Families Solent West Magazine May/ June 15

Issue 46: May/ June 2015

Issue

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SOLENT WEST

Summer camps & activities

Summer travel & holidays

Win a weekend family ticket to Camp Bestival

Local party ideas Win a birthday party at Gambado

Cover image © Ali Campbell Photography

The Ice Queen Summer holiday fun for 4–7s Put on a fantastic show at our fun-packed drama, dance and singing courses and have the coolest summer ever!

Call 0845 400 1304 or visit perform.org.uk/icequeen Local information and events for parents with 0 - 12 year olds in Hampshire

May/ June 2015

Call us on 07789882467 to advertise your business with us

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LULWORTH CASTLE DORSET

A FEAST OF LIVE MUS IC AND S ING-ALONGS

Underworld Clean Bandit Kaiser Chiefs

Professor Green Wretch 32 Kate Tempest Bob Geldof Soul II Soul

Ella Henderson Level 42 Alison Moyet Ella Eyre Cymande 808 State Buzzcocks DJ Yoda The Cuban Brothers The Crazy World of Arthur Brown Slaves Only The Young George The Poet Eliza Carthy The Spooky Men’s Chorale Mr Wilson’s Second Liners THE RAJASTHAN HERITAGE BRASS BAND EKKAH HORNS OF PLENTY WEYMOUTH UKULELEANS SINFUL MAGGIE FOLK IDOL REGGAEROBICS & much more fa m ily f u n. . . theatr e, s hows & MOR E

The Cat in the Hat Live Mr Tumble Dick V Dom Go Wild in the Ring!

West End Kids Royal Albert Hall Pres. Albert’s Band Musical Bingo Reggaerobics Brit School Workshops Spot the Gruffalo! Gospeloke Funky Little Choir The Steelers Morris Dancers Maypole Dancing & more G OE S W IL D

Steve Backshall Michaela Strachan Bill Oddie

National Trust 50 things Meadow feat. Sleeping out Under the Stars, Den Building, Tree Climbing & MORE World Wildlife Fund Eden Project’s The Beast of Besti The Wild Network Lizzie’s Way feat. Mud Café, Fairy Hollow & Potions Lab Moth & Butterfly Hunts Jurassic CSI Live Mammal Meetings Campfires Falconry Bushcraft & SO MUCH MORE GREATEST TENT ON EARTH

DJS & S OUNDSYS TEMS

David Rodigan MBE Pres. Ram Jam: Prince Fatty & MORE The Scarecrows’ Wedding Freestyle Funk Forum Terry Hall (The Specials) Norman Jay MBE Pres. Good Times Duck in a Truck The King of Tiny Things Misunderstood Monsters Gorilla Gardening & more

Rob Da Bank Ralph Lawson & MANY MORE

a cASTLE CAMPSITE BY THE SEA

wi l d de sti n ation s

Lucky Cat Hospitality The Hideaway, Wellness Retreat & Spa Camping Plus Breastival Mother & Baby Chill Out Airstreams Tipis Yurts Hot Showers & more

Guardian Literary Institute Caravanserai Travelling Barn Oberon’s Observatory The Bollywood Tent The Feast Collective & more

Proudly supported by

2Solent West Magazine

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

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Solent West Magazine Editor: Rebecca Carr 07789 882467 editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk Advertising: Claire Clarricoates 07789 882467 ads@familiessolentwest.co.uk Next issue: July/ August 2015 Booking deadline: 1 June 2015 40,000 readers per issue Printed by Bishops www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

In this issue....

4

News & views

6

Camp Bestival goes wild

8

Party problems solved

9

Local party providers

Š Families Solent West 2015

11

Summer camps, activities and workshops

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.

12

Family matters

14

Travel to Europe this summer

15

Feature on Hillside Beach Club, Fethiye

16

What's on in May and June

19

Competitions

Do you wish to advertise your business to over 40,000 parents in Hampshire?

BOOK NOW to be included in our bumper summer July/ August issue. Call 07789 882467 or email editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk

May/ June 2015

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3

News & views

News &Views Explore and take part in Sparsholt College’s Countryside Day Sparsholt College is renowned for its beautiful campus and top class facilities, both of which can be explored and enjoyed by all of the family at the College’s showcase event, Countryside Day. From 9.30am - 5pm on Saturday 16 May. The entire College will be open with a wealth of activities, displays and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy.

Whilst practicing your casting on the College lake, trying your hand at archery, clay and air rifle shooting or being hoisted up a tree by arboriculture students, visitors will get a taste of what makes Sparsholt one of the country’s leading colleges for the land and environment. The Equine Centre will be running horse riding and jumping displays throughout the day and the renowned Horticulture Department will have plant sales and the famous BBC Radio 4 Gardener’s Question Time garden and potting shed will be open.

Naturally as a working farm there will be milking displays, sheep shearing displays, ploughing demonstrations and the pig unit will be open. The Sport Department will put on activities for you to try out all day and the Engineering Department is set to send happy customers off with bespoke metalwork. The Game and Wildlife unit has many game, conservation and wildlife activities and the zoo licenced Animal Management Centre, with its collection of 1200+ animals from almost 200 species will provide ample entertainment.

Tickets will be available on the gate and online – for further information please go to www.sparsholt.ac.uk

Watercress Line wins grant to restore its flagship engine Following its recent high profile cosmetic restoration of the Winston Churchill steam engine for the National Railway Museum, the Mid Hants Railway in Hampshire has been awarded a large Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £895k to restore its own flagship engine, Canadian Pacific.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year the Mid Hants Railway, or Watercress Line as it is famously known, is a popular visitor attraction in the south. It bought the Southern Railway Merchant Navy Class No.35005 ‘Canadian Pacific’ locomotive in 2006 and it ran on the railway until 2008 when its statutory overhaul was due.

All of these giants of British engineering require an overhaul every 10 years to keep them safely in steam. At 74 years old this 95 ton engine can now be completely stripped down and rebuilt by the railway’s growing team of skilled engineers and apprentices.

Visit: www.watercressline.co.uk for more details.

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Solent West Magazine

Could you become a foster carer?

Gillian White (59) ended up adopting her first foster placement, Sophie (pictured) over 35 years ago. 35 years later, Gill’s still fostering and has had over 200 placements. Gill says, "I became a foster carer because I wanted to make a difference to the lives of children who had difficulties at home. It’s wonderful being able to offer children a safe environment in which to grow.”

12 years after adopting Sophie, Gill adopted her son, Russell, who also originally came to stay with Gill as a foster child. Gill explains, “Being part of a good social network of foster carers is really beneficial. We support each other and sometimes take our children out together and share experiences. I enjoy the fostering social evenings and events - it's a great way to make new friends."

Gill’s daughter Nikki also became a foster carer and has now been offering placements for over 15 years. Nikki told us, ‘I’m really proud of my Mum and what she’s done for some of the city’s most vulnerable kids. She inspired me to do it myself!’

If you are interested in fostering or adoption, call Southampton City Council for more details on freephone 08005 19 18 18 or visit: www.southampton.gov.uk/health-social-care/children

Stagecoach Hedge End return to Her Majesty's Theatre, London A specially selected group of students are rehearsing an 8 minute song and dance piece from the musical Hairspray and hope to wow audiences as they have done previously with We Will Rock You, Newsies and Wicked at Her Majesty's Theatre, London on Sunday 21 June 2015

National theatre comes to the classroom This September, three acclaimed National Theatre productions will be available on demand in schools. Danny Boyle’s production of Frankenstein with Benedict Cumberbatch and Nicholas Hytner’s productions of Shakespeare’s Hamlet with Rory Kinnear, and Othello with Adrian Lester, will be free to stream on demand in every secondary school classroom in the UK. Each play is recorded in front of a live theatre audience and comprehensive learning resources will support each play. Find out more, visit: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/schools

Do you run childrens clubs and classes? Would you like to reach over 40,000 parents this summer? Call or email us on 07789882467 editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk to include you business in our clubs and classes feature in our next issue (July/ August). Book by 1 June. www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

News & views

Fun at Longdown Activity Farm this May half term

Calling all budding actors and actresses

Come along to Longdown Activity Farm this halfterm holiday for lots of farming fun and two great events. From 25 - 29 May, join in with a fun quiz trail: The Great Fun Farm Forage, plus on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May don’t miss The Longdown Vintage Farm Rally featuring vintage tractors and machinery. Tractor parades, tractor rides and the brilliant children verses tractor tug of war. There is no extra charge for either of these events and there wil be a full schedule of hands-on farming activities will continue to run daily throughout the half-term holidays!

Visit www.longdownfarm.co.uk for details.

Youngstar TV & Film Acting School are holding a free TV acting Workshop at their newly opened school in West End and Winchester and are looking for budding actors between the ages of 5- 20 years who would like the opportunity to star in their latest film, which will shown at a Hollywood style premier.

Youngstar offers something different to your average stage School, where children get to feel like movie stars as well as grow in confidence and make new friends.

Youngstar also offer affordable drama and the "little star" classes for only £5 per week and incorporate singing, dancing and acting.

Youngstar is well established with many schools in Southampton, Bournemouth and Oxford and is renowned in the industry for its enjoyable screen acting classes, linked with one of the top agencies in the UK gaining real jobs in the film and television industry. Oscar Steer from Nanny MacFee is one of their students!

Share-A-Story This May welcomes the annual National ShareA-Story Month, a rousing celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing. Run by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, it is a wonderful opportunity to bring children and stories together. There are a whole host of events running across the country, from storytelling workshops to craft activities and puppet shows, and this year the theme for National Share-A-Story Month is Dragons!

Find out about the culture of Chinese, Welsh and Viking dragons. Take a look at the website for ideas, activity packs, posters and Dragon competition prizes. www.fcbg.org.uk/nationalshare-a-story-month

Quote Families for a free taster session when booking. Call 023 80 477717 or email info@youngstar.tv

PLEASE EXCUSE THE UNUSUAL APPROACH! A successful international company, operating in the Health and Nutrition Industry, is looking for openminded, positive people to work part-time or full-time, from home, without compromising your current career or commitments. If you work in the Health and Fitness Industry, or have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or feel you would like a balanced and flexible lifestyle then we would like to hear from you.

Call Hesione on 07794127732 hesione.waugh@yahoo.co.uk

Events @ The Brickworks

Cars, Bikes and Trains Sunday 3rd May 2015 11.00 – 4.00

Children’s Fun Day Sunday 24th May 2015 11.00 – 4.00

Country Fair Sunday 14th June 2015 11.00 – 4.00

Adult £6, C Child £3 Fa Trains- sep apply

A: Bursledon Brickworks Museum Swanwick Lane, SO31 7HB T: 01489 576248 W: www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk

Vicky Park Festival at Royal Victoria Country Park this August

A fantastic music-filled day out for the whole family! Bring a blanket and relax in the sunshine whilst listening to live music from local bands.

There will also be food and activities on Saturday 1 August from 2pm - 10:30pm. Why not make a weekend of it by camping overnight? For times and prices visit their website www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp or call 023 8045 5157 for more details.

HALF TERM EVENTS

Mon 25 - Fri 29 May Fun Farm Forage Trail Sat 30 - Sun 31 May Vintage Farm Rally

-5PM Opens DAILY 10AM

See website!

Get hands-on with our full schedule of fun activities which run throughout the day.

Meet friendly farm animals.

Plenty of indoor and outdoor play areas.

Farm produce shop and gift shop.

Off A35 • Ashurst • New Forest Tel. 023 8029 2837

f Lots o ly

f r i e n da l s a n i mm e e T to

May/ June 2015

For event details & much more click onto: www.longdownfarm.co.uk

FSE

Call us on 07789882467 to advertise your business with us

5

Family festivals

Camp Bestival goes wild

Inspired by our love of getting out into the open air and running free, we’re putting Mother Nature at the front and centre for 2015, as Camp Bestival Goes Wild at Lulworth Castle on the dramatic Jurassic Coast from 30 July – 2 August.

There will be live music from Underworld, Clean Bandit, Kaiser Chiefs, Professor Green, Wretch 32, Kate Tempest, Bob Geldof, Soul II Soul, Level 42, Alison Moyet, Ella Eyre, Cymande, 808 State, Buzzcocks, DJ Yoda, The Cuban Brothers and many more. And keeping you dancing all night long will be David Rodigan MBE presents Ram Jam with DJ Yoda, Prince Fatty, Artwork & Venum Sound, Norman Jay MBE presents Good Times, Terry Hall (The Specials), Music Mondays & World of Rave, kids’ discos with Big Fish Little Fish and loads more to boot.

Plus, there will be Wild Adventures with Steve Backshall, Michaela Strachan, and Bill Oddie, and a host of wild activities and woodland adventures from Bushcraft to the National Trust’s 50 things meadow and beyond.

The Greatest Tent on Earth will be brimming with eye-popping wonder, including Julia Donaldson’s The Scarecrows’ Wedding, Freestyle Funk Forum, The King of Tiny Things, BRIT School, Misunderstood Monsters, Gorilla Gardening, The Party, Marawa the Amazing, Marawa's Majorettes, West End Kids, Hype & Pavilion Danceathon, and Romeo and Juliet: Retold.

Across the site there will be the likes of the Royal Albert Hall presents Albert's Band, Musical Bingo, Gospeloke, and the fantastic Funky Little Choir. Plus don’t miss wild diversions aplenty with the Guardian Literary Institute, The Feast Collective, The Den, and their soon to be announced Comedy, Caravanserai, Oberon’s Observatory, Camp Bestival Bluecoats, Morris Dancers, Insect Circus, and brand new attractions The Hideaway, and The Land Train.

Helping you to kick back, relax and enjoy the finer festival things, there will, as ever, be an incredible choice of premium camping and hospitality options with great family facilities and hot showers, including Lucky Cat Hospitality, Camping Plus Premium Camping, Breastival Mother & Baby Chill Out, Airstreams, Teepees, Yurts and much more.

Camp Bestival Weekend Ticket Information

Weekend Tickets Adult £195 Student £180 15-17 years £113 11-14 years £88 5-10 years £20 Up to age 4 Free ticket required Prices above include camping from Thursday or Friday Campervan Ticket £72 per vehicle Caravan / Trailer Tent £83 (one car only per caravan/ trailer tent) Camping Plus Camping Plus plots cost £125 (max of 2 adults and 4 children per plot) .

All Tickets will incur a booking fee and booking terms apply.

Booking information

Tickets and further details are available by calling the ticketline on 0844 888 4410 or visit: www.campbestival.net

Win a family weekend ticket to Camp Bestival with Families Solent West Magazine To win a family weekend ticket to our favourite local family festival, Camp Bestival from 30 July - 2 August go to our website to enter. The closing date for enties is Friday 17 July. Good luck. www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/competitions Only one entry per household will be accepted. The ticket is for 2 adults and up to 4 children (aged 17 or under). No cash alternative is offered. The winner will be notified by Monday 20th July. Tickets are nontransferable.

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Solent West Magazine

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Local summer travel

Take a break to the Isle of Wight this summer

Steephill Cove

of Wight and you can reach the Island from Southampton in just 25 minutes. Easy to explore on foot, both East and West Cowes are wonderful destinations, offering visitors plenty to do whatever the weather. Travel on the newly refurbished Red Falcon or Red Osprey and enjoy our pet lounge, kids area and sun decks.

The Isle of Wight is the perfect destination for a day out, short break or holiday. Reached by ferry in less than an hour from Southampton the Island boasts a fantastic range of attractions as well as stunning unspoilt scenery and fantastic blue flag beaches.

The Isle of Wight is the sunniest place in Britain and if you’re lucky enough to travel on a warm day the beaches at Cowes are ideal for swimming and relaxing with fantastic views of yachts and cruise ships travelling across the Solent.

Red Funnel, the Isle of Wight specialist runs both Foot Passenger and Vehicle Ferry services from Southampton to East and West Cowes on the Isle

If you fancy exploring beyond Cowes, the Island offers plenty of family attractions including castles, wildlife sanctuaries and

#82 of 101 great adventures...

“I got to stay up way past my bedtime”

theme parks whilst there are activities galore for adventure seekers of all ages. For lunch or dinner, there are also no shortage of award winning restaurants and eateries serving delicious local produce as well as cosy rural pubs stocking the finest Island ales.

Red Funnel offer Isle of Wight ferry travel, accommodation, event and attraction tickets and much more. Call 02380 019192 or visit www.redfunnel.co.uk Freshwater Bay

Book your perfect Isle of Wight Adventure with Red Funnel today

redfunnel.co.uk/101 or call 0844 844 9988

Evie, sunset picnicing at Compton’s White Cliffs

Shor t bre from just aks

£26

*

each way

*Terms and conditions apply.

May/ June 2015

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7

Parties feature

Party problems solved Are you planning a children's party and need some advice? Sarah Butters takes a look at the very latest party problems posed by parents and gives you some top tips on avoiding serving a can of worms at your child’s next celebration

Can you….say no to siblings?

Most of us wouldn’t dream of turning up to a party uninvited. Yet some parents feel it acceptable to bring along a string of siblings and presume they too are welcome.

“They won’t eat. In fact you won’t even know they’re here,” cry the parents as they sprint out of the door, while said siblings begin pilfering from the pre prepared party bags. The point is if you’ve budgeted for 20 and catered for 20, you’re ready for 20 children – not 25. Very often entertainers insist on a maximum number and siblings can tip you over the limit, and in turn, tip you over the edge. Prevent the problem at the point of invite and make the sibling rule clear. A simple ‘Sorry, no room for siblings!’ means there’s no question.

Can you…..exclude individual children?

Can you…..fine a parent for a ‘no show’?

This is a tough one because as a general rule, you should stick to one of 3 party invite rules.

There is little more irritating than the parent who confirms their child will be joining the party, only for them to leave an empty chair at the birthday table. The tale of the mum who billed a parent after they failed to show up to her son’s skiing party certainly made party no shows THE talk of the playground. Was she right to have sent the invoice? The reality is there will always be ill mannered individuals who chose to accept an invite, and go on to make other plans without letting you know. In a world of text messages and emails, a no warning no show is simply unacceptable. But it’s also inevitable at some point in your party throwing life. Invoicing a parent may make the headlines and also make you feel better for a while, but it’s likely to alienate your child and make YOU the subject of ridicule at the school gates. Our advice is to make a point of asking what happened to those no show when you next bump into the parent.

In my experience you maximize the middle class embarrassment the more parents there are to witness it.

•

Invite the whole class – this is perfect for Reception age children

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Invite all the girls or all the boys – this becomes popular as children head into KS2 and the opposite sex become toxic

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Invite a few close friends – this works when you’re keeping the budget down or as you head towards the end of primary school.

However there are exceptions. If your child is the victim of a classroom bully, you’ve grounds to exclude that individual. This is YOUR child’s special day and they’re entitled to enjoy it without fear. Excluding problematic children is more difficult.

Instead, it’s best to ask the parents of said child to stick around to offer a helping hand.

Party ideas that kids will love

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Swimming parties

Art and craft parties

Sleepover parties

Most mums are reluctant to strip off to a swimsuit when the sun is out, so the thought of doing it in front of your school gate friends while at the local pool is unthinkable. However a swimming party is always a popular choice. Seek out a pool that offers an inflatable soft play area – you’ll find these at many council run pools – and you’re guaranteed a splashing time.

Many such pools have a low rate room for hire so you can follow the wet fun with a homemade party tea to keep the cost down.

Don’t try this at home. No seriously. This is one to hire a hall for and call in the experts.

Art parties are fabulous fun but frankly terrifying if you have a home that you’re proud of. The idea of a dozen reception children attempting to find the toilet, while their hands are coated in a mixture of purple paint and glitter is enough to make you reach for a lunchtime Sauvignon Blanc.

As far as sleepovers go, more is definitely not merrier but it is noisier so it's a good idea to keep the numbers quite low. Keep them busy – I’ve heard tales of parents setting up night time obstacle courses to exhaust their pint sized house guests.

Remove electrical devices at a reasonable hour and make sure you have a note of all parental contacts. As sure as night follows day someone will get homesick at about midnight. For those who do survive the overnight stay, arrange for an early collection. It gives you the day to recover and relax.

Solent West Magazine

We have some super local providers who can save you the stress of a pre-school redecoration of your home. Try your local pottery café, or a nearby art class and put off the wine till tea time!

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Local party ideas

Local party ideas Science Parties Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium has 100 handson science exhibits and also boasts the UK’s largest capacity Planetarium, making it an exciting and original place to host birthday parties. Guests are welcomed by the front-of-house staff and party tables are set out in the café. The Birthday Party Package includes unlimited play in the Science Centre, a party meal and the option to addon a planetarium show.

"My son had his 6th birthday party at Winchester Science Centre with a gang of 10 friends. A month on, and the party is still the talk of the playground!" Mrs S

A party venue with a difference Looking for a great venue in the heart of Southampton for your child’s party? Here are two to choose from – the iconic SeaCity Museum or the historic Tudor House and Garden, working in conjunction with local entertainment providers to ensure your party will be an extra special affair. With professional artists, actors, crafts people or magician they can create a special day for your child. to remember. Prices start from as little as £10 per head, and accompanying adults are free.

Call 023 8083 3007, visit: www.southampton.gov.uk or email: museums.education@southampton.gov.uk for more details.

Froggle Parties as seen on CBBC Froggle Parties provide amazing children’s parties that are high energy and non stop fun! Filled with heaps of varied party activities that kids absolutely love! There are loads of fantastic parties to choose from, such as brilliant entertainers and magicians, themed parties, discos, clowns, science parties, games and dancing parties, bubble parties, and more.

Get in touch for more details. Call Michael on 0208 617 9070 or visit their website: www.froggleparties.com

®

Quote FAMILIES for 10% Off

0208 617 9070

Birthday party fun down on the farm A memorable day for children and grown-ups alike at our historic farmyard attraction.

Contact us for details 01489 787055

PART PACKAGY AVAILA E BLE *Specia for me l rate mbers

www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm www.hants.gov.uk

May/ June 2015

Call us on 07789882467 to advertise your business with us

9

Local party ideas

Birthday fun at Manor Farm Have a birthday party to remember on the unique historic Manor Farm County Park. From just £9 per child (£8 for Manor Farm members) their package includes: admission to Manor Farm so you can stay and play all day, free duck and chicken food for every child, farm activities session, including animal encounters, led by one of their farm team. Activities will vary with the season, but will include meet the rabbits, chicks and ducklings and sheep and goats, help collect eggs and feed the animals. There is a edicated party room for the birthday tea, plus free printable invitations. Get more details at www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm

Soft play parties at Gambado Eastleigh Gambado Eastleigh is the UK’s ultimate play and party centre. Their magnificent birthday parties are fun and hassle free for busy parents.

All parties come with an assigned party host to ensure everything runs smoothly, play time on the main frame, hot and cold buffet food, printable invitations, thank you cards and a free gift for the birthday child!

For little cubs between 1- 4 years the Gambado Tiger Tots party offers the perfect combination of free and interactive play including parachute games and arts and crafts. For a party with a mix of ages from 1 up to 12 years the Tiger party offers a little more roar with free play including use of the amazing additional facilities available at each site from twirling teacups to bumper cars.

For cuddly cubs the Make-A-Bear party will allow each guest to create their own bear, make a wish star and name their new friend before games, suitable for 3 – 12 year olds.

For those between 6 – 12 years, the Laser Tag Party offers an electrifying lighting combat experience or for kids crazy about NERF the Foam Dart Frenzy provides a little more military action for a party with real punch!

Prices start from £8.95 - £18.95 per head depending on the party theme and number of children. Visit the website: www.gambado.com or call their dedicated number on 0844 375 9494.

Professional DJ and mobile disco Friendly DJ with years of experience in doing discos working within the south coast area. ABG mobile discos can customise your party from the music to the lighting of the room which can include lasers and wash lights, to suit the mood of the event. Music can be from the 1950's to today's chart hits and we cater for birthday parties, work functions, weddings, corporate events and anniversaries. We are fully insured and PAT tested.

Form more information, contact Alan on 07867430535, or email: abgmobiledisco@hotmail.com

** WIN **

a party for ten at Gambado Eastleigh See page 19 for details on how to enter ****

Win a party at Gambado! Details are on page 19.

Jungle Jeans an experienced party organiser Jungle Jeans parties can be as simple or as complicated as you like with a variety of extras available to you, such as party bags, lucky dips, piñatas and pass the parcel with many more to choose from. One of our most popular party options is our private hire the whole play centre to yourselves with prices starting from £200 which provides excellent value for money. Give Jungle Jeans a call today and speak to our experienced party staff on 023 80638120.

Friendly and professional DJ and Disco All events catered for including children’s parties with UV and laser lights Abgmobiledisco@hotmail.com 07867430535 / 01489 690 311 Facebook/Abg disco “Excellent party for my 5 year old daughter and her friends.

Reasonably priced and would definitely recommend.”

Helen Aitken

It’s time to party at

Jungle Jeans

Come and join the fun with Hetty our very own Elephant We offer high quality and value for money parties that children will love. Our birthday parties cost as little as £70 for 10 children and include play and food. Plus, book a party for 15 children or more and the birthday boy or girl will be FREE.

023 8063 8120 I www.junglejeans.co.uk Jungle Jeans Ltd I Unit N West Quay Industrial Estate I West Quay Road I Southampton SO15 1GZ 10

Solent West Magazine

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Summer camps

Summer camps, workshops and activities Movie making summer camp No prior experience or training is required to join this exciting five-day camp. The participants will learn about technical skills, such as shot angles, lighting and sound. They will have the opportunity to work the clapper board, handle the boom mic, assist the director and camera operators and be given coaching in performance skills of acting for the camera, line delivery and characterisation. They will 'shoot' in a variety of different locations, interior and exterior at the Prince's Mead School, Winchester. At the end of the week, the 'footage' is taken away and edited, everyone is invited to a 'premiere' screening of the finished movie and everyone goes home with their own DVD, complete with extra features. Places are limited. Call 01962 777 489, e-mail: info@moviemakers-uk. com to book a place. Suitable for ages 8+

Stagecoach summer workshop Stagecoach Fareham and Hedge End is running their ever popular summer workshop. Early stages (4-6 years) can join from 9.30am -12.30pm and Main stages (6-16 years) from 10am - 4pm every day from Monday 3rd - Friday 7th August. Students will be rehearsing towards a show at the end of the week for parents to come along and enjoy. This workshop is held at Whiteley Primary School, Gull Coppice, Whiteley, Fareham, Hants, PO15 7LA. Call Lisa on 02380 465006 or email: fareham@stagecoach.co.uk

Go outside, be adventurous and be active at Foxlease outdoor activity centre What are your most treasured childhood memories? Research suggests a majority will be based outdoors; building dens, climbing trees, rock-pooling. Today things are different and children spend increasing amounts of time indoors for many reasons. Adventure, excitement and the great outdoors are important for all young people and a great place for children to practice and master physical skills, develop a healthy and active lifestyle. Outdoor activities can also help your family develop a range of skills together. Team working, communication and selfconfidence can all be reinforced through outdoor adventure and play plus, it helps your family keep fit and have fun!

Young Star TV & Film School Holiday workshops are held in Southampton and Winchester.

Running a 5 day course make a film in week throughout August for 5-7 years, 8-11years and Darton High for 12-20 years. Students will star in their own film and then attend a premier to see their screen debut. Contact Young Star on 023 80 477717 or email info@youngstar.tv o book a place. Quote Families Magazine to get a 10% discount off their holiday courses.

Summer drama courses Perform is back this summer with an enchanting holiday course for 4-7 years.

Based on the popular Ice Queen story, the children will go on an amazing adventure guaranteed to fire their imaginations. With colourful costumes, original songs and live music, children will enjoy a fun-packed course putting together a fantastic show that will delight family and friends. The cost of the course is £153 - with a 25% discount for siblings, reductions for groups and a fantastic early bird discount if you book by 1st June.

Classes are held at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Upper Brook Street, Winchester, SO23 8DQ from 17 - 21 August. To book email: enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 0845 400 4000.

Does Your Child

Love to Dance?

Classes for Children: - Ballroom & Latin - Musical Theatre - Freestyle - Street/Hip Hop

facebook.com/dmdance

Where the action never stops

www.dmdancecentre.co.uk Foxlease Outdoor Activity Centre Birthday parties and day trips

Kayaking Canoeing High ropes Tunnels Climbing Archery Crate challenge

Zip wire Abseiling Fencing… …and many more!

Monday-Friday • 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Activities for boys and girls ages 4-14 Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2014

01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk May/ June 2015

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Tel: 02380 554192 Email: info@dmdancecentre.co.uk 10 Spring Crescent, Portswood, Southampton, SO17 2GA

For a day of activity to remember visit www.foxlease.org.uk

UK’s no.1 for childcare during the school holidays

ge: From A 14yrs 3yrs to

Overnights and holidays

Camping and self-catering facilities available

Foxlease

Registered charity number 306016.

023 8028 2638 foxlease@girlguiding.org.uk www.foxlease.org.uk

Call us on 07789882467 to advertise your business with us

11

Family matters

The top five biggest savings mistakes Saving money isn't just about putting aside a certain amount each month from your pay packet. Once of the key principles of saving is making your money work even harder for you especially in this economic climate. However, us Brits continue to make a number of savings mistakes as our money management skills aren't quite up to scratch. Here are five of the foremost errors we make on a constant basis.

1. Not saving for retirement

As young adults enter the world of work, pension schemes will almost certainly be the last thing on their mind. However, the importance of putting aside money into a pension - whether that's through a work-provided pension or a personal one, for instance - cannot be understated. For example, figures from the Pensions Policy Institute suggest the average percentage of working-age people currently accruing a non-state pension (2010/11) is 36 per cent for women and 39 per cent of men. Less than half!

With the average retirement age continuing to increase - 62.4 for women and 64.6 for men - it makes sense to think about saving in a way in a way that maximises the potential for long-term growth.

Ignoring your future savings, regardless of your current age, is a huge mistake.

2. Not investing

It is better to have had your money accruing in investments than not have any at all. Not investing in any form - whether it’s through a standard savings account, stocks and shares or in bonds - can be a huge mistake as investing helps you put your money to work for you. For instance, long-term stock investments usually gain over Hedge Endrun.

Advert.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2015 09:59 Page 1 the long

For young adults new to investing, it's important to think about your reasons for investing. Are you simply looking to make higher returns on your savings? Perhaps you might be putting some money aside to help pay for your child's education or looking at ways to maximise your income when you retire. Whatever your reason, investing is a medium- to long-term commitment that can deliver returns in the future.

3. Cashing in

If you are in possession of investment bonds or a stocks and shares ISA, it can be tempting to cash in early if you have existing debts that need paying. However it's highly recommended you find other solutions to pay off your debt as cashing in assets early can be a costly move.

Some investment bonds will allow you to withdraw some of all of your money whenever you need, but a 'surrender' penalty may apply if you do so (as well as associated taxes). Consequently, the money you saved over five years may take much longer to replace.

Have a look for tax free savings options if you think you might have to cash early.

Enrolling Now! Contact your local school for more details.

Fareham & Hedge End 02380 465006 fareham@stagecoach.co.uk

Southampton & Eastleigh 01962 771024

eastleigh@stagecoach.co.uk

Winchester & Totton 01794 390 601

totton@stagecoach.co.uk

Age 4-18

Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance.

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Solent West Magazine

QUALITY TRAINING

ESTABLISHED 1988 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Family matters

4. Living paycheck to paycheck

If you consistently find your monthly paycheck doesn't last until the next pay day, you're classed as 'living paycheck to paycheck'.

In order to make it to the month, most people falling under this bracket accumulate a lot of credit card debt or visit payday lenders just to tick them over. However this can spiral very quickly and, in the end, it's likely you won't be able to make ends meet in the near future.

To stop this cycle, you need to start budgeting properly. Note down your essential expenses and compare this with your income; if your expenses fit within your budget, your income should be enough to last the month.

If this is the case, it appears you're spending more money than you need to. This gives you a grand opportunity to start saving; sit down with an advisor from a bank or building society to work out the best course of action.

5. Saving at the end of the month

One of the most common errors from people starting to save is the mindset of saving cash at the end of the month. Forbes suggests you shouldn't be surprised if there isn't anything left to save at the end of the month as many of us tend to treat ourselves to a luxury good if we end up with spare cash.

Consequently, it's important to get into the habit of setting cash aside at the start of the month. You can have cash automatically transferred from your bank account into a savings account or other long-term investment platform, helping you to build your savings.

Article provided by Ashley Curtis who is a content writer for Foresters Friendly Society. www.forestersfriendlysociety.co.uk

Protect your family and secure your future by ensuring you have a will Did you know that relatives are not automatically granted custody of orphans? Social Services could decide who brings up your children if you and your husband or wife both die.

It’s a little known fact that your children would not automatically live with their grandparents, godparents or other relatives. The last thing your grieving family needs following a tragedy is a courtroom battle with the authorities.

Appointing a guardian in your will, or via a signed and dated document, would avoid this harrowing experience.

However, as a spokesman for The Society of Will Writers rather helpfully points out, it’s a good idea to “obtain the consent of the proposed guardian before making the appointment”.

To legally appoint someone to take parental responsibility for any of your children under 18 years in the event of your death contact Heritage Will Writing for more details Call 02380 879243 Email: info@hertigaewillwriting.co.uk www.heritagewillwriting.co.uk

Thinking about fostering or adopting?

Visit the website for details of information events and roadshows

southampton.gov.uk/adoption /fostering 0800 5 19 18 18

May/ June 2015

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13

Family travel

Summer family holidays For British families, Europe is a usually a no-brainer for family holidays and even more so now that you can access Europe locally from Southampton and Bournemouth airport or cruise from Southampton. You can either stay in the UK with its exciting cities or seaside resorts or make the short, pain-free and usually relatively cheap journey to a large choice of other family-friendly destinations in Europe and Turkey. include Greece, Cyprus and Turkey (although still outside the Eurozone), Italy, Malta, and Spain and the Canaries.

Eastern Europe

One of great advantages of living in Hampshire is the impressive and convenient transport links from Southampton by air, rail and sea. In recent years, Southampton's airport has increased it flights to Europe allowing you to reach destinations within a couple of hours and reducing time spent on travelling to other aiports. Within a 30 minute drive you also have Bournemouth Airport where you can fly to Eurpope and Turkey during the summer months. Visit www.southamptonairport.com or www.bournemouthairport.com for a full list of destinations and holiday packages Southampton is also the cruise industry capital of Europe, home to luxury liners such as the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. P&O, Princess and Cunard cruises set off on most voyages from Southampton's port and you can take a med break from £199 per person. Take a look at P&O Cruises for a wide choice of mediterranean breaks, visit: www.pocruises.com

Western Europe Western Europe is prime family holiday territory. France is the popular, especially among parents with younger children, for whom its many self-catering gites, holiday parks and campsites are perfect and which you can fly to several destinations from Southampton Airport or take a ferry from Portsmouth. The short travelling time and the possibility of paying certain accommodation providers in sterling means it remains an affordable favourite amongst families.

The Mediterranean If it’s beaches you’re after, France and Portugal have them in spades, but classic child-friendly destinations offering Mediterranean fun and lots more besides 14

Solent West Magazine

Much of Eastern Europe remains outside the Eurozone and so remains great value, whether you opt for a family holiday on the beaches of Lake Balaton in Hungary, a city break in the Czech capital Prague, or for the budgetconscious Bulgaria.

Best value family holiday Turkey At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a fascinating destination for a family holiday, with something for everyone. Whether you are tempted by the mosques, bazaars and monuments of Istanbul or the azure waters and classical ruins of the Mediterranean coast but best of all, its people are warm, friendly and family-orientated.

Turkey is the most westernised of the Islamic countries, with a relaxed attitude to alcohol, dress and behaviour. Though it has evidence of an eventful history, from its wealth of classical Greek remains to its Byzantine Christian churches and the mosques and palaces built by Ottoman Sultans, it’s an energetic modern economy that has embraced tourism and developed well over the years. Its landscape is breathtaking and as such, it offers an almost limitless range of child-friendly holiday opportunities, from holiday packages to archaeological tours and rugged explorations, Turkey also offers better value for family holidays than most of Europe at the moment because it’s outside the Eurozone and you are getting better value for money.

In the resorts of the Aegean and the Mediterranean coasts, you’ll find everything from plush hotels with childcare to self-catering apartments and villas that allow greater flexibility for families.

Istanbul has some very luxurious family-friendly hotels but various cheaper options too, or source a self-catering apartment if you plan to stay for more than a couple of days.

Fethiye - on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast which was hit by an earthquake in 1958, rose again to become a flourishing holiday town. It has a traditional market, atmospheric old town and a marina filled with yachts, not to mention plenty of bars and restaurants. Not only that, it has some great beaches in easy reach. Fly to Dalaman airport from Bournemouth from May to October for a visit to the areas of Hisaronu, Marmaris, Challis, Fethiye or Olu Deniz. We love Hillside Beach Club in Fethye - see our review on page 15.

Antalya - is the largest Turkish City on the Meditteranian coast, it is both classically beautiful and stylishly modern.

The wonderfully preserved old city district of Kaleiçi offers accommodation aplenty within a bundle of finely restored Ottoman houses. The old city wraps around a splendid Roman-era harbour with cliff-top views of hazy-blue mountain.

Antalya also has many amazing beaches including Lara Beach, known as Turkey's Las Vegas wtih luxury hotels modelled on famous landmarks on a lively strip. Plus close by you have the untouched city of Side and the golfing resort of Belek about an hours drive from Antalya airport. Fly to Antalya from Bournemouth Airport with a choice of airlines including Thomson from May to September.

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

© Garry Solomon Photography

© Garry Solomon Photography

Hillside Beach Club, Fethiye Family friendly and a real turkish delight If you’re looking for a holiday focused on family fun or just hoping to escape and find some peace and tranquility then look no further than Hillside Beach Club.

Tucked away in its own private bay with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, and surrounded by acres of pine trees, Hillside Beach Club is a real gem of a family-friendly holiday resort that certainly does not disappoint. Our Editor reviews and highly recommends Hillside Beach Club.

The emphasis of the hotel is all about nature and fresh air with a wide choice of water sports and outdoor activities. Included in your holiday are the non-motorised water sports such as sail boats, windsurfing, canoes or kayaking or, you can enjoy parasailing, water-skiing and jet skiing, which do incur an extra charge.

The attention to detail at Hillside Beach Club is quite outstanding and they have taken great care to ensure your stay is comfortable, enjoyable and simply unforgettable so you will want to return year after year.

The superior family rooms are spacious with an enormous comfortable bed and beautiful sea views, an outside bathroom and there is a seperate room which can sleep two children and there is space for a cot for babies.

© Hillside Beach Club

In 2014, they introduced a new experience with the Hillside Beach Club app where you can get information about each

May/ June 2015

Editor s Choic e

®

Glorious food

© Garry Solomon Photography

days activities, make a reservation for the watersports and the spa. You can even order a drink while soaking up the atmophere on your sun lounger on the beach or at the pool and your drinks will be brought to you within minutes.

Kidside at Hillside Hillside offer three different kids clubs for various age groups, Kids club for 4 – 7 year olds, Junior Club for 8 – 13 year olds and Young Club for 14 – 17 years olds.

There are a wide variety of fun activities for all ages including art and crafts, making cholcolates, theatre, sports mania, water slides and much more all with professional adult supervision, which allows parents to have some relaxation time while your kids have a great time enjoying themselves.

Beaches and activities There are three beaches to enjoy, the main pebble beach caters for families who want to play with their kids with a 315 meter water swimming lane, water sports and floating decks. Or exclusively for adults is the silent beach where you can enjoy peace and tranquility with no mobile phones or music allowed. Plus there is the Serenity Beach a blissful experience of nature, which you can reach by a short boat ride.

In addition there is also a gym, football, tennis courts, hairdressers, haman and diving. The site has qualified PADI diving trainers which is an internationally recognised qualification. Hillside also have a range of day trips on offer.

There are three restaurants all serving outstanding food made from fresh local produce. The main restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with international and local buffet style meals.

Even the fussiest of eaters would find it hard not to be tempted by the huge variety of food on offer plus, they even have a station with special meals for babies with bottle warmers and a microwave.

Pascha on the Bay is an a la carte restaurant with waiter service and is well worth at least one visit during your stay.

Children under 12 are not allowed but they are in the Beach Bar restaurant which turns into an Italian restaurant at night and you can enjoy a dining experience on the beach.

Entertainment As well as the array of daytime activities including yoga, pilates, latin dancing, bingo and turkish lessons, the entertainment continues long after sundown with an mix of the daily broadway style show, beach parties, wine tasting evenings, special gala nights and a Sunday night movie on the beach looking at the stars.

A week at Hillside Beach Club will leave you refreshed, relaxed and wanting to return again and again. Many of the guests return year on year (I for one are one of them) and it is so easy to see why. Returning guests enjoy a discount every time they return for drinks outside of your mealtimes and the discount gets bigger the more times you visit.

You can book Hillside Beach club through Thomson Holidays, Thomas Cook, or direct with the hotel, but you will get a better package deal online. A week for a family in May or October will cost you around £2,400 depending on when you travel.

For more details visit their website: www.hillsidebeachclub.com

Call us on 07789882467 to advertise your business with us

15

What's on

What's on 3 May Cars, Bikes and Trains The Brickworks

Burseldon, SO31 11am – 4pm Or - Things with wheels! We already have one car club booked to visit and lots of other plans afoot. Our steam engine will be steamed up and working, trains running, activities for children, craft stalls in our big exhibition area upstairs.

4, 11, 18 & 25 May

Nature’s Child – Every Monday in May Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

10am – 12 noon £10 per child (includes 1 adult) Booking is required 01794 369318 A morning session of outdoor learning of forest skills and bushcraft for ages 3 to 6 years.

13 May

Health Talk: Your Pregnant Body: Looking After Your Back & Pelvis

Winchester Discovery Centre

Jewry Street, SO23 8SB 7pm - To book call: 01962 873603 If you are pregnant and concerned about how to care for your body during this time, come along to this talk for free information on the pains you feel in your back and

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Solent West Magazine SEACITY180x85.indd

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pelvis and how to make them go away. This session will be taught by a physiotherapist and chiropractor who has many years of experience helping women to deal with these pains.

16 May Camp Bestival Goes Wild!

Southampton Art Gallery

10am – 12.30pm - Free event Call 02380834536 for more details This year Camp Bestival has invited us to go wild with them celebrating the great outdoors!

We’ll be getting back to nature, creating wild art and appreciating some great music provided by local music co-operative: Sotones.

Animal ears and tails for fancy dress fun are welcome!

23 - 31 May Brick by Brick

The Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, PO1 3TT 10am – 6pm, Adults £9.50, Child: £7.50. Call 02392 857520 May half term at Spinnaker Tower will see LEGO activities galore on the view decks 100 metres above sea level. A team of expert LEGO builders will be encouraging visitors to get in on the action by contributing to an innovative mosaic, which will replicate the views from the panoramic windows using layers of LEGO.

© National Trust

Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have changed since we have gone to print ..and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families Solent West Magazine! Visit our website www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/whats-on for an updated list of local events.

23 – 31 May Orienteering Trail Royal Victoria Country Park

Available 10am – 4pm from the shop. £2 per trail.

Follow this self-guided trail to test your orienteering skills. If you get the right answer you’ll win a prize.

25 May Orienteering Taster Day

Royal Victoria Country Park

10am – 12pm or 2pm – 4pm.

Please book in advance by phoning 023 8045 5157. £5 per person.

Do you know every nook and cranny of the Par? Come and test your map reading skills on this special taster day for visitors of all ages and abilities. Please book in advance. Meet outside the shop.

24th May Children’s Fun Day The Brickworks

Burseldon, SO31 11am – 4pm Just what it says 'on the tin' A day of activities for children. Why not come along and get rid of surplus energy at the museum?

24 - 31 May Go Really Wild

Winchester City Mill, National Trust. SO23 0EJ 01962 870057. 10am - 4:30pm This ancient working water mill, set in the heart of the ancient city of Winchester, is home to all sorts of elusive wildlife. Locate some of the mammals and insects that live along the river Itchen on their May half term trail, and discover the fun of planting your very own pumpkin seeds, to take home and grow on. This is a ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ challenge. Bring your pumpkin back in October half term for Halloween competitions.

From 25 May

New Children’s Trail: Fossils Rock!

Winchester Cathedral

£7.50 adults, children under 16 free with a family.

Winchester Cathedral is supporting the Hampshire Cultural Trust’s big theme for 2015 – Dinosaurs! A brand new fun family trail will lead you through the Cathedral to discover

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk 08/04/2015 13:52

the stories within the stones. The Cathedral has stood for nearly 1000 years but the stone used to build it is millions of years old, created during a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. This event is available during normal visitor opening hours.

25 & 26 May

Children’s Workshop: Boomtown Carnival Winchester Discovery Centre Jewry Street, SO23 8SB 10am – 5pm - Free event but booking is essential, email: natalia@boomtownfair.co.uk Bring the Boomtown Carnival to life! This workshop will run for two days and lead up to further workshops in Kidztown Boomtown and the Carnival Parade at the Fair, Matterly Bowl, Winchester, on 16 August.

26 May Courageous Cunard Lions Southampton Art Gallery

10am-12noon or 1.30pm3.30pm Free event. Pre-book call 0238083453 5yrs+ Cunard has been led by

their Lion Logo for 175 years, come and make your own “Lion rampant” sculpture and take it home to be your mascot!

26 May

Rapunzel presented by tutti frutti and York Theatre Royal The Berry Theatre

2pm. Tickets are £8 and £6 for children. To book tickets call the box office on 023 8065 2333 Rapunzel is a delightful production for children about the curiosity and joys of growing up, risk taking and discovering who you are.

26 May Wild Play Day The National Trust - Foxbury

10.30am – 1pm Adults £2.50, children £5, book on 01794 340757 Come to the ‘wilds’ of the New Forest for a day of outdoor adventures, from fire lighting practice and conker competitions to loads of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ challenges. Try your hand at den-building, mud piemaking and creating some really wild art and much more.

26 – 29 May

26 – 31 May

Wild Explorers Marwell Zoo

10am – 6pm Join us in the build up to the opening of our new Wild Explorers exhibit with Dora the Explorer.

Dora will be available for photo opportunities at various times and days throughout the holiday.

Royal Victoria railway special Royal Victoria Country Park 11am – 4.15pm.

Family ticket £5 for 2 adults and 2 children. (normal cost £6).

Normal parking charges apply.

27 May Claymation Animation

26 - 29 May

Tudor House

Peppa Pig Event Watercress Line, Alresford

Meet Peppa Pig who will be making personal appearances at various intervals on each day at Alresford station! You can do some of Peppa’s colouring, watch her DVD show and have your face painted. After you’ve seen the cheeky little piggy you can visit the petting farm at Ropley station to tickle the piglets tummies and enjoy the piggy washing too! Then you can do some piggy crafts and find out who is riding on the model train! And it’s excellent value too! Ride the BIG steam trains as many times as you like on the day of your visit! Find out more and book your tickets in advance at www.watercressline. co.uk or simply pay on the day.

10:30am—3:30pm £26 Pre-book, call 02380834536 Ages 8-15 Love Shaun the Sheep? Then this might be the workshop for any budding animator out there. Join Butterfly Fx to make a character then watch it come to life using stop motion animation on your very own set. Record and add sound effects to your films. All materials included. Please bring packed lunch and old clothes and a USB stick to take a copy of your work home.

Don't forget to say you saw these advertised in

Solent West Magazine

Open 7 days a week

HANDS-ON FUN 100 science exhibits

& the UK’s largest stand-alone planetarium

Planetarium-only tickets available Events for adults and children 01962 863 791 May/ June 2015

SO21 1HZ

www.winchestersciencecentre.org

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17

What's on Viking Cruise on SS Sheilhall

30 May

6 June

Signor Baffo’s Restaurant

Mattress! Mattress!

Presented by Krazy Kat Theatre

The Point, Eastleigh

To book tickets call the box office on 023 8065 2333. 2pm.

In a new interactive children’s show Signor Baffo is opening up his restaurant at The Point this summer. But there’s chaos in the kitchen when Signor Baffo is left in charge. Expect plates-full of fun, with generous helpings of silliness, mischief and adventure.

31 May 29 May

30 May

Crazy Cavemen!

Vikings Cruise

SeaCity Museum

SS Sheildhall

10.30am -12.30 or 1.30 - 3.30pm £5. Pre-book, call 02380834536 Ages 4-8 Explore our prehistoric collection, find out about how cavemen and women lived, handle real objects from 1000s of years ago and create your own caveman craft.

30 May Docks Excursion SS Sheildhall

Berth 48, Dock Gate 4, Eastern Docks, Southampton SO14 3QN 3.30pm – 5.30pm hear about the history of Southampton Docks with an expert commentary, and sail close to the mighty cruise ships including Arcadia, Britannia, Caribbean Princess and Celebrity Eclipse.

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Solent West Magazine

Berth 48, Dock Gate 4 11am – 1pm Docks Excursion 1 - hear about the history of Southampton Docks with an expert commentary, and sail close to the mighty cruise ships including Arcadia, Britannia, Caribbean Princess and Celebrity Eclipse. Expect a Vikings raiding party on board, marking 1000 years of King Canute being crowned King of the English in Southampton.

30 May

Family Sundays A Real Mermaid’s Tale Winchester Discovery Centre 11.30am £7 each or four for £22 To book call the box office on 01962 873603. Ages 3+ A Real Mermaid’s Tale is an exciting adventure on the high seas with pirates, monstrous sea creatures and mermaid treasure.

31 May Live Music Sailing SS Sheildhall

Berth 48, Dock Gate 4 12 noon – 3pm. Adults £26, Child £10, Family £62. Live music on a Southampton Water Cruise with Johnny Cash tribute band 'Cash Converted'.

Docks Excursion SS Sheildhall

Berth 48, Dock Gate 4 3.30pm – 5.30pm Hear about the history of Southampton Docks with an expert commentary, and sail close to the mighty cruise ships including Arcadia, Britannia, Caribbean Princess and Celebrity Eclipse.

Throughout June

New Children’s Trail: Fossils Rock!

Winchester Cathedral See page 16 for details.

Nuffield Theatre

11am & 2pm - Ages 3 - 7, £6 Set in a drafty Castle in the remote Scottish Highlands and with two entertaining actors, a couple of kilts and a slew of highly stylised puppet figures, this fast and funny family show features singing, sign language, dancing and big laughs.

13 June

Southampton Docks Excursion SS Sheildhall

Berth 48, Dock Gate 4, Eastern Docks, Southampton SO14 3QN 11am – 1pm or 3.30 – 5.30pm Adults £18, Children are free Hear about the history of Southampton Docks with an expert commentary, and sail close to the mighty cruise ships including Anthem of the Seas, Azura, Britannia and Queen Elizabeth.

13 & 14 June The Home Front Manor Farm Country Park 10am – 5pm Manor Farm turns back the clock to 1940s wartime Britain.

Experience some of the sights and sounds of the Wartime Farm including civilian and military re-enactment groups and period vehicles. Meet wartime characters, have a go on the vintage swing boats but watch out for the local Bobby – he’ll be doing his rounds!

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

What's on

14 June

Titanic Excursion SS Sheildhall

Berth 48, Dock Gate 4 1pm – 4pm. Adults £26, child £10, family £62, optional tours £4 extra Optional pre-booked tours with tour guides showing Southampton Titanic heritage available at 10.30am. Hear about Shieldhall’s mechanical links to Titanic and the New York incident in Southampton Water. Titanic Ales sold on board. Cruise ships in docks, Aurora, Celebrity Eclipse, QM2 and Royal Princess.

14 June Country Fair

The Brickworks

11am – 4pm Our popular early summer event. A countryside theme with interesting demonstrations, animals, children's activities and more. Engines all steamed up, trains running, cafe baking.

16 & 18 June

Story Trail - The Very Hungry Caterpillar Royal Victoria Country Park

11am-12pm. Please book in advance 023 8045 5157. £3 per child. A short walk for pre-school children with a craft activity, drink and biscuit.

21 June

Royal Victoria Railway Special Royal Victoria Country Park 11am – 4.15pm.

Father's Day Special with printed voucher from the website www. royalvictorarailway.co.uk. Father and 1 child £2 with voucher.

21 June

Family Sundays Shoe Kangaroo and the Big Bad Boot Winchester Discovery Centre

11.30am £7 each / four for £22 Ages 4+ To book call the box office on 01962 873603 A strapping tale filled with shoes, which promises to be a delightful old load of cobblers. Garlic Theatre takes you on a fantastical journey to the island of lost shoes with clowning, mime and beautifully crafted puppets.

12 noon – 6pm Eastern Solent Cruise to view the Round the Island race near the finish. Cruise ships in docks are Britannia, Caribbean Princess and Celebrity Eclipse

28 June

Heritage Adventure Cruise SS Sheildhall

Berth 48, Dock Gate 4, Eastern Docks, Southampton SO14 3QN 11am – 4pm Heritage Adventure Cruise for groups of Scouts and Guides, with lots of hands-on activities.

26 June – 11 July His Dark Materials Nuffield Theatre Ages 7+ - £8 - £18

21 June Have a Go Archery Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

10am – 5pm. £2 for 6 arrows Come and ‘Have a Go’ at archery and enjoy this fabulous pastime.

27 June

Eastern Solent Cruise SS Sheildhall

Berth 48, Dock Gate 4, Eastern Docks, Southampton SO14 3QN

Competitions Win a family ticket to Marwell Zoo Visitors to Marwell this summer will be immersed in the animals’ environment as they take in some incredible views of white rhino, zebra and scimitar-horned oryx. The exhibit will provide a range of entertaining activities, both indoors and out, focussed on discovery, learning and the natural history of these magnificent creatures. Marwell is actively involved in conserving these three species so its setting and design will reveal how we study and observe these animals in the wild. Find out more and book tickets online to beat the queue at marwell.org.uk Win a family day ticket to Marwell Zoo for 2 adults & 2 children and valid for any single day visit over the next 12 months.

Closing date 30th June 2015

Win a party for 10 at Gambado Eastleigh

One lucky child will win a Tiger Party for ten Gambado Eastleigh which is suitable for 1-12 year olds the Tiger Party includes 80 minutes of Play with bumper cars, slides and play frame plus 40 minutes party celebration including a hot and cold buffet, unlimited sugar-free juice and water, balloon modelling and party games, Gambado balloons, printable Invitations, thank you cards and last a free gift for the birthday girl or boy. The prize is worth £119.50.

Closing date 30th June 2015

Win a family ticket for Shieldhall's Vikings Cruise

We have two pairs of adult tickets available for a cruise on Saturday 30 May between 11am and 1pm.

Shieldhall is a travelling timepiece, with access to the bridge, engine room, boiler room and saloon available on all trips. Meet the Captain and team of volunteers keeping history alive, and watch out on this trip for the Vikings raiding party.

Closing date 24th May 2015

To enter, go to: www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/competitions. The closing date for entries for the Family Viking Cruise is 24th May and the closing date for the Marwell Family ticket and Gambado Birthday party is 30th June 2015. Only one entry per household accepted and no cash alternative is offered. Full terms and conditions are available on our website.

May/ June 2015

Call us on 07789882467 to advertise your business with us

19

The UK’s No 1 Part Time TV & Film Acting School

STAR

IN A FILM! ATTEND PREMIERES ‘CONFIDENCE BOOSTING’ FUN CLASSES

www.watercressline.co.uk

26th - 29th May

Meet Peppa Pig here at the Watercress Line!

It’s going to be a really exciting day out!

Come and meet Peppa Pig who will be making personal appearances at various intervals on each day at Alresford station!

And there will be lots of piggy activities to do, including a piggy petting farm, piggy crafts and face painting too*! *small fee applies

TOP AGENT FOR STAGE & TV (AT NO EXTRA COST) CALL 023 80 477717 www.youngstar.tv

SOUTHAMPTON HEDGE END EASTLEIGH WINCHESTER ROMSEY

VICKY

Vicky Park Music Festival

MUSPIACRK

FESTIV 1 AUG AL UST 2015

Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies Ltd/Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003.

Countryside Day 16 MAY 2015

Saturday 1 August

9.30am - 5pm

12 hours of family friendly music and entertainment at the park.

amily Fabulous f e countrysid day out!

Camp ight! overn

023 8045 5157

www.peppapig.co.uk

www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

15% Early bird discount - Buy tickets online now! www.hants.gov.uk

Solent West Magazine

01962 776 441

sparsholt.ac.uk

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk