area. Goody bags for the first 200 families. Event guide for the first 1000 visitors. The Littledown Centre will be providing plenty of baby changing facilities. We have a café serving drinks and snacks in the exhibition plus meals served in the Terrace café and bar with plenty of healthy snacks throughout the venue suitable for all the family. Entry only £2 per adult on the door and ‘Little Pickles’ free.

RHS New Forest Breakfast Walk 17 May 2014 Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, Exbury, Southampton, SO45 1AZ ‘A riot of colour’ is perhaps an over-used phase, but it is an apt way to describe Exbury in the spring. The garden is renowned for its superb Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, and this walk with Head Gardener John Anderson is timed to coincide with the peak flowering period.

After breakfast, guests are welcome to continue exploring the Gardens at their leisure.

Entry cost: £25 per person or £20 for RHS members and Friend of Exbury Pass Holders Time: 0800 – 1000, followed by locally sourced breakfast.

Telephone our Booking office 02380 245 750 for tickets.

12

Families Dorset

Family Fun on Museums at Night in Dorchester 17 May, 5pm – 9pm Six of the town’s museums plus two other heritage attractions join together for Museums at Night – The Dinosaur Museum, The Tutankhamun Exhibition, The Dorset County Museum, The Teddy Bear Museum, The Keep Military Museum, and The Terracotta Warriors Museum.

These are joined on Museums at Night by the Roman Town House and Max Gate. Max Gate will again be open between 3.30pm and 5.30pm as part of a Museums at Night special preview package.

Family ticket from £10 Treemendous Trees 18 May Avon Heath Country Park 2pm – 3pm Pick up some top tips in tree ID in this general guide to trees. Discover fascinating facts about the folklore, uses and value to wildlife associated to these ever present features in our countryside. All children should bring an adult. Adults £3.50, children £2.50. Booking essential - 01425 478470 Rise of the Dinosaurs 23 May - 2 September 10am – 5pm/6pm Marwell Zoo Thompsons Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH Rise of the Dinosaurs is the latest world-class event from Marwell Wildlife. This summer dinosaurs will inhabit this quiet, leafy corner of Colden Common, transforming it into a Jurassic jungle. Our awesome dinosaurs will enthrall adventurers as they come to life with animatronics, roaring or even spitting at anyone who dares to get near them. Rise of the Dinosaurs is included in the general admission price to the zoo that can be booked online at www. marwell.org.uk

Rise of the Dinosaurs at Marwell Zoo

Bournemouth 7s Festival 23 May – 25 May Bournemouth 7s Festival is the largest sport and music festival in the world and takes place every year on the last bank holiday weekend in May. Launched in 2008 the Festival has quickly founded itself as the Sporting Glastonbury, attracting over 20,000 sports enthusiasts and festival goers. See website for further details www.bournemouth7s.com Saxon & Viking Academy 24 – 25 May 10am – 5pm Corfe Castle Join the ranks as a Saxon or Viking warrior, learn the skills, see the weapons, feel the armour, and hear the stories.

There will also be interactive sessions for young warriors.

More Information: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294 Treasure Trail 24 May – 1 June Avon Heath Country Park Anytime between 11am – 3pm Your treasure awaits you, but first you must embark on an adventure across the heath and through the woods in search of clues in order to unravel the wildlife riddles for your prize at the end. £2.80 per trailsheet Family Fun Day 25 May, 11am – 4pm AFC Bournemouth www.blacklabelevents.co.uk Fun day out for the whole family to kick start your half term!

Adults £1 Entry, Kids 50p Entry Stroll on South Park 25 May 9am – 10.30am Avon Heath Country Park Join our ranger on an exploration of Avon Heath’s less visited but equally fascinating South Park. A delightful meander and an opportunity to see the rare orchids and other

flowers, birds, views, bronze age burial site and much more.

Suitable for all the family.

Booking essential - 01425 478470.

Ladybird Box Building 27 May Anytime between 11am and 2pm Avon Heath Country Park Encourage these enchanting beetles and other valuable insects into your garden by making a hibernation/nesting box. All children should bring an adult. Booking advisable 01425 478470. £5.50 per box A Norman Castle 27 – 30 May 10am – 5pm From a world far in time, Regia Anglorum will bring to life the age when Norman knights ruled England, when Corfe Castle was a bustling community of artisans and craftsmen.

More Information: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294.

Pond Dip 30 May Avon Heath Country Park 11.30am – 12.30pm Take a closer look with the rangers at the some of the weird and wonderful creatures that dominate the pond. All children should bring an adult. Booking essential- 01425 478470. £3.50 Saxon & Viking Falconry 31 May – 1 June 10am – 5pm Immerse yourself in the time of the origins of falconry.

Learn about the Saxon Kings who enjoyed the royal sport of falconry and find out how it was very different from the falconry practiced by professional fowlers, and discover why Vikings were buried with their hawks. More Information: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294.

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

What’s On

Out & About Exbury Gardens Wartime Walks 7 - 8 June 11am and 2pm Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, Exbury, Southampton, SO45 1AZ As part of the Exbury Veterans D-Day remembrance weekend on Sat 7 / Sun 8 June, author John Stanley is hosting a series of guided walks at Exbury Gardens to commemorate a mysterious incident that happened in the run-up to the Normandy landings. Spaces are strictly limited so booking is essential.

Telephone (023) 8024 5750.

Entry Costs: £5 per person plus gardens admission of £11 Big Banana Bonanza 2014!

24 – 26 May Monkey World www.monkeyworld.org Each year on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Spring and Summer Bank Holiday weekends, every child that enters the park bringing a banana for the primates receives a FREE Monkey World badge!

See website for further details.

River Cottage Food Fair 24 – 26 May River Cottage HQ, Park Farm, Trinity Hill, Devon, EX13 8TB Enjoy falconry displays, hulahooping, hands-on crafts, cookery classes, country games, get face-painted or roll around in a zorb. Your little ones will certainly be entertained. See website for further details: www.rivercottage.net Peppa Pig 24 May Abbotsbury Children’s Farm www.abbotsbury-tourism. co.uk PEPPA PIG will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day.

Don’t forget to bring your camera! Standard admission applies. No extra charge for Season Ticket holders.

13

Families Dorset

70th Anniversary of D-Day 24 May – 1 June 10am – 5pm The Tank Museum Friday 6th June marks the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings and to commemorate we are focusing our half-term activities on this incredible operation. The Tank Museum has one of the biggest collections of tanks and armoured vehicles that saw service during this period of the war and as you explore keep a look out for the fascinating vehicles that go by the collective name of Hobart’s Funnies.

Children go free – see website for further details: www.tankmuseum.org Fun Day Bank Holiday 26 May HONEYBROOK FARM www.honeybrook.org A fabulous Fun day, there will be a BBQ, cider (soft drinks too) & live music, Duck Races, Balloon Modelling & lots more!

Bournemouth Wheels Festival 24 – 26 May www.bournemouthwheels. co.uk A FREE festival for all the family.

3 days, 100 events – high-energy action across the town and seafront –from beautiful historic classic cars to world-class BMX stunts, Monster Truck parades and supercars. Three Grandstands along the beach to watch demonstrations, evening live entertainment, shopping, food and fireworks!

Go wild half-term activities 24 May – 1 June Studland Beach www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ studland-beach Self led geocaching, tracking wild animals, bird watching, den building and a £2 trail. More Information: Studland Office, 01929 450500.

Adventures with Alice in Wonderland 24 May – 1 June 10am – 4pm Brownsea Island Come along on this trail and see where the story will take you on our magical island adventure.

More Information: Brownsea Island Property Office , 01202 707744 So You Want To Dance?

25 May Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre For The Arts www.lighthousepoole.co.uk It is a dance event that invites all styles of dance and song to compete for a £500 cash prize!! It is a great opportunity for children to showcase their talents, and dance in front of a wide audience in this great venue! There will be a panel of celebrity, industry professionals judging the competition who will also offer a dance workshop, so don’t miss out! For more information please visit our website www.soyouwanttodance.co.uk.

Sherborne Castle Country Fair 26 May Held in the grounds of Sherborne Castle this spectacular lakeside event highlights traditional rural skills, as well as those more modern.

The Fair is open from 10am to 6pm and car parking is free.

See website for further details: www.sherbornecountryfair.com Heroes Day 27 May Honeybrook Farm www.honeybrook.org Dress as a Super Hero & you get 1/2 price entry to the farm!

There will be a ‘best-superherodressed’ competition too!

To include your event in our What's On guide, send your event details to: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

Pirate Gran Story & Creative Play 27 – 28 May Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre For The Arts www.lighthousepoole.co.uk Meet Gran. She bakes. She knits. You’d never guess she was a Pirate! With a pet crocodile under her bed, a wicked sense of humour and a whole raft of adventures under her belt – time with Gran is never dull!

Gran isn’t scared of anything.

Not even monsters. A magical swashbuckling story from the team that brought Stick Man – Live on Stage and Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales. An absolute treat for children aged 3+ and their families. Performances: Tues 2pm & 5pm Wed 2pm.

Tickets: £10 Mike The Knight 28 May Adventure Wonderland www.adventurewonderland. co.uk Mike the Knight will be at the park to meet and greet his fans on Wednesday 28th May! He is visiting Adventure Wonderland on his quest to “Be a knight and do it right” and will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day!

McBUSTED - BUSTED & MCFLY 28 – 29 May BIC Windsor Hall Following the astonishing success of their brief reunion at the Royal Albert Hall on the occasion of McFly’s tenth anniversary concert, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd have announced that they will join forces with James Bourne and Matt Willis to form supergroup McBusted for a full UK arena tour - including dates at the BIC Windsor Hall on 28-29 May 2014. See website for further details and ticket prices: www.bic.co.uk

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

What’s On

Out & About Shaftesbury Festival 2 – 8 June Join us in early summer when this picturesque Saxon hilltop town celebrates outstanding local food, music and art. This year sees the return of the BV Dairy Junior Masterchef Competition, the Gold Hill Cheese Races, evenings of music and dance and the local food and drink producers’ market. The week-long festival also includes an art exhibition, jazz lunch, arts & crafts market, dog show and much more. New for 2014 will be cycle races up Gold Hill on Saturday and around town on Sunday. And, of course, there are many attractions for the younger element including a chance to meet Millie the Cow, a petting farm, face-painting and dressing up as a pirate. www.shaftesburyfestival.co.uk Pumpkin Soup Story & Creative Play 4 June, 11am – 12pm Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre For The Arts www.lighthousepoole.co.uk Are you a creative adult who wants to encourage your child’s imagination? We will have time to play, explore story settings, sing and dance to music and develop your child’s language and confidence.

Age guidance 18mnths - 4 years

14

Sunset Party in the park 13 June & 5 July 6.30pm – 9.30pm Marwell Zoo Sunset Party in the Park: Marwell Sunset Party in the Park is back by popular demand! Join us for a party to remember! This year’s event has a Dinosaur twist where guests will have out of hour’s access to our Rise of the Dinosaurs event, be able to see the animals at sunset and enjoy special talks. Both nights have a whole host of animal talks and the events run from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.

Medieval Falconry 14 – 15 June 10am – 5pm From Richard I to Richard III, we will take you on a whistlestop tour of Medieval falconry.

Enter a time of learning, knowledge and progression during the Crusades, when new skills are learnt from the East and falconry becomes the most elegant and noble of sports.

More Information: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294

Norman Falconry 7 – 8 June 10am – 5pm Step into the world of Norman falconry at Corfe Castle, built by William the Conqueror in one of his favourite hunting grounds, the Purbeck Forest. Find out how William I brought in new ideas in falconry and learn how birds could be used to pay your rent or even barter favours.

More Information: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294

Sylvanian Families shopping weekend 14 & 15 June 10am - 4pm on both days Gill Nethercott Centre & Whitchurch Silk Mill Whitchurch RG28 7HP Free entry to Community Centre and Silk Mill.

The Sylvanian Families shop in London is having a weekend away! Widest range of Sylvanian Families for sale, plus lots of special offers and competitions, creative activities and display marquee and best of all, visits from your favourite Sylvanian characters! More information call: 01256 895 511 Refreshments, Light lunches and afternoon teas will be available in the Silk Mill.

Peppa and George 7 – 8 June Swanage Railway www.swanagerailway.co.uk Come and see Peppa Pig and George at Swanage Railway.

Peppa Pig and George will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout each day.

Father’s Day at Honeybrook 15 June Honeybrook Farm www.honeybrook.org Visit Honeybrook on ‘Father’s Day’ for a fun action packed day out and Dads get a free tractor ride too!

Families Dorset

We aim to be as accurate as possible but the listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please contact venues in advance to check details and prices.

Father’s Day at Farmer Palmer’s 15 June Half Price entry for Dads Voucher can be downloaded from the website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk Moordown Village Fete 15 June 12pm – 5pm at Redhill Park www.moordownvillagefete. co.uk A team of us from the Moordown business community and beyond has got together to organise the biggest and the best Moordown Village Fete you will ever have seen! Yep, even bigger & better than the last one!

Rob Paul Studios Baby & Toddler of the Year 2014 Competition Photo shoots 16 - 21 June The Cascades Shopping Centre, Portsmouth The popular competition returns for 2014. 1st prize is £500, category winners £100 and runners up £50. All winners and runners up will star in a 2015 Calendar at selected Sainsbury stores and winner will model for the cover of Families Magazines along the South Coast. See website for further location updates www.robpaulstudios. co.uk/baby-and-toddler-of-theyear Captain Barnacles Octonauts 21 June Adventure Wonderland www.adventurewonderland. co.uk We are pleased to welcome the return of the Captain Barnacles from the Octonauts. The underwater hero will be making his way here to see our young visitors at regular intervals throughout the day, as part of his fact finding environmental mission to the Jurassic coast area. So bring all the family down to see him on 21st June.

To include your event in our What's On guide, send your event details to: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

Butterfly ID and Transect Walk Training 24 June 10.15am – 4pm Avon Heath Country Park A fantastic opportunity to spend a day with Butterfly Conservation improving your butterfly and day flying moth ID skills. A morning in the park’s classroom will provide plenty of practise in practical classification skills. Followed by an afternoon out on the park learning tools to scientifically record butterfly numbers. Please bring a packed lunch, butterfly ID book and OS map for the area. Booking essential - 01747 824215.

Free event Birthday Anniversary 28 June Farmer Palmer’s www.farmerpalmers.co.uk Winton Carnival 28 June www.wintonforum.co.uk/ carnival Now grown into one of the area’s biggest annual events, Winton Carnival attracts thousands of people for a day of family fun.

It starts with a grand parade through Winton and moves on to Winton Recreation Ground for a funfair, wide range of attractions and non-stop live music and dance on stage.

DAYS OUT Bournemouth Aviation Museum www.aviation-museum.org Our aim is to provide an interesting and informative visit for people of all ages and to share the enjoyment of the exciting world of aviation Our museum is a truly handson experience. We have many interactive exhibits with most of our aircraft cockpits available for you to actually sit inside.

You will learn about the variety of exhibits and their various operational roles as well as getting an insight into the local aviation heritage. Located adjacent to the airport and open daily you are sure to catch a glimpse of the live action right on our doorstep.

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014

What’s On

Out & About DORSET HEAVY HORSE FARM PARK www.dorset-heavy-horsecentre.co.uk Enjoy interesting tours, talks and displays, FREE Heavy Horse Wagon Rides, Tractor and Trailer rides and even the chance to Drive a real Farm tractor!!

There’s a busy timetable of hands on interaction with the friendly farm animals including over 20 rescued heavy horses, donkeys, miniature ponies, kunie kunie pigs, goats, sheep, alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, snow dogs and many more!

OCEANARIUM: THE BOURNEMOUTH AQUARIUM www.oceanarium.co.uk Take an underwater adventure and come face-to- face with hundreds of awesome creatures.

SANDWORLD Open daily, 10.30am www.sandworld.co.uk Sandworld in Weymouth – returns for an exciting fourth season in 2014 with a new theme “BOOKS & AUTHORS” .

It really will be “Literally Sand”, expect to see amazingly detailed sculptures from The Mr Men to Shakespeare, there will be something for everyone of all ages and interest groups to appreciate.

15

Families Dorset

Sea Life Adventure Park www.sealifeweymouth.com With over 1,000 incredible creatures from sharks and sea turtles to giant spider crabs and Octopus.

INDOOR PLAY BEE A BUG PLAY CAFÉ www.beeabug.co.uk 01202 766710 Under 5’s play centre in the heart of Westbourne. the ark www.thearkpoolepark.co.uk BH15 2SF 01202 717197 A great all weather attraction, open 7 days a week.

Lollipops Play Cafe www.lollipopsplaycafe.com 01202 766710 We are a family fun business at the heart of the community in Westbourne, Bournemouth.

Lollipops Play Cafe is situated in a beautifully converted church hall. We offer a fun, safe, clean and friendly haven to parents, carers and children alike. Our inviting coffee shop enables parents/carers to relax and enjoy the menu on offer while the little ones play on the 3 levels playframe. Come along and try our tasty homemade food, lovely coffee and cakes... while the kiddies play !

LEMUR LANDINGS www.lemurlandings.co.uk 01202 740500 Children’s soft play centre located at Tower Park in Poole.

THE GOOD PLAY CAFÉ www.thegoodplaycafe.co.uk 01202 425577 A soft play café in Southbourne, designed for children 5 years and under. We also welcome under 8’s to use the play frame at weekends, during school holidays and weekdays after 3pm.

Treehouse Family Play www.treehousefamilyplay. com 01202 552228 We are ‘Indoor Play’ with a twist.... OUT with the metal and plastic! IN with the wood and grass! Unique play frame, fun and games, organised activities, parties, locally sourced food, great coffee and lots lots more to come....

Giggles Play Centre www.playatgiggles.co.uk West Howe Industrial Estate Come and join us at our fun and bright playcentre offering a safe environment for your children aged 0-10 to play, explore and learn new skills with other children. We have two soft play areas including our larger Giggles Play Zone which features a range of fun adventures, slides and climbs and also our smaller play area for younger children.

WILD THING! ADVENTURE WONDERLAND www.adventurewonderland. co.uk 01202 483444 Indoor Aztec Adventure Play Centre with a range of exciting jungle themed rides and restaurant facilities, offering guaranteed fun, whatever the weather.

To advertise call 07876 761623 or email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

May/June 2014