Issue 27 Families Solent West March/ April 2012

Issue 27 – March/ April 2012

FREE

SOLENT WEST

ALL THE LATEST LOCAL NEWS AND EXTENSIVE GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN YOUR AREA

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Families Solent West

March – April 2012

SOLENT WEST

Contents Cover image courtesy of Roach Photography www.roachphotography.co.uk

Editor: Rebecca Carr Families Solent West 0808 108 0917 editor@familiesolentwest.co.uk Next Issue: May/ June 2012 Booking deadline: 1 April 2012 34,000 readers per issue

4–6

local news and information All the latest news and information from around Hampshire

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Education news

8–9

Southampton remembers Titanic 100 years after the sinking of the White Star liner

10 – 11

Get ready to celebrate the London 2012 games Become a local leader or take the family gold challenge

12

Easter activities Craft activities to do with your little ones this Easter

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Local days out Family days out on the Isle of Wight

16 – 22

What’s on An extensive guide to what’s on in your area in March and April

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Competition Win family tickets to Hampshire’s Top Attractions

Design: Matobo Design Printed by Bishops Printers www.familiessolentwest.co.uk @familiessolentw like us on facebook

Copyright: Families Solent West, March/ April 2012.

Data Protection: if you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition offering prizes in Families Solent West, 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: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners own risk and whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent West nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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

March – April 2012

Families Solent West

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News and Information How much would you pay to put a hat on your head?

On the 30 March 2012 Brain Tumour Research and its member charities will be encouraging nurseries, schools, colleges, universities, public sector bodies and office workers to make a donation in order to nominate their ‘head’ to wear a silly hat for the day in aid of the charity’s annual ‘Wear a Hat Day’. The campaign aims to raise awareness regarding the prevalence of brain tumours and the need for vital research.

Sue Farrington-Smith, Director of Brain Tumour Research, comments: “Brain Tumour Research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK yet the deadly disease kills more children and people under the age of 40 than any other

cancer. ‘Wear a Hat Day’ is a fun way of increasing awareness and getting people raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer”.

Brain Tumour Research has recruited the help of Kate Langrish-Smith, crowned ‘Young Hat Maker of the Year 2010’, to develop the official range of campaign hats. Instructions to make your own bespoke hat will be available to download from the website alongside another downloadable PDF which will allow you to create your own hat simply out of paper. These interactive features allow everyone to access and support the campaign and both DIY hats will be accompanied by an online instructions video.

Philip Treacy, celebrity hat designer and patron to the charity, comments: “Fashion is a feeling and a mood and therefore how better to express your

Baby and Children’s Market in Romsey

The INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium, near Winchester, opens a new hands-on exhibition zone on the science of sport on 22 March. In ‘Push the Limits’ both adults and children will be able to get involved in such activities as moving a ball by your brainwaves to illustrate concentration, a rowing race simulator, wheelchair basketball and an outside TV broadcast. Great fun. See also the other 80 hand-on science exhibits in the Centre and the UK’s largest digital Planetarium. Open every day 10am-4pm.

Brain Tumour Research represents the united campaign voice of the Brain Tumour Research group of 18 charities. Launched in 2009, the charity was established specifically to raise funds for brain tumour research.

To get involved, request your fundraising packs or for further background into Brain Tumour Research go to: www.braintumourresearch.org For more info on our current market dates and locations visit us at: www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk, call Kirsten 07580410594, or email: kirstenmonro@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Invite a mascot to liven up any children’s event!

Baby and Children’s markets provide parents a great opportunity to buy and sell excellent quality nearly new baby and kids items from 0 to 6 years at each market. Sellers get 100% profit on the day and the buyer gets to choose from a large selection of quality items selling at bargain prices.

Mums and Dads selling quality preloved toys, clothing, books, nursery furniture, car seats, pushchairs, cots and bedding, highchairs, walkers and much, much more!

Pre-loved stalls are £12, business stalls start from £20 and include tables, chairs and space for large items.

See www.intech-uk.com or call 01962 863791. Child £6, Adult £8.50, Senior £7. Planetarium + £2 per person.

passion and commitment to a subject such as brain tumour research than by wearing a fantastic hat? It immediately creates a statement and it doesn’t matter what the hat is or how much it costs; everybody who gets involved will feel a million dollars on the day, whilst also raising much needed research funds and awareness.”

Our next market is Saturday 24th March from 2pm to 4pm at The Romsey School.

Cartoon Mascot Hire based in the New Forest, can provide excellent quality cartoon lookalike mascots including Peppa Pig, George and Fireman Sam to liven up any children’s event whether it is a birthday party, a special event or a corporate fun day. The characters can be hired for the day or we can provide a manned mascot to support your event.

Visit www.cartoonmascothire.co.uk for further details.

Like to work from home round your family?

Pocket money or full time business?

Please email Alex on alex.murraytwinn@yahoo.co.uk for a free, no obligation information pack 4

Families Solent West

March – April 2012

James Musselwhite @ Closer Photography

News and Information

Funky hats and party props Carol Anne Knitwear offer quality bespoke, hand-knitted hats, cocoons, blankets and clothing for premature, newborns and children up to the ages of 5.

The great outdoors helps to develop social skills

Spinnaker Tower serves ‘Chocolate at the Tower’

Being in the outdoors at Itchen Valley Forest School helps children develop self-esteem, confidence, communication skills, social interaction skills and an ability to assess personal risk.

It’s chocs away at the Spinnaker Tower from Saturday 31 March to Sunday 15 April 2012 with ‘Chocolate at the tower’, a series of themed activities for chocolate lovers of all ages to celebrate the Easter period.

We provide sessions for groups of twelve children from secondary and primary schools, nurseries and playgroups. Sessions are also available for pre-school children age 3 - 4 years and toddlers age 2 and above with their parents. Sessions are full of outdoor activities including den building, campfire cooking, games, crafts and stories for the younger ones. Led by trained staff there are also on-off sessions available for families and Holiday Activity days for 6 – 11 year olds.

Our range of beautiful hats and cocoons make great photo props and fantastic gifts for that special little person.

All of our products are made from the best materials available including acrylic, lambswool and baby cashmere.

We are offering Families Solent West readers a 20% discount off all our products so please contact: Carol on 07795 833 351 or find us on Facebook.

Visit: www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ forestschool for more information.

On View Deck one, visitors are invited to complete a chocolate decoration activity before discovering the secrets behind Portsmouth’s famous trading history, and learning about the manufacturing process of chocolate, from its beginnings as a humble cocoa bean to the treat the population all know and love today.

The 170 metre tall Spinnaker Tower offers visitors spectacular 350° panoramic views of one of the most fascinating seascapes on earth. Its unique position over Portsmouth Harbour provides visitors with incredible views stretching out for up to 23 miles over the historic harbour, the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

The Spinnaker Tower is open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm. visit www.spinnakertower.co.uk or call 02392 857520 to book in advance or to find out more.

Don’t forget to say you saw these companies advertised in Families Solent West magazine Contact us to reserve your space 0808 108 0917

March – April 2012

Families Solent West

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News and Information Are listening skills lacking in today’s toddlers?

SeaCity Museum opens to the public on 10 April 2012 SeaCity Museum, primed as one of the leading maritime tourist destinations in the UK, will open to the public on 10 April – 100 years after RMS Titanic departed Southampton docks for her first and only voyage. Southampton City Council has decided to provide every household in Southampton with a group ticket worth up to £25. In the next few weeks the council will write to every household in Southampton to explain to residents how they can redeem and use their tickets

Young children are not getting the opportunities they need to develop important listening skills, according to a recent article by Robert Watts. Today’s lifestyle, filled with TV, computers, games consoles and other visual toys, mean many children are missing out on developing auditory skills. Watts urges parents and educationalists to promote better listening skills by talking more with young children, exaggerating facial expressions and making lots of eye contact.

Cllr Royston Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “SeaCity Museum will be one of the leading maritime destinations in the country and the largest Titanic Exhibition in Great Britain. It will be a significant boost to the economy, create new jobs and attract new investment to the city.

But those things aside it will tell Southampton’s tragic role in one of the world’s most famous and most tragic events. “It is right that this story will now be told to a world-wide audience and it is right that our residents, many of whom lost ancestors on the ship, get to enjoy this world-class attraction for free.”

He also recommends engaging in lots of music, rhymes, songs and stories, something Helen Harrington of MAD Academy agrees with strongly. “Our music and movement classes pay particular attention to this important skill”, says Helen. “In our classes we play lots of games which encourage children to focus their listening on specific sounds, so they can learn to filter out background noise and respond to what they are hearing. We also help them learn to differentiate between subtle changes in pitch, timbre or beat.”

For more information and opening times visit: www.seacitymuseum.co.uk

Visit: www.madacademy.com for more information.

Are you a children’s party venue or a party provider?

Why not advertise in the parties feature in our May/ June issue.

Call 0808 108 0917 to book your space.

Cartoon Mascot Hire

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Families Solent West

Team Spirit – new courses in Hampshire

Team spirit provide professional sports coaching for fun and elite performers alike through a variety of sports, specialising in football, athletics, multi sport activities trampolining and dance for boys and girls aged between 3-12 years. We believe in using sport as an avenue to embed the understanding of team spirit, fair play, respect and healthy living.

Our coaching sessions are prepared down to the last detail to ensure they are fun and educational with high energy experienced professional sports coaches. Our belief is for children to “enjoy and achieve” through sporting activities.

After a successful launch in February, Team Spirit is holding more courses and look forward to seeing you there to join in the fun. What course will you choose?

Please visit: www.teamspirit4sport.co.uk or call 02380 658636 for more details.

Little Pickles Markets year is now in full swing and Christmas seems a distant memory. We are now all thinking about summer, so why not have a spring clean of your children’s clothes and toys and book one of our seller tables so you can then start saving for your family holiday!

Expecting a baby this spring then come along to one of our markets and save money on everything you need for your new addition.

● Excellent quality cartoon lookalike mascots for hire ● Ideal for parties and special occasions

Our next events are Sunday 4 March at Hedge End, Sunday 17 March at Bursledon Village Hall and Saturday 14 April at the Pavilion in the Park, Eastleigh.

07572 066 958 Info@cartoonmascothire.co.uk www.cartoonmascothire.co.uk

Visit: www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk for more details and listings of all our markets.

March – April 2012

Education You could be missing out on financial assistance by not taking advantage of employer supported childcare vouchers if you are working…

Employers can assist their employees with the costs of childcare through childcare vouchers. Employees can purchase vouchers up to £55 a week, or £243 a month usually as part of a ‘salary sacrifice’ scheme. Both parents may be able to access vouchers if their employer offers this scheme. The vouchers pay for Ofsted registered childcare and can be saved up to pay for summer holiday care as well spent throughout the year.

Salary sacrifice means that an employee formally agrees to a reduction to their taxable salary and receives this reduction in childcare vouchers; saving on Tax and National Insurance Contributions. This may affect pensions and Tax Credit entitlement so this needs to be checked.

To find out more about childcare vouchers contact the national childcare charity, Daycare Trust on 020 7840 3350 or visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk or www.hants.gov.uk/childcare.

Schools face no-notice Ofsted inspections

By Joanna Parry From Autumn 2012 schools will face inspections without being given notice, Ofsted chief announces. Sir Michael Wilshaw, HM chief inspector, said the move was a “logical” progression, adding that it was vital the public had confidence in inspections and that inspectors must see schools “as they really are in the corridors, classrooms and staffroom”. Interviewed by the Press Association, Sir Michael said the

introduction of new guidelines offered a “good opportunity” to cut the notice period given to all schools, not just those causing concern. This comes after new worries that some schools were using tactics such as sending less successful teachers and unruly pupils home when inspectors were visiting.

The “great majority of schools conduct themselves properly”, Sir Michael said, but added that if there is any thought that a school is not, Ofsted must address it. However, school leaders revealed they had “real doubts” that the move would improve inspections, raising concern that the change had been announced without consulting headteachers. Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: “We welcome moves to improve the effectiveness of inspection, but I have real doubts that no-notice inspection will accomplish this. An effective inspection system is based on mutual trust and respect, not the premise that schools are trying to ‘cheat’ and need to be caught out.”

now calling for this to be raised to 32 when it was revealed that Sefton Council spent the cash on extra teachers for just 8 extra pupils during the past 2 years. “The problem is that the ‘30’ class size limit for infant classes is completely rigid,” said Liberal Democrat Councillor Simon Shaw in a report. “Surely, a bit of flexibility could be introduced? A common-sense solution is to change the law so that schools have the flexibility to go up to 32 children in an infant class, if they wish, but only so long as they have a qualified, full-time teaching assistant as well as a teacher.” Liberal Democratcontrolled Sutton Council is asking for support from other London councils to urge Education Secretary Michael Gove to change the legislation, while a Department for Education spokesperson said the government’s position was unchanged: “The law remains clear that it is illegal for infant classes to exceed 30 pupils – no parent would want their child taught in a huge class.” Government figures show that nearly half a million extra primary pupils in England will need places by 2015.

Raise limit of class sizes?

The government has been told to raise the limit on infant class sizes in primary schools after a report showing that Sefton council on Merseyside paid £274,00 to hire extra teachers to keep classes below the legal threshold.

In 1998 the then Labour government legislated to limit infant classes for fiveto seven- year olds to a maximum of 30 pupils, but some councils in London are

Earlybirds Pre-School Offering a warm, caring & stimulating environment where children can feel secure & happy, & so develop & learn. Excellent links with Newtown Soberton Infant School; Local to Wickham, Boarhunt, Southwick, Droxford & Denmead; Small Groups; High staff ratios.

Morning / Afternoon & All Day sessions available for children from 2y 9m – 5y.

Earlybirds Pre-School, Newtown Soberton Infant School, Church Road, Newtown, Fareham, PO17 6LJ. Telephone: 01329 833161.

Home-School Tutoring UK (est. 1984) Tutors (with full references/CRB checked) available for:

Registered Charity Number: 801708

Located on the grounds of Romsey Abbey Primary School.

Fantastic indoor and outdoor play facilities.

‘Outstanding’ Ofsted 2009.

Care for children aged 2yrs 9mths to 5yrs.

Opening times: 9am to 3pm Monday and Friday (lunch club 12pm-1pm) 9am to 12pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Flexible hours to suit.

Spaces le Availab

We offer care and education of children, following the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.

Friendly, highly qualified staff.

Feel free to visit, or call 07946113678

www.romsey romseycentre centrepreschool preschool.co.uk

March – April 2012

• • • • •

All ages, levels and subjects Special Needs Support Exam Preparation Support with Home Schooling Holiday and/or Term time work

Initial consultation is free and without obligation

Please contact the Area Advisor for Hampshire (West & Central) Mrs Alex Murray-Twinn, BA (Hons) PGCE, NPQH e: alex.murray-twinn@homeschooltutoring.co.uk t: 02380 275573 www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk Families Solent West

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Titanic Feature

Southampton remembers Titanic trail walks

FREE

7, 9, 11, 13 and 14 April From Holy Rood Church 1.30 and 2.30pm 023 8057 1858 (office hours only) drob007@aol.com Southampton Tourist Guides Association will lead you around the city’s key Titanic linked locations and relate some of the stories about the ship. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.

Titanic promenade performance 11, 14 and 15 April Meet at Holyrood Church Adults £7, Under 16’s £5 Contact 023 8083 3333 for tour times

100 years after the tragic sinking of the White Star liner RMS Titanic, the city of Southampton recognises its unique link to the tragedy. The disaster struck at the heart of Southampton as hundreds of city residents went down with the fated vessel. Events across the city give you the chance to connect with the voices of the past that echo through history, telling the story of that disastrous night.

Titanic walks & tours Titanic grave walks

FREE

6, 7, 9, 12, 13 and 14 April The Old Cemetery, Southampton Common Contact 023 8034 9414 for tour times fosoc1846@googlemail.com The Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery volunteers will lead walks around these memorials and relate the hardship the families suffered through the disaster. Places on the 1.5 hour tours are limited and must be booked in advance.

Southampton’s Titanic Week events…

Tickets are available from the Southampton Visitor Information Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Central Library.

Discover Titanic at SeaCity Museum 12 April SeaCity Museum 7-9pm - £5 An exclusive tour of the Titanic Exhibition will be followed by short presentations and a question and answer sessions with our specialist panel.

Tickets are available from the Southampton Visitor Information Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Central Library.

Friday

Saturday

Tuesday

Wednesday

6 April

7 April

10 April

11 April

• Titanic grave walk (also taking place on 7, 9, 12, 13 and 14 April)

• Titanic trail walks (also taking place on 9, 11, 13 and 14 April)

• SeaCity Museum opens

• Sarah Siddons Fan Club promenade performance

• City of Southampton Orchestra performs ‘A Sea Symphony’

• Author event at Southampton Solent University

• Oxford Street event 8

The Sarah Siddons Fan Club theatre company presents Titanic, the Southampton Story. Using real buildings from the period as backdrops, the performance will focus on the experiences of the crew and the families left behind.

Families Solent West

March – April 2012

Titanic Commemoration services 100th Anniversary Commemorative Service

Porthole Pictures FREE Family workshop (5 year +)

FREE

15 April St Marys Church, St Marys Street 2pm This annual commemorative service will be led by Reverend Dr Julian Davies and accompanied by the Bishop of New York, The Rt Reverend Mark Sisk. The service will include readings, music from the City of Southampton String Quartet, the Salvation Army Band and singing by local choirs. All are welcome.

Family friendly events A Titanic day for all the family 2 April Art Gallery 11am–3pm

FREE

A free drop in session has activities for all the family to commemorate the Titanic centenary. Activities include rhymes, songs and shanties with storyteller Fiona Moore.

Tiddler the Story Telling Fish Family workshop (5 years +)

12 April 10.00am–12noon & 1.30 –3.30pm Sea City Museum Booking is essential: 023 8083 4536, 15 spaces available In partnership with Southampton Libraries and to celebrate this year’s ‘Book to Share Award’, let your imagination flow with a maritime story and then work with artist HollyDeacon to create amazing pictures of what you might see through a porthole if you were sailing in the ocean.

Activities are funded by Southampton Wider Family Learning and are limited to two children per adult. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Titanic family discovery day 13 and 14 April SeaCity Museum 11am and 3pm Celebrate SeaCity’s opening weekend with all the family at our drop in sessions. Be arty or try your hand at a Victorian game and enjoy all that SeaCity Museum has to offer.

Entrance charges apply.

11 April FREE Sea City Museum Booking is essential: 023 8083 4536, 15 spaces available 10.00am–12noon & 1.30 –3.30pm Hear the story of Tiddler by Julia Donaldson and then create your own colourful fishy sculpture with artist Debra Marsh. In Partnership with Southampton City Libraries to celebrate this year’s ‘Book to Share Award’ Activities are funded by Southampton Wider Family Learning and are limited to two children per adult. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Other Titanic events Oxford Street Remembers 7 April Oxford Street Step back in time to Oxford Street, 1912. Visit the street to enjoy a Titanic trail and maritime themed market.

Meet costumed characters and sample special menus at one of the many eateries.

Visit www.oxfordstreetsouthampton.co.uk to find out more.

For more on these and other events visit www.southampton.gov.uk/events

An evening with authors Christopher Ward and Gill Paul 11 April Sir James Matthews Building, Solent University 7-9pm Contact 023 8083 3333 Christopher Ward is the grandson of Jock Hume, who was at 21, the youngest member of the Titanic’s orchestra. His book tells the stories of the 13 brides and grooms who joined the ship to celebrate their honeymoons.

Gill Paul is the author of more than 30 books, including biographies and novels. Join them for a fascinating look at the Titanic.

Tickets are available from the Southampton Visitor Information Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Central Library.

British Titanic Society annual convention 14 April De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel 9am–4pm £3 Entry, £2 concessions Take advantage of this unique opportunity to find out about the British Titanic Society at this public open day.

Enjoy Titanic lectures, a sales fair of Titanic and other maritime items, and a fabulous exhibition.

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

12 April

13 April

14 April

15 April

• SeaCity Museum special tour

• Titanic family discovery day at SeaCity Museum

• Titanic Society annual convention

• 100th Anniversary commemorative service

March – April 2012

Families Solent West

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Olympics

Get ready to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games

By Rebecca Carr

This summer, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be an amazing festival of sport and culture: a breathtaking event that the whole nation can get excited about. You will get to see the very best athletes in the world, the fastest runners, the highest jumpers and the strongest swimmers. Here’s how you too can get involved and be a part of the greatest sporting event in the world.

Youth and Family Gold Challenge The Youth and Family Gold Challenge is the charity challenge where you take on Olympic and Paralympic Sports to raise money for charity. Everyone aged 5 and over can take part either as an individual, as part of a team, or with your family and fundraise money for one of Gold Challenge’s 125 charities.

The Family Activity Challenge This challenge is all about doing sports together and is perfect for families. Learn one new sport and or try a family run, walk, cycle or swim.

It’s accessible for younger children or those who want to involve elder members of the family too.

Be a Local Leader The Local Leader programme is an opportunity for people in communities across the UK to be at the heart of the London 2012 Games and celebrate them in your local area. Millions of people will be celebrating and at the heart of every celebration will be the one person who makes a difference, an organiser or someone who makes things happen. So if this sounds like you, why not become a London 2012 Local Leader and plan an activity that can include the whole family.

All you need is an idea of how you will celebrate the Games. You can create your own events or use the ideas communities across the UK suggested to London 2012. From Gardening for the games to planning a sports quiz or an opening night in or a super Saturday family BBQ, get your friends, family and neighbours ready to celebrate the greatest sporting event in the world.

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Families Solent West

Ideas to get you started and involve the whole family:

Let’s get gardening

The Youth and Family Gold Challenge offers three challenge options to choose from. This is your challenge and you can choose how you do it:

Dig out your trowel and get planting!

Use your window pots, garden or community allotment to celebrate through all things floral. You can use Olympic colours or Union Jack themes.

•

School’s out

•

Every week during the school holidays keep the family busy during the holidays with the toolkit from London 2012 packed with ideas and learning opportunities.

•

Complete your challenge indoors or outdoors Choose new sports, or push yourself further in your favourite sport Complete it as an individual or as a family

Design a flag Why not design an Olympic flag to wave when the Olympic Torch passes through your town or village.

For more information and to register visit: www.london2012.com/localleaders March – April 2012

Hampshire Welcomes the World The ambition for the project is to involve at least 5,000 participants, performers, children, young people and their families across the county in creating five new performances that reflect the themes and values of the Olympic Games.

1. The 2012km Challenge Celebrating the Olympic year, choose your target distance at 2,012, 201.2 or 20.12km and then complete this in your preferred sports. You need to be aged seven or over to register.

Cover your chosen distance via one or more of the following sports (for families or groups this is an aggregated total): • • • • • • • •

Running Walking Cycling Swimming Canoeing/Kayaking Horse-riding Rowing Sailing

Taking the 5 rings of the Olympic movement, representing the five continents, Hampshire Welcomes the World will present exciting opportunities to celebrate the five continent’s diverse cultures through music, performance, dance and celebration, linking to Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Oceania to across the County.

© Nigel Riches

Hampshire Welcomes the World is an Olympic inspired project aimed at school children from all over the county

The performances are scheduled to take place in five outdoor locations unique to the county, providing both the inspiration as well as the dramatic backdrop to the work, and they have been chosen on the basis of both their geographic spread and their uniqueness to Hampshire. As well as shaping the performances a large part of the project will be the site transformation. The table below lists the venues, location within the county, performance focus, area of music and culture that they are working to.

Farnborough Airship Hanger

NE

Installation

Asia / Multi-media

Danebury Iron Age Fort

NW

Ritual

South America / Percussion

Winchester Cathedral

Central

Procession

European / Choral

The New Forest

SW

Storytelling

West African / Kora and Griot traditions

Staunton Country Park

SE

Participation

Oceania / Rock, Pop and Urban

For further information about this project visit: www.hants.gov.uk/2012

Southampton’s A - Z of music for Festival 2012 On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 March musicians of all kinds will take over Southampton to perform an unprecedented 26 hours of alphabetical music.

Southampton’s Musical Alphabet as part of Music Nation Weekend sees events run from 10am-11pm on Saturday and Sunday in Southampton, launching one letter of the alphabet in each hour.

2. Olympic Sport Challenge This challenge is for those of you who want to try out new sports. Pick five Olympic or Paralympic sports to learn or improve on, then coach or take part in a competitive event to complete your challenge. You need to be aged seven or over to register.

Alongside the performances there will be taster sessions including: singing workshops, samba drumming sessions, tabla masterclasses and tango lessons for all to join in with.

The weekend will start with A for African Drumming in Guildhall Square at 10am on Saturday morning. Families can then follow the free guide and experience some of the highlights of the weekend including: nursery rhymes with Jiggy Wrigglers at the Eastpoint Centre, young children’s choir at West Quay and a sing along at The Hub, City College. For full details of the weekend please see turnersims.co.uk

3. The Family Activity Challenge This is a two part challenge, perfect for families as it’s all about doing sports together, regardless of age or ability.

Firstly, choose one new sport to learn then do two of the following as a family: • • • •

Swim 500 metres Run 1,500 metres Walk 5,000 metres Cycle 10,000 metres

The Family Activity Challenge can be done anywhere you choose but you must complete it together as a family.

More information is available at: www.goldchallenge.org March – April 2012

Families Solent West

11

Easter

Fun Easter Activities

Here are some top crafts and activities for Easter fun with your little ones.

Tissue dyed Easter eggs You’ll need hardboiled eggs, brightly coloured tissue paper giftwrap and a bowl of water and a spray mister of water. First dip the hardboiled egg in the water to get it wet, and then pat tiny differently coloured strips of tissue paper onto the shell. If the eggshell isn’t wet enough for the tissue paper to stick, spritz it with the spray mister. Once the egg is covered with tissue paper, set it aside to dry. Once it’s dry the tissue paper will come off, but the dye will remain on the shell, creating a pattern of wonderful colours!

Easter bunny bag You’ll need a brown paper lunch bag, coloured card, cotton balls, crayons, glue and scissors. You might also want to use fabric scraps, crafting pompoms. The side on which the base of the lunch bag folds down will be the front of the bag. Cut out coloured card circles for his eyes, a triangle for his nose (or use a pom-pom), rectangles for his teeth, and bunny ears. Your child can colour all of these as he/she wants to and then all you need to do is glue them in place, with his ‘teeth’ glued just under the flap that forms his mouth. Glue the cotton ball onto the back to form his tail and you’re all set!

Fluffy Easter bunny mask You’ll need plain white paper plates, cotton wool, coloured card, crayons and elastic thread. Cut the paper plate in half and cut holes that will be level with your child’s eyes when he/she’s wearing the mask. Cut out a circle of coloured card for his nose, two rectangles for his teeth, and bunny ears – your child can colour his nose before you glue his nose and teeth onto the centre of the cut edge of the plate, and his ears to the top. Paint the plate with glue and show them how to stick on individual cotton balls until the plate is covered. Make a hole at each side and poke elastic thread through to keep the mask in place.

Easter chicks You’ll need an egg carton (cardboard), with each compartment individually cut out, cotton balls, coloured card, paint, and a spray mister with yellow pain diluted one part paint to three parts water.

Your child can paint the cut-out carton ‘eggshells’ his/her favourite colour before gluing a cotton ball into each. Glue on circle eyes cut from the card, and cut out a diamond shape, folded in half, for his beak. Finally, use the mister bottle to very lightly coat the cotton balls so your chicks are the right colour.

Easter bunny cupcakes Use ready made cupcakes or bake your own. To decorate them you’ll need icing, an icing pen, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, sweets and mini oreo biscuits. Ice the cupcakes and then twist apart the oreos and carefully break each side in half to form two semicircles. Press them into the icing to form the bunny’s ears. Use two chocolate chips and sweets for the eyes and nose and two mini marshmallows for his cheeks. Use the icing pen to draw whiskers on his marshmallow cheeks.

Easter bonnet You’ll need empty cereal boxes, glue, tissue paper, fabric scraps and craft feathers/pom-poms. Cut the cereal box in half and open it up so it can be placed onto your child’s head. Then help your child to stick anything she likes onto it to decorate her Easter bonnet!

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Families Solent West

March – April 2012

March – April 2012

Families Solent West

13

Days Out

Family days out on the Isle of Wight – the museum within it contains a fascinating collection of curios that the royal children collected over the years!

Children will also love taking a horse and carriage ride through the estate and indulging in a traditional afternoon tea in the Terrace Restaurant.

Carisbrooke Castle

Stroll through extensive grounds bathed in the beauty of early spring, and enjoy glorious views across the Solent.

Discover a riot of colour in the Victorian Walled Garden and explore the Swiss Cottage, a miniature chalet where the prince and princesses learnt home economics and how to grow vegetables

Carisbrooke Castle is a great family day out reaching into the past and providing opportunities for tranquil relaxation.

Dwell awhile in the Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden, created by award-winning garden designer Chris Beardshaw; experience the calm of the castle chapel and visit the Carisbrooke Castle Museum with its fascinating Charles I memorabilia.

Carisbrooke Castle has been home to generations of donkeys since the 16th century, when they were brought in to work the treadwheel in the well-house.

They still do this today. Watch daily demonstrations, visit the donkeys in the donkey centre, and find out why each has a name beginning with J’.

Osborne House For a great family day out, visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s family home on the Isle of Wight. See the sumptuous state apartments and take an intimate glimpse into the royal family’s private rooms, including the royal nursery and the Queen’s bedroom.

brought to life with a fun, dramatic film and enjoy hands-on fun trying on armour and handling medieval weaponry. You can even have a go at firing a mini-cannon!

Discover 800 years of history at this fascinating castle on the Isle of Wight, famous for its donkeys and as a royal prison to Charles I. Children will love to climb the towering keep, and imagine themselves as a medieval soldier as they march the battlements and survey the surrounding lands. See the history of the castle

For full details call 0870 333 1183 or visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/ osbournehouse www.english-heritage.org.uk/ carisbrookecastle

For an initial outlay of £75 a Culture-all Passport will give you unlimited access to some of Hampshire’s top attractions for a whole year for up to two adults and two children. Culture-all Passport holders also benefit from exclusive offers.

Have fun with the family and save money at the same time We’re all watching our budgets at the moment but that doesn’t mean that families can’t go out and have fun together, whatever the weather.

From feeding the animals at Manor Farm and Staunton Country Park, walking in your ancestors footsteps at Rockbourne Roman Villa (reopens April) or dressing up as a Victorian at Milestones living history museum, with a Culture-all Passport you will always find ways to entertain the whole family.

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Families Solent West

Five go wild in Hampshire – special offer for April 2012 only. To help you make the most of the Easter holidays, throughout April you can use your Culture-all Passport to gain admission to all our sites and venues for two adults and FIVE children.

To find out exactly what the Culture-all Passport can offer your family plus details about all our venues visit www.culture-all.co.uk

Win family tickets to some of Hampshire’s Top Attractions.

See page 23 for details on how to enter.

Manor Farm March – April 2012

March – April 2012

Families Solent West

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What’s On

What's On We aim to be as accurate as possible but the listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please contact venues in advance to check details and prices.

MARCH 2 March Little Owls Parent & Toddler Club: Hopping Mad! Frogs and Toads at the Treehouse Study Centre, Beaulieu The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401 Come and have fun exploring nature! Choose from two sessions: 10.00am – 12.00 noon or 1.00 – 3.00pm. Cost: £5.50 per parent & child (plus £2.75 for additional child/adult). Friends of the Trust £4.00/£2.00.

3 March Southampton’s Musical Alphabet Weekend www.turnersims.co.uk 26 hours of music across one weekend in various locations in Southampton as part of the Olympic Festival 2012.

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Families Solent West

There are lots of family activities in West Quay and a free session with Jiggy Wrigglers at the Eastpoint Centre, Bursledon.

Check the website for further details and times.

To 4 March

4 March Little Pickles Markets 2000 Centre, Hedge End www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 2pm – 3.30pm Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

Where you see this symbol please visit...

www.hampshiretopattractions.co.uk k for more information and discount vouchers.. sessions: 10.00am – 12.00 noon or 1.00 – 3.00pm. Cost: £5.50 per parent & child (plus £2.75 for additional child/adult). Friends of the Trust £4.00/£2.00.

10 March Introduction to Home Chicken Keeping 9.30am – 1pm The Countryside Education Trust at the Out of Town Centre, Beaulieu www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401 This course with Jeanette Owens will teach you everything you need to know to get started with raising chickens at home … and more!

Cost: £20.00 per person, Friends of the Trust £17.50

11 March 5 March Little Owls Parent & Toddler Club: Hopping Mad! Frogs and Toads at the Treehouse Study Centre, Beaulieu. The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401 Come and have fun exploring nature! Choose from two

Birdwatching with Graham Giddens – Park Shore 9am – 11.30 am The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401 A guided walk giving you the unique opportunity to birdwatch on quiet areas of private land, in

the company of a professional, knowledgeable guide.

Cost: £12.00 per person, Friends of the Trust £10.00.

12 March National Science and Engineering Week Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 enquiries A week of special activities for schools. Advance booking essential through the Gardens Education Service on Tel: 01794 369308.

To 16 March

14 March Little Foresters Toddler Group Itchen Valley Country Park 10.00am to 11.30am, Booking is essential 023 8047 5080 For pre-school children age 2+.

The majority of the session will take place outside so please dress appropriately. The cost £2.50 per child.

March – April 2012

Little Foresters Toddler Group Lakeside Country Park 1.00pm to 2.30pm, booking is essential - 023 8047 5080 For pre-school children age 2+.

The majority of the session will take place outside so please dress appropriately. The cost £2.50 per child.

15 March Tots ‘n’ Tinies: Whether the Weather Be? 1pm-3pm Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 522106 to book What is the weather today? £5.95 per child (1 adult accompanies free)

16 March Maria King: Pianist, Singer and Entertainer in Concert at Palace House, Beaulieu.

Contact Jan Hoy on 07818 454516 To raise funds for the Countryside Education Trust Tickets: £25.00 to include wine and canapés.

17 March Musical Family Work-shops with Maria King at the Out of Town Centre, Beaulieu. Contact Jan Hoy on 07818 454516 To raise funds for the Countryside Education Trust Little Pickles Markets Burseldon Village Hall www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 2pm – 3.30pm Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

MOTHER’S DAY 18 March Nothing says ‘I love you Mum’ more than a hot lunch or cream tea on board one of our steam trains. Tickets for these trains must be booked in advance.

Our regular steam services will also be running and tickets for these can be purchased on the day from our station Ticket Offices.

For more information, visit www.watercressline.co.uk

March – April 2012

Families Solent West

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What’s On Crafty Bushcraft on Mothering Sunday. 1pm to 3.30pm Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 enquiries

enjoy. On The Day Unlimited Travel Special Event Fares, Adult £20, Child (2-16 yrs) £10. Child under 2 FREE, Family (2 Adult and 2 Children – 1 Child effectively goes free) £50.

Crafty bushcraft for all the family.

Just drop in, no need to book.

Free with normal admission, but donations to support our Education Service would be gratefully received.

To 25 March

“Introduction to Falconry” A Falconry experience at the Out of Town Centre, Beaulieu 10am – 1.30pm 01794 368487 During this half day session you will gain a basic understanding of birds of prey, their training and care, as well as hands-on experience of holding and flying falconry birds.

Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk A special walking trail will guide visitors to see the best primrose displays, and also showcase Exbury’s award-winning Camellia’s on the Old and New Camellia Walks. Guided walks leave the admissions gate at 2pm on all featured dates.

To 25 March

SPRING STEAM GALA www.watercressline.co.uk

The Frog Prince The Nuffield Theatre www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk Showings at 11am & 2pm

It’s a steam extravaganza with special guest locomotives from other railways joining our already impressive home fleet. An intensive service timetable will be in operation, so if you love steam or simply have a passing appreciation of, this is an excellent event for the family to

A magical and witty one-woman adaptation of the famous froggy tale. Follow Queenie and the funky frog’s adventures from a unique take on the traditional tale to Terry Jones’ ‘clever and crazy’ Fairy Tales. Travel in a magic mirror with extraordinary animals and audience participation.

23 March

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24 March

Families Solent West

Baby and Children’s Market The Romsey School, Main Hall, Greatbridge, Romsey SO51 8ZB 2pm to 4pm www.babyandchildrens market.co.uk Over 30 stalls in the Main Hall and Cafe selling excellent quality pre loved and new items for boys and girls aged from birth to six years. Entrance: Adults: £1, Kids go free. Refreshments are available and parking is free.

28 March Little Foresters Toddler Group Itchen Valley Country Park 10.00am to 11.30am, booking is essential 023 8047 5080 For pre-school children age 2+.

The majority of the session will take place outside so please dress appropriately. The cost £2.50 per child.

Little Foresters Toddler Group Lakeside Country Park 1.00pm to 2.30pm, booking is essential - 023 8047 5080 For pre-school children age 2+.

The majority of the session will take place outside so please dress appropriately. The cost £2.50 per child.

29 March Tots ‘n’ tinies: Faster and Faster. 1pm-3pm Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 522106 to book Energetic fun. £5.95 per child (1 adult accompanies free)

31 March Easter Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 enquiries Fun Easter trail for all the family with a chocolate surprise over the Easter Weekend. Free with normal admission To 15 April FORAGE and FEAST 10 am – 3 pm at the Treehouse Study Centre, Beaulieu.

The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401 A morning of foraging for edible goodies in our woods at Beaulieu followed by a cook up around the campfire using the wild food ingredients you have collected.

Cost £25.00 per person, Friends of the Trust £20.00

March – April 2012

What’s On Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway – www.exbury.co.uk A special walking trail will guide visitors to see the best primrose displays, and also showcase Exbury’s awardwinning Camellia’s on the Old and New Camellia Walks. Guided walks leave the admissions gate at 2pm on all featured dates.

Easter Egg-stravaganza Beaulieu www.beaulieuevents.co.uk Young visitors to Beaulieu can join in a Hare-Brained Easter Trail. Look for the hares, find the answers to the clues and collect a sweet treat at the end. Visit the website for more details.

Easter Holiday - Gentle Giants & Wild Egg Hunt Marwell – www.marwell.org.uk Meet our stunning herd or ‘tower’ of giraffe and enjoy encounters, feeding sessions and fascinating talks – find out why a giraffe’s tongue is purple and why male giraffe like “necking”… Also enjoy family crafts where you can make your very own giraffe to take home! Plus, for the Easter bank holiday weekend (6 – 9 April) enjoy our Wild Egg Hunt – meet our egg-layers and follow the Wild

March – April 2012

Egg Trail! The Easter Bunny will be giving away a free chocolate egg with every completed trail along with the chance to win a monster chocolate egg. Come along for an egg-stravagantly wild Easter experience!

To 15 April

APRIL Until 15 April Easter Egg-stravaganza Beaulieu www.beaulieuevents.co.uk Young visitors to Beaulieu can join in a Hare-Brained Easter Trail. Look for the hares, find the answers to the clues and collect a sweet treat at the end.

Easter Trail – Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 enquiries Free with normal admission

1 April Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway – www.exbury.co.uk A special walking trail will guide visitors to see the best primrose displays, and also showcase Exbury’s award-winning

Camellia’s on the Old and New Camellia Walks. Guided walks leave the admissions gate at 2pm on all featured dates.

2 April Hands on Countryside Day for 11 – 14 year olds 10 am – 4 pm at Treehouse Study Centre, Beaulieu. The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 61240 Get out into the great outdoors for some practical conservation work.

Plant trees and create a new hedge line whilst learning how to use tools safely, followed by lunch around the campfire. Cost: £15.00, Friends of the Trust £13.00.

Bushcraft for Children 10am to Noon (ages 7-11) & 1.30pm to 3.30pm (ages 11-14) Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 to book.

Plant Hunter tours for families Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk Join our storyteller playing the role of ‘George Forrest’, legendary plant explorer of the early 20th century. Hear hairraising tales of uprisings, death and glory in the Yunnan as Forrest quests to bring back new plants and seedlings to England and Exbury, and discover many of the plants he introduced.

Tours at 11.45am and 2.30pm.

To 6 April

3 April New Forest in a Nutshell Walk New Forest Centre www.newforestcentre.org.uk 1pm - 3pm

Learn traditional crafts using natural materials and play outdoor games. Build a shelter, tie knots and learn the basics of survival. Plus, learn to use a bow saw and learn whittling skills for wood working. £40 per child for four sessions

A unique chance to see the oldest still functioning court in the land, where the Court of Verderer’s meet in the historic Queen’s House. Also a visit to the grave of Alice Hargreaves: hear the story about how she was the inspiration for Alice in Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Booking essential. £8 adults, £2 under 16s, under 5s free.

To 5 April

& 10 April

Families Solent West

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What’s On Discovery Days Easter & Springtime Forest New Forest Centre www.newforestcentre.org.uk 10am - 4pm Drop in sessions of craft activities for all the family. Standard entry charge, small charge. & 5, 10, 12 April

4 April Sock Bunnies Itchen Valley Country Park.

Any time between 10.30am to 12.30am Come and make a colourful Easter beanie sock bunny!

Cost £2.00 per bunny.

Forest Activity Day Itchen Valley Country Park 9.30am to 3.30pm, booking is essential - 023 8047 5080 A day of activities in our woodland for children aged 6 – 11 years. Includes shelter building, campfire cookery and woodland crafts. Cost: £18.00 per child.

Introduction to Archery for adults & children 8yrs+ at the Out of Town Centre, Beaulieu 10am – 11.30am or 2pm – 3.30pm.

The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401 Learn the basics of bare bow shooting and take part in some archery games. Family groups welcome. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Leaders are GNAS qualified. Cost: £10.00 per person per session, Friends of the Trust £8.00 Children’s Falconry Workshop 10am to Noon Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 to book Meet wonderful hawks, falcons and owls... An unforgettable chance to be up close to these magnificent top predators, seeing them flying free and having them fly to your gloved fist. For ages 8 to 15. £45, includes one child & one adult

5 April Tots ‘n’ Tinies: Egg-tastic!

10am-Noon Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 522106 to book Games and egg decorating for Easter. £5.95 per child (1 adult accompanies free) 20

Families Solent West

Forest Families Itchen Valley Country Park 11.00am to 1.00pm, booking is essential - 023 8047 5080 Outdoor activities for children age 4 – 11 years with their parents. Includes shelter building and bushcraft. Please dress appropriately for the weather!

Cost £6.00 per child.

Easter Egg Eggstravaganza at the Out of Town Centre, Beaulieu 10.00 am – 12.00noon The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401 Come along and join in with some family fun including a Mega Easter Egg Hunt. Cost: £3.00 per person, Friends of the Trust £2.50 New Forest in a Nutshell Walk New Forest Centre www.newforestcentre.org.uk 1pm - 3pm Come to the New Forest Centre and join a walk to stunning scenery nearby guided by a friendly National Park Ranger ready to answer all your questions. Plus you’ll get all the essential guides and maps to give you everything you need to know about the Forest in a nutshell. Booking essential. £8 adults, £2 under 16s, under 5s free. & 12 April

EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES MAGMA Opening Paultons Park www.paultonspark.co.uk 023 8081 4442 When Magma erupts adventurers rise from the smoke 25 metres into the clear sky, only to face a stomach churning plunge in to the fiery heart of the mountain below.

Visit www.paultonspark.co.uk for opening times and entry charges.

6 April Easter Egg Hunt – Itchen Valley Country Park. Any time between 10.30am and 4.00pm Follow the clues and hunt the eggs hidden around the Park to win a prize. Cost £1.75 per trail pack.

To 9 April DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Book your tickets in advance at www.watercressline.co.uk or call Reservations on 01962 733810 Thomas & Friends return to the Watercress Line for more family fun! See Toad, Diesel, Bulgy, George and of course Thomas the Tank Engine. Unlimited travel on the day of your visit, giving great value for money. FREE car parking at Ropley station (SO24 0BL) and FREE children’s entertainment! FREE activity sheets, stickers, Engineers certificate, and Mega Bloks giveaway packs! Bouncy castle slide and FREE rides with Thomas, Diesel and Toad at Ropley station. Join the big trains and travel the full length of the line as much as you like! It’s a great value family day out, not to be missed! On The Day Unlimited Travel Fares: Adult £16, Child (aged 2-16 yrs) £10.

Family (2 Adults and 2 Children – 1 Child effectively free) £48, fares include booking fee.

To 15 April The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark – The Nuffield Theatre www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk 11am & 2pm showings With an irresistible blend of live music, puppetry and storytelling, this beautiful new show introduces an old friend to a new generation of theatregoers.

Based on the classic children’s book by Jill Tomlinson, this funny, gentle and reassuring tale is written especially for small people aged 3–7 (and grown-ups who sleep with the light on!) Join Plop, the baby barn owl, as he journeys into the night-time world of campfires, fireworks, starry nights and moonlit adventures. Join us — it’s going to be a HOOT! To 7 April On the Trail of the Chocolate Egg! – Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 enquiries Solve puzzles around the Gardens to win a chocolate Easter prize!

Free with normal admission

Four Seasons Artists Exhibition, Five Arrows Gallery – Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk A collection of top local artists are staging a delightful exhibition of paintings and sculpture in the Five Arrows Gallery. The artists will give demonstrations, answer questions and steward the show during the exhibition. The work will be on show just as the Gardens at Exbury are coming into beautiful colour, making a visit a double pleasure.

To 10 June

7 April Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk A special walking trail will guide visitors to see the best primrose displays, and also showcase Exbury’s award-winning Camellia’s on the Old and New Camellia Walks. Guided walks leave the admissions gate at 2pm on all featured dates.

To 8 April Easter at Exbury – Parrot (Tree) Trail and family train rides Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway – www.exbury.co.uk Easter is a wonderful time at Exbury, with a beautiful ‘cloth of gold’ Daffodil Meadow leading down to the Beaulieu River.

There are surprises in store on the Railway – who will spot the Easter Bunnies hiding in the woods? Special Garden trails and Easter treats for the children. Fun for all the family!

To 9 April

8 April Creative Crafts for Easter Time. 1pm to 4pm Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 enquiries Make and take home fun Easter crafts. Free with normal admission, but donations to support our Education Service would be gratefully received. & 9 April

Please say you u saw it listed in Families F ili Solent West magazine

To 9 April March – April 2012

What’s On 10 April Children’s Photography Workshop 9.30am to 3pm Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 to book A fun and informative photography workshop for children aged 8 to 16 with professional garden photographer Justyn Willsmore.

See website for full details. £50 for one child and one adult; £25 per extra child Bushcraft for Children 10am to Noon (ages 7-11) & 1.30pm to 3.30pm (ages 11-14) Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 to book Learn traditional crafts using natural materials and play outdoor games. Build a shelter, tie knots and learn the basics of survival including fire lighting techniques and outdoor cooking.

Plus, learn to use a bow saw and learn whittling skills for wood working. £40 per child for four sessions To 13 April

11 April The Farm and Garden Spring Open Day 10am – 4pm at the Out of Town Centre, Beaulieu.

The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401 A fun-filled day of activities for all the family, including: pizza making, vintage tractors, trails, falconry, frontiersmen, BBQ and much more! Adults £4, Children £2.50, Friends of the Trust £3.00/£1.50

Forest Activity Day Itchen Valley Country Park 9.30am to 3.30pm, booking is essential - 023 8047 5080 A day of activities in our woodland for children aged 6 – 11 years.

Includes shelter building, campfire cookery and woodland crafts.

Cost £18.00 per child.

Sunflower Painting & Planting Itchen Valley Country Park Any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm Paint a pot and plant a sunflower seed. Take it home and watch it grow and grow! Cost £3.00 per pot.

12 April Spotty Bug Spotting for 5 – 8 year olds at the Treehouse Study Centre, Beaulieu 10am – 1pm. The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401 Learn about lovely Ladybirds and have some fun with games and crafts followed by a tasty ladybird themed snack. Cost: £8.00 per child, Friends of the Trust £6.00 Tots ‘n’ Tinies: Mud Pies 10am-Noon Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 522106 to book Up to the knees in soil research! £5.95 per child (1 adult accompanies free)

13 April Clay Leaves Itchen Valley Country Park Any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Find a large leaf then bring it along and cut round it before drawing in all the features.

Cost £2.50 per leaf.

Itchen Valley Country Park Little Owls Parent at Toddler Club: New Life on the Farm At the Out of Town Centre, Beaulieu. The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401 Come and have fun exploring nature! Choose from two sessions: 10– 12noon or 1pm – 3pm. Cost: £5.50 per parent & child (plus £2.75 for additional child/adult). Friends of the Trust £4.00/£2.00.

To 16 April

14 April The Glory of the Garden Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk Exbury Gardens are worldfamous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and plants. The early spring Rock Garden and Heather Garden, daffodils, camellias, magnolias and primroses give way to bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas, with colour and birdsong at every turn. The spectacle of the Azalea Bowl in May and ‘The Glory of the Garden’ is not to be missed.

To 10 June Little Pickles Markets Pavilion on the Park, Eastleigh, www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 2pm – 3.30pm Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk

Marwell Wildlife March – April 2012

A special walking trail will guide visitors to see the best primrose displays, and also showcase Exbury’s award-winning

Camellia’s on the Old and New Camellia Walks. Guided walks leave the admissions gate at 2pm on all featured dates.

To 15 April

15 April “Introduction to Falconry” A Falconry experience at the Out of Town Centre, Beaulieu 10.00am – 1.30pm 01794 368487 During this half day session you will gain a basic understanding of birds of prey, their training and care, as well as hands-on experience of holding and flying falconry birds.

Bird Song Masterclass Dock Lane and Moonhills 8am – 10.30 am The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401 A guided walk giving you the unique opportunity to birdwatch on quiet areas of private land, in the company of a professional, knowledgeable guide.

Cost: £12.00 per person, Friends of the Trust £10.00.

Little Pickles Markets River Park Leisure Centre, Winchester www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 2pm – 4pm Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

16 April Late Spring Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 enquiries A fun trail for all the family Free with normal admission To 1 June

Families Solent West

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What’s On 18 April Little Foresters Toddler Group Itchen Valley Country Park 10.00am to 11.30am, booking is essential - 023 8047 5080 For pre-school children age 2+.

The majority of the session will take place outside so please dress appropriately. The cost £2.50 per child.

Little Foresters Toddler Group Lakeside Country Park 1.00pm to 2.30pm, booking is essential - 023 8047 5080 For pre-school children age 2+.

The majority of the session will take place outside so please dress appropriately. The cost £2.50 per child.

21 April

26 April Tots ‘n’ Tinies: Moles Uncovered. 1pm-3pm Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 522106 to book Can you keep a secret? £5.95 per child (1 adult accompanies free)

FORAGE and FEAST 10.00 am – 3.00 pm at the Treehouse Study Centre, Beaulieu. The Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk - 01590 612401

The Ugly Duckling The Nuffield Theatre www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk Showings at 11am & 2pm

A morning of foraging for edible goodies in our woods at Beaulieu followed by a cook up around the campfire using the wild food ingredients you have collected.

Cost £25.00 per person, Friends of the Trust £20.00

The tale of the unhappy duckling who grows into a beautiful swan.

Lashings of catchy tunes, magical storytelling and a whole heap of farmyard fun! Theatre to enchant and delight all ages suitable for the whole family.

Suitcase Circus The Nuffield Theatre www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk Showing at 2pm A delightfully heart-warming and interactive family-friendly spectacular. Meet Wobulous Discombobulous, the anarchic sock as he presents a line up of extraordinarily talented

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performing objects, all with their own unique and captivating storylines. Suitcase Circus features the most unlikely of performers including the world’s only acrobatic potato sack, a daredevil ski glove, an incredible dancing milkshake straw, the hypnotic tie snake Windsor Knot, and the lovable yet bizarre magical Mexican hat Timrek.

Families Solent West

28 April

29 April Little Pickles Markets 2000 Centre, Hedge End www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 2pm – 4pm Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

March – April 2012

Competition

Win family tickets to Hampshire’s Top Attractions There is so much to see and do in Hampshire and with so many great attractions, they all offer a great family day out. Visit Peppa Pig World at Paultons Theme Park, learn science hands on at Intech or experience the natural world of Marwell Wildlife.

Families Solent West has 10 tickets to giveaway for a family of four to enjoy a day out at Hampshire’s Top Attractions.

Intech

Marwell Wildlife

Paultons Theme Park

To be in with a chance of winning, complete the Easter themed word search below, find the missing word and go to our website to register your entry; www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/ competitions – the closing date for entries is 30 April 2012.

Good luck!

BASKET

FLOWERS

PALM

BUNNY

GRASS

PARADE

CHICK

HIDE

RABBIT

DYE

HUNT

SEARCH

EASTER

LAMB

SPRING

EGGS

LILY

SUNDAY

FIND

NEST

TULIPS

CHOCOLATE

HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance to win a family ticket to one of Hampshire’s Top Attractions, simply complete the wordseach - all the words relate to Easter and one word is missing from the crossword. Go to our website to enter, complete your name, address and contact number.

Closing date for all entries is FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2012. no cash alternative is offered. A family ticket includes up to 2 adults and 2 children (aged 16 or under). A full list of terms and conditions are available to view on our website. www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/competitions

March – April 2012

Families Solent West

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Families Solent West

March – April 2012