Families Hampshire North Issue 33 July/August 2019

FREE TAKE ME HOM

E

IN THIS ISSUE RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle

please call Vicki King 07501 433 922

Issue 33 July/August 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

Activities in nature to enjoy this summer Local summer days out and what’s on familiesonline.co.uk Families Hampshire North

Hampshire North Issue 33 I July/Aug 2019

Managing Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk 07789 882 467 Advertising Claire Clarricoates claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk What’s on listings compiled by Jane Constantine events@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk Next issue September/October 2019 Booking deadline 31 July 2019

Printed By Holbrooks Printers Ltd

Contents

Published 6 times per year

4. News & views

We Distribute 18,000 copies in Andover, Basingstoke, Fleet, Hook, Alton, Bordon and all the areas in between. If you would like copies for your establishment please contact us.

6. Activities in nature to enjoy this summer

Cover image: Istockphoto

CMYK / .eps

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Stay in touch

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7. Summer fun at the National Trust 8. Summer highlights in your local area 10. What’s on in July & August

ine

Familieshampshirenorthmagaz

14. Enjoying rainy days

Next Issue Sept/Oct 2019 Clubs & Classes I Education I Half Term

© Families Hampshire North Magazine 2019 Families Hampshire North 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 Hampshire North are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Hampshire North. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Hampshire North; 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.

Free Magazines for your school, nursery, cafe, shop or club - just ask!

editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk or 07789 882467 Book now - T: 07789882467

editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk

Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

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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.

2 Families Hampshire North

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Country Park living at its finest Berkeley has a selection of 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes available to move into now from ÂŁ480,000*

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40 minutes** to London Hart Leisure Centre on your doorstep Less than 2 miles from Fleet town centre In the catchment area for excellent schools

edenbrookvillage.co.uk 01252 757 557 Edenbrook Village, Hitches Lane, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 5DN Sales Suite and Showhomes open daily 10am-5pm

*Price correct at time of going to press. **Source: www.nationalrail.co.uk. Photography depicts Streetscene and Showhome and is indicative only.

Help to Buy is available on selected plots only. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.helptobuy.gov.uk for more information.

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Families Hampshire North 3

News & views

It’s official!

Our readers prefer

Magazine to the internet!

A typical response plan can be time consuming and Last year, we conducted a survey came from a reader in confusing, involving lots of across the UK asking readers ‘’I find Manchester who says: “In this time trawling online for useful to tell us what they find useful Families of social media it is great to have information. about our magazine and magazine useful a magazine you can pick up and A common complaint how likely they would be to as it gives me lots of of readers told physically flick through rather than seems to be the respond to advertising in it. information on events having to fight through hundreds “endless trawling” us that they use and services that help of e-mails and pop up adverts for that digital research More than 70% of our readers the magazine to me to entertain my individual offers.” involves. A typical said they were highly likely to research ideas children.”

Another reader says: “With the response came from a respond to advertising in our Families® magazine, all the information reader in Kenley who says, magazine or had already done is right there, in a simple to understand, ‘’I find Families magazine useful so. That’s fabulous news for our calendar format, which is perfect! I can then as it gives me lots of information on events advertisers and for our readers, because successfully plan our summer break.” and services that help me to entertain my it means we can carry on making the magazine children. It is quite hard to find information like better and better!

We were also really happy that large numbers this on the web that specifically tailors events of you reported that Families Magazine makes to your area and categorises them this well.

A whopping 79% of readers told us that they your lives easier and less stressful and saves It also is an interesting read with topics I can use the magazine to research ideas for local you time. relate to. I’d be very likely to respond to ads in family activities or classes and clubs for the magazine.’’ children and an equally impressive 74% said Thank you to everyone that volunteered their they use it to plan family life. comments. If you are interested in taking part Readers also told us that they really value in one of our Reader Forums, please email having a physical magazine in their hands in Many of you also told us that you find easier to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk with your which all the information relevant to family life plan family activities and entertainment using has already been collated and is presented to Families Magazine than using the internet! You name, phone number and post code. them in an easy-to-digest format. told us that using the internet to research and

79%

Celebrate play on Playday UK Playday is the national day for play in the UK, and will take place this year on Wednesday 7 August.

Playday is an annual celebration of children’s play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of children’s play and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

New safety wristbands from Easy2name Easy2name’s new safety wristbands will help you find your child if they wander off on a day out and can also be used as a medical alert Contact details such as a mobile number and important medical information can be written on the outside. Or you can use the internationally recognised term ‘ICE’ (In Case of Emergency) on your wristband.

These silicone wristbands are waterproof and tear proof and are ideal for outings, school trips and family holidays.

Suggested children’s sizes are 14cm for ages 2-4, 16cm for ages 5-8 and 18cm for ages 9 and above.

To order or for more information call 01635 298326 or visit www.easy2name.com

OL! BACK TO SCHO ON K IC ST IRON ON SEW ON SEW NO IRON - NO GS BA & ILS NC PE

4 Families Hampshire North

You name it we label it!

Call us on: 01635 298326

From small-scale community events to thousands of children taking part in events organised in parks and open spaces, Playday is celebrated by each community in a way that suits them.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

You can hold and register your own Playday event or find one close to you by visiting www. playday.org.uk

Help for choosing a family dog If you are considering adding a dog to your family, this is an important decision which is best not made on a whim. Generally, children and dogs form great bonds and friendships and dogs can offer the opportunity for children to learn great life skills such as responsibility and compassion. But all dogs are individuals. The breed of the dog is perhaps the single most important factor you can take into account, when deciding what dog is right for your family.

To help families with this decision a Dog Breeder Decider tool has been created by pet food manufacturer Webbox. The tool matches a dog breed with your family by analysing your family’s lifestyle and preferences against the personality traits, behaviours and requirements of all dog breeds. More information at www.webbox.co.uk/dog-breed-decider

Drive for more men in childcare More men are to be encouraged into careers in nurseries and early years’ settings, in a new project to provide more diverse role models for children before they start school.

With men making up just 3% of early years staff in England, the project aims to break down the barriers that prevent men entering careers in children’s early education, including the myth that men are less suited to caring roles.

The project will be run by the Fatherhood Institute, and will spearhead an innovative recruitment drive that highlights the positive roles men can play in the crucial first years of a child’s education. It will provide practical resources like myth busters, ‘how-to’ guides and online content to support male recruitment into the profession, as well as online peer support for men already working in the sector. More information at www.fatherhoodinstitute.org

familiesonline.co.uk

Summer School at Jubilee Nursery Jubilee has a highly regarded reputation for outdoor learning and with over 60 acers of private woodland and farm, babies and children from 3 months to 5 years learn through engaging hands-on experiences, sprinkled with imagination every day!

This summer there is lots going on, from welcoming calves to the evergrowing farm and nursery events, including their annual Graduation Day celebration and sports day.

Throughout the summer holidays, they are open for Summer School for all children who are due to start school in September 2019. Their outdoor learning environment prepares children for the transition to school and is jammed packed full with fun, from dress-up themes to science experiments. visit: www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk or www.jubileegems.co.uk for more information.

Get hands on at the Festival of Archaeology The Festival of Archaeology is a fortnight long festival which runs from 13 to 28 July 2019 and will provide opportunities for families to discover archaeology in their local area. Events will be held across the UK at sites of archaeological and historical interest. You will be able to watch experts at work or get ‘hands-on’ by experiencing the excitement of an archaeology dig, including having a go at geophysical and topographic surveys, or taking part in actual excavations.

For babies and children, three months to five years of age Over 60 acres of gardens, woodland & farm A highly skilled and caring team Freshly prepared food Funding available For more information please visit:

jubileegems.co.uk School Road, Padworth, RG7 4JA 0118 983 4018|info@jubileegems.co.uk

The festival is co-ordinated by the Council for British Archaeology and aims to showcase the very best of archaeology for everyone.

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Families Hampshire North 5

FREE

Activities in to enjoy this summer

activities fo kids to enjo r y this summ er

The summer holidays are starting and Families magazine asked the Woodland Trust for its top pick of holiday adventures to get children active outdoors and away from their screens!

Create a fairy garden Use your imagination to design a fantastic fairy garden! You can do this indoors if it’s raining.

You will need: •

A container, such as a plastic box or old washing up bowl

•

Earth

•

A collection of natural materials: small stones or pebbles, sticks, moss, leaves, and perhaps some small flowering plants.

Fill your container with earth (if you’re using living plants, put some stones in the bottom for drainage). Use some leafy twigs to make trees. Build a fence or little seat with sticks.

You could even make a pond by sinking a plastic cup or another small container into the earth and filling it with water. You’re bound to think of lots more ideas once you get started…

Embark upon a Woodland challenge Set up challenges to complete on a day out in the woods and have a competition with your family and friends. Remember to decide how many points each challenge is worth. Here are some challenge ideas:

Go on a butterfly hunt

in the surrounding area for kids to find (just remember to take them home with you when you leave). There are lots of fun picnic ideas at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Learn to skim stones

Climb a tree (make sure there’s an adult around though!)

You can do this on a pond, river, or calm sea.

Just be careful not to get too near the water’s edge or make sure you don’t hit any ducks – or swimmers!

Balance on a fallen tree trunk and walk along

Find some round, flat, smooth stones

Find three types of flower

Hold a stone flat between your thumb and forefinger

Cross a stream without getting your feet wet Identify three different tree species Find some wild animal evidence – tracks, a fox or rabbit hole, some fur caught on a bush, or even some poo!

Tip: you can use the downloadable summer flowers ID sheet at www.woodlandtrust.org. uk/naturedetectives/for this challenge

Host a teddy bears’ picnic This is sure to be a hit with younger children, especially if they can invite some friends from nursery. Use a teddy cookie cutter to make some little bear-shaped sandwiches. Cut out some pictures of bears and hide them 6 Families Hampshire North

Get down low and throw it across the water with a spinning action. Do persevere as it might take a bit of practice.

Try a barefoot walk Let the grass tickle your toes, splash through a stream, and stomp in some squidgy mud. Did you know you have over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot, so walking barefoot is a great way to get in touch with nature? Just make sure you avoid anything sharp on the ground. Some parks and attractions have special barefoot trails, so search online for one near you. You could even try setting up a barefoot walk in your back garden.

Summer brings with it throngs of colourful butterflies. You will find a downloadable butterfly caterpillars ID sheet at www. woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/ which you can use to hunt fluttery butterflies in woodland clearings. If it’s too wet to go outside, why not cheer yourself up with a gorgeous butterfly mobile instead?

You will need: •

several sticks of similar length

•

string or wire

•

paper – coloured, patterned, or white if you want to colour the butterflies yourself

•

colouring pens, glitter (optional)

•

a needle and some strong thread

Cross the sticks over in the middle and fasten them with string or wire to make the frame.

Fold a piece of paper in two and draw half a butterfly along the folded edge. Cut around it and open it out. Repeat for lots more butterflies. Decorate them if you wish.

Attach a thread to each butterfly using the needle and tie the other end to a stick. Hang up your mobile and admire your cloud of colourful butterflies!

The Woodland Trust charity runs its Nature Detectives family offering with lots of idea to get busy and out in nature. You can post pictures on Twitter or Instagram using #NatureDetectives too or visit www. woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/ for more activity ideas. You can also find your local Woodland Trust wood at www.woodlandtrust. org.uk/visiting-woods

familiesonline.co.uk

Summer fun with the National Trust The Vyne Basingstoke, RG24 9HL

Throughout July & August Geocaching: The Lost Toys William Wiggett Chute’s children have been playing in the woods.

Unfortunately, these young Victorian adventurers have managed to lose four of their toys along the way. Can you help the children find them on The Vyne’s new geocaching trail?

Locate each geocache box to find a Victorian toy. 10am – 3.30pm.

Throughout July & August Dress like a Victorian How would you have looked if you’d been alive during the Victorian period? Would you have been a gentleman in a top hat, or a scullery maid in a starched uniform? Explore the new costume rail, pick yourself an outfit and step back in time 150 years. 12-3pm.

Throughout July & August Victorian Children’s Play Trail There were no less than 10 children in the Victorian family who lived here in the middle of the 19th-century.

They loved nothing more than to play games with each other on this lovely country estate. Pick up the new Victorian children’s trail to find out where they are hiding in the gardens. Suitable for all ages; allow 30 – 45 minutes. £1 per trail.

Winchester City Mill Winchester, SO23 8EJ 24 July - 3 September Miller’s passport trail Learn how to be a miller with our family fun activities everyday throughout the summer holiday.

Plenty of hands-on activities for the whole family too - have a go at making your own flour, watch our real millers at work (weekends and Wednesdays) and sample delicious treats at our baking days (27 Jul and 25 Aug, 11am-3pm). 10am-4pm.

Hinton Ampner Alresford, SO24 0LA 20 July - 3 September Tudor discoveries adventure house and garden activity trail Whizz back into Hinton’s past on our interactive Tudor Adventures interactive trail, which takes kids on an exciting 16th-century journey around the house and grounds. Best

These are the places that make us.

© National Trust 2019 . Registered charity, No. 205846. © National Trust Images \Chris Lacey.

made at The Vyne

familiesonline.co.uk

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont

Throughout July & August Tree bark rubbing and scavenger hunts Want to find out what our trees really look like? Collect some paper and colouring crayons, place the paper against the bark of your favouritelooking tree, and start rubbing! Grab a scavenger hunt trail sheet and trawl the grounds searching for a variety of natural objects to tick off.

Family memories

nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne

Beano Time Travellers! exhibition and trail at Mottisfont This summer much-loved Beano characters invite you to enjoy 80 years of mischief and mayhem, in a vibrant new exhibition at the National Trust’s Mottisfont in Hampshire. From blackand-red beginnings to the full-colour capers of today, the show explores the heritage of the longest running weekly comic in the world. In the upstairs gallery you’ll find rooms dedicated to some of Beano’s most famous characters; as well as colourful artwork on the walls, there are photo opportunities, dressing up and comics to read.

Outside, kids can whizz back through Mottisfont’s past with their favourite Beanotown residents in a bespoke trail designed by the comic, and there’s a unique opportunity to create your very own comic strip too, using a specially designed Beano template. Designs can be entered into a competition to win a very special Beano prize.

Opens 20 July – 8 September, 10am-5pm suited for ages 5+. For little ones, there’s an I-Spy trail in the house.

10am - 4pm, £1 per trail.

Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher KT10 9JG

Uppark House and Garden Petersfield, GU31 5QR 20 July - 1 September Mini architects house and garden activity trail Like making and creating? Uppark’s junior architects trail introduces children to architectural styles and building materials, on this fun activity in the house and gardens.

Solve the clues on the trail to bring Uppark’s architecture to life. Ages 5+. 10am - 4pm, £1 per trail.

20 July Outdoor theatre: Sense and Sensibility

Heroes, heartbreak and debonair villains, all topped off with a dashing duel in this adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel. 6.30-8.30pm.

Mottisfont Romsey, SO51 0LP

20 July - 4 September Summer fun There is a packed programme of family events including a children’s trail, story telling sessions and arty crafternoons. Admission + £1 per trail, £3 per craft. On Sun 28 July you can meet a special collection of tame reptiles, frogs and minibeasts from 10.30am-4pm (included in admission) and on Sun 11 Aug 10.30am-4pm you can enjoy a game of crazy golf (admission + £2.50 per adult and £2 per child).

17 August Big Camp Camp out under the stars in an historic landscape that was once a royal playground. Get involved with an evening of awesome activities run by our wildlife expert Johnnie and explore the great outdoors at night.

This is an overnight event starting at 4pm on Sat 17 Aug finishing at 10am on the following day.

Winkworth Arborteum Godalming GU8 4AD

20 July – 8 September Beano Time Travellers! exhibition and trail See above for full details.

28 August Outdoor theatre: Alice in Wonderland Immersion Theatre present a fantastical, larger-than-life musical brimming with nonsensical fun and excitement. £16 per adult, £8 per child, £42 family of four. 6-8.30pm (gates open at 5pm for picnics).

20 July – 4 September Summer Fun Discover the Buzzy Bugs amazing animals and towering trees with children’s trails every week. 10.30am-4pm. Admission + £1 per trail. Plus from 1.30-3pm every Thursday and Friday from 25 July–30 Aug there is a craft tent for creative fun. Admission + £1.50 per craft.

Summer at The Vyne

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne Families can embrace the summer season at The Vyne. In the gardens, young explorers are invited to follow the Victorian children’s play trail.

Those that are up for heading further afield can hunt for four geocaches hidden in Morgaston Woods. In the house, sharp eyes can locate lost pieces of tapestry on the Tapestry house trail. On select dates, all ages can have a go at the ancient art of tapestry weaving. In the Housekeeper’s Room, visitors young and old can cast themselves back into the 19th Century by dressing up like a Victorian. When the family is feeling peckish, ice-creams and other snacks are available from the tea-garden kiosk and tea-room, while The Vyne’s lakeside north lawn is the perfect place to shake out the picnic blanket and tuck into some tasty treats. On select evenings, all ages can enjoy outdoor theatre and cinema here.

Families Hampshire North 7

Summer Highlights & what’s on BRICKOSAURS! at Marwell Zoo Until 1 September, don’t miss BRICKOSAURS! A world exclusive, prehistoric LEGO® brick experience that will see 50 astonishing dinosaur sculptures inhabit Marwell Zoo, including the biggest ever move-able LEGO brick dinosaur model - a whopping 8 metre T-Rex! Visitors will also be able to get hands on with a host of extra activities including trying their hand at making their own creations at BRICKOSAURS Base Camp, a free spotter’s guide and more.

Pick Your Own at West Green Fruits this summer West Green Fruits, a family run business of 25 acres set in farmland near Hartley Wintney offering an extensive range of fruit, summer vegetables, homemade Jams and Jude’s Ice-Cream.

Come along this summer and let the kids pick some delicious produce to take home and enjoy. Fruits include; Strawberries, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Gooseberries, Tayberries, Tummelberries, Loganberries, Boysenberries, Black and Redcurrants, Blackberries New Potatoes and ready picked Summer vegetables.

Plus, Marwell have welcomed a new male red panda, who has now joined the zoo’s female resident red panda, Mei Mei, in a new enclosure. Specifically designed by Marwell’s keepers and landscapes teams, the exhibit replicates a red panda’s natural habit. With three different areas to explore, Mei Mei and Peter’s new enclosure features lots of planted bamboo and thick low-lying bushes, as well as both coniferous and deciduous trees to keep them both content all year round. The new home also has multi-level viewing windows as well as climbing structures for the red pandas to pass people overhead. Visit www.marwell.org.uk for more details and tickets.

Summer holidays at Hollycombe Hollycombe Working Steam Museum on the Hampshire and Surrey border offers a true ‘three generations’ visit, with a traditional fairground, train rides, working steam engines and woodland walks. With the arrival of the summer holidays the popular attraction has extended opening of Tuesdays - Sundays (and also Bank Holiday Monday) between 30 July - 26 August. Hollycombe offers great value, as the entrance charge of £17 adults, £15 senior and £14 child (family tickets available) offers free return visits on the majority of open days for a calendar year. www.hollycombe.co.uk

Open daily (except Mon) from 10am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm. Visit the website to check fruit availability before Experience life on the home visiting www.westgreenfruits.com or front in WWII at Milestones keep up to date on their Facebook Portrait Advert 92mm x 63mm.qxp_Layout 1 04/06/2019 13:54 Page 1 Museum page facebook.com/westgreenfruits.

H ARTLEY W INTNEY RG27 8LP Open June to mid September for Pick Your Own Summer Fruits including Strawberries, Tayberries, Currants, Gooseberries & Raspberries.

Also pre-picked Fruit, New Potatoes & Summer Vegetables. We also sell Local Honey, Free Range Eggs, West Green Jams & Jude’s Ice Cream

CALL 01252 845772 or visit

www.westgreenfruits.com for information, opening times & to place orders

8 Families Hampshire North

Experience life on the home front in WWII from the Blitz through to VE day at Milestones Museum this summer.

This family-friendly, immersive exhibition allows each visitor to follow their own journey through wartime Hampshire. Along the way you will live through evacuation, rationing and the blackout on our authentic 1940’s streets. Visitors can train with the Home Guard, fly our VR Spitfire, see cooking demonstrations from the Ministry of Food and buy refreshments from the NAAFI or rationed sweets from our sweet shop. You will also have the opportunity to experience a realistic Air Raid in our public shelter and learn about the aftermath of a raid in a rubble strewn bomb site. Discover the role of Hampshire in the build up to D-Day and join in the celebrations of VE day! Included in normal admission, there’s 15% off when you book online and with our Pay Once Visit All Year admission you can come back as many times as you like (t&c’s apply).

Join Wellington Country Park for an action packed summer holiday Only 10 minutes from the M3 and M4, spend your days in this safe, open air, fun filled venue for all the family. Splash around in our splash zone, take a trip on the train, visit our farmyard friends and much much more! So grab your hats, sun lotion and don’t forget your buckets and spades and join us at Wellington Country Park.

For further details on all attractions and events call on 01189 326444 visit their website www.wellington-country-park.co.uk. familiesonline.co.uk

Operation Earth at Winchester Science Centre Explore the fascinating world of environmental science through a fun and engaging live show and hands-on activities from 23 July - 4 September. Learn about the current issues facing our planet and what you can do to help. Experience a planetarium show and you’ll see Earth from a new perspective as you tour the Solar System and beyond! Operation Earth is a nationwide project funded by Natural Environment Research Council.

Admission: £13.20 per person (with donation), including entry to Explorer:Space, live science show and Invention Studio activities. Planetarium tickets sold separately. www.winchestersciencecentre.org

Summer adventures at Alice Holt Forest Come for a great day out in the woods! You can walk, cycle, play or have a picnic in these lovely woods. Experience life in the trees with Go Ape, take a relaxing break in the café and finish your visit with a quiet stroll in one of the more remote parts of the forest. Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake, and Squirrel join existing Gruffalo sculptures on the Easy Access Discovery Trail. These beautiful sculptures of the books’ characters can be enjoyed for many years to come. Zog is the latest Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book to be brought to life at Alice Holt. Children can follow the trail through Zog’s forest classroom to learn more about the animals and habitats around them. Activity packs are available from the visitor centre for just £3.

Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World Visit Paultons Park this summer and enjoy more than 70 wonderful rides and attractions included in the admission price.

New for 2019 is Jungle Adventure! Join Charlie, Harry, Bruce and Shelly in a wild adventure on the Isle of Awimowe!

Intrepid explorers Harry and Charlie respond to a Mayday call on the island and encounter lots of exciting animals like spiders, lizards, meerkats and snakes.

Peppa Pig World will continue to enchant this summer with the chance to meet Peppa and friends throughout the land. There are 9 fantastic themed rides including The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride and Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club. Don’t forget to visit Lost Kingdom, where dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes greet you at every turn. Take a Jurassic jeep expedition and ride two world class family coasters Flight of the Pterosaur and Velociraptor!

For opening times, prices visit www.paultonspark.co.uk

You are cordially invited to attend Gilbert White Day Although it not quite time to celebrate Gilbert’s 300th yet, Gilbert White & The Oates Collections think that a 299th birthday is worth a party. Come along to Gilbert White’s House on Saturday 20 July for outdoor games, crafts, nature observations, great food and more. The event runs from 10:30 5pm.

During the Summer Holidays Gilbert White & The Oates Collections has plenty for young nature explorers including plenty of free activities such as ‘Life Lab’, or ‘Discover Activities’.

Throughout July and August you can also go River Dipping, write some limericks, go on a bat walk, go to nature camp, explore the meadow for wildlife, and do some wild art! All the details and how to book are on the webiste www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk.

25th - 28th July The Malls Annual Punch & Judy Shows 1st Aug Circus Skills Workshop 3rd Aug Those cheeky Acro Chaps are back 8th Aug Giant Sculpture – Paddington Bear 10th Aug Sloth Time with Hibiscus, Gladys & baby Dribble

Entertain your kids at Riverside Bowl this Summer Riverside Bowl is a community focused entertainment venue.

It offers ten-pin bowling, glogolf, snooker, pool and arcades along with an American style diner. Stylish party rooms are available within the facility for local groups, corporate events and children’s parties. Plus, don’t miss the Bowling and Glo-Golf Offer on 29 July where you can buy one child and get another free, also available on Bank Holiday Monday in August. For more information visit www.riverside-bowl.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

15th Aug Sand Art Workshop 17th Aug High Flyers and their early flying machine 22nd Aug Circus Skills Workshop 24th Aug Prehee Man and their caveman car 29th Aug Back to School Workshop 31st Aug The Seal & Marina Mudflat the marine biologist

www.themalls.co.uk facebook.com/TheMallsShoppingCentre

Families Hampshire North 9

What’s on

Destination Space at Winchester Science Centre

Your essential guide to family events this July & August compiled by Jane Constantine. We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. If you would like to include your event in our next issue email it to us by 2 August to events@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk.

Throughout July & August Explorers Trail Marwell Wildlife Winchester, SO21 1JH Pick up your Explorers Trail at the info cabin for a suggested donation of £1. Collect nine stamps around the park. You could even win annual membership for 2 adults and 2 children. Normal admission charges apply.

Througout July & August Pick Your Own West Green Fruits Hook, RG27 8HL Come along to the farm to pick you own fruit this summer. Open daily except for Monday’s. 10am -6pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm.

Throughout May & June Brickosaurs!

Marwell Wildlife Winchester, SO21 1JH The interactive exhibition created with more than two million bricks is sure to excite families, LEGO and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

A highlight includes the largest touring LEGO brick dinosaur model ever made – a whopping eight-metre T-Rex, plus be prepared for a few surprises.

Normal admission charges apply.

Throughout July & August Zog Activity Trail Alice Holt Forest Farnham, GU10 4LS Join Alice Holt for the latest Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book to be brought to life! Follow the trail markers through the woods to find familiar characters from the story, collect starts as you learn as Zog did at dragon school, and complete interesting challenges along the way. Zog activity packs available from visitor centre.

Until 7 July Basingstoke Festival Festival Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7BA The Virtual Orchestra is a free family experience to experience a symphony orchestra from the inside. Put on virtual reality headsets and enjoy a 360-degree experience with 3D audio and visuals.

Until 21 July Destination Space - Apollo Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ July 20, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of NASA’s 1969 Apollo 11 lunar mission, and the first-time humans landed on the Moon. Celebrate this momentous achievement with a Destination Space live science show and activities. £13.20 per person (with donation), including entry to 10 Families Hampshire North

Explorer: Space, live science show and Invention Studio activities.

5 July The Wind in The Willows Dummer Down Farm Basingstoke RG25 2AR The Wind in The Willows Join Mole, Ratty and Badger on their mad-cap adventures at an outside production of The Wind in The Willows in conjunction with Quantom Theatre and More of the Good Stuff. 6pm. Tickets £15 adults £8.50 children.

6 & 7 July B Love War Memorial Park 2-day programme of events including a circus puppetry show and street dancing. They’ll be face painting, arts, crafts, games, live animals and storytelling plus a chill-out area for babies and little ones.

6 & 7 July 999 Weekend 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park Headley, RG19 8JY There is something for everyone at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park and Family Farm. With over 20 play zones, a petting zoo, laser tag, giant slides, bump tractor rides and a multitude of climbing equipment. Tickets from £9.75.

6 July Summer Show “5,6,7,8…”

Lisa Jane School of Dance The Anvil Basingstoke RG21 7QR From Beethoven’s Fifth to Dua Lipa’s One Kiss while chasing 99 Red Balloons in the Summer of ‘69 to end up at 42nd Street. “5,6,7,8… brought to you by one of the largest and most successful dance schools in Hampshire. Tickets £16, Under 16’s £14 (incudes £2 booking fee). 2pm and 7.30pm.

7 July Kimpton Village Fete Kimpton Village Hall, Andover, SP11 8NY Traditional fete fun for all the family, featuring live music from The Tumbleweeds along with a raffle, barbeque, teas and cakes, tug of war, bottle tombola, skittles, coconut shy and more.1-4pm.

Adult 50p, children free.

Come to the (Steam) Fair!

Visit Britain’s largest working steam fairground, railways & more.

The atmosphere is cordial and ideal for that relaxed, family day out.

All rides are included in the admission price, and once you’ve paid, you can come back free as many times as you like for a year!

OPEN: Sundays & Bank Holidays until mid October.

Daily*: 30th July to 26th August (limited rides on weekdays) *Closed Mondays apart from Bank Holiday Monday Gates open at 11.00 Rides from 12.30 Last admission 16.00 Midhurst Road, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7LP Follow the brown signs 01428 724 900 www.hollycombe.co.uk

OPERATION EARTH 23 July - 4 September

7 July Pax Hill Annual Fete 2019 Bentley, Farnham, GU10 5NG This year’s annual summer fete includes live music, Bollywood Dancers, BBQ, Cream Teas, Fresh Cakes, Tombola, Raffle and more.

2-4pm.

TO BOOK TICKETS - winchestersciencecentre.org | 01962 863 791

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Experience life on the homefront in WWII from the Blitz through to VE day

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23 JULY – 8 SEPTEMBER 2019 Milestones Museum Basingstoke A family-friendly, immersive wartime exhibition including: • Experience an air raid during the Blitz in our public shelter* • Fly our VR Spitfire over Hampshire* • Live through evacuation, rationing and the blackout • Train with the home guard • Watch cooking demonstrations from the Ministry of Food • Join in the VE Day and VJ Day celebrations!

milestonesmuseum.org.uk

Hampshire Cultural Trust is a registered charity (no. 1158583) and company (no. 08986225) in England and Wales. *Additional charges apply. †Pay once, visit all year. Enjoy unlimited visits to Milestones Museum. With your ticket you can return to Milestones as many times as you like for a whole year. Excludes some special events which may have an extra charge.

familiesonline.co.uk

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7 July Hook Village Show Hartletts Park, Ravenscroft, RG27 9NN Join us for an action-packed afternoon of fun, rides, displays, and stalls including arena events, Fun dog show for pets, classic vehicles, Fairgrounds rides and more. 12-5pm.

21 July Alton Bus Rally Anstey Park, Alton, GU34 2NB One of Britain’s largest free bus rallies with a static exhibition of buses and coaches. There is also a large display of classic cars, lorries, vans and motorcycles as well as emergency service vehicles. 10am – 5pm. Free.

10- 13 July Disney High School Musical on Stage The Harlington Fleet, GU51 4BY This feel good musical is packed full of energy, cheer and high school cheese for all the family. Adults £18, Concessions £16, various times. Relaxed performance 13 July at 10.30am.

Tickets £10 concessions £8.

21 July Barky Malarkey 2019 – Charity Dog Show and Family Fun Day War Memorial Park, Basingstoke, RG21 4AG Fun Dog and Entertainment for kids. Face painting, bouncy castles, walking animal balloons, Sand Art, raffle and lots more.

11am-4pm.

13 July Summer Festival Hatch Warren Community Centre Basingstoke RG22 4XF Festival includes dog show, Berkshire Birds of Prey and Slime Lab. 12-4pm, free.

13 July Fabulous Summer Fayre St Gabriel’s Church, Popley, RG24 9DU A whole afternoon of food and fun for all the family, including children’s activities, tombola’s, raffle, bouncy castle, BBQ, Cream teas, face painting. 12-4pm. Free.

13 July Sherfest Sherfield Park Community Centre Sherfield, RG27 0FP There will be live bands, food stalls, Real ales & ciders, bar, mobile climbing wall, bouncy castles and a number of other entertainments. 1-9pm.

13 & 14 July Snowing in July- Santa’s back from his hols!

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park Headley, RG19 8JY With over 20 play zones, a petting zoo, laser tag, giant slides, bump

tractor rides and a multitude of climbing equipment! Enjoy an extra special day with Santa this weekend! Tickets from £9.75.

14 July & 11 August Summer Band Concert Eastrop Park, Basingstoke, RG21 4QA Bring a picnic, rug and deckchair and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of music. The park has a wealth of wildlife as well as a boating lake, tree trail, trim trail, children’s play area and paddling pool.

14 July Summer Fayre Chawton House Alton, GU34 1SJ Chawton House will be hosting the inaugural Summer fayre celebrating Jane Austen and village of Chawton. Come along and browse the beautiful stalls and join in traditional games.

11am – 4pm.

14 July Bump & Boo Pregnancy and Baby Event Winchester Guildhall, Winchester, SO23 9GH A variety of stalls to suit even the most modest budget, this unique opportunity is aimed to showcase local buying opportunity for you and baby. 10.30am – 3.30pm.

19 July Roller Disco The Harlington Fleet, GU51 4BY Family friendly fun, exciting and great exercise. 6-9pm All ages. £5 (including skate hire).

20-21 July Fairground Weekend and Mechanical Organ Gathering Hollycombe Steam in The Country, Liphook, GU30 7LP Enjoy Hollycombe’s traditional steam fairground and visiting attractions including fairground models, transport, living vans and historical photographs. The mechanical organ gathering compliments the event with a range of visiting organs. These will date from late 1800.s organettes, to hand-turned street organs and various sizes of fairground, street and dance organs.

20 July Gilbert White’s Day Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Join us to celebrate Gilbert White’s 299th birthday. This family event will take you back to the 18th century with lots of games, crafts and birthday celebrations. 10.30am – 4.30pm. £6 adult £3 child.

23 July – 4 Sept Discover Activities Days Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Choose a new way to discover our museum and grounds by borrowing one of our scavenger hunts, Butterfly and leaf spotting guides or Nature backpack and Sketching kit bags from reception.

Free with admissions ticket.

23 July - 4 September Operation Earth Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ Explore the fascinating world of environmental science through a fun and engaging live show and hands-on activities. Experience a planetarium show and you’ll see Earth from a new perspective as you tour the Solar System and beyond! £13.20 per person (with donation), including entry to Explorer: Space, live science show and Invention Studio activities.

24 July Family Friendly Bat Walk Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Discover the bats living in Selborne on this family friendly tour. £8 per person.

The perfect place to enjoy the Basingstoke Canal

Alice Holt forest • • • •

New Activity Centre Gruffalo sculptures Go Ape Cafe

Narrowboat Holidays Narrowboat Day Hire Kayaks, Canoes & Row Boat Hire

Activity Trail

Join in

the fun!

Zog © 2010 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler.

Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

12 Families Hampshire North

Refreshments & Picnic Area Opening Times 10am to 6pm 7 Days, March to October

Galleon Marine, Colt Hill, Odiham, Hants, RG29 1AL

forestryengland.uk

Opposite the Waterwitch Pub familiesonline.co.uk

26-29 July Super Hero & Villains 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park Headley, RG19 8JY With over 20 play zones, a petting zoo, laser tag, giant slides, bump tractor rides and a multitude of climbing equipment. From £9.75.

6 August Craft Workshops The Lights, Andover, SP10 1AH Make a Fairy House and Garden Workshop. 10.30am suitable for ages 5-7. £10. Pirate and Mermaid Puppet Making Workshop, Suitable for ages 7-11. 2pm. £12.

27 July Dolls House Day Curtis Museum, Alton, GU34 1BA The museum is opening their doors again to dolls houses large and small to view and play with.

There will be a themed trail for everyone to follow, as well as miniature items for sale.

7-11 August Boomtown Festival Matterley Estate, Winchester, SO21 1HW Includes Kidztown with The Sandcastle Stage holding childfriendly acts all weekend. Junior Jungle, FUNDMC and Big Fish Little Fish will help to prove that the family that raves together, stays together, with musical styles including ragga-jungle to hip-hop to club classics.

29 July Bowling and Glo-Golf Offer Riverside Bowl Andover, SP10 1BN Buy one child, and get another free on Bowling or Glo-Golf. Every Monday in Half-Term and Bank Holiday’s.

29 July 3,2,1 Blast Off Workshop The Lights, Andover, SP10 1AH Come dressed as your favourite astronaut, alien or space creature for an interactive journey to the moon and back. Ages 2-5 years.

9.30 & 11am £5.50.

27 & 28 July Dinosaur Weekend Wellington Country Park Riseley, RG7 1SP The beasts are back! Come and see these prehistoric creatures as they roam the grounds of Welly Park! Get up close to Rex the T-Rex, Raptor and Terrance the Triceratops and the baby dinosaurs! Plus, bouncy castles in the park from 10.30am – 4.30pm. £13.50 per person, Under 3’s, free.

30 July – 1 August Fairy Tales and Unicorns 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park Headley, RG19 8JY With over 20 play zones, a petting zoo, laser tag, giant slides, bump tractor rides and a multitude of climbing equipment. Tickets from £9.75.

31 July Hooray for Summer Workshop The Lights, Andover, SP10 1AH Enjoy an exciting interactive music and movement session full of everyone’s favourite summery songs and rhymes. Great fun for little people and their grown ups Suitable for ages 1-3 years. 9.30am & 11am £4.50.

31 July River Dipping Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Venture into the river with us to discover the inhabitants. Don’t forget your wellies. Children must be accompanied into the river.

10am-12pm & 1-3pm £10 per child (one adult free).

Tuesdays & Thursdays in August Life Lab Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Come and try your hand at being a naturalist by examining some of the specimens from our learning collection. Use a range of tools to find out about the animals in front of you including microscopes, measuring equipment and fact files. Suitable for all age. 10.30am – 5pm Free with admission.

1 August Trolls Dance Workshop The Lights, Andover, SP10 1AH The much-loved Trolls film is jam

packed with fantastic songs, so why not join tutor Lauren and learn new skills to dance just like the Trolls? Suitable for ages 5-7.

1.30–3.30pm £8.50.

1 August Lear’s Limericks Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Edward Lear was famous for his silly nonsense limericks! Join Sara Lodge for a workshop to create your own. Suitable for ages 7-1.

10-11am & 1-2pm £5 child (one adult goes free).

2-5 August Dinosaur Adventure 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park Headley, RG19 8JY With over 20 play zones, a petting zoo, laser tag, giant slides, bump tractor rides and a multitude of climbing equipment! Enjoy an extra special day with our Dinosaur Adventure event this weekend! Tickets from £9.75.

3 & 4 August Pirate and Mermaid Weekend Wellington Country Park Riseley, RG7 1SP The day will feature -The Magic Pearl, story time with Coral the Mermaid, Captain Bluebeard and the Missing Treasure featuring Coral the Mermaid, plus, bouncy castles in the park from 10.30am – 4.30pm. £13.50 per person, Under 3’s free.

8 August Bat Walk Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Discover the bats living in Selborne. £8 per person.

10 & 11 August Fire Engine Weekend Hollycombe Steam in The Country, Liphook, GU30 7LP Join us for a display of visiting fire engines, a follow up to last year’s successful show where this year’s show is sure to be bigger and better! Standard Admission Prices Apply but your ticket is valid for a year. 11 – 5pm.

11 August Children’s Teddy Bears’ Outing Hollycombe Steam in The Country, Liphook, GU30 7LP Bring along your teddies and maybe a picnic too and enjoy it in the peaceful woodland gardens before the afternoon fun starts.

There will be a popular Teddy Bear Trail to follow with a Giant Teddy present and lots to see and do and to join in with. Standard Admission applies. 11am – 5pm.

11 August Andover Shilling Fair High Street, Andover, SP10 1NG Andover High Street will come to life at this unmissable free day out

Find out more at...

WELLINGTON-COUNTRY-PARK.CO.UK

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celebrating the town’s Georgian heritage. A full programme bursting with colourful street performers, Regency costumed figures, themed market stalls, traditional fairground rides, local musicians and fun hands-on family activities. 10am-4pm. Free.

12-14 August Wild Wild West 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park Headley, RG19 8JY With over 20 play zones, a petting zoo, laser tag, giant slides, bump tractor rides and a multitude of climbing equipment! Enjoy an extra special day which includes our Wild Wild West event. Tickets from £9.75.

14 August Wild Art Day Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Natural clay modelling, soil paints, nature collages and leaf sculptures .10am-12pm & 1-3pm £10 per child (one accompanying adult free).

15 August Under the Sea Workshop The Lights, Andover, SP10 1AH Join tutor Lauren for this movement workshop and dance and move amongst the waves as you explore all the creatures of the sea. Suitable for ages 2-4. £4.50.

17-18 August Cheese and Chilli Festival North Walls Recreation Ground Winchester, SO23 8DJ Entertainment includes; crazy golf, human sized table football, falconry displays, Punch and Judy, cooking demonstrations and more.

10am – 5pm.

17 & 18 August Unicorn, Fairy & Pixie Weekend Wellington Country Park Riseley, RG7 1SP A fun day featuring Unicorn tales with Kim and Crystal the Unicorn.

In the afternoon there is story time with Fleur the Flower Fairy and Learn to plant a seed. Unicorn disco with the big balloon drop. £13.50 per person, Under 3’s free.

21 August Meadow Explorers Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Grab a butterfly net, a wildflower guide and a minibeast kit and come and explore wildlife. 10am12pm & 1-3pm £10 per child (one accompanying adult free).

23-25 August Carfest Laverstoke Park Farm, Overton Come along and join Chris Evans at this amazing family event that combines classic cars, live music and food whilst also raising money for BBC Children in Need. This year’s line-up includes, Tom Odell, The Human League, Texas, The Jacksons, Tony Christie and more.

26 August The Great Overton Duck Race River Test, Overton Family fun with 8 great duck races and the Grand Final. Fun starts at 12 noon, first race at 1pm. BBQ, Licensed Bar, Tea/coffee stall, tombola charity stalls, children’s fun stall. 12-6pm.

31 August – 1 September Model Weekend Hollycombe Steam in The Country, Liphook, GU30 7LP Across the weekend there will be all manner of models including miniature steam engines of various scales, model boats, fairground models, model tanks and there will even be a WW2 French Village battle each afternoon. 11am – 5pm.

31 August Black Magic – The Little Mix Show The Harlington Fleet, GU51 4BY A highly energetic show that follows in the footsteps of the award-winning girl band, Little Mix. Adults £14, Child £12, £48 Family of 4. 6.30pm.

Don’t forget to say you saw these events advertised in

The Virtual Orchestra Customers at Festival Place Shopping Centre, Basingstoke are invited to take the best seat in the house for an out-of-this-world performance of Holst’s The Planets.

The shopping centre and leisure destination has partnered with the world-famous Philharmonia Orchestra and The Anvil to install the Philharmonia’s Virtual Orchestra on the upper level of Festival Place, open to the public, from 6 July to 11 August.

The 10-room digital installation offers visitors the chance to play along with the orchestra’s percussion section and join a guided tour led by music specialists. Virtual reality headsets will transport the wearer to the concert hall stage, allowing them to stand next to the musicians as they tune up and play, giving an extraordinary close-up glimpse into the sights and sounds of a symphony orchestra.

The event will include two spectacular family-friendly live concerts performed by the Philharmonia in Porchester Square on 4 August, giving as many people as possible the chance to experience the thrill of hearing live orchestral music.

The Virtual Orchestra installation at Festival Place is free. To find out more visit www.festivalplace.co.uk/events 14 Families Hampshire North

Enjoying rainy days

By Andrew Campbell

We will undoubtedly experience rainy days this summer but wet summer days can also be quite warm. Here are some fun activities that make the most of the rain and that children can still enjoy outside in the fresh air.

Rainbow Art

Sprinkle powder paints or washable markers on white card and get your children to stand out in the rain, letting the raindrops mix and making their own modern art. Take it inside to dry before the rain washes the paint away!

Buy a Worm Farm

Rain awakens juicy worms from their slumber. Pull on your wellies and collect a few slimy friends to put in your indoor farm, so your children can study them up close.

Puddle Splashing

Make splashing puddles extra fun by creating a multi-coloured water world. Simply drop food colouring in the puddles before making the leap.

Raindrop Orchestra

Saucepans, empty tin cans and upturned plastic bottles can create music when drops of rain falling on them. See how creative your kids can be!

Inside-out

Take bath toys outside to bob around in the puddles. Water-activated robot fish toys (£9.99 Amazon) look great!

Build a Dam

If you have a stream close by, use stone, rocks, twigs, logs and sticks to make a dam over it. Remember to take it apart before you leave, so as not to disrupt any animal habitats.

Boat Race

Running water in a park stream or down a pavement is great for creating your very own boat race. Make your own boats out of things you find outside and then you just need to agree where the race starts and finishes before launching your vessels!

Dance in the Rain

Buy a waterproof cover for your smartphone and let your child take pictures of you and the family frolicking in the wet weather. Take out your most colourful brollies and welly boots to make the pictures extra special.

Go on a Bug Hunt

The rain entices out plenty of creatures, such as slugs and snails. It’s also fun to look for creatures that are sheltering like birds, spiders and woodlouse.

Summer Reading Challenge Space Chase The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday.

Children’s reading can decline during the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme ‘Space Chase’ - an outof-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

The Challenge will launch in libraries on Saturday 13 July 2019.

For competitions, book recommendations and special online badges and rewards, visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

1st July - 11th August Take a giant leap with us as we host a spectacular array of space-themed events and galactic fun throughout the summer*.

YOU AND YOUR LITTLE ASTRONAUTS CAN ENJOY…

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* For specific dates and times please visit our website

festivalplace.co.uk/events @FestivalPlace familiesonline.co.uk

@FestivalPlace

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