Families Solent West issue 21

Issue 21 – March/April 2011 www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

FREE Magazine

SOLENT WEST

ALL THE LATEST NEWS & AN EXTENSIVE GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON IN YOUR LOCAL AREA Distribution: Warsash, Botley, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford, Romsey, Lockerley, Alresford, Winchester, Southampton, Totton, Hythe, Lyndhurst, Beaulieu, Lymington and all the places in between.

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Families Solent West

March – April 2011

Happy Easter

Families Solent West

Welcome to our Easter Issue of Families Solent West.

It is so nice to see the daffodils poking through the soil with their sunshine yellow glow.

Image Courtesy of www.johnfranklinimages.com

There are so many fun activities to choose from in our ‘what’s-on’ section, so never a dull moment throughout the Easter Holidays.

And dont forget to keep an eye out for that Easter Bunny......

Have Fun!

Regards Beth

Cover image courtesy of www.picandmiximages.co.uk Credit: Room Seven Autumn/ Winter 2010 Collection www.roomseven.com

Tired of juggling family and work commitments?

Do you need balance and a flexible lifestyle?

Would a regular part time income make a difference to your quality of life?

If you are honest, ethical, hard working, self motivated and have a managerial, teaching/training, HR, sales/ marketing, recruitment or self employed background or perhaps you have retired or taken a career break to raise a family then we would love to hear from you.

Call Hesione Waugh on 01329 232 084 / 07794127732 or email hesione.waugh@yahoo.co.uk Life is for living! Are you living the life you want?

THERE’S A NEW PARTY IN TOWN… pass it on!

Jamie Oliver is coming to Town!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of his exciting new business Jamie at Home. We are currently seeking self-employed Managers and Consultants with or without Party Plan experience and anyone looking for extra income in 2011.

Could this be you?

For more details contact Sarah on 07796 170200 or vc_sarah@hotmail.com.

March – April 2011

Spread The Word!

If you know of a nursery, school or other place that parents visit regularly that would like to receive FREE copies of Families Solent West please get in touch and we will bring some round.

Copyright: Families Solent West, March/April 2011.

Data Protection: if you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition offering prizes in Families Solent West, we may supply your details to the company offering the samples or prizes. If you would prefer us NOT to do so please state this clearly on your entry.

Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners own risk and whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent West nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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

Magazine Designed by www.MatoboDesign.com

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Families Solent West March/April 2011

contents 4, 5, 6 & 8 NEWS Local news & updates covering events and services 7 EDUCATION Schools & Tutoring programmes 9 EASTER Things to do with the kids!

10 – 17 WHAT’S ON Activities and events across the whole area 15 HAMPSHIRE TOP ATTRACTIONS Read more about it…

17 & 18 CHILDCARE All types of childcare 19 COMPETITIONS & CLASSIFIEDS Editor: Beth Taylor E-mail: editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk FAMILIES SOLENT WEST P O Box 630, Fareham, PO14 9HZ www.familiessolentwest.co.uk Tel: 01329 310994 Next Issue: May/June 2011 Editorial & Booking deadline: 4th April 2011 To advertise in Families Solent West: Call 01329 310994 or email ads@familiessolentwest.co.uk To place editorial: Email editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk To place a classified advert: Email classifieds@familiessolentwest.co.uk

Peppa Pig World arrives at Paultons Park!

Opening on 9th April 2011, is Peppa Pig World! Set in nearly 3 acres of fully themed fun there will be 7 new rides including Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight, Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, Grandpa’s Little Train, George’s Dinosaur Adventure and you can even ride in a ‘cloud’ around Windy Castle! Peppa Pig World will feature a huge indoor play area, Georges Spaceship Playzone and superb animated attractions. Peppa Pig World will also be home to Daddy Pig’s Big Tummy café and Peppa’s Toy Shop, the largest (and only!) dedicated Peppa Pig shop in the World!

Paultons is the theme park for families with more than 60 different rides and attractions included in the admission price, including; big rides, small rides, play areas, entertainments, a museum, a huge variety of birds and animals, all set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland, Paultons really is way too much fun for one day!

Further information: www.paultonspark.co.uk or www.peppapigworld.co.uk

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk is packed with really useful local information to help make your family life a little easier.

Mothers Day Sunday 3rd April 2011 Little Gems Boutique now offer bespoke silver jewellery of your loved ones fingerprint. This unique piece of jewellery is an ideal gift that would be cherished forever.

If you would like to purchase the fingerprint jewellery as a gift for mother’s day, we would recommend that you consider ordering early.

To book your appointment please call us on 02380251153 or drop in at Little Gems Boutique, 13 Fryern Arcade, Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, SO53 2DQ

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Families Solent West

March – April 2011

News KIP McGRATH EDUCATION CENTRES Giving Children a Brighter Future Who is Kip McGrath Many parents are worried about how their children are progressing in school. Are they keeping up with their peers? Do they have special needs? Is the work challenging them?

Will they succeed in their exams?

Recent reports suggest that an increasing number of parents are looking for after school tuition to support their children.

Recognising these concerns, Australian teacher Kip McGrath developed a programme of after school tuition designed to meet the needs of children as individuals. So successful was his approach, it resulted in the creation of a worldwide network of Kip McGrath Centres.

There are now over 220 centres in the UK, with more due to open in 2011 and future years.

A FREE Assessment: Unlike some other extra tuition services, Kip McGrath Education Centres guarantee to use fully qualified, experienced teachers rather than instructors.

First, a free educational assessment is offered so that the needs of your child can be identified. The results of this are discussed with you confidentially. If tuition is required an appropriate individual programme of study is devised using the tried and tested Kip McGrath materials.

Your child’s weekly session is 80 minutes long and typically includes six different activities, prepared from written curriculum resources and carefully developed educational computer exercises. The individually structured programme, including homework is designed to teach, revise and extend, depending on the needs of the child. It promotes success and builds on achievement.

Winning Combination: The winning combination of computer activities, CDs and books for reading, equipment to explain maths concepts, written and creative activities in English and encouragement to become a self-organised and independent learner, together with on-hand help and teaching from experienced and qualified teachers, makes Kip McGrath the first choice for professional tuition.

Southampton 02380 235756 / Eastleigh 02380 643006 / Winchester 01962 832683

EASTER TENNIS & SPORTS COURSE 2011 HAMPSHIRE COLLEGIATE SCHOOL, ROMSEY TENNIS ACADEMY: 5yrs to 18yrs WEEK: APRIL 18th/19th/20th/21st 2011 TIMES: 9.30am – 3.00pm PRICE: From £19 per day Action packed Fun days including: Tennis coaching, Drills, Tournaments, Fun games, Football & daily prizes in a safe & beautiful environment. Catering for rated tournament players to beginners. * (Daily Easter Egg hunt & T-Shirts to be won)

● Ratio of 4 tennis players per court, guaranteed, to ensure children can develop their tennis! ● Indoor Tennis court and up to 12 outdoor courts ● Run by Ed Goodacre (LTA level 4 Senior club coach) & licensed DCA coaches & assistants ● Football coach ● Changing & toilet facilities as well as drinking fountains ● Qualified First aiders / CRB checked ● Children will need to bring a packed lunch & drink ● Courses are open to All & run at the school, turn off A27 through main gates & follow drive to the old main building where we shall meet at start & finish each day.

Please go to www.edgoodacretenniscoach.co.uk or call 07787 544116 for further information.

March – April 2011

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News 45 minute classes – no enrolment fee £4.00 per class payable termly in advance Dance, Rhythm, Coordination, Imagination, Fun For Boys and Girls aged 2-5

(Romsey Rapids members £3.50)

THURSDAYS 10.45am @ ROMSEY RAPIDS Call Emma on

0781 8406831

Specific Learning Difficulties?

The term, Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLD) covers a number of difficulties, although many people use it synonymously with Dyslexia. Other difficulties covered by this term are Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Dyslexia: a difficulty with the use of both written and oral language, due in part to processing difficulties, including visual and auditory perceptual skills. Learning may also be restricted due to difficulties with short-term memory, concentration and organisation.

Dyspraxia: a developmental disorder that affects coordination. This impacts on movement, perception and thought, and so may affect speech, fine motor movement, whole body movement and hand-eye coordination, sequencing and organisation. Dyspraxia can overlap with dyslexia, Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD. Dyscalculia: a difficulty with mathematical skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and mental arithmetic. Also a difficulty with abstract concepts of time and direction, sequences of events and memory for names.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): a tendency to disruptive behaviour which is not age appropriate; a difficulty focusing attention to complete a specific task, they can be hyperactive and impulsive and can suffer from mood swings and ‘social clumsiness’. Those with ADHD tend to have more behavioural problems, whereas those with ADD have a higher risk of comorbid depression or anxiety disorders.

Asperger’s syndrome: sometimes know as high functioning autism, the characteristics may include difficulty with change, causing unexpected responses to surroundings and a difficulty reading body language and determining body space, leading to problems with social interactions. Individuals may be obsessive and have a high attention to detail, and may be overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells and light.

Specific Learning Difficulties…

• are more common in boys • can be inherited • are not associated with a low IQ For further help or information on any of the above take a look at www.chilterntutorial.co.uk or speak to Jane or Bruce Gaudie who run a school specifically for children affected by these learning difficulties.

Why not book a Recommended Family Holiday! y The aim of RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com is to provide a “one-stop” shop to find suitable accommodation that welcomes families and helps mums and dads to actually enjoy their holidays rather than worry about the kids, the packing, the facilities on holiday, the hassle etc. etc. It can be very daunting holidaying as a family and if you get the wrong place, it can be a disaster. The ideal holiday has something for the kids to do, somewhere for them to play, preferably a catering service so you are not always having to cook but also allowing the flexibility of self catering so thee kids can have what they want when they want it, a dishwasher, washing machine, TV and DVD for obvious reasons, and either a kids club or babysitting so you can actually spend some time together – a luxury that is always hard to have with a young family.

Through experience Lucilla (owner of Recommended Family Holidays) found that the best holidays that she had been on as a family were those recommended by other mums and dads – similar people to her who recognised a good holiday. She believes a “tried and tested” holiday has greater chance of being a successful holiday and therefore captured this idea in RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com. Users of the website provide direct feedback to her on the properties that are advertised on the site – the more recommendations a property has, the more prominent it appears on the site. Lucilla also has a “top 25” recommended properties page so users can see, at a glance, the most recommended family holiday destinations – these are by far the most popular properties on the website.

Currently focusing on self catering accommodation in the UK, Ireland, France including catered ski chalets (like the luxury Chalet Chocolat in Chamonix), Cyprus villas and a couple of other holiday destinations like Portugal but also has a few family friendly hotels and Bed & Breakfast accommodation.

For further info just email – Lucilla@RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com 6

Families Solent West

March – April 2011

Education March – April 2011

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News Clive’s Easylearn Pop Music School searches for stars of tomorrow in Lymington, Hythe and Winchester…

With Summer fast approaching, now is the time to get you and your family feeling happy, safe and confident in the water.

At Southampton Swim School, we offer a huge range of well designed swimming lessons suitable for all the family.

We have available: • parent and baby classes suitable from birth • parent and toddler lessons suitable from 18 months • our NEW pre school lessons to get all your 3 & 4 year olds ready to swim independently • after school lessons for 4-16 year olds • adult lessons for 16+ And much, much more......

At Southampton Swim School we really do offer swimming lessons with a difference.

All our classes are small, with a maximum of 4 children in, and our highly trained teachers are always in the pool.

Lessons are run from our beautiful, warm, clean, private pools, in an area near you!

To find out more, please take a look at our website or call today to speak to a teacher. www.southamptonswimschool.com / 02380 000038

Clive’s Easylearn Pop Music SchoolsTM offers a unique brand of simplified pop and rock music training in guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and singing.

Our weekly sessions enable children to experience the fun of “jamming” together in pop and rock bands right from the very start of their courses.

It’s fun, confidence building, social and immensely rewarding. Classes are offered in Lymington, Hythe & Winchester and a free taster session is available.

Established in the South of England in 1981 by Clive Brooks, our music school has gone on to become one of the most successful franchises of its kind across the UK and we are proud to be celebrating our 30th Anniversary this year.

We employ local tutors to teach in our schools who have been specifically trained in our systems and are all CRB checked. Starting a course, is easy and inexpensive with no large up-front fees to pay. No previous experience is necessary, and the school is equipped with a range of instruments so you don’t have to buy one before you start!

For further details, go to www.clivesmusic.com, call 07871 493120 for Lymington & Hythe or 07733 586 685 For Winchester.

Talking Tots, the UK’s leading provider of communication classes for under 5s, has finally come to Romsey.

Talking Tots is a unique activity group for pre-schoolers(12mths+) that uses games, rhymes and interactive activities to help build social confidence, listening, language and communication. The classes are lots of fun and encourage toddlers to develop important life skills. Great for chatterboxes and non-talkers alike. Classes run in Totton, Chandlers Ford and Romsey. www.talkingtots.info/southampton / 07925 179237

Visit the Hamble Valley! y!

Discover Hampshire’s beautiful breathing space with a visit to the Hamble Valley in 2011.

Known as The Strawberry Coast st and renowned for outstanding waterfronts, stunning countryside and a glorious way of life, the Hamble Valley is a unique area, situated between the world famous cities of Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth.

The Hamble Valley Visitor Magazine is a perfect guide for the Summer with articles on attractions and places to visit, walking trails, things to do for free, family activities and how too live the Hamble Valley GoodLife GoodLife.

Contact info@hamblevalley.com for your free copy or contact 023 8000 1655.

Visit www.hamblevalley.com for more information, news and events.

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Families Solent West

March – April 2011

By Joanna Parry

Enjoy quality time with your kids this

Whether you’re a working parent looking to spend time with your brood over the Easter weekend, or a full-time mum desperate to fill a long school holiday, here are a few ideas to try out with your children.

With a bit of planning and a few inspired ideas, you can avoid the tantrums and arguments and tear your darlings away from the TV and the Wii and enjoy the Easter break, rather than finding yourself counting down the days until school starts again!

Image Courtesy of www.johnfranklinimages.com

Easter Plan the day The holidays are a great time to bring back some of the old fashioned games and spend real time with your kids. It can be hard at first, throwing yourself into games and activities, but this is the stuff that childhood memories are made of. It is important to plan your day: write out a holiday timetable of activities such as painting and board games for the morning and playing in the garden and a small amount of TV in the afternoon. If you let them drift from one cartoon to the other they’ll get frustrated very soon!

Activities at home With a little thought, you can come up with dozens of fun things to do at home, from building castles out of rubbish to dens in the garden, but when you run out of ideas, here are a few more. ▼ let your hair down and release your inner-child. Roll around in the garden with your kids, make mud pies, dig for worms and make dens out of sheets and washing lines. ▼ invest in some Play-Doh, art supplies and face paints and get creative ▼ hardboil some eggs and paint with food colouring. When they are dry they are great for egg rolling – if you haven’t got a hill, a slide will do! ▼ water painting – paint with a clean paintbrush and a pot of water outside on walls, paving slabs, fences. It’s very effective and the sun removes the evidence! ▼ put a cloth on floor as a picnic rug and serve lunch on living room floor. Or in the garden. ▼ home camping – hang a tablecloth over furniture, add a torch and a sleeping bag and have some fun! ▼ decorate biscuits by mixing icing sugar and water in a bowl to make runny icing and decorate with sprinkles or smarties. ▼ pass the parcel. Why save it for parties? Your kids can do the wrapping too using old newspaper, with prizes as simple as a sticker or packet of raisins.

March – April 2011

▼ make pasta jewellery ▼ roll a sheet of newspaper into a ball and play volleyball over a washing line. ▼ make salt dough with 3 cups of plain flour, 1 cup salt and 1 cup water. Model it like playdough and dry out finished models in a cool oven. Then paint and varnish. ▼ treasure hunt – hide toys or sweets around the home and give your kids clues to find them. Kids like setting the hunts too.

Alternatively, devise a nature trail where they have to find a series of items such as different coloured leaves. ▼ set up a home cinema in your living room: close the curtains, rearrange the furniture, make tickets and prepare snacks before putting on your favourite DVD. ▼ apple bobbing. Float an apple in a bowl of water and get your kids to try to bite it without using their hands. If you don’t mind mess you can repeat the game with a chocolate or grape in a bowl of flour! ▼ hit the park and get active. Borrow the nearest friendly dog and go for a walk, or set up an obstacle course in the garden with buckets, chairs, tables… anything goes really! ▼ the holidays are the perfect time to clear out old toys or games and replace them with new finds from the charity shop or swap with friends. Take the chance to reintroduce some traditional board games and toys into the mix. ▼ encourage your kids to dig a vegetable patch of their own in your garden. If you don’t have any outside space, make a mini garden by filling a plant tray with earth and arranging small sprigs of leaves, daisies and grass over the soil. Try small pebbles for paths and foil for a pond.

Invite their friends over When you’ve run out of ideas, invite your children’s friends over to play. You may think double the children means double trouble, but it’s often easier for them to have playmates around to entertain each other. It also means they will get invited back, giving you a muchneeded break!

Don’t interfere If you have more than one child and they are playing nicely together let them get on with it. You don’t have to be involved in everything they are doing!

Give them some jobs to do for pocket money Children like to earn their own money and to get a bit of responsibility – they will often jump at the chance to do a chore that you have been putting off for ages.

Give them a treat Take them on a trip to a theme park, swimming pool or cinema as a special treat. Make full use of local resources to find out what’s going on in your area – there are always free activities and events going on during school holidays. Take a look at our comprehensive ‘what’s-on section in the magazine.

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What's On Where you see this symbol please visit...

www.hampshiretopattractions.co.uk k for more information and discount vouchers.

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

March Tuesday 1 March Toddler Time Winchester Discovery Centre www.discoverycentres.co.uk/ winchester 01962 873603 2.15 - 2.45pm. Free, under 5s accompanied. No need to book.

Stories and simple activities to introduce parents and preschool children to a wide range of picture books and to help young children develop good listening skills.

Every Tuesday

Thursday 3 March Baby Bounce and Rhymetime Winchester Discovery Centre www.discoverycentres.co.uk/ winchester 01962 873603 9.45 - 10.15am and 11 - 11.30am. Free, under 2s accompanied. No need to book.Toe tapping, hand clapping, knee jogging songs and rhymes for children under 2 years and their parent/carer.

Every Thursday, term time only

Friday 4 March Science Museum Live on Tour!

Theatre Royal Winchester www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 01962 840440

Saturday 5 March Eye Opener Tours Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11am and 3pm at the Mary Rose Museum, meet at the museum desk for a highlight tour of the Mary Rose Museum. Lasts approximately 40 minutes. No booking necessary. FREE with valid ticket.

Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 March, Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 March, Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 April

Monday 7 March Chatterbox Monday Intech Science Centre and Planetarium www.intech-uk.com 01962 863791 Secret of the Cardboard Rocket special planetarium showing where we don’t ask everyone to keep quiet.

2:40pm. £2.20.

7 March & 4 April

Wednesday 9 March The Wolves of Willoughby Chase The Nuffield Theatre www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk 023 8067 1771 Set in an alternative history of England, the story follows two brave and determined girls on an enthralling adventure. Evocative of Dickens and Edward Gorey, this is a thrilling theatrical experience for all the family.

For ages 6+.

9 – 12 March

Friday 11 March

Spectacular science, dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments from London’s world famous Science Museum. For ages 7 and up

EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES at the Out of Town Centre and Treehouse Study Centre, Beaulieu

Fabulous Frogs! For 5 – 8 YR OLDS Wednesday 13th April, 10.00am – 1.00pm, £8.00 per child, Friends of the Trust £6.00 Land Army! For 8 – 10 YR OLDS Friday 15th April 10.00am – 4.00pm, £14.00 per child, Friends of the Trust £12.00 Conservation Crusaders For 11 – 14 YR OLDS Thursday 21st April, 10.00am – 4.00pm, £15.00 per person, Friends of the Trust £13.00 Advance booking essential.

PLUS Farm and Garden Open Day at the Out of Town Centre Monday 11th April 10.00am – 4.00pm. Entrance: £4.00 per adult, £2.50 per child. Pay on the day.

For more information or to book call the Countryside Education Trust, Beaulieu on 01590 612401 or email mail@cet.org.uk

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Friday 4 March at 7.00pm and Saturday 5 March at 2.00pm and 7.00pm

Little Owls Parent & Toddler Club Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk 01590 612401 Come and have fun exploring nature!

Friends of the Trust £4.00 per parent & child (plus £2.00 for each additional child/adult). Non-members £5.50/£2.75. Advance booking and payment only. 10.00am – 12.00 noon or 1.00 – 3.00pm.

4 & 7 March, 1 & 4 April

National Science and Engineering Week Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11 – 20 March

Saturday 12 March Peppa Pig’s Party Theatre Royal Winchester www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 01962 840440 Join Peppa and George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily Elephant for a charming, imaginative show full of songs, muddy puddles and oinks! For ages 2 and up Saturday 12 March at 4.00pm and Sunday 13 March at 10.00am, 1.00pm and 4.00pm March – April 2011

What's On

March – April 2011

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What's On Mary Rose Under The Microscope Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 At the Mary Rose Museum. Examine the evidence for yourself using our digital microscopes. Suitable for children over 7 years and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

FREE with a valid ticket Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 March and Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 March 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm

Sunday 13 March SPIN Winchester Discovery Centre www.discoverycentres.co.uk/ winchester 01962 873603 Ages 3-7 years, accompanied. £4.

11.30am - 12.15pm Part of Winchester Poetry Weekend. Join word wizards Francesca Beard, Jan Blake and Lennox Carty as they cook up wonderful ways to play with words. These top-class poets, storytellers and rappers will send you spiraling into a poetry revolution

Saturday 19 March Young Art Hampshire Exhibition Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, Mr Eddy’s Restaurant www.exbury.co.uk 023 8089 1203 The Exhibition will be on display in Mr Eddy’s Restaurant between 10am and 5pm. The Exhibition may be visited without paying to visit the Gardens.

19 – 20 March

Sunday 20 March NCT Nearly New Sale Crestwood College, Shakespeare Road, Eastleigh, SO50 4FZ www.nct.org 11am – 12:30pm. Entrance £1.

Friday 25 March The Great Spring Steam Gala Watercress Line www.watercressline.co.uk 01962 733810 Steam trains and plenty to see and do as the steam gala returns. A special timetable with extra services runs and special guest locomotives can be seen. For prices and further details visit the website.

25 – 27 March Simply call 01329 310994 to advertise in our next issue 12

Families Solent West

Saturday 26 March Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk 023 8089 1203 A special walking trail will guide visitors to see the best primrose displays, and also showcase Exbury’s award-winning Camellia’s on the Old and New Camellia Walks.

Saturdays and Sundays 26 March – 17 April

Sunday 27 March The Balloon Gardener Winchester Discovery Centre www.discoverycentres.co.uk/ winchester 01962 873603 2- 2.45pm. Age 4+ years accompanied by a paying adult. £5 Danny the wild balloon tamer has run out of balloons and must grow his own. Seeds of hilarity are sown as Danny attempts to cultivate bold, colourful latex shapes in pots. The plot thickens with problem pests, wacky weather and weeds you have never dreamed of.

This fool for flowers puts the rubber into shrubbery!

Wild About Gardens!

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01794 369318 11am – 4pm. An exciting spring event to launch the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s ‘Open Gardens Programme’ as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. Join in to uncover the Gardens’ wildlife with a day of trails, tours and activities for all ages. Also, find out how to transform your own garden into a wildlife haven. For details contact the Trust’s Wildlife Information Officer on 01489 774406.

APRIL Saturday 2 April Dawn Chorus Royal Victoria Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 02380 455157 Join the early bird as you take a morning stroll in the park and enjoy the unbeatable beauty of a dawn chorus with a local bird expert. Followed by a fresh bacon or egg butty breakfast in the Cedar Tea rooms. 6am. Meet outside the Cedar Tea Rooms. Adult £5.50, Child £4, Family £17.

Booking essential.

Suitable for ages 7+.

Mother’s Day Sunday 3 April Mothering Sunday Stroll – Winchester Discovery Centre www.discoverycentres.co.uk/winchester 01962 873603 10.30 - 11.45am. Age 7+ years, under 16 must be accompanied. £5 Take your mother on a Sunday morning stroll with one of Winchester’s official Tourist Guides and hear about the famous mothers associated with the City’s history. We will also be visiting some of Winchester’s lovely gardens to admire the spring flowers.

Mothers Day on the Watercress Line – Watercress Line www.watercressline.co.uk 01962 733810 Exclusive dining trains running to help mum celebrate her special day.

These are advance booking only. Normal steam hauled services will also be in operation if you just fancy a gentle ride through stunning countryside.

These are pay on the day. Mothers’ Day pricing as follows: Lunch £50 Adult, £45 Child (5 years and over) Cream Tea £18 Adult, £10 Child (5 years and over)

Mothering Sunday Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk 023 8089 1203 See the beautiful Daffodil Meadow in full flower and board the special Exbury Mothering Sunday Train – free daffodils for all our lady visitors.

Craft Making for Mothers Day Sir Harold Hillier Gardens www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01749 369318

Mothering Sunday at Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

Make and take crafts for all ages. Free with normal admission

Mothers’ Day Crafts – Royal Victoria Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 02380 455157 Decorate your own terracotta plant pot and fill it with springtime bulbs, and create a card to send Mum a special message. 2pm-4pm in Acorns Education Facility. £3 per child.

Mother’s Day Lunch – Marwell Wildlife www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407 Show your mother how much you love her with a beautifully presented three course lunch at Marwell Hall.

Music & Picnic in the Walled Garden – Basing House www.basing-house.org.uk 01256 463965 Enjoy your Mother’s Day picnic in the walled garden. 12 – 3 pm

Wednesday 6 April

Saturday 9 April

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea The Nuffield Theatre www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk 023 8067 1771

Opening of Peppa Pig World Paultons Park www.peppapigworld.co.uk 023 8081 4455

Then take a deep breath and submerge yourself in the swashbuckling underwater adventure. For ages 6+

An amazing new land covering nearly 3 acres of fully themed fun, with 7 new and exciting rides including Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Ride, Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, George’s Dinosaur Ride, Grandpa’s Little Train Ride and even a ride in a ‘cloud’ around Windy Castle! Peppa Pig World will also feature huge indoor and outdoor play areas, superb animated themed attractions, a new café and the largest (and only!) dedicated Peppa Pig shop in the World.

6 – 16 April

March – April 2011

What's On

March – April 2011

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What's On Cheetah Enclosure Opening Marwell Wildlife www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407

Rosie Rabbit’s Egg Hunt Royal Victoria Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 02380 455157

Come and visit our new cheetah enclosure and get up close and personal with these beautiful big cats.

Rosie has lost her Easter Eggs in the park. Help her find them to win a prize and a chocolate treat. Available 10am-4pm from the Heritage Visitor Centre. £1.50 per trail.

Easter Holiday Activities Marwell Wildlife www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407 Take part on our FREE Easter craft activities, enjoy our new Cheetah enclosure, sprint down our new track and enjoy cheetah based feeds and talks.

How To Look Good Tudor Style Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm at the Mary Rose Museum. Try one of our costumes and step back in time. Why not bring your camera to capture the moment? Free quiz for every child visiting the museum. FREE with a valid ticket and children must be accompanied by and adult 9 – 25 April

Easter Egg-stravaganza Beaulieu www.beaulieu.co.uk 01590 612345 During the Easter holiday’s younger visitors to Beaulieu can join in a HareBrained Easter Trail. Look for the hares, find the answers to the clues and collect a sweet treat at the end of the trail. From Friday 22nd to Monday 25th April every child will receive chocolate treat from the Easter Bunny and can enjoy face-painting and Victorian games on Palace House lawn.

9 – 25 April

9 – 25 April

Easter Bunny trail Milestones Museum www.milestones-museum.com 01256 477766 Drop into Milestones for our Easter Bunny Trail. Hand in your completed trail sheet for your chocolate reward!

9 – 25 April

Easter Egg Hunt Basing House www.basing-house.org.uk 01256 463965 Description: Drop into Basing House for our Easter egg hunt. Complete your trail for your chocolate Easter egg reward! £1.50 per person for the trail + normal entry charges. See our website for all the information on the new things to see and do since our recent restorations!

9 – 25 April

Monday 11 April Plant Hunter Tours for Families Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk 023 8089 1203 Join our storyteller playing the role of ‘George Forrest’, legendary plant explorer of the early 20th century.

Hear hair-raising tales of uprisings, death and glory in the Yunnan as

Forrest quests to bring back new plants and seedlings to England and Exbury, and discover many of the plants he introduced. Morning & afternoon tours. Free provisions and seeds for children! Price included in Gardens Admission.

11 – 15 April

Farm and Garden Open Day Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk 01590 612401 Lots of activities for all the family, lambs and other farm animals, mud oven cooking, seed sowing and other garden activities. No need to book, just turn up!! £4 per adult £2.50 per child, members £2.50/1.50

Easter Activity Trail Lepe Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/lepe 02380 899108 Enjoy a self-led family activity trail around the park. Trail available 10am-3pm from the park office. £1.50 per child

Precious Prunings and Transformed Twigs Winchester Discovery Centre www.discoverycentres.co.uk/ winchester 01962 873603 10am - 12pm Age 4-7years accompanied, and 2-4pm Age 8 - 12 years. £10 Recycle garden and hedgerow prunings to weave a basket or low relief sculpture.

All tools and materials will be provided but participants are welcome to bring flexible prunings from their own gardens.

All Hands On Deck Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11.30am – 12.30pm on board HMS Victory. What is a fid? Where would you find a holy stone? Join us for fascinating, themed object-handling sessions on HMS Victory led by the Learning Volunteer Team. FREE with a valid ticket, all ages welcome.

11 – 25 April

Tuesday 12 & Tuesday 19 April, Wednesday 13 April

The Joys of Spring Manor Farm Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm 01489 787055

Forest Activity Day Itchen Valley Country Park www.eastleigh.gov.uk/activities 023 80475080

A fortnight of Easter fun down on the farm. Take the Chick Challenge and see how many Easter chicks you can find hidden in the farmyard.

Children will love the Shetland pony rides (not weekends or bank holiday) and face painting (weekdays 2pm 4pm). Plus take a lesson to remember in the Victorian schoolroom and meet the new arrivals. 10am - 5pm. Normal farm admission charge. (Additional charge for face painting & pony rides.) Pony rides suitable for ages 2+.

11 – 25 April

Tuesday 12 April Egg Decorating Itchen Valley Country Park www.eastleigh.gov.uk/activities 023 80475080 Transform an egg into an Easter chick or bunny. Cost £1.50 per egg. Any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

A day of activities in our woodland for children aged 6-11 years. Includes shelter building, campfire cookery and woodland crafts. Cost £15.00 per child. 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Booking Essential.

Drake’s Discoveries Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

From flittering fireflies to fabulous flying fish Sir Francis Drake and his brave crew saw some amazing sights on their trip to circumnavigate the world. Come and make your own discoveries and craft a creature to take home. FREE drop-in workshop, all ages welcome

Entrance £1.00 (in aid of NCT Charity) Items for sale: Top quality baby, children’s and maternity clothing, toys and equipment

20th March 2011 11am – 12:30pm Crestwood College Shakespeare Road Eastleigh SO50 4FZ

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Families Solent West

For more details contact: NNS Team nnseastleighnct@yahoo.co.uk

www.nct.org.uk

Don’t forget to say that you saw these companies listings advertised in the What’s On section of Families Solent West magazine!

March – April 2011

March – April 2011

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What's On Fabulous Frogs Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk 01590 612401 Get hopping mad about frogs with froggy fun and games (5 – 8 year olds).

10am – 1 pm. £8 per child/£6 members

Shelter Building Challenge Lepe Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/lepe 02380 899108 Build a shelter and cook your lunch on the bonfire. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 10.30am-2pm. £8.50 per child, accompanying adult free.

Booking essential. Ideal for ages 8-14.

Easter Trees Royal Victoria Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 02380 455157 Create decorations including origami bunnies and fluffy chicks, and then hang them on your very own Easter Tree. Plus, decorate a colourful Easter hat. 2pm-3.30pm in Acorns Education Facility. £3 per child And 20 April

Thursday 14 April Sunflower Painting & Planting Itchen Valley Country Park www.eastleigh.gov.uk/activities 023 80475080 Paint a pot and plant a sunflower seed. Take it home and watch it grow.

Cost £3.00 per pot. Any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

the world to find out about boats and ships from other times and cultures.

Why not try making a Chinese Junk or even a Viking Dragon ship! FREE with a valid ticket, no booking required Thursday 14 April & Thursday 21 April

Friday 15 April Forest Families Lakeside Country Park www.eastleigh.gov.uk/activities 023 80475080

Master Shipwright John Tippetts and a whole host of other characters throughout the day including sea officers, sailors and their families.

16 & 17 April

Monday 18 April Scarecrow Building Workshop Winchester Discovery Centre www.discoverycentres.co.uk/ winchester 01962 873603

Outdoor activities for 4-11 year olds and their parents including shelter building, woodland crafts and games. FREE but BOOKING ESSENTIAL. 11.00am to 1.30pm.

10am - 1.45pm. Ages 8-12 years. £12 Build a scarecrow using nonrecyclable material. Children can bring some items from home. A great way for families to become aware of which materials are recyclable and which are not.

Invention from Scrap Winchester Discovery Centre www.discoverycentres.co.uk/ winchester 01962 873603

Drawing on Ourselves Hanger Farm Arts Centre www.hangerfarm.co.uk 023 8066 7683

10am - 12noon and 2-4pm. Age 4-7 years accompanied by an adult with a free ticket. £10 Need a Portable Elephant Cleaner? Or an instant Custard Pie Thrower? Join Chris Bennett from Orange Apples to create an essential invention using all kinds of junk.

10am – 12.30pm. No, it’s not tattooing – it’s a cartooning workshop with Chris Bennett from Orange Apples.

Creating some comic strips inspired by family life and some of the daft, serious, silly and significant things we all get up to. For ages 5 and up, accompanied to 8 years. Cost £7.50.

Land Army Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk 01590 612401

Tuesday 19 April

10am – 4pm. Your country needs you!! Play your part in the war effort and find out if you have what it takes to become a spy (8 – 10 year olds). £14 per child/£12 members

Saturday 16 April

Colourful Cookies Itchen Valley Country Park www.eastleigh.gov.uk/activities 023 80475080 Come and decorate an Easter biscuit.

Take it home and eat it or give it as a gift! Cost £2.00 per biscuit. Any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Big Owls Parent & Toddler Club Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk 01590 612401 Come and have fun exploring nature (4 – 6 year olds)! Friends of the Trust £5.00 per parent & child (plus £2.5 for each additional child/adult). Nonmembers £6/3. Advance booking and payment only. 10.00am – 12.30 noon or 1.00 – 4.30pm.

Butterfly Walks Intech Science Centre and Planetarium www.intech-uk.com 01962 863791 A walk around the butterfly conservation area behind INTECH, and if it’s sunny, a chance to look out for early butterflies. Weather dependent. 11:30am, 12:40pm & 1:50pm Free with normal admission.

If weather inappropriate will be re-scheduled for Thursday 21 April

Wednesday 20 April Forest Activity Day Itchen Valley Country Park www.eastleigh.gov.uk/activities 023 80475080 A day of activities in our woodland for children aged 6-11 years. Includes shelter building, campfire cookery and woodland crafts. Cost £15.00 per child. 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Booking Essential.

Easter at Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

Days Out with Thomas Watercress Line www.watercressline.co.uk 01962 733810

The Way Back Home Theatre Royal Winchester www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 01962 840440 An intergalactic tale for families and children, based on the awardwinning book by Oliver Jeffers (How to Catch a Star and Lost and Found). For ages 3 and up Thursday 14 Apr at 2.00pm & Friday 15 to Sun 17 Apr at 11.00am and 2.00pm

I Spy Boats Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm on board HMS Victory.Visit the most famous ship in 16

Families Solent West

First chance to see Thomas at the Watercress Line in 2011. You can travel all day behind large steam engines such as ‘Henry’ and ‘Murdoch’. ‘Daisy’ the diesel railcar will also be here; FREE activities, bouncy castle slide and miniature railway, children’s entertainment and of course, rides behind ‘Thomas’, ‘Diesel’ and ‘Toad’. Day Out With Thomas; Adult £16; Child (2-16) £10; Family £48 16 – 25 April

Pepys Show Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11am – 4.30pm No Booking necessary. Pepys’ diaries and the 17th Century will be brought to life in the Victory Arena. Come along and meet Pepys himself, his wife Elizabeth, March – April 2011

Easter Weekend Look back through the What’s On listings for April and note other highlighted dates for activities that extend over the Easter weekend.

Underwater Gardens Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm at the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Spring is here, so come along and create your own magical sea garden! FREE dropin workshop, all ages welcome

Children’s Falconry Workshops Sir Harold Hillier Gardens www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01749 369318 An unforgettable chance to be up close to these magnificent top predators, seeing them flying free and having them fly to your gloved fist.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. For ages 8 to 15. Tickets: £50 includes one child & one adult, plus light refreshments. Booking essential

Dippy about Ponds Lepe Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/lepe 02380 899108 See what you can find lurking in the water at Lepe Point pond. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book, just turn up and join in.

10am-2pm. Free. Parking charges apply. Help the park by donating to the Friends of Lepe

Thursday 21 April Easter Hats Itchen Valley Country Park www.eastleigh.gov.uk/activities 023 80475080 Come along and decorate a hat for Easter Cost £1.50 per hat. Any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Conservation Crusaders Countryside Education Trust www.cet.org.uk 01590 612401 10am – 4pm. Do your bit for the environment with habitat clearance and wildlife box repair. £15 per person/£13 members (11 – 14 year olds). Booking Essential.

Friday 22 April Easter Egg Hunt Itchen Valley Country Park www.eastleigh.gov.uk/activities 023 80475080 Follow the clues and hunt the eggs hidden around Itchen Valley Country Park to win a prize. Cost £1.75 per trail pack. Any time between 10.30am and 4.00pm.

Moles: What Is Up There?

Intech Science Centre and Planetarium www.intech-uk.com 01962 863791 Children’s cartoon show, great for 8yrs and under. Join the moles for a captivating introduction to day & night, the Sun, Moon and stars. This show is on a limited run so don’t miss it! 12.30pm, £2.50 22 April onwards, weekends and Bank Holidays only

Wild Egg Hunt – Marwell Wildlife www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407 Calling chocoholics. Join our Wild Egg Hunt to receive a chocolate egg and the chance to win a monster chocolate egg.

Look out for the Easter Bunny too

Saturday 23 April Easter at Exbury – Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk 023 8089 1203

Solve puzzles around the Gardens to win a chocolate Easter prize! Free with normal admission.

Easter is a wonderful time at Exbury, with the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons and Azaleas coming into bloom, and the woodlands carpeted in primroses.There are surprises in store on the Railway – who will spot the Easter Bunnies hiding in the woods?

Special Garden trails and Easter treats for the children. Fun for all the family!

Price included within Gardens Admission price.Train rides are extra £3.50 per person; under 3’s are free.

22 – 25 April

23 – 25 April

22 – 25 April

On the Trail of the Easter Egg Sir Harold Hillier Gardens www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01749 369318

What's On Sunday 24 April Creative Crafts for Easter Time Sir Harold Hillier Gardens www.hilliergardens.org.uk 01749 369318 1 – 4.30pm. Make and take home fun crafts. Free with normal admission.

Sunday 24 & Monday 25 April

Sealed Knot Event – Basing House www.basing-house.org.uk 01256 463965 See the Sealed Knot re-enact a battle in the grounds of Basing House. See web for ticket prices.

24 & 25 April

Saturday 30 April Spinning a Yarn Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 10am and 4pm at the Mary Rose Museum. Try your hand at Tudor crafts with demonstrations of spinning and weaving by the Portchester Spinners.

Children will have a chance to make their own cord wheel to take home.

FREE with valid ticket and children must be accompanied by an adult.

30 April & 1 May

May Day Festival – Marwell Wildlife www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407 Festival fun for all the family, join us for Marwell’s May Day madness!

30 April – 2 May

Childcare

Advertise your business here...

Whether a nursery, pre-school, play-group or any form of child-care, advertise here and be seen in a publication that will really work for you For further info call 01329 310994 or email childcare@ familiessolentwest.co.uk

Riverbank Kindergarten Martyr Worthy Parish Hall, S021 1DY • Open 09.00–13.00 • Open Tuesdays 09.00–15.00 Summer term only • Children aged 2yrs 9m – 5yrs • Continuous provision • Peaceful, rural setting Contact Babs 07867 530075 babs_smith@btinternet.com March – April 2011

Earlybirds Pre-School Offering a warm, caring & stimulating environment where children can feel secure & happy, & so develop & learn. Excellent links with Newtown Soberton Infant School; Local to Wickham, Boarhunt, Southwick, Droxford & Denmead; Small Groups; High staff ratios. Morning / Afternoon & All Day sessions available for children from 2y 9m – 5y.

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

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Childcare

The Library, Free Street, Bishops Waltham, Hampshire SO32 1EE Open Tues & Weds 10.00- 4.00 and Thurs 09.30-12.30 for information We have parents and baby groups running at various locations in Bishops Waltham and Colden Common Please call in and see us or call on 01489 893314 Christine.slatcher@childrenssociety.org.uk

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Families Solent West

March – April 2011

Competitions

Recommend to a friend! You can also check out the details for these competitions online at www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

OINK! OINK! WIN TICKETS TO

Win 1 of 4 Family Tickets to visit the fabulous new Peppa Pig World, only at Paultons Park.

You will get the chance to explore nearly 3 acres of fully themed fun, with 7 new and exciting rides including Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight, Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, George’s Dinosaur Adventure, Grandpa’s Little Train and you can even ride in a ‘cloud’ around Windy Castle! With huge indoor and outdoor play areas, superb animated and themed attractions, a new café and the largest (and only!) dedicated Peppa Pig shop in the world. Opening on Saturday 9th April 2011, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

WIN Classifieds Parties

To enter simply send a postcard with your name, address and contact details to the following address: Families Solent West, P O Box 630, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 9HZ. Closing date: 4th April 2011. (Family Ticket: 2 adults & 2 children under 12.)

Best of Luck!

Tuition

Spring down to Manor Farm Country Park this Easter for a fantastic family day out.

Children will love meeting our new arrivals and holding newborn lambs, chicks and bunnies.

Join in the egg-stra special children’s holiday activities with pony rides, face painting, and Chick Challenge. Help Mr Earwicker with his daily farmyard chores and join the teacher for a Victorian school lesson. Bring a picnic, enjoy lunch in the great outdoors, have an adventure in the play area, and take a stroll through the woodland to see spectacular springtime flowers and riverside views. Make a day of it by booking a BBQ or joining in our springtime events including Dawn Chorus, May Day and Easter Eggstras. Visit www.hants.gov.uk/ manorfarm more details.

Music

WIN

For your chance to win a family ticket to Manor Farm answer the following question: When you visit us, who will you be helping with his farmyard chores?

Send your answer to Families Solent West, P O Box 630, Fareham, Hants, PO14 9HZ Closing Date: 4th April 2011

March – April 2011

Business Opportunities Wikaniko Eco-Friendly Business Household and natural beauty products. £48 start-up.

Internet access required. www.wikanikolifestyle.co.uk Tel: Caroline 01271 867022

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March – April 2011

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