Families Solent East May/June Issue 70 by Families Magazine

FREE take me home

Summer camp fun

Solent East

Issue 70 | May/June 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

FREE local events and lots more inside...

Encouraging your child to sleep The essential local magazine for parents and carers in Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Waterlooville, Havant, Chichester and Petersfield www.familiesonline.co.uk | 1

Solent East www.familiesonline.co.uk Tel: 02392 046 432 Editor Sharon Armstrong editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk Tel: 02392 046 432 / 07726 424 300 Online Editor Caroline Roope caroline@familiessolenteast.co.uk Tel: 02392 042 874 / 07967 597 779 Design Caroline Roope Next issue July/August 2017

Clubs and classes

Families Solent East delivered directly to parents and carers since 2005

The importance of sleep

Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Waterlooville, Havant, Chichester, Petersfield and Midhurst

News and views

Summer camps

What's on guide to local events

Booking deadline 12 June 2017

Fully FullyOptimised Optimised for for all Devices Devices

Copyright: Families Solent East 2017. 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.

www.familiesonline.co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk | 3

Clubs and classes near you! We're really lucky to have some fantastic children's clubs and classes in our area. Here's some of our Families favourites!

Give your child Creative Courage for Life with Stagecoach Performing Arts Every child has all kinds of abilities and capabilities, but unless they explore them, experiment and learn to express themselves, they may never realise the talents within themselves. Stagecoach sets out to inspire children to unleash their potential, teaching the performing arts and so much more. It’s about taking on a challenge and being unafraid to express yourself, having the courage to be yourself and let others know it, being creative and expressive and building life-long friendships. Stagecoach calls it ‘Creative Courage for Life’. Classes are small which means every child is given attention and allowed to realise their potential at their own pace. Principal, Juli Richards, has a fantastic team of experienced teachers there to lead and support youngsters as they conquer fears and rise to new challenges. To find out more about a two week trial please call Juli on 0845 584854 or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/havant

As Monkey Music founder, Angie Coates, explains; “By captivating babies, toddlers and pre-school children with a winning combination of original and traditional songs, gentle dances, fascinating sounds, amazing instruments and colourful props, the children are so busy having fun that they don’t notice how much they’re learning!” For classes held in Petersfield, Havant, Farlington, Fishbourne and Chichester, email Emma at chichester.petersfield@monkeymusic.co.uk For classes held in Fareham, Titchfield and Chandler’s Ford, email Paula at winchester.fareham@monkeymusic.co.uk

Your baby was born to love music...

Try our award winning classes for babies from 3 months CHICHESTER & PETERSFIELD

E: chichester.petersﬁeld@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 02394 000226 Petersﬁeld on Monday mornings Fishbourne on Tuesday mornings

Chichester on Wednesday mornings Farlington on Wednesday mornings

Havant on Thursday mornings

WINCHESTER, CHANDLER’S FORD AND FAREHAM

E: winchester.fareham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01489 565443 Chandler’s Ford on Tuesday mornings Titchﬁeld on Thursday mornings

Group discounts for NCT members when 3+ people join together at the same time

Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Workshops

Perform is a unique children’s drama school that has a special emphasis on child development. Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential. Run by highly experienced actor-teachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration.

NEW YEAR MADNESS READER OFFER Enjoy a 40% discount if signing up to a block of 10 sessions. Simply quote code WILD250517 (4-7s) or ROBS2550517 (7-12s) Expires 25 May 17. Call 0207 2559120 or email enquiries@ perform.org.uk

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage

stagecoach.co.uk/havant havant@stagecoach.co.uk 0845 584 854

™ ®

Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

Find out more today:

Perform offer no-obligation FREE sessions for newcomers. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today. Dates: Summer term runs until 21st July

Football fun with Little Kickers

Little Kickers is THE home of pre-school football. Children are given a positive introduction to sport by teaching high quality football skills in a friendly, fun and pressure-free environment.

Fareham on Friday mornings

Perform 7-12s - Next terms show is a thrill-filled roller coaster ride through the universe and beyond. Captain Crusoe has acidentally steered his spaceship into a meteor field and he is stranded on Mars! Will he be able to defeat the cannibals, save the kids and get back home?

Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts

4 | Tel: 02392 046 432

At the heart of Monkey Music is a high quality, progressive and educational music curriculum that supports every aspect of a young child’s development. Our small, age specific classes (taught by specially trained teachers), will introduce music to your little one in a way that they can easily understand and enjoy – nurturing a life time of music!

Perform 4-7s - Yee-hah! From May, Perform 4-7s will be galloping off on a Wild West adventure to find The Horse with the Golden Mane. On this action-packed journey, your child will learn the Ghost Town song, dance the Hip Hop Hoedown and take off rafting down Banjo Creek.

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

Creative Courage For Life

Babies are born to love music!

There are four different classes tailored specifically to the needs of children between 18 months and seven years of age. It’s the perfect way to ignite an enthusiasm for sport that will stay with them for life. Classes are available in Havant, Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham. Please contact Gary Darling for details on 07896 009 651 or email gdarling@littlekickers.co.uk

Fareham Swim School...bringing swimming lessons to the High Street

Fareham Swim School have a beautiful brand new private venue on West Street in Fareham. The pool is a beautifully warm 34’ & we run very small classes with a maximum of 4 babies/children in the pool at a time. Our teachers are all very experienced & are always in the pool to teach. We have specially designed lessons for your babies, toddlers, preschoolers & school children. Badges and Certificates are worked towards and awarded. Our wonderful private pool is on West Street in Fareham. For more information please call or email one of the team who will be happy to help on Info@farehamswimschool.com, or call 01329 802208. You can also visit the website at www.farehamswimschool.com

Fareham Swim School

Bringing swimming lessons to the High Street

20% off your first lesson in May quote Families20

and starts up again 2nd September 2017 Classes in Chichester (St Michael’s Church Hall, Summersdale Rd) Drama 4-7’s - Mondays at 4pm - 5pm. Drama 7-12's Monday 5pm - 6pm. Classes in Fareham (Titchfield Community Centre, Mill St) Drama 4-7’s - Tuesdays at 4pm and 5pm, and Drama 7-12’s - Tuesdays at 6pm.

To book your lessons or to find out more, please get in touch

Small class sizes max 4:1 | Beautifully warm pools Teacher in the water | After school swim club Parent & baby/toddler sessions | Confidence building sessions | Specialist Pre school Independent classes New private pool at 153 West Street, Fareham

farehamswimschool.com

Tel: 01329 802208 www.familiesonline.co.uk | 5

The importance of sleep Clubs and classes continued.... A great start to swimming for your baby and toddler Rusalka offers a great start in swimming tuition for your baby and toddler. They first opened their swim school in 2005 and it now operates, six days a week, with free adjacent on site parking. Both pools are equipped with state of the art automatic heating systems which maintain the water temperature at 31C and the air temperature at 32C at all times. In the past eleven years they have taught thousands of babies and children to swim, picking up several national awards along the way, including Best UK Swimming Teacher and ASA Centre of Excellence status. Rusalka takes babies from 3 months old and there are never more than 5 children in a class at any one time. Children can achieve various ASA level Duckling badges and certificates as they progress. Find out more by calling Rusalka on 02392 594449 or visiting the website at www.rusalkaswim.com

Click here to choose your image

Rusalka Swim School

to chat about their day and also allow the brain some all-important decompression time. Discourage children from having TV or gadgets in the bedroom at all, as these can be used as a distraction.

Teaching local babies to swim since 2005

The importance of light

www.rusalkaswim.com - 02392 594449 Encourage and nurture their potential with Stagecoach Chichester Stagecoach Performing Arts Chichester has been nurturing and developing young people’s potential for 20 years. We delight in seeing our Early Stages students- aged 4 to 6 – and Main School students – aged 6 to 18 – grow in self-esteem, become more creative and develop great social skills that will stay with them forever. Our fun and friendly classes operate on Saturdays and are held at Bishop Luffa School, Chichester. Many of Stagecoach's experienced teachers have worked in the performing arts and all are police checked to the highest level. If our classes are of interest to you, please contact Stephanie on 01243 587885 or for more information please visit our website www.stagecoach.co.uk/chichester. We would love to see your child at our school!

As adults, we are more than aware of how important a good night's sleep is - and anyone who has children will concur that getting a child to have a full night's sleep is essential to combat temper tantrums and tiredness. Ensuring children get around nine hours of solid slumber nightly can also help improve their learning. Children need a requisite amount of sleep, particularly when they are young, to boost information retention and help embed knowledge from throughout the day. Ultimately, our brains need rest overnight to allow us to absorb information better, and this is even more important for young minds.

So how much sleep should they be getting? The NHS guidelines are:

H WO OLIDA RKS Y HO P

Between the ages of 4 and 16, children should be sleeping through the night for 11 hours, which gradually goes down to about 9 at 14, with 15-minute decrements over the time space.

Why is sleep so important? Stagecoach Chichester

PUT ON A SHOW

Fun for all the family at Flip Out!

31st July - 4th August Age: 4 - 6 year olds Time: Mon - Fri 9.30am - 12.30pm Performance: Friday at 11.30am Cost: £100 (£75 for siblings)

Age: 6 - 18 year olds Time: Mon - Fri 10:00am - 4.00pm Performance: Friday at 3.00pm Cost: £135 (£100 for siblings)

Venue: Bishop Luffa School, Bishop Luffa Close, Chichester PO19 3LT

stagecoach.co.uk/chichester

01243 587885

6 | Tel: 02392 046 432 | editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

Make friends and build confidence at our theatre workshops

Flip Out Chichester is open from 9am – 9pm, seven days a week. Prices for use of the main arena are £11 for one hour and £16 for two hours when booking in advance online. For the little ones, the Mini Flippers offer allows one child aged 5 and under, plus one adult a bouncing session for one hour between 9am and 2pm, Monday to Friday during term time, and 9am until 10am during school holidays. The soft play area is open to children aged 8 and under, Monday to Friday (9am-3pm) for up to 2 hours. More information is available at the website www.flipout.co.uk/chichester or through

We only need to look at some of the poor decisions or small mistakes we have made ourselves when we are tired, and we can begin to understand the importance of sleep. When coupled with the vital rest time for busy, sponge-like brains, getting adequate sleep makes a lot of sense. Whether it's through using sleep aids or planning a meticulous routine, there are several ways to ensure your children are reaching the requisite sleep hours for their age group.

So, how can you encourage them to sleep? Essentially, fostering a good sleeping habit is much easier with young children than teenagers, who know how to fight back! Laying the right foundations when they are young, and encouraging them to see sleep as a part of healthy living should make maintaining it much more straightforward.

Limit the technology Techology and gadgets act as a stimuli, which makes the going to bed routine harder to implement. After dinner, try enjoying some conversation or a board game to encourage them

Whether it's through blackout curtains or nightlights, achieving the correct balance of light in your child's room is key to ensuring consistency in their sleep pattern. Invest in some heavy duty curtains so that whether winter or summer, their room is dark, and use a little nightlight for a subtle glow that helps orientate them if they do wake up in the night.

Top tip from the Twilight Nanny! Help babies to settle in their cots from awake so that they know where they are on settling to sleep. If already asleep on going to bed then it's quite likely they may struggle with resettling upon waking.

Routine, routine, routine Children thrive on routine, so try as best as you can to instil a routine of preparing for and going to bed at the same time every night will help your child, no matter what age they are. This includes brushing teeth and getting pyjamas on at a certain time, which starts to surreptitiously prepare the brain for sleepy time. Getting them settled into a routine means preparing the brain for its rest period.

Facebook: @flipoutchichester

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News

Twilight Nanny-Sleep Support Specialist and Mum of two Jo Ryder talks about supporting your babies sleep. Sleep deprivation is expected when having a family, those with young children can relate to the sleepless nights and how it can effect family life. "Why does my baby struggle to sleep for long when I know she's tired? "why does she wake after just 40 minutes of being in bed?" - These are questions I hear daily in my work.

Tops Day Nurseries

Wear Yellow Day for Cystic Fibrosis

Tops Day Nurseries is a family of 19 day nurseries across the South Coast. As well as the outstanding level of care provided, parents are able to benefit from Tops Day Nurseries flexible booking system, namely being able to book to the nearest 15 minutes. Tops Havant, Tops Portsmouth and Tops Lakeside cater for children aged 3 months to school age and are open from 6am-8pm (subject to demand.) All Tops settings accept 2, 3 and 4 year old funding, and some settings are early implementers of 30 funded hours, contact us to find out more!

Please support fellow young families, by wearing yellow on June 23! Cystic Fibrosis is one of nine rare but serious health conditions identified by the ‘heel prick test’ offered to all new born babies. It’s a devastating bolt from the blue, for parents of one child in 2500, and a hidden, demanding, and sometimes isolating illness. Please have some fun, raising awareness of the condition, medical advances, and real hope for ‘a life unlimited’. There are nearly 300 families in Hampshire and over 10000 in the UK coping with Cystic Fibrosis daily. Visit www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk to find out more, and www.facebook.com/CFPortsmouth.

Professional Tuition Centre, I Love to Learn, give us some top-tips for learning times tables….

Often sleep struggles are based around a little ones sleep and settling associations. A Top Tip is to help them to settle in their cots from awake so that they know where they are on settling to sleep. If already

Learn times tables as a sequence e.g. 2,4,6,8,10 etc. using the fingers of both hands (plus two more) to help you. Time your children reciting them this way and encourage them to get faster. Fill in a grid. Children like to make patterns, so a times table grid with numbers along the top and side will be fun to complete.

asleep on going to bed then it's quite likely they may struggle with resettling upon waking. Sadly any changes aren't easy for anyone but as a Sleep Support Specialist I guide families in helping them achieve a more rested night and for their babies to know how to settle and sleep well until morning or between feeds. (Depending on their age & stage of development) I admit that I'm NOT a fan of CC methods but to support and reassure our babies with comfort and reassurance so that they feel just as safe and secure in their beds as they do in our arms. Children are like sponges they learn from us, so why would you expect them to figure it out by themselves!

T:07851917175 E:joryder@twilightnanny.co.uk www.twilightnanny.co.uk www.facebook.com/TwilightNanny

If your child struggles with any aspect of Maths or English call us to arrange a free assessment on 02393 968626.

Spaces available.

The Garden Show, Stansted Park

Why choose Tops:

9 - 11 June 2017 10am – 5pm Daily

All nurseries rated good or outstanding by Ofsted Open from 6am-8pm*, Monday to Friday, 52 weeks of the year Flexible booking to the nearest 15 minutes, so you only book the hours you need NHS and staff discounts available^

n Maths n English n Reading n Comprehension n spelling n Exam Preparation

Extra-curricular activities including tooth brushing, Tops Forest School, Meditation and Rugby... and much more! Care for children aged 3 months to school age *Subject to demand. ^Terms and conditions apply.

To find out more, visit our website or find us on Facebook. Tops Lakeside

Tops Portsmouth Tops Havant

Maths and English tutoRing FoR studEnts agEd 6-16 Call now for a FREE assessment on 023 93 968626 www.ilovetolearn.co.uk

8 | Tel: 02392 046 432 | editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk

Summer fun at Graylingwell Park The Summer Garden Party at Graylingwell Park is guaranteed to make you smile. Free entry and lots of free activities. The Entertainment Arena is jampacked with music, including a set from Dawn Gracie, dance and activities such as KTroo! The Kids’ Village includes bouncy castle and slide, free tractor rides, sumo suit wrestling, face painting, crafts, Monkey Music and more. Kids sorted! The Market hosts 50+ stalls: browse homewares, gifts, wine tasting and watercolour painting. Plus you’ll find classics such as the crockery smash and runaway train in The Arcade. Dog owners will love the agility course and dog show. www.chichestercdt.org.uk

Life is good in the garden! Browse over 350 handpicked stalls with affordable and unique wares: a stunning variety of plants, garden furniture and accessories, art, design, sculpture, home wares and fashion. Treat yourself to tempting foods and wines and relish ongoing cooking demonstrations. Admire a variety of skilled artisan demonstrations and there’s plenty of family entertainment: juggling, face painting, puppet shows, the maze, archery, the funfair and the model railway. Wander the lovely parklands, tour Stansted House, admire the flower filled Chapel and watch the Huxley Birds of Prey soar through the skies. Adults: £9 / Seniors £7 / Child £3 (4yrs & under free) / Family £22 (2A + 4C) www.thegardenshowonline.com

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Ultimate Activity Camps come to West Sussex!

Summer camps!

Keep your child busy this summer with one of these fantastic local summer camps.

Rocksteady Music School

If you are looking for childcare or something for our children to do this summer, then Super Camps daily activity camps are the perfect way to put the magic back in to the school holidays.

This summer Rocksteady Music School will be bringing their unique teaching methods to Summer Camps in Portsmouth. Their Summer Camps make music fun giving budding rockstars aged 5-11 years the chance to play in a band, rehearse together and perform songs they love. Rock out all week long from 9am – 3pm with optional extended hours available. Plus star in a HD music video, take part in a photo shoot and record an MP3.

The programme is jam-packed with fun activities that will keep your children entertained for hours, and their 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating gives you the peace of mind that your children are in the best possible care. Camps include a variety of sports, games, and arts and crafts. No two days are the same. Weekly camps during the summer holidays at West Hill Park School, Titchfield PO14 4BS and Kingscourt School, Catherington, PO8 9NJ. Call 01235 467300 or email info@supercamps.co.uk for details.

Taking place 31st July – 4th August and 7th August – 11th August, call today for venue details or to book 0845 094 1259

CALL US FOR PORTSMOUTH VENUE

DETAILS OR TO BOOK A PLACE

They are running at Great Ballard School near Chichester, plus Handcross Park and Cumnor House near Hayward’s Heath, which offer first-class facilities including swimming pools, sports pitches, sports halls and indoor space, the perfect setting for holiday fun whether for a day or several weeks – the choice is yours (or your child’s!). Ultimate Activity Camps are Ofstedregistered and have been rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’. Their DBS checked staff are trained to offer high levels of care to ensure children are safe and engaged. They also offer adventurous story-led Ultimate Survival programmes – bookable by the day or week and offering an optional Camp Out each week.

www.ultimateactivity.co.uk or call 0330 111 7077 (local rate) for details.

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*Extended hours are 8am – 4pm and are available for an additional £20.

10 | Tel: 02392 046 432 | editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

Have you got a family issue which requires legal advice? Perhaps you have recently separated and need to know where you stand, or maybe you need to take advice on the arrangements for your children. Andrew & Andrew Solicitors Ltd are based in North End, Portsmouth, and offer a personalised service local to you. Offering a friendly ear, they can advise you on all issues relating to divorce and separation, child arrangements and financial agreements. The family team recently expanded to include family law specialist Shelley Cook. Shelley is committed to dealing with matters in a constructive and nonconfrontational manner. If you would like to discuss your matter with Shelley, you can contact her on 023 9267 5555 or email her at scook@a2law.co.uk

COURSES FOR ACTIVITIES AND THE SCHOOL CHILDREN DURINGYS HOLIDA

0845 094 1259 £169 www.rocksteadymusicschool.com

Ultimate Activity Camps offer the opportunity for children to have fun, meet friends and try a brilliant array of exciting activities during the school holidays. From swimming, zorbing and tennis to archery, art and fencing, there are over 40 games, sports or creative activities giving children a new experience every day.

Super Camps

Rock out this summer with Rocksteady Music School!

Give your child a rocking summer with a chance to play in their own rock and pop band.

Children will have the most fun during the summer holidays as Ultimate Activity Camps are running their outstanding holiday childcare programmes near Chichester and Hayward’s Heath for children aged 4-14 years!

FROM

£PER3DA4Y

Andrew & Andrew also offer advice on personal injury, conveyancing and wills and probate. To find out more about the firm, take a look at the website at www.a2law.co.uk

FSE0417-P

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13 May Beginner Mountain Bike Club with Pedal to Pedal

20 May and 30 May Buds and Blossoms Children's Gardening Club

Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Horndean, PO8 0QE.

Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire, PO9 6DX, 02392 413090

For cyclists who are only just finding their feet! 5-7 year olds 8.30am until 9.30am and 8-10 year olds, 9.35am until 10.35am. £10 per session, call 07984 367888 for more details.

Spot the dot for FREE events!

13 May Advanced Mountain Bike Club with Pedal 2 Pedal

We’ve scoured the area for local family events this May and June! We take great care in compiling our events guide, but please contact venues before you leave home as things can change.

7 May Storrington Village Duck Race

8 May Tuppenny Barn Explorers Club

Riverside Walk & Library Car Park, Ryecroft Lane, Storrington, RH20 4PA

Tuppenny Barn, Main Road, Southbourne, PO10 8EZ. 01243 377 780

4 May Milton Locks Wildlife Tots

6 - 7 May A Strange New Space

Milton Locks Nature Reserve, Locksway Road, Milton, PO4 8LT.

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. 02392 472700

From 12 noon to 2:30pm. You would be Quackers to miss it! If you are looking for a fun-filled family day out this May, then the annual Storrington Village Duck Race promises thrills and spills as the duck’s race to glory alongside a great range of entertainment for all. All proceeds from the Duck Race will go to Storrington First School to provide and maintain facilities and equipment for the children.

Children can enjoy a nature themed after school workshop exploring the weather and how this affects all the things growing at Tuppenny Barn. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 years of age. Children will get the opportunity to make their very own pesto! 3.45pm to 4.45pm.

Visit Milton Locks Nature Reserve for a session of outdoor, wildlife stories and activities for preschool children. All children must be accompanied by an adult (who will have just as much fun), and please wear outdoor clothing and wellies. Suggested donation £4. 10.30am – 12.30pm.

6-7 May and 3-4 June Love Southsea Market Palmerston Road, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 3QQ Pick up some amazing gifts, food and crafts from local producers and suppliers at Love Southsea Market. Love Southsea's street market in Palmerston Road. Every first weekend of the month, from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.

6 May 2017 Opening Saturday Goodwood Racecourse, Goodwood, Chichester, PO18 0PS. 01243 755055 Enjoy quality racing at the world’s most beautiful racecourse and experience some of the many sporting pursuits available across the Goodwood Estate including motor sport, flying and golf. Visit goodwood.com for tickets. 11.3018.00 / Tickets start from just £10

Join the life-changing adventure of space-obsessed Amira as she searches for a safe new space in this captivating one-woman show. Leaving her home, Amira's imagination catapults her into space on an intergalactic voyage, matching her real-life journey as a refugee. A Strange New Space blends puppetry, music and physical theatre to create an experience perfect for both children and adults. Recommended for age 4+. 11.30am

6 May Disney Forever Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2QJ. 02392 828282. Performance by students of Gems Dance School. Sing-a-long to all your Disney Favourites at this special performance by students of Gem's Dance School. Tickets available from the Box Office - call 02392 828282. 2.30pm

12 | Tel: 02392 046 432 | editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

7 May The South Downs Green Fair The Petersfield Sustainability Centre, The Sustainability Centre, East Meon, GU32 1HR. 01730 823166 They'll be lots of family activities to enjoy at the South Downs Green Fair such as circus skills, campcraft, live music, food, demonstrations and lots more! It will be a fantastic day out for the whole family with plenty to do and see, whatever the weather. A wide variety of free children's activities throughout the day will keep all ages busy and amused. 10am.

8 and 22 May, 5, 12 , 19 June Mountain Biking Club with Pedal 2 Pedal Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Horndean, PO8 0QE. Hannah Attenburrow runs Mountain Biking Sessions aimed at children who have not been off-road riding very often and would like to build on their bike skills. Suitable for ages 6+, starts at 6pm. Call 07984 367888.

12 May Portsmouth Beer Festival Portsmouth Guildhall Box Office, Guildhall, Guildhall Square, PO1 2AB. 08448472362 The ever-popular Portsmouth Beer Festival returns to the city on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th May, hosted in Portsmouth’s Guildhall. Along with a wide range of ales and ciders, there will also be a selection of food traders and entertainment provided by local talent, making it a festival to remember. Kicks off at 6.00pm and ends at 11:00pm

13 May Beers, Bricks & Buses @ Bursledon Brickworks... all the "Bs"! Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, Swanwick Lane, Swanwick, SO31 7HB. 01489 576248 A first for the Brickworks as they hold their very own beer festival – Bricks, Beer and Buses… because that is exactly what it is going to be. We will be running a heritage bus service from Swanwick Station (good trains to Portsmouth and Southampton) to the Brickworks. Noon to 6pm.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Horndean, PO8 0QE. For more experienced riders. 10.45am until 12.45pm. £25 per session, call 07984 367888 for more details.

13 May Beastly Books Pallant House Art Gallery, Chichester, PO19 1TJ. 01243 774557. Practical activities designed to be fun, develop creativity and help our younger audiences explore the Gallery. Children in the 5–8 years workshops must be accompanied by a parent/ carer. Draw, paint and bind your own ‘misfits’ book, filled with curious body-swapping creatures inspired by Laura Ford’s courtyard installation ‘Beauty in the Beast. 10.15am to 12.15pm. £10 per child. Booking is essential.

17 May and 21 June Storytime Sessions at Fort Nelson Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, PO17 6AN. 01329848507 Join the Fort Nelson Team, every third Wednesday of the month, for a new free Storytime session for under 5’s in the galleries featuring popular children’s tales. With a different theme each month, children are invited to gather around for a fun and interactive storytelling experience where they can look, listen, play and have fun with props. Sessions start at 11am on the third Wednesday of every month

Enjoy some gardening fun at Buds and Blossoms at Stansted Park Garden Centre. Buds and Blossoms is a free of charge children's gardening club! It runs on Saturdays from 10am to 10.45am. Booking is essential and children must be accompanied by an adult.

20 May and 10 June Saturday Cycling Club with Pedal 2 Pedal The Petersfield School, Cranford Road, Petersfield, GU32 3LU. Local cyclist and Level Two British Cycling Coach Hannah Attenburrow runs a Saturday Cycling Club for children at The Petersfield School which is suitable for children from 5-10 years old. Email Hannah at pedal2pedal@gmail.com or call 07984 367888, or you can visit www.pedal2pedal.co.uk. Session starts at 8.30am and finishes at 9.30am.

20 – 21 May Pirate Weekend Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3PB. 023 92875222 Discover all things piratey at this fun activity weekend. Arrrghhhh shiver me timbers! An event not to be missed by any pirate wannabes. Join the motley crew at the aquarium for a weekend of treasure finding, map making and sifting for gold. 10am / Normal admission applies.

20 May Togi’s Team – Building Blocks

25 – 27 May Festival of Food & Racing

Roman Way, Fishbourne, PO19 3QR. 01243 785859

Goodwood Racecourse, Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PS. 01243 755055

Explore the different materials used nearly 2,000 years ago to construct a home. Togi’s Team is a club for budding young archaeologists aged 6-12 years. Sessions need to be booked and paid for in advance. Please contact us at least 7 days before the session on 01243 785859 to book a place. The cost is £15 per child, per session.

21 May Alice in Wonderland Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3BS. 02392 737 370 Don't be late for an experience of stepping through into the world of Alice in Wonderland by joining Groundlings Mad Hatters Tea Party! 12 noon, call 02392739496 for tickets.

A fabulous combination of awardwinning food and thrilling racing. The Food Festival includes organic produce from Goodwood Home Farm and award-winning fare from local artisan suppliers. Visit goodwood.com for tickets. 11.30-18.00.

27 May – 4 June May Half Term Quiz Trail Uppark House and Garden National Trust, South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5QR. 01730 825 415 Look for all things miniature this holiday, with our Life in Miniature exhibit in the house and trail. Only the keenly sighted will be able to complete this trail! Suitable for ages 6 and up - 10am until 5pm.

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What's on 27 May Comedy Club for Kids Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. 01243 781 312 Comedy Club 4 Kids returns to Chichester Minerva Theatre due to popular demand. Children can experience the circuits best comedy stand ups. Children and families can enjoy Comedy Club 4 Kids with some of the best stand ups in the business. Suitable for children aged 6 years and over. 11am performance.

27 May – 4 June Monster Pirates of the Caribbean Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3PB. 023 92875222 Join the Blue Reef Aquarium team for a journey through the Caribbean to discover the monsters of the deep. 10am, normal admission applies.

28 May Children's Fun Day at Bursledon Brickworks Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, Swanwick Lane, Swanwick, SO31 7HB. 01489 576248 A day of activities aimed at children aged 3 – 90! All kinds of things to do with child focussed entertainment for the day. The entry price includes the museum which will be all steamed up and the old machinery working. Hampshire Narrow Gauge Railway Trust will be running their trains and the café open. 11am to 4pm.

29 May The Milkshake Live Show Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2QJ. 02392 828282. An all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, which will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales. Set amongst Milkshake’s magical bookcase, this brand new live show is sure to amaze and delight! The Milkshake! cast will be singing songs and sharing stories that audience members, young and old, will know and love. Performances at 2pm and 4pm.

30 May Draw, Paint and Animate

31 May Olaf the Horrible

Pallant House Art Gallery, Chichester, PO19 1TJ. 01243 774557

Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Road, Portsmouth, 02392 737 370.

Practical activities designed to be fun, develop creativity and help our younger audiences explore the Gallery. Children in the 5–8 years workshops must be accompanied by a parent/carer. 10.15am – 12.15pm. £10 per child. Booking is essential as places are limited.

30 May – 1 June May Day at The Spring The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. 023 9247 2700.

Fantastic family fun with this Viking tale, which will have children crying out for more! It’s a Picnic Children's Theatre performance so you can bring a Picnic! Performance at 2pm.

31 May Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday New Theatre Royal, 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2DD. 02393 649000

Come along and celebrate the tradition of May Day with our half-term holiday workshops. Get involved with springtime crafts, games and stories. Sessions at 10.30am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Suitable for aged 4 – 7. Please note children must be accompanied by an adult.

The enchanting world of Sarah and Duck is brought to life in a brand new stage show, featuring the wonderful characters from the award winning CBeebies show. Told through a fantastic blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, the Sarah and Duck stage show will take you and your children on a magical adventure. Performance at 2pm.

30 May The Terrifying Tudors

31 May and 2 June Theseus and the Monsters

Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3BS. 02392 737 370.

Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Road, Portsmouth, PO1 3BS. 02392 737 370.

A family performance that'll have everyone laughing the aisles! Terrifying Tudors, watch your head, make sure you duck for the cannon balls and have a jousting match in this interactive show that will keep the whole family laughing in the aisles. Performance at 11am.

Join Theseus on his quest for mythical monsters, magical moments and plenty of merriment! Meet the cast workshop with photo opportunity. Bring a picnic! Performance at 11am.

30 May Vicky and The Victorians Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Road, Portsmouth, PO1 3BS. 02392 737 370 Vicky and the Victorians is a top hat tale looking at life in Victorian Britain. Two comic mad professors and various hysterical characters take the audience back in time to experience a roller coaster ride through Victorian streets.

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1 June The Showstoppers Kids Show Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2QJ, 02392 828282. The Showstoppers’ Kids Show takes kids’ ideas and turns them into marvellous, musical adventures from scratch, right away and in front of your very noses. Performance at 2.30pm.

5 June Tuppenny Explorers Club

11 June Fairy Festival

24-25 June Fine Art Weekend

2 July Scarecrows Wedding

Tuppenny Barn, Main Road, Southbourne, PO10 8EZ. 01243 377 780

Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, PO8 0BG. 023 9259 8838

New Theatre Royal, 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2DD. 02393 649000

Learn all about why Bee's are important and make your very own Father's Day card. A nature themed after school club for children aged 4 to 11 years of age. There is also the opportunity to taste some local honey! 3.45pm to 4.45pm.

Join the team at Butser from 2pm in the Roundhouse to celebrate all things fairy! There will be costumes, props, silliness, smiles and drama as the tale unfolds. Normal entrance price applies. 2pm.

Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3PB. 023 92875222

2 – 4 June Arts and Crafts Festival Childrens Workshops

9-11 June Virgin Kitesurfing Armada

West Dean Gardens, West Dean Gardens, West Dean, PO18 0RX. 01243 818 210

Hayling Island Beach, Hayling Island Tourist Information, PO11 0AG. 07930 695 384

Children aged 5 to 12 years of age can participate in a selection of art workshops where they can learn to work with clay, wet wool felt and make a collage! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Virgin Kitesurfing Armada returns to Hayling Island for a fantastic weekend of kiting, music, fundraising and record breaking. The three-day event will feature talks, showcases, live music, entertainment and a chance to pick up some new gear. There will also - of course – be plenty of kitesurfing!

3 June Kid Carpets Super Mega Rockin Rock Show The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. 02392 472700 Kid Carpet’s fun packed gig isn’t just any old gig – Kid Carpet is going to teach you everything you need to know to be able to rock out big-time! Plus, you’ll also get to hear classic Kid Carpet tracks including Gorilla, Poo in the Forest and Golden Eagle. Recommended for age 3+ Performance at 2.30pm.

Gladiators! 1st & 2nd July 10am-5pm

Spectacular displays of Gladiatorial contests at Fishbourne Roman Palace. Cheer your favourite Gladiator and decide the fate of the loser.

PO19 3QR 01243 785859 w w w. s u s s e x p a s t . c o. u k

1st & 2nd July 10am-5pm

10 – 11 June Southwick D-Day Revival 2017 Southwick Village Fareham, Southwick Village, PO17 6EA. 02392 325 252 For the 4th year running, the village of Southwick is joining in partnership with Southwick Park to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day by offering an exciting and unique opportunity for visitors from all over the world to breathe in the atmosphere of those historic days at the nervecentre of Operation Overlord.

11 June Family Race Day Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PX. 01243 755055. For a great family day out, as well as an action-packed afternoon of horseracing this fixture features hands-on workshops, farrier demonstrations, a chance to walk the course, trips to the race start as well as a behind-thescenes tour of the racecourse. A unique treat for children and an opportunity for the whole family to experience the world of horseracing at Goodwood. Gates open at 11:30am.

17 – 18 June HMS Sultan Summer Show HMS Sultan (Site 1), Military Road, Gosport, PO12 3BY. 02392 542304 This year's HMS Sultan Show is not to be missed. Lots of activities the whole family can enjoy!

17 June Alice in Wonderland Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2QJ. 02392 828282 Come with Alice on a magical adventure as she tumbles into Wonderland! Basing his ballet on Lewis Carroll’s much-loved children’s books, Artistic Director Christopher Moore has created a captivating piece, brimming with wit, humour and charm. Performances at 2pm and 6pm.

18 June Weapons and Warriors Fathers Day Special Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, PO8 0BG. 023 9259 8838 Have a fun day out on Fathers’ Day and meet the Romans! Discover ancient weapons and be amazed by the lives of brave warriors. Would you have been courageous enough to join the Legion? Come and have a go! Starts at 10am.

24 June

Outdoor Theatre: Pride and Prejudice Uppark House and Garden National Trust, South Harting, GU31 5QR. 01730 825 415 Join Ilyria on a warm summer evening as they put their unique spin on this Jane Austen classic. Bring a picnic and settle in for the evening as the sun sets at Uppark.

Indulge your inner-artist at Blue Reef Aquarium. Budding artists can come down to the aquarium to try their hand at sketching, shading, painting etc. An art specialist will be on hand to give tips of how to best capture some of the amazing animals we have here. 10am, normal admission applies.

25 June Country Fair at Bursledon Brickworks Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, Swanwick Lane, Swanwick, SO31 7HB. 01489 576248 The team will be turning the old factory into the countryside for the day – well, as best they can! Come and see the museum itself and then add animals, crafts, displays and more. Hampshire Narrow Gauge Railway Trust will be running their trains and the café is open. The museum steam engines will be powered up. 11am to 4pm.

Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay invite you to . . .”the best wedding ever…!” A truly heart-warming adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book is bursting at the seams with Scamp Theatre’s inimitable style (Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales) and promises wit, drama, and wedding bells! This epic love story is suitable for all aged 3+. Performance at 2.30pm.

free ent

Saturday 8th July 12-4pm

FREE fun at Chichester's best summer event! Kids' Play Village. Dog show. Market Place. Live music & entertainment.

1 - 2 July Gladiators! Fishbourne Roman Palace, Roman Way, Fishbourne, PO19 3QR. 01243 785859 On Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July visit Fishbourne Roman Palace for a Gladiatorial spectacular! Throughout the weekend, re-enactment group Britannia will be depicting the sorts of people found in the fighting arena, such as soldiers who found themselves on the wrong side of mutinies, criminals or slaves, born to fight. They will be on hand to talk about their equipment and fighting tactics and there will be displays at 12 noon and 3.30pm of gladiatorial contests in the formal Roman garden. There will also be lots of hands-on activities for the whole family, including a chance to net some wild beasts, join the gladiator school and get a fake wound. Don’t miss this amazing event for the whole family!

www.chichestercdt.org.uk

8 July Summer Garden Party Graylingwell Park, Off College Lane, Chichester PO19 6PQ www.chichestercdt.org.uk FREE fun at Chichester’s biggest and best summer event. Tractor trailer rides, kids’ play village, bouncy slide, Monkey Music and sumo suits will keep the kids busy. Over 50 stalls, traditional arcade games, live music from Dawn Gracie, entertainment arena and dog show. It’s guaranteed to make you smile!