Families Sussex Coast July August 2013 issue 30

Issue 30 : July/August 2013

FREE www.familiessussexcoast.co.uk

Brighton, Eastbourne, Worthing, Lewes, Littlehampton and everywhere in between!

Summer guide to what’s on in Sussex Good value local days out Competitions Photo Credit – Claire Greenway www.clairegreenway.co.uk

The really useful magazine and website for families with children

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August BAnk HolidAy Weekend

Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th August Plenty for the family to enjoy over three magical days.

Family tickets from ÂŁ16, free admission for children.

For tickets or hospitality call 01243 755055 or visit

www.goodwood.com Sussex Coast 01903 506813

Welcome

Welcome

Hello! I can’t believe it is

summer at last. Here’s hoping that we have some sunshine this year so that we get out and enjoy our beautiful county with our families.This issue I have a bumper what’s on guide with lots to see and do in our local area this summer and over the holidays, including good value activities to do in Sussex. Also I have guidance for enjoying yourself in the water this summer with top safety tips from Vicki at The Little Swim School. Also, for safety in the sun, please see my article on vitamin D, not the usual advice but well worth reading. Of course we all have the return to school in the back of our minds over the summer, so please read my useful guide to buying school shoes, and also a fabulous article on whether your little one is ready to start school. I hope that you enjoy the summer and cherish time with your kids, why not try some of the activities in this issue from PlayMosaic and Made and Making to while away the hours. Please check my website, facebook page and twitter for more things to do.

Vicki Printed by Warners Midlands Plc www.warners.co.uk Please recycle your copy of Families Sussex Coast when you have finished with it.Copyright: Families Sussex Coast June 2013 .

Data protection: If you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the samples or prizes.

If you would prefer us NOT to do so, please state this clearly on your entry.

Disclaimer: We take care preparing this magazine but the publisher and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Families Group: Families Sussex Coast is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All magazines in the Group are independently owned and operated under licence.

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What’s inside?

News - What is happening in Sussex

Competitions - Win tickets to Mickey Live!, Ben & Holly tickets, CD’s and more

Activities to do at home - Need a little activity

to fill a few hours at home? Here are two activities to make at home from PlayMosaic and Made and Making

La Casita - Looking for a nursery with a difference?

Welcome to La Casita

Keeping safe this summer - Vicki Bates from

The Little Swim School has put together a guide to keeping safe in the water. Also, a small information piece on vitamin D

10 Summer Holiday guide to stress free

family time - Whether you are planning a trip away or you are home, follow this expert advice for stress free family time

12 Back to School - How to prepare your child for starting school, shoe shopping and the importance of sleep

14 What’s on? -Your regular roundup of what is on in Sussex including good value days out

Families Sussex Coast covers: Brighton, Hove, Eastbourne, Worthing, Lewes, Burgess Hill, Hassocks,East Preston, Rustington,Littlehampton and everywhere in between.

Next Issue Sept/Oct: Advertising and editorial deadline is 31st July 2013.

You can contribute to Families Sussex Coast through advertising, editorial and our whats on pages. Contact Families Sussex Coast 01903 506813

editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk

Design by Sanderswhite. Contact sue@sanderswhite.co.uk

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

4 News

FAMILY FUN at

Goodwood Racecourse in August

Goodwood Racecourse has a classic treat lined up for all ages with the return of their eagerly-anticipated 1950s-themed August Bank Holiday weekend.

Held over three magical days, this special event rekindles the nostalgic Summer Holidays of yesteryear to create the ultimate family day out.

Come along and enjoy a fabulous choice of traditional entertainment together with live music and a selection of scrumptious treats. Take your little ones to the old-fashioned funfair, put your feet up at our replica beach front or even try your hand at lawn bowls – there’s so many attractions across the racecourse.

The exciting children’s playground is new for the 2013 season and gives children the perfect opportunity to have loads of fun in a safe environment. Located in the family friendly Lennox Enclosure, the playground includes a wide range of structures including Balance Pole, Climbing Log Challenge, Roundabout, Basket Swing and a Play Unit with Slide. The playground is totally free for youngsters aged between 4 and 12 years.

In this enclosure you can also bring a picnic and watch all the racing action from directly by the rails as you share a family afternoon to remember.

Live music includes jazz on the East Parade Lawn, rock ‘n’ roll and even a string quartet, while there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. An action-packed card of racing is on offer each day so you can savour the thrill of first-class contests such as the Betfair Celebration Mile on Saturday.

With family tickets starting from £16 and free admission for children, Goodwood is the only place to be this August Bank Holiday with smiles guaranteed.

Telephone the Ticket Office on 01243 755055 for tickets or visit www.goodwood.com to book online.

Keep their brain active over the summer holidays with

Kumon

Learning is just like exercise: take several weeks off and the treadmill feels a lot steeper when you finally get back on. It’s no different with maths and reading.

Research suggests that a long break without any mental activity can result in a decline of mathematical, reading and language skills as well as concentration levels.

Daily Kumon study can help make all the difference when it comes to keeping ‘in shape’ between school terms and throughout the year. At the Brighton, Hanover Study Centre, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. As we look to the start of a new school term after the summer holidays, it’s especially important that your child gets to grips with these core subjects.

To give your child a head start this summer, and for more information, contact Instructor Kumar Suresh on 01273 900059 or email brightonhanover@kumoncentre.co.uk

Claire Greenway photographer

Specialising in natural editorial style family portrait shoots and newborn baby photography, Claire Greenway photographs children, babies, bumps and family parties in a style that’s individual, creative and fun.

With over 10 years of professional portrait and editorial photography experience, she takes great joy & pride in capturing real life at its glorious best!

Her divine newborn sessions take place in the comfort of baby’s home at a relaxed, gentle pace.

These captivating images are best created at 5-10 days old, so booking during mid to late pregnancy is ideal. However, Claire is flexible, since as a mother of 2 with one on the way she knows that babies and children are anything but predictable!

For families with toddlers and older children, she breaks from the staged, portrait studio look for lively, on-location shoots that go down a storm with children and parents alike. And canine family members are always welcome and encouraged to join in!

Claire provides the photographs as a bespoke choice of high-end framed products and handmade albums, using only archival quality materials, skilled framers and bookbinders, to last the generations.

The front cover is an example of Claire’s beautiful work.To contact Claire, call 07980819350, email photo@clairegreenway.co.uk or have a look at www.clairegreenway.co.uk and her blog.

01903 506813 or editor@familiessouthcoast.co.uk

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

New Mathemagical classes coming to Sussex!

Exciting news, Mathemagical is expanding! In September Mathemagical opens at two new venues in Sussex – pre-school classes will be held at Angmering Community Centre on Wednesday mornings and another new class will begin in Haywards Heath (time and venue to be confirmed at www.mathemagical.co.uk soon). And of course four classes continue to run on a Monday at The Wave Children & Family centre in Worthing.

Mathemagical have a number of summer taster classes running at all venues which can be booked via the website now – limited spaces are available for each class so book soon to find out how this award winning class can help build your child’s confidence in maths.

Mathemagical also run classes at nurseries and pre-schools, and after school enrichment classes for Reception Year children in schools. So, if you’re not able to take your child to one of Mathemagical’s parent and child classes, then let your child’s nursery, pre-school or school know about Mathemagical and they’ll come to them!

Through singing, actions, props, games, toys, puzzles and child-led play, Mathemagical classes give your child a fantastic start in maths. They also show you how to help make maths an engaging and fascinating topic, by giving you lots of ideas of simple mathematical activities and language that you can use with your child while you’re at home and out and about. But most of all, children have lots of fun!

Parenting a toddler is hard.

Gone is your warm snuggly immobile baby bundle and in its place is a wilful bundle of curious energy fighting for control and independence and causing frustration and embarrassment – particularly when they tantrum in public, in front of your friend and her perfect, non tantruming children and worst of all in the presence of your mother in law.

How do you cope with your toddler’s tantrums?

Do you wish you knew more ways of coping with the ‘terrible twos’ (and ones and threes and fours!)?

Isn’t it funny – when we’re pregnant we go to antenatal classes and learn everything we can about labour and birth- but then when we need help the most – the toddler years – the classes all stop, save for the activity classes such as gym & music – what if there were classes and workshops that could help you to understand your toddler and their behaviour, the science behind it and most importantly of all – learn coping techniques that really work and are beneficial to the whole family?

This is what ToddlerCalmTM does. Naomi Newland offers unique toddler calming classes for parents of 1 to 4 year olds, helping parents to cope with toddler tantrums, picky eating and sleep problems all from only £35. For more details go to

www.toddlercalm.co.uk/naomi-newland

News 5

Fishers Adventure GREASE THE MUSICAL On stage 25th - 28th July at the Farm Park Windmill Theatre Hove! has recently announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award.

The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top performing 10 per cent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed onTripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

It is hardly surprising as Fishers Farm continues to improve their facilities each year, this year being no exception. The new Animal Encounter Barn opened this spring has been specifically designed to display the animals to their best advantage incorporating the fantastic new demonstration area, where children are encouraged to participate in the many and varied shows and animal handling sessions that will take place throughout the day. Fishers are passionate about children interacting with animals in a safe environment and they hope that the new barn will underline their commitment to animal health and family safety.Details at www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk

Ann-Maree Morrison, founder of

The Pop School and Stage Academy (PSSA) Youth Theatre Group are spreading their Summer Lovin‘ in a bid to convince you that Grease is definitely the word this summer!!

PSSA is an exciting Brighton-based Youth Theatre group run by a glittering team of West End stars, music industry professionals and TV personalities.

Drawing on their impressive collective experience in the performing arts, they train children and young adults of all ages and abilities.

Mia Terry PSSA Director says “ Most of our team started in amateur theatre and understand just how important it is for young people to get involved with like minded children within their community, and be a part of something special, something that they’ll remember forever! We have 2 wonderfully talented casts, one 8 - 12 yrs, and one 13 - 18 yrs and providing the music for the show will be a band of our very own young musicians who are just amazing!

The show is going to be fantastic - we are all very excited!”

The benefits of performance are endless, and at a £2 per hour rehearsal fee - it’s not only sheer fun - its affordable! The students take pride in making something happen as a company and ultimately, if they find that the swish of the curtain and rapturous applause is for them, they may even embark on a dazzling stage and screen career, becoming the next Newton-John or Travolta...For more information on PSSA, or to buy tickets for Grease ( @ £12.50 and £9.50) please contact info@pssa.co.uk or call 08000 827828.

Mike Reinstein

is a singer, songwriter and teacher who works in primary schools across Brighton and West Sussex.

He’s released two CDs of critically acclaimed children’s songs – The Tommy Tomato Songbook and The Blewdle. In these albums, he’s created that rare thing – songs for primary-age children that adults can also listen to over and over again without going quietly mad!

The lyrics are witty or poignant and stimulate the imagination. The tunes are beautifully crafted and because there’s an excellent band rather than keyboard samples, the production values are worthy of any work by established artists.

This CD has magic powers; long car journeys seem to be shorter and parents even find themselves listening to it when the kids are in bed. If these songs were people, you’d be happy to invite them to dinner!

For your chance to win these CDs please see page 6.

Ideal for journeys in the car this summer!

Both albums are available from Mike’s website:

www.mikereinstein.co.uk

www.labels4kids.com

was recently invited by 10 Downing Street and the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to join their EU E-Commerce Task Force in London.

In addition to running up and down to London Ann-Maree has been busy developing the next generation of the Labels4Kids website to cater for international franchises and better meet the needs of the customer. The new site was launched mid May and is a big change to the old one. Still ironing out all the bugs will take a while but Ann-Maree would encourage Families customers to take a look around the new site and provide their feedback, both positive and negative. “We have invested a huge amount of money in this site and it would be nice to know if it is meeting the needs of our customers and where we still need to work on improvement.

The new site has many more video clips which can also be viewed on Labels4KidsTV on youtube, and an onscreen design facility for vinyl labels for some packs which will be rolled across all the vinyl labels if it works well for our customers” says Ann-Maree.

Families Magazine customers can get 10% discount on the new site Farmyard using the code families at the checkout.

Fun in the Sun at

Spring BarnFarm

Worthing Youth Theatre/Media Youth club specialising in drama and media

Drama for all members & film making and pod -casting for seniors Meet at The Rosie, Littlehampton Road, Worthing

8-11yrs - 5.30 to 6.30pm 11-14yrs - 6.30-7.45pm 14-18yrs - 8.00 - 10.00pm www.worthingyouththeatre.org info@worthingyouththeatre.org

Chick, chick, chicken, lay a little egg for me. This summer, extra special activities at Spring Barn Farm guarantee plenty of farmyard fun in the sun. Help the farmers collect the hen’s eggs, join in Ponytime and cheer on your favourite piggy in the pig races.

In addition to cute new babies and animal fun, you’ll find oodles of outdoor and indoor adventure play. Bounce high on jumping pillows, race go karts or build a sandcastle in the outdoor adventure play area. Plus inside, whizz down super speedy slides and watch younger guests hone their driving skills in the pedal tractor area.

For refuelling, the Farmhouse Kitchen Restaurant at Spring Barn Farm is full of tasty treats. Relax with a snack on the summer sun terrace, grab a hot meal in the restaurant or quick snack from the cafe. All freshly prepared, the farmhouse kitchen uses as many local ingredients as possible. For more information visit www.springbarnfarm.com or call 01273 488450.

Spring Barn Farm can be found on Kingston Rd, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 3ND near Brighton and West Sussex. Open daily from 9 am.

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

6 Competitions Put on your dancing shoes!

Disney Live!

is bringing a brand new, live stage show, starring your favourite Disney characters to Brighton this summer.This live stage spectacular, produced

by Feld Entertainment, whisks audiences on a wacky, fun-filled journey with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy as they embark on an hilarious talent search adventure filled with unexpected, exciting encounters and his best buddies. As this original story line unfolds, families will sing, dance and laugh along withthe ever-lovable Tigger; Cinderellaand her conniving stepsisters; and Buzz Lightyear, Woody and friends from Disney Pixar’s Toy Story.

Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show plays at The Brighton Centre from Tuesday 13th to Wednesday 14th August 2013 and promises audiences a high-energy, fun-packed adventure led by Mickey Mouse and featuring a host of much loved Disney friends.

To celebrate the opening of this show, the Brighton Centre has teamed up with Families Sussex Coast to give one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket to see the show and the incredible opportunity to meet some of the characters.

To enter simply answer the following question. Please email correct answers to editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk before July 31st 2013.

Mike Reinstein cd giveaway

has composed two albums of crtitically acclaimed children’s songs that all the family can listen to and enjoy -The TommyTomato Songbook and The Blewdle.

In this competition we’re giving away three copies of each CD. To win an album, simply answer this question correctly:

What is the name of the Tomato character ?

Please send all correct answers to editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk before 31st July

Online Competition Go to www.familiessussexcoast.co.uk for your chance to win a family ticket to see Ben and Holly and all their friends on a magical, musical adventure.

Tickets for 10th July at the Theatre Royal Brighton.

How many stepsisters does Cinderella have?

Don’t worry if you don’t win, tickets are still available.

See http://www.brightoncentre.co.uk for more details.

Terms and Conditions - Tickets valid on Tuesday 13th August at 1.30pm only.

A family ticket includes 2 adults and 2 children. Child ticket is valid for under 12’s.

No purchase necessary. Tickets are non-exchangeable. Closing date for entries is 31/7/13 entries received after this date will not be counted. The Meet and Greet with the characters will take place after the show.

Inspire the kids and try something new with Kallikids.com

KalliKids helps parents choose quality activity providers for their children: word of mouth with a megaphone!

Book Giveaways!

Enter online to win a copy of

Road to Rouen by local author Ben Hatch or the RSPB Handbook of the Seashore by Maya Plass.

Details and reviews at www.familiessussexcoast.co.uk

Off to School set We have 5 Easy2Name Off to School sets to give away, each set is worth £18.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag.

Please state clearly the name of your child and whether you require the shoe bag in red, lilac or blue.The full Easy2Name range can be seen at

www.easy2name.com

Please send your name and address by 31st July to editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk to enter.

Winners will be selected at random.

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

Win!

Do you have a budding rock star in the family? KalliKids is offering you the chance to win four guitar or drum lessons with their newly accredited provider Sussex Academy of Music. SAM are a high quality music academy that teaches all instruments, one-to-one and paired; covering classical, contemporary and urban genres, including voice and music technology Here’s what KalliKids parents had to say: “I would recommend SAM to anyone – young or old for their excellent tuition, feedback on progress and administration. They are friendly and approachable and flexible” To enter simply submit your name and email address to editor@familiessusseexcoast.co.uk or sign up as a parent for free on KalliKids.com and answer ‘Families Sussex Coast’ when asked ‘Where did you hear about KalliKids?’

All entries by 31st July 2013.

Discover!

When searching for a club, activity, tutor, childcare provider, or something a little bit different, then who better to ask than another parent in the know?

KalliKids not only provides details of approved providers, they complement this with testimonials from existing parents so you hear exactly what it’s like from the inside. At KalliKids.com each activity provider has a dedicated webpage – it’s perfect for small businesses as they can detail their story, images, and videos online. Parents, as members, can filter an activity search by term time, after school hours, age group and region.

You’ll find inspiration and information at KalliKids.com, whether you’re looking for a private maths tutor, a choir, karate club or a party entertainer.

www.KalliKids.com

activities to do at home

Fabulous Felt Pot

by Made and Making

You will need

1 rectangle of fabric - 24cm by 15cm. It can be felt or old t shirt or jeans, anything that you have around thehome.

Some thread – preferably embroidery but normal cotton will be fine.

Scraps of material or felt Buttons & ribbon

and plain fun wit

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1.Take the rectangle of fabric and fold over about 4cm long

one of the long sides. Sew this in place using a running stitch, or any other stitch you may like. I attached a piece of ribbon at the same time on mine and tucked the ends of the ribbon inside the turn

2. Decorate below the turn back using your fabric

scraps and odd buttons. You might have a selection of small decorations like the one in the picture or have one big decoration. Maybe a rocket or a cupcake?

3. Wrap the fabric around a clean empty tin can and

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4.

sew the two short edges together. You could use a whip stitch or perhaps cross stitch across the join

ta da … one rather happily recycled tin can now ready to house any number of things!

Making sure that the next generation will be confident with a needle and thread is the main aim of the children’s sewing workshops and parties organised and run by Sarah from Made and Making. There are a variety of projects undertaken; from hand sewn bird decorations, teddy bears and felt monsters to machine sewn skirts, pencil cases and notebook covers. Not to mention the bunting parties where everyone contributes towards one long garland for the party girl or boy. Party workshops don’t just need to be for the children either. They are a great way to spend a relaxed evening with friends or to celebrate a special occasion.

For more information on sewing workshops and parties for both children and adults please visit the website. You’ll also be able to find out about our brand new loyalty scheme and join our mailing list. Visit www.madeandmaking.co.uk

--------------------------------------------Preparation:

Duck race

What you will ne

h water!

ed: # Guttering # Buckets # Tuff spots/builders trays # Watering cans # Rubber ducks (plas tic) the lighter the be tter # Jugs # Water!

Setting up the du

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As much as we look forward to time off over the summer, there is always that reality check when we hear the words “I’m bored!”

Why not try these activities provided by local Sussex businesses PlayMosaic and Made and Making.

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summerh0liday

Activities to do at home 7

ck race Balance the gutterin g between the bucke ts with one piece to the tray at the bottom, pla ce the ducks on the guttering and pour the water down. See the ducks swim.

The children will love to change it round, do n’t forget to recycle the using the jugs. ‘Have water some family fun from the PlayMosaic team’ Please look at our we bsite for future even ts.

Follow us on Twitte r @playmosaic Find us on Facebook PlayM

osaic ltd www.pla ymosaic.co -------------------------------------.uk-----

’ s l l a w r e t a w ‘ ing, wallle? old plastic bottles, tubs, pip r e t a w a clab with recy What is

e n wild. all is mad A water w our imagination ru y t ck of le ls funne om the ba a piece fr e rack. p u k ic p ually a wir ou can us ld pallet, trellis, or f board (y o o n e a c l, ls ie e e p n n a #A fun ce p g, piping, tore), fen st wire any DIY s bottles, tubs, tubin avy duty ties, flori c e ti h s , la g p lin e ld #O , dow es, hooks # Cable ti ring u lo # Food co # Scissors pe al ta # Electric f buckets o le p # A cou ! r! te a #W

ll need:

u wi What yo

Find what you are going to use as your wall, it could be a board, piece of fence, an old pallet, or anything you can think of. We have used two old pieces of board found at the back of a DIY store and only cost 50p!!. One of them we cut into two and fastened them with two brackets, this is great as it has two sides and folds flat.

Another design is to use an old rack from a greenhouse and secure it with some hooks, we attached hooks to the bottle by pushing the hook through and attaching a piece of dowel to the end of the hook. This is also a great way for children to create different courses for the water to cascade down the board. You can cut out a side and the bottom of the bottle to allow the water to flow through.

Attach electrical tape around where you have cut it, as it can be quite sharp.

Attaching your bottles:

Once your bottles are ready you will need to drill holes into the board, line them up at different angles allowing the water to cascade down the board and make sure the placement is just right. To make the holes in the bottles you can do this by pushing a screw driver through them or you can use the drill. (This is very much an adult job!!) Once you have made the holes you can either use the cable ties, heavy duty ties or florist wire.If you are using an old pallet, trellis or something with holes in you don’t need to drill holes just attach them the same way.

Facebook Once all your bottles and piping are attached let the fun begin...

PlayMosaic Ltd You can recycle the water by placing a large bowl under the water wall, the children love this.

Follow us on Twitter @playmosaic www.playmosaic.co.uk A fun thing to do is put food colouring into the water, this looks great when pouring it through the bottles.

You can also use dry sand, lentils or rice to use indoors. This does make some mess so have a broom handy!

Have fun coming up with different ways to create your water wall, email us with all your creations admin@playmosaic.co.uk ‘Have some family fun from the PlayMosaic team’

Recycle the water Ideas

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

8 La Casita Nursery

a t i s a La C

Languages help children become confident, curious and culturally aware Children’s brains are wired to easily learn a number of languages simultaneously. The benefits include increased mental ability, more self-confidence, enhanced cultural understanding and better life chances. Steve Bird interviewed British mothers about the advantages to their children of Spanish early years education, and a native Spanish teacher who work in the UK to find out how early language learning helped them.

Sasha McClinton’s son Joseph is in pre-school bilingual education

Why did you choose a bilingual nursery?

We are aware of the benefits of learning a second language.

The most important time to learn is between 0 and 18 months, and it’s easier for them to acquire a second language at that time, which will benefit them throughout their life. It also stimulates the brain and improves IQ and gets them involved with a different culture. We don’t speak any other languages ourselves so we can’t offer it to our children.

What impact is the experience having on Joseph?

Being immersed in Spanish for 30 hours each week means he’s at the same stage as children who have a Spanish speaking parent at home. He speaks Spanish and English and seems to realise that he’s able to recognise a different context. He can follow instructions in Spanish and subconsciously he’s becoming bilingual.

What are the benefits?

The experience is making Joseph very confident and happy. It’s enriching his life, and I like to think it will help him learn other languages easily and give him better prospects. Lots of our friends went on to study French or German but wouldn’t consider themselves to be fluent. You can get to a level and be successful but it’s not the same as learning from a young age.

Lucia Farres is from Spain and works in a bilingual nursery

For three hours every Friday between the ages of 8 and 18, Lucia Farres attended language school where she was taught English by native English tutors. Six years ago, after finishing her degree, she took the opportunity to travel to England with a friend and has never looked back.

As well as making her feel confident about meeting new people, her ability to speak English fluently set her apart from many of her peers. “I had to rent a flat, find a job and go to interviews, so it would have been really difficult if I couldn’t speak English.”

Being fluent also gave her the idea to set up language exchange parties to help other non-English speakers meet people from different cultures, make friends, develop their language skills and find work. “It’s a good feeling to know I’ve helped people improve their lives. It also helped boost my confidence and get a better job, so I’m very happy.”

Felicity Cassin’s son George is in pre-school bilingual education

Why did you choose a bilingual nursery?

We looked into Spanish because we wanted to give George the advantage of speaking another language. When they’re small it’s easier to pick up, and it’s good to communicate in another language and be exposed to different cultures. It will give him so many opportunities to travel, work and make friends, and will also make learning other languages more easy.

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

What impact is the experience having on George?

When he counts and speaks in Spanish he gets positive reinforcement and praise. We went to Tenerife recently and he would say hello to the locals and they really like it. It gets a positive reaction. It doesn’t faze him that he doesn’t understand everything, but he doesn’t understand everything in English so it doesn’t matter.

What are the benefits?

It’s really good for his confidence.

It’s an advantage to speak another language and really enjoyable too.

Meritxell Franco teaches Spanish to children aged 0 – 14

Meritxell Franco was raised in Barcelona in a family of teachers where Spanish and Catalan were spoken. “I’ve always loved languages of any kind, and once you’ve learned a second language it gets easier and easier to learn another and another...”

Learning English on and off from the age of four, she developed a fascination with British culture and visited England for a month on her 18th birthday where she met the man she eventually married.

The experiene helped her confidence grow.

“That month I lost my shyness and I could really understand what natives were saying.”

She moved to the UK permanently in 1995 but it wasn’t until her eldest son was born that she realised things had come full circle. She spoke Catalan to him and wanted to help increase his confidence in Spanish, but as no language classes existed for children his age she started Buenos Dias.

“Initially it was Marc and a few of his friends, then suddenly within six months I was running 16 classes a week.”

Steve Bird is a writer. His 19-month-old daughter goes to La Casita twice a week and she loves it.

Please visit www.lacasitanursery.co.uk for more information about La Casita and www.buenosdias.co.uk for Spanish classes for children and adults.

Keeping safe this summer

by Vicki Bates at The Little swim School

Now that summer is on its way, water will almost certainly be on the menu for all those with little ones living by the Sussex Coast, whether it’s having fun at the beach or paddling pool or swimming in the pool, sea or even river, Here Vicki Bates explains some simple water safety skills to help you keep your children this summer.

I intended to write this with the focus on pre-school children as drowning is the highest cause of accidental death in the under 5’s, but an alarming report by the ASA just out (23 May 2013) has found that as primary children break up for the summer half term, 1.1 million of them will not be safe in and around the water.

We need to make sure that when we are having a lovely time in or by the water our children are doing so safely. I believe that teaching water confidence and water safety including listening skills and an awareness of the dangers of water are paramount.

Children must always be supervised when in or around the water and even when children can swim or are wearing flotation aids, parents should still be vigilant. .

Keeping safe this summer

9

Here are some simple water safety skills you can teach your children this summer to make sure they keep safe.

When at the swimming pool, don’t run as its too easy to slip poolside.

Don’t jump in on top of another child in the water.

Enter the pool safely making sure younger children don’t get in without an adult being in the water and ready for them.

If excitement has taken over and a younger child has jumped in without an adult, they should swim to the side and hold on, shout for help if needed, and climb out or along the wall if possible.

Show children that a noodle, float or any inflatable can hold them up if they are in trouble, making sure it’s not another child they hold onto.

When on the beach they should tell you where they are going in the sea even if they can swim as the tide’s waves and sudden depth changes catch out children and adults alike.

Preferably be in the sea with your children as they have no sense of distance from the shore which can lead to even experienced swimmers panicking.

Avoid the use of inflatable toys and beds in the sea unless you are in with them.

Here’s to a great summer - once you teach our children to be safe, you can really start to have some fun in the water!

For more information about the little swim school classes call 01273 207992

Sunshine, Vitamin D .....and tired tots

By Joanna Parry

Our understanding of the sunshine vitamin has improved in recent years, as we have become aware that exposure to natural sunlight can affect our levels, and with too little sun we are in danger of becoming deficient.

We are all keen to slap the sunscreen on our children and to keep them out of the sun when it is at its highest which is of course important, but children do need some sun.

A lack of Vitamin D is not only responsible for poor bone health but a new study has found a strong correlation between excessive daytime sleepiness and Vitamin D. In fact, researchers found that for most participants in the study, sleepiness increased as blood levels of vitamin D decreased. So, if you or your little one suffers from excessive daytime sleepiness, it may be time to take action. According to The Department of Health, Vitamin D deficiency is a concern, particularly for at-risk groups such as pregnant women, infants and young children.

The Department advises that daily Vitamin D supplements should be taken by all pregnant and breast-feeding women and children under five, due to the fact that breast milk, on average, contains only 10% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D. Other recent studies show that more vitamin D during infancy, whether this is gained through supplements or natural sunshine, can help reduce the risk of major health concerns later on in life life.

01903 506813 or editor@familiessouthcoast.co.uk

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

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Summer holiday guide

d e n r a e l I What s...

sleep outdoors

1 Sleep outdoors 2 3 4

nothing says ‘summer’ like the chance to kip outside. If you can, find a campsite where you can go for a few days; but if you can’t get away, put up a tent in the garden. No tent? Borrow one.

You’ll be amazed at the amount of fun kids can have with a few torches under canvas. Make sure they have lots of snacks – and don’t forget the singsongs!

Find a geocache geocaching is like a treasure hunt where you use a GPS device to find a container which will have some small items (maybe toys) inside. It’s fun, exciting, and there’s lots to learn (about orienteering, geography, exploration, the environment).

For more information see www.geocaching.com Go wild swimming swimming in rivers and lakes may sound an experience not a learning activity – but swimming in a natural environment helps kids learn about nature, and it’s a totally different experience from swimming in a pool, even an outdoor one.

See www.wildswimming.co.uk for ideas of where to try it out.

Climb a tree there’s so much to learn in tree-climbing: how to deal with the unexpected, how to trust your own judgement, how to take a risk and how to manage failure. You learn that it’s harder to come down than to go up, and you learn how to look after your friend who falls out of the tree. And they’re all life skills that are useful for ever.

Moorhead

By Joanna

h catch a fis

10

11

The long summer break is almost upon us; but whether you’re having a staycation or going away, why not fold some learning into your vacation plans? We’ve got 20 great ideas for skills you and your family can master over the weeks ahead – wherever you are.

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9

ay

lid o h y m n o

6

Ride a hor

se some kids are pony-mad, but ev who don’t do regu en those lar lessons usua lly love at least th occasional chan e ce to ride. Look up a riding school an what they can off d see er in terms of a on e-off experience; you’ll want to go ideally, too.

Find your w

ay using a map an you’re in a city or d compass: whet the country, whet her her it’s somewhe know or somewhe re you re new to you, th ere’s loads to lea this. It’s tricky to rn from work out the com pass points, so a activity to do en good famille; also grea t to acclimatise ch maps and their us ildren with efulness.

7 8

Fly a kite gen up on wind direction, find a suitable open space, and make or invest in a kite. Read up online on how to launch a kite, and go for it! You’ll get a tremendous sense of satisfaction as your kite dances across the sky.

Have a treasure hunt there are loads of different ways to run a treasure hunt, so read up on the different methods online. It’s all down to good planning, so don’t stint on that: you’ll spend more time on planning than on the event itself. As a rough rule of thumb, kids can manage twice as many clues as their age.

Make a movie with the arrival of the iPhone and the iPad, it’s never been easier to make a home movie.

Choose your location, put together your storyboard and...action! There are various apps that can make filming easier (eg filmic pro, which locks the camera’s settings for the duration of a shot).

Build a den it’s come to symbolise childhood freedom, and there’s little doubt it’s an activity children (and their parents) absolutely love. Dens are best built in woods, but even a small garden or a bedroom will do as a venue.

The secret is to allow your child to let his/her imagination run wild (and not worry too much about the tidying up afterwards.)

ers fly a kite w o l f d l i w

10

. . . . . . . . . ....... ................ nimals again can be done in th this is something e local park, or yo that ur back garden. children are lookin Your g for signs that an imals have been pawprints, claw here: marks, scuff mar ks and – most fa all for most kids scinating of – poo.

Catch a fish if you’re new to fi shing, use a net. water that’s clean Find and clear, and wh ere you can see lots of fish. Then there are be patient, and re ady to pounce.

magic tricks

12

Track wild a

13

many

s there are so when ild flower e Identify w ers, and it feels knowledgeabl ild

flow h in w beautiful wild ose an area ric ith t’s what. Cho to help you w u yo ith w you know wha et afl le or ok bo ke a foliage, and ta s n. tio marshmallow ca tifi en id re sausages & more fi p m a c a Cook on contenders – but you can be pfire. s hing on a cam are the obviou can cook anyt u Yo g ! in at ak th m s, ambitious than arming burrito when , grilling fish, w r eat at home ve ne ’d Try frying eggs ey th gs in th t ea ill risotto. Kids w a campfire. d whizzed up on ver done it, an they’ve been ing if you’ve nedo is go to an h tc a w d Go bir st thing to t birds, the be the guides, know little abou noculars, read bi ur yo ke Ta y. ar tu nc RSPB sa des. ft-building; and use the hi e courses in ra It takes ar e er th ft Build a ra instructions (on the internet). g like the thin also but there’s no but there are ork, and effort; w am te d an time, ing it floats! llations feeling of find ten conste keep your eyes t s a le t a Identify chart, wait for a dark night, e, od ction, and aw invest in a go nse of satisfa se ge hu a t ge peeled. You age to do it. when you man

18 Make a family tree

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19

15

20

learning about your family history is a fascinating way to put flesh on the bones of history lessons. What’s more, grandparents and great-aunts and uncles won’t always be around to fill you in – so ask the questions now.

Start a collection it can be anything – football cards, postcards, photographs of funfairs you’ve visited, pebbles from beaches you’ve been to.

You can collect experiences as well as items: keep a book where you short review of every film you watch, every book you read, or a description of every day out you have. Collections aren’t about WHAT they are, they’re about learning to organise your thoughts in a coherent, logical way.

Learn a good card or magic trick

it takes practice, but it’s enormous fun and if you get good at your trick, you really can surprise people (especially visitors). It’s part-performance, part-agility, part-confidence; all useful skills for every child.

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

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17

The Big Summer Holiday T

e rs l l e v a r T ips fo r

By Robina Cowan

Yippee! It’s the break we’ve all been dreaming of and looking forward to through the dank winter and spring months – here comes this year’s summer holiday.

Hands up who remembers when it was just you and your beloved, grabbing a cheap deal, filling a backpack at the last minute and heading for the sun? Those were the good old days... Now you’re a family, there’s a third ‘p’ to add to ‘passport and packing’ – ‘planning’.

Here at Families (now a mighty group of 40 local magazines), the editors have children spanning all ages from three months to the early twenties, so you could say we’ve been there, done that.

We put our heads together to pool our experience and best ideas for you. Happy travelling!

Before you go

Label your child’s clothes, towels and backpacks, especially if you will be using kids’ clubs – they WILL go missing. Labels 4 Kids (www.labels4kids.com/fam) and Easy 2 Name (www.easy2name.com) both stock packs of instant labels so the job’s a breeze and it’s a much cheaper solution than replacing lost items. They also have ID wristbands so you can label the children with your contact details Use Google Street View with the children to look round your planned location and help get familiarised with the landscape, ‘foreign’ signs and local attractions.

You can also use it to create a list of places to visit Photocopy everyone’s passport and keep the copies in a different place.

If the originals go missing, proof that you had passports will make it much easier to tussle with overseas authorities when it’s time to come home Have up to date pictures of your children on your phone - if they go missing you can show authorities what they look like Freeze food to await your return - even fresh milk can be frozen so you don’t come home to an empty kitchen. Some very organised mothers even do an online shop towards the end of their holiday, for delivery on their first day home. Now, that’s organisation!

Lost luggage is a nightmare. Rather than filling one suitcase per person, pack a couple of daytime and evening outfits for everyone in each case so you can all get started while the hotel/airline tracks down the missing bag Involve your children in the packing even if just a small part is their responsibility. It occupies them while you are busy and gets them into the holiday mood. Then check their choices: you may find fancy dress costumes and nothing sensible (OK, I admit this is from experience!)

Add a small ‘emergency bag’

to your hand luggage, with plasters, tissues, sachets of paracetamol, cotton wool, needle and thread, safety pins, wetwipes and a few sweets (for bribing and wiping away tears). Oh the satisfying feeling to have what you need just at the right time!

Pack spare clothes in your hand luggage in case of ‘accidents’ Leave a spare set of keys with a friendly neighbour in case of home emergencies, losing yours or locking yourself out (I’ve done that just when we were about to leave!)

Cancel the newspapers and ask your friendly neighbour to return the wheelie bins to your property on collection day, so you’re not advertising an empty home.

Summer holiday guide 11

On the way

Long car journeys are not all about being plugged into gadgets. Try story tapes - as a family, we are all totally addicted to the ‘How to Train your Dragon’ series.

The ‘Michelin I-Spy’ activity books are great fun, as are the free downloads from www.rac.co.uk/advice/car-knowledge/top-ten/car-games/. I made up some sheets myself for a journey through France and they kept my boys amused for hours For flights - Usborne’s ’50 Things do on a Plane’ will keep them occupied, rrp £5.99, while the Top Trumps range is great for older children, especially if you’re willing to join in Flying is the one time I am relaxed about screen time - if you have electrical gadgets, use them. Make sure you have some child friendly headphones to hand so as not to ‘share’ your child’s love of Peppa Pig with the entire plane Sucky sweets (as they are known in our house) are great for little ones who struggle with their ears on take off. Give babies a bottle (or breastfeed) to stop their ears popping Pack an extra layer for the flight even if you’re flying from a warm UK to a tropical destination. Planes can be chilly and children won’t relax if they’re not cosy If your child is crying on the flight, don’t panic. Most of passengers on board will be either parents or grandparents and will have sympathy for you. Your priority is settling your child in the best way you can. If your child has a favourite teddy or comfort blanket, make sure it’s in your hand luggage. It may help calm them and that in turn will calm you.

While youʻre there

Resist the temptation to Facebook your day’s antics - you’re advertising that you are away and your home’s empty. Not a good idea When packing to come home, check the back of every drawer, cupboard and even under the beds for favourite toys that might be lurking unseen. Have a quick rifle through the hotel/resort Lost Property box for mislaid hats/t-shirts etc (patting yourself on the back for labelling them beforehand).

When you return

Take your holiday laundry for a service wash - it’s a small price to pay for not having to sort, wash and dry all those gritty beach towels and sunscreen covered t-shirts.

And finally

Work on a 70:30 ratio.

Holidays are not going to be effortless when you have children, just as life at home is not effortless. If you can enjoy 70% of the time you are away together, that’s a result.

30% will be about tantrums, tiredness and bad moods. But if you come home knowing that for most of the time, you relaxed, laughed and enjoyed the time spent together as a family,

it’s been a success!

Photo by Fat Face PRshots.com hom

e

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

12

Back to school

10 THINGS YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO WHEN THEY BEGIN SCHOOL As soon as you find out which school yourchild is going to this September, it’s time to start preparing. Forget force feeding them phonics, this is about getting your child ready for the social challenges of school. The more prepared they are, the easier they will settle and the more they’ll get out of those early days.

1

Can they dress themselves?

Imagine the scene. One teacher faced with thirty children and their coats. By the time each child is zipped up and wrapped up, playtime is over. If your child is able to go some way to helping, they may get some fresh air.

If you can see buttons on trousers and skirts becoming a problem during the post PE change, invest in elasticated waistbands. These will also help during any ‘last minute’ toilet visits. Avoid tights in the early days - they can also lead to unnecessary bathroom accidents. With shoes, laces and buckles are a no-no.

Stick to Velcro fastenings which your child can do themselves. photo by hotography.com www.loveheartp

2

Are they used to sharing?

Sharing is a difficult lesson for a child to learn, especially if they only start learning it at school. But it’s a vital lesson if you want your child to settle in and make friends easily. No one wants to play with the boy who refuses to take turns and share, and before long that child becomes isolated. Start to make a point of praising your pre-schooler for sharing his bag of figures or his last few sweets.

3 Can

they use the toilet on their own?

Reception classrooms usually have a toilet nearby but children are expected to use it on their own. That can mean less confident children avoid a visit until it’s too late. Encourage your child to begin taking toilet trips without you to build up their confidence. Remind them that hand washing is part of the ‘visit’. Beginning school toilet training now will mean less accidents in September.

4

Are they able to eat independently?

Lunchtimes can be a real flashpoint in the early days of your child’s school life. Dinner halls are noisy places and can make a child feel overwhelmed. Make sure they arrive at school able to pick up and use a knife and fork. If they’re opting for a packed lunch, make sure they can open a yoghurt, put a straw in a juice box and unpeel a banana. With school a few months off, it may seem like the easier option to feed them, but it won’t help in the long run.

Practice, however painful, makes perfect.

5 Are

they able to recognise their name?

If your child can recognise their name, they’ll be able to find their peg, identify their drawer in the classroom and find their cardigan if it gets misplaced. Starting school can make even the most confident child feel a little lost. If they can locate important places, it will make them feel more in control.

Sussex Coast

01903 506813

6 Can

they use scissors?

Teachers look for this in the early stages of Reception to evaluate dexterity. Get crafty over the next few months.

7 Do

they understand discpline?

It’s important your child understands what’s expected of them when they arrive at school. They need to know hitting, kicking, biting and hair pulling will not be tolerated. Not only will it bring your child to the attention of the head teacher for all the wrong reasons, but it will make your child unpopular with their classmates. Reputations earned in the early days of school ten tostick and can be hard to shake off.

8 Can

they communicate with an adult?

Giving your child the skills to communicate with their teacher means they will be able to have some control.

How else will they ask to go to the toilet? If they don’t understand how to get the attention of an adult, how will they let their teacher know they don’t understand their work? A child who can communicate will get more out of the school day than a child who is unwilling to speak up. Encourage your child to ask and even practice with a raised hand at home to make sure they understand the most appropriate way of getting a grown ups attention.

9

Are they able to count?

If your child is about to count up to 20, and count back from 10, this will give them a really good head start. Use some of their favourite toys or foods to make counting fun. Lay out 10 grapes and get them to eat them one by one, counting as they go. It will give them confidence and help them see learning as fun. Plus it’s a great way to get one of their 5 a day down them!

10

Can they follow simple instructions?

The school day is full of instructions. Your child will be asked to put coats on pegs, bring packed lunches into classrooms and sit cross legged on the carpet for circle time. If a child is used to following instructions, they will avoid being reprimanded. The more time a teacher dedicates to repeating instructions and encouraging co-operation, the less time there is for teaching. Start giving your child simple tasks – perhaps helping with the weekly shop or with some straight forward jobs around the house.

It will prepare them for school life.

SOME BOOKS YOU MAY FIND USEFUL:

I am too absolutely small for school (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child Topsy and Tim Start School

by Jean Adamson Starting School Sticker Book (Usborne) by Felicity Brooks Going to School (Usborne First Experiences) by Anna Civardi Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Poor quality sleep and academic success Fact: Not enough or poor quality sleep is a significant factor in lowering the achievement of school pupils. Recently published research

by Boston College, USA, found that the school performance of 73% of 9 and 10 year olds was adversely affected by insufficient sleep.

If kids are unable to concentrate they are unable to achieve at their optimal level. Sleep is a fundamental need for all children. In my clinics more parents have brought their children to me for treatment because their child will not sleep than all other conditions put together.

Back to school 13

Factors that can improve sleep A good bedtime routine, no television, computers, electronic games or mobile phones near to bedtime. The correct bedroom temperature is important.

We all realise the importance of correct size shoes and clothing for our growing children but often overlook the fact that they need the correct support for their head and neck when sleeping.

Beyondbedtime.co.uk are kids’ pillow specialists they sell fine 100% cotton machine-washable pillows with hypoallergenic fill just for children.

Lack of sleep can often be the factor between a high performing child and an average one. Sleeping on the right height kids’ pillow can help kids to sleep better.

K Bajwa, Consultant Osteopath at SOS clinics UK & “Beyond Bedtime” The Kids’ Pillow Specialists

Reduce the stress of ‘back to school’

shoe-shopping

Even though we are looking down the barrel of the summer holidays there is always that niggling voice in the back of your mind that ‘back to school’ shoe shopping in only just around the corner.

Children’s shoe experts Start-rite have come up with their top tips on what to look for in a back to school shoes and how to take the strain out of ‘back to school’ shoe-shopping.

Top Tips…

For all day comfort you need to make sure your child is wearing shoes that properly fit their feet.

Children’s feet are as unique as their personalities and there’s no such thing as an ‘average’ foot. Shoes which come in only one width actually fit less than a third of children so it’s important to choose shoes which are available in whole and half sizes and offers the greatest choice of width fittings.

Children’s feet grow in spurts so their footwear should be professionally checked for fit every six to eight weeks when they are toddling and every three to four months after that. Professional shoe-fitters provide free, no-obligation fit checks and will not recommend purchase of new shoes unless the child needs them.

You should choose shoes with built-in space around the toes to give feet room to grow, but never be tempted to buy shoes in a larger size than your child needs so that they can ‘grow into them’. This is a false economy because shoes which don’t fit properly do not wear as well and, more importantly, they can damage a child’s feet.

Choose leather footwear because it provides the healthiest environment for growing feet.

Children’s feet have as many sweat glands as an adult’s and we lose about an eggcup full of perspiration from our feet each day. Leather is breathable and allows vapour to escape through the surface of the shoe. Leather also conforms to the shape of the feet for maximum comfort, is hard wearing and easy to maintain Regular cleaning and polishing actually helps to extend a shoe’s life as well as keeping them looking good. grip For maximum comfort, durability and grip, choose shoes with a good tread pattern on the sole. Check that the sole flexes easily across the widest part of shoe (which contains the ball of the foot).

Choose a shoe with an effective fastener across the instep so that your child doesn’t curl his toes to keep them on. Laces, buckles and velcro straps are best because they hold the feet securely and comfortably in the correct position in the shoe.

Don’t leave it until the last minute minute.

Shops will be busier at the end of the school holidays and they may have sold out of your chosen style or size. For the best fit, take school socks with you for your child to wear when being fitted for shoes.

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

14 Whats On

Theatre ................. .....................

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom

Theatre Royal, Brighton 10th July, 1.00pm & 4.00pm 11th July, 10.00am & 1.00pm From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award winning television animation for the first time ever live on stage!

The Hare & The Tortoise

Brighton Dome 14th July, 4.30pm It’s the race of the decade: slow, steady tortoise versus speedy, greedy hare. They’re fit, they’re keen, they’re completely mismatched! Surely it’s all over before it’s begun? Join the famous commentator Chris Canary for the sporting event that features in the entire animal kingdom’s diary. Who will win and who will you cheer for?

Cinema ................. .....................

Big Scream!

Duke of York cinema, Brighton Every Wednesday morning at 11.00am for parents and carers with children under 1 year. See website for www.picturehouses.co.uk

Saturday morning Kid’s Club

Duke of York cinema, Brighton 10.30 start with film at 11.00. See website for films 0871 7042056 www.picturehouses.co.uk

Saturday morning pictures

The Ritz Digital & Connaught Cinema, Worthing Every Saturday 10.15am Check website for films 01903 206206 www.worthingtheatres.co.uk

Museums

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Chilled to the Bone: Ice Age Sussex Brighton Museum and Art Gallery 16th March 2013 - 18th January 2014 Explore Ice Age Sussex and discover how ice has driven our evolution, why we have survived whilst the Neanderthals perished, and what the disappearance of ice from the poles could mean for our survival.

Events ................. .....................

Going Pottery

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery 2nd July, 10.30am – 12.00pm Early Years sessions include art activities, a museum expedition, a story and handling some museum objects.

These sessions are for 2-5 year olds only. Book in advance.

Katie and the Dinosaurs

Booth Museum, Brighton 5th July , 10.30am – 12.00pm Early Years sessions include art activities, a museum expedition, a story and handling some museum objects.

These sessions are for 2-5 year olds only. Book in advance

Dance World Cup

Brighton Dome Concert Hall 6th July, 5.30pm

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

Dance World Cup is an international dance competition for children and young adults under the age of 25 years and this year the event is being held in Brighton Dome Concert Hall. With over 2,000 participants this is the first time that the competition has been brought to English shores.

Sorted?

Brighton Dome 7th July, 10.30am, 12.30am &2.30pm Let your children lead you into a new world of play and imagination as we explore a landscape of boxes together.

Inside, outside and upside down. It all begins with a mystery box that mustn’t be opened until the day we arrive!

Children 1-5 must be with accompanying adult.

TUBE

Brighton Dome 7th July, 11.30am, 2.30 pm Tube is for 3–11 year olds and comes in two tailored versions.In a wonderland conjured up from a fabulous variety of tubes – tubes filled with sound, tubes glistening with kaleidoscopic colours, tubes that puff out gentle breezes and the scents of the natural world – young participants will bounce, swing, spin and sway in luxurious leaf chairs.

East Sussex Music Service Summer School for Young Musicians concert

The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home, Boundary Road, Worthing 13th July, 1.30pm – 4.00pm A fun filled family fair including the Military Wives Choir, Peppa Pig, stalls and much more. Adults £2, kids free.

Big Sea Swim

Grand Parade Main Resort Beach, Eastbourne 13th July, 12.00pmThe Marine Conservation Society Big Sea Swim returns to Eastbourne’s beautiful clean seafront after declaring Eastbourne’s waters excellent in the Good Beach Guide. Swimmers of all ability can take part and raise money for the UK’s leading conservation charity. Choose from a 1km or 3km swim.

These sessions are for 2-5 year olds only. Book in advance.

Stevens Fun Fair

Worthing 17th -28th July & 23rd – 26th August Come and join us in all the fun at the fair. Don’t miss this great show with all the latest thrill rides, kiddies rides and side shows etc. A great day out for all the family.

Brown Bear

Miniature Steam Running Day

Field Place, Worthing 14th & 28th July, 11th & 25th August Another season of the popular steam train rides at Field Place right through the summer on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

Rocks and Sands

Brighton Museum 7 Art Gallery 16th July, 10.30am – 12.00pm Early Years sessions include art activities, a museum expedition, a story and handling some museum objects.

Wish Tower Slopes, Eastbourne Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12.30pm & 2.00pm 25th & 30th July, 1st, 6th, 8th, 13th, 20th, 22nd, 27th & 29th August The classic British seaside entertainment of Punch and Judy returns to spread the family fun this summer with lots of show’s twice daily throughout the school holidays. Free entry

Booth Museum, Brighton 19th July, 10.30am – 12.00pm Early Years sessions include art activities, a museum expedition, a story and handling some museum objects.

These sessions are for 2-5 year olds only. Book in advance

Fire Station Open Day

“Soak Up The Summer”

Western Lawns, Town Centre and Seafront, Eastbourne 27th & 28th July, from 11.00am The Eastbourne Lammas Festival is a pageant of morris dancing, carnival giants and live music from traditional and folk-rock to modern jazz. The festival annually raises money for the RNLI. Further details can be found at the Lammas festival website www.lammasfest.org

Fishers Farm Park 20th July – 15th September They’re having an absolutely SPLASHING time this summerholidays at Fishers! Discover the excitement of a day bursting with thrills, adventure and animals. The NEW SUMMER SUN-DECK, Beach Splash Attack and summer café are all opening this summer… Plus Pony Rides, Animal Shows, Sheep Racing, Barrel Bug Rides, Ghost Tunnel, Climbing Walls, Bouncing Pillows and more.

Worthing 27th July Part of the Worthing Festival. Come and see behind the scenes of how your ‘working’ Fire & Rescue Service operates.

Lammas Festival

International Jousting & Tournament Week

Arundel Castle & Gardens 23rd – 28th July, 10.00am – 4.30pm Experience the thrill of international competition as top knights from around the world gather to test their skill at mounted combat in a unique weeklong tournament. Supported by the knights and men-at-arms of Raven Tor, Distant Trumpets storyteller, the musicians of Rough Musicke, have-ago-archery and a host of crafts, displays and entertainment within the authentic style encampment, this promises to be the largest Medieval Event the castle has undertaken

The Fat Controller

Drusillas Park 28th July, 6th, 20th & 26th August The Fat Controller will be causing a locomotion, when he alights at the Park to take control of the efficient running of the railway. Make tracks to Tidmouth Hault and enjoy photo opportunities with Sir Topham Hatt himself. For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit the website at www.drusillas.co.uk.

Circus in a day

Eastbourne Extreme

13th & 14th July Eastbourne Extreme, the south coast’s coolest, fastest and most intense free sports festival is back with a vengeance. Look forward to a packed two days filled with outdoor pursuits on land, water and in the air. Take a picnic or stop off at one of the refreshment stalls lining the seafront and soak in the festival atmosphere. For more information call 0871 663 0031 or visit www.eastbourneextreme.co.uk

Punch N’ Judy

Peppa Pig & George

Drusillas Park 25th July, 7th & 28th August Join in the excitement and snorts of laughter as the lovable Peppa Pig embarks on a Drusillas Park adventure, with her brother George.

The cheeky pair will be making appearances at various intervals throughout the day. For more information please call 01323 874100 or visit the website www.drusillas.co.uk.

Brighton Dome Tiny Tops 30th July, 10am, Ages 2-4 Big Tops 31st July, 10am, Ages 7-12 Make and perform a circus show in only one day. Learn trapeze, silks, acrobatics and drawing, then put it all together in a circus show to perform to friends and family in the theatre space

Tree Fu Tom

Drusillas Park 31st July New for Drusillas Park in 2013, don’t miss the chance to practice your Tree Fu moves with magical superhero, Tree Fu Tom! Tree Fu Tom will be meeting fans at intervals throughout the day.

For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit the website at www.drusillas.co.uk

Made and Making

Hassocks 31st July 10am – 1.00pm Mother and Daughter Sew together Cushion making 1.30pm – 4.30pm Children’s learn to sew notebook covers 1st August, 10.00am – 1.00pm Children’s learn to sew pyjama making 1.30pm – 4.30pm Children’s learn to

sew bunting 2nd August, 9.30am - 12:30pm Children’s learn to sew pencil cases 7th August, 10.00am – 1.00pm Children’s learn to sew 1.30pm - 4.30pm Children’s learn to sew Drawstring rucksack bags 8th August, 10.00am- 1.00pm Children’s learn to sew jeans bags 1.30pm – 4.30pm Children’s skirt making 9th August, 9.30am - 12.30pm Fabric Art 14th August, 10.00am – 1.00pm Children’s skirt making 1.30pm – 4.30pm Children’s learn to sew cushion making 15th August , 10.00am - 1.00pm Children’s learn to sew 1.30pm – 4.30pm Children’s learn to sew Details at www.madeandmaking.co.uk

Circus Wonderland

Shoreham-by-Sea 5th – 18th August 3.00pm – 5.00pm & 7.00pm – 9.00pm Clowns, magic, puppets, jugglers, trapeze and acrobats. No animals.

Two shows daily at 3pm - 5pm and 7pm - 9pm, except the last day, Sunday 11th which is 3pm only.

Zany Zone of Experiments at the Observatory

The Observatory Science Centre Herstmonceux 5th,12th & 19th August 11.00am – 4.00pm The Zany Zone is an area of crafty experiments. Create colour and experiment, build a pipe cannon, and be amazed by puzzles and weird kitchen science. Normal admission charges apply, plus an extra £1 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Rocketry half day workshops

Whats On 15 A special object with a story to tell. A folk tale, fairy tale, myth, legend, or fable from around the world. Children choose a pocket, discover the object hiding inside, and set the story free.

Post-show Workshop - Children and adults are guided to create their own rich and colourful stories inspired by an assortment of objects, and their imaginations!

Mike the Knight

Drusillas Park 10th August Mike the Knight will bring his quest to the kingdom of Drusillas Park, as the young apprentice embarks on his first meet and greet mission at the award-winning zoo. Gallop in and join the young knight in training as he appears at various intervals throughout the day. For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit the website at www.drusillas.co.uk

The Family of the Sun half day workshops

The Observatory Science Centre 13th August, 10.30am – 1.00pm or 2.00pm – 4.0pm In this workshop you will learn about the planets and bits and pieces that travel around our Sun. You will design and make a Martian Lander to land an egg safely on its surface and you will test your design by dropping it from a great height. Booking essential. 6+ years.

Poppet from the Moshi Monsters

Drusillas Park 14th August For the first time at Drusillas, Poppet from the Moshi Monsters will be at the Park to meet and greet visitors. Don’t miss the chance to see this cute, shy and popular monster appearing at intervals throughout the day. For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit the website at www.drusillas.co.uk

The Observatory Science Centre 6th August, 10.30am – 1.00pm or 2.00pm – 4.30pm Learn all about the mighty rockets that launch robot explorers to the planets and fly men and women into space.

Make and launch your own balloon and water powered rockets. Booking essential. 6+ years

Sporty Science half day workshop

Worthing Play Day

Airbourne

Broadwater Green 7th August The Worthing Play Day is held annually across the country. Free for all children.

Paper Making half day workshops The Observatory Science Centre 7th August 10.30am – 1.00pm or 2.00pm – 4.30pm Recycle rubbish into some fabulous hand-made paper. Used paper is pulped, then pressed back into sheets making fantastically unique and colourful hand-made paper. Booking essential.

The Magical Multi-Coloured Storytelling Skirt

Brighton Dome 8th August 10.30am, suitable for ages 4-6 9th August, 10.30am, suitable for ages 7-9 A skirt with pockets full of magic.

In each pocket there is a surprise.

The Observatory Science Centre 14th August, 10.30am – 1.00pm & 2.00pm – 4.30pm Find out how the body reacts to exercise and what makes athletes so special. Come prepared to have fun in your sports gear! Booking essential.

Morning 6-9yrs, afternoon 9+ yrs Eastbourne International Airshow 15th –18th August 10.00am-6.00pm The world’s biggest free seafront airshow returns in August with 4 days of spectacular flying and its all FREE! Featuring the best of the RAF and international display teams across the eight miles length of seafront and over national beauty spot Beachy Head. Event also includes childrens entertainment areas, arena events, evening concerts, helicopter rides, military exhibition area and end of show fireworks.

Bug Hunt half day workshops

The Observatory Science Centre 15th August 10.30am – 1.00pm or 2.00pm – 4.30pm Bugs are everywhere, especially in our wood! But what do they look like under a microscope? Come and find out.

Good footwear is essential. Booking essential. 6+ yrs

Medieval Warriors

Arundel Castle & Gardens 17th &18th August 10.00am –4.30pm Raven Tor Living History Group will be covering 500 years of the Medieval Period with demonstrations of crafts, combat and costumes set within a tented encampment on the lawns of Arundel Castle. Saxon, Vikings, and Normans will rub shoulders with knights of the 14th Century and archers of the 15th century, recreating the history of the warriors who lived and died during this turbulent time in history. With combat, archery and falconry displays.

Princes Park Fun Day

Princes Park, Eastbourne 17th August 11.00am – 4.00pm Join in all the fun at the Princes Park Fun Day featuring stalls and arena events including singers, punch and Judy, dancing horses and much more! Browse a range of stalls selling everything from cakes to jewellery, garden ornaments and toys. Plus catering stalls with burgers, hot dogs, tea, coffee and cold drinks.

A great free fun family day out in an award winning park!

Katsuma from Moshi Monsters

Drusillas Park 24th August Back by popular demand, Katsuma from the Moshi Monsters will be at the Park to meet and greet visitors. Don’t miss the chance to see the friendly and popular monster appearing at intervals throughout the day. For more information call 01323 874100 or visit the website www.drusillas.co.uk

Worthing Rotary Carnival Procession

Worthing 26th August The Rotary Carnival Procession starts from Grand Avenue approx. 1.30pm and arrives in Steyne Gardens approx 2pm. Steyne Gardens; Stalls and various attractions and stage events from 12 to 5pm.

Shoreham Airshow

Shoreham Airport, Shoreham-bySea 31st August – 1st September The 2013 Shoreham Airshow will be the 24th event with air displays and extensive static displays, arena displays, classic cars and trade stalls throughout the weekend. A real family day out with lots of attractions.

Airbourne Fireworks

at Airbourne 18th August, 10.00pm Airbourne ends with a spectacular fireworks display from Eastbourne Pier.

This amazing pyrotechnics display will be once again sponsored by Eastbourne Pier.

Cool Chemistry full day workshop

The Observatory Science Centre 20th August, 10.30am – 4.00pm Find out what makes things fizz, bang and pop in some crazy chemistry experiments. Booking essential. 6+ years.

Captivating Chemistry full day workshop

Markets

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Preloved Baby Boutique Nearly New Sale

St Pauls, Chapel Road, Worthing 3rd August 10.30am - 1.30pm FREE ENTRY. Your chance to pick up a bargain for your little ones

The Observatory Science Centre 21st August, 10.30am – 4.00pm Chemistry is definitely fun, especially when trying to find out what does with a bang! Come and try some crazy chemistry experiments. Booking essential. 9+ yrs.

Fireman Sam’s Mini Show

Drusillas Park 21st August Fresh from Pontypandy, Fireman Sam and naughty Norman will entertain visitors during this high energy show.

Jam-packed with opportunities for audience participation the show is guaranteed to keep visitors ablaze with excitement. There will also be the opportunity to meet Norman and the hero next door at intervals during the day. For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit the website at www.drusillas.co.uk.

K’NEX Construction half-day workshops

The Observatory Science Centre 22nd August 10.30am – 1.00pm or 2.00pm – 4.30pm Design and build a model using a K’nex construction kit. We are sorry but on this occasion you will not be able to take your model with you. Booking essential, 6+ yrs

Sussex Coast

OUR NEXT ISSUE… Our September/October issue of Families Sussex Coast has a focus on back to school, clubs and classes, reviews, competitions and more…

For all editorial, advertising and our “What’s on” guide, please get in touch 01903 506813 or editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk www.familiessussexcoast.co.uk Please “like” Families Sussex Coast and follow FamiliesSC on Twitter

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A family day out for around £10!

The advantage of the summer holidays is that we have so much

time to enjoy time with our families, however we all know that if we have nothing to do it can become very hard work! Here is a list of places to go in Sussex that can be done very cheaply and with very little planning.

Parks and Gardens Highdown Gardens, Worthing – Free entry. Beautiful sheltered gardens located on the South Downs. A lovely location for a picnic and some wildlife spotting.

Tilgate Park – Free entry however if you use the car park you need to pay for the day. Also a small fee for seeing the animals.

Stanmer Park ,Brighton – Free entry. A lovely escape on the edge of the city.

Shinewater Park, Eastbourne – cycleways, recreation facilities, playground, BMX and skate park. Free.

Princes Park, Eastbourne – A beautiful park featuring a large lake, popular for mini boat racing. Adventure playgrounds. Why not pop to Pistachios in the Park for a cuppa and a cake!

Farms and Attractions Harbour Park, Littlehampton - Free entry but you pay for rides and attractions Blackstock Farm, Helingly, Near Hailsham – Family ticket for just £10 for a fun family day at the farm

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

Pells outdoor swimming pool, Lewes - £10.60 for a family ticket. Enjoy the sun terrace, lawn, paddling pool and play equipment.

Brighton Treasure Trail - £6.99 per trail. Available to download at www.treasuretrails.co.uk Volks Electric Railway,Brighton - £6.90 return for up to 6 people to Brighton Marina Arundel Lido - £6.50 for adults and £3 for kids up to 7 years (family tickets on request). 25m main pool, 5m splash pool and children’s paddling pool.

Look and Sea visitor centre, Littlehampton – Littlehampton Heritage Exhibition. £5 per family. Many interactive exhibits for children & adults alike.

Bedelands farm Nature Reserve, nr Burgess Hill – walk through natural habitats of woodlands and meadows.

Pulborough Brooks RSPB Nature Reserve – View some local wildlife in this beautiful reserve - £7 for a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children. Play area and picnic area also.

Seaside Hove Seafront – paddling pool, playground, tennis, bowling, skate park, pitch and putt to name a few. Fees apply.

Brighton Pier – Free entry though you may be tempted by the many attractions and refreshments for sale Peter Pan’s Playground, Brighton – Small fully enclosed adventure playground with slides, water spouts and climbing apparatus. Free.

Kings Road Playground, Brighton – located on the seafront. Climbing frames, slides etc all on natural sand.