Families Solent East Sept/Oct 2016

FREE take me home

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Solent East

Issue 66 | September/October 2016 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Help! My child hates school

How to get back into a good routine this term

...and lots more education advice inside

Your guide to the best local family events this autumn

EnRol youR Child and watCh thEiR ConFidEnCE and sElF-EstEEM gRow. n Maths n English n Reading n Comprehension n Exam Preparation n spelling

Maths and English tutoRing FoR studEnts agEd 6-16

Call today for a FREE assessment on 023 93 968626 www.ilovetolearn.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk | 1 The essential local magazine for parents and carers

Solent East www.familiesonline.co.uk Tel: 02393 117 561 Managing Editor Mandy Earle editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk Regional Online Manager Sharon Armstrong sharon@familiessolenteast.co.uk Contributors

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Next issue November/December 2016 Booking deadline 3rd October 2016

For distribution and advertising enquiries please call 02393 117 561

4 6 7 10 10 11 15

News and views My child hates school - what can I do?

Getting your child into a good routine How to cope with the nasty nits!

Our top three books to help make homework fun What’s on guide to local family events Super spooky Halloween events and firework safety

Families Solent East delivered directly to parents and carers since 2005 Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Waterlooville, Havant, Chichester, Petersfield, Isle of Wight.

www.familiesonline.co.uk Copyright: Families Solent East 2016.

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 Solent East is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Inspirational ideas for fun days out near you

Places to Go | Eating Out | Parties Childcare | Education | Family News Offers | Competitions

www.familiesonline.co.uk | 3

Book early to avoid missing out!

Families visiting Christmas at Paultons will enjoy Rudolph’s Adventure, as they join the red-nosed reindeer on his journey to find Santa in time for Christmas Eve.

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Along the way, children will meet many of Rudolph’s animal friends and be greeted by Father Christmas himself at the magical grotto. Christmas at Paultons will be taking place on selected days from Saturday November 19 until Friday December 23, a ticket is the perfect pre-Christmas gift for children and parents to look forward to.

Tickets start from £19.25 and include entry to Rudolph’s Adventure and Peppa Pig World, as well a gift for the children.

All visits must be pre-booked and certain rides will not be open, for further details and opening times www.paultonspark.co.uk/attractions/ christmas

Get in touch!

Do you have a favourite local café or restaurant that always gives your family excellent service?

Is there a local lollypop person, teacher or member of the community who goes that extra mile?

Star

Letter!

Share your experience with us and each issue we will pick one of your letters to publish in the magazine. Email your local story to: editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk with the subject title ‘Families Share’ …. don’t forget to include a photo if you have one!

4 | Tel: 02393 117 561 | editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

Effective study skills can often make good students into great students. So here are four study habits to help your child get the most out of their learning this year.

Study Planner

Schools let children know the topics they will be studying nowadays. A long term plan of the year ahead helps to avoid last minute cramming before exams.

Study Schedule

Regular homework sessions on a timetable will make life easier as it becomes part of the daily routine.

Study Time

We want to hear about it!

*Free trial only available to new customers who sign up at the above address. Free trial offer ends 30th September 2016. Not applicable for schools.

4 Top Study Habits to help your child this year

Designate a ‘communication blackout hour’, no phones, messaging, gaming or TV.

Study Space

Create a study area away from above distractions, ideally a quiet, well lit area, having materials to hand.

With thanks to I Love to Learn Professional Tuition Centre Portsmouth who provide Maths and English tutoring for students aged 6 - 16 years.

Call them on 023 93 968 626 for a free assessment, or visit www.ilovetolearn.co.uk

Every September some 40,000 volunteers across England organise 5,000 events to celebrate our fantastic history, architecture and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore. This years’ Heritage Open Days will take place between 8th and 11th September - join guided walks, visit secret archives, discover hidden works of art – or simply soak up the sunshine in a garden of your choice.

Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk to find out what’s happening near you Kids’ uniform going astray?

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Classes across West Sussex and Hampshire Call us on: 02394 000226 Contact us for class times or view on our website Email: chichester.petersfield@monkeymusic.co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk | 5

My child hates school

what can I do?

Highfield and Brookham Schools Liphook. Tel: 01428 728000 www.highfieldschool.org.uk

Highfield & Brookham Schools are charming country Prep and Pre Prep boarding and day schools set in sumptuous 175 acre grounds on the Hampshire/Surrey/Sussex borders.

The facilities are enviable, including extensive sports pitches, an indoor swimming pool, new science labs, a music school and an art school. Highfield enjoys outstanding academic success and has been preparing pupils for the top education establishments in England for more than a century. They have a flawless track record for securing every child’s place at their first choice senior school, and an excellent Scholarship success rate.

Brookham Open Morning 23rd September 9:30 – 11:30am Highfield Open Morning 24th September 9:30am – 12noon

The Portsmouth Grammar School Old Portsmouth. Tel: 02392 364219 www.pgs.org.uk

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a happy and vibrant independent school located in Old Portsmouth. The support that pupils experience at PGS and the challenges they encounter have a shared purpose: that each individual should be happy and successful, in that order.

PGS seeks to provide excellence in all areas of school life and encourage students to think not only about where they will be at 18 but where they aspire to be at 25.

Portsmouth High School Southsea. Tel: 02392 826714 www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk

Portsmouth High School is the leading independent school for girls on the south coast and welcomes pupils from Nursery School to Sixth Form. The school is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust network, the leading provider of girls’ education in the UK. Visit their next Open Morning and find out more about opportunities for your daughter. At the Junior School there will be a Where in the World themed activity morning for children of all ages and at the Senior School there will be a host of activities to get involved in.

Open Morning 8th October 9am – 12:30pm

Ryde School Ryde (IOW). Tel: 01983 617970 www.rydeschool.org.uk

With a ‘Hover Nanny’ service from Southsea, acres of open grounds and woodland at both Ryde and Bembridge and easy access to the beach, Ryde School at Fiveways (Nursery & Pre Prep) and the Junior School, offers a unique environment for your child. Encompassing both the traditional values and education of a longestablished Independent School and the inspiring environment that nature has to offer; your child is nurtured in a way that brings out their natural talents and joy of learning.

Sailing, weekly forest rambles, bug-hunting and regular ‘Forest School’ sessions ensure children understand and embrace the natural world. Regular excursions around the Island to beaches, woods and rivers create a healthy backdrop to the strong academic grounding intrinsic to Ryde School.

Open Morning 8th October, 10am to 12.30pm

Whole School Open Morning 24th September from 9:30am Senior School and Sixth Form Open Afternoon, 13th October at 2pm Senior School and Sixth Form, 11th November at 2pm Junior School Tour Afternoon, 8th November at 2pm Junior School Taster Day 15th November, from 8:30am Junior School Reception Taster Afternoon, 22th November from 13:30

6 | Tel: 02393 117 561 | editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

Not all children skip happily through the school gates each day. If yours isn’t keen on heading into the classroom, here’s what you can do…

Try to keep everyone calm

Mornings can be fraught if your child has developed a school aversion, but it’s important to at least try and all remain calm (easier said than done we know!) If your little one associates mornings with being told off and stressed, it could add to their anxieties.

It might just be a phase

Many children have a phase when they’re not keen on school; this might resolve itself within a few days. Meanwhile if you’re sure they’re just ‘trying it on’, stand firm and make it clear that school is non-negotiable.

Fake illnesses can be a headache…

Mysterious maladies are a common manifestation of not wanting to go to school; although it can be annoyingly difficult to decipher whether kids are crying wolf or actually ill. If it could be the former, threatening a trip to the doctors/ call to NHS Direct will usually either get illness fibbers to confess, or provide a miracle cure.

Consider the potential causes

Work on getting your child to open up when it’s not the ‘heat of the moment’. So not when you’re late for school and they’re in tears. This can be challenging if they don’t even understand their fear, don’t want to tell you about it or struggle to articulate it at all. If they won’t talk to you, perhaps they will do so with someone else, such as their grandparents, or an aunt or uncle.

Common reasons for school aversion include bullying/friendship problems, boredom, learning difficulties, a tricky relationship with a teacher or a major family event such as a divorce or bereavement. You could mention similar situations you experienced in your school days to encourage discussion.

Meet with their teacher

Have a chat with their teacher to identify and work on any underlying issues going on in the classroom, playground or at home so you can carve out an action plan together.

Still struggling?

Support for severe cases should be available via your GP who might make a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or a private child psychologist.

By Liat Hughes Joshi

ead r o t rn a e L weeks 5 t s u in j for FREE! Reading Eggs, the multi-award winning online reading programme, makes learning to read easy and fun for children aged 3 to 13. The programme matches your child’s ability and is based on scientific research to help kids become confident and successful readers.

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Getting your child into a good routine As we move into the autumn and winter school term, it can be difficult to cope with changing weather and dull days. The long evenings of summer are over, the nights draw in and the mornings are dark. Getting your child settled into a good routine is essential if you are going to ensure they get enough sleep and are able to get up on time for school without too much effort and moaning.

Exercise is your best friend

Even if the weather is dreadful, try to make sure that your kids have some exercise every day. Not only will it help keep them fit and healthy but it also helps them to get a good night’s sleep. The best time is just after school, when it’s still light and you can take them to the playground or let them loose in the garden.

Plan your mornings

Most parents would agree; mornings are bad times! Everyone is tired and cranky and if you’re not careful, it can descend into chaos. So having a routine that is followed every school day can help immensely. Set an alarm for 15 minutes before you need to get the kids up and get yourself together in that time. Whether it’s that first cup of tea, a shower or choosing what to wear, make sure you have time for you first - and everything else will go that bit more smoothly. Avoid any electronic stimulation in the morning, so ban games, X-Boxes and the TV, as time can slip away when they are distracted.

Be prepared

Getting things prepared the night before can help immensely with the morning rush, so prepare lunchboxes and get breakfast things out the night before.

Have rules

Make sure there are rules for where things are put when your kids arrive home each day. Let them know that they can’t just dump their gear anywhere! Those school bags, shoes and coats must go in a specific place so that there is no frantic searching in the morning, with everyone getting frustrated. Sticking to this routine makes for a happier family.

Make sure they know their routine too

Having a planner on view is a great way to avoid missing tutoring sessions, music lessons and play dates. A big calendar on the fridge means everyone can see what’s happening and when.

Why routines work Please note: This offer is only available to new customers who register at the above URL and is not applicable for schools.

The multi-award winning online reading programme for kids!

Children respond really well to a routine so you’ll thank yourself when they adapt to doing the right things at the right time each day. Have breakfast and dinner at set times, bedtime must be absolutely set in stone and homework should have appointed times too. Giving your kids too much choice over their own routine just leads to their spending too long on games or play and not enough for homework and helping with chores.

By Sally J Hall

www.familiesonline.co.uk | 7

Prep School - Day, Weekly & Full Boarding 8-13 Years | Nursery & Pre-Prep 3-7 Years

‘E Inde xcelle pend n ent t’ in a ll Scho oIs I categ o nspe ctor ries ate 201 5

Portsmouth High School

Open Morning

Saturday 8 October 9.00 to 12.30 An independent school for girls from Nursery School to Sixth Form achieving outstanding results

“Full Marks for Pastoral Care”

Part of the Girls’ Day School Trust network of schools

Good Schools Guide

“A First-Rate Education”

Book online www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk

ISI 2014

Brookham Open Morning Friday 23rd September 9.30am–11.30am

Highfield Open Morning Saturday 24th September 9.30am–12noon

For more information please call 01428 728000 or visit our website www.highfieldschool.org.uk

|

Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ

023 9282 6714  admissions@por.gdst.net Kent Road, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 3EQ

NATURE & NURTURE Fiveways - for girls and boys aged 2 ½ to 7 The Junior School - for girls and boys aged 7 to 11 New outdoor woodland learning area Safe and secure nurturing environment Happy and confident children with a love of learning Hover nanny service from Southsea NEXT OPEN DAY: SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER FOR MORE INFORMATION Call +44 (0)1983 617970 or visit www.rydeschool.org.uk

8 | Tel: 02393 117 561 | editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

An Island School with a Global Outlook

Issue 46 : (E)

THE FIRST TRAMPOLINE ARENA ON THE SOUTH COAST! FLIP FIT CLASSES Work out and have fun using gymnastics, Trampoline and Parkour disciplines to give you an all round work out. For ages 16 plus. Parents welcome to bring their children

ASK ABOUT OUR LITTLE NINJAS CLASSES!

MINI FLIPPERS PROMOTION Parent and child (under 5) bounce for £10. Extra child £5 9am to 3pm week days (Excluding Public and school holidays

WALL TO WALL TRAMPOLINES AND DEDICATED KIDS ARENA • LARGE FOAM PIT TO PRACTISE MOVES KIDS AND ADULT PARTIES • ON SITE CAR PARKING • CAFÉ WITH FREE WIFI • CORPORATE EVENTS

THE BIG GREEN TRAMPOLINE Unit 4 Harbourgate | Southampton Road | Portsmouth | PO6 4BQ

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www.flipout.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk | 9

Headlice

An irritating problem

How to cope with those nasty nits It’s every parent’s nightmare; the notices go up at school: “a case of headlice has been reported, so please check your children’s heads”. Your child begins to scratch. How do you cope with headlice – and can they be prevented?

What are headlice?

Headlice, also known as nits, are tiny insects that live in human hair and feed on blood. They are very small – they range from the size of a pinhead to a sesame seed, so it’s no surprise that they are difficult to see. Their discarded egg cases are white and look a bit like dandruff stuck to the hair. It’s often these empty cases, the ‘nits’, that you notice first, especially behind the ears and there may also be small, red, itchy bumps on the back of the neck, which is where the insects have bitten your child.

Are they obvious?

One of the main problems with headlice is that they are tiny, so they’re difficult to spot and although most children will have telltale signs such as itching and the feeling of something moving in their hair, other children may have no idea at all. It’s often these children whose parents don’t realise they have headlice who will keep spreading it through the class, so even if your child displays no symptoms, always check regularly.

How to check Your best friend is now your nit comb. When you wash your child’s hair, apply plenty of

conditioner and comb through their hair in sections, making sure you don’t miss any areas. Look at the comb and check for small dots – they may be black, reddish brown, brown or grey. These are the lice. These should be removed under a hot tap in the basin or into a cup of hot water. Combing is your most important weapon against headlice, as even if you use a lotion or spray from the pharmacists, eggs may still hatch after you have treated the hair.

What to treat the hair with A pharmacist can sell you an over-the-counter remedy which you use in the hair. You have to treat all family members and most products will tell you to treat again after a couple of weeks to take care of any eggs that slip through the net; lice have a 30-day life span, during which a female can lay five to 10 eggs a day. Some lotions are not suitable for the under-twos or for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Can I prevent them?

Whilst there is some evidence that they dislike tea tree oil and lavender, you can’t really prevent an infestation. Sorry.

Homework Help Our top pick of must have books for helping your child enjoy their homework Coding for Beginners using Scratch - Usborne Books £12.99

A new UK curriculum topic that is introduced in key stage 1, coding – is made easy with this step-by-step book.

Showing children how to use code to create games and animations – from racing cars to virtual pets – it covers sprites, binary, debugging and more.

Not sure what any of those terms mean? Get learning, too – this book is just as helpful for parents!

10 | Tel: 02393 117 561 | editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

5 facts about

Headlice

They can live under water for several hours * They are passed from head to head when children sit and play together * They are not a sign of being dirty, they prefer clean hair * They do not only affect children, so always check your own hair too * They can’t jump

By Sally J. Hall

Help with Homework English Essentials -

Igloo Books £3.99

Ideal for ages nine and up, this book – for key stage 2 – perfectly links school and homework.

Including spelling, grammar, punctuation, reading comprehension and writing, it’s the ideal tool for those still a tad wobbly when it comes to perfecting the English written language.

Ladybird I’m Ready… For Maths! Adding and Subtracting - Ladybird Books £3.99 Perfect for children starting school, this bright, motivational sticker book covers the adding and subtracting concepts that children will be learning during Key Stage 1. From number bonds to 10, as well as counting using a number line to help, your child can use the combination of stickers and colourful activities to boost their learning in a fun, engaging way.

Brand new creative workshops for all the family to enjoy.

We’ve scoured the area for local family events this September and October so you don’t have to! We take great care in compiling our events guide, but please contact venues before you leave home as things can change.

Spot the dot for FREE events!

Sundays Walk, Talk and Dive

Every Sunday at 11.30am there is a guided heritage walk around Stokes Bay, and then entry into the Diving Museum to find out lots of exciting information! Families welcome.

Saturdays Red Hat Knitters

The Diving Museum, Gosport,

A family friendly event, where you can knit a traditional divers red knitted hat every Saturday morning. Entry is free for knitters and materials, teas/ coffees and biscuits are all free.

Until 25 October Summer Shorts Exhibitions Westbury Manor Museum, Fareham, PO16 0JJ. 02392 501957

Five exhibitions running until late October showcasing the best local artists have to offer.

Free entry.

21 – 29 October Blackgang Illuminations

Blackgang Chine, Isle of Wight, PO38 2HN, 01983 730 330 Experience the Blackgang Chine illuminations this October! Fuel your imagination by day as you explore the park and then experience it's magic as night falls. 10am to 9pm.

10 September Sculptural Portraits

Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, PO19 1TJ, 01243 774 557

Practical activities designed to be fun, develop creativity and help our younger audiences explore the Gallery. Inspired by Friedrich Nagler, create small sculptural heads in high relief.

Using tools to carve and model the clay into 3D forms, create portraits of yourself, friends and family before creating an interior environment from recycled boxes to display your work. For children aged 5 - 8 years. 10.15am / £10 per child.

10 September Butserfest

QE Country Park, Waterlooville, PO8 0QE, 023 9259 5040

The UK's biggest and best alcohol and drug free music festival. Featuring three stages of the freshest live music, market stalls and tasty food and drink, as well as loads of free activities and things to do, it'll be the perfect finish to the summer! Take your chances on the zip line, or try the big balls challenge! 11am / Different ticket pricing options available.



The Diving Museum, Gosport, PO12 2QU. 02392 602260

From 22 October 2016 at 9 North Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TJ Tel. 01243 774557 pallant.org.uk

Kids go

free*

Spooky Staunton Sat 22 Oct – Sun 30 Oct, 10.30am – 3.30pm Enjoy creepy crafts, frightening face painting and our spooky story trail. Plus, see the creepy crawlies if you dare! *Up to two free children with every full paying adult.

Small charge for crafts. Hand in advert to receive offer.

Offer ends 01.11.2016.

www.hants.gov.uk/staunton www.hants.gov.uk www.hants.gov.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk | 11

ROMAN

10 and 11 September Defend the Fort

Fort Nelson, Fareham PO17 6AN

ARMY WEEK

Let the kids join the junior ‘Volunteers’ and practice Victorian gun drills and marching under the orders of the Sergeant Major.

Throughout the weekend there will be a focus on Victorian garrison life with tours and object handling sessions. On Sunday there will be special firings of the 16-pounder rifled muzzle loader by a uniformed detachment of the Portsdown Artillery Volunteers. Firings at 11.30am, 2pm and 3pm. Free event.

Mon 24th - Fri 28th

October

10am - 4pm

Come along & join the Fishbourne Roman Army &

10 September Free Saturdays

Flora Twort Gallery, Petersfield, GU32 3HS, 01730 260756

earn a day’s pay!

Drop in for this children's fun session. Create a collage inspired by autumn and all its colours. You can bring along any finds such as pressed leaves, pine cones or pieces of fabric.

PO19 3QR 01243 785859 w w w. s u s s e x p a s t . c o. u k 1 October Shakespeare Fun for Families

17 September – 2 October Apple Affair West Dean Gardens, PO18 0QZ 01243 818 279

A family friendly event celebrating the apple harvest. Apples from West Dean's own orchards and pumpkins and gourds from the Victorian Kitchen Garden are available. Visitors can bring their own apple varieties along for identification and shop at around 30 artisan stalls offering seasonal produce and products.

There will also be apple displays, orchard tours, stalls, cooking demonstrations, children's activities and much more. Entry tickets include full access to West Dean Gardens / Adult £12.50 (Early Bird £10.00) Children £1.00.

17 September Togis Team Archaeological Recording Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester, PO19 3QR, 01243 785 859

Find out how to record artifacts found on an archaeological dig with photography, archaeological and reconstruction drawing and x-ray photography. Bring your own ‘artefact’ to x-ray. Find out how archaeologists date objects and have a go yourself.

Explore how the site has changed over time and create a time capsule. For budding archaeologists aged 6-12 years.

10am to 12.30pm.

24 September Moving Seascapes

Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, PO19 1TJ, 01243 774 557

Make a moving picture based on the seascapes in the Christopher Wood exhibition.

Paint, draw, colour and cut out to create different parts of your image. Think about what your boat may pass on its voyage such as a lighthouse, rocks and seabirds, to complete your seascape scene. Activities

designed to encourage families to create together while having fun. Children must be accompanied by a parent/carer willing to create. For children aged 5 to 11 years of age.

10.15am - 12.15pm.

25 September Window Life

Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, PO19 1TJ, 01243 774 557

Create a window still life using the paintings of Christopher Wood as inspiration.

Experiment with mixed media materials and collage techniques. For ages 9 plus years. Starts at 1.30pm / £10.

25 September Best Sponsored Dog Walk

Staunton Country Park, Havant, PO9 5HB, 01329 666916 Join the RSPCA Solent on a sponsored walk to raise money for the charity. There will be a dog show, watch doggy demo's and spend time visiting the food and drink stalls. Two routes available 3k and 5k. For more information call or email fundraising@rspca-solent.org. uk. No need to book, just turn up and take part. 10.30am.

12 | Tel: 02393 117 561 | editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester, PO19 6AP, 01243 781 312 A fun Shakespeare themed workshop for children aged 5 years and over and parents/ carers, combining storytelling, craft and play activities. A perfect introduction for little ones. 11am / £5.00.

2 October Victory Wheelers

Funland, Hayling Island, PO11 0AG, 023 9246 2820

Perfect for Hot Wheels lovers, the Victory Wheelers bring their hot rod and custom cars for a show on Hayling Island.

Browse the many interesting and unique cars, from a variety of countries and soak up the Hayling Island atmosphere!

2 October Scalextric at The Spring

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, PO9 1BS, 02392 472700 Join in with some Scalextric fun at this FREE event.

Enjoy playing with toys from yesteryear, you can even bring your own Scalextric track and lay it out in the theatre to make a huge track! Lots of family friendly activities to enjoy, plus the cafe will be open for refreshments. 10am.

7 October Immersive Sculptures

Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, WPO19 1TJ, 01243 774 557

Fun, hands-on creative sessions for our youngest visitors aged 0-5 years, encouraging them to discover, play and explore with different

materials. Every child must be accompanied by a parent/ carer who is willing to create and make. Book early as places are limited. Work together to construct a giant immersive sculpture using different shapes and materials. Free 10am to 12noon.

7 October Roller Skate Disco Horizon Leisure Centre, Havant, PO9 2AY, 02392 476026

Family fun roller disco. £5 per person including skate hire. No need to book, just turn up! 7pm.

8 and 9 October Big Draw Festival

Fort Nelson, Fareham PO17 6AN

This autumn you can get arty underground at the Fort as part of the national Big Draw festival. The Fort is a great place to explore, especially the tunnels and hidden spaces.

11 October Fairytales Gone Bad: Grannylocks/The Monstrous Duckling Waterlooville Library, The Precinct, PO7 7DT, 02392 472700

A family performance touring libraries and community centres as part of The Spring's Beyond the Walls programme.

Did you know that the ugly duckling was never ugly? He was truly monstrous! Or that Goldilocks was actually a tale about a mean granny planning something nasty! Join Joseph Coelho as he unravels favourite fairytales to create fresh contemporary classics and discover the true stories behind the happily ever afters! Suitable for ages 3 plus.

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HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES

26 - 30 October 2016

Visit West Dean Gardens for spooky fun this Halloween.

Activities include: Halloween trail • Make a creepy crawly hotel Face painting • Craft activities • Dracula’s lair

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For prices and tickets visit www.westdeangardens.org.uk

 Families Solent East Advert (87x130mm) 03/08/2016 09:43 Page 1

FORT NELSON FAREHAM

FORT FUN

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2016

Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 September

DEFEND THE FORT

Victorian-themed family activities Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 October

Part of The Big Draw festival Monday 24 – Sunday 30 October

29th - 30th OCTOBER IT’S TIME TO BOARD THE WIZARD EXPRESS!

www.watercressline.co.uk

SPOOKY FORT

October half-term crafts and trails

Museum admission is free / Daily big gun firing 1pm Visit our website for more information

www.royalarmouries.org

UNDERGROUND ART

www.familiesonline.co.uk | 13

12 October Fairytales Gone Bad

Leigh Park Library, Havant PO9 5AB

See previous listing for details.

13 October Fairytales Gone Bad

Hayling Island Library, PO11 9EE

See previous listing for details.

14 October Fairytales Gone Bad

Emsworth Community Centre, PO10 7DD, 02392 472700

See previous listing for details.

15 October 999 Family Fun Day

Fareham Shopping Centre, PO16 0PQ, 01329 824440 Meet the local emergency services. 9am – 3pm.

For lots more fam ily friendly events go to familiesonline.co .uk

24 – 28 October Roman Army Week

Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester, PO19 3QR, 01243 785 859

Get an army “tattoo”, try your hand at spear practice and earn your keep as a new recruit during Roman Army Week at Fishbourne Roman Palace this Half-Term. Sign up with the recruitment officer and learn to write your name in Latin before completing a range of tasks to “earn” a day’s pay. Activities include archery, sword practice and Roman costume. Complete the activities, and receive a certificate and a (replica) Roman coin as your first day’s pay!

15 October Autumn Discovery Day

22 October Family Bushcraft Day

25 October The Chris and Pui Show

Explore a beautiful site and discover how the Sustainability Centre makes sustainability come alive. Enjoy hands on craft activities such as willow weaving and bushcraft, and you can even have a go at apple pressing. Bring your own apples and make your own healthy juice to take home or bring some produce for the Harvest Swap! Children will enjoy the many family friendly activities on offer and you can also visit the Eco Lodge, Woodland Room, Bushcraft area, Yurts and Tipis. Free event.

Enjoy quality family time in the beautiful Field Farm woods.

Learn ancient fire-lighting skills using flint, steel and fungus and tinder bundles, cook a sweet treat, help build a group shelter and explore seasonal woodland crafts. From 10am. £25 per adult, £15 per child, under 3's free. Booking essential.

CBeebies’ favourite double act presents their new stage show with all the toys and characters from their hit TV programme ‘Show Me Show Me’. With songs, comedy sketches, a dash of magic and heaps of joining in. 11am & 2pm.

23 October Scalextric Swapmeet

Petersfield Museum, GU32 3HX, 01730 260756

The Petersfield Sustainability Centre, GU32 1HR, 01730 823166

Field Farm Project, Alton, GU34 3PX, 07979 321369

Horizon Leisure Centre, Havant, PO9 2AY, 01793 230328

A new Scalextric swapmeet at its birthplace in Havant! From 10.30am / Adults £1.

The Kings theatre, Southsea PO5 2QJ. 023 9282 8282

25 – 28 October Hidden Places Art and Craft Special children's activities on selected days during half term. Events run from 10.30am until 12.30pm and are free for children to attend with a paying adult (£2 per adult).

26 October Samhain Storytelling

Butser Ancient Farm, Waterlooville, PO8 0BG, 02392 598838

Join in at the Roundhouse for an afternoon of storytelling with Fayebles. What has Fairy Bigtoe been getting up to this time? Join in with the adventure with a Spirit Hunt around the farm afterwards. Suitable for all the family.

14 | Tel: 02393 117 561 | editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

28 October The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfall

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, PO9 1BS, 02392 472700 A fantastical sci-fi solo adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's novel for the whole family to enjoy. Join Hans Pfall, who, in an attempt to escape his miserable situation, decides to reach the moon in a giant gasballoon. Suitable for ages 8 and over. Performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm / £12.50 per ticket, £11.25 for concessions and £10 per ticket for groups of four or more.

28 – 29 October Museums at Night Petersfield Police Station

Petersfield Police Station, St Peters Road, GU32 3HU, 01730 262601

Join the museum team for a 'hard hat tour' of the Petersfield Police Station at sundown!

Discover the Victorian features and learn about the history of the Police Station and Old Courthouse and have a drink in a real Victorian Police cell!

Booking is essential. 6.30pm 8pm / Adults £5, Children £2.

28 October Museums at Night

Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester, PO19 3QR, 01243 785 859 Explore the Roman Palace to celebrate Museums at Night!

A family friendly fun event where you can explore behind the scenes of the museum!

Six super spooky Halloween events

Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle PO9 6DX

Three nights of fabulously fiendish family fun from 29th - 31st October! Be part of the carnival atmosphere that envelopes the estate and join in the delightfully wicked festivities. This year’s ‘Fairy-tale’ theme in the Servants’ Quarters, will see each room dressed to show a different story. Search the Arboretum for friendly ghosts, and watch the fire juggler on the lawn. Finding your way through the maze in the daytime is one thing but can you manage it at night? Bubbles, smoke and ghouls make the challenge harder, enter if you dare! Gather round and listen to spooky storytellers and hear tales that will send shivers down your spine. Stansted Park Light Railway will be running through the Arboretum in the misty darkness, watch out for spooks along the way!

Chichester Golf Club, Hunston Village PO20 1AX

Join Chichester Golf Club for a Halloween themed 18-hole Jungle Paradise Adventure Golf Course from 17th - 31st October! Kids can bring along a carved pumpkin and play for FREE and also enter a competition to win an annual pass to play for free all year round!

Join in for Halloween fun and Pumpkin Lighting on 28th October from 2 - 6pm. Take part in Ghoulish games in the Jungle Java Café, including apple bobbing, buckets of goo and spooky colouring.

Prizes will be on offer for the best Halloween costume!

Staunton Country Park, Havant PO9 5HB

Have magical fun at the park from 22nd - 30th October with creepy crafts and frightening face painting. Follow the spooky trail, visit the magical maze, listen to spine tingling stories and see the creepy crawlies if you dare!

Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Rd, Fareham PO17 6AN

During half term at the Fort you will find a beastly trail and a mystery to solve plus loads of activities and crafts to keep the kids out of mischief. Don’t miss the noise and power of the daily gun which is fired at 1pm and the lovely cafe serving a tasty range of light meals and snacks, great coffee and cake.

West Dean Gardens, Chichester PO18 0RX

Are your little monsters brave enough to follow the Halloween trail and take part in a cauldron of Halloween activities? Enjoy lots of fresh air and autumn colour at the beautiful gardens from 26th – 30th October.

Watercress Line, Station Road, Alresford SO24 9JG Join in for Wizard Weekend from 29th – 30th October and watch the Watercress Line transform in to a place of magic and mischief on Halloween!

Take unlimited rides on the Wizard Express steam train and walk in Harry Potter's footsteps over the famous railway footbridge where he received his Hogwarts Express ticket in the film and take a selfie! Come dressed as a witch, wizard or Halloween spook and find out about all things magical! Hold an owl or falcon on your arm, be brave and touch some hairy, scary, creepy crawlies, marvel at a haunting magic show, make and fly on a witch’s broomstick and get your face painted into something scary!

Firework safety As the Diwali Festival of Light and Bonfire Night fast approaches and with all the excitement of rockets and Catherine wheels among adults and kids alike, it can be easy to overlook the potential dangers of bonfire and firework celebrations.

Tips for choosing your fireworks Make sure the fireworks you buy are meant for home use, are suitable for the size of your garden and are marked with British Standard number (BS 7114).

You should also: Store fireworks in a metal box with a lid during the display Use a torch for checking instructions Use a taper for lighting fireworks Have a bucket of water close to hand Have a bucket or other container of soft earth to stick fireworks in Use a board or other non-flammable rigid surface for flatbottomed fireworks Use supports or launches for Catherine wheels or rockets

Don’t forget the sparklers!

Find somewhere safe that is open, but not too windy Remember to wear gloves so that you do not get burnt Get an adult to light the sparkler whilst you are holding the base of the stick Make sure that only one sparkler is lit at a time Remember that when they are first ignited they give off a very bright and heated initial spark Remember to hold the sparkler horizontally and as far away from your body and face as possible Once you have had fun with the sparkler (try writing your name) and it is no longer burning, make sure you put it in a bucket filled with water Never touch the end of the sparkler, even long after it has stopped burning Now that you’re clear on keeping your family safe; enjoy your Diwali celebrations on October 20th and Bonfire Night on 5th November!

Check familiesonline.co.uk for lots more Halloween and Fireworks events near you! www.familiesonline.co.uk | 15