Families Hampshire West Magazine March/April 2019

FREE TAKE ME HOM

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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 69 March/April 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

Holidays with a difference Clubs & classes Easter highlights and what’s on

familiesonline.co.uk Families Hampshire West

Issue 69 I Mar/Apr 2019 Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk 07789 882 467 Advertising Claire Clarricoates claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk What’s on Chloe Atkinson assistant@familieshampshirewest.co.uk Social Media Chloe Atkinson

Contents

Printed by Holbrooks Printers Ltd. Next issue May/June Booking deadline 1 April We distribute 22,000 copies in Winchester, Southampton, The New Forest, Totton, Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford, Hedge End, Bursledon, Netley, Park Gate and all the areas in between.

4. News & views

Published 6 times per year. If you would like copies for your establishment please contact us.

10. Clubs & classes news

6. Education news 8. Does homework work?

12. How extra curricular activities boost learning

Cover image Frank & Bloom Photography www.frankandbloom.com

14. Holidays with a difference 16. Easter highlights and what’s on

Free Magazines for your school, nursery, cafe, shop or club - just ask! editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk or 07789 882467

23. What’s on at the Theatre CMYK / .eps

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© Families Hampshire West Magazine 2019.

Families Hampshire West 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 West 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 West. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Hampshire West; 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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Familieshampshirewestmagazin

OPEN DAyS

3-16 co-Educational, day and Boarding

2nd march 2019 11th may 2019 10am-12.30pm

NEVER AFRAID TO MAKE A SPLASH ExplorE and BE Bold

A Moyles Court pupil is given the spACe to explore who they Are And whAt they CAn AChieve, in A CAring, supportive And hAppy AtMosphere.

GO TO OuR wEbSITE TO SEE OuR FANTASTIc GcSE RESuLTS AND FuRTHER INFORMATION

2 Families Hampshire West

www.MOyLEScOuRT.cO.uK

familiesonline.co.uk

Happening history Open Morning 3rd May 2019

Independent co-educational preparatory day, flexi and full-time boarding school, ages 2-13.

Contact the school Registrar on 01590 613 303 or email registrar@walhampton.com

WALHAMPTON SCHOOL, LYMINGTON, HAMPSHIRE SO41 5ZG.

www.walhampton.com

Registered charity Number: 307330

Stroud School, Romsey

OPEN DAY

King Edward VI Preparatory School Independent Day School for Ages 3-13

Saturday 16th March 2019 10am - 1pm

Come and explore Stroud to see what we can offer your child.

For more information, contact our Registrar, Mrs Piper, by email at registrar@stroud-kes.org.uk or call 01794 513231.

Highwood Lane, Romsey SO51 9ZH

Honesty • Respect • Happiness familiesonline.co.uk

www.stroud-kes.org.uk Families Hampshire West 3

News & Views

Lovely setting for Horns Drove Pre School Located in a lovely setting, Horns Drove Pre School makes the most of their outside space and everything nature has to offer on a daily basis. In their Pre-School they regularly have welly or field walks to look for bugs, see the new spring plants and flowers and jump in as many puddles as possible! Their After School and Holiday Club kids use the field and outside area to play ball games, build dens and just simply run around. The climbing frame is very popular and they also have a sand pit, mud kitchen and kitchen garden to grow vegetables.

In bad weather, children can see what is happening outside through their large windows in a purpose-built wooden lodge.

New photography experience launched to empower girls JoAnne Temple, has launched a new and exclusive photography experience which aims to celebrate and empower girls aged 4 – 18 years.

The new venture, Frank & Bloom, is a service designed for parents in the Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire areas who want to embrace their daughter’s inimitable personality, talents and character and capture it in timeless, natural and un-posed portraits.

The Frank & Bloom experience is unique in that it’s not only about creating visually beautiful images but about allowing girls to be free to be themselves, focussing on their interests and personalities in front of the camera.

JoAnne, an award-winning artistic children’s photographer has run a successful family photography business locally for 5 years.

She said: “Frank & Bloom is dedicated to girls being themselves. I want to celebrate them for what makes them unique and, through my photography, help to boost their self-esteem. “Girls are photographed in a relaxed outdoor environment where they can be themselves. I want families to have images of their daughters on their walls that depict their true character and for the girl/s to feel proud to be different and empowered when they look at them”.

Visit: www.frankandbloom.com for more information.

Rated GOOD

by Ofsted Nov 18

For more information about Horns Drove Pre School visit www.hornsdrove.uk

Simple World Book Day costume ideas With World Book Day coming up on 7 March, you may not have the time, energy, funds or inclination to provide a glitzy costume for your child to wear to school. Here are some book-related characters that require minimal accessories and that might work for your child this year: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney a white shirt + black short + black backpack. Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, Trousers + white top + yellow jacket. Tinkerbell – Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie a fairy costume.

More can be found at www.worldbookday.com/dressing-up

At what age can children be home alone?

Parents often wonder when it is safe to leave a child unsupervised at home. The law does not specify an age at which a child can legally be “home alone.” However, parents commit an offence if leaving the child unsupervised at home puts him or her at risk. Given that maturity and understanding at specific ages differs from child to child, there is no set age at which leaving a child home alone would be risk free.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has published a guide “Is My Child Ready to Be Left Alone?” This states that; children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time, children under 16 shouldn’t be left alone overnight and babies, toddlers and young children should never be left alone.

More info at www.nspcc.org.uk

Family safety week Accidents are the biggest killer of children and young people with at least one child under 5 killed each week. Every year, over 2 million children under the age of 15 have an accident in and around the home which takes them to A&E and half of the under 5s visiting do so as a result of a preventable accident.

Family Safety Week, which commences on 1 April, is run by the RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) to help raise awareness of the “simple things you can do to stop your child becoming an accident statistic.” RoSPA provides free resources and advice to help families keep children safe in their homes. Its free Keeping Kids Safe packs also enable schools, nurseries, playgroups and children’s centres to hold child safety session for parents. Visit www.rospa.com for more information.

Home-School Tutoring UK Tutors (with full references/DBS checked) available for: •

All Ages, Levels and Subjects

Horns Drove Community Pre-School, based in Rownhams, we offer very high quality childcare and education for ages 2 years, 9 months to 4 years. Open Mon-Fri 9am-12noon and 12noon3pm, term time only. The Pre-School is in a lovely location surrounded by fields and trees, with lots of room to run around.

•

Special Needs Support

•

Exam Preparation

•

Support with Home Schooling

•

Holiday and/or Term Time Work

•

High staff to child ratios

•

15 and 30 hours funding

Please contact the Area Advisor for Hampshire (West & Central) Mrs Alex Murray-Twinn, BA (Hons), PGCE, NPQH

•

£13 per session £26 for full day

•

After-school club & Holiday Club

For more details call 023 80 737207 www.hornsdrove.uk Bakers Drove, Rownhams, Southampton, SO16 8AD

4 Families Hampshire West

Initial consultation is free and without obligation

Like to join us as a tutor?

Get in touch today!

02380 275573

alex.murray-twinn@homeschooltutoring.co.uk

www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk

(est. 1984) familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views

Social Media companies face government action The government has announced its desire to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. Digital minister, Margot James says: “There is far too much bullying, abuse, misinformation and manipulation online.”

The announcement comes after the tragic death of Molly Russell, 14, whose parents had found she had viewed content on social media linked to depression, self-harm and suicide before taking her own life in 2017.

Ms James said “The tragic death of Molly Russell is the latest consequence of a social media world that behaves as if it is above the law. For too long the response from many of the large platforms has fallen short.”

“We have heard calls for an internet regulator and to place a statutory duty of care on platforms, and are seriously considering all options.”

“Social media companies clearly need to do more to ensure they are not promoting harmful content to vulnerable people” said a Government spokesman. A white paper is forthcoming.

For more information on making the internet safer for your child visit www.saferinternet.org.uk

Lack of sleep damaging for children More than a third of primary school children are failing to get sufficient sleep, according to research by the University of Leeds.

The study has linked poor sleep with difficulties in paying attention in class, keeping up with school work, forgetfulness and absenteeism.

The NHS recommendation is that children of that age should get 10 hours sleep per night but the study discovered that out of 1,100 children ages 6 to 11, 36% were getting only eight hours sleep or less on a weekday night.

Just under a third of children reported that worrying about school work was keeping them awake, whilst around one in six children reported that they found it difficult to sleep because of concerns about bullying or friendship.

The researchers identified that children who had access to technology in their bedroom were more likely to experience a shorter night’s sleep and recommended that parents consider removing technology from their children’s bedrooms.

More information at www.leeds.ac.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Five myths about children’s footwear Get a size bigger so your child grows into them

It might sound like a good idea, but it’s not. If the shoe is too big it can cause the child’s foot to move around inside the shoe, this can cause the child to claw their toes to keep them on and makes them unstable, increasing the chance of them tripping and falling. It can also affect a child’s gate and development. A child needs to be concentrating on running and having fun, not being held back by uncomfortable shoes. If the shoes don’t fit well they won’t wear well.

Children need sturdy footwear with lots of support

This is advice that has really changed over the last decade. Children’s shoes are now being made much softer, lighter weight and more flexible.

Research has shown that stiff or rigid shoes can weaken a child’s foot muscle development, reducing their endurance for long walks. Children should be individually assessed to see what type of shoe is most suitable.

Shoes can still have structure and be flexible enough to help strengthen muscles. Some feet require more structure than others.

Second hand shoes are fine to pass down

Shoes that have been worn, will have moulded to the previous owners foot and may have pushed the shoe out of shape. There is a risk that fungal skin infections or warts, can also be passed on. If the shoes are in excellent condition, make sure the fit is correct.

They are not complaining about their shoes being uncomfortable so they must still fit

It is not uncommon for children to have grown substantially and not tell their parents that their shoes are too tight. Often the child hasn’t noticed, as the shoes mould and stretch around their feet and they get used to the feeling, they may have had a sudden growth spurt or they just forget to tell their parents. Don’t assume that because they haven’t mentioned anything, that they are comfortable in their shoes. Young children should be checked every two months and school aged children every 3 months.

Must get the latest trend of sparkly/fashionable shoes

As much as possible, parents should be disciplined in buying the type of footwear that they want their children to wear. Education is key, and kids are never too young to learn. Parents should tell their child about the importance of having good foot health, and the role that footwear plays in it.

W J French & Son are passionate about fitting the correct shoe for your child and will never sell a pair of shoes if your child hasn’t grown. They stock a wide range of well-known brands in half sizes and width fittings.

Come and see them in store for any footwear advice. Easy parking on street or in the car park opposite. Located at 40 Bedford Place, Southampton. Visit www.wjfrenchandson.co.uk for more information.

Families Hampshire West 5

Education news

Smart cookies eat school lunch With locally-sourced eggs, cheese and meat, the majority of HC3S school meals are cooked from scratch ensuring children eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Whether your child is a veggie or meat-eater, both are on offer daily and come with homemade bread baked in the kitchen each morning as well as additional salad for children to top up their meal if they wish. From sweet potato and lentil curry and roasts to fish and chips, and award-winning bubble salmon, there are choices that children will love. Popular desserts often have hidden veg such as beetroot or butternut squash. Organic yoghurt, cheese and crackers and New Forest ice cream are also firm favourites. Look out for theme day lunches too such as World Book Day and Easter, a fun way to eat with their friends.

A hot school lunch is full of goodness and as they are free for all children up to KS2, can offer children the best start in life. HC3S publish the following day’s menu at 3pm on Facebook (hc3seducation). Find out more at www.hants.gov.uk/hc3s

How to make HC3S’ Sweet Potato & Lentil Curry Serves a family of 4 Ingredients « Onions (diced) 135g

« Tomato Puree 23g

« Sweet Potato 315g

« Chopped Tomatoes 225g

« Cooking Oil 9ml

« Red Lentils 45g

« Mild Madras Curry Powder 4-5g

« Stock 338 ml

Method 1.

Fry the onion and sweet potato mix in oil for 5-10 minutes

2.

Add the curry powder and cook gently for 3 minutes stirring continuously

3.

Add tomato puree, chopped tomatoes, lentils and stock

4.

Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes

5.

Transfer to casserole tin, cover with the lid or foil and put in the oven for a further ¾ hour or until sweet potato is soft, checking periodically so it does not dry out.

Children with better coordination more likely to achieve Young children with better eye-to-hand co-ordination are more likely to achieve higher scores for reading, writing and maths according to new research by the University of Leeds.

More than 300 children ages 4 to 11 took part in various computer tasks designed to measure eye-to-hand coordination, such as steering, taking aim and tracking objects on a computer screen.

The results revealed that the children who did better in the eye-to-hand co-ordination tasks tended to have higher academic attainment in reading, writing and maths. In particular, those with the best performance in the ‘steering task’ were on average 9 months ahead of classmates who struggled.

The findings raise the question of whether schools should be doing more to give support to children who are clumsy.

More information can be found by visitng www.leeds.ac.uk 6 Families Hampshire West

Healthy body, healthy mind at Stroud School We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘a healthy body, healthy mind’ but what does it really mean?

How is it possible to keep a mind healthy?

What does a healthy mind look like? Chris Jackson, Deputy Head at Stroud School explains that we are probably all more familiar with the symptoms of someone experiencing internal struggle than we think. Shockingly, 1 in 10 children aged 3 to 16 have a clinically diagnosed mental health issue, and 50 percent of issues established by age 14 continue into adulthood.

Whilst some mental health disorders are unavoidable, there are things we can all do to promote and maintain good mental health.

Stroud School are stepping beyond the standard pastoral cliché of a ‘positive caring environment’ and teaching children (and staff) tangible coping mechanisms that promote good mental health to help increase resilience.

In February, staff and pupils took part in the national Place2Be Children’s Mental Health Week. They completed a range of activities including mindfulness and philosophy, physical exercises such as yoga and tai Chi, and colouring sessions, all designed to relieve stress and build a positive mentality. A talk on positive internal dialogue put the spotlight on happiness, which remains one of the core values at Stroud.

To find out more about Stroud visit www. stroud-kes.org.uk

Reducing pressure whilst increasing academic excellence at St Swithun’s, Winchester Enjoy British Science Week Families can enjoy wonder-full time together during British Science Week 2019 which will take place from 8 - 17 March.

Science Week is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths with fascinating, entertaining and engaging activities for all ages taking place across the UK. Last year there were over 2,100 events involving almost 1 million participants.

You can also download a series of free activity packs at www.britishscienceweek. org filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school, without the need for a science background or expensive equipment.

To find an event close to you, visit www. sciencelive.net

We know that our pupils flourish with less pressure on them so we believe that we have two important duties: to remove stress and to coax the best possible results from our pupils.

How can we combine decreasing pressure with increasing academic excellence? Well, we believe that all pupils are capable of high achievement if we explicitly teach the skills required. Our High Performance Learning programme identifies 20 advanced cognitive performance characteristics and 10 attitudes or values that can be taught and practised such as the ability to self-correct, to move from the concrete to the abstract and to be resilient, happy to take risks and compassionate. We also emphasise the importance of not always getting things right – if you’re not making mistakes, the chances are that you’re not learning – and of having a growth mindset – the belief that with deliberate practice everyone can improve.

What evidence is there that our approach works? We have been in the top 3% nationally for value added results at GCSE. familiesonline.co.uk

Smart Cookies Eat School Lunch

HC3S offer a varied, balanced diet which our daughter loves.

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hants.gov.uk/hc3s and find us on facebook @hc3seducation BID 1985_V3_HC3S ADVERT.indd 1

BID 1985

Parent 2018

06/02/2019 13:58

Morning mini-conference for parents and taster experience for year 5 girls Year 5 Strategies for Success: Key skills for moving up to senior school

Saturday 9 March 2019 St Swithun’s School Top tips from the experts for Year 5 parents: Supporting your Y5 daughter, template for a work-life balance through Y6 and Y7, the inside track on girls’ friendships, managing the step up to Y7, keeping things calm, one-to-one Q&A. Year 5 girls’ programme: Digital coding and robotics, pop lacrosse, brilliant biology, loopy linguistics and amazing art.

Refreshments will be served. Booking is essential.

Please contact registrar@stswithuns.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Hampshire West 7

Education news

Nursery children could be coached for exams In September 2017 the Government announced that a new assessment would be introduced in Reception as a baseline measure to track pupils’ progress during primary school.

Does homework work?

Does the word ‘homework’ fill you with dread or do you think it is an important aspect of your child’s education? How much time do you spend supervising your child’s homework? What is it actually teaching your child? Is it really necessary or should schools just scrap it altogether?

Here in the UK, the government says it’s up to individual head teachers in primary schools to decide whether to set homework or not. Homework is generally set to be completed outside of school hours and when children are young, parents are often asked to help with it. In 1997, 6 out of 10 primary schools were setting homework.

Just two years later, 90% of schools were setting it and it seems that the majority of schools have continued this trend.

But are pupils and parents coping with the added pressure of homework on top of busy lives and after-school activities? A recent report by the BBC highlighted that only 11% of parents in Britain are spending an hour a day helping their children with homework.

While in other countries, like India, 64% of parents are spending an hour a day on this activity.

Whilst many people think children at primary school are too young to do homework, education specialist Melanie Harwood (www.harwoodeducation.com) believes homework is vital for developing learning skills. It helps children: •

develop a sense of their own self-worth and individual learning styles.

•

become confident working things out in their own space without the constraints of being “watched over” by a teacher, their parents or peers.

•

develop critical thinking and puzzle solving skills, which will serve them well in life and further education.

•

develop a deeper understanding of a particular point within a task or specific item of learning, by completing further work on it at home.

8 Families Hampshire West

By Claire Winter

Melanie adds: “Learning to work on one’s own and time management are important life skills. This is what will separate many learners from the rest of the pack. Being able to focus on a task and having the self-motivation to complete it is extremely important when working both in a team and on your own.”

Ex-teacher Hannah Deane who now runs a social media marketing business from home (www.littleshout.org) says setting homework at a primary level has always been a contentious issue amongst many teachers.

“In my experience, if you get a group of teachers in a room, (without the presence of an Ofsted inspector or anyone who has power over their career!), they usually agree that before senior school, homework is surplus to a child’s educational needs.”

“Learning spellings and reading at home can be beneficial, but the constant flow of worksheets, practice SATs papers, and ‘homework’ seem to be little more than a box-ticking exercise. Homework at primary level has no proven track record of enhancing a child’s education. Let them play and learn through an unstructured activity.

Once they reach senior school, their levels of concentration and capacity have increased to allow them to continue with formal learning outside the school day.”

A recent report about homework by the Teaching Schools Council says that homework set at primary school should have a clear purpose. The report states that schools should explain to pupils and parents why they are setting it, and the teachers should let pupils know how well they have done.

While the jury is still out on whether homework is a good thing for primary school children. It is clear that schools need to do more to help parents and pupils understand exactly what the benefits of the homework they are setting are, as well as making it achievable for all involved including parents!

Children who start Reception in September 2020 will be the first group to take the new test.

The focus of the assessment will be on communication, language and literacy, numeracy and ‘self-regulation.’

A recent report from an expert panel who examined the proposals concluded that the new test will not provide an accurate comparison between schools and that it is “flawed, unjustified and wholly unfit for purpose.”

Additionally, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the charity the Pre-school Learning Alliance, has warned that the new test risks putting pressure on the youngest group of school children and would encourage the coaching of pre-schoolers to ensure they were ‘test-ready.’

More info: www.bera.ac.uk and www.preschool.org.uk

Football boosts girls confidence New research suggests that playing football can have a greater positive impact on the self-confidence of teenage girls than other popular sports.

The study by the University of Birmingham for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is the largest of its kind and features data collected from 4128 girls and young women aged 13 and over in Denmark, England, Germany, Spain, Poland and Turkey.

80% of teenage girls surveyed said they felt more confident as a result of being part of their football team compared to 74% who played other sports. 58% of the female footballers questioned said they had overcome a lack of self-confidence as a result of playing football, compared with 51% of girls who play other sports.

UEFA have launched the Together #WePlayStrong campaign, which aims to make football the number one participation sport for girls and women in Europe by 2022.

More info: www.birmingham.ac.uk/news familiesonline.co.uk

Vintage inspired knitwear for the modern day baby and toddler

www.etsy.com/shop/emilyandevelyn

Shop, dine & play BIG NAME RESTAURANTS, CINEMA, BOWLING, PLAY CENTRE AND REGULAR KID’S ENTERTAINMENT MAKE THE SWAN CENTRE THE IDEAL DESTINATION FOR CHILDREN

the swan centre eastleigh

familiesonline.co.uk

@swaneastleigh

www.swanshopping.com

Families Hampshire West 9

Clubs & classes

Clubs & classes news Join All Stars Cricket today All Stars Cricket is a programme aimed at children aged 5-8 years old to give them a great first experience in cricket. Sessions are accredited by the England & Wales Cricket Board and delivered nationwide at over 2,000 centres.

All Stars Cricket will help your child develop key skills in a fun and safe environment where parents can join in too and help create #BigMoments you’ll both treasure!

Following successful registration, All Stars Cricketers will receive a brand-new kit bag full of goodies to help them get their summer of cricket started and fully look the part when they attend their 8 weekly sessions.

This year, they have a brand-new Cricket World Cup themed activity book that is full of top tips, games and, it’s a great place to keep those weekly stickers to celebrate your All Star’s achievements. Plus, it’s all delivered straight to your door.

To find out more about how to get involved this summer, simply visit www.allstarscricket.co.uk and get your place booked as session begin May 2019.

Bounce and tumble at River Park Leisure Centre If tumbling, rolling and jumping is your child’s thing, then try gymnastics or trampolining. River Park’s gymnastics sessions are based on the ‘FUNdamentals’ of movement (strength, balance, coordination and mobility) and will help your child to enjoy and master a wide range of sporting activities. They offer sessions at various levels including adult sessions.

If kids enjoy bouncing in the back garden and would like to improve their skills, then their trampolining sessions could help.

Trampolining works all muscles and they will develop upper body strength without straining their joints. Sessions are run by highly qualified staff to ensure it’s safe and fun so your child can enjoy bouncing and learning new skills.

Sessions are developed through our close links with British Gymnastics. Email coursesriverpark@pfpleisure.org, call 01962 848700 or visit www.riverparkleisurecentre.co.uk for more information.

Fantastic classes for boys and girls age 2-7 years from Mini Athletics Mini Athletics aim is to develop physical, cognitive and social literacy within the framework of play based Athletics games, to help every child flourish through three progressive classes. Using key movement skills such as running, throwing and jumping, your child will complete games developing gross motor skills, team work, reflective learning and friendly competition to help grow their love of Athletics and sport as a whole.

Mini Athletics are at Kings’ School Winchester on Saturday mornings from 9:15am and Romsey Senior School on Sunday mornings from 9:15am. Free tasters are available. To find out more email: hcapell@miniathletics.com

School Holiday Clubs at Itchen Valley Country Park Youth Options are excited to be delivering a school holiday club based all day in the woodlands of Itchen Valley Country Park throughout 2019. Holiday clubs will run in Easter holiday, May Half term, Summer Holidays and October Half term. Children from reception year up to 11 years are invited to spend their holidays exploring a variety of woodland activities which could include: shelter building, campfire cooking, woodland art and sculptures, team building games, camouflage games, woodworking, nature walks, habitat exploration and much, much more. Drop off starts from 8.30am and the day runs through to 4pm with the options of extending to 5.30pm.

Youth Options will also be offering holiday childcare for pre-school aged children at, Little Owls Woodland Pre-School. Children will get to explore the outdoors in the nurturing setting of a Pre-School.

For more information visit www.youthoptions.co.uk

Football fun with Little Kickers Little Kickers is the home of pre-school football.

Children are given a positive introduction to sport by teaching high quality football skills in a friendly, fun and pressure-free environment. There are four different classes tailored specifically to the needs of children between 18 months and seven years of age. It’s the perfect way to ignite an enthusiasm for sport that will stay with them for life.

Contact Gary Darling on 07896 009 651 or email gdarling@ littlekickers.co.uk for details of your local classes.

School Holiday Clubs @ Itchen Valley Country Park Easter - October Half Term 5 - 11 year olds

Approved soccer training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years

Local classes at a venue near you

Call 07896009651

BOOKING FOR 2019 NOW OPEN

For Details Email gdarling@littlekickers.co.uk

Forest School themed holiday club, children will spend all day outside exploring and enjoying the natural world.

Where Learning’s a Ball 10 Families Hampshire West

Call 01794 525510 www.youthoptions.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs & classes

Perform’s four ways to boost your child’s selfesteem

Tumble Tots classes in Winchester, Botley and Chandlers Ford Designed to develop children’s physical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing, through the use of brightly coloured Tumble Tots equipment. The programme is structured to develop children’s positive personality traits including confidence and self-esteem. Each weekly session of 45 mins for the Tumble Tots programme combines fun, excitement and challenge in a safe and caring environment. All sessions use unique equipment and are run by staff specially trained to get the best out of your child. It is structured according to the different ages and stages of a child’s development.

A child’s self-esteem is influenced by feeling loved, valued and believing good things about themselves.

Perform have teamed up with positive parenting expert, Anita Cleare, to bring Families top tips for boosting self-esteem.

Encourage independence - When children do things for themselves and are praised for this, they feel proud. Teach your child to dress themselves and wash their own hair.

Use believable praise - It’s not believable to tell your child he did something well when he clearly didn’t. Praise concrete achievements. Saying ‘Well done for keeping on running’ (even when he lost the race) tells your child exactly what they have done well.

Join in at one of 4 locations around Winchester to see what Tumble Winchester Landscape Advert 87mmW x 60mmH 04.12.18.pdf 1 04/12/2018 16:11:02 Tots is all about.

Visit www.tumbletots.com/winchester

Listen to their ideas - Expressing ideas and being listened to help children feel valued. Involve them in practical family problem-solving C by asking for their input. This helps them feel they are making a M positive contribution.

Y

Encourage laughter and show you care - Play, chat, share jokes and funny stories. Laughter helps children relax and feel good about themselves. Be affectionate.

Book a Snuggle and cuddle! Show your child they are utterly lovable exactly as they are.

Free Tria More tips from Anita can be found at www. anitacleare.co.uk

Today!

Tumble Tots is the UK's Leading National Active Physical Play Programme for Children from 6 Months to School Age

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To book a FREE confidence-building Perform drama class in Hedge End, Eastleigh, Lymington, Romsey and Winchester visit www. perform.org.uk/try

familiesonline.co.uk

The springboard to confidence for your child

CY

CMY

K

Monday at Itchen Abbas (North Winchester), Tuesday at Botley, Thursday at Romsey and Friday at Chandlers Ford Clio Barton • 07378 346 740 • clio.barton@tumbletots.com www.tumbletots.com/winchester

Families Hampshire West 11

Clubs & classes Here are some extra-curricular activities that boost learning: Music Learning an instrument helps improve language skills and memory. Fiona Todd says, “Learning a musical instrument develops a child’s ability to think creatively and improves memory skills, along with perseverance, self-reflection, and self-discipline.”

Dance Whether it’s ballet or Bhangra, dance helps to improve confidence in children and adults alike. It also helps build coordination and kinaesthetic intelligence.

How extra-curricular activities boost learning Taking part in extra-curricular activities after school can have a positive impact on children academically and socially. Claire Winter explores how.

Learning something outside of the classroom can give children a sense of wonder about the world, and more time to explore their wider interests. Extracurricular activities are also useful for broadening their academic and social lives.

Fiona Todd, Executive Head teacher from The Rural Church Schools Academy Trust (www.rcsat.cheshire.sch.uk) explains that with a much narrower curriculum than in years gone by, children need to do extra-curricular activities to experience a wide range of disciplines and to develop socially. “Pupils who focus entirely on their studies do so often at the expense of their development as social beings. Rather than distracting pupils from their learning, extracurricular activities complement study and help to develop key skills that will support them in their future.”

Lots of studies have shown that extracurricular activities can boost academic performance in children. They also have better organisational and time management skills because they have to balance their hobbies and school work.

Being part of a team or an after-school activity can also be a great boost to their self-esteem. Teamwork and being part of a group, like a Brownie pack, also helps children understand about loyalty and showing up for other people.

Stepping away from the curriculum also means your child will enjoy their academic work more because they have had a break and can look at it with fresh eyes.

Joel Sadler, engineer and founder of Piper (www.playpiper.com), the award-winning STEM DIY Computer Kit, is passionate about giving kids time to explore and make things.

“Think back to your early childhood and visualise the learning moments you 12 Families Hampshire West

cherished most. Do you see a dusty chalkboard with math equations? Or do you see that thing you did or built that made you feel proud?

Joel says what he learned outside of school shaped what he did as an adult. “I don’t remember the equations - but I do remember being creative with my hands with LEGO blocks, making mischief with DIY potato canons, and trying to hack bootleg floppy disk video games to run on my family DOS computer.”

Extra-curricular activities also equip children with skills they need later in life.

Doing something like leading a scout group or learning first aid to help others encourages responsibility and shows children how to look after others. External clubs and classes also provide important social opportunities. Making friends outside of school means exposure to new and different people and the opportunity to learn about different individuals, cultures and lives.

Sport Being involved in a sport helps children understand responsibility and commitment, and develop resilience.

They get stronger mentally and physically.

If they are part of team they learn to think about the bigger picture and have empathy for their teammates. Exercise and practice also focuses the mind and helps concentration at school too.

Martial Arts Karate and other martial arts encourage self-discipline as well as boosting selfconfidence and respect.

Gymnastics The physical and mental demands of gym help to improve focus, flexibility and coordination.

Languages Learning a foreign language will broaden your child’s job prospects and introduce them to a different culture. It also helps develop communication and social skills.

Coding There are some great clubs that will engage a child who loves gaming. Why not create a game or build a robot instead of playing FIFA, Fortnite or Minecraft?

Art Creating a masterpiece, sewing or throwing a pot can help improve a child’s coordination and focus, and encourage creativity.

But how much extra is too much?

Fiona Todd emphasises the importance relaxation time. “Children need to achieve a balance and have some ‘downtime;’ sometimes it is good for them to sit and be bored! In schools, we often see tired children due to parents over-scheduling the number of out of school activities their child takes part in.”

Getting that balance right can be tricky.

Spend some time with your child and talk to them about what interests them, do some research on the local clubs and classes in your area and go and try them out. Many will offer a free trial session.

Being passionate and committed to something outside of school will really help your child in later life when it comes to choosing further education and a career.

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familiesonline.co.uk

Families Hampshire West 13

Family travel

Holidays with a difference

Are you looking for an alternative holiday to the usual package or resort-based holidays? Why not try some of these quirky suggestions by Claire Winter for a short break or alternative summer holiday destination.

Go on a Cretan Adventure This beautiful island is a fabulous family holiday destination with an ancient culture, excellent cuisine, and all-but-guaranteed sunshine. Kids will love learning about the island’s past on a simulated archeological dig and will learn to care about its future too when visiting a sea turtle nesting habitat with a local conservationist to hear about the threats these endangered species

face. Other days are spent trying diving, paddle boarding, snorkelling to shipwrecks and even Cretan dancing, all while staying in a beach-side apartment with a swimming pool. Prices start from £899 per adult and £849 per child, including seven nights’ B&B accommodation, one lunch, one dinner, and guided activities. Depart 29 June, 27 July or 17 August 2019.

More information at www.familiesworldwide.co.uk

Discover Belgium and Holland These family-friendly destinations offer clean, wide beaches and an easy journey time. They’re a short flight or a 35-minute tunnel crossing away.

Both countries are small, varied and easy to get around.

Little Clogs Holidays offer baby and toddler-friendly breaks in holiday parks and glamping farm holidays. Families can explore a wide range of toddler-friendly theme parks, water parks, and zoos as well as magical woodland trails, sand dunes and playgrounds on the beach.

Prices start at £818 per family for a week in the summer holidays.

More information at www.little-clogs-holidays.co.uk

Choose Quirky Locations There are many quirky locations from castles to islands that offer accommodation in the UK and further afield. Why not experience lighthouse life in Norfolk? Boasting extensive sea and inland views, this Grade II listed former lighthouse keeper’s cottage built in 1791, offers visitors a unique coastal location adjoining Happisburgh’s working lighthouse. Within a short drive of the Norfolk Broads, Lighthouse Cottage is ideally situated for rural, and beach walks.

Prices £1171 for seven nights’ self-catered accommodation arriving 13th July 2019. It sleeps five in two bedrooms, with two pets welcome. Visit www.

cottages.com for more info and booking. You could also try a fantastic converted Railway Carriage in west Somerset. The carriage is 100 years old and has recently been refurbished.

Once upon a time, it was a Great Western Railway camping coach.

Today it sits in a quiet siding at the Blue Anchor station on the West Somerset Railway line. It is a working railway - so guests beware! But situation wise, everything is on the doorstep, and it’s a short walk to Minehead’s sand and shingle beach. The carriage sleeps six and costs start at £715 a week in the summer.

More information at www.lovecottages.co.uk 14 Families Hampshire West

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Family travel

Hit the Road Why not discover Europe in a camper van? The UK’s largest VW camper van hire company Campervantastic is based in Forest Hill, south-east London, just over an hour from the Channel Tunnel and south-east ferry ports. Staff are experienced in catering for a variety of European adventure tours; you could explore the Alps, cycle in the Dordogne or explore vineyards in Bordeaux. You can hire out the relevant equipment, such as bike racks and wine storage to suit your plans. Some of the campers have electrically powered pop-up roofs, bike racks, comfortable beds, folding picnic table, satnavs, and media ports. They also have a Mercedes Marco Polo campervan for hire and will have the brand new Grand California Motorhome available in the Spring of 2019. Prices start from £910 a week in July.

More information at www.campervantastic.co.uk

Try Treehouse Life

How about a House Swap?

The Garden Village in Slovenia is a beautiful eco-village of treehouses, glamping tents, Finnish Sauna, Massage Pavillion and a garden, which supplies the on-site restaurant with fruit and vegetables. The tree houses are raised cabins with two levels and have indoor nets to lounge about on, kitchenettes and bathrooms.

The wooden-floor pier tents are by a stream and fishpond, while glamping tents have a mezzanine level, bathrooms, TV and hot tub.

Lake Bled, which offers a vast array of activities, is just a short walk away.

A house swap can be a great way of exploring the world and cutting holiday costs. You lend your home to another family, while you live in theirs. All you have to do is buy your flights or ferry ticket. You do need to clean and tidy your home so another family can live it.

You also have to empty some cupboards and drawers for their clothes and leave a manual about the house. You can negotiate to swap cars and look after each other’s pets too.

Treehouses are expensive in peak season (€360 a night) but tree tents which sleep four and have shared bathrooms/toilet facilities, are less at €260 a night.

More information at www.gardenvillagebled.com

More information at www.homeexchange.com or www.lovehomeswap.com safe side and use a car seat to avoid serious injury and fines. A car seat that fits properly can be life-saving in the event of a collision, ensuring your child is securely fitted to the seat of the car, in the same way a seat belt does for someone who fits the seat of the car properly. You also have to use car seats in taxis and vans. The driver is responsible if a proper car seat is not fitted and can receive a fixed penalty £100 fine.

What type of car seat?

Car Seat Safety Tips Spring is here and it’s possible you may be heading away during the Easter holidays or, if not, in the months to come. Many families opt to travel to their holiday destinations in the UK or Europe by car which can be economical and also means you can generally take more luggage. Car seat safety is vital to ensure your child does not get unnecessarily injured or hurt if you have a car accident or collision.

Car seat manufacturer Joie UK shares some tips with Families magazine. Claire Winter explains.

When do I need to use a car seat?

All children must use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first. There are exceptions to this in extreme circumstances, for example, in the case of children over 3 years, in an emergency or for an unexpected journey and only over a short distance. In these circumstances, a child still has to sit in the back of the car, with an adult seatbelt. It’s always best to be on the familiesonline.co.uk

With so many car seats on the market, it can be difficult to decide on the best one for your child. Ultimately, as long as you’re choosing one that is safe for the height and weight of your child and with good safety credentials, you shouldn’t go wrong - after that it comes down to preference. It’s important to take into consideration what you’re going to be using the car seat for. For example, if you know you’re going to be lifting your baby in and out of the car, it’s probably better to go for a lightweight infant carrier with a base that stays in place.

Should I choose a car seat based on weight or height?

This can be confusing as there are currently two sets of regulations running parallel. The newer regulation, known as R129, or iSize, states that car seats should be fitted by height. Any new ISOFIX car seats introduced to the market after 2018 will be fitted this way.

The older regulation, R44, fits car seats by weight. Belted seats are still only available in R44 form. Existing car seats that met the first regulation are still safe and legal to use so both are feasible. For ease if you’re a new parent go with height, as this will become standard.

It sounds obvious but do remember to read the manual when fitting car seats and follow the instructions to the letter preferably alongside your car’s manual. If you are still unsure, the majority of car seat stockists will have a designated person on hand to fit the seat for you.

Families Hampshire West 15

What’s on

Easter Highlights & What’s on

Your essential guide to family events this March & April, compiled by Chloe Atkinson. 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: assistant@familieshampshirewest. co.uk by 1st April.

MARCH 2 – 31 March (weekends) DIY Science Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ Different DIY science theme each weekend including everything from bubbles to electronics to slime. Try your hand at a variety of themed activities and challenges in the Invention Studio and keep your eyes peeled for Inspirers delivering hands-on science busking across the Centre. £12 per person, including entry to the new Explorer:Space zone, upper exhibition floor, live science show and Invention Studio activities. Planetarium tickets sold separately.

3 March Crafts in the Café - Pirates Woodland Cafe - Itchen Valley Country Park West End, SO30 3HQ Drop in craft sessions on Sunday mornings. Ages 3+. 10.30am. £1.50.

5 March Wildlife Tots - Spring has Sprung Swanwick Lakes Swanwick SO31 7AY These sessions include indoor stories and crafts and structured outdoor activities for pre-school children and their parents and carers. 10.30am – 12 noon.

Suggested donation £4 per child 6 & 31 March Autism Friendly SEN Sessions Partyman World of Play Swan Shopping Centre Eastleigh, SO50 5SF Complimentary evening sessions dedicated to children and young adults with special needs, exclusively for their use. 6–8pm.

8 - 10 March Spring Steam Gala The ‘Watercress Line’ New Alresford, SO24 9JG This ‘steam’ packed three day event is a chance to see and ride behind guest engines and the home-fleet locomotives. Adults £30, Children (aged 5-16 yrs) £15, under 4s free.

9 March Wildlife Watch Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Eling Tide Mill, Totton, SO40 9HD For families with children aged 5 14 years who want to make friends 16 Families Hampshire West

and learn more about nature and the outdoors. 10am – 12noon.

Suggested donation £4 per child.

9, 16 & 30 March Film Morning Forest Arts Centre New Milton, BH25 6DS Watch classic movies. Visit the website for more details and film choice. 10.30am. £3.

9 & 10 March Storytelling and Role-play Activities Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, SO31 5GA It’s ‘all aboard’ for a journey through time at the Royal Victoria Chapel with free, interactive storytelling sessions. Children aged 6-11 can follow the clues hidden in the train tickets to unlock the history of the military hospital and decipher a hidden message. 11am and 2pm. Free.

13 March Make and Munch - Spring nests Itchen Valley Country Park West End, Eastleigh, SO30 3HQ Parents are invited to bring their 2-4 year olds on Wednesday mornings to do themed craft followed by a pizza lunch in the Woodland Café. Lunch includes: a mini pizza, carrot & cucumber sticks and a drink of squash.

Booking essential. 10.30am. £7 per session.

16 – 31 March Inspired by our Cathedral Exhibition Winchester Cathedral Winchester, SO23 9LS A multi-media visual arts project

by GCSE students at Kings School, inspired by Winchester Cathedral. The artwork will be exhibited in various locations throughout the Cathedral.

17 March Crafts in the Café – Paper Flowers Woodland Cafe - Itchen Valley Country Park West End, SO30 3HQ Drop in craft sessions in the Woodland Café on Sunday mornings. Ages 3+. 10.30am. £1.50.

22 March Friday Tots Swanwick Lakes Swanwick SO31 7AY These sessions provide opportunities for under-fives and their parents and carers to learn through child-directed outdoor

Beaulieu New Forest, SO42 7ZN www.beaulieu.co.uk

There are Bonnets Galore for Easter at Beaulieu with amazing motors being brought out of the National Motor Museum and driven around the grounds from 6-22 April.

Discover the sights, sounds and smells of motoring history as Beaulieu revives its daily cavalcade, with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang joining vehicles parading across the Events Arena each afternoon.

Head inside the museum to take a peek beneath the open bonnets of remarkable machines. For bonnets of a different kind in Palace House, try Easter bonnets and Victorian costumes for a selfie, enjoy craft activities and have your face painted. Over Easter bank holiday weekend, see the Easter bunny as it hops through the daffodils.

All activities are included in a general admission ticket to Beaulieu, which includes the museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and the gardens. For tickets and information see the website or call 01590 612345.

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH www.monkeyworld.org

GO EAST at Monkey World this Easter.

Monkey World will be fundraising for their charity EAST, the Endangered Asian Species Trust, who are preparing to release 8 gibbons back into the wild in Vietnam.

The gibbons have been rescued from the black market trade, and to make sure they are safe in the forest, the team need to buy new radio collars so they can track their journey back to the wild. Learn all about the work in Vietnam and join in on the stalls, trails, games & activities during the Easter holidays to help put gibbons back into the trees!

As well as helping the gibbons in Vietnam, visitors to Monkey World can see over 250 rescued monkeys and apes. Many of the primates at the park have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty. At Monkey World, they are rehabilitated back into family groups, where they can all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment.

MORGAN & WEST’S Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show for Kids (And Childish Grown-ups!)

Ages 5+ Tuesday 16th April 2pm

Nick Sharratt’s

Ages

4+

RIGHT ROYAL DRAW-ALONG Saturday 20th April 2pm

Tickets: £8 / £6 children / family offers available

023 8065 2333 www.theberrytheatre.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Easter

at eggs-bury Sat 6th - Sun 21st April 2019 Discover the magic of spring in our woodland gardens this April.

Meet the Easter Bunny and hop around our 200 acres - famous for their spring colour - in our Easter trail.

Hinton Ampner

Visit us this Spring for our Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt and Spring trail.

When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places such as Hinton Ampner for ever, for everyone.

nationaltrust.org.uk/hintonampner

More than just a garden

Ride the steam railway 0 Feed fish at our ponds Blow off steam in our adventure play area 023 8089 1203 | www.exbury.co.uk

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New Forest, SO45 1AZ

Š National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846.

Photography Š National Trust Images.

#nationaltrust

Families Hampshire West 17

What’s on Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ

www.winchestersciencecentre.org Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium is more than a day out.

It’s a chance to spark your children’s curiosity in science which could lead them on an exciting journey for life. Research shows that informal science interaction can give young people the confidence to pursue exciting opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). Visit the Science Centre to discover science as a family and be inspired! Themed live science shows and hands-on activities in the Invention Studio are available every weekend and school holiday, and are free with General Admission.

Look out for Science of Sweets this Easter, Robots across April and May weekends and shockingly good High Voltage for May half term! Book online at least three days in advance to save 25% on admission. Find out more and book online.

Milestones Museum Basingstoke, RG22 6PG

www.milestonesmuseum.org.uk Come along to LEGO® Bricktropolis and the Attack of the Mighty Monsters at Milestones Museum this Spring. Whose side are you on in this round the world LEGO® brick adventure? Famous buildings from around the world are under threat from monsters! Be the hero or the villain in this interactive LEGO® experience. Adventurers of all ages can follow two trails using a guidebook or app to discover 26 amazing LEGO models up to 6 metres high in this incredible undercover adventure.

There are more fabulously fun LEGO activities to enjoy including build your own LEGO tower*, LEGO play tables and free play area, free LEGO mosaic activity (weekends and Hampshire school holidays only), makeand-take LEGO Minifigure™ activity* plus dressing up costumes and interactive displays. It’s included in normal admission and there’s 15% off when you book online, plus with the “pay once to visit all year” you can go back as many times as you like. *Additional charges apply for some activities. Terms and conditions apply, see website for more details.

Exbury Gardens Southampton SO45 1AZ www.exbury.co.uk

Discover the magic of spring at Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway this April.

Hop around our 200 acres with highlights including the luminous daffodil meadow, stream of spring bulbs and of course, the worldfamous rhododendron collection. Children are invited to meet the Easter Bunny and take part in an Easter trail to win prizes. Families can also ride on Exbury’s miniature steam railway, feed giant koi carp at their ponds and blow of steam in the adventure play area.

Southampton City Art Gallery Southampton, SO14 7LY

www.southamptoncityartgallery. com/leonardo To mark the major exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing, Southampton City Art Gallery will also be putting together an engaging programme of learning activities and events to celebrate the genius of Leonardo.

This half-term you can bring your children to our drop-in session of Drawing Machines (for all ages), inspired by Leonardo on Monday 18 February, or book them on to our Sculpt like Leonardo da Vinci activity (7-16yrs) on Tuesday 19 February. We even have a whole family day of Leonardo da Vinci activities on 4 May, where you where you’ll be able to marvel at a life-size replica of his flying machine built by Leonardo’s Engineers.

18 Families Hampshire West

play in a natural environment, with nature as the chief resource.

1–2.30pm. Suggested donation £4 per child.

24 March Spring Craft Fair and Fun Dog Show Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, Swanwick, SO31 7GW A special craft market to kick start the season. Entry prices include both the museum and the craft fair. This year the Southampton & District Transport Heritage Trust will be putting on a display of their buses and the popular dog show.

11am – 4pm. Adults £4, Children free.

30 March Luxury Chocolate Making – Workshop Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Ampfield, Romsey, SO51 0QA Run by professional chocolatiers from Chocolate Craft. Using high quality chocolate and a fine range of ingredients for flavouring, you will make delicious chocolates and decorate your own lolly to take home (if you don’t eat them first).

10am. From £42.50.

30 & 31 March Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Highclere Castle Newbury RG20 9RN Treat your mother to an Afternoon Tea in the State Dining Room. You will also have the opportunity for a guided tour of the Castle State Rooms and Gallery Bedrooms during your visit. The gardens will also be open for a relaxing stroll through the spring flowers. Prebooking essential. £120pp.

31 March Mother’s Day – Half Price for Mum Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Longthorns, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH Mum’s get 50% off entry at Monkey World on Mother’s day.

Simply download the voucher from the website and present it at the entrance gate.

31 March Mother’s Day Lunch Cruise Blue Funnel Southampton, SO14 2AQ Give Mum a day off, treat her and the family to something a little different this year, celebrate with a lunch afloat. Enjoy views of Southampton and her busy port from the water while sitting down to enjoy a superb 3 course set lunch. All meals are freshly cooked on board by our chef and served by waiting staff so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy. Mum will receive a little gift and a glass of wine to make her day and the occasion a bit more special. Booking required. 11.45am – 2.45pm. Adults £26.95, children £18.95.

31 March Mothering Sunday Carvery Winchester Cathedral Winchester, SO23 9LS Enjoy a delicious Sunday Carvery for all the family in the contemporary Paul Woodhouse Suite, including a small gift for

mum. Booking essential 12 noon – 3pm. £17.95 for two courses, £8.95 for children 12 and under.

2 April Wildlife Tots - Pond Dipping Swanwick Lakes Swanwick SO31 7AY These sessions include indoor stories and crafts and structured outdoor activities for pre-school children and their parents and carers. 10.30am – 12 noon.

Suggested donation £4 per child.

April Until 28 April Bricktropolis Milestones Museum Basingstoke, RG22 6PG Whose side are you on in this round the world LEGO® brick adventure? 26 famous buildings from around the world are under threat from monsters! Be the hero or the villain in this interactive LEGO® experience. From £9.

3 & 28 April Autism Friendly SEN Sessions Partyman World of Play Swan Shopping Centre Eastleigh, SO50 5SF Complimentary evening sessions dedicated to children and young adults with special needs, exclusively for their use. 6–8pm.

5 April – 1 September Brickosaurs!

Marwell Wildlife Winchester, SO21 1JH Marwell will become the first attraction in the world to host a collection of giant LEGO® brick dinosaurs! Standard admission charges apply.

5 – 23 April Hoppy Easter!

Paultons Park Ower, Romsey, SO51 6AL Standard admission charges apply.

5 - 23 April Science of Sweets Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ The perfect Easter holiday treat for the whole family! Discover some sweet science in an epic live science show and enjoy hands-on, themed activities in the Invention Studio and interactive science busking across the Centre.

Admission: £12 per person, including entry to the new Explorer:Space zone, upper exhibition floor, live science show and Invention Studio activities. Planetarium tickets sold separately.

6 –22 April Easter Naughty Bunny Hunt St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, Lymington, SO41 9BH Follow the chocolatey paws around the museum during the Easter holidays. 10am – 4pm.

Standard admission charges apply.

familiesonline.co.uk

SCIENCE OF SWEETS

LEGO®

Easter Holidays 5 - 23 April

BOOK NOW | www.winchestersciencecentre.org

15% OFF WHEN YOU BOOK ONLINE Pay once to visit all year!*

WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON IN A ROUND THE WORLD LEGO® BRICK ADVENTURE? 16 February to 28 April Milestones Museum, Basingstoke

26 famous buildings from around the world are under threat from monsters! Be the hero or the villain in this interactive LEGO experience.

Search BRICKTROPOLIS MILESTONES or visit www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk

Included in normal admission *Terms and Conditions apply. See website for more details.

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Families Hampshire West 19

What’s on 6 –22 April Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Mottisfont National Trust, Nr Romsey SO51 0LP Roam the grounds and find out about the bugs, birds, plants and fish that live here and complete fun, seasonal activities to earn a delicious chocolate prize. 10am5pm. Standard admission charges apply, plus £2.50 per trail.

6 April - 22 April Go EAST for Easter!

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Dorset, BH20 6HH Help us put gibbons back into the wild in Vietnam. Visit Monkey World and take part in fundraising games, activities and trails all to raise funds for EAST (the Endangered Asian Species Trust).

Standard admission charges apply.

6 – 22 April Hospital Handicrafts Children’s Trail Royal Victoria Country Park Netley Abbey, SO31 5GA Solve the puzzle hidden in the pictures of patients’ craftwork and find out who was given a dolls house made by a soldier at Netley.

Take your completed trail to the Chapel reception desk to receive a small prize! 50p per child.

6 & 7 April Storytelling and Role-play Activities Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, SO31 5GA Someone’s escaped from the Royal Victoria Military Hospital, but who is it? The Postman’s in a muddle and the mailbag holds the answer. The clues are in the messages the people at Netley sent. Can you help the postman solve the mystery of the unsigned letter? 11am and 2pm. Free.

6 – 18 April Easter Holiday Fun Winchester City Mill Winchester, SO23 9BH Peer through telescopes hanging around the Mill to solve quiz questions about the plants and animals found along the River Itchen to win a prize. Standard admission charges apply.

6 – 22 April Easter at Beaulieu Beaulieu New Forest, SO42 7ZN There are Bonnets Galore for Easter at Beaulieu when the attraction comes to life with amazing motors being brought out of the National Motor Museum and driven around the grounds of the attraction. Over Easter weekend see the larger-than-life Easter bunny as it hops through the daffodils in the grounds.

Standard admission applies.

7 April Learning to Grow Wyevale Garden Centres Across Hampshire Come along on the first Sunday of the month for an educational planting activity, and get your Little Diggers planting and learning. They will also have the chance to plant their own seeds to 20 Families Hampshire West

take home and watch them grow.

Suitable for ages 3+. 10.30am & 11.15am. Free.

9 April Under the Sea SeaCity Museum Southampton, SO14 7FY Explore the museum and get crafty on an ocean themed project.

What kind of treasures and creatures will you find? Booking recommended. 10.30am. £5.

9 - 16 April Waiting for the Easter Bunny St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, Lymington, SO41 9BH Workshop to learn how to make Easter decorations and help prepare for the museums window display. 11am – 12.30pm. £3.

10 April Easter Trail Winchester Cathedral Winchester, SO23 9LS Pick up a free Easter trail and follow it around the Cathedral. End the trail at the craft table to make an Easter basket. Ages 4-11years.

Standard admission charges apply.

10 April Discover Titanic SeaCity Museum Southampton, SO14 7FY Discover all about the people on board RMS Titanic and the amazing facts about this ship. This offers the chance to investigate the disaster in an interesting, child-friendly way. Ages 5 – 12 years. Booking recommended.

10.30am & 1.30pm. £6.50.

10 April Holiday Tots Swanwick Lakes Swanwick SO31 7AY These sessions offer opportunities for under-fives to learn through child directed outdoor play in a natural environment. Older siblings are welcome to join school holiday sessions.

10.30am – 12 noon. Suggested donation £4 per child.

10, 11, 17 & 18 April Woodland Stories Itchen Valley Country Park Southampton SO30 3HQ A woodland group for parents and 2+ year olds with activities, crafts and games themed to the book. Run by Youth Options, www. youthoptions.co.uk. 10-11.30am £6 10, 11, 17 & 18 April Junior Forest School Itchen Valley Country Park Southampton SO30 3HQ A woodland group for 5 - 10 years olds with their families (younger siblings welcome). Activities based on a theme and will include a campfire. 12.30 – 2.30pm £8.

Run by Youth Options, www. youthoptions.co.uk.

12 April Family Bushcraft Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA Collect fresh herbs from the Education Garden. Bring them up to the woods and use them

Paultons Park Romsey, SO51 6AL

www.paultonspark.co.uk The Hoppy Easter event is on daily at Paultons Parkfrom Friday 5 Tuesday 23 April. Visitors will be able to meet cute new characters at the main entrance plaza. Come and say hello Bobtail Bunny and his forest friends, Betty Bunny, Hennie the Hedgehog and Red the Deer. Watch out for mischievous Fenton Fox though, as he will surely be eyeing up any tasty Easter treats you may have!

Guaranteed to put a spring in your step the Park entrance will also be festooned for Easter with colourful giant Easter Eggs and Bunnies at every turn. Plus, Paultons has over 70 terrific rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Hinton Ampner Alresford SO24 0LA

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hinton-ampner This Easter, the hedgehogs of Hinton are out in force so pick up our family trail and explore our garden and parkland. Find out how to help protect our prickly friends and complete our Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt. All participants of the outdoor trail will receive a delicious Cadbury reward (alternative available for dairy-intolerant explorers). You will also be able to wander through our garden full of spring colour. Normal admission prices apply with additional £2 per trail.

Marwell Zoo Winchester, SO21 1JH www.marwell.org.uk

From 5 April - 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! Created by LEGO brick building company Bright Bricks, BRICKOSAURS is sure to excite LEGO and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

Plus, Marwell’s biggest ever exhibit, Tropical House: Energy for Life is also open. This marks the second phase of a £17m investment programme for the zoo over the next 8-10 years, creating improved habitats for animals and more immersive experiences for guests. The £8m exhibit spans two levels offering fantastic vantage points across a lush, tropical canopy and the opportunity to experience the captivating life of the forest floor. Share the habitat and enjoy uninterrupted, closeup views of new, colourful and charismatic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects.

WIN a family ticket to Marwell Zoo to enjoy this summer. To be included in the giveaway, like our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ familieshampshirewest and comment on the pinned post at the top of the page.

T&Cs: Family ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children (age 3-16) and is valid for 12 months from date of issue on one day only. Ticket is non-extendable and nonexchangeable for cash.

to flavour a vegetable “turtle”.

While the bread bakes, help cook the sausages then enjoy eating your lunch around the campfire.

Suitable for accompanied children aged 4-12 years. 1.30pm. £12.75.

13 & 14, 20 & 21 April Storytelling and Role-play Activities Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, SO31 5GA

It’s ‘all aboard’ for a journey through time at the Royal Victoria Chapel with the free, interactive storytelling sessions. Children aged 6-11 can follow the clues hidden in the train tickets to unlock the history of the military hospital and decipher a hidden message. 11am and 2pm. Free.

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! e r o l G a n n e s t o B 6-22 April 2019

See the sights, sounds and smells of motoring history come to life this Easter holiday as engines roar into action!

See website for programme of activities

Beaulieu.co.uk 01590 612345

Beaulieu | New Forest | Hampshire | SO42 7ZN

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Families Hampshire West 21

Theatre Royal Winchester Winchester, SO23 8SB

The Jungle Book at The Berry Theatre

www.theatreroyalwinchester. co.uk Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show from 18-20 April. A celebration of individuality and the power of laughter.

Elephants, as everyone knows, are big, have trunks, and are grey.

But Elmer is a patchwork of brilliant colours! His fun-loving and cheerful personality keeps everyone in a playful mood, until the day he gets tired of being different and tries to blend in with the herd.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show features a menagerie of 21 loveable puppets ad tells the tale of an elephant that stands out, both with his patchwork-coloured skin and his sense of humour.

Ultimately he realises that his friends have always valued his unique characteristics.

Call 01962 840 440 to book tickets.

The Berry Theatre Southampton SO30 4EJ www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

There’s plenty for families to enjoy at The Berry Theatre, Hedge End this spring.

During the Easter holidays children aged 5+ will be amazed by the conjuring tricks and illusions in Morgan & West’s Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show For Kids (and Childish Grown-ups!) on 16th April, and acclaimed children’s book illustrator Nick Sharratt is back with his Right Royal Draw-along on 20th April – bring pencils and paper, and expect plenty of chances to join in.

Join The Berry Youth Theatre’s adventure through twisting twines and terrific trees in their reimagining of The Jungle Book on 12th and 13th April – expect beautiful visuals and a moving score as they invite you into the jungle.

Don’t forget the cinema programme where you can catch big screen favourites, from just £4 per ticket. Highlights include The Greatest Showman: Sing-a-long on 23rd March, and The Lego Movie 2 on 18th April.

The Swan Centre Eastleigh, SO50 5SF www.swanshopping.com

and leisure experience.

Located in the heart of Eastleigh, the Swan Centre is a convenient shopping location boasting a great variety of retailers and everything you need for a fantastic shopping

The Centre is home to more than 40 retailers including Tesco, Boots, Argos, The Entertainer, TK Maxx, H&M, New Look and Next plus a great range of restaurant and leisure venues including Frankie & Benny’s, Nando’s, Prezzo, Harvester, Partyman World, Hancocks, Hollywood Bowl, Anytime Fitness and VUE Cinema.

The Swan Centre is autism and dementia friendly accredited and hosts a variety of free family entertainment throughout the year to keep the little ones happy.

With over 600 car parking space located within the Centre, and a train and bus station nearby, planning a trip to the Swan Centre is a breeze.

For more information visit the website.

22 Families Hampshire West

13 - 22 April Day Out With Thomas The ‘Watercress Line’ New Alresford, SO24 9JG Meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends at the Watercress Line over 10 days. Adults £20, children (2-16 yrs) £14, under 2s Free.

13 April Titanic Family Day – Half Price Entry SeaCity Museum Southampton, SO14 7FY Visit the museum to commemorate the Special activities including the Titanic themed crafts and objecthandling. Charges apply for activities. 10am – 5pm.

16 April Family Trees SeaCity Museum Southampton, SO14 7FY Learn more about the history of the city and create a beautiful family tree artwork. Suitable for ages 4 – 11. Booking recommended. 10.30am. £5.

16 April Family Archaeology Saxon Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Ampfield, Romsey, SO51 0QA Visit the purpose built trench in the woods to get muddy and find hidden treasures from ages past. Suitable for ages 4-12 years.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. 1.30pm. £12.75.

17 April Holiday Tots Swanwick Lakes Swanwick SO31 7AY These sessions offer opportunities for 5s to learn through child directed outdoor play in a natural environment. Older siblings are welcome to join school holiday sessions. 10.30am – 12 noon.

Suggested donation £4 per child.

18 April Toddler Time – Egg-Tastic SeaCity Museum Southampton, SO14 7FY Easter inspired stories and crafting fun, suitable for children from 16months to 4 years! Booking recommended. 10.30am. £4.

18 April Elephantastic Arts and Crafts Theatre Royal Winchester, Winchester, SO23 8SB Inspired by Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, Young Theatre Royal’s creative team will take you on a

journey to find out what makes you brilliant and bonkers. Spend the morning developing your creative skills in response to the story, then in the afternoon watch Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show. 10am - 3.30pm. Ages 4 - 7. £50 (includes ticket to Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show).

18 April This is my Heritage St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, Lymington, SO41 9BH Join St Barbe on World Heritage day. Led activities around the museum to learn about heritage.

Booking essential. 11am. £3.

19 April- 22 April Easter Eggs-travaganza Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Dorset, BH20 6HH Free chocolate Easter Egg for the first 100 children into the park every day over the bank holiday weekend! Standard admission charges apply.

21 & 22 April Easter Bunny Event Hollycombe Steam In The Country, Liphook, GU30 7LP During Easter Sunday and Monday, Hollycombe will be home to a rather large Easter Bunny who will have a few surprises for the children. There will also be popular Easter trails where families can hunt for clues around the site.

Standard admission charges apply.

22 April Easter Eggstravaganza St. James’ Park Southampton, SO15 5SD A family fun day with organ music and rides. There will be a bouncy castle, table top sale, BBQ, stalls, fun and music. 12-4pm.

28 April Spring Steam Up Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, Swanwick, SO31 7GW There will be activities for children, free parking, cafe for light refreshments plus craft stalls.

11am – 4pm. Adults £7, Conc £6, Children £4 and Families £18.

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

familiesonline.co.uk

Theatre Mayflower Theatre Southampton, SO15 1GE Box Office: 023 8202 4666 www.mayflower.org.uk 6 – 10 March The Worst Witch Featuring Jill Murphy’s beloved characters, this new actionpacked stage adaptation features original songs, music, magic and a dose of Mildred’s unique brand of utter pandemonium! Various times. Tickets from £15.

24 – 28 April Terrible Tudors & Awful Egyptians From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legend (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt.

Various times. Tickets from £19.50.

30 April – 4 May Annie Various times. From £22.50.

Nuffield Theatres Southampton Southampton, SO14 7DU Box Office: 02380 671771 www.nstheatres.co.uk 2 & 3 March Snow White, Rose Red, Bear Brown 2 March at NST City, 3 March at NST Campus. Various times. £7.

16 & 17 March 3 Little Pig Tails A funny, warm-hearted and interactive rustic tale to make you squeal with laughter, bristling with puppets, live music and lots of joining in. 16 March at NST City, 17 March at NST Campus. Various times, £7.

20 – 24 March The Cat in The Hat Based on the much-loved book

by Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat features feline frivolity aplenty, with his acrobatic accomplices Thing 1 and Thing 2. Tickets from £10.

30 & 31 March Tom Thumb This classic story is brought to life in a playful and fascinating show full of Lyngo’s magic with feathery spinning birds, a flying house and a portable forest. 30 March at NST Campus and 31 March at NST City. £7.

The Berry Theatre Southampton, SO30 4EJ Box Office: 02380 652333 www.theberrytheatre.co.uk 9 March Saturday Storytime Musical storytellers Kate the Hedgehog and Craig the Fox, along with a host of woodland friends, delight families with their fantastical tales, sing-along-songs and joyful games. Each session is packed full of adventures familiesonline.co.uk

and characters, and ends with interactive play time where everyone becomes part of the story. 10.30am. £3.

9 March Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2pm. Adults £8, under 16s £5.

23 March The Greatest Showman – Sing-a-long The world is still singing along with the most entertaining movie of 2018 and now you can too with this special sing-a-long screening.

It’s your time to shine – have fun, sing loud and ‘Come Alive’ – It’s Showtime. 2pm & 7.30pm. Adults £8, under 16s £5.

30 March Saturday Storytime Musical storytellers Kate the Hedgehog and Craig the Fox, along with a host of woodland friends, delight families with their fantastical tales, sing-along-songs and joyful games. Each session is packed full of adventures and characters, and ends with interactive play time where everyone becomes part of the story. 10.30am. £3.

4 April Aladdin Kids: Disney Enjoy an hour of singing, dancing and acting as Halterworth Primary School’s Year 5, stage two performances of Disney’s Aladdin.

5pm & 7.30pm. £10.

12 & 13 April The Jungle Book Hidden under a canopy of green leaves, a child swings from branches and stumbles through soil paths. This man-cub, raised by wolves, tries to outrun the dangerous wrath of man’s red fire. On his journey young Mowgli learns the laws of the jungle from a bumbling bear and is sought after by the great Shere Khan.

With the lives of all creatures at stake, this is the story of how our differences really just bring people (and animals!) closer together.

7.30pm (& 2pm Saturday). Tickets from £10.

20 April Nick Sharratt’s Right Royal Drawalong Join acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt and draw along with him! He’ll be showing you how to sketch favourite characters like Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, sharing ways of creating fantastic creatures like dragons and unicorns, and giving loads of top tips. 2pm. Adults £8, under 16s £6.

Theatre Royal Winchester Winchester, SO23 8SB Box Office : 01962 840440 www.theatreroyalwinchester. co.uk 3 & 4 March Twirlywoos Live!

With beautifully inventive puppetry, the show promises a cast full of all your favourite characters from the hit TV show.

Various times. Tickets from £15.

8 – 10 March Room On The Broom Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the Olivier Award nominated stage show. Various times. Tickets from £11.50.

9 April The Amazing Bubble Man Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles.

Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. 11.30am & 2pm. Tickets from £12.

11 & 12 April ANiMALCOM A vibrant, energetic and gloriously funny musical from the awardwinning Story Pocket Theatre.

ANiMALCOLM combines physical theatre, puppetry and the company’s outstanding storytelling style to bring David Baddiel’s magical and wonderfully comic story to the stage. 2.30pm & 6pm. Tickets from £14.

13 April Brainiac Live!

Strap on your safety goggles boys and girls, due to popular demand Science’s greatest and most volatile live show is returning with a vengeance. More mischievous than ever before Brainiac Live! will take you on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful. Expect exploding dustbins, combusting microwaves and loads of live daredevil stunts. 2pm & 4pm.

Tickets from £15.

16 April The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio Packed with comedy, audience interaction, and a completely original score guaranteed to have you singing along from start to finish, this high energy musical promises to be the perfect treat for the whole family. 1.30pm & 5pm. Tickets from £14.

18 – 20 April Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Elephants, as everyone knows, are big, have trunks, and are grey. But Elmer is a patchwork of brilliant colours! His fun-loving and cheerful personality keeps everyone in a playful mood, until the day he gets tired of being different and tries to blend in with the herd. Various times. Tickets from £13.

Winchester Discovery Centre Winchester, SO23 8SB Box Office: 0300 555 1387 www.hants.gov.uk 6 March A-Tissue! A-Tissue!

Above Bounds Theatre Collective invite you into the mesmerising world of A-Tissue! A-Tissue! where the only limit is how far your imagination can take you. Under 5’s. Pre-booking essential.

1pm & 2.45pm. Free.

Directory Vintage inspired knitwear for the modern day baby and toddler

www.etsy.com/shop/emilyandevelyn

Confidence building dance & drama classes for ages 4 - 12. Try a class for free.

perform.org.uk/try

Infinity Exclusive City Hotel Fethiye, Muğla, TÜRKİYE

Call +90 (252) 614 50 06 I info@infinitycityhotel.com www.infinitycityhotel.com

Bootcamp I Training I Sport Massage Bursledon, Southampton Call Nick on 07596 006744 or email nick@nickspaldingpt.co.uk for details.

Join our friendly yacht club located on the Hamble River and enjoy a wide range of facilities, activities and events all year round.

Membership is open to all Royal Air Force Yacht Club, Hamble, Southampton SO31 4HD. 02380 452208, membership@rafyc.co.uk www.rafyc.org.uk

To advertise your business in our directory from £25 per issue, and reach over 50,000 local parents & carers call Rebecca on 07789 882467

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Families Hampshire West 23

LEONARDO

A LIFE IN DRAWING Southampton City Art Gallery 1 February – 6 May 2019

southamptoncityartgallery.com Admission is free

Families Hampshire West

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Image credit: Leonardo da Vinci, A rearing horse, c.1503-4, Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018

DA VINCI