Families Hampshire West Magazine Issue 70 May/June 2019

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IN THIS ISSUE

Clubs & classes 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

Family festival highlights Back to basics with outdoor play

please call Vicki King 07501 433 922

Issue 70 May/June 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Hampshire West

Issue 70 I May/Jun 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 Printed by Holbrooks Printers Ltd. Next issue July/August Booking deadline 3 June 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.

Contents 4. News & views 6. Education news 8. Back to basics with outdoor play

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

9. Tutoring your child

Cover image Istockphoto

10. Clubs & classes news

© 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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12. It’s party time 13. What’s on in May & June 16. Family festival highlights 19. What’s on at the Theatre 19. Local buiness directory

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

familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY RACE DAY 9 JUNE

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25 May - 2 June 2019

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Step back in time to the 18th century village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built

Maritime Museum

& The Buckler’s Hard Story Captain’s Cabin Tea Rooms Beaulieu River Cruise bucklershard.co.uk 01590 616203

MODEL BOATS D-DAY RE-ENACTMENT 25 & 26 May 2019

Just 3 miles from Beaulieu Open daily from 10am Families Hampshire West 3

News & Views

Fostering - can you make a difference?

Foster Care Fortnight™ runs from 13-26 May and is the UK’s biggest foster carer awareness raising campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network. The campaign showcases the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers. It demonstrates that ‘foster care transforms lives’ - not just the lives of the young people who are fostered, but also those of foster carers and their families and friends.

Undoubtedly fostering is challenging but there are tremendous rewards including making a positive difference to a vulnerable child or young person, opportunities to expand skills through training courses, the chance to develop relationships that can last a lifetime and generous financial incentives. The satisfaction and pride in helping a young person with difficulties develop into a rounded individual is the ultimate reward for the majority of foster carers.

Visit www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/couldyoufoster for more information.

Beano Time Travellers! exhibition and outdoor trail at Mottisfont this Summer Travel through famous comic Beano’s history of mischief and mayhem in this vibrant and exciting new exhibition, with big props, craft activities, plus weekly comics.

You can find out how comics are actually made too – follow the process from initial artist’s sketches to final prints. And as well as comic artworks, there’s merchandise on display, including a Beano bicycle and a pair of decorated Doc Martens. There’ll be lots of photo opportunities inside the gallery, with dressing up options.

In the gardens families can set out on the Beano Time Travellers trail, designed by the comic. The most notorious characters from Bash Street are on a school trip to Mottisfont – with a twist. Dennis the Menace, Gnasher the dog, and Minnie the Minx have entered a time warp into Mottisfont’s ancient past, but they need your help to get back to the twentyfirst century – join them for an exciting interactive adventure around the grounds.

Runs from 20 July – 8 September.

Rated GOOD

by Ofsted Nov 18

Family fun with National Children’s Gardening Week This summer, why not get involved in National Children’s Gardening week?

Happening from 25 May to 2 June, this week-long event sees garden centres around the country providing activities and resources that offer parents a great opportunity to get children outside enjoying nature, plants and wildlife.

Gardening can play a huge part in a child’s health and wellbeing with over 1.5 million children gardening at school in the UK. As well as simply good outdoor fun, school gardening has been shown to have many benefits to health and wellbeing. These include being more physically active and feeling happier and more connected with the natural world.

There are many ways to get involved with National Children’s Gardening Week, visit www. childrensgardeningweek.co.uk for DIY project ideas and details of local events.

School holidays put single parents under pressure Single parents struggle particularly with the extra costs involved in school holiday childcare, according to recent research commissioned by the credit information provider, Equifax.

A fifth of single parents admit to calling in sick because they are unable to afford childcare.

35% of single parents take unpaid leave, compared to just 18% of dual-income households, which puts them under further financial pressure.

School holidays also come with the added pressure to spend money to keep children entertained. The research revealed that most parents expect to spend £178.29 during a halfterm holiday. 4 out of 5 parents agree that school holidays are getting more expensive every year, with more than 76% saying there are fewer free entertainment options out of term time, compared to five years ago.

Check out our what’s on guide for some free events and activities to do in South West Hampshire and surrounding areas this May half term.

Walk to School Week 2019 Thousands of children across the UK will celebrate the benefits of walking during national Walk to School Week from 20 to 24 May. 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.

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High staff to child ratios

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15 and 30 hours funding

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£13 per session £26 for full day

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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

Families will be encouraged to walk to school for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps: from healthier and happier children, to fewer cars outside the school gates.

Walking to school is an easy way for children to fit more activity into their day whilst also helping them to develop vital road safety skills.

As awareness grows of the dangers of air pollution on our health, walking to school is a positive action people can take to help clean up our air.

Special Walk to School Week classroom packs are available for school pupils containing wallcharts, stickers, diaries and fun walking journey activities.

For more information visit www.livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views

When to buy your child their first pair of shoes Your child’s feet don’t stop developing until they are old enough to drive! This is because the bones in a child’s foot don’t fully form and harden until they are 18 years old. A toddler’s foot has nerve endings that are still developing and the soft cartilage can easily be moulded into the wrong shape if constricted, which is why it is so important to get shoes that fit property.

Does my child need shoes when they are crawling?

Barefoot is best – a baby’s foot contains no fully formed bones at all. The foot is made of soft pliable bone that is similar to cartilage. Socks, baby grows and pram shoes which are tight can restrict growth and harm your new-born’s feet. Once they start crawling and cruising, you can protect your baby’s feet from bumps and scrapes, with property fitted pre walkers, which should be lightweight and flexible.

When does my child need their first pair of shoes?

When your child is walking most of the day by themselves and wants to walk outside. On average, this can be any time between the ages of nine months and eighteen months. When learning to walk children use their toes to grip onto the floor for balance, if you put shoes on too early they are unable to do this and it could set them back. A child’s balance and coordination are improving all the time and it is important to get a soft soled flexible shoe to encourage natural movement.

How often should I get my child’s feet checked?

Your child’s feet will grow on average three sizes in their first year, we advise their shoes should be checked every eight weeks as children’s feet grown erratically and sometimes very quickly at this age. Then two sizes a year between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. School aged children grow on average about a size a year but watch out for growth spurts.

Girls between the ages of 7 and 12 years and boys between 10 and 14 years. Most girls feet stop growing at the age of 14 and for boys when they reach 16. However, every child is different, so it’s important to get their shoes checked and feet measured regularly by trained fitters.

W.J French & Son are passionate about getting the best fit and shoe style for your child. They have experienced fitters, a large choice of wellknown brands and aim to provide excellent customer service. Come and see them for any footwear advice, they are located at 40 Bedford Place Southampton and there is easy parking close to the shop. Visit www. wjfrenchandson.co.uk for more information.

Family events at National Mills Weekend

Knockando Watermill, Scotland

On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, more than 300 windmills and watermills will open their doors to the public as part of National Mills Weekend, taking place across the UK. This annual festival celebrates our milling heritage and is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get inside their local windmill or watermill and explore the industrial history on their doorstep. Mills participating in the weekend will hold a range of special events and family-friendly activities and will include many that are not normally open to the public.

Until the advent of the steam engine, wind and watermills provided the only source of power for many different processes - from making flour, paper, cloth to hammering metal and extracting oils. During National Mills Weekend, families can explore mills that produced, or still produce these products. Visit www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk

More protection for Mums returning to work New parents returning to work could receive greater protection from redundancy under new government proposals. The government is proposing that mothers returning to work from maternity leave will be protected from redundancy for a minimum of six months. The announcement followed research which found that one in nine women had been fired or made redundant when they returned to work after having a child, or were treated so badly they felt forced out of their job.

It is also considering giving the same protection to parents returning from adoption or shared parental leave.

‘Quite simply, the BEST FAMILY SHOW I’ve seen’ Sky Arts

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Education news

St Swithun’s Maths anxiety school inspires the affecting young next generation children of female STEM Children as young as eight can feel fear, rage and despair as a result professionals Women still make up only 15% of the STEM workforce in the UK, but independent girls’ school St Swithun’s in Winchester is working hard to inspire it’s pupils to consider a career in STEM through its unique approach, exciting curriculum and high-calibre teaching of the subjects that form the foundations of this type of work. Coupled with its supportive alumnae, engaging academic enrichment activities such as forensic science day and a comprehensive co-curricular programme which includes outside speakers, girls in both the prep and senior school are immersed in what STEM has to offer.

Pupils from reception upwards take part in robot-coding and bridgebuilding, and learn about the science behind coughs and sneezes in a whole prep-school STEM day. In the senior school, dissection club and cryptography are two of the many regular STEM-related after-school activities available.

In 2018, 55% of all A levels achieved were in STEM subjects. 15% of leavers chose to study medicine at university and a further 13% opted for engineering with physics, biology, chemistry and architecture also popular. 73% of current sixth-formers are studying at least one STEM subject.

To find out more about St Swithuns School visit their website www. stswithuns.com.

of “maths anxiety”, a condition which can severely disrupt their performance.

Researchers at Cambridge University recently surveyed 2,700 primary and secondary students and found that a feeling that maths was more difficult than other subjects often contributed to maths anxiety and loss of confidence.

Researchers say maths anxiety should be treated as a “real concern” because children suffering from it do not fulfil their true maths ability and can find themselves locked in a vicious circle; suffering from anxiety which harms their maths performance, which in turn leads to increased anxiety. Even children who have normal competency levels in maths may avoid it because they feel anxious.

Key triggers for anxiety include poor marks, test pressures, teasing by fellow pupils and a confusing mix of teaching methods, the study found.

More information available online at www.cam.ac.uk/research/news

Would you like to advertise your school in our next big education feature? Email your interest to editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk for more details.

Childcare in the school holidays Piecing together the puzzle

By Gabrielle Nash What do the summer holidays mean to you? Ice creams in the park? Lazy mornings with the kids? Or a carefully constructed puzzle of parental annual leave and various childcare options?

When your children reach school age, the burden of full-time, stay-athome parenting begins to lessen allowing both parents to work. Then the school holidays arrive and there are long weeks of childcare to find. For many families this is a painful financial burden and with holiday childcare costs rising by 4% last year that burden is set to increase.

In their latest survey, the Coram Family & Childcare Trust found the average price of holiday childcare in Britain to be £133 per child per week. Megan Jarvie, the head of the trust, believes now is the time to urgently address the issue. “For too many families, the long summer holiday is a time of stress and expense as they try to patch together a solution despite gaps in availability and financial support.”

about asking a sibling, aunty, uncle or even a friend to provide the odd day or even week?

What are the options?

You may be lucky enough to find a childminder who handles term-time wrap around care and covers school holidays. Alternatively, for more adhoc hours, try getting some regular, friendly babysitters on board. Take a look at organisations like www.sitters.co.uk

Annual Leave

Most parents do not have sufficient annual leave to cover the entire school holidays, so it’s worth investigating if your employer can offer additional parental leave. A less desirable option is “shift parenting” whereby you and your partner each take annual leave separately. The downside, of course, is that you don’t see each other, although this option does cover a large portion of the holidays.

Flexible Working

Can your employer offer the option to work flexibly? If you work shifts, can you work a different shift pattern to assist with holiday childcare?

Katie Abdullah has five children and started her own business because of the tricky work/school balance. “I can tailor my work around the children. I try to take extra hours during the term so I can have more free time during the holidays.”

Family Assistance

If you’re fortunate enough to have extended family nearby, willing grandparents can play an integral role in school holiday childcare. What 6 Families Hampshire West

Childminders

Holiday Nanny/Au Pair

If you have term-time wrap around care sorted but require holiday care, another option is to find a childcare provider who can provide care in your home just for the holidays. These can be more affordable than you think. Try: www.childcare.co.uk

Holiday Clubs

It’s unusual not to find several local holiday club options, with specialisations ranging from sport to drama or a mix of lots of activities.

Some are run privately, others by your local authority. Local authority provision is less expensive but limited so it’s wise to investigate all options. If you have a disabled child, access to local authority schemes is even harder. Another option is American-style residential holiday camps.

Try www.campexperts.co.uk

For more parenting tips and advice, read Gabrielle’s blog @londonishmum familiesonline.co.uk

Open Days Wednesday 15 May at 1.45pm (senior school) Saturday 15 June tours at 12.00pm (prep school) Saturday 22 June at 9.30am (senior school)

It’s who we are.

Details and booking at www.stswithuns.com or call 01962 835700 (senior) or 01962 835750 (prep)

Admissions Open

2019 & 2020 Next Open Afternoon 17th May 2019 1.30-4pm

AN INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN AGED 4-11 YEARS Prince’s Mead School, Worthy Park House, Kings Worthy, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1AN 01962 888000 princesmeadschool.org.uk @princesmeadschool familiesonline.co.uk

Families Hampshire West 7

Getting back to basics with outdoor play

a huge mud pit in my garden with my cousins. Squidging in the mud was and still is glorious.

Re-introduce traditional childhood games Go back to the ones that you remember like hopscotch and skipping. You could also get them to invent new games like building a real-life Minecraft shelter or devising a Scavenger Hunt with a theme. Balls, chalk, and buckets are all fun to have outside too.

Plan outdoor activities and trips with the family Plan a trip to the sea or some mountains. In the holidays, get your child to research local wildlife centres, farms or parks you can visit and explore.

Grow something Get some seeds and plant up some pots to grow on your windowsill, kitchen or back garden. It’s always magical watching those first shoots appear.

Modern life means that children are increasingly spending less time outside. Claire Winter looks at what we can do to inject play back into our childrens’ lives.

A recent report by The Children’s Play Policy Forum (CPPF) says there is a modern crisis in childhood and they are calling for children to be given more play opportunities. Increased time spent on screens and the cancellation of public liability insurance for children’s playgrounds means that kids are spending less and less time outdoors playing.

Sometimes simple advice is needed in a complicated world. We are all spending much more time sitting down and on devices than we did twenty years ago. I have visited so many beautiful places and watched both parents and children are glued to a phone or device. I am also guilty of this, I often use working for myself as an excuse, but we don’t have to be contactable all the time.

Disconnecting from gadgets is vital to feel connected to the world and the people that live in it. If we model the behaviour we want to see from our kids, take a break from our laptop and mobile phone and play outside too, hopefully, they will be inspired to do the same.

It also warns that the cost to society of allowing these trends to continue is significant including the human cost of physical and mental ill-health, and the financial cost of increased demand on public services.

Robin Sutcliffe, Chair of the CPPF says: “Lack of play leaves children mentally and physically unprepared to cope with life.

This affects them in childhood and throughout the rest of their lives. There are huge benefits to be gained when we make AD day.

SEN01 sufficient time and space for children to play every These benefits contribute to the prevention of the prime issues of health, mental health, obesity and school exclusion – key issues in need of urgent resolution. Play builds happy, healthy children.”

Playing outdoors allows children to learn new skills in a fun environment. It also helps enhance creativity and boosts wellbeing, it makes kids more sociable and the health benefits are numerous. They get stronger bones and better fitness levels and that all important Vitamin D. They learn how to take risks and become more independent too.

So what can we do to get our children outside?

Limit screen time Decide what a reasonable time is for your child/children to spend on electrical gadgets and stick to it. Get them to agree to your time limits. You could even create a printed contract that you can both sign! There are also some great apps that you can use to restrict time on devices too.

Let them get messy Get them outside in their old clothes, wellies or trainers. Tell them it’s fine to get wet and dirty. Let them explore and enjoy being in the elements! One of my favourite memories is digging 8 Families Hampshire West

ADFAM03

The CPPF also points out that the mental health of a generation is at risk. Just last year the NHS released figures saying that one in eight children have a mental health issue, which is a shocking statistic. Childhood obesity is also on the rise. We need to start making changes now.

The Sheiling Ringwood School and College (6-25 years)

Set in a stunning, sustainable and eco-friendly 40-acre site close to the New Forest and Dorset coastline, the natural surroundings of our school and college provide a rich, enabling and therapeutic learning environment for students who have special educational needs.

We offer an individualised and flexible approach to placements. Day and residential. We also offer respite services for our students during the holidays.

Call 01425 477488 www.thesheilingringwood.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Why are parents turning to tutoring?

Around a quarter of children in the UK are being tutored. Claire Winter looks at why one in four families are seeking extra help outside of the classroom. to ensure it doesn’t result have a negative impact on a child. She says: “When I worked as a teacher in Hampshire and London, I found that children with extra pressure and expectations from parents struggled with failure, needed more encouragement and guidance to complete tasks and often suffered from a sense of overwhelm.”

Parents often get extra tuition for their children to prepare them for important entrance exams or the 11+. They also get them to help boost their child’s skills in a subject in which they aren’t doing well or to help them excel in a subject, so they can impress the schools to which they are applying.

Modern technology means kids can be tutored virtually via Skype or Zoom and its big business. It’s estimated that we spend £2 billion a year on private tutoring, which makes us one of the top spenders on tuition in the world.

Many parents believe that tutoring can be an amazing resource that gives children extra confidence, reassurance and skills to stop them feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of schoolwork. Others argue that extra tutoring creates more pressure on children. Many children are busy already with lots of extra-curricular activities and homework.

Ex-teacher Victoria Kennedy, who is now a confidence and image coach (www.thefairyclothesmother.com) takes the view that tutoring needs careful management

The education charity the Sutton Trust acknowledges the importance of tutoring but worries that extra tuition is causing the educational gap to widen between children from affluent economic backgrounds and those from poorer economic backgrounds. For example, around 40% of children are receiving help in London compared to around 25% in the rest of the country.

Sir Peter Lampl, chair of the Sutton Trust, says: “Private tuition is widespread and increasingly so. Nearly half of teachers have tutored and a quarter of teenagers have been tutored. But with costs of at least £25 per session, many cannot afford to benefit from this extra support, which exacerbates education inequalities.”

“The Trust is recommending that the government introduce a means-tested voucher scheme to enable lower-income families to provide tuition for their children.”

CEO and founder of the charity, Action Tutoring, Susannah Hardyman, also highlights the importance of tutoring. “We know tutoring works to improve grades and this impact is not limited to young people from high-income backgrounds either. In the UK today nearly a third of all pupils are classified as disadvantaged and less than half of this group, 48%, will meet national standards in their SATs at Year 6, compared to 67% of their more privileged peers. On joining secondary school, it’s much harder for these pupils to catch

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

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

02380 275573

alex.murray-twinn@homeschooltutoring.co.uk

www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

(est. 1984)

up and by the end of Year 11, they are, on average, 12 months behind. As more and more young people access private tutors, the gap in attainment between disadvantaged young people and their peers will grow. Our charity uses the power of volunteer tutors to bridge the gap and ensure tutoring support can be accessed by every pupil who needs it, not just those who can afford it.”

The option for all children to have access to tutoring whatever their economic status needs to explored at Government level too. My children attend a secondary school where gaps in knowledge are quickly identified, and pupils are asked to attend booster sessions before and after school so that they can catch up. Not all schools can offer this and long term, it is a situation that needs to be addressed.

Families® Magazine spoke to parents about the pros and cons of tutoring Gill says: “We hired a tutor for our daughter in Year 5 to help her prepare for the 11+. She is bright but has an August birthday. We felt she needed to be taught technique and get lots of practice as she would be so young when she took the exam. I think tutoring can be a positive thing at junior school age; it can shore up work done in class. Know what your goal is when you hire a tutor, finding the right one is crucial.”

Mark says: “Our son has always struggled with maths. Having a weekly tutor has meant he is confident in the subject and hopefully will go to secondary school at the same level as his peers.”

While Jennifer says: “I don’t think my child needs a tutor, she spends enough time learning at school. I want after school to be for fun activities, homework, and chilling out!”

Academic performance is important to Judith. “We want our son to get into a good Prep school, and the entrance exams are very competitive. Tutoring will ensure he gets the best chance to go to the school of our choice.”

Sarah says, “We hired an 11+ tutor for our eldest child because it is so hard to get into our local grammar schools.

Most parents in our area invest in tutors, so we felt we had to do the same.”

Families Hampshire West 9

Clubs & classes news

Why I love teaching Perform holiday courses

Swimming lessons with Active Nation

Perform Producer, Gemma Payne, tells Families why she loves running Perform’s drama, dance and singing holiday courses.

Learning to swim is one of the essential life skills that everyone should master. You’re never too young or too old to make a splash at Active Nation venues and we have lessons to suit all ages and abilities. Their pools at The Quays Swimming & Diving Complex and Bitterne Leisure Centre cater for everyone from young babies, in their parent and toddler sessions through to adult lessons and one-to-one sessions. It’s never too soon or too late to learn to swim and be confident and safe in the water. Once you can swim the opportunities to get fit and active with Active Nation are brilliant too.

Holidays should be fun and my job is to take the children on a magical adventure they will remember. Together, we work on songs, dances and character and it’s a joy to see the quieter ones come out of their shell and the bubbly ones become focused on learning song lyrics and lines.

Call 02380 720918 to book a free taster session by quoting FAMMAG19.

On the last day, there’s a show for friends and family and the parents are so surprised and proud when they see what their child has achieved. The children’s faces light up when they hear the applause and they know they’ve done a good job as they run to their families for a cuddle. It’s a busy week but the feeling when you’ve put together something memorable and entertaining for the parents is just magical. And I suspect most of the children won’t ever forget it either!

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 May half term, Summer Holidays and October Half term. Children from reception year up to 11 years old are invited to come 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 to 4pm with the options of extending your day to 5.30pm.

Perform Wizard of Oz holiday courses run in Winchester this August. Visit perform.org.uk/holidays for full details.

Tumble Tots teach skills for life

School Holiday Clubs

Tumble Tots structured classes are split into different four age groups.

Each class focuses on climbing, balance, agility and co-ordination with under pinning skills of speech and language development, cognitive thinking and social development. Children over 3 years take part on their own during the session enabling them to boost their confidence by achieving activities without parental guidance. Staff guide them to fulfil their potential. Children actively participate in small groups developing listening and language skills. Tumble Tots Winchester run two preschool classes on a Thursday in Romsey at 10am and Chandlers Ford on Friday at 12:15pm.

@ Itchen Valley Country Park

To find out more and to book a trial visit www.tumbletots.

Winchester Landscape Advert 87mmW x 60mmH 04.12.18.pdf 1 04/12/2018 com/winchester

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

For more information go to www.youthoptions.co.uk or call 01794 525510.

16:11:02

The springboard to confidence for your child

Easter - October Half Term 5 - 11 year olds

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BOOKING FOR 2019 NOW OPEN

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

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

Call 01794 525510 www.youthoptions.co.uk 10 Families Hampshire West

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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

familiesonline.co.uk

Awesome Action Adventure Days at The Hangar, Calshot Action Adventure Days at The Hangar, Calshot Activities Centre, are a fantastic way for children to try climbing, archery, skiing, water sports and more.

Designed to keep them entertained and guaranteed to send them home tired and happy. They run throughout the school holidays as half and full day sessions. Each one has a unique combination of activities, so no two days are the same. They offer Action Adventure Days for three age groups including 4-7 years, 7-11 years and 11-16 years.

To book visit www.thehangarcalshot.co.uk

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.

To advertise in our July/Aug issue call 07789 882467

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

Booking deadline is 3 June

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-12s Perform is a unique children’s drama school which has an emphasis on child development. Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by energetic and inspiring actor-teachers, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration.

The curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, music downloads and videos allowing the magic to continue at home.

Classes are available in Lymington, Winchester, Eastleigh, Southampton and Romsey.

Perform offer no-obligation free trial sessions. Call 020 7255 9120 or visit www.perform.org.uk/try to find out more or to book a class.

Book a Free Trial Today!

NEW

at Ca ls Activ hot ities Centr e

RILLS H T E N A T HIGH-OC OOF! R E N O UNDER TAKE OFF Reach new heights on auto-belay climbing walls

AERO TREK Experience the thrill of an aerial obstacle course

LASER CLIMB Pit your wits against the interactive climbing games

RINGOS

Zoom down our ski slope in an inflatable ring!

Book online now at www.thehangarcalshot.co.uk* Please check the website for details of any age and height restrictions. *Booking is not essential, but it is recommended. Activities are subject to availability.

www.hants.gov.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Hampshire West 11

It’s Party Time Planning your child’s birthday can involve deep-breathing and militarystyle planning. This annual event has kids jumping for joy but many parents breaking out into a cold sweat. Claire Winter takes a look at some different party ideas to inspire you.

Food Parties Kids love food, so why not theme your party around it? A pizza making party is always winner. You can go to your favourite pizza restaurant or hold a DIY party at home. Cupcake decorating parties also go down well and the guests can take home the tasty treat instead of a party bag. How about a doughnut themed party? They are even trending on Pinterest!

Why not set up a Doughnut Wall covered in a variety of doughnuts? You could even attempt a DIY version.

You could also serve food that has a surprise element to it. A cake that is full of sweets when you cut it. Ice cream cones filled with savoury fillings.

You could also mix up healthy food with treats, such as marshmallows and fruit kebabs or tortilla chips with hummus and crudités. Number cakes decorated with fruit, meringues, and flowers are also all the rage.

They make a great centrepiece on a party table.

Active Parties According to Pinterest searches for scavenger parties are up by 302%.

These are similar to treasure hunts and start with a list of things to find (or do) and a time limit. But there is no set path as players scavenge around and search for all of the items on the list. The player or team who finds everything on the list first or finds the most items before the time is up wins. These parties can be great fun and relatively inexpensive - you could hold one in your garden or a local park or wood.

You can also do a whole variety of different activities at your local leisure centre. They often offer a variety of swimming, inflatable and sports parties. Why not pick a sport your child loves? You could also check out your local trampoline park to see what party packages they offer. Other easy activity parties include paintballing, bowling, laser quest and gokarting.

Parties at Home If you want to host a party at home, think about hiring a company to help. You can even get specialists to come in and set up a sleepover these days. They will put up tents in your garden or your home, and some even supply breakfast on a tray!

Or host a science party where someone comes in to do experiments and make goo with the children. They’ll even clean up afterwards. There are also gaming party providers who bring all the entertainment to you.

If you prefer a more traditional party, why not hire an entertainer like a magician or clown?

Themed Parties Magical forest and flower-themed parties are great fun to host if you like being creative. A perennial favourite is also a superhero party. It ticks a lot of boxes and offers great fancy dress options for boys and girls. There are also loads of great decorations you can make, or buy if you don’t have the time!

Another popular party is a Harry Potter party. You can make up lots of magical games to recreate a mini Hogwarts at home. You could also try something a bit different like a Mexican themed party. Decorate the house with cacti, serve guacamole and dips, hit a Piñata and have plenty of themed games.

Art Parties If your child loves making things, an arts and crafts party is the perfect choice for them. You can go to pottery centres, art studios or get a party provider to come to your house to host a craft party. You can do a huge variety of things like mosaics, pottery, painting and jewellery making.

Your potential Picassos will also get to take their masterpiece home instead of a party bag.

Remember not to stress too much! Your child will remember your efforts whether you hire a circus performer and a bouncy castle; host a fun party at home or organise a trip out the cinema or a trampoline park.

Enjoy it and embrace the mayhem; they grow up quickly!

12 Families Hampshire West

Parties from Perform Perform parties are high energy, fun and totally infectious. Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s enthusiastic party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter guaranteed to ensure every child is part of an enthralling adventure. From the moment the lively leaders walk in the door, they’ll give your child and friends the best birthday party they’ve ever had.

Whether your child wants to be a sensational superhero, a shimmering princess or a wise wizard, they’ll be sure to have a brilliant time. Themes include: Superheroes, Mermaids and Pirates, Pirates and Princesses, Fairytale Forest, Knights and Princesses, Puppy Patrol, Popstarz, Moana, Ghost Hunters, Alice in Wonderland, Outer Space, Secret Spies,The Ice Queen, Dinosaurs, The Magician’s Chamber, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Beauty & the Beast and Trolls.

To find out more or book a party visit www.performparties.co.uk or call 0207 255 9120 and quote Families Magazine.

Looking for a fuss-free party filled with high octane thrills and adventure?

Action Adventure Parties at The Hangar, at Calshot Activities Centre, are a fantastic way to celebrate and have fun with friends.

Choose from a range of new activities including Aero Trek, an obstacle course up more than five metres in the air, Take Off, with themed climbing routes and challenges, and Ringos, where you can ramp up the fun as you zoom down the slopes in an inflatable ring!

Your own dedicated instructor will be on hand to keep everyone in the group happy and smiling. Laser Climb birthday parties coming soon.

To book visit www.thehangarcalshot.co.uk

Pool parties at The Quays Swimming & Diving Complex in Southampton Think you’ve got what it takes to run the gauntlet of Aqua Warrior?

This massive 14 piece pool inflatable is available for private hire at The Quays Swimming & Diving Complex making the perfect venue and activity to host your child’s birthday party or special occasion.

Contact a member of the Campaign Team at The Quays for more details on 02380720900 or email thequays@activenation.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s on Your essential guide to family events this May & June, 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 June.

MAY Throughout May & June Explorers Trail Marwell Wildlife Winchester, SO21 1JH Pick up your Explorers Trail at the info cabin for a suggested donation of £1. Children can collect nine stamps around the park at some of Marwell’s favourite animal enclosures. Once you’ve completed the trail don’t forget to stop in at the shop to claim your free sticker. You could even win annual membership for 2 adults and 2 children.

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.

Until 24 May Bulbs and Bluebells Hinton Ampner near Alresford, SO24 0LA Explore the glorious grounds and see the wonders that spring brings to the garden and woodland. Normal admission charges apply.

4 May Film: Spider-Man: Into The Spider-verse (PG) Forest Arts Centre New Milton BH25 6DS Teen Miles Morales becomes SpiderMan of his reality, crossing his path with five counterparts from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities. 10.30am. From £3.

12 /

£ ets: Tick

4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19 May Myths and Monsters Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ Fun and thought-provoking activities, live science show and planetarium experience featuring myth-busting science, fact and fiction, and the stories behind the constellations. £12 per person, including entry to Explorer:Space, live science show and Invention Studio activities.

4 – 6 May Go NUTS at Monkey World!

Monkey World Dorset, BH20 6HH Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts for the primates receives a free Monkey World badge over the bank holiday weekend. Normal admission charges apply.

5 May Learning to Grow Various Wyevale Garden Centres Come along on the first Sunday of the month for an educational planting activity, and get your Little Diggers planting and learning. Ages 3+. 10.30am & 11.15am. Free.

7 & 14 May Wildlife Tots 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.

11 May Free Family-Friendly Activities The Ageas Bowl Southampton, SO30 3XH Free, family-friendly activities for England’s Royal London ODI against Pakistan. Activities include a climbing wall, giant inflatables, laser quest, power-hitting net, catching challenge and kids coaching as well as post-match entertainment. Free.

May half term at Beaulieu & Bucklers Hard Train to be a secret agent at Beaulieu this May half term, following in the footsteps of WW II agents from the Special Operations Executive. Meet wartime characters and follow a training journal map to try out disguises, test skills of observation, decipher secret messages and learn about rationing – then graduate as a fullytrained SOE agent.

See wartime vehicles being driven around the grounds of the National Motor Museum and head for Beaulieu Abbey to see demonstrations by Lord Montagu’s falconer as he explains the wartime role of falconry.

All the activities are included in a ticket to Beaulieu, which includes entry to the museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and the gardens. For tickets and details see www. beaulieu.co.uk.

At nearby Buckler’s Hard, see an action-packed re-enactment of the Normandy landings with Portsmouth Model Boat Display Team’s pyrotechnics, remote control boats and miniature tanks on May 25 and 26. On both days, HMS Medusa will also invite Buckler’s Hard visitors for tours on board, while living history characters tell the story of the 18th century shipbuilding village throughout half-term. For tickets and details see www.bucklershard.co.uk.

11 May Moyles Court School Open Day Moyles Court School Ringwood, BH24 3NF Come and absorb and see what wonderful work happens every day by visiting on an Open Morning or arranging an individual visit. 10am – 12.30pm.

Come and enjoy the Spring Nearly New Sale at this fantastic city centre location. There will be thousands of baby and children’s clothing, toys, books and equipment from newborn to age 8. All items will be a fraction of the cost of new items and will include lots of high end brands.

1–3pm.

11 May Wildlife Watch Eling Tide Mill Totton, SO40 9HD For families with children aged 5 - 14 years who want to make friends and learn more about nature and the outdoors. 10am – 12noon. Suggested donation £4 per child.

13 May Family Pedal Power Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA Celebrating the Start of National Bike to School Week – get the family ready for the week by trying them out on the Smoothie Bikes. 10am – 4pm. Standard admission charges apply.

11 May School Spring Fayre Netley Marsh Infant School Southampton, SO40 7GD There will be a selection of stalls selling handmade crafts, beauty products, books and other goodies.

2–4pm.

12 May NCT Nearly New Sale Guildhall Winchester Winchester, SO23 9GH

£10 EASTLEIGH

Ages 1+

17 May & 21 June Friday Tots Swanwick Lakes Swanwick SO31 7AY These sessions are outdoor playbased sessions for pre-school children and their parents and carers.

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

•• •

net Nearl New

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Saturday 18th May 2019 *St Mary's Independant School* 57 Midanbury Lane, SO18 4DJ 10:15am - 12pm (members 1 0am) £1.50 per adult in aid of NCT charity Friday 7th June 4.30pm | Saturday 8th June 11am & 2pm.

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

Bag a bargain

www.nct.org.uk/southampton Families Hampshire West 13

18 May Film: Alice in Wonderland (U) Forest Arts Centre New Milton BH25 6DS The 1951 Disney animated musical version of this well-loved classic tale.

10.30am. Tickets from £3.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt NST Campus Based on the much-loved book picture by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, this mischievous smashhit production and celebration of play is the perfect treat for families with children aged 3 and up.

Join our intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way.

See Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at NST Campus this May Half Term (28 May – 2 Jun) Tickets from £10. nstheatres.co.uk

18 May NCT Nearly New Sale St Mary’s Independent School Southampton, SO18 4DJ Come along and bag a bargain at the popular pre-loved parent, children and baby market. 10.15am – 12noon. £1.50 per adult.

18 May SUP Adventure on the River YMCA Fairthorne Manor Southampton, SO30 2GH Enjoy a trip down the River Hamble on Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP).

Perfect for the family to enjoy together. Minimum age requirement of 8 years. 10am – 1pm. £17.

18 & 19 May Scouting the Zoo Marwell Wildlife Winchester, SO21 1JH As part of our Brickosaurs! event, this year’s Scouting the Zoo will be dinosaur crazy with exclusive fast track access to the Brickosaurs! basecamp area and the chance to earn your ‘Scouting the zoo’ dinosaur badge. £17 per adult and £16 per child (1 free adult with 6 paying guests).

19 May Handmade Craft Fair Itchen Valley Country Park West End, SO30 3HQ Artists and crafters are invited to join a day of celebrating local skills and talent. 10.30am – 4pm.

19 May MY Museum Children Club (MC2) St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery Lymington, SO41 9BH The battlefield hospitals of WW1: two inspiring women who made it happen. 11am -12pm, drop-in, £2.50.

Horrible Histories: Brand New Barmy Britain Theatre Royal Winchester We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with a brand new West End show that has never toured before featuring all new scenes!

Would you be shaken or stirred by Richard III? Mount a mutiny against King Henry VIII! See Mary Tudor knock the spots off Mary Queen of Scots! Will Queen Elizabeth I endure her terrible teeth? Would you be hanged by King James I for being a witch? Peep into the world of Samuel Pepys and help Georgian detectives find the headless man! Take a trip into the night with the night soil men and discover how to survive the first ever train ride!

It’s the history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

Runs on 1 and 2 June. Book tickets at www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call the box office on 01962 840 440.

14 Families Hampshire West

19 May & 30 June Autism Friendly SEN Sessions Partyman World of Play Swan Shopping Centre, Eastleigh, SO50 5SF Partyman World of Play are proud to offer complimentary morning sessions dedicated to children and young adults with special needs, exclusively for their use. 9–10am.

24 May - 23 June Robots and Future Tech Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ Get set for a great family day out with plenty of hands-on science, a shockingly good live science show demonstrating electricity and future tech, and a chance to design, build and compete in the ultimate robot wars challenge in the Invention Studio. Add a planetarium show to take a virtual flight through space. £12 per person, including entry to Explorer:Space, live science show and Invention Studio activities.

Planetarium tickets sold separately.

24 - 31 May (daily) and 1 - 23 June (weekends).

25 May Much Ado About Nothing Furzey Gardens Minstead, SO43 7GL The world’s first cycling theatre company, The HandleBards, pedal from venue to venue with all the set, props and costumes necessary to

perform environmentally sustainable Shakespeare across the globe.

5.30pm. £16.

25 May Fun with Portraits Winchester Discovery Centre Winchester, SO23 8SB You can have a go at creating a Victorian silhouette portrait, master bending pipe cleaners to make a face and more. Suitable for ages 5 years and above, all children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am12noon & 1-3pm. £2.50 per child.

25 – 27 May Go NUTS at Monkey World!

Monkey World Dorset, BH20 6HH Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts for the primates receives a free Monkey World badge over the bank holiday weekend. Normal admission charges apply.

25 May – 2 June Half Term Bee Trail Hinton Ampner near Alresford, SO24 0LA Spot, listen and draw on the bee trail as you explore the grounds this half term. Follow the points on the map to uncover fun facts about our important buzzy friends. Standard admission charges apply. £1 per trail.

26 May Steampunk Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, Swanwick, SO31 7GW Steampunks and the only remaining steam powered Victorian brickworks in the country are a match made in heaven! Steampunk is a mix of sci-fi and fantasy with a huge range of interpretation possible. 11am – 4pm.

Adults £7, Concessions £6, Children £4 and Family £18 26 May & 29 June Woodland Adventure Day New Forest Activities Beaulieu, SO42 7ZN An adventure day for you to enjoy with your children. Get chance to light a fire and build a woodland shelter before testing your aim with a bow. Explore some of the woodland low ropes challenges before taking to the trees for your High Ropes adventure. 10am – 4pm. Adults £60, children £25.

26 & 27 May Family Fun Day Mid Hants Railway Alresford, SO24 9JG As well as access to hands-on and creative activities in the Viewing Gallery. Make a 3D train or a hand puppet to take away with you.

Standard travel tickets required.

25 May – 2 June Secret Agents Beaulieu National Motor Museum New Forest, SO42 7ZN Beaulieu was a top secret school for agents of the Special Operations Executive during World War II. Follow in their footsteps this May half term and learn espionage skills before graduating as a fully-trained SOE agent. As you follow clues and hidden messages around the Beaulieu attractions you’ll learn to see through deceptive disguises, inspect household items that hold remarkable secrets, locate the site of a parachute drop and more.... Everyone who successfully passes their training will receive a graduation certificate. Normal admission charges apply.

27 May Norton Park Summer Fete Norton Park Hotel Sutton Scotney, Winchester, SO21 3NB Back for its third year, the popular Norton Park Fete! Held in the beautiful grounds of Norton Park Hotel, featuring live music, food, fun, games and over 40 stalls. 1–4pm.

25 May – 2 June Half Term Trail Itchen Valley Country Park Eastleigh, SO30 3HQ Learn about the butterflies that live in the park. Suitable for ages 4+.

10am and 4pm. £2.50.

27 May A Trip to The Needles SS Shieldhall Berth 110, Southampton Docks Cruise down Southampton Water to the Solent and then head west and travel out beyond Hurst Castle and the Needles Passage to the Needles themselves. 11am – 6pm. Adults £49, children £10, family ticket £108.

25 May – 14 July Sculpture at Beaulieu Beaulieu National Motor Museum New Forest, SO42 7ZN A sculpture exhibition featuring 350 works from international and national sculptors will be showcased in Palace House, its gardens and surrounding parkland. Normal admission charges apply.

25 & 26 May Longdown Vintage Farm Rally Longdown Activity Farm Ashurst, SO40 7EH Displays of vintage tractors, vintage working machinery and engines.

Working demonstrations such as woodcutting on the sawmill and cooking in the Victorian country kitchen. Normal admission apply.

25 May –2 June Buzz Days: Sensory Interactive Trail St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery Lymington, SO41 9BH 11am - 3pm (drop-in). Standard admission charges apply.

27 May Climb a Tree Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Ampfield, Romsey, SO51 0QA Highly skilled and friendly instructors can help you reach new heights within an oak tree’s canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners, while being securely attached in a harness at all times. Booking essential.

27 – 31 May Holiday Adventure Days New Forest Activities Beaulieu, SO42 7ZN Learn new skills, make new friends learning Bushcraft skills, shelter building and fire lighting and more.

Suitable for children aged 8-12 years.

9.30am – 4.30pm. £35.

28 May Garden Fairies and Elves Tudor House Southampton SO14 2AD Have you ever wondered where fairies and elves come from? Join us to find out about their history and create some magical artwork.

10.30am-1pm. 5-12yrs. £8. Pre-book on 023 8083 4536.

28 May Art School- Plaster Casting Southampton City Art Gallery Southampton SO14 7LY Back by popular demand, spend familiesonline.co.uk

the day learning the fun techniques of plaster casting with impressive results to take home. 10.30am3.30pm. 7-13yrs. £20. Pre-book on 023 8083 4536.

28 & 30 May 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.

10-11.30am. £6. Call 01794 525510 for information. 10-11.30am. £6.

28 & 30 May Pond Dipping Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Ampfield, Romsey, SO51 0QA Enjoy some pond dipping and see what is in the Education Garden ponds. All equipment is provided.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. 1–4pm (drop in). £2 plus standard garden admission applies.

29 May Drop-In Piñatas Southampton City Art Gallery Southampton SO14 7LY Sculpt a super pinata ready to fill with yummy treats. 10.30am12.30pm. £4.50. Drop-in.

29 May Half Term Family Activities Winchester Cathedral Winchester, SO23 9LS Pick up a trail from the Entrance Desk and discover all the weird and wonderful animals that can be found around the Cathedral, followed by a clay animal craft activity. 10am & 1pm. Normal admission charges apply.

29 May Buzz Days: Painting in Fabric St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery Lymington, SO41 9BH Inspired by the textile exhibition, come and help recreate some famous paintings using collage technique and create your own fabric painting to take home.

11am - 12.30pm & 1-2.30pm, free.

29 May Wizard School Tudor House Southampton SO14 2AD Join us for this spellbinding Harry Potter inspired workshop!

Experiment with potion making and make a magical wand to take home with you. Fancy dress welcome.

10.30am-12noon or 1-2.30pm. 5-12yrs £7. Pre-book on 023 8083 4536.

29 May Holiday Tots Swanwick Lakes Swanwick SO31 7AY These sessions are outdoor playbased sessions for children and their parents and carers. 10.30am – 12noon. Suggested donation £4 per child.

29 & 30 May 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. Call 01794 525510 for information. 9.30-11.30am. £8.

30 May Savage Saxons SeaCity Museum Southampton SO14 7FY Delve into Saxon Southampton in

Discover Southampton’s past at SeaCity Museum Southampton Stories, a new permanent exhibition at SeaCity Museum brings to life incredible stories and will showcase the City’s rich and diverse maritime, local history, archaeology and archive collections. Featuring topics such as the docks, working life, sport and leisure, Southampton during WWI and WWII, and the City as a Spa Town in the 1700s. You’ll learn about life on board the great ocean liners, as well as the creation of the New Docks in the 1920s and 1930s.

Discover the tail of William Wyatt Fisher, awarded the George Medal for his brave actions in Southampton Docks during the Second World War or William Shawyer, the last man hanged in Southampton in 1785. On display will be ship models, maritime ephemera, historical costume, artworks, photographs and much more.

Based at the heart of Southampton, SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with Titanic and the sea through three interactive exhibitions: Southampton’s Titanic Story, Gateway to the World and the new Southampton Stories exhibition in the Pavilion.

Family tickets available. Visit seacitymuseum.co.uk for more information. this fun history and craft workshop!

Make a rune necklace, try your hand at weaving and discover the story of Saxons buried under St Mary’s Stadium. 5-12yrs) 10.30am-12.30pm or 1.30-3.30pm. £7. Pre-book on 023 8083 4536.

31 May Family Bushcraft Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA Learn about the uses of some common herbs in cooking and medicine. Create your own herbal book and use some of the herbs you collect to flavour bread and make tea. Suitable for accompanied

children ages 7-12 years. Booking essential 1.30pm – 4pm. £12.75.

31 May Wildlife Tots Testwood Lakes Totton, SO40 3WX Play-based sessions for pre-school children and their parents and carers. Monthly on the second Tuesday of the month. 10.30am12noon. Suggested donation £4 per child.

A BRAND NEW SHOW

Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 June theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk Box Office: 01962 840 440

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Hampshire West 15

Family Festival Highlights 5 & 6 May The Broadlands Country Show Broadlands House Romsey, SO51 9ZD With over 200 exhibition stands, live music, arena entertainment, food and drink and lots of activities for the kids to get involved with. 9am5pm. Adults £13, children £6.

11 & 12 May Bill Targett Steam Rally Highbridge Farm Eastleigh, SO50 6HN A fun filled day showcasing traction engines, classic cars, tractors and fire engines. There will also be a variety of trade stalls and arena events. This event is in aid of Wessex Cancer Trust and Hampshire & IOW Air Ambulance.

10am. Adults £7, children £4.

18 & 19 May Dogstival Pylewell Park Lymington, SO41 5SJ This is an exciting new festival for dogs and dog lovers. Hosted by Chris Packham the festival will have some of the best food and drink producers from across the New Forest, a vintage fun fair and live music. They’ll be interactive displays where everyone can get involved and learn more about their fourlegged friends. 10am – 6pm.

19 May Watercress Festival Mid Hants Railway Alresford, SO24 9JG This nationally acclaimed festival draws together the local community and food lovers from far and wide for a free day of food and fun to celebrate the local watercress.

25 May Southampton Dementia Festival Palmerston Park Southampton, SO14 1LL This is a fun and informative event showcasing opportunities for people living with dementia.There will be lots of information stands, activities, refreshments and live entertainment all day. 11am – 4pm.

26 & 27 May Nature Festival Gilbert White’s House, Selborne, GU34 3JH Fun activities for all the family.

10.30am – 5pm. Book tickets via www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

NORTH

8 June Alresford Music Festival Arlebury Park Alresford, SO24 9EP Five stages of live music, there’s a festival village and a huge dedicated family arena with lots of free activities to do.

8 & 9 June Cheese & Chilli Festival Horn, Christchurch 10am - 5pm. Book tickets online at cheeseandchillifestival.com.

8 & 9 June The Ginchester Fete The Great Hall Winchester, SO23 8UJ Nestled in the heart of Hampshire lies the quaint village of Ginchester, the ancient capital of Gin. This event isn’t just about gin! Have fun at this quirky ‘village fête’ with games and amusements. Various sessions. £15.

15 June Winchestival North Walls Park Winchester, SO23 7SU 11am – 11pm. Book tickets online

www.winchestival.co.uk/tickets 21 June - 7 July Basingstoke Festival Basingstoke Town Centre There’s so much to discover at the Basingstoke Festival including street theatre, trampoline shows, games and much more. For more details www.basingstokefestival.co.uk.

25 - 28 July Camp Bestival Lulworth Castle, Dorset

Book tickets online for this popular festi-holiday. www. campbestival.co.uk 17 & 18 August Cheese & Chilli Festival North Walls Recreation Ground, Winchester 10am - 5pm. Book tickets online www.cheeseandchillifestival.com

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

Hampshire West

WALLS

1 5 T H

PARK,

Camp Bestival

25-28 July Lulworth Castle, Dorset Camp Bestival is known as the UK’s ultimate family festival, having won Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards five times. Taking place at Lulworth Castle, the fourday festi-holiday offers hundreds of things to see and do. From headliners Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Jess Glynne and Annie Mac, family fun with Mr Tumble, Mister Maker and Shaun The Sheep, to science shows and circus workshops, there’s so much for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Tree-climbing, woodland workshops, helter skelters, giant bubble workshops and face painting for the kids through to teens having poetry slams, teen only spinning classes, sleeping out under the stars and How To… workshops, there really is something for everyone. To book tickets visit www.campbestival.co.uk

Winchestival

15 June North Walls Recreation Park, Winchester Presenting the very best in live music, stand-up comedy, street food and entertainment for festivegoers of all ages.

This festival is fun, family friendly and safe. With music from The Magic Numbers, comedy from Milton Jones, loads more acts and entertainment for all ages; including fairground rides, free drop air bag, football darts, rodeo bull, facepainting. Plus a whole host of free kids activities including a kids stage, circus skills, kids disco, wood workshop, bungee trampolines and tea cups.

Winchestival takes place on Devils Island from 11am – 11pm. The venue is just a 5 minute walk from both the high street and train station. Tickets are £25 adults, £13 5-17 years and free for under 5s. Book online at www. winchestival.co.uk/tickets

Cheese and Chilli Festival

8 & 9 June, Christchurch The only dedicated UK Cheese and Chilli Festival will be returning to Christchurch at Hurn on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June from 10am - 5pm. The event will bring an amazing array of tastes, colours and experiences to town and is a ‘must go to event’.

It will be the perfect weekend for cheese and chilli lovers who can try and buy from an incredible range of local and regional products. Family friendly with some great attractions including free cooking displays, tastings, beer tent, live music, street theatre, crazy golf, human-sized table football, children’s rides, treasure hunts, balloon modelling, craft and shopping stalls and lots more. You also get £20 of discount vouchers on the door. Children under 16 go free. Buy tickets on line and save money. Visit www.cheeseandchillifestival.com for more details and to book tickets.

WINCHESTER

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music from The Magic Numbers, comedy from Milton Jones plus loads more.

Rides, kids stage, rodeo bull, zorbing, facepainting and a whole host of free kids activities inc. kids disco.

W W W . W I N C H E S T I V A L . C O . U K 16 Families Hampshire West

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JUNE 2 June Canoe Adventure YMCA Fairthorne Manor Southampton, SO30 2GH Enjoy a canoe trip down the River Hamble. Perfect for the family to enjoy together. Minimum Age 4 years. 10am – 1pm. £17.

Partyman World of Play are proud to offer complimentary evening sessions dedicated to children and young adults with special needs, exclusively for their use.

6–8pm.

2 June Learning to Grow Various Wyevale Garden Centres Come along on the first Sunday of the month for an educational planting activity, and get your Little Diggers planting and learning!

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

8 & 9 June Mower Madness Longdown Activity Farm Ashurst, SO40 7EH Fast, furious and ‘cutting edge’ fun, the Mower Madness racers will appeal to thrill-seekers and gardeners alike! If you want to spectate at this fun-filled mower racing event, come along and support the teams who all raise lots of money for local charities at each event. Normal admission charges apply.

2 June Charity Walk Winchester Cathedral to Salisbury Winchester, SO23 9LS This popular charity walk raises vital funds for Naomi House & Jacksplace.

Visit www.naomihouse.org.uk for information and to register.

11 June Wildlife Tots Testwood Lakes Totton, SO40 3WX Play-based sessions for pre-school children and their parents and carers. Monthly on second Tuesday of the month. 10.30am-12noon.

Suggested donation £4 per child.

4 June Wildlife Tots 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.

15 & 16 June War on the Line Mid Hants Railway Alresford, SO24 9JG Transport yourself back in time to the 1940s, against the backdrop of a Second World War railway, to experience the ‘Blitz Spirit’. Enjoy unlimited train travel and mingle with civilian and military re-enactors, hop off at each station to explore period displays, music, dancing, vintage vehicles and stalls selling retro wares. Adults £20, Children (5-16 yrs) £10, under 5 yrs free.

5 June Autism Friendly SEN Sessions Partyman World of Play L10, Swan Shopping Centre, Eastleigh, SO50 5SF

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Family activities at St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, Lymington St Barbe Museum has interactive displays for children to learn about local history, the smugglers, salt makers and boat builders who shaped the town. Children love to ‘take the helm’ at popular Berthon boat and let their imaginations take over.

In the art galleries, ‘The St Barbe Open’ is on until 2 June featuring a range of artwork by local amateur and professional artists, everything from vibrant paintings in oil and acrylic to jewel-like prints and quirky sculpture.

From the 8 June ‘Command of the Seas: The Navy and the New Forest against Napoleon’ exploring what life was like in the navy under the command of three local admirals, the highlight of the show will be a Turner on loan from the Tate!

Open Daily 10am - 5pm (4pm on Sundays). Visit www.stbarbe-museum. org.uk for details.

16 June Hot Rod & Custom Drive In Day Beaulieu National Motor Museum New Forest, SO42 7ZN Make it an unforgettable Father’s Day at the South’s biggest Hot Rod and Custom event featuring hundreds of cool, colourful custom cars, live music and hip entertainment throughout the day!

Normal admission charges apply.

16 June MY Museum Children Club (MC2) St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery Lymington, SO41 9BH ’My Dad and I’ - real stories from the war period. 11am -12pm, drop-in, £2.50.

16 June Free Entry for Dad! Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, Swanwick, SO31 7GW Treat your dad this Father’s Day and bring him on the most dad-liest day out in Hampshire. Then enter him into our dad-off brickmaking contest whilst you are here.

16 June Father’s Day Monkey World Dorset, BH20 6HH Dad’s get 50% off entry at Monkey World on Father’s day! Simply download the voucher from the website and present it at the entrance gate.

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16 June Dads are Free Longdown Activity Farm Ashurst, SO40 7EH Free entry for all the dads on their special day when a full-paying child ticket is purchased. Normal admission charges apply.

16 June Have a Go Archery Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA Romsey Archers are returning for another fun day of archery in the Gardens. Treat your dad and bring the whole family to have a go at archery. Any age from young to old can take part. 10am – 5pm. £2.50 for 6 arrows, plus garden admission applies.

22 June YMCA Challenge of Challenges YMCA Fairthorne Manor Southampton, SO30 2GH All you need to do is bring brains and brawn as we join together to complete a mystery course of imaginative, occasionally messy, and often daft, obstacles and puzzles, while raising funds to give local vulnerable children and families opportunities to lead healthy, happy lives. Book in advance. Tickets include the event challenges, BBQ, cash bar and campfire. 1–10pm.

Adults £22, children 4–15 years £18.

22 June Buzz Days: Relax Kids St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery Lymington, SO41 9BH Tips and activities for children to feel relaxed when a stressful moment occurs. Booking essential. 3.30–5pm. £4.50.

22 & 23 June Meet Ben & Holly Paultons Park, Romsey, SO51 6AL Young fairy princess Holly and her best friend, Ben Elf, live in Little Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and grass grow above the tallest towers. See them at Paultons Park this June. Standard admission charges apply.

23 June Summer Fair Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum Swanwick, SO31 7GW Lots for children to do, craft displays and stalls, animals, blacksmithing - a real country feel to the day.

Hampshire Narrow Gauge Railway Trust will be running their trains, the cafe will be open for light refreshments and the museum’s old engines steamed up and working.

There is free parking, a cafe for light refreshments, play area for children both inside and out. 11am – 4pm.

Adults £7, Concessions £6, Children £4.

23 June Magical Moths Itchen Valley Country Park West End, SO30 3HQ Come along to see what species of moth have been caught in the overnight trap. Observe the subtle patterns and shades of these nocturnal creatures. Booking essential. 10am – 4pm. £4.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show The Point, Eastleigh Join The Point, Eastleigh this summer as the timeless classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar makes its way off the page and onto the stage!

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show celebrating its 50th Birthday in 2019 The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Friday 7th June at 4.30pm and Saturday 8th June at 11am and 2pm Tickets: £12 / £10 concessions. Suitable for ages 1+. Call the box office on 023 8065 2333 or visit www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk to book tickets.

WIN four tickets to see the show on Saturday 8th June at 2pm. To be in with a chance of winning this giveaway, simply email us your name and full postal address to editor@ familieshampshirewest.co.uk by 31 May 2019 and put in the subject ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’.

28 June Wildlife Tots Testwood Lakes Testwood Lakes Centre, Totton, SO40 3WX Play-based sessions for pre-school children and their parents and carers.10.30am-12noon. Suggested donation £4 per child.

Space live science show and activities. Visit the planetarium and enjoy a virtual flight through space.

Destination Space is a nation-wide project funded by the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. £12 per person, including entry to Explorer:Space, live science show and Invention Studio activities.

Planetarium tickets sold separately.

29 June Botley Primary School Summer Fair Botley C of E Primary School Botley, SO30 2EA Enjoy a BBQ, refreshments, cakes, stalls, games, entertainment and a football tournament at the Botley Primary School Summer Fair.

12noon – 3pm.

29 & 30 June PJ Masks Paultons Park, Ower, SO51 6AL It’s time to be a Hero with the PJ Masks team! Everyone’s favourite heroes Catboy, Gekko and Owlette will be at Paultons both days so come down to help save the day.

Standard admission charges apply.

29 June - 21 July Destination Space - Apollo Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ 20 July 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of NASA’s 1969 Apollo 11 lunar mission, and the first time humans landing on the Moon. Celebrate this momentous achievement with a Destination

Theatre

Goodwood For a great family trip out look no further than our Family Race Day on 9 June at Goodwood Racecourse. This fun filled afternoon will keep the whole family entertained and give you the chance to experience the world of horseracing at Goodwood – with complimentary admission for all under 18s!

All the fun of the fair will be present at the racecourse, a traditional carousel, helter skelter, balloon modeller and bubble artist to name but a few attractions – ensuring your little ones are entertained all afternoon long.

When the racing begins, the thrill of the horses sprinting passed starts!

With exciting opportunities to visit the stalls where the action begins, you’ll be able to watch all the runners and riders burst into life in a blur of colour and beating hooves - it’s truly an unforgettable sight.

Tickets available from £15 in advance. For more information, please visit Goodwood.com or call 01243 755055.

Win a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children), racecard and ice cream vouchers to enjoy at Goodwood this summer. To be in with a chance of winning this giveaway, simply email us your name and full postal address to editor@ familieshampshirewest.co.uk by 31 May 2019 and put in the subject ‘Goodwood Family Ticket’.

18 Families Hampshire West

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3 & 4 May Dear Zoo Theatre Royal Winchester Winchester, SO23 8SB This production will delight all those who have read Rod Campbell’s bestselling lift the flap book. Suitable for both young and old, this production offers child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

Various times. Tickets from £12.50.

11 & 12 May Kite Theatre Royal Winchester Winchester, SO23 8SB Stuck in her Grandma’s obsessively tidy flat, a recently orphaned girl discovers a kite which comes to life and takes her on a wild adventure.

Little does she know that Grandma has her own brand of magic and the wind will bring them together in ways they never would have imagined. Various times. From £11.

WIN!

16 May Film: Captain Marvel The Berry Theatre Southampton, SO30 4EJ 7.30pm. Tickets from £5.

25 May Film (PG): The Kid Who Would Be King The Berry Theatre Southampton, SO30 4EJ 25 May Treasure Island NST Campus University Road, Southampton, SO17 1TR Children’s TV stars Callum Donnelly and JezO (from popular hit shows such as Justin’s House, Spot Bots and The Slammer) invite fun-seekers to come aboard as they set sail for Treasure Island! This hilarious duo, along with a few other supporting surprises are setting sail during the half term school holidays so prepare yourself for a very funny, big, bright and breezy swashbuckling time on the high seas! Suitable for ages 3 – 8.

12noon & 3pm. £12 25 May, 1 & 15 June Saturday Storytime The Berry Theatre Hedge End, SO30 4EJ Our 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.

Suitable for ages 3-7.10.30am. £3.

28 May Film (PG): How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World The Berry Theatre Hedge End, SO30 4EJ 10am & 2pm. Tickets from £4 28 May – 2 June We’re Going on a Bear Hunt NST Campus Southampton, SO17 1TR Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud!

Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way. Various times. £12. familiesonline.co.uk

30 & 31 May The Road to Oz Theatre Royal Winchester Winchester, SO23 8SB Set in this strange millennium where over the rainbow is at the end of your fingertips. Watch how Dorothy learns to look up once more, with the help from the ‘stupid’ scarecrow, the ‘heartless’ tin-woman, and the ’timid’ little lion. Featuring dancers from 4 to 20 years old, and many dance styles such as Street dance, contemporary and cheerleading, this is a show the whole family can enjoy.

2pm & 7pm. Tickets from £12.

Dance Swanmore, invites you to their stunning adaptation of ‘Beauty & The Beast’. Packed full of drama and dance, you’ll be whisked away to an enchanted land full of fun, adventure and love.

Profits go to local children’s cancer charity, Abby’s Heroes, an amazing organisation held extremely dear in the hearts of the Roynon family.

6pm & 2pm (Sunday). Tickets from £10.

1 June Film (PG): Wonder Park The Berry Theatre Southampton, SO30 4EJ See website for ticket information and times 1 & 2 June Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain Theatre Royal Winchester Winchester, SO23 8SB Various times. Tickets from £16.

8 & 9 June Tale as Old as Time The Berry Theatre Southampton, SO30 4EJ Performing arts school Roynon

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

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.

31 May Film (PG): Dumbo The Berry Theatre Wildern Lane, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4EJ 10am & 2pm. Tickets from £4.

1 June Film (PG): Missing Link The Berry Theatre Southampton, SO30 4EJ See website for ticket information and times

Directory

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28 & 29 June Honk! A Family Musical Theatre Royal Winchester Winchester, SO23 8SB Stiles and Drewe’s heartwarming re-imagining of Han Christian Andersen’s tale, The Ugly Duckling, is a musical egg-stravaganza bursting with puppetry, magic and illusions.... and water guns! Ages 4+. £12.

29 June It’s a Wonderful World The Berry Theatre Wildern Lane, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4EJ Enjoy the performance as you travel around the world in the 2019 Dance and Cheerleading Showcase! 3pm & 6.30pm. Tickets from £10.

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

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

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

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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

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SOUTHAMPTON STORIES An exhibition of the City’s rich and diverse maritime, local history, archaeology and archive collections

Entry fee included in the cost of a SeaCity Museum ticket

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