In this issue... Education and Early Years All the best local events & activities for families Clubs and Classes Halloween and autumn family fun
ProfessioNal TUiTioN CeNTres In Portsmouth and Fareham Maths English Reading/Writing Spelling 11+
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Enrol your child and watch their confidence and self-esteem grow Telephone: Portsmouth 02393 96 86 26 Fareham 01329 738 100 • www.ilovetolearn.co.uk
Issue 84 September/October 2019 familiesonline.co.uk
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KET* S C I T LY FAMI AIL ABLE AV
THE BUTTERFLY LION FAMILY FRIENDLY FOYLE FUN PALACES THE SPIEGELTENT THE GRUFFALO OI FROG A MONSTER CALLS THE WIZARD OF OZ BALLET JUGGLING PUPPETRY MUSIC & MORE cft.org.uk/forfamilies 01243 781312
SWIMMING LESSONS
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Managing Editor Caroline Roope Editorial and Design Caroline Roope caroline@familiessolenteast.co.uk Tel: 02392 042 874 / 07967 597779 Advertising Claire Clarricoates
claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk
Next issue November/December 2019 Booking deadline 7 October 2019
Copyright: Families Solent East 2019 Families Solent East is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Solent East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Solent East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Solent East; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
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Clubs and Classes
empty cup...
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It's party time!
family fun
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What's On!
You cannot pour from an
Education and Early Years Halloween and autumn
Find us on social media @FamiliesSEMag @FSEmagazine
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Enrol today with Everyone Active's Learn to Swim Programme Learning to swim is a vital life skill which every child should experience. Swimming lessons teach children independence and give a sense of accomplishment as they feel themselves improving. Swimming offers a whole-body workout like no other, helping children to keep active whilst having fun. Notably, learning to swim also gives children the ability to get themselves out of potentially dangerous situations, enabling them to fully enjoy trips to the seaside and beach holidays.
Clubs and Classes Helping children believe they can do anything
Everyone Active’s awarding winning learn to swim programme offers lessons for all ages of swimmers, from child classes starting at 4 months right through to adult classes and are available at over 120 sites. All swimming teachers are Swim England level 2 (or equivalent) qualified. All stages are progressive and continually assessed, initially developing water confidence and then teaching children to swim. As they improve, this distance is increased and all strokes are introduced. They also have the opportunity to develop water safety skills and other aquatic disciplines such as Rookie Lifeguard, synchronised swimming diving and water polo.
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds stagecoach.co.uk/havant havant@stagecoach.co.uk 0845 521 3730
Active Girls are Happy Girls Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.
Why 'Creative Courage For Life' Is So Important Every child has potential but the potential is nothing unless it is realised. It is important to teach children to unleash their potential and find their way on the stage of life. Parents want their child to grow up being a confident, well-rounded individual so that they can go on to accomplish their dreams. This is something that most feel is lacking from today's education as schools divest from the arts. At Stagecoach Performing Arts we teach those life skills through the powerful medium of the performing arts. We call this brilliant education Creative Courage For Life.
www.stagecoach.co.uk/havant
A new report has found that girls that are physically active are happier and more resilient than those who are not. The findings are drawn from a survey from more than 25,700 primary and secondary aged children by the national children’s charity, the Youth Sport Trust. More active girls showed higher levels of the qualities associated with wellbeing which are self-belief, confidence, resilience, happiness and empathy. The largest difference was seen in girls’ resilience. 77% of more active girls said they were resilient compared to 46% of less active girls. It also found that more active girls were happier with 75% stating so compared to 55% of less active girls. Ali Oliver, the Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust says: “We owe every girl the opportunity to become a confident mover, find a sport or activity that she enjoys, and through that experience improved physical health and emotional wellbeing.” More info: www.youthsporttrust.org/girls-active
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Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-12s 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. The Perform curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, music downloads and videos for the children to play at home, keeping the magic of the classes alive. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today. Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Venues: Chichester: St Michael's Church Hall, Summersdale Road, PO19 6PN. Mondays 4 - 5pm (4-7 year olds), 5 - 6pm (7 - 12 year olds) Petersfield: Salvation Army Hall, Swan Street, GU32 3AD. Mondays 4-5pm (4-7 year olds), 5-6pm (4-7 year olds) Fareham: Titchfield Community Centre, Mill St, PO14 4AB. Tuesdays 4-5pm / 5-6pm (4-7 year olds), 6-7pm (7-12 year olds) Waterlooville: All Saints Church Hall, Catherington Lane, PO8 0TD. Tuesdays 4-5pm (4-7 year olds), 5-6pm (4-7 year olds)
Improving your Child’s Concentration Perform and parenting expert and child psychologist, Dr Claire Halsey offer their tips. Concentration is a vital life skill which develops from birth. Linked closely to brain development, it improves alongside a child’s memory and ability to organise their thoughts.
Set Up for Success Reduce big distractions: television, music and screen time make it difficult to listen and concentrate, so limit these to set times.
Make it Fun Make activities fun as your child is more likely to pay attention e.g tidying up toys is less of a chore when you offer a tickle to the child who finishes first!
Keep Practising Games and activities can build concentration. Choose turn-taking games like Snap or Picture Dominoes or those with simple instructions.
Praise the Good Stuff Praise your child when they focus rather than highlighting when they don’t e.g “Well done for sticking with that puzzle.”
Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk
Seek Advice
www.perform.org.uk
A small number of children have difficulty paying attention no matter how hard they try. Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions. If you’re still concerned, see your GP.
Swimming fun at award-winning Rusalka Rusalka offers a great start in swimming tuition for your baby and toddler.
They first opened their swim school in 2005 and they now operate two of their own pools, 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 fourteen 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.
More from Dr Claire Halsey at www.clairehalsey.com Perform offers concentration-boosting drama classes in Chichester, Fareham, Petersfield and Waterlooville. Try a FREE no-obligation class at www.perform.org.uk/try
Rusalka Swim School Teaching local babies to swim since 2005
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. familiesonline.co.uk
www.rusalkaswim.com - 02392 594449 Families Solent East 5
is well recognised in the world of biology that slow deep breathing lowers the body’s stress response. Now start to think about breathing in for 7 counts and out for 11 as this enables our bodies to unwind. This breath length is a challenge so work up to it and be pleased whenever you lengthen your breath by a count.
You cannot pour from an empty cup... Local mentor and mum, Helen Neary, talks to Families Solent East about the importance of taking time for yourself. Working with many parents as a coach, I’ve become more aware of the vital role that selfcare plays in being an effective parent. However, as parents we are not always very good at leaving time or energy for ourselves! If you want to shout less, find more joy in the small everyday parenting stuff or just feel better about yourself as a parent then read on…. The term selfcare has become mainstream in the last few years yet the definition is often misunderstood; many of us aren’t sure how to incorporate effective selfcare into our lives. At a recent parenting workshop, I posed the question “what do you do for you?” I’m used to this question evoking a stunned silence. but two members were willing to respond. One had a weekly music lesson and the other went to the cinema once a week. While both activities are excellent forms of selfcare it struck me that selfcare is perceived as being a specific event, performed for themselves, that is very separate from their parent identity. Working one to one with another parent they responded to the same question with “I don’t know what I like to do anymore and anyway I’m too busy with the children”. This is a classic thought and one many of us can relate to. Selfcare is anything that has a positive effect (no matter how small) on you. That’s it!! If an experience improves your wellbeing then it’s a form of selfcare. It’s not really about structured activities away from the children and it certainly can be 100% free. However, what is a core feature of selfcare is that you recognise it as something that boosts you (physically, emotionally and/or spiritually). Beyond that there are no rules. It may be that you create the moment yourself with a focus on it being for you or you acknowledge it afterwards. Here are a few ideas to nudge you to look after yourself a little more on an everyday basis (for free too):
Become your own cheerleader Listen carefully to your inner voice. What has its been saying to you while you’ve been reading this article? Identify the following: negative/critical talk, anxious/worried talk, emotional talk, encouraging talk, kind and compassionate talk. The chances are your self talk is negative more than it is positive and it (your inner voice) will not be part of your selfcare habits. Now you’ve become more aware of your self talk, start to change it. This will be a slow process so be kind to yourself. We all have automatic negative thoughts so when you hear yourself say one. Use your inner voice to say the opposite of that thought or “Stop. That’s an unhelpful / wrong thought.” Then replace it with a more positive thought and listen to the positivity. Over time you will hear less negativity and you will start to be kinder and more compassionate to yourself. This really is the greatest form of selfcare you can give yourself. Your very own cheerleader who is there for you every day.
Breathing We all have to breathe and we do it all day long so paying attention to your breathing takes no time out of your busy day. It 6 F amilies Solent East
Move your body We are designed to move so move as best you can within your physical abilities. Celebrate the body you have been given! Move it simply because you can. Take the stairs instead of lifts, walk outdoors, move in the park with your children. Walk around rather than sitting on a park bench. Even better play with your children!
Smile Think about your mouth right and now and turn it into a gentle warm smile. Be aware of doing this in your day when your washing up, cooking, tidying up at the end of the day. The experience of smiling lifts our mood and you never know your little one may ask you why you are smiling and you can delight them with the simple answer “because I can”.
The power of nature Take a couple of seconds to look properly at something outside like a tree, flower, bird or spider’s web. Taking that moment to pause and focus on a small act of nature has amazing benefits for your mind and body.
JOMO The joy of missing out can be a very helpful way of looking after yourself. Sometimes its good to say no to some of the invitations especially when you’re already feeling like you are doing too much. Then enjoy the time you’ve saved for you just by being in your own space at your own pace. Selfcare is not indulgent nor selfish; it really is necessary. You need to care for yourself so that have the capacity to give to those who need you to care for them – emotionally as well as physical. Otherwise you will be trying to “pour from that empty cup” and are likely to get overwhelmed and exhausted. By feeling good in ourselves we are less inclined to run out of patience or tolerance so we shout less and we smile more. We start to find joy in the small stuff, and are able to “pour from our cups” as we have something to give to the people we love and care for. You may be thinking “why bother, this all takes effort. I’m getting by just fine as I am”. I would say to you two things; do you really want to be just fine? Or would you prefer to be good? I think you deserve to feel good every day. Secondly, do you want your children to be just fine or do you want them to feel good? I think you want the best for your children. You taking care of yourself is excellent role modelling for your children. They need to have self love, acceptance and respect and who is their biggest role model? You! If only for the love of your children, look after yourself. They love you and they want you to be well and feel good. They know (even if you don’t) that you deserve the best you that you can possibly be!
Helen Neary is a Psychology lecturer, professional coach and an academic mentor. She delivers a range of tailored workshops on many psychological themes with a growing focus on parenting, mental wellbeing & resilience. She is a parent to two young boys and since having her children she has developed a love of peaceful moments in amongst the business of family life! Contact helen.thriving@gmail.com or see her Facebook page at Helen Neary - parent coach and academic success mentor
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up lots of magical games to recreate a mini Hogwarts at home. You could also try something a bit different like a Mexican themed party. Decorate the house with cacti, serve guacamole and dips, hit a Piñata and have plenty of themed games.
It's party time! Planning your child’s birthday can involve deepbreathing and military-style planning. This annual event has kids jumping for joy but many parents breaking out into a cold sweat. Claire Winter takes a look at some different party ideas to inspire you. Food Parties
Art Parties If your child loves making things, an arts and crafts party is the perfect choice for them. You can go to pottery centres, art studios or get a party provider to come to your house to host a craft party. You can do a huge variety of things like mosaics, pottery, painting and jewellery making. Your potential Picassos will also get to take their masterpiece home instead of a party bag.
"Remember not to stress too much... Enjoy it and embrace the mayhem; they grow up quickly!"
Kids love food, so why not theme your party around it? A pizza making party is always a winner. You can go to your favourite pizza restaurant or hold a DIY party at home. Cupcake decorating parties also go down well and the guests can take home the tasty treat instead of a party bag.
Remember not to stress too much! Your child will remember your efforts whether you hire a circus performer and a bouncy castle; host a fun party at home or organise a trip out the cinema or a trampoline park. Enjoy it and embrace the mayhem; they grow up quickly!
You could also serve food that has a surprise element to it. A cake that is full of sweets when you cut it. Ice cream cones filled with savoury fillings. You could also mix up healthy food with treats, such as marshmallows and fruit kebabs or tortilla chips with hummus and crudités. Number cakes decorated with fruit, meringues, and flowers are also all the rage. They make a great centrepiece on a party table.
Have a UNICORN BIRTHDAY PARTY at Unicorns Are Real Studio or we can go to the venue of your choice.
Active Parties According to Pinterest searches for scavenger parties are up by 302%. These are similar to treasure hunts and start with a list of things to find (or do) and a time limit. But there is no set path as players scavenge around and search for all of the items on the list. The player or team who finds everything on the list first or finds the most items before the time is up wins. These parties can be great fun and relatively inexpensive - you could hold one in your garden or a local park or wood. You can also do a whole variety of different activities at your local leisure centre. They often offer a variety of swimming, inflatable and sports parties. Why not pick a sport your child loves? You could also check out your local trampoline park to see what party packages they offer. Other easy activity parties include paintballing, bowling, laser quest and gokarting.
Parties at Home If you want to host a party at home, think about hiring a company to help. You can even get specialists to come in and set up a sleepover these days. They will put up tents in your garden or your home, and some even supply breakfast on a tray! Or host a science party where someone comes in to do experiments and make goo with the children. They’ll even clean up afterwards. There are also gaming party providers who bring all the entertainment to you. If you prefer a more traditional party, why not hire an entertainer like a magician or clown?
Unicorn party for 10 children - £150
Includes an art and craft session*, party games, photo shoot with our unicorn bench seat with all the children, a 4x6 photograph for each guests plus an A4 photograph for the birthday child, use of the venue for party food ( food not included ). *art and craft ( same activity for all guests ) Choose from: -Make a unicorn dream catcher -Make a unicorn mask -Make a fairy door -Make a unicorn bracelet -Decorate a wooden mirror -Colour in a unicorn keyring -Make a unicorn cushion (£2 extra each child) -Make an 8 inch cuddly unicorn or bear to take home (£5 extra each child) *for the boys we can do 'Make a sword instead. Please contact us for more details (email: bookings@unicornsarereal.co.uk) or check our FB page - Facebook.com/
unicornsarerealhavant.
10% off party bookings if you mention Families Solent East
CAPTURE PRECIOUS MOMENTS WITH OUR UNICORN AND FANTASY WORLD PHOTO SHOOTS
"Magical forest and flower-themed parties are great fun to host if you like being creative." Themed Parties Magical forest and flower-themed parties are great fun to host if you like being creative. A perennial favourite is also a superhero party. It ticks a lot of boxes and offers great fancy dress options for boys and girls. There are also loads of great decorations you can make, or buy if you don’t have the time! Another popular party is a Harry Potter party. You can make
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PACKAGES AVAILABLE GIFT VOUCHERS • CAKE SMASH PHOTO SHOOT Find us at: Meridian Shopping Centre (1st Floor), Havant PO9 1UN Email: unicornsarerealhavant@gmail.com Find us on facebook @unicornsarerealhavant
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Education and Early Years How do you recognise a Portsmouth High School girl? You will note it in her success. But you will see it in her spirit. Nothing daunts a Portsmouth High School girl. Whether she is trekking in the mountains as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award or giving a presentation centre stage, she will find the inner resources she needs to face any challenge. Girls leave us as confident, well-informed young women, ready to embark on the next stage of their lives with the emotional intelligence for the exciting journey ahead. Visit us on our next Open Morning Saturday 5 October from 9.00am to 12.30pm when the Pre-School, Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form will be open to visitors. There will be a visiting farm and explorer activities at the Prep and Pre-School and lots to get involved with at the Senior School and Sixth Form. Tours will be available from 9.00 and the Headmistress will greet parents in the Senior School hall with an address at 10.30. Visit the Open Days page on Portsmouth High School’s website to find out more.
“The energy and friendliness of PGS are what strike you first” – The Good Schools Guide Visit The Portsmouth Grammar School at their open morning on Saturday 28th September and experience for yourself the welcome and vibrant atmosphere at this independent day school in the heart of Portsmouth. The whole school will be open with displays and activities as well as the opportunity to meet current pupils and staff. “Meeting our pupils and staff is the best way to understand what sets The Portsmouth Grammar School apart,” says Head of The Portsmouth Grammar School, Dr Anne Cotton. “We warmly invite you to visit us, and look forward to welcoming you here in person.” OPEN MORNING Saturday 28th September 2019 9:30 – 12:30pm
A world class education at Meoncross School Meoncross School aims to provide every child from Nursery through to Year 11, with a world class education, within a safe, friendly and family-orientated environment. Meoncross is a school that consistently achieves high academic results, including impressive value added scores. Headmaster, Mr Cripps believes that this success is linked, not only to small class sizes and highly trained and talented staff, but is also the result of the school’s strong focus on personalised learning, which allows every child to realise their full potential.
Open Morning
Whilst academic excellence remains a top priority, the Meoncross ethos is that emotional wellbeing and happiness are crucial to educational success. For this reason, a great deal of emphasis is placed on character education and pupil well-being through the school’s shared core values of integrity, family, resilience, optimism, achievement, kindness and adventure.
Saturday 5 October 9.00am to 12.30pm
Meoncross School offers all students a unique and exceptional education, with all-through excellence and learning, inspired by a spirit of adventure.
Education for girls Pre-School to Sixth Form School minibus routes run throughout the area for an easy journey into school
Calls for Compulsory Climate Change Education in Schools A petition launched by four Oxford school girls calling for lessons on Climate Change to be made compulsory in schools has gathered over 75,000 signatures. The students are hoping to make climate change a “core part of the compulsory curriculum” to increase the next generation’s understanding of the global issue. They claim they have “barely learned about the climate crisis at school, even though it’s supposed to be part of Geography and Science.” According to the petition: “Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and it must be a part of our education if our generation is to understand it and help us to combat its effects. That’s why we want climate change to be made a core part of the national curriculum.” More info: www.change.org
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Education and Early Years
JOIN US Whole School Open Morning Saturday 28th September 2019 | 9:30am – 12:30pm
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To book call us on 023 9236 0036 www.pgs.org.uk
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Education and Early Years
‘R’ you school lunch ready? You take care of breakfast and tea. Let us take care of lunch!
My son is in Year R and has loved his school dinners from day one. He has become a much less fussy eater.
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hants.gov.uk/hc3s find us on facebook @hc3seducation
BID 2356
Parent 2019
‘R’ you school lunch ready?
Roasted Vegetable Pasta (Serves 6) Sweet potato finely diced 150g Oil 6 ml Mixed peppers fresh or frozen 96g Courgettes finely diced 270g Red onions finely diced 200g Garlic cloves (grated) 1 Tomato puree 24g Chopped tomato 200g Vegetable stock 100ml Mixed herbs 1 2 tspn Sweetcorn 1 0g Parsley 3g Pasta (of your choice) 210g
1. Put two thirds of the cooking oil in baking tin, add finely diced vegetables. We're using sweet potato, peppers, courgette and onion but mix and match your favourites! 2. Roast the vegetables at 180 degrees c or gas mark 4 for 25 min 3. Check the vegetables halfway through and turn to ensure they don't burn •4. Put the grated garlic into a saucepan with the remaining oil, add the tomato puree, the chopped tomatoes, herbs and half of the stock, stir well and bring to the boil 5. Add the remaining stock slowly then add the sweetcorn and simmer 6. Cook the pasta in rapidly boiling water for approximately 10 minutes and drain well 7.Mix pasta, tomato sauce and roasted vegetables and serve 8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley Top tip - the pasta, tomato sauce and roasted vegetables can be served separately if required Additional serving suggestions- sprinkle grated cheese over your pasta dish or serve with garlic bread and steamed vegetables
Starting school is a huge step for young children and they can tire quickly as they become used to the school routine. But you can help them keep their energy levels high with a freshly cooked nutritious school meal. Research suggests that well-nourished children perform better at school, which allows them to flourish, in the classroom or on the sports field. As our meals are carefully planned in line with the school food standards, they contain the correct balance of calories, vitamins and other nutrients that children need. Children also enjoy the homemade bread baked each day from our kitchens and all our meals are nut-free. HC3S is proud to be the first school meal caterer to be awarded the Hyperactive Children’s Support Group award for excellence in school catering, proving that we do not include additives in ingredients. As research shows that only one in 100 packed lunches meet the nutritional standards required, as a parent, making your own lunches every day is another unnecessary stress on top of finding the uniform and ensuring the book bag has everything needed. Plus, children are good at emptying their lunch box into the bin or giving the bits they don’t want to a hungrier friend. Our teams love cooking for children and because meals are free up to Year 3 regardless of your income, you can save your family money. Remember to find school lunch menus, healthy recipes and other useful information on the HC3S Facebook page or download our menus and calendar from
www.hants.gov.uk/hc3s.
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What is Dyslexia? Families Solent East speaks to I Love to Learn Centre Director, Howard Jones, about the challenges faced by people with dyslexia. We often hear children and adults described as ‘dyslexic’, but what do we mean and are we right? There are many different views on what dyslexia actually is and definitions vary across cultures and professions. In fact there is no right or wrong answer, as there is no one accepted definition for dyslexia. In broad terms dyslexia is mainly a language based learning disability. Those affected have problems acquiring and retaining literacy skills such as reading writing and spelling. It is now widely accepted that dyslexia can also affect a number of other areas including memory, organisation, concentration and even balance. This is why processing information can be so difficult for dyslexics. However, many famous people who have had varying degrees of dyslexia, such as Albert Einstien, Winston Churchill and Richard Branson, were not prevented from becoming highly successful in their chosen fields. Dyslexia does not have to prevent people from achieving. But, because it affects the way people process information it can, as a result, affect their ability to learn. This processing difficulty can be due to a number of reasons: • A marked inefficiency in the working or short-term memory system • Problems connecting the letter patterns with the associated sounds (phonics) • Difficulties ordering or sequencing; this may also show itself as clumsiness caused by the brain sending the wrong signals to parts of the body in the wrong order • A range of problems connected with visual processing and accessing the memory of visual patterns At I Love To Learn Professional Tuition Centres children (aged between 6 and 16) are offered free assessments, in reading, writing, spelling and phonic awareness. Parents are given an opportunity to discuss their children’s individual needs and receive advice. They also offer tuition to help children overcome the specific difficulties that they are having. Educational plans are tailor made using the information gained at the assessment.
Explore, Discover & Learn at Ryde School Beach and Forest School sessions have long been a part of the Junior School with Fiveways at Ryde School. Alongside the vibrant academic curriculum, children spend time immersed in nature, learning skills invaluable to their wider development, broadening their learning through discovery; building confidence and fostering their natural desire to learn and explore. Inter-schools maths challenges, explosive science sessions in the Senior and the Junior School Science Labs and fun, educational residential trips like a night in a museum or a trip to Salamanca help children ignite their passion for learning. Linda Dennis, Head of the Junior School with Fiveways at Ryde, firmly believes that this igniting of children's excitement in learning is the way to ensure pupils and their teachers discover the pupils’ talents, enabling them to grow and enhance those talents, ready for Senior School and the wider world. Team sports matches against other schools, on and off the Island and sailing competitions in the School’s own fleet of dinghies also embed the team spirit and healthy competition that are part of the Junior School with Fiveways ethos. Our next open morning is on Saturday 5 October 10.00am until 12.30pm. Come and join us for interesting activities, a tour of the school and a complimentary family lunch. For more information please call 01983 617970 or email admissions@ rydeschool.net
Reduction in School Breaks ‘Unhealthy’ School break times are much shorter than they were two decades ago meaning children are missing out on valuable opportunities to make friends and develop social skills and exercise, according to research by the Nuffield Foundation.
At I Love To Learn ‘We are aware that dyslexia is an umbrella term and therefore like to assess each child in order to determine their particular needs. For those who wish to receive support at one of our centres we design individual lesson plans and target areas for development. We also praise children’s strengths and boost their confidence as children can feel very negative about their difficulties in this area.
The study looked at how school breaks have changed over 25 years comparing data from over 1,000 primary and secondary schools.
If a child comes to us for tuition we see them either once or twice a week for 80 minute sessions. During this time they will use both written and computer based resources and complete up to six activities. Success is built in and the progress they make is built upon weekly. This is supported by weekly homework as well. It sounds a lot but the children love seeing their skills grow. It is so rewarding to see children become more confident readers and writers.’
Afternoon breaks have been virtually eliminated; they are now only available to 15% of primary school children and 1% of secondary schools. There is also a clear trend to shorter lunch breaks with reported lunchtimes of 35 minutes or less.
Knowing your child is at risk of Dyslexia and then knowing what to do about it are two different things. We want to be active in being part of the solution. familiesonline.co.uk
It found that despite the length of the school day remaining much the same, break times are being squeezed even further with potential serious implications for children’s well-being and development.
According to the authors, break times are important for children to get physical exercise – a particular concern given the rise in obesity, and to develop important social skills that are not learned in school lessons.
More info: www.nuffieldfoundation.org
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Happy Halloween at Paultons Park 5th October to 4th November 2019 (Shows from 26th October to 3rd Nov only) Happy Halloween at Paultons Park is the friendliest, most frightful fun fest in the UK, and is back for another year with even more spooky fun to be had! New for 2019 and for the very first time, Peppa Pig World will be transformed for this year’s fang-tastic festivities! Meet Peppa and George in their spooky outfits and enjoy lots of fun Peppa themed Halloween decorations! The Legend of Paultons Manor returns once again and follows the exploits of the intrepid Spirit Squad as they track down the Creepy Gatekeeper so Pickles can throw the best Halloween party ever! Don’t forget to head over to The Big Boo Barn for some ghoulishly delightful farmyard fun this Halloween! As the sun begins to set, the creepy themed fun continues with extra special late night opening until 7.30pm on Friday 29th and Saturday 31st October 2019.
www.paultonspark.co.uk.
Autumn fun at Aspex Aspex, Portsmouth’s leading contemporary art gallery, will be delivering an exciting programme of exhibitions, events and workshops this autumn - celebrating creative and artistic education. The gallery’s weekly workshops Family Saturdays (for children and families, every Saturday: 11 am-1 pm) and Mini Makers (for early years, every Wednesday: 10.30-11.30 am) will also be encouraging attendees to experiment with a range of techniques and mediums. These sessions are drop-in and completely free - simply turn up and take part! The gallery’s full programme can be found online:
www.aspex.org.uk
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Remember, Remember the 5th of November...! Your Guide to Guy Fawkes Night - by Olivia Malaure Gunpowder, treason, and plot I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot. The ‘plot’ was simple - to blow up The Houses of Parliament with barrels of gunpowder hidden in its cellar. Guy Fawkes was given the job of lighting the fuse but, on the 5 November 1605, the plot was discovered and he was taken to the Tower Of London and executed. To celebrate his own survival, King James 1 ordered his people to light a great bonfire every year on the night of 5 November. You don’t have to go far to be part of the crackle and fizz of Bonfire Night. New local fireworks events pop up annually, whilst the biggest bonfire extravaganzas, at are firmly cemented in the calendar. Many schools hold organised fireworks displays but if the idea of being outdoors with very young children on a cold November evening sends a chill down your spine, here are some ideas to help you enjoy Bonfire Night at home.
Start with a Bang Kids love listening to the popping of microwave popcorn that they can munch on.
Add some Colour Make a rocket! Wrap silver paper around an empty kitchen roll tube and stick down. Cut out a circle of coloured card (approx 9cm) and make a cone shape. Tape the cone to the top of the cylinder. Decorate the cylinder with stickers and stick strips of red or orange cellophane to the bottom for flames. Kids can fly their colourful creations around the garden!
Bonfire Baked Potatoes Cook up edible bonfires! Fill jacket potatoes with child-friendly toppings. Sprinkle some Red Leicester cheese on top for flames, or put the fire out with a spoonful of creme fraiche on top!
Light Up the Night Sky Kids love torches and they’re a fun, safe way for them to play in the dark and enjoy the atmosphere of Bonfire Night.
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Halloween and autumn family fun ! Kings Theatre, Portsmouth Here at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth we have an exciting season coming up with a fantastic selection of major touring theatre shows. Families are well catered for with Channel 5 favourite Milkshake! LIVE opening the season of family shows along with a special afternoon performance of Ariana and JoJo – A tribute to Ariana Grande and JoJo. This is followed by Sing-a-long-a…The Greatest Showman an interactive ride through the smash hit family film, Tabby McTat in a heart-warming tale of friendship and loyalty interwoven with original songs and a sprinkling of magic. Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians brings history to life with a combination of uproarious theatre and ground-breaking 3D special effects and Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever is packed full of songs, games and laughter. In December we will of course be presenting our famed panto, Aladdin starring Boyzone’s Shane Lynch, Phats & Small’s Ben Ofoedu, The Voice star Lucy Kane, and Jack Edwards as Widow Twankey. As ever expect laughter, music, audience interaction and a few surprises along the way. Tickets are flying (like the magic carpet) so book now for the best seats. www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk 023 9282 8282
SUN 22 SEP | 12PM & 3:30PM
TUE 12 & WED 13 NOV
Bri n his ging t to l ory ife
Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens
Roman Army Week
Mon 28th - Fri 31st October 10am - 3pm
Come along and join the Fishbourne Roman Army and earn a day’s pay! Fishbourne West Sussex PO19 3QR 01243 785859
www.sussexpast.co.uk
FRI 15 - SUN 17 NOV
SUSSEX
PAST
Roman Army Week at Fishbourne Roman Palace 28 - 31 October Get an army “tattoo”, try your hand at spear practice and see if you can 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. Other activities include archery, sword practice and dressing-up Romanstyle. Once you have completed the activities, return to the recruitment officer, to receive a certificate and a (replica) Roman coin as your first day’s pay! familiesonline.co.uk
WED 11 DEC - SUN 05 JAN 023 9282 8282 kingsportsmouth.co.uk KingsTheatre ALWAYS ENTERTAINING
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Halloween and autumn family fun ! Autumn fun for families at Horizon
This autumn Horizon Leisure Centres has a range of fun activities to keep you and your family entertained. There are two fun themed indoor soft play centres for the kids to let off steam whilst you sit and relax! World of Play, Waterlooville Leisure Centre, is a unique ‘around the world’ themed play centre where children can travel the world visiting different countries and learning fun facts. Oceans of Play, Havant Leisure Centre, is an under the sea theme where children can jump aboard a ship and explore the ocean and all the creatures that live beneath. There are lots more activities for everyone to come along and get stuck into including Adventure Play, Gym Tots, Pre-School Bounce… the list is endless!
To find out more visit: www.horizonlc.com.
Autumn Activities at Horizon Leisure Centres
Swimming Inflatable Fun Sessions Adventure Play Toddler Groups Oceans of Play World of Play Teen Gym Workout Holiday Kids Club
Autumn at the Mary Rose Museum The Mary Rose, built in Portsmouth in 1510, launched the year after and, 34 years later, returned to the city to defend it from French invasion, where she met her unfortunate end. Over 400 years later, the eyes of the world were fixed on Portsmouth when the Mary Rose made a spectacular return to the surface, and now, nearly 40 years later, the Mary Rose is still one of Portsmouth’s highlights! From the thousands of original objects recovered from the seabed, to the light shows that display the crew working and fighting on board, the world of Henry VIII’s “Army by Sea” is vividly brought to life. There is plenty of things for families to enjoy too, from the Shipwreck Explorers trail to our ever popular handling tables, plus in October kids are invited to discover the games people played in Tudor England.
Find out more at MaryRose.org/Families
Visit us today! www.horizonlc.com Waterlooville Leisure Centre info@horizonlc.com 023 9224 5900 Havant Leisure Centre
023 9247 6026
“It’s one of those places you will never forget. Magical.” TripAdvisor Discover the sights, sounds and even smells of Henry VIII’s England when you visit The Mary Rose, Portsmouth’s Number One visitor attraction!
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Halloween and autumn family fun ! Halloween Spooktacular at Aldingbourne Country Centre
Looking for something spooktacular to do over the October half term? Halloween fun is coming to the Aldingbourne Country Centre on Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th October. Prepared to be scared and take part in some frightening fun and ghoulish games – but look out for the zombies, ghosts and witches as you go around the woods! Enjoy the bouncy castle, spooky story time and a non-scary Halloween hunt. The Halloween event will be held from 10am – 4pm, and is included in the £6 per person entry fee. Visit the website www.aldingbournetrust.org for more information.
Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th October 10am - 4pm Individual Price (Age 2+) £6 Family Day Pass (up to 4 people) £22
Family friendly fun at Chichester Festival Theatre Chichester Festival Theatre’s new Winter 2019/20 season has just been announced with plenty of family events, shows and activities. This family friendly venue is always delighted to welcome their youngest visitors (and grown-ups) to the Theatre, whether to watch a show, take part in a workshop, or simply to grab a snack from The Café while using the free Wi-Fi. Check out What’s On at cft.org.uk. Don’t miss their annual Fun Palaces adventure on Sunday 6 October, with free activities, events and workshops for all. Try your hand at something new, see the building in a different light, or meet others doing exciting practical activities, all for free. Fun Palaces is an ongoing campaign that promotes culture at the heart of community and community at the heart of culture, with an annual weekend of action every October created by, for and with local people. For more information about Fun Palaces, how it began and the people behind the campaign, visit funpalaces.co.uk. No need to book in advance, just follow Chichester Festival Theatre on social media for more news closer to the time.
This price includes entrance to all activities on site* (*excluding guinea pig handling and animal feed)
Halloween Spooktacular, Bouncy Castle, Non Scary Halloween Hunt, Scary Story Time, and Spooky Treats available in our Cafe´ Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0JP
HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES 31 October – 3 November
Haunting Halloween Half Term Fun at West Dean Gardens Join the spooky Halloween fun at West Dean Gardens near Chichester 31 October – 3 November and follow the Halloween Trail through the award-winning Gardens. Children who complete the trail will get a mouth-watering chocolate prize. You can also make spooky Halloween paper bunting with artist and West Dean College of Arts and Conservation short course tutor, Tracey Bush. See the Spring Garden, Pergola and surrounding landscape, transformed by glorious autumn colours as you explore. Perfect for boosting energy levels before or after the Halloween Trail the Gardens Restaurant offers delicious freshly prepared breakfast (from 9am at weekends), lunches and afternoon tea. Children’s meals also available. See website for times and prices. Book your Halloween tickets in advance at www.westdeangardens.org.uk.
Follow the fun Halloween trail to win a mouth-watering chocolate prize and make spooky Halloween paper bunting See website for times and prices
www.westdeangardens.org.uk West Dean Gardens, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0RX
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1.30pm - 2.30pm. £6.00 per child.
7 September, 5 October and 2 November Small Business Fair Meridian Shopping Centre, Elm Lane, Havant, PO9 1UN. 07891 691770. www.facebook.com/epiceventsfairs
Join the Epic Events team for their monthly Small Business Fair at the Meridian Shopping Centre, on the first Saturday of the month! Lots of exciting things planned for all ages including: arts and crafts, entertainment, storytelling, character visits and lots more. Email epicevents66@gmail.com if you would like a stall. Follow us on Facebook @ epiceventsfairs. 9am - 4pm.
We’ve scoured the area for local family events this September and October! We take great care in compiling our events guide, but please contact venues before you leave home as things can change. aspects of this trail that lead in to the Until 31 December Deer Park which can be muddy with no The Many Faces of Tudor paved routes. England Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth 4, 11, 18, 25 September and Historic Dockyard, HM Naval Base, 2, 9, 16, 23 October Portsmouth, PO1 3PY. 02392 Together Time - Baby 812931. www.maryrose.org/faces and Me (0-1 years) Tudor England - As you never expected it! Just who crewed the Mary Rose? Discover a whole new view of Henry VIII’s navy with an exciting exhibition, using the latest scientific and genealogical research to show us all who really crewed the Mary Rose. Included with a valid Mary Rose ticket.
Until 31 December Horrible Histories Pirates
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Victory Gate HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LJ. 02392 987835. www.historicdockyard.co.uk This fun and light-hearted look at life onboard comes complete with eye patches, wooden legs and deadly armaments ready for you to take into battle with the enemy. Discover the patter of pirate talk and learn the lingo, decide your fate on the wheel of misfortune and get to grips with the rules of the pirate code – otherwise you might be taking a trip to Davey Jones’ Locker.
Until 3 November Wings and Whiskers Trail
Petworth House and Park, Church Street, Petworth, GU28 0AE. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events Enjoy a family trail and then reward yourself with some famous National Trust cake at Petworth Park. Normal admission applies, trail FREE. Pick up your activity sheet from the Petworth House entrance. There are some outdoor 16 F amilies Solent East
Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. 01243 542075. www.aldingbourne.org/preschool-activities This together time class gives you and your baby precious time together. Watch their reactions as they explore a variety of sensory materials, smells, textures, sounds, music and rhymes. Suitable for 0-1 year olds 10am - 10.45am. £6.00 per child. Every Wednesday.
4, 11, 18, 25 September and 2, 9, 16, 23 October Music and Movement (2-5 years)
Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. 01243 542075. www.aldingbournetrust.org/preschool-activities A structured hour-long session for you and your little one to participate in singing, dancing, games and instruments in this fun and lively class. This class is structured to fully support your child’s development in a fun and engaging way. Suitable for ages 2-5 years 1.30pm - 2.30pm. £6.00 per child
5, 12, 19, 26 September and 3, 10, 17, 24 October Messy Play (6mths to 2 years) and Messy Play (2-5 years) Aldingbourne Country Centre,
Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. 01243 542075. www.aldingbournetrust.org/preschool-activities A fun and exciting class which fosters your littles one’s curiosity, imagination and exploration. You and your little ones will spend precious time together to discover new textures, experiment using their senses and build on their confidence to express their own ideas and feelings. Take a change of clothes and towel to each session. 6mths to 2 years session at 10am - 11am. Ages 2-5 years at 1pm-2pm. £6.00 per child.
6, 13, 20 and 27 September and 4, 11, 18 and 25 October Music Class (0-1 years) Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. 01243 542075. www.aldingbournetrust.org/preschool-activities
A structured hour-long session for you and your little one to participate in singing, dancing, games and instruments in this fun and lively class. This class is structured to fully support your child’s development in a fun and engaging way. Suitable for 0-1 year olds. 10am 10.45am. £6.00 per child.
6, 13, 20 and 27 September and 4, 11, 18 and 25 October Woodland Discovery (2-5 years) Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. 01243 542075. www.aldingbournetrust.org/preschool-activities
Develop your child’s love of nature. Our woodland discovery sessions are child led and specifically designed with preschoolers in mind. Children will be free to explore our woodland setting at their own pace. Your little one will experience bug hunting, nature craft activities and pond dipping at each session, enhancing children’s knowledge of the different seasons. Suitable for 2-5 year olds.
7 September Little Pickles Market
Havant Academy, Wakefords Way, Havant, PO9 5JD. 07971 729718. littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk/events Family market with nearly new and business tables for hire to sell baby/ children’s items. Prams, maternity items, clothes, shoes, toys, books, highchairs and so much more. Drop in and see what bargains you can find! £1 entry per Adult, Little Pickles free. 2-3:30pm.
7 September Chichester Guided Family Walk
The Novium Museum, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH. www.thenovium.org/article/31687/ Guided-Family-Walk A guided walk for families around Roman Chichester. Starting at The Novium Museum, this guided walk will take you back in time through Roman Chichester, from the very beginning to the time the Romans left. This walk is aimed at a family audience. £3 per person. Booking in advance is recommended - call 01243 816525. Please note that this walk takes you through Priory Park, and so dogs are not permitted.
9, 16, 23, 30 September and 7, 14, 21 and 4 November Let's Get Crafty (2-5 years)
Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. 01243 542075 www.aldingbournetrust.org/preschool-activities Spark your little one’s imagination with a ‘let’s make’ session. Children will go on a creative adventure, using paint, sticking, drawing and colouring. These weekly sessions let children explore different textures and colours, designed to help children to develop fine motor skills, concentration and self-esteem. £6.00 per child.
13 September Roald Dahl Day
Gosport Discovery Centre, High familiesonline.co.uk
beach. Please note that dogs are not permitted on beach between the Royal Marines Statue and Southsea Castle from May to September. Starts at 10am with a mini briefing before cleaning commences! Litter pickers and gloves available to borrow. If you can't make it for 10am, you can join any time before 11.15am as Colas collects the bags at 12pm. Meet behind Speakers' Corner on the promenade near the new Cafe Briny.
Street, Gosport, PO12 1BT. Celebrate Roald Dahl Day with the Discovery Centre! Meet some of Dahl’s book characters and enjoy activities using real museum collections. Suitable for families with children aged 4+. FREE, no need to book, just drop in between 3.30-5.30pm.
14 September Storytime Special – Roald Dahl Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport, PO12 1BT.
Drop in and celebrate Roald Dahl, popular children’s author. What will the centre be making? Pop along between 11am and 12 noon and find out! They’ll also have the interactive projector set up with Dahl themed games. Suitable for children aged 3-10 accompanied by an adult. FREE, no need to book but spaces are limited.
14 September Port Solent 999 Day
Port Solent, The Boardwalk, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 4TP. www.portsolent.com/events/portsolent-999-day See an exciting array of vintage, American and British police cars and fire engines on display for visitors to explore and enjoy during the 999 Car Meet Special! Join them and learn all about these impressive service motors, from 10am - 4pm, alongside the waterfront marina.
14 September ABC Family Concerts: Saxophone Mesmerising Melodies
Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB. 0844 8472362 portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whatson/event/abc-family-concertssaxophone-mesmerising-melodies/ Be taken on a rich, stimulating, engaging and fun journey through the world of music in an environment that is built around your needs, and those of your baby. This concert will take you around the world, with mesmerising melodies and toe-tapping fun. Plus a few familiar tunes and some audience participation of course!! Tickets are £8 (incl booking fees) per adult with 2 children attending free of charge with every adult ticket.
18 September and 16 October Storytime Sessions at Fort Nelson
Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, PO17 6AN. royalarmouries.org/event/storytime/ Join in the fun, every third Wednesday of the month, with a free Storytime session 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. Lasts 40 mins, starts at 11am.
21 – 22 September Fort Nelson: Invasion Romans
Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, PO17 6AN. royalarmouries.org/event/invasion-2/ An action-packed weekend at Fort Nelson featuring living history displays, a Roman encampment, gladiator school, shield drills, trebuchets and talks plus live firings of a ballista. See the website for further details and a programme of activities.
21-22 September Vikings Attack at Butser
Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton LaneChalton, Waterlooville, PO8 0BG. 02392 598838. www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/ vikings-attack/ Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see two titans of history do battle, with Herigeas Hundas defending the magnificent Saxon hall from the marauding Vikings of Wuffa! Get up close and personal with vicious warriors from both tribes, and touch, smell and see the day to day events of camp life, both on the road to war and in an established settlement. Enjoy stories of Norse sagas and epic Saxon tales with story teller Dawn Nelson around the fire in the Saxon long hall.
22 September and 25 October Relaxed Opening at the Mary Rose
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3PY. 02392 812931. maryrose.org/events/2019/6/category/relaxed-opening Every month the museum will be holding Relaxed Opening mornings, where from 10am-12 noon the lights in the museum will be at a higher level, and sound effects will be turned down. As always, the wonderful team of volunteers and staff will be on hand to guide you through the experience. At this higher lighting level, some visual displays may not be so effective, so guests wishing to enjoy the full immersive experience and displays would be advised to visit us after 12 noon on these specific days
22 September Little Pickles Market
Wickham Community Centre, Mill Lane, Wickham, PO17 5AL. 07971 729718. littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk/events Find some baby bargains at Little Pickles Markets! £1 entry per Adult, Little Pickles free 2pm-3:30pm.
22 September The Circus Runaways
Portsmouth Guildhall Studio, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB. portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whatson/event/the-circus-runaways A family friendly performance suitable
What's on for pre-schoolers and their carers. The Circus Ringmaster is beside himself with worry- all the animals have run away and he doesn’t know where they are. But the show must go on! Can you help find the runaway animals and save the circus? A sensory fun filled interactive performance sure to delight early years audiences and their grown-ups. Aimed at children 2-5.
22 September Milkshake Live: Milkshake Monkey’s Musical
Kings Theatre, 24 Albert Rd, Portsmouth, PO5 2QJ. kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whats-on/ show/milkshake-live Milkshake Monkey can’t wait to put on a spectacular new musical for you all! Starring Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight and the Floogals, alongside two Milkshake Presenters, this brand-new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet! It’s a family show not to be missed! Performances at 12 noon and 3.30pm.
26 September ABC Teddy Bear Concerts: Bang the Drum
Portsmouth Guildhall Studio, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB. portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whatson/event/abc-teddy-bear-concertsbang-the-drum/ Join percussionist Harriet Riley and string player Neil Valentine for a riproaring ride through the world of hitting things! From the majestic marimba to the dancing djembe, Harriet will take you on a world of fun with all things percussive. Prepare to dance, sing and clap along in this fun concert for all the family! Each ticket is for one adult and up to 2 children. £8 per ticket.
28 September Whole School Open Morning at Portsmouth Grammar School
The Portsmouth Grammar School,
21 September Southsea Beach Clean
Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3PG. 02392 826676 www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/ whats-on/southsea-beach-cleanp1471121 Everyone is welcome to help clean the
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What's on High Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2LN. 02392 360036. www.pgs.org.uk/admissions/opendays/
The Whole School Open Morning runs from 9:30am – 12:30pm. There is no need to book for this event, just drop in on the morning. If you would like to visit the Junior School separately please contact the Admissions team on 023 9236 0036, or email admissions@pgs. org.uk.
28-29 September Romans in Residence
Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, PO8 0BG. 02392 598838. www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/ event-list/ The Butser IX Roman Legion will be in residence in the Roman Villa with fighting and marching demonstrations, archery, Roman cooking, crafts, games and more. There will be plenty of opportunities to get hands on with the past and discover what life would have been like in Roman Britain. To find out more visit www.butserlegion.co.uk.
29 September and 27 October Cascades Kids Club
Cascades Shopping Centre, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 4RL. 02392 851255. www.cascades-shopping.co.uk/ events/events/cascades-kid-sclub-2019.html Join in between 11am and 4pm for FREE activities. On 29 September they’ll be celebrating 30 years of Cascades with a community art project. On 27 October it’s a Spooktacular Special for the last Kid’s Club of the year, including pumpkin carving.
29 September Haust Autumn Celebration
Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, PO8 0BG. 02392 598838. www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/ haust-autumn-celebration-2/
Mark the beginning of autumn with the team at Butser. They’ll be craft and woodworking demonstrations, hands on activities and ancient skills to prepare for the coming winter months and celebrate the beauty of the autumn. Standard entrance prices apply, guided activities will run between 11am and 3pm. Normal admission prices apply – no need to book.
29 September Fairthorne Food Festival – A Scrumptious Sunday!
YMCA Fairthorne Manor, Curdridge, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GH. www.ymca-fg.org/fundraising/ fairthornefoodfestival Discover the enormous diversity of local food and drink at Hampshire’s newest festival. Explore indoor markets, hot food stalls and demo's. Plus, a full programme of entertainment and activities and live music. 11am – 4pm, £5 per ticket (under 5’s free). See the website for more details.
1-2 October Eye of the Storm
New Theatre Royal, 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2DD. www.newtheatreroyal.com/performances/eye-of-the-storm Hugely relevant musical for today, with music by Grammy Award winner Amy Wadge. This theatrical event of courage, determination and compassion is guaranteed to inspire adults of all ages and families with children aged 8+. See the website for ticket details and times.
5 October – 4 November Happy Halloween at Paultons Park
Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey, SO51 6AL. www.paultonspark.co.uk Happy Halloween at Paultons Park is the friendliest, most frightful fun fest in the UK, and is back for another year with even more spooky fun to be had! The Legend of Paultons Manor returns to the Show Stage this year. Get ready for an all singing and dancing extravaganza featuring spectacular illusions and slapstick comedy! (Shows from 26th October to 3rd Nov only) Trick and treaters of all ages will love the fun scenes at The Big Boo Farm and there will be plenty of opportunities to meet and greet our spooky, but ever-so-friendly, characters, including Pickles the Pumpkin, at intervals around the park. Extra special late night opening until 7.30pm on Friday 29 and Saturday 31 October.
5 October Ryde School Open Morning Ryde School, Queens Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3BE. www.rydeschool.org.uk
Meet the teaching team, take a tour of the school and enjoy a complimentary
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family lunch. 10am - 12.30pm. For more information contact 01983 617970 or email admissions@rydeschool.net.
5 October The Butterfly Lion
Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. 01243 781312. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ the-butterfly-lion The Butterfly Lion combines music, design and puppetry to bring a magical adventure to life: celebrating nature, friendship and the triumph of love. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s bestselling novel, which won the Smarties Prize and the Writers’ Guild Award, this new stage adaptation is written by CFT’s Writer-in-Residence Anna Ledwich and directed by Dale Rooks whose many Chichester productions include The Midnight Gang (2018) and Running Wild (2015). Recommended for ages 7+. From £15, family tickets available
5 October Portsmouth High School Open Morning
Portsmouth High School, 36 Kent Road, Southsea, PO5 3ES. 02392 824916. www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk/openmorning-2019 At the Prep and Pre-School visitors can join an animal adventure trail and meet farm animals visiting for the day. There will be fun explorer activities suitable for girls from Pre-School to age 11 years. The Headmaster of the Prep School, Mr Paul Marshallsay, and staff will be available to talk to parents throughout the morning. See the website for details.
5-6 October Autumn and Countryside Show
Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester, PO18 0EU. 01243 811363. www.wealddown.co.uk/events/ autumnshow Features traditional working demonstrations – including heavy horses and vintage tractors ploughing – steampowered threshing, plus a woodland and rural craft demonstrations, displays, dog show and lots more. See the website for more details.
6 October Fun Palaces at Chichester Festival Theatre
Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. 01243 781312. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on Free activities, events and workshops for all. Try your hand at something new, see the building in a different light, or meet others doing exciting practical activities, all for free. See the website for more details.
6 October Fun Palaces at the New Theatre Royal
New Theatre Royal, 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2DD. www.newtheatreroyal.com/performances/fun-palaces-2019/ Fun Palaces is an annual nationwide celebration, throwing open the doors of our great buildings, to celebrate creativity across all our communities. Surprises and memories will be created at Fun Palaces 2019 – don’t miss it. Check website for details.
7 October Bedtime Stories
Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport, PO12 1BT. It’s National Libraries Week so join the Discovery Centre for a bedtime story session – pyjamas and teddy bears welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE, no need to book but spaces are limited. 6 to 6.45pm.
12 October Little Pickles Market
Horndean Technology College, Barton Cross, Waterlooville, PO8 9PQ. 07971 729718 littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk/events This is a family market with nearly new and business tables for hire to sell baby/children’s items. Prams, maternity items, clothes, shoes, toys, books, highchairs and so much more. Drop in and see what bargains you can find! £1 entry per adult, Little Pickles free. 10-11:30am.
12 October Portsmouth Memory Walk
Castle Field, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3ST. www.memorywalk.org.uk/finda-walk/ Memory Walk is a traditional-style, sponsored walk suitable for the whole family. You can take in the views the city and walk for a future without dementia. In Castle Field last year over 2,300 people walked to defeat dementia. See the website for timings and registration.
20 October You've Got Dragons
Portsmouth Guildhall Studio, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB. portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whatson/event/youve-got-dragons/ A family friendly performance at Portsmouth Guildhall. A delightful tale of one child’s journey to come to terms with their dragons. With live, original music, this highly visual, sensitive production is a humorous and touching exploration of the dragons we all face. ADULTS GO FREE offer - tickets only £7 for one adult and one child! All performances are relaxed. Performance lasts 50 mins. Age recommendation: 3-10 and families; babes in arms welcome.
familiesonline.co.uk
25 October Samhain Festival
Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, PO8 0BG. 02392 598838. www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/ samhain-festival-2/
roundings of Uppark House, nestled in the South Downs. Solve the clues on the family trail through the grounds to discover fun facts about nature in autumn. Normal admission applies, plus £1 per trail. See the website for more details.
Celebrate the end of the harvest season the Celtic way! Between 7-10pm you can enjoy live music, professional storytelling by Jonathon Huet of Walk with Trees and a bar with local ales. Tickets £15.
26 – 27 October Halloween Family Sleepover
26 October - 3 November Shipwreck Explorers - Tudor Fun and Games!
A special spooky Halloween sleepover in October half term. Find out what happens in the museum after dark with a torch lit treasure hunt, craft activities and a 'spooktacular' bedtime story. Tickets are £25 per person. Booking in advance is essential. 7pm – 8am. Book online or phone 01243 816525.
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3PY. 02392 812931. maryrose.org/events
Discover the games people played in the time of Henry VIII at The Mary Rose this October half term! You can even try on Tudor clothing, and the king himself, Henry VIII, will be around to grant an audience to visitors! Daily, 10am – 5pm.
26 October – 3 November Weird and Wonderful Blue Reef Aquarium, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3PB. 02392 875222. www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/ portsmouth/news/upcomingevents/
Get stuck into some spooktacular fun! Meet the Aquarium’s grisly residents and discover a creepy underwater world. Get your hands dirty with slime workshops, and meet some Weird and Wonderful creatures in a Rockpool Encounter. Normal admission applies.
26 October and 2 November Halloween Fireworks Night Funland, The Seafront, Hayling Island, PO11 0AG. 02392 462820. funland.info/special-events/
Due to the success of last year there will be two frightful evenings this year! The staff will be dressed up and there will be lots of spooky goings-on. 5 – 9.30pm. Check the website for more details.
26 October Little Pickles Market
Westgate Leisure Chichester, Via Ravenna, Chichester, PO19 1RJ. 07971 729718 littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk/events/ Family market with nearly new children’s items. Prams, maternity items, clothes, shoes, toys, books, highchairs and so much more. £1 entry per adult, Little Pickles free. 2-3:30pm.
26 October – 3 November Autumn half term trail
Uppark House and Garden, South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5QR. 01730 825 415 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events Enjoy a stroll around the beautiful surfamiliesonline.co.uk
The Novium Museum, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH. www.thenovium.org/article/31894/ Halloween-Family-Sleepover
27 October Funbooth Kids Halloween Party
Goals Soccer Centre, Tangier Road, Portsmouth, PO3 6QA. 02380 180200. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ funbooth-kids-halloween-partytickets-54654552237 Two time slots to choose from; 12-2pm or 3-5pm. Tickets include disco, party games, spook room (not too scary though!), sweet treats, juice, costume competition, face painting, and Halloween crafts. All children need to be accompanied by an adult (parent/guardian) - adults get free entry with every child ticket purchased. £9 per child.
28 October Halloween Storytime Special Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport, PO12 1BT.
Drop in between 11am and 12 noon for a spooky story and then stay to make a spooky craft. Suitable for children aged 3-10 accompanied by an adult. FREE, no need to book but spaces are limited.
28 October Aliens, Zombies and Monsters Workshops
The Novium Museum, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH. www.thenovium.org/article/31893/ Aliens,-Zombies-&-MonstersWorkshops Aaron Blecha leads this fun drawing workshop where you can create characters and bring them to life. Go home with your very own unique alien! £6.50 per child including sketch book to take home. 10-11.30am. Book online or phone 01243 816525. Recommended ages 7-11.
28 – 30 October Halloween Fun
Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. www.aldingbournetrust.org/events
Prepared to be scared and take part in some frightening fun. Enjoy the bouncy castle, spooky story time and a nonscary Halloween hunt. The Halloween event will be held from 10am – 4pm, and is included in the £6 per person entry fee. Visit the website for more info.
28 October – 1 November Roman Army Week
Fishbourne Roman Palace, Salthill Road, Fishbourne, PO19 3QR. sussexpast.co.uk/event/romanarmy-week-9 A week of Roman-themed fun at Fishbourne Roman Palace. Enjoy archery, sword practice and dressing-up Romanstyle, plus lots more. Normal admission applies. See website for more details.
29 – 31 October Half Term Workshops
The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. thespring.co.uk/take-part/familyworkshops/#pow An active workshop to keep little superheroes busy during half term! There’ll be dressing up, flying over skyscrapers and banishing the bad guys in these fun and interactive sessions featuring games, drama and craft. Recommended for children age 4 – 7 accompanied by an adult. Daily, 10-11.30am. Tickets: £2.50 per child or £9 with a ticket for Mission: Save the World.
29 October Pirates and Pumpkins
Explosion! the Museum of Naval Firepower, Priddys Hard, Heritage Way, Gosport, PO12 4LE. www.nmrn.org.uk/news-events/ events/pirates-and-pumpkins A ghost pirate ship has sailed into Priddy’s Hard and the skeleton crew have taken over the site. Come and join us for some spook-tacular fun including – Halloween crafts, face painting, deathly disco, kids trail and competitions galore. Entry is free with a valid attraction ticket.
29 October Silly Scott and The Creation Station
Port Solent, The Boardwalk, Cosham, PO6 4TP. www.portsolent.com/events/ kids-club-silly-scott-and-creationstation-2 Half term fun with Silly Scott and The Creation Station. Dress to scare at Silly Scott’s Spooky Halloween Magic Shows, running at 11am, 12.30 &2pm. Create your own Halloween themed decorations to give your home a spooky look at the Creation Station from 11am – 4pm.
What's on Chichester, PO18 0RX. www.westdean.org.uk/gardens/ events/halloween-activities
Follow the Halloween Trail through the award-winning Gardens. Children who complete the trail will get a mouthwatering chocolate prize. You can also make spooky Halloween paper bunting with artist and West Dean College of Arts and Conservation short course tutor, Tracey Bush. See the website for more details.
31 October Halloween Disco Party
Port Solent, The Boardwalk, Cosham, PO6 4TP. www.portsolent.com/events/kidsclub-halloween-disco-party Join Port Solent for a frightening fun Halloween disco with lots of tricks and plenty of treats! Justin from Children’s Parties Portsmouth will be the host with lots of dancing, party games and scary fun. One hour disco sessions from 11am, 1pm and 3pm. See the website for more details.
31 October Time Travellers Show
D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3NT. 02392 827261. theddaystory.com/time-travellersshow/ A fun-filled performance for families. Find out how you would survive as a child growing up in the Second World War in this fun, fact filled show. Running time: 1 hr. Recommended age 6+. The show features loud sound effects, strobe lighting and a smoke machine. Show is included in admission price for the museum. No need to book but arrive early to avoid disappointment. Performances at 11am and 2pm.
31 October Museum at Night: Family Tale Trail
Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester, PO18 0EU. 01243 811363 www.wealddown.co.uk/events/ museum-night-family A special evening for families to enjoy an enchanting walk at the Museum. Hear a series of folklore and historical tales of mysterious places, magnificent creatures, spooky happenings and magical adventures, all by lamplight! Suitable for ages 7+, accompanied children will join a small group, guided by one of the Museum team, to walk to different spaces to hear five twilight tales. See website for times and prices. Book in advance.
Happy Halloween!
31 October – 3 November Haunting Halloween Half Term Fun West Dean Gardens, West Dean,
Families Solent East 19
An
Island School with a GLOBAL Outlook
An independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2 ½ to 18 2019/2020 OPEN MORNINGS Saturday 5 October 10.00am to 12.30pm, Saturday 1 February 10.00am to 12.30pm and Thursday 4 June 10.00am to 12.00 noon Excellent GCSE, A Level and IB results Scholarships and bursaries available for entry into Years 7, 9 and the Sixth Form
FOR MORE INFORMATION Call +44 (0)1983 617970 or visit www.rydeschool.org.uk/open-days-and-visits Queen’s Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3BE
20 F amilies Solent East
familiesonline.co.uk
