Families Solent West September/ October 2014

Issu

e 42

Free

T

ak

ea copy

SOLENT WEST

Cover image: M&Co

September/ October 2014 www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

After school clubs and classes

Can extra tuition help?

Half term and halloween activities

Back to school & education news

Confidence Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with our weekly classes for 4–12s Child development is at the heart of everything we do. So our drama, dance and singing sessions will boost your child’s confidence, improve their concentration and give them an outlet to have fun.

We have opened a new school in Lymington.

Call 0845 400 1319 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

Southampton New Forest Winchester Eastleigh Hedge End Botley Park Gate Chandlers Ford Romsey Totton for parents with children 0 - 12 years September/ October 2014 The really useful magazine www.familiessolentwest.co.uk Solent West Magazine

Halloween at Tudor House & Garden Friday 31 October, 10.30am-3.30pm

Join us for spectacular spooky family fun at Tudor House including craft activities and a fancy dress competition

at Tudor House & Garden

on 14 lid 20 va 10/ / 31

Halloween

Childr en go FREE with a paying adult

To find out more call 023 8083 4536 or visit www.tudorhouseandgarden.com

Come along to spooky Tudor House this Halloween.

Please present this voucher to get free entry for children up to 12 years (must be accompanied by a paying adult).

www.tudorhouseandgarden.com 2September/ October 2014

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Solent West Magazine

Dear Families Reader

SOLENT WEST MAGAZINE

Welcome to the September/ October issue of Families Solent West Magazine.

We hope you are settling back into the new school term. In this issue you will find a good listing of local clubs and classes, information about private tutoring, plus our popular what's on events and halloween activities to enjoy during half term.

Editor: Rebecca Carr 07789 882467 editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk

The Gregg School are hosting an open event on 1st October, come along and have a look at this school and its beautiful surroundings. Plus join St Mary's College from 22 - 26 September for their open week.

We are now working on our Christmas issue which is out on 1 November, if you have any events or news you would like to share with 40,000+ readers, then please get in touch with us.

Next issue: November/ December 2014 Booking deadline: 1 October 2014 40,000 readers per issue Printed by College Hill Press Cover image: ©M&Co www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Best wishes

Rebecca x

In this issue...

4

Local news

6

Creating a healthy dialogue with your school or nursery

8

Why after school clubs are important

10

Local clubs & classes

12

What's on in September & October

14

Halloween half term activities

Copyright: Families Solent West 2014

Data Protection: if you send us your name and address in order to win a prize in a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the prize. Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent West not 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 consequence.

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

ENJOY A FAMILY OUTING FOR Come and visit one of the only Tide Mills in the world, still working JUST £9 and regularly producing wholemeal flour.

Situated on the edge of Southampton Water, beside the renowned New Forest, there has been a mill on site for more than 900 years, it is now both a working mill and a museum. Come and see the mill harnessing the power of the tide to grind wheat into flour, which you can buy in the gift shop.

Whilst visiting the mill why not take a look at the history that Totton and Eling has to offer in the Heritage Centre.

Enjoy the scenery by taking a stroll around the riverside walks and picnic next to the Pirate Play Ship overlooking the water or just sit, relax and enjoy some refreshments in the Eling Creek Tea rooms.

The Eling Experience

Home of the Historic Eling Tide Mill

OPEN Wed – Sun 10am – 4pm and Bank Holidays.

Some peak and off peak opening times may apply – check website or phone for details.

We are at Eling Lane, Totton, SO40 9HF. Tel: 023 80 869575 | elingexperience.co.uk for milling times.

September/ October 2014

Trains at the Brickworks Big Trains, Mini Trains and Model Trains

Sunday 21st September 11am – 4pm Hampshire Narrow Gauge Railway Trust will be taking over the Museum for the day with their trains and model trains. There will be lots of activities for children available on the day. Visit our website bursledonbrickworks.org.uk for more details.

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum Swanwick Lane, SO31 7HB 01489 576 248 admin@bursledonbrickworks.org.uk www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Solent West Magazine 3

News and Views

Forest School pre-school to open at Itchen Valley On November 3rd (subject to OFSTED) Forest School will be opening their new venture – Little Owls Woodland Pre-School. A wonderful opportunity for 3 and 4 year olds to run around the woodland cooking over fires, using tools, building dens, playing in mud, learning about trees, animals and themselves.

The site is fully fenced with a container for shelter, composting toilets and trained staff on hand to encourage the children to explore and use their imagination.

OFSTED regulations for indoor space enable us to cater for 12 children in each half-day session (during term-time only). We feel our woodland pre-school would complement your child’s attendance at their local nursery as they will be with the children they will be attending school with and with a mixture of children from a wider catchment area.

If you are interested in joining the waiting list please contact Kim Peters kim.peters@eastleigh.gov.uk

Win a children's backpack from Lands End This September send your kids back to school in style with the Lands End kidswear collection that includes durable outerwear and footwear in a range of colours and designs as well as fun back packs and lunchboxes that they’ll love! Visit the website www. landsend.co.uk to view the entire collection and follow them on twitter @LandsEnd_UK As an exclusive for Families readers Lands End are giving away a kids backpack worth £50! To be in with a chance to win simply enter on our website: www.familiessolentwest.co.uk by 30 September 2014.

Only one entry per household will be accepted. No cash alternative is available.

For full terms and conditions see our website.

Fleet Tutors providing tuition support for over 36 years Fleet Tutors is a national tutoring service specialising in small group revision courses and one-to-one tuition in all academic subjects starting from school entry and up to GCSE, A-level and University.

Recommended by ‘The Good School’s Guide’. Find out more, call 020 8580 3911 email: clientsupport@fleet-tutors.co.uk or visit: www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

Come, play and enjoy learning french At Marco Languages, we offer fun affordable French clubs providing personalized programmes for children, students and adults.

Whether you are looking for a club, private tuition or tutoring, we can provide a worthwhile experience.

Contact us today to find out more www.marcolanguages.co.uk

Join The Gregg School at their open day on 1 October to find out why the school has a real 'family feel'

Set in 23 acres of landscaped grounds (including an 11 acre arboretum with some original and rare trees), a Victorian gardening gem and the former stately home of the Baron of Swathling provide a unique setting for the quality education students receive at The Gregg School in Southampton.

The external environment provides the School’s 330 students with wonderful open spaces to discover, explore and create, whilst inside there is a strong “family feel” as you enter Townhill Park House. It is this “family feel” which distinguishes The Gregg from most other schools, and one which extends beyond the fabric of the buildings into the very heart of the School’s ethos. Students here frequently comment that they regard the School as their “second home” or “second family” and this sense of belonging and community reaps many rewards.

Come and find out for yourself at our Open Event on 1 October from 5.30 - 8.30pm. Call on 023 8047 2133 to book your place.

Brewing for 'chari-tea' Brew lovers across the UK are being urged to take a break, put the kettle on and enjoy a cuppa and a slice of cake, all in the name of a good cause.

National Tea and Cake Break will take place on 17 October to raise vital funds for Epilepsy Action.

The charity supports everyone affected by epilepsy through a range of services, including its Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050, branch network, specialist nurse scheme and award-winning website.

Everyone who registers to hold a National Tea and Cake Break will receive a free pack bursting with hints, tips and tools to get their event off to a sweet start. For more information and to register for your fundraising pack, www.epilepsy.org.uk/teabreak or call the fundraising events team on 0113 210 8824.

Little Owls Woodland Pre-School (a Forest School Kindergarten)

Opening 3 November 2014 at

Itchen Valley Country Park

Fully qualified staff will be running the pre-school (subject to Ofsted) in the wonderful woodland surroundings at Itchen Valley Country Park. The pre-school will open from 8.30am 3pm, Monday - Friday during term time only. There are 12 places available per session.

To register your interest or for more information please email kim.peters@eastleigh.gov.uk

4

September/ October 2014

Don't forget to say you saw these adverts in

SOLENT WEST MAGAZINE

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Solent West Magazine

Local news

Take part in the Lantern Procession in Winchester this Winter

Friday 21 November 6.30pm Winchester Cathedral Now in its seventh year and growing in size and drama, this spectacular family celebration originally heralded the opening of the acclaimed Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink and Christmas Market towards the end of November. Its popularity is now such that, since 2013, it has been a stand alone event with entertainment and its own identity.

As well as the participants many hundreds of families line the High Street, and the parade makes its way down to the Cathedral’s Outer Close. Last year 180 dazzling lanterns took part, ranging from many Father Christmasses to Minions, Hats, traditional Chinese, and more or less, everything that you could think of. The lanterns themselves are put together in family workshops before the big day.

This year the lantern workshops will be aimed at beginners who haven't already taken part in the parade before.

via the Cathedral website in October.

If you would like to get a early start on making a lantern, have a look at our website for some ideas and inspiration. www.familiessolentwest.co.uk To find out more about the Lantern Procession and how to join the workshops, why not visit the Cathedral website: www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk

If you are unable to take part in the workshops or are already a experienced lantern maker information on how to build a simple lantern, where to purchase materials and further details about taking part will be available

‘ We foster to enable children with specific needs to prosper and reach their full potential.’

Call now to find out more about fostering with Hampshire County Council

www.hants.gov.uk September/ October 2014

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Solent West Magazine 5

Early Years and Education

How to create a healthy dialogue with your school or nursery Here are a few tips for successful communication: Assume the best of your child’s teacher They are trained professionals who understand the curriculum and child development. They ultimately want the same as you – a happy child who is learning.

Let teachers know if there are problems at home You don’t have to go into graphic detail, just tell them if something’s happened which may affect your child’s behaviour.

Research shows that the better your relationship with your child’s school, the more they will enjoy learning and do well.

Please don’t assume that your child always tells the truth! After all, teachers don’t automatically believe what your child tells them about home.

However it’s often impossible to know what really goes on at school.Children are not very forthcoming about recounting their day. If they do raise any issues, or if you sense something is amiss, it can be difficult to know how to broach the subject with school.

Remain calm and neutral “my child came home rather upset about what happened, I wondered what your take on it is”, rather than “Why did you shout at my child like that?”

As both a parent and a primary teacher, I know how hard it can be to strike the right balance. If you’re meeting a teacher outside of parents evening or class surgeries, it’s because there is a problem.

These meetings can easily become tense, with both ‘sides’ on the defensive.

Mediation If you have issues with a teacher’s conduct, and feel upset or angry, it’s best that an additional member of staff is present.

Talk to the teacher first Even negative feedback is appreciated. Going directly to the head is a bit like them phoning your boss whenever your child misbehaves!

Remember that teachers are human They sometimes make mistakes, so try to forgive them for it.

Helping out in school Get an insight into how things are run and improve your relationship with the school by volunteering.

Parent Helper Helping out in class can be fun and rewarding. Research shows that having a parent who volunteers improves a child’s experience of school. Organise a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check (Disclosures in Scotland) - you can then volunteer regularly or as a one-off.

Use your Expertise Maybe there’s a school club that would fit your skill set or interests. If not, you could talk to the class or even do an assembly. One volcanologist parent at my son’s school did a legendary presentation including exploding volcanoes.

Join the PTA Fostering closer home-school links, the PTA usually organise the school’s fundraising projects, from fetes to family quiz nights. Run by committee, they may include ‘class reps’ who pass on information from other parents in the class.

School Governors Comprising parent governors and other community members, this group of elected volunteers helps to make management decisions, such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff and setting discipline standards.

It can be time-consuming, particularly if the school’s results are getting worse or it’s going through a big change like appointing a new head teacher, or joining with another school.

Parent Council member Some schools have a Parent council, where parents meet to share ideas that are fed back to the school governors. This is great if you’re too busy to commit to PTA or Governors, but want to have an input.

For tips on going back to school like how to settle a child at nursery, school or healthy packed lunches go to our website: www.familiesonline.co.uk

School Trips If you’ve had the DBS check, this one is great for ingratiating yourself. On what is invariably a stressful day, a responsible parent helping out can be a lifesaver!

6

September/ October 2014

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Solent West Magazine

Education

Can extra tuition help?

Paying for extra tuition has become very popular over the last few years. According to a poll last year by the Sutton Trust, nearly one in four 11-16 year olds at state schools in England and Wales said that their parents had paid for them to have extra help with their lessons.

So should you hire a tutor? If you don’t, will they be at a disadvantage when it comes to tests like the 11+ or Common Entrance exam, if everyone else seems to be sending their children for extra lessons?

Why get a tutor?

With stress on getting good grades now starting at KS1 and 2 with SATs children are expected to achieve from a very young age. Schools cannot provide the one-to-one support, which can provide valuable help in some instances.

If a child is struggling with a subject area, or missing knowledge that is holding them back (e.g. after time off school), then a tutor is a great idea. If your child has additional needs, like dyslexia or ADHD, a tutor can provide valuable targeted support (if they have a statement, your child may be entitled to one-to-one support in school).

Perhaps your child is having trouble getting the C-grade in Maths/ English GCSE that they need for further education. Maybe they

want to study a subject not offered at their school. Interview preparation for University is also a popular reason to hire a tutor, particularly for Oxbridge interviews.

However, if their problem is lack of motivation, then a tutor might not be the best idea – if they don’t want to work, you’re just wasting your money! Tutoring very young children can also be a problem – they can be so tired after a full school day and adding tutoring on top can wipe them out completely. There’s a lot of pressure on high achievers too - if they are doing well at school, why add needless stress?

Study centres and tuition agencies will ensure that their staff are safety checked and appropriately qualified, with some agencies only employing graduates in key subject areas.

How much will it cost?

According to the good schools guide, an hour’s tuition can cost parents anything from £30 to well beyond. If this is beyond your budget, you could team up with friends for group tuition. Study centres may be more affordable, children learn in small groups, and they often accept childcare vouchers toward payment.

When is it best to get help?

Help for free

How to find a good tutor

Some useful website and local tutors

It’s best to start sooner rather than later.

For example, if you’re hiring someone to help after the GCSE mocks in February there’s a limited amount they can achieve - if you think tuition will benefit your child, start from September of Year 11 onwards.

If you can get someone who is personally recommended, then obviously that is the best option. Make sure you check their references and DBS checks, and interview them before you hire them. It sounds obvious, but they need to get along with your child, as well as looking good on paper.

Your child’s school may already offer older revision classes. There are excellent online resources to support at home learning – for example the BBC bitesize website has games and revision subjects up to GCSE level.

www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/tutors www.kipmcgrath.co.uk www.boostmaths.co.uk www.fleet-tutors.co.uk www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

1922 - 2012

Be Outstanding www.charltonhouseschool.co.uk t: 023 8067 7575 55 Midanbury Lane, Bitterne Park, Southampton SO18 4HE

A place to

shine

“Set within the 18 acres of St Mary’s College, Charlton House School & Nursery are ideally located for children to investigate the world around them in a safe and protected environment.”

Mrs D Owen, Headteacher.

• Excellent academic success • Small class sizes • Excellent pastoral care

Open Wee k

An outstandi hool, ng se Sc pla Hou ce n o S e lt p h t to t e 6 r m 2 b a y e r, 10 h ida r C le F am & d ar n y 2 r -2 se n y2 r a u d :30 N n o e s M u o p H n o m Charlt

Relationships between staff and pupils, and between pupils themselves, are outstanding in a climate of openness and trust.

Independent Schools Inspectorate

ily da

The Gregg School www.gregg.southampton.sch.uk office@gregg.southampton.sch.uk

Charlton House

Nursery

St. Mary’s College

Charlton House

St. Mary’s College Preparatory Dept

Open Evening Wednesday 1 October 5.30 - 8.30pm

Call us on 02380 472133

Educating Girls & Boys age 3 - 16 in a caring Christian environment

September/ October 2014

The Gregg School We are an independent day school for girls and boys aged 11-16, situated on the outskirts of Southampton in 23 acres of landscaped grounds.

A caring and friendly school, where students grow and learn with confidence, we offer the highest standards of personalised learning.

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

An independent education with a difference 7 Solent West Magazine

Why it’s important for children to do after school activities...

Whether or not you reckon you might be raising the next Picasso or David Beckham, there’s no doubting the pluses for after school clubs.

From ballet to basketball and art to archery, there’s an after school activity out there for every child. And the best thing about them is they’re brilliant for all sorts of reasons – not just learning a new skill.

For a start, after school clubs give kids the chance to let off steam outside of the classroom. When you consider that in many countries around the world, kids don’t even start school until 6 or 7 years old, a full day in the classroom for youngsters can be a big ask. That’s why an alternative to the three R’s can be hugely rewarding.

As clinical psychologist Dr Julie Fraser suggests: “It’s an opportunity for kids to explore different talents. Not everyone is brilliant at academic subjects and it’s a

chance for your kids to shine outside of the classroom.”

children,” says Dr Fraser. “But best of all, after school clubs are confidence building.”

She adds: “Learning a new skill can also affect what happens in school – kids feel more confident and able to try new tasks.”

Team sports like football, rugby, and netball are not only brilliant for keeping kids active but also helping them learn team work where they can begin to appreciate what’s good for the whole team, rather than just thinking of themselves. Competitive sports are also great for learning difficult life lessons like being a gracious winner - and loser. But for team building clubs with a less competitive edge, you could consider Woodcraft Folk, Brownies and Scouts.

Certainly all the research shows this to be the case. Every leading study into extra curricular activities demonstrates that academic grades actually improve when kids participate in outside school clubs. One 2005 study from the US actually showed that kids who attended clubs performed much better in maths and verbal reasoning tests than kids who didn’t.

But kids clubs are not only great for improving academic levels but for developing important life skills too.

“It’s brilliant for developing social skills, dealing with new environments, talking to different adults and mixing with different

Learning a musical instrument is great for discovering the art of practice, patience and persistence. Drama clubs are great for shy kids who learn to find their voice singing and acting alongside others while ballet and dance is great for kids to learn discipline and self-expression.

0845 3133244 Tel: 08000 0000 000southhants@rugbytots.co.uk | yourname@rugbytots.tld 8

September/ October 2014

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Solent West Magazine

Clubs & Classes The list is endless. There are clubs for almost anything you can imagine. Archery, chess, horse riding, computer clubs, film making and even circus skills are all proving popular alongside the more traditional arts and crafts, swimming, tennis and kung fu. There are clubs for nature lovers run by the Woodland Trust, BMX biking for tots, and even kids yoga and tai chi.

There’s so many to choose from, it’s tempting to try them all but it’s also important not to overburden kids with too many activities. Frantically driving from one after school club to the next seems to be missing the point. New skills, team work and confidence building aside, the most important thing to think about when deciding which club to choose is surely the fun factor.

After that, the trick is to stay involved.

“It’s important to talk with the teacher, find out how they work and show an interest in the class, “ says Dr Fraser. “That way you can be sure your child really is enjoying the club, and you will begin to watch them flourish and grow.”

Visit our hugely popular online directory for a comprehensive listing of your local clubs and classes. www.familiesonline.co.uk

An active life is a healthy life

By Dean Horridge, CEO, Fit For Sport As a PE teacher with over 20 years experience it’s fair to say I’ve seen some PE trends come and go, from kids doing crosscountry in the snow to sports day races being banned.Some things have improved over time but sadly there’s still a school of thought that believes asking children to compete is wrong. A survey of 8-16 year olds by Marylebone Cricket Club suggested the majority of children would be happy to see the competitive element removed from school sport.

However, we want to see children succeed in sport, even representing our country at international levels, and unfortunately you can’t have it both ways. Elite athletes need to learn how to compete, what it feels like to win and more importantly, what it feels like to lose. Children need to be encouraged to push further to realise their potential. And there’s no harm in doing that, provided the goals are realistic, the child is engaged and the support structure is in place to catch them when they fall.

The key to this is engaging kids in the benefits of physical activity at a much earlier age. Fit For Sport did just that as part of our ‘Engage to Compete’ primary schools

programme with Sport England last year, and the answers were revealing.

After taking part in our fun pilot, we asked children aged 4-11 how competition made them feel. The responses were overwhelmingly positive with the vast majority stating that competition made them feel happy, excited and confident as opposed to nervous, afraid or worried.

When we asked them outright if they liked taking part in competitions, 86% said yes.

That’s 86% of children who like taking part in competitions, once they are engaged in physical activity at a younger age.

And it’s not just about being active in school, it’s about being an active family. Children learn so many of their traits from their parents, why should physical activity be any different? Parents have just as much responsibility, if not more, than schools to ensure their kids are eating right, learning to live a healthy lifestyle and engaging in fun activity as a family unit.

After all, an active family will lead to a healthy family and surely that is something to strive for in life.

www.fitforsport.co.uk

Call your local Stagecoach Theatre Arts NOW: Southampton and Eastleigh 01962 771024 Winchester and Totton 01794 390601 Fareham and Hedge End 02380 465006

New Place, De Vere Hotel, Shirrell Heath Southampton

Skylark Golf & Country Club Whiteley Fareham

07554 973 304 September/ October 2014

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Solent West Magazine 9

Clubs & classes Chuckle Chunes

07947 568 488 chucklechunes@googlemail.com www.chucklechunes.co.uk Chuckle Chunes is a creative and fun singing, movement and drama class for babies and toddlers. We have been going from strength to strength and recently our class themes have included musical instruments, in the garden and the circus!

Classes available Tuesday Pre-walking 10am Tuesday Toddler 10.50am Isaac Watts Memorial Church Hall, Upper Shirley, Southampton SO Receive a free Chuckle Chunes T-Shirt when you sign up for the term!

DM Dance

02380 554192 info@dmdancecentre.co.uk www.dmdancecentre.co.uk Our children's classes cater for ages 3 to 16 and cover a variety of different dance styles.

We cater for beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers in all classes, so you can come along and have a go at any dance style Classes available Ready Steady Dance 3 - 8 years Class is a bit of everything including, ballroom and latin, cheerleading and freestyle Saturday 9.30-10.15am.

Children's classes 8 - 16 years Including Salsa, Ballroom, Latin, Freestyle, Musical Theatre and Street/Hip Hop Saturday 10.15am - 3pm

Rugbytots South Hants

0845 3133244 Southhants@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk Do you want something new to do with your children that is local, educational, social and fun? Rugbytots is the UK’s first play programme for 2 – 7 years olds which focuses on developing your childs social skills.

With sessions open to everyone, our DBS approved and trained coaches work hard to implement fun-filled games and programmes aimed at improving general ball skills, handto-eye coordination, balance, agility and social skills. Rugbytots is popular with both girls and boys of all ages and we always welcome new members.

Classes are held in Eastleigh, Southampton, Whiteley, Titchfield, Fareham, Marchwood, Brockenhurst, Fordingbridge, Lymington.

Please contact us for more details or to book a class. ****Free taster session**** Tuesday 9th September Fleming Park Leisure Centre 3 ½-5 years at 2pm 2-3½ years at 2.50pm Booking is required, please call Hogie on the number above to book a space.

10

September/ October 2014

Stagecoach

Southampton and Eastleigh 01962 771024 southampton@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/southampton Winchester and Totton 01794 390601 winchester@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/winchester Fareham and Hedge End 02380 465006 fareham@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/fareham At Stagecoach we teach children and teenagers how to sing, dance and act, not only to perform on stage and beyond, but more importantly to perform better in life.

For almost 25 years our drama academy & musical theatre classes have seen young people gain confidence, stretch themselves, and build essential life skills.

Suitable for all abilities, Stagecoach offers the chance for children and young people to pursue a career in the arts or simply just to learn some new skills to share with friends and family.

Often copied but never equalled, Stagecoach offers quality training to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation skills - as well as being educational and lots of fun.

There's no need to find separate singing, acting and dance classes: Stagecoach offer all three to a high standard.

All our teachers are DBS checked so our students can work in a safe and protected environment. Fees work out at approximately £9 per hour, which offers outstanding value for money for quality performing arts training, small class sizes, optional exams, medals, performances, magazine subscription, optional representation by The Stagecoach Agency, and the many other extras that are offered

by Stagecoach.

Classes available Friday 4.30pm-7.30pm Saturday 10am-1pm & 2.30-5.30pm Sunday 10am - 1pm Thornden School, Chandler's Ford Friday 4.30pm-7.30pm Saturday 10am-1pm & 2.30-5.30pm Sundays 10am - 1pm Westgate School, Winchester Fridays 4.30pm-7.30pm Dart Centre, Hedge End Saturday 10am-1pm & 2.30-5.30pm King Edward VI School, Southampton Saturdays 2.30-5.30pm Testwood School, Totton Saturdays 10am-1pm & 2.30-5.30pm Whiteley Primary School, Fareham

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Solent Swim Academy 07554 973304 info@solentswimacademy.co.uk www.solentswimacademy.co.uk

Solent Swim Academy offers private and group swimming lessons at Skylark Spa, Golf and Country Club in Whitely and New Place, De Vere Hotel, Shirrell Heath, Southampton.

Our Swim Academy operates the Amateur Swimming Association stages awards and all certificates are free. We also produce free progress reports at the end of terms so you know how well your child is progressing with our swim programme.

Guaranteed Small class sizes Level 2 qualified instructors. First lesson is free For more information about our locations and swimming lesson timetable please call us direct.

Perform

0845 400 4000 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk Drama, dance and singing weekly workshops for 4-12 year olds to help develop confidence, co-ordination, communication and concentration skills. A fun-packed mix of energetic dances, games and catchy songs will guarantee to be the best fun your child will have all week.

From September to December, Perform children will be travelling through space on an inter-planetary adventure with The Space Queen and The Little Green Alien. On their way they’ll eat cheese with The Man on the Moon, gravity groove with The Sparkly Spaceman, and visit Venus with the beautiful Princess Star. Their mission is to confront and stop The Cruel Commander, who plans to destroy Planet Earth…but will they stop him on time?

Classes available: Monday 4-5pm St Thomas Church Hall, Lymington SO41 9ND Tuesday 4-5pm United Abbey Reform Church, 1 Abbey Water, Romsey SO51 8ET. **SPECIAL READER OFFER** £40 Discount off a block of 10 sessions.

Expires 1st October. Quote FAML011014

Advertise your clubs and classes with us from as little as £78 and reach over 40,000 parents in West Hampshire every two months Contact us today to be included in the next issue

07789 882467

editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk www.familiessolentwest.co.uk Solent West Magazine

Clubs & Classes

Local clubs & classes autumn 2014 ART

SWIMMING

SPORT

Duckling Dives 01964 860588 www.ducklingdives.co.uk Swimming for 0 - 3 years in Winchester & Southampton Little Funky Art Club 07809 209442 www.littlefunkyart.com 1 – 4 years art and craft fun Mini Monet Southampton City Art Gallery 02380834536

www.southampton.gov.uk/leisure

Saturday morning for 1 – 6 years.

Puddle Ducks 01202 674676 www.puddleducks.com Antenatal, babies and toddler plus a primary school level.

Solent Swim Academy 07554 973 304

www.solentswimacademy.co.uk

Classes for 2½+ years

DANCE & DRAMA DM Dance 02380 554192 www.dmdancecentre.co.uk Variety of dances for 3 - 16 years

Turtle Tots 07939 525 615 www.turtletots.co.uk Aqua-natal yoga plus baby and toddler classes.

MARTIAL ARTS

The Pauline Quirke Academy 0845 673 2022 www.pqacademy.com Drama classes in Eastleigh for ages 4+ Stagecoach See page 10 for contact details for the various centres.

Starz Academy 0333 1234140 www.starzacademyuk.com Ballet classes for 6 months – 6 years.

Don't forget to say you saw these adverts in

SOLENT WEST MAGAZINE

September/ October 2014

David Lloyd Junior Tennis 02380 747160 www.davidlloyd.co.uk Coaching for 4+. Southampton Flemming Park Tennis Centre 02380 667532 www.servingtennis.net Programmes from 3 years+ Goals Soccer Centre 02380 510666 www.goalsfootball.co.uk Kids coaching fro 5 years+ Little Kickers 01489 871916 www.littlekickers.co.uk Football for 18 months – 7 years

Waterbabies 01794 324353 www.waterbabies.co.uk

Perform 0845 400 4000 www.perform.org.uk Drama, dance and signing workshops for 4 - 12 years.

Baby Ballet 01422 329471 www.babyballet.co.uk Classes for 6 months - 5 years

Winchester Karate Academy 023 8027 5969 Facebook.com/WKAcademy For 6+ years

Planet Sport 0845 658 9800 www.planetsport.co.uk Provide professional coaching programmes to all young sports enthusiasts.

River Park Gymnastics Club 01962 848700

www.placesforpeopleleisure.org

Rugbytots 0845 313 3244 rugbytots.co.uk Play programme for 2 - 7 years.

British Judo Association 07833532097 www.britishjudo.org.uk Classes in Eastleigh, 5yrs+

Chuckle Chunes 07947 568 488 www.chucklechunes.co.uk Classes for baby and toddlers Jo Jingles 01489 877278

www.winchesterjojingles.co.uk

Classes in Winchester, Hedge End, Fareham and Droxford.

Maraca Jacks 01489 781122 www.maracajacks.co.uk Monkey Music 02380 900178 www.monkeymusic.co.uk Music with Mummy 01962 855818 musicwithmummy.co.uk Classes for 0 – 5 years Musical Minis 01202 462971 www.musicalminis.co.uk Classes available in the New Forest area.

LANGUAGES

Courses available at Hamble Sports Complex. All ages and abilities

Starlight Trampoline & Gymnastics Club 02380 663664 www.starlightgym.co.uk 4yrs+ at Houndsdown School, Totton, Southampton.

UK Warriors Freestyle Kickboxing 07969278208 www.warriors-uk.com Children's classes from 8 years.

Virgin Active 02380 360360 www.virginactive.co.uk Variety of kids sport activities in their Club V, ages 4+

phoenixschoolofmartialarts.co.uk

MUSIC

Rock out Music School 0845 680 4685 www.rockoutschool.com 7yrs + classes in Alresford, Alton, Chandler’s Ford.

Alresford Judo Club 02380 900619 Classes at Perins Community School.

Phoenix School of Martial Arts 07877754578

© BHS

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Marco Languages 02380 773390 www.marcolanguages.co.uk Saturday French club for ages 2 - 5 years.

To include your business in our clubs and classes listings, please contact us on 07789 882467. We will be doing another clubs directory in the January/ February issue. The deadline to be included in this issue will be 1 December.

Solent West Magazine 11

Please always check with the venue before attending any events listed in case details have changed since we went to press.

What's on in September & October The Gruffalo at Theatre Royal Winchester

Halloween at Tudor House

6 September

18 September

27 September

11 & 12 October

Southampton City Art Gallery 11am–12noon £5.50 Pre-book. (1–6 yrs) Have fun getting messy and creative with your little artists and enjoy a different activity every time including a visit to the gallery and a squash drink.

Itchen Valley Country Park 023 8047 5080 £36.00 for 6 weekly sessions.

Booking is required Outdoor activities for pre-school children age 3-4 years from 9.30am to 11.30am.

The Berry Theatre, Hedge End www,theberrytheatre.co.uk 023 8065 2333. 10.30am £3 Suitable for ages 3 to 7.

The Romsey School Main Hall and Cafe, SO51 8ZB. From 2pm to 4pm babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk A large range of stalls selling excellent quality pre loved and new items for boys and girls aged from 0 to 8 years. Entrance : Adults: £1, Kids: Free. Cakes and Refreshments are served in the cafe. Free Parking. To find our about further events in the area or to book a stall please visit our website or call 07580410594

Winchester ScienceCentre www.winchestersciencecentre/ worldspaceweekend Come and be part of one of our biggest weekends of the year, where Winchester Science Centre is invaded by all things spacethemed! Meet space engineers, astronomers, Star Wars characters, satellite broadcasters and space enthusiasts. From 10am - 5pm

20 September

27 & 28 September

Southampton City Art Gallery 10.30am–12.30pm. £7 Pre-book. (7–13 yrs) Join artist Jo Bressloff to explore different types of art inspired by the gallery’s exhibitions. From sculpture to printmaking,experiment with a range of different materials, and take home a masterpiece.

Watercress Line www.watercressline.co.uk Wallace & Gromit are celebrating 25 years as the nation’s favourite inventors, so come and meet them.

Find out more about the weird and wonderful gadgets and gismos we use around the railway! Ride the steam trains all day and take a guided family tour around the yard at Ropley station, where you can get up close to our locos!

Mini Monets Club

Twiglets

20 September

Saturday Storytime

11 September

Heritage Open Day

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk 01489 576248 11am – 4pm The Brickworks is always pleased to join the National Heritage Open Day scheme. Come along and see the museum, entry to this event is free.

13 September Suitcase Circus

Nuffield Theatre Box Office 023 8067 1771 Tickets £6

12 – 21 September

PSP Southampton Boat Show Mayflower Park, Southampton www.southamptonboatshow.com 12 – 20th Sept 10am- 6:30pm 30th Sept 10am – 6pm Tickets £15 per adult, Children under 15 go free

16 September Twiglets

Lakeside Country Park or Itchen Valley Country Park 023 8047 5080. £36.00 for 6 weekly sessions. Booking is required. Outdoor activities for pre-school children age 3-4 years from 9.30am to 11.30am.

12

Southampton Boat Show

September/ October 2014

Wallace & Gromit

The Young Ones

21 September

Big Trains, Mini Trains and Model Trains

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk 01489 576248. 11am – 4pm The narrow gauge and miniature railways will be running as usual.

Good displays of model trains on show around the museum.

Our machines will be steamed up, trains running and children’s activities to enjoy.

27 September Little Bo Peep

Baby and Children's Market

Nuffield Theatre Box Office 023 8067 1771 Tickets £6

4 October

Mini Monets Club Southampton City Art Gallery 11am–12noon £5.50 Pre-book. (1–6 yrs) Have fun getting messy and creative with your little artists and enjoy a different activity every time including a visit to the gallery

9 & 10 October

The Gruffalo by Tall Stories

Winchester Theatre Royal Box Office: 01962 840 440 www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 9 October at 1.30pm & 4.30pm 10 October at 10.30am & 1.30pm Running time: 55 mins (no interval). Tickets: £12.00, Concessions £9.50. Age: 3+

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

World Space Weekend

11 October

Princess and the Pea

The Berry Theatre www,theberrytheatre.co.uk 023 8065 2333 2pm. Tickets are £8 and £6 for children with a special family offer of four tickets for £24 or five tickets £28.

12 October

The Queen's Knickers

Winchester Theatre Royal Box Office: 01962 840 440 www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 1.30pm & 4.00pm, running time: 55 mins (no interval) Tickets: £12.00, Concessions £10.00. Age 3+ 18 October

The Young Ones Southampton City Art Gallery 10.30am–12.30pm. £7 Pre-book. (7–13 yrs) Join artist Jo Bressloff to explore different types of art inspired by the gallery’s exhibitions. From sculpture to printmaking,experiment with a range of different materials, and take home a masterpiece.

18 October

Leaping Frog

Theatre Rotto Productions Nuffield Theatre Box Office 023 8067 1771 Ticket Price: £6

Solent West Magazine

19 October

The Elves and the Shoemaker

Winchester Theatre Royal Box Office: 01962 840 440 www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 2.00pm & 4.30pm Tickets: £13.50. Age 3+

25 October

Three Wise Monkeys

The Berry Theatre Wildern Lane, Hedge End. 023 8065 2333 www,theberrytheatre.co.uk.

2pm. Tickets are £8 and £6 for children with a special family offer of four tickets for £24 or five tickets £28.

25 October – 2 November

Treat or treat pumpkin trail

Hinton Ampner, near Alresford 01962 771305. 11am – 3pm, normal admission plus £3 per child Free entry for children in fancy dress.

25 October – 2 November Fun and Frights

Spinnaker Tower 023 92857520 www.spinnakertower.co.uk

25 October – 2 November Halloween Festival Marwell Zoo 01962 777932 www.marwell.org

25 October – 2 November

26 October

30 October

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk 01489 576248 11am – 4pm

Itchen Valley Country Park 023 8047 5080. Booking is required Woodland story, crafts and campfire for 2 – 5 year olds and their parents. £3.50 per child.

Ghostly Goings On and Big Autumn Steam Up

26 October

30 October

Winchester Discovery Centre 01962 873603 £6 each or four for £20 12.30pm – 4.30pm A Shanty Theatre Company production of the classic story by Brian Patten. Recommended for ages 7+.

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk 01489 576248 11am – 4pm

Family Sundays: Story Giant

27 October

Children’s Writing Workshop Winchester Discovery Centre 01962 873603. £6 10am -12 noon (ages 8-11) 2pm – 4pm (ages 12-16)

28 October

Jacqueline Wilson

Theatre Royal Winchester 01962 840440 £6. 2.30pm Hear Jacqueline Wilson talk about her brand new book, Opal Plumstead. Ages 8+.

25 October – 2 November

29 October

Mottisfont, nr Romsey 01794 344020 10am – 5pm, normal admission charge plus 50p suggested donation per trail.

Itchen Valley Country Park 023 8047 5080 £1.50 per child per item.

Between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Come along and take part in a spooky Halloween craft.

25 October – 2 November

29 October – 1 November

Itchen Valley Country Park 023 8047 5080 £1.75 per trail pack. Between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

Take part in our spooky trail, get all the answers correct and win a prize.

Watershed Productions Nuffield Theatre Box Office 023 8067 1771 Ticket Price: £12 £40 for group of four

Halloween Trail

25 October – 2 November Half Term Hauntings Beaulieu www.beaulieu.co.uk 01590 612345 Open 10am – 5pm daily

September/ October 2014

31 October

Hallowe’en-themed baking demonstrations and tastings Winchester City Mill National Trust 01926 870057. 11am – 4pm,

31 October

Halloween Lanterns

Itchen Valley Country Park 023 8047 5080 £3.00 per lantern. Any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm Come and make a scary glass lantern ready for Halloween.

Halloween Party Special Jungle Jeans Southampton www.junglejeans.co.uk 02380 638120 £10.50 per child. 6 – 8pm

31 October – 2 November Wizard Weekend

Watercress Line www.watercressline.co.uk

1 November

Fireworks Spectacular

Beaulieu www.beaulieushop.co.uk 01590 614614 This year, the fireworks display, one of the largest in the South, will be set to a Rock Legends theme. Have fun on the Beaulieu rides and drives and old-time fairground rides, all at good value extra charges. Enjoy live music throughout the evening, with hot food and drinks available both inside and out. Join in with the spirit of the event by wearing fancy dress, with prizes going to the best dressed. Event admission is from 3pm.

Activity Day for 6 – 11 year olds

Itchen Valley Country Park 023 8047 5080. Booking required Campfire cooking, den building, woodcraft and games in the wood from 9.30am - 3.30pm. £20 per child per day.

Monstrous Mottisfont Hallowe’en trail

Big Draw Event

30 & 31 October

28 October

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway Box Office 02380 245 750 £18 adults, £14 child (3-16), under 3’s go for free.

Exbury Ghost Train

Little Foresters’ Spooky Woodland Stories

Halloween Craft

Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play

29 & 30 October

Goldilocks and the 3 Bears The Berry Theatre 023 8065 2333 www.theberrytheatre.co.uk.

Tickets £8 and £6 for children Special family offer available.

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Solent West Magazine 13

Halloween and October Half Term Events Halloween at Tudor House & Garden

Exbury Ghost Train

25 October - 2 November 023 8024 5750

Friday 31 October Tudor House & Garden 02380 834536

The ghosties and ghouls will be taking up residence in Southampton’s spookiest house this October. Our annual Halloween bash returns to Tudor House & Garden on Friday 31 October with plenty of terrifically terrifying family fun. We heartily recommend you come in fancy dress with a prize for best scary costume – if previous year’s competitions are anything to go by we are expecting a lot of grizzly girls and boily boys! Children go free with a paying adult and there will be plenty to see and do in the horrifying house and ghoulish garden.

Visit www.tudorhouseandgarden.com for more icky information.

Hauntings at Beaulieu

Saturday 25 October – 2 November 01590 612345 Halloween descends on Beaulieu with plenty of themed activities to enjoy. Hear Spooky Stories from the costumed guides in Palace House, follow the Halloween Quiz Trail, take a lucky dip in the Witches Cauldron and get a Gruesome Face Painting, plus take a ride on Beaulieu’s Moan-o-Rail. All of these activities are included in a visit to the Beaulieu attraction standard entry price. Open daily from 10am – 5pm. www.beaulieuevents.co.uk for more information.

Dare you ride the Exbury Ghost Train for a Halloween week 'Phantomime'? The Exbury Ghost Train takes to the rails again for hair-raising and rib-tickling family fun.

With skeletons, scarecrows and other ghoulish characters en route, we dare you to ride and experience a Halloween week ‘Phantomime"! The Ghost Train will enter a pitch-black tunnel and, provided it comes out the other end, will continue on its 1 1/2 mile journey with interesting stories, dreadful puns & even more terrible jokes. www.exbury.co.uk

Wizard weekend

31 October – 2 November Watercress Line It's time to board the Wizard Express!

Watch the Watercress Line transform in to a place of magic and mischief on Halloween! Walk in Harry Potter's footsteps over the railway footbridge where he received his Hogwarts Express ticket; the famous film location from Kings Cross station that is now at the Watercress Line! Come dressed as a witch, wizard or Halloween spook and find out about bats, owls and all things magical! With craft activities, face painting*, Mr Wizard shows, handmade witches Besom brooms* and daily shows from the FalconHigh display team. It’s great value too as fares give you all day unlimited travel! *Additional fees apply.

Find out more and book your tickets in advance at www.watercressline.co.uk or pay on the day.

Halloween Party Special at Jungle Jeans Southampton

tober Thursday 30 & Friday 31 Oc 0 812 02380 63

pton Reptile Centre for a Join Jungle Jeans and Southam nment. Meet snakes, rtai spooky evening of fun and ente ked evening of scary spiders and critters for a fun pac adults. Activities include art n entertainment for children and painting plus much more. crafts, biscuit decorating and face 0 638120 Booking is essential, call 0238 . Tickets cost king boo n and quote Families whe £10.50 per child.

Visit the website for more deta ils. www.junglejeans.co.uk

14 September/ October 2014

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Solent West Magazine

Ghostly Goings On and Big Autumn Steam Up Suunday 26 October Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk 01489 576248

Family Workshops Tuesday 28 October

The Brickworks is haunted ! We have a large number of ghost hunters searching the site all through the year. Why not come along and see what you can find. The traction Engines start winding down for the end of the season. A last chance to see them before the weather gets cold. Our machines will be steamed up, trains running and Children’s activities as always. Open from 11am – 4pm

Halloween Festival at Marwell

Saturday 25 October - 2 November Marwell Zoo, Winchester, SO21 1JH 01962 777932 £18 adults, £14 child (3-16), under 3’s free.

Get ready to be spooked! Enjoy a trip on our ghoulish ghost train, design a pumpkin for carving and watch our animals explore and eat their pumpkin treats. www.marwell.org.uk

Fun and Frights at Spinnaker Tower

Saturday 25 October - Sunday 2 November The Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays Adult: £8.95, Concession: £7.95, Child: £6.95

Dare you take a trip up the tower this Halloween? Visitors will encounter the tower team as they get dressed up for Halloween and will enjoy the chance to complete the brand new children’s trail! Open daily from 10am - 6pm. See www.spinnakertower.co.uk to book in advance or to find out more.

Mummies, Monsters and Masks Tudor House & Garden 10.30am-12noon or 1-2:30pm £5. Pre-book only 02380 834536 Find out about Egyptian Mummies by mummifying an orange, then make a monster mask to scare your friends. All materials included. Ages 6-11 Wednesday 29 October Halloween Pumpkin Painting Southampton City Art Gallery £5 (includes pumpkin) 10am–12noon or 1–3pm This year its time to have a pumpkin that stands out from the rest! Come to the art gallery to listen to the spooky story of Winnies Amazing Pumpkin

by Valerie Thomas and then learn the artistic skills to create a pumpkin masterpiece using paint, collage and carving techniques. Pumpkin included, in partnership with Southampton libraries.

Thursday 30 October Frankenstein’s Monster Workshop Tudor House & Garden 10am–12noon and 1–3pm £5.

Pre-book only 02380 834536 Venture into Dr Frankenstein’s lair and meld your own hideous clay creation to take away with you. Also includes a devilish story and a look at the ways people used to stop ghosts in the past. In partnership with Southampton Libraries.

Thursday 30 October Spooky Treat Bags SeaCity Museum 10.30–11.30am or 1.30–2.30pm £3.50. Suitable for 2-7 yrs.

Listen to a spooky story to get you into the Halloween spirit and then create a very ghoulish trick or treat bag to collect your candy in style!

Halloween Party Special at Jungle Jeans

30 - 31 October 6pm - 8pm Featuring Southampton Reptile Come and join Jungle Jeans and Southampton Reptile Centre for a halloween party special. Meet the snakes, spiders and critters for a fun packed evening of entertainment for children and adults including: art and crafts, biscuit decorating, face painting and much more! Plus there will be a fancy dress competition and party bags.

IT’S TIME TO BOARD THE WIZARD EXPRESS! 31st OCT - 2nd NOV

Tickets cost £10.50 per child and must be booked in advance, as the event is ticket only. Please call us today to book.

023 8063 8120 - www.junglejeans.co.uk Unit N West Quay Industrial Estate I West Quay Road I Southampton SO15 1GZ

September/ October 2014

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

www.watercressline.co.uk Solent West Magazine 15

27TH - 28TH SEPTEMBER Come and meet Wallace & Gromit at various intervals each day!

Ride the steam trains and find out more about the railway's cracking gadgets and gismos!

ŠAardman Animations Ltd 2014

www.watercressline.co.uk 55346 Pharmaton UK AD 87mm x 130mm AW.indd 1

September/ Octoberto 2014 Call 07789 882467 advertise with us

08/07/2014 12:44

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Solent West Magazine