Families Hampshire West July/Aug PRINT issue

EEHome FTRake Me

IN THIS ISSUE

Education What’s On Summer Fun Summer Childcare Issue 89 July/August 2022 July/August 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk Families Hampshire West 1

CONTENTS

.50 £25

EACH WAY*

with a car + up to 7 people

Sail away to the Isle of Wight this summer and create memories you’ll never forget.

With over 50 top attractions and outdoor activities, plus 25 amazing beaches and miles of countryside to explore, there’s so much to see and do for all the family.

2 Families Hampshire West

redfunnel.co.uk

023 8001 9192

July/August 2022

Contact us

Welcome

Editor: Rebecca Carr

The long summer holiday is nearly here, bringing with it both the prospect of holidays and fun with the family, but also, for many parents, the challenges of summer childcare arrangements and keeping the kids entertained for at least six weeks….

T: 07789 882467 E: editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk

Advertising sales: Claire Clarricoates

Well, you can rely on us to have you covered. We have loads of summer entertainment ideas in this issue, tips on piecing together the summer childcare jigsaw and you’ll also find plenty of information about local events and activities to make the summer memorable close to home.

T: 07812 218331 E: claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk

Next issue: September/October Booking deadline: 5 August To receive free copies of Families Hampshire West for your school, club, class or venue call or email us.

Readership of over 40,000 local parents, carers and teachers every issue. Published six times a year. For families from birth to twelve.

© Families Hampshire West 2022. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

We hate to mention the words ‘school’ at this time of year so all we will say is – September is (unfortunately) closer than you think so keep the necessary preparations in mind.

In our education section, check out our uniform tips and the skills you can help your school starter build over the summer before the big day.

Finally, in this issue, we have loads of cool kids’ backpacks from Grass&Air to giveaway! Apply for these handy accessories for your child at familiesmag.co.uk/go.

By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Rebeccca Editor, Families Hampshire West

IN THIS ISSUE: 4 News 5 Summer Childcare 6 Education 8 Low Cost Days Out 10 Summer Fun 12 What’s On Cover image:

Depositphotos.com

Award winning family shoe retailer

40 Bedford Place, Southampton SO15 2DG. Tel: 023 80 226542 www.wjfrenchandson.co.uk

July/August 2022

HUGE CHOICE MAXIMUM COMFORT THE BEST FIT

We are the largest independent shoe shop in Hampshire and have been providing excellent customer service for over 200 years.

Easy parking opposite the shop

Families Hampshire West 3

NEWS

Local News Start saving money with My VIP Rewards The rising cost of living shouldn’t mean we can’t treat our kids over the summer holidays. My VIP Rewards can help!

Save money over the summer on things to do with the kids such as local soft play centres, trampoline parks, role play centres, Go Ape, theme parks, The National Trust, cinemas and more. PLUS save on your supermarket shopping, online shopping, holidays whilst supporting local businesses in and around Hampshire.

Members can save anything from £10 to £50 a month. So why not give it a try? You can cancel at anytime.

Sign up for just £1 a month for your first 3 months using code SUMMERSAVER at www.myviprewards.co.uk

Take nature’s pulse in the Big Butterfly Count The Big Butterfly Count, is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping the Butterfly Conservation charity assess the health of the environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies.

According to the Butterfly Conservation charity, counting butterflies is essential because they play a vital part of the ecosystem as both pollinators and components of the food chain. The data gathered by the public will be used to assess where conservation efforts should be targeted.

Taking part in the Count is easy: just spend fifteen minutes counting the butterflies you see and then submit sightings online or via the free app. There’s also a handy free downloadable butterfly chart to use.

The Big Butterfly Count runs from 15 July to 7 August.

For more information visit www.bigbutterflycount.org

Join the Summer Reading Challenge with Hampshire Libraries Every year, thousands of Hampshire children take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. It’s fun and totally free! This year’s science-themed challenge called ‘Gadgeteers’ will inspire children to discover the amazing science and innovation behind the world around you.

Sign up for the Challenge at your local library. Your child will be given a collector’s card to keep track of their reading and gain stickers along the way. Everyone who reads six books gets an eco-friendly sustainable medal and certificate when they finish.

Children's reading can decline during the holidays if they don't have regular access to books or encouragement to read. The Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to keep up their reading skills and confidence during the long holidays.

At the heart of the Challenge is children choosing and sharing books such as novels, fact books, joke books, e-books and audio books.

Hampshire library staff and volunteers can help your child to choose books they will really enjoy so sign up today. www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/kids-zone

Navigate your parenting journey with Parenthood App Parenthood App is a supportive, nonjudgemental community for parents and grandparents. With over 70 parenting experts on hand to answer your questions whenever you need them.

Read blogs from other parents, watch videos, check out local parenting businesses and make some friends, join neighbourhoods with local parents, or parents with similar interests and similar aged children.

Parents always need support in their parenting journey, so if you are a new parent, have primary school kids or even teens Parenthood App can support your journey. It’s free to download for a limited time only!

Download for free from the app stores or check out www.parenthoodapp.io for more details.

Step out of the day-to-day and into a family adventure.

Offer valid until 17/07/22. T’s & C’s apply. Visit pgl.co.uk/familymag for details.

PG100519.001 PGL_FAH_Families First_180mm x 85mm_AW02.indd 1 4 Families Hampshire West

July/August 2022 06/06/2022 16:53

CHILDCARE

The summer holiday childcare jigsaw

By Andrew Campbell For many parents, the long summer holidays can cause a massive childcare headache requiring an enormous amount of juggling and ‘piecing it together’ and involving substantial cost. If you’re facing the school holiday childcare puzzle right now, then here are some of the pieces you might be able to fit together in your jigsaw.

Family care Family members, typically grandparents, are often more than happy to share the childcare burden and with this comes with the advantage of knowing your children are with someone you all trust. Your kids will benefit by learning they don’t need you all the time and will build long-lasting bonds.

Other parents Teaming up with other parents by taking turns to care for each other’s children is a great way to spread the load. But this will require forward planning and organisation - so get in now. Try setting up a summer childcare WhatsApp group with the parents of your child’s friends.

Private nursery Many nurseries continue as normal throughout the summer but those adjoined to schools and pre-schools usually follow school term dates. Some private nurseries will take on some younger children just for the summer holidays. Contact them to enquire.

Childminders Childminders care for small groups of children of different ages in the childminder’s home. The children usually come from different families and sometimes include the childminder’s own children. If you currently use a childminder, ask about availability for summer childcare as they take holidays too.

Holiday camps and workshops Run by private providers, these can be multi-activity day camps focussing on a variety of sport and/or creative activities or single activity camps focussed on a specific sport/creative activity.

Holiday workshops tend to take place for shorter more intense periods and, often organised by providers that also offer weekly term time classes, they offer a valuable opportunity to receive elite coaching and tuition.

Holiday play schemes Playschemes are usually for children of primary school age. Run by schools, councils, youth clubs and community groups, they provide a range of activities and typically cost around £30 a day although this can vary widely, with subsidised prices offered for low-income households.

Adventure and learning begins at Woolston Adventure Preschools Woolston and Woolston Adventure Preschools offer flexible, term-time childcare for children aged 2 to 5 years. With a choice of two settings, they welcome children from Woolston, Weston, Itchen, Sholing and the surrounding area.

“They have given my children everything I could ask for from a preschool. The friendships and memories made have given them the best start.” Local Parent Their focus on learning through play, means that fun is at the heart of everything they do. Children are supported and encouraged to develop in all seven areas of learning, with a target of ensuring they are confident and secure in the skills they need ready to start school when they leave.

Woolston Adventure Preschool is set in the grounds of Woolston Community Centre and Woolston Preschool is located at Woolston Infants School and benefits from the School’s onsite facilities, creating the perfect stepping stone for ‘Big School’.

Find out more at www.woolstonpreschool.co.uk July/August 2022

WOOLSTON PRESCHOOLS

Where adventures begin…

A great way to explore, socialise, develop and grow!

Give your preschooler the best start in prepara3on for ‘Big School’. Places filling fast for September - enrol your child today!

Fully funded children welcome.

Flexible sessions for 2-5 year olds.

A choice of two settings www.woolstonpreschool.co.uk Families Hampshire West 5

EDUCATION

Preparing for school

By Emma Lewry No sooner has summer arrived than we are starting to talk about ‘starting school’ or ‘back to school’ preparation.

Uniforms line the shop rails tempting us to think about being organised and ready for school. If you’re already thinking ahead, here are some top tips for preparation.

If your child is starting school this year it can feel like a huge event with lots of pressure.

You may be aware of parents swapping notes about how ready their children are to start school. Try not to compare your child with others; each child is unique and individual in their strengths and in the areas with which they need support. Teachers are ready for this and they know how to support lots of different children in a class. In fact, the uniqueness of each child is often what they love best about the job!

When you start to think about preparing your child to begin school there are some key skills which are beneficial to practise and develop. I’m not talking about academic things; your child doesn’t need to be able to read the alphabet or do the two times table.

The three skills I recommend are building CONFIDENCE, COMMUNICATION and INDEPENDENCE. These skills can be developed through play and fun at home, giving lots of opportunities for your little ones to try new things and offering plenty of praise and encouragement. Talking to your child and reading books about school opens up lots of valuable communication too.

schools want children to be working on developing those confidence, communication and independence.

It can be helpful to offer additional emotional support in the lead up to going back to school, especially if your child is moving to a new school. Talk about what will be different but also what will be the same.

These constants support many children’s need for things to feel safe and familiar. What if your child isn’t keen on talking?

Looking at pictures, reading stories and role-playing school are all great ways to initiate conversation over the summer.

Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, headteacher and mother of two. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk) which guides families through starting school with courses, groups and a school starters planner.

If your child is heading back to school and moving up a year group, many of the starting school ideas apply. At all ages,

Getting the right school shoes Children spend around eight hours a day in their school shoes, so it is important that they fit correctly and are comfortable. Good quality school shoes are designed to last longer, are made from better materials, and have good shock absorbency and structure.

Caroline French gives her top tips for getting the right shoes: If your child is hard on their shoes, choose thicker soles and one with a toe bumper.

It’s good to compare how your child walks in different brands, as some will suit your child’s feet and the way they walk noticeably better than others.

Try and choose a rounder shaped toe that doesn’t taper off too quickly to allow for ultimate growing room.

You should have leather or breathable textile linings to help keep feet dry as a child’s foot can produce an egg cup full of sweat a day.

Patent can wear better than leather and be easier to keep clean but is less breathable and is not so good if your child is prone to hot feet.

Top Tip Don’t leave school shoe shopping till the last minute!

You will get a better choice of styles and sizes and avoid the queues if you come before 15 August.

W.J French & Son is a family run shoe shop in Bedford Place, Southampton. Their experienced fitters are passionate about getting the right fit for your child, giving you a one-toone personal service, and making the school shoe shopping experience as easy as possible. They stock a wide selection of well-known brands and sizes, can help fit orthotics and have an onsite workshop for adjustments. Find out more at www.wjfrenchandson.co.uk 6 Families Hampshire West

Uniform top tips Be careful to check the school uniform list and stick to the items and colours listed. Schools are generally strict about their uniform and as it’s expensive, it’s not worth having to rebuy items if they are wrong.

Make a shoe fitting appointment now for two to three weeks before school starts. If possible book in with a local shop, this is a great idea and will ensure you don’t get left in a shoe panic before the start of term! See top tips from WJ French & Son. Check out the school website and social media pages if they have them. This is a great way for you and your child to get tips on sourcing uniform, to check specific uniform requirements and to find out about ways of obtaining uniform more cheaply.

Many schools or their PTA (parent and teacher associations) will run second hand uniform sales which can be a great way to pick up some bargain items. It’s also good for the planet to reuse and re-love as much clothing as possible.

July/August 2022

EDUCATION

How to have an educational holiday

By Jemma Z Smith Holidays are all about swimming, having fun and playing games, all past bedtime, aren’t they? Living in the UK, our ‘big annual holiday’ often takes place in the summer and whether you are jetting off abroad or staying in a tent at home, this break is generally considered to be a time that is free from the demands of school and everything that comes along with it.

What does it mean then to have an educational holiday? Do you have to stay inside and read books all day? Well, no. Holidays can be fun AND educational. You can use these tips to make sure that your child comes back from their summer break knowing a little bit more than they did before.

Get kids involved with planning Whether you are choosing to go to Spain or Salcombe, get your child to look up the location on a map or on Google Earth. They can find out how many kilometres you will travel to get there, how long it will take to drive, walk or fly. This will help them contextualise the place they are visiting, hopefully avoiding the ‘are we nearly there yet?’ questions as well.

Learn a bit of the local language Regardless of where you are travelling to, the locals will have a specific vernacular. Learning hello, goodbye and thank you is not just a way to introduce a new language to your child, it is also a great way to get along with the locals. Discuss any similarities between English and the local language, for example, in French the word for ‘dance’ is ‘danse.’

Take an immersive class If you are travelling to Italy, how about learning how to make pizza or pasta? If you’re on holiday in France, learn how to play boules; in Spain, try a bit of flamenco! It is a great way to celebrate a local culture and learn a new skill; after all, not all learning happens in the classroom.

If you’re holidaying by the beach and your child likes being in the water, consider scuba diving, fishing or surfing tuition.

Waiting games Instead of handing your child your phone when you’re in a queue for an attraction, try some simple word games. See how many words you can think of that are … a type of hat? Trilby, sombrero, cap, bowler! You could even bring along a pocket quiz game to keep you all occupied.

Jemma Zoe Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).

Enjoy a PGL family adventure holiday!

Educational travel activities

Step out of the day-to-day and into a family adventure on an all-inclusive holiday with PGL.

Here are some ideas to keep your kids ticking over whilst on holiday.

Let loose and get lost together on an exciting, action-packed adventure that turns the family back into a team. Whether you’re conquering the kayaks, hanging out on the high ropes or zooming down zipwires, there are plenty of goosepimpling adventures to dive into whilst your family enjoys a PGL holiday. You’ll be amazed by what you can all achieve when you tackle the fun challenges on offer.

Using currency and converting between pounds and local currency; Using a map and scales; Writing letters/postcards home; Writing a scrapbook/keeping a journal.

Don’t miss out on PGL’s final summer sale and the chance to give your family the break they will always remember.

What’s more, you can save up to 50% off when you book a family adventure holiday or kids adventure camp this summer!

Visit https://pgl.co.uk/familymag to find out more and to book.

July/August 2022

There are also some longer projects that older kids can embark on and many of these relate to the school curriculum.

Creating a vlog or website for friends and family; Getting involved with local conservation efforts; Learning about volcanoes or Egyptians by visiting key places and then creating a poster or presentation; Putting together a talk or a short video which will teach the class about the place you’re visiting; Writing a story for kids about the area that you are visiting.

Families Hampshire West 7

SUMMER FUN

Low-cost summer fun

Educational

Out and about

Visit a museum. There are world-renowned museums in cities across the UK that offer free access to exhibitions year-round. To find a museum near you, visit www.visitbritain.com

Cinema deals. Odeon cinema and Cineworld will be running kids screenings all summer, with tickets priced from £3.25. www.odeon.co.uk and www.cineworld.co.uk

Festival of Archaeology. The Council for British Archaeology has teamed up with hundreds of museums to organise more than one thousand archaeology-related events and activities all over the country. www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk

Hop on board the train. Taking the train to visit somewhere new is an adventure in itself. And it doesn’t need to cost the earth if you buy a Family and Friends Railcard. www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk

Take the summer reading challenge. The challenge, aimed at children aged 4 to 11 years, is to read six or more library books over the summer. More details of are on page 4. See how Hampshire Liraries can help. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Visit a pet store. Kids will enjoy seeing all the furry pets for sale including hamsters, rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs and fish. Pet stores often run animal handling sessions and other free activities during the holidays. Find My Pet Pals workshops at www. petsathome.com

50 things to do before you’re 11¾. Get your kids closer to nature with The National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to undertake during the summer, from watching the sunset to creating some wild art. Many can be done at home and in your garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50-things-to-do

Pick your own berries. Take your young ones to a pick-yourown farm to gather a heap of juicy strawberries or raspberries. Of course, they will do plenty of eating too but, hey, it’s fruit!

Something different

Outdoors

Enjoy a wild swim. When it’s warm, it doesn’t get much better than taking a dip in the sea, lake or river. If you live in a big city, don’t be put off! You’ll be surprised how many wild swimming spots are nearby. www.wildswimming.co.uk

Join in National Play Day. National Play Day takes place across the country on 1 August. Children and families have the chance to play at hundreds of community events, from mass adventures in woodlands to street parties with games. Find your nearest ones at www.playday.org.uk

Let’s fish! The Canal and River Trust is running free fishing taster sessions over the holidays, with professional angling coaches on hand to teach the basics. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Go geocaching. This is a real outdoor treasure hunting game that uses an app. You navigate to a set of GPS coordinates and try to find the treasure at that location. www.geocaching.com Borrow a doggy. Join Borrow My Doggy to let your kids bond with a dog that need some love while their owners are out at work. It’s a great way to get the kids walking in the school holidays. www.borrowmydoggy.com Free tennis coaching and court usage. You can net free tennis sessions or coaching as part of Big Tennis Weekends, organised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), at venues across Britain. www.lta.org.uk

8 Families Hampshire West

Drive-in cinema. The perfect retroactivity for a balmy summer night or afternoon, why not head to an outdoor cinema? With outdoor or drive-in cinema popping up in various places, you might catch a family favourite or retro classic.

Go fly a kite! They’re cheap and easy to buy or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them. www.thekitesociety.org.uk Go for a bike ride. Cycling is a great way to reconnect with nature and get off the beaten track. Take a ride on a local cycle path or if you’re a bit more ambitious, why not take a family bikepacking trip somewhere a bit further afield?

Find the Gruffalo. If your kids love Julia Donaldson, there are themed walks based on her books up and down the country to take the family to visit. Find out more details on these trails at www.forestryengland.uk/gruffalo Woodland adventure. Explore your nearest woodland and enjoy adventure play areas, natural play, off-road cycling and lots of space to create dens. Find your local wood or forest at www. forestryengland.uk July/August 2022

Summer Reading

Illustrations by Julian Beresford and © The Reading Agency 2022

Challenge 2O22

16 July - 17 September

Everyone who reads six books gets an eco friendly sustainable medal & certificate Finish the challenge for a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet!

Join free at your local library!

Sign up for free in a library or online Find out more by scanning the QR code

July/August 2022

Families Hampshire West 9

SUMMER FUN

Summer

Family Fun

The New Forest & Hampshire County Show returns in July The New Forest & Hampshire County Show is set to return on 26, 27 & 28 July and will be better than ever. Held at The Showground, Brockenhurst, the Show is looking for visitors to ‘Get Involved’ during their visit.

Throughout the Show there will be interactive activities for visitors to enjoy alongside the wonderful variety of Show sections and attractions. The show will focus on activities for all the family and will include; baking at the Fun Kitchen, a dog show, floral art, crafting, Forest school activities and more.

The Show will also welcome over 3,000 animals (not including the 25,000 bees), 400 shopping stands and work with 500 volunteers to put on this much-loved event. New for 2022, The NFU Mutual Farming Experience Zone, will teach visitors about farming through interactive activities and expert talks on farm diversification.

It will be the place to go to learn about farming, enjoy kids farming fun and get to know more about local Young Farmer Groups.

Find out more and book tickets at www.newforestshow.co.uk

Enjoy the New Forest Heritage Centre The New Forest is a wonderful place to visit with its diverse landscape, rich history and free-roaming animals – and the New Forest Heritage Centre is the perfect place to begin your adventure.

Unforgettable summer adventures on the Isle of Wight Sail away to the Isle of Wight this summer and create memories you’ll never forget.

With top attractions, outdoor activities, amazing beaches and miles of countryside to explore, there’s so much to see and do for all the family.

Come for a day visit or stay a while and play. Plan your perfect Island adventure from dusk ‘til dawn or find your perfect home from home with great family holiday parks, camping, holiday cottages and more. The ideal destination for families, from tiny tots to teens, there really is something for everyone – even the dog!

Take a trip to the Isle of Wight this summer and leave with memories to last a lifetime. Sail with Red Funnel from just £25.50 each way, for a car and up to seven people.

Find out more and book tickets at www.redfunnel.co.uk

With a fun, free and interactive museum, a gallery, gift shop, café, reference library and free WIFI, there’s something for everyone.

Explore the fascinating history and traditions of the New Forest in their Family Fun Tree and the Time Tunnel.

They will also be running free drop-in craft activities and self-guided trails throughout the summer (donations are welcome).

Find out more at newforestheritage.org.uk

10 Families Hampshire West

July/August 2022

SUMMER FUN

Get set for an actionpacked summer of family fun at Winchester Science Centre From 9 July to 11 September, including the summer school holidays from 21 July to 4 September, get set for electrifying science, out-of-this-world space journeys and outdoor nature explorations at Winchester Science Centre.

Plug in and power up for a brand new exciting free live science show, Sparks, all about electricity. Be wowed by two spectacular Planetarium shows. Head off into the great outdoors for some nature discoveries. And don’t miss out on the immersive hands-on science fun and huge ‘don’t try this at home’ demos.

Space Ranger Challenge Trail. Are you ready to become a Space Ranger? In Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear movie, audiences will follow the epic mission-based adventures of legendary Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, the hero behind the toy. Families are invited to discover the science that inspired the movie with this fun fact-filled trail through the out-of-this-world Explorer:Space zone.

Find out more and book tickets at www.winchesterScienceCentre.org

Enjoy motorsport from the driver’s seat This summer, The Race Centre in Chandler’s Ford is holding their ever-popular School Holiday Specials. These events are halfprice for groups with ‘drivers’ aged 8 to 17.

Summer fun at Exbury Gardens Visit Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway this Summer for a day out like no other.

There will be something for everyone from glorious seasonal colour and wild exploration in the Gardens, to a range of exciting events including donkey days, wildlife walks, falconry displays, live music and outdoor shows.

This summer enjoy open-air theatre. On 30 July enjoy Cinderella and 14 August there is Pride and Prejudice, bring a picnic and blankets and enjoy time with friends and family in the most beautiful gardens.

Find out more at www.exbury.co.uk

Using their Track of the Month, drivers start with an entry-level car, learning the circuit and controls. Drivers can then stick with that car, or upgrade to something more challenging. All drivers are on track together competing to be the quickest. All lap times go into a monthly leaderboard to make comparison between friends super easy. Mum, Dad, and Guardian adults are also welcome to join in at the discounted rate.

The Race Centre also offers exclusive venue hire for junior birthday parties. Up to ten drivers competing head-to-head in a series of qualifying and race sessions. Racing concludes with podium presentations, and can be rounded off with additional time for pizza and cake.

Find out more and book tickets at www.theracecentre.co.uk

Enjoy a unique day out at New Forest Wildlife Park An ideal family day out in the beautiful ancient woodlands of New Forest Wildlife Park, you will find over 260 animals from 40 species including many native species both past and present.

Watch the exotic and noisy Giant otters from the Amazon, the rare and beautiful Scottish wildcat, pine martens, wolves, lynx and magnificent bison to name but a few.

Meet the knowledgeable and friendly keepers as they feed the animals - they do love to chat about the animals in their care. Two impressive playgrounds for all ages which may test everyone’s abilities and burn off some of that extra energy. A good cup of coffee and snack and maybe a visit to the gift shop rounds of a fun and interesting visit to New Forest Wildlife Park.

Dinosaurs on your doorstep at St Barbe Museum Journey back to Jurassic times to find out about the reptiles that once dominated our planet at St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery from 23 July to 10 September.

This family-friendly exhibition, provided

by Bespoke Scientific introduces visitors to magnificent carnivores, herbivores, marine and flying reptiles. Find out facts and fun such as what these giant beasts ate, how they lived and get hands-on with real fossilized dinosaur bones telling the story of these amazing creatures.

If you are as fascinated by animals as we are you may wish to try a Keeper Experience for a deeper insight into their care and future.

This exhibition of original fossils, impressive casts, models and photorealistic graphics looks at important dinosaur material found along the South Coast – remains all found within a 75mile radius around Lymington.

Find out more at www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk

www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk

July/August 2022

Families Hampshire West 11

WHAT’S ON CLUBS & CLASSES

What's On

Summer fun for all the family

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing. Email editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

Don’t forget to sign up for our digital magazine for more interactive content at familiesmagazine.co.uk/go All listings correct at the time of going to print. Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead and venues are open.

Throughout July & August Superworm Trail Alice Holt Forest, Farnham, GU10 4LS Discover the small but mighty creatures in the much-loved story and learn about the everyday heroic feats of minibeasts in the forest. The self-led trail features brightly illustrated panels and a trail pack full of fun activities, including your very own mask. Ages 3-9. £3.50.

new collection of 55 dinosaur sculptures. The interactive expedition is on display alongside hundreds of resident endangered and exotic animals.

Throughout July & August Gruffalo Sculptures Alice Holt Forest, Farnham, GU10 4LS If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo and other characters from Julia Donaldson’s fantastic story!

Each sculpture has been carved in a different position unique to Alice Holt, and they bring this muchloved story to life in the forest.

Sat 9 and Sun 10 July Tudor Weekend Basing House, Basingstoke, RG24 8AE Dress up and join in with reenactors who will be demonstrating Tudor embroidery, archery, falconry and beekeeping Tudor style with traditional skeps. 11am-4pm.

Throughout July & August Bond in Motion - No Time To Die Exhibition Beaulieu National Motor Museum, SO42 7ZN Featuring nine iconic vehicles, gadgets and costumes. Plus, be amongst the first to see the foldingwing glider. The exhibition will be on show until November 2022.

Throughout July & August BRICKOSAURS! Evolution Marwell Zoo, Winchester, SO21 1JH An event featuring an all-

Sat 9 July to Sun 11 Sep Sparks Winchester Science Centre, SO21 1HZ Plug in and power up! It’s time to blast into 2002 for an electrifying new science show.

Mon 25 to Fri 29 July Festival of Archaeology Butser Ancient Farm, Waterlooville, PO8 0BG The UK’s biggest archaeological event. Take part in a range of ancient skills and archaeological activities to try out.

Wed 20 to Thu 21 July The Gruffalo Mast Mayflower Studios Southampton, SO14 7DU Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. For everyone aged 3+.

Super worm

Trail

Fri 22 July to Fri 26 Aug Playing with paint Forest Arts Centre – New Milton BH25 6DS Playing with paint is spontaneous play that leaves traces behind, is free of distraction, pressure, competition and criticism as the traces (pictures) are not photographed, exhibited or taken home. 10am-11am. £5 per child.

Ages 6+.

Sat 23 July to Sun 4 Sep History Saves the World Milestones Museum, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG Can we be greener by learning from our past? Victorians were great at repairing, reusing and recycling.

Find out what the Victorians did to make things last longer and have a go yourself with some activities.

Tue 26 Jul to Thu 28 Jul New Forest Show The Showground, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QH Throughout the Show there will be interactive activities for visitors to enjoy alongside the wonderful variety of Show sections and attractions. including; a fun kitchen, a dog show, floral art, crafting, Forest school activities and more.

Tue 26 Jul - Thu 28 Jul Dinosaur World Live Theatre Royal Winchester, SO23 8SB Grab your compass and join the intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs.

Meet a host of impressive creatures, including the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus! Ages 3+.

m Join Superwor w ne dan br a on ail at interactive tr st re Alice Holt Fo

Make a superhero headquarters the creatures for in your garden

Thu 28 Jul, Tue 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Aug & Sat 6, 13 & 20 Aug Pond Dipping Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA What is lurking in the ponds? Come along for a quick dip and a swish in the Education Ponds. Ages 3+. £3.

Booking essential. 1-4pm.

Sat 30 Jul Open-Air Theatre: Cinderella Exbury Gardens, SO45 1AZ In an enchanted kingdom in a faraway land magical creatures and fairy godmothers come together to tell the best loved of all fairy tales. Full of song, mirth, and joy for the summer ahead, join us on Cinderella’s journey of a lifetime to a magical ball where nearly anything is possible especially if it is before midnight. 7pm.

Every Tuesday in Aug Forest Films Forest Arts Centre, New Milton BH25 6DS Each Tuesday in August (exc. 30th), come along to our family- friendly films such as Encanto, Sing 2!, Luca and Ron Gone Wrong. 11am. £3.

Thu 4, 11, 18 & 25 Aug Garden Beasts and Where to Find Them Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA Hike out to explore the Gardens with the Education team. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. £6.

Where your New Forest s! adventure begin

At home activities

Superh

headquarero ters

23 July to 10 Sep Dinosaurs on your Doorstep St Barbe Museum, Lymington, SO41 9BH See page 11 for information.

Share

your photos

#SuperwormTrail Forestry England

forestryengland.uk/ superworm

You will need: Natural items such as stones, wood, grass, leaves Coloured paper Pens/colouring pencils Scissors A stick Tape

oes!

rher

st supe

and all forepower ! mask a super your Pick it to stick

How to make

Super er burrow

1.

1

ing

Super

pe

feet

Su

Com mo n

r strong

ly rs

2.

2

to

3.

3

Trail

m

the headquar

Use your scissors to cut a creature headquartersout sign from your coloured paper, and your pens decorate it using or pencils.

Tape your headquarters sign to your stick.

Find a sheltered spot in your garden natural itemsand place your pile or house in either a shape.

orm Superw activities ©2012 & TM

el

Supe

ad

Toad

fast

Call

Julia Donaldson/

4.

4

5 5.

ters

Stick your sign in the ground next headquarters,to your inviting the creatures to come inside.

Come back see if any later to creatures have moved in!

Welcom superhe e roes!

Axel Scheffl er.

Creature fact cards

Key facts

Please ©2012

& TM

recycle Julia

Axel

er. Licensed Scheffl

by Magic

Type of creature: Amphibian. both on land They live and in water Diet: Slugs, snails, spiders, worms, ants Lifespan: Ltd 10-12 years Pictures Light Please recycle

Donaldson/

Listen out

©2012 &

TM Julia

Donaldson/

Axel Scheffl er.

Toads make a high-pitched “qwark-qwark” are particularly sound. They noisy in spring when they return to ponds to find a mate.

and.uk

forestryengl

With fun trail pack

Find out more at:

forestryengland.uk/superworm © 2012 & TM Julia Donaldson / Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

12 Families Hampshire West

Explore the fascinating history of the New Forest in our free museum.

Visit our website for details about family events running during the summer.

newforestheritage.org.uk nfheritage

newforestheritage

newforestheritage

The New Forest Heritage Centre, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, S043 7NY REGISTERED CHARIT Y NUMBER: 1186656

July/August 2022

WHAT’S ON

Explore our gardens and discover another world 10 STUNNING PROFESSIONAL

RACECAR SIMULATORS

New Systems I New Cars New Tracks I Stunning New Visuals

There is something for everyone at Exbury NOW OPEN www.exbury.co.uk

Summer Holiday Specials 2022

- Discounted Daily Sessions Monday-Friday - For Under 18’s and accompanying adults - Book online for just £15 per driver

Junior Birthday Parties

- Exclusive venue hire from £185 - Catering options available - Try-before-you-buy (call to book)

Exbury Gardens, New Forest, Hampshire, SO45 1AZ info@exbury.co.uk | 023 8089 1203

Book online at www.theracecentre.co.uk Tel: Chandler’s Ford 023 8026 9927

BU YT ICK ETS

26 TH CO , 27 TH ME & 28 T AN C H J DREGATI UL ENGTME Y 2 MO 022 IN VRIO ES SIN LVCEE19 D20

July/August 2022

ON LIN E&

SAV E

Families Hampshire West 13

WHAT’S ON Thu 11 Aug Quantum Theatre presents The Tale of Peter Rabbit™ Hinton Ampner, Alresford, SO24 0LA Join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures in this enchanting adaptation of the muchloved Beatrix Potter classic – a treat for all the family. 7pm.

Tue 16 & Wed 17 Aug Open Air Theatre: The Three Musketeers Beaulieu National Motor Museum, SO42 7ZN This family friendly musical will be an incredible mix of amazing adventure, magical music, comical characters and swashbuckling sword fights. This live performance is open-air, bring a picnic and blanket or low-backed chair and dress for the weather. 6.30pm.

SeaCity Museum Southampton, SO14 7FY 25, 26 Jul & 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 & 23 Aug Culture Club for Kids Creative and learning adventure through fun themed activities. each date has a different theme.

Ages 6 to 12. 9am–4.30pm (drop off from 8.45am). £35 per day (£60 per week).

Mon 25 Jul & Fri 19 & 26 Aug Southampton’s Titanic Story Exhibition Guided Tour Immerse yourself in the story of the RMS Titanic by joining one of SeaCity’s brilliant tour guides.

10.30am, 12pm or 2pm, £6 per person or £24 family ticket.

Fri 29 Jul & Tues 16 Aug Football Fever Workshop Discover the history of womens football in Southampton while designing your own kit and create a logo for your own drawstring bag!

10am, 12pm or 2pm, FREE. Wed 3, Thu 4, Fri 6 Aug Discover Titanic Family Workshop Discover more about the RMS Titanic. Try your hand at Morse Code, handle objects from ocean liners, sink the Titanic and see how an iceberg floats! Ages 6+.

10.30am, 12pm or 1.30pm, £6.

Fri 12 Aug Play with Printmaking: Tote Bags Use printmaking techniques to design and then print a personalised tote bag. Ages 7+.

10.30am, 1pm or 3.15pm. £8.

Fri 19 Aug Merpeople of Atlantis Sculpt the occupants of Atlantis!

Amazing mermaids and mermen from under the sea. Ages 6+.

10.30am, 1pm or 3.15pm. £8.

Fri 26 Aug Yummy Mummies Super fun sculpture workshop creating models of Egyptian mummies from recycled materials.

Ages 5+. 10.15am, 1pm, 3.15pm. £8.

Southampton City Art Gallery, SO14 7LY Tues 26 July Play with printmaking: Ocean Creatures Family Workshop Explore the possibilities of layering

Wed 10 Aug Snazzy Suncatchers Create some beautiful insect inspired suncatchers. Under 7s.

10.15am, 11.45am or 1.30pm. £5

Fri 29 July & Tue 23 Aug Exhibit your Art! - 3D Workshops Create your very own masterpiece for the Young People’s Open Exhibition on display at the Gallery from Oct 22. Ages 7+. 10am, 1pm.

Thurs 18 Aug Play with Clay: Creative Animals Sculpt animals out of clay, real or imaginary or even your own pet.

Ages 5+. 10am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm. £7.50.

Mon 1 & 8 Aug Play with Tie Dye Experiment with different colours and techniques with fabulous results. Ages 9+.10am, 12.30pm or 2.30pm. £9.

Tudor House, Southampton, SO14 2AD Wed 27 July Illuminated Letters Create beautiful, Tudor drawings of your initials with a special touch of gold and decorated with medieval animals, amazing plants and flowers. 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm. £6.

Tues 2 Aug Make a Miniature Art Gallery Discover the joy of all things miniature at this creative and accessible workshop. Ages 6-13.

10am, 12.30pm or 2.30pm, £8.50.

Thurs 28 July Magic Fairy Doors Tudor House is full of magic and mystery! Come along and make your own Fairy or Elf Door. 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, £5.

Wed 3 Aug Time Traveller Take inspiration from the exhibition and create a sculpture made with fabulous materials from

Family-friendly summer exhibition, including free

Registered charity 274737

23 July 10 September www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk registered charity no. 1018779

AR

YE

H DEN OF T

E

20

Thur 28 July & Fri 5 Aug Play with Clay Discover the infinitely satisfying art of clay and create a sculpture.

Various themed days. Ages 4+.

10am, 12.30pm or 2.30pm. £7.50.

children’s activities

- 2021 WIN

GA R

Tues 9 Aug Summer Lanterns Upcycling fun turning a plain glass jar into a stunning summer lantern.

10.15am, 11.45am or 1.30pm. £7.

R NE

GE HERITA

Home to over 600 Champion Trees and one of the longest double mixed borders in the UK.

14

Wed 27 July Play with Paper: Sketching from nature Begin a summer sketchbook taking inspiration from the exhibition and the natural world. Ages 5+. 10am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm. £7.50.

on your Doorstep

KIDS UNDER 5 GO FRE E

Gardens and Arboretum

Thurs 4 Aug Play with Plaster Casting: Natural objects Try your hand at plaster casting natural materials. Ages 5+. 10am, 12.30pm or 2.30pm. £7.50.

Dinosaurs

KIDS UNDER 5 GO FREE

Award-Winning

Southampton Scrapstore. Under 7’s.

10.30am, 12.30pm or 1.45pm. £7.50.

colour with press-print and create a stunning picture of an ocean creature of your choice. 10am, 12.30 or 2.30pm. £7.50.

• 14 National Plant Collections • Pond and bog gardens • Children’s play areas including tree house • Events and exhibitions

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA Open daily from 10am except Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Book online

Get our digital mag! IT’S

FREE!

FRE

TAK

E ME

E

HOME

IN THIS ISSUE

Education Activities Health Family food Jan/Feb 2022

/HillierGardens

familiesonline.co

@HillierGardens

.uk

hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens 14 Families Hampshire West

Sign up at familiesmag.co.uk/go July/August 2022

WHAT’S ON

Thurs 11 Aug World War 2 Spies & Ciphers Practise code-breaking, make your own gas mask and discover more about Southampton during the Second World War. Ages 7-13.

10.30am or 1pm. £8.

Fri 12 Aug Play with Wire: Drawing in Space Take a line for a walk and discover drawing with wire to create a wall mountable sculpture. Ages 7+.

10am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, £7.50.

Tues 16 Aug Saxon Bling!

Inspired by objects in the Hamwic Hoard, create your own Anglo Saxon bling! 10.15am, 11.45am, 1.30pm. £5.

Thurs 18 Aug Off With Their Heads Discover the horrible histories of the Tudors in this fun-filled activity session. Ages 6+. 10.30am or 1pm. £8.

Unscramble the letters to find things to do this summer!

1. V I T S I

2. I E R D

Mon 22 Aug Tour For All: Mysteries of Southampton Castle Explore the town castle and discover tales of treachery, murder and mystery! Ages 6+. 11am or 2pm. £6 per person or £24 family.

Mon 22 Aug Castles & Catapults Family Workshop Discover the creepy world of castles in this interactive history workshop. Ages 6+. 10.30am or 1pm. £8.

Tues 23 & Wed 24 Aug Wizard School Love the Boy Who Lived? Create your very own magic wand, cast a spell and make a potion as well as searching for the magical characters in the garden. Ages 6+.

10.30am, 12noon or 1.30pm. £6.

H T E

✹

E C A B H

O R U Y

3. T E A

4. O G

K B I E

E C I

R A M C E

G W S M I M I N

5. L P A Y T H W I U R O Y E I D S F R N

✹

Wed 10 Aug Pirate Puppets Create a fabulous pirate puppet using loads of interesting art materials. 10.30am or 1pm, £7.

Wed 17 Aug Fairy Houses & Dwarf Dwellings Make your own Toadstool Fairy House or Dwarf Dwelling, plus a little peg fairy or dragonfly to watch over it. 10.30am or 1pm. £7.

AMAZING ANAGRAM

✹

Wed 10 Aug Tour For All: Swashbuckling Southampton Treasure Tour Join a special tour of the Old Town with a focus on stories of bucaneers, explorers and smugglers! 11am or 2pm. £6 per person or £24 family ticket.

Wed 17 Aug Minion Money Boxes Create your own Minion storage pot styled on your favourite minion or one made totally up. 10.15am, 11.45am or 1.30pm. £7.

When you’ve finished, unscramble the circled letters to spell a special message!

Answers: 1. Visit the beach 2. Ride your bike 3. Eat ice cream 4. Go swimming 5. Play with your friends.

The answer to the special message is: Remember to wear suncream.

Tues 2 Aug Great Fire of London Family Fun Step back in time to 1666 London.

Discover Samuel Pepys, handle real objects from the time and even create your own (mini) Great Fire!

Ages 6+. 10.30am, 1pm. £8.

Cool backpacks for cool kids!

Get your FREE Grass & Air backpack NOW* Perfect for little treasures Fully lined, pockets, adjustable straps & handle.

Magazine July/August 2022

Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go *while stocks last T&Cs apply Families Hampshire West 15

Saturday 30 July 2022 10am-5pm

Tudor House & Garden Summer Fete Celebrating 110 years since Tudor House opened as a museum with an entry fee of 6p.

Entry £2.50 per person, the equivalent of 6p today.

• Old Town Tours (pre-book) • Wand Making Workshops (pre-book) • Spot the Fairy Trail • Face-painting* • Archery* • BBQ in the garden 12 - 2pm, please pay in the cafe. (*small charges apply on the day, get tickets for pre-bookable activities via www.wegottickets.com/SouthamptonCulture)

tudorhouseandgarden.com 16 Families Hampshire West

July/August 2022