Families Solent East Issue 30 Sep-Oct 2010

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Issue 30 | September/October 2010 The local family magazine www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

MAGAZINE

SOLENT EAST including the Isle of Wight

150

Cover photo by John Franklin, www.johnfranklinimages.com

OVER FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS

Clubs

& Classes HALLOWEEN

• f un facts, plus • h ow to carve the perfect ‘Jack-o’-Lantern’

FREE COMPETITION

with special prize

PLUS: All the latest news and an extensive guide to what’s on in your local area.

Covering: Portsmouth, Southsea, Fareham, Gosport, Portchester, Waterlooville, Havant, Hayling Island, Wickham, Petersfield, Midhurst, Chichester, Isle of Wight and all the places in between.

Families

bac k

Animal-mad kids should keep their cameras close by this summer - as vet charity PDSA launches its annual Pet Protectors Photographer Awards.

re d

PDSA launches children’s competition to ‘capture’ Animal Antics

R

Youngsters are being asked to submit their own photos around the theme of ‘animal antics’, capturing pets or wildlife expressing natural behaviour.

The competition is open to all children, and there are two categories; 12 and under, and 13-18 years old.

The winners will each receive a digital camera, so they can keep capturing their favourite animals in action, and a CeWe Photobook. Plus, they will be invited on a VIP tour of one of PDSA’s busy PetAid hospitals, where they can see first-hand the work the charity does treating sick and injured pets. Finally, their photo will be published in the Pet Protectors Club magazine, Animal Antics.

Entry to the competition is free and full details can be found at www.pdsa.org.uk/petprotectors

2 Families Solent East September/October 2010

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Families Editors Letter

Welcome After some great summer weather, we can look forward to the golden hues of Autumn.

There are plenty of local attractions, parks, gardens and woods where you can enjoy the spectacular colours of the season.

As we head into October most children will be thinking of Halloween and this year it falls at the end of the half-term holiday so there’s no excuse for being unprepared!

Editor: John Franklin e-mail: editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk Designer: Andrew Mesher e-mail: a.mesher@redbackstudios.co.uk www.redbackstudios.co.uk FAMILIES SOLENT EAST

Many children will be starting at their new school in September and this can also bring the opportunity to take part in new out-of-school activities, clubs and classes This can lead to a lifetime interest so it’s always worth trying something out.

PO Box 908, Portsmouth, PO6 9DL www.familiessolenteast.co.uk Tel: 023 9232 5005 Next issue: November/December 2010 Editorial and booking deadline: Tuesday, 5th October 2010.

To advertise in Families Solent East: Call 023 9232 5005 or email ads@familiessolenteast.co.uk

I hope you enjoy Autumn and all the spooky Halloween fun. We’ll see you again in the November-December issue.

Printed by Holbrooks Printers: Call 023 9233 4900, www.holbrooks.com

JOHN FRANKLIN EDITOR

Copyright: Families Solent East 2010.

SOLENT EAST

of Wight including the Isle

150

nklinimages.com

Families Group: Families Solent East is part of a group established in 1990 and headed

by Families South West. All magazines in the Group are independently owned and operated under licence.

MAGAZI NE

The local family magazine k www.familiessolenteast.co.u

OVER FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS

Franklin, www.johnfra

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 East 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 the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

FREE

ber 2010

Issue 30 | September/Octo

Clubs

Cover photo by John

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 East, 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.

& Classes HALLOWEEN

• fun facts, plus ct • how to carve the perfe ‘Jack-o’-Lantern’

PLUS: ALL THE LATEST NEWS

FREE COMPETITION prize

AND AN EXTENSIVE GUIDE

with special

TO WHAT’S ON IN YOUR

LOCAL AREA.

Hayling Island, r, Waterlooville, Havant, Fareham, Gosport, Portcheste and all the places in between.

Covering: Portsmouth, Southsea, Chichester, Isle of Wight Wickham, Petersfield, Midhurst,

Photography by John Franklin Design by Andrew Mesher

With children returning to school after their long summer break, take a look at our Clubs & Classes feature, plus our Childcare and Education section.

Also in this issue you can get ready for Halloween with our pumpkin carving tips and fun facts.

As usual, there are lots of great events and activities in our What’s On sections, covering both the mainland and the Isle of Wight. Check out all the Halloween themed events in the October halfterm holiday. We also have a special competition from Marwell Wildlife giving you the chance to win a very special face-to-face encounter with their giraffes.

September/October 2010 Families Solent East 3

Families

contents CLUBS & CLASSES • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

05 NEWS Lots of local news and updates covering events and services.

06 CHILDCARE & EDUCATION

Pre-schools, schools and more.

08 CLUBS & CLASSES

I deas and suggestions for a whole range of out-of-school activities.

10 HALLOWEEN FUN Pumpkin carving and fun facts to get you in the mood for Halloween!

12 WHAT’S ON Activities and events across the whole area including the Isle of Wight.

15 COMPETITIONS A chance to win a unique prize in a special competition.

15 CLASSIFIEDS

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

The festive season is not far away and if you are thinking about how you are going to pay for it, start earning those extra £'s now with Jamie at Home.

Join Jamie Oliver's direct-selling business Jamie at Home selling his gorgeous, designer-led Jme collection of homeware products including a new and extra special range for Christmas and you can start earning instantly.

For more information or to join the team please call Jacqui McDonald on 07857 642237.

Jamie At Home...

With sales of more than £11.5 million and 50,000 Jamie at Home parties held since March 2009, Jamie Oliver’s success has certainly rubbed off on one of his most recent business ventures.

The Jamie at Home business opportunity is open to people from all walks of life, regardless of experience. It’s also an appealing proposition for mums looking to bring in an income, but needing a flexible working option – everyone can share in Jamie’s success! By holding just two parties a week (that’s 6 hours work), as a Jamie at Home Consultant you could earn £520 commission per month.

To find out more about becoming a Jamie at Home Consultant, or for information about holding a Jamie at Home party, please call Jacqui McDonald on 07857 642237 or email jacquimcjme@aol.com

Local products and services for you and the whole family.

GO FOR IT... JOIN THE BUSINESS MUMS! Working with a successful, international company, with a £36 million turnover in the UK, we are looking for open-minded and ambitious people to spearhead its second phase expansion.

Working part time, £500-£1,500 pm, or full time, £2,000 £5,000+ pm, without having to compromise your current career, business or family commitments.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment, self-employed background, would like to work from home, or feel you wish to develop an extra-ordinary income, please call Hesione Waugh on 01329 232084 or 07794127732.

Fantastic Competition Page 15

4 Families Solent East September/October 2010

Don’t forget to say you saw these adverts in Families Solent East

Families News

P

aultons, the family theme park, has over 50 wonderful rides and attractions for all ages included in the admission price. There’s an amazing variety of things to see and do including big rides, small rides, play areas, birds and animals, all set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland.

Visitors to the Park will also be able to see the fabulous new Peppa Pig World under construction. Covering almost 3 acres and with 7 new rides, this UK Exclusive and World First, opens on 9th April 2011.

Don’t forget to book early for the best Christmas experience in the South which opens on Saturday 20th November 2010. Call 023 8081 4442 or visit www. paultonspark.co.uk to book tickets on-line.

For opening times and prices visit www.paultonspark.co.uk or phone 24hr Hotline 023 8081 4455 for more information. Paultons really is way too much fun for one day!

Family News

SOLEN

REPOT ERAST T

Could you be a foster carer?

WATER BABIES STARS AGAIN IN NATIONAL AWARDS For the third year running, Water Babies, the UK’s leading baby swimming company, has scooped top prize in the prestigious ‘What’s On 4 2010’ awards; this year, once again winning the main ‘Best National Baby & Toddler Development Activity’ award. Competition was fiercer than ever, with over 2,500 nominations and more than a staggering 27,000 votes cast.

“We’re just overwhelmed by the amazing response of all our clients in voting for us,” said Ali Pountney, who runs classes in Hampshire. “To have won this national award - again totally reflects on the dedication of the whole Water Babies team.

As parents ourselves, we appreciate that this is one of the most magical times in people’s lives, so work incredibly hard to enhance it. We’re so grateful to all our fantastic clients for taking the time to nominate and vote for us.”

Water Babies Hampshire and West Sussex has been running Water Babies classes in Hampshire and West Sussex since 2007 and, together with a team of 13, now teaches over 750 babies and children every week. Ali adds “I’m delighted that Water Babies has been recognised in this way, especially as we’re the only swimming company to have won four national awards in the last three years – reflecting the fact that we’re absolutely passionate about what we do.”

There is currently a great demand for foster carers throughout Hampshire and the surrounding areas, and as one of the country’s first independent fostering agencies, Families for Children is highly respected and able to offer top quality support for foster carers. “Fostering is about wanting the best for every young person that comes through your door, it’s about being a good parent and providing all the opportunities you can.”

As a Families for Children carer you will be attached to a friendly local centre providing support 24 hours a day.

There are an experienced team of teachers, therapists and support workers who will be on-hand to give you all the advice you need to successfully look after the children and young people in your care.

Families for Children offers unrivalled payments, benefits, training and support to ensure everyone has a rewarding and positive experience.

If you are interested in providing an optimistic and safe environment for a young person then get in touch by calling 0800 019 7087 or visit www.families-for-children.co.uk

To find out more about Water Babies classes phone 01794 324353, email: humptydumpty@waterbabies.co.uk or visit www.waterbabies.co.uk.

September/October 2010 Families Solent East 5

Families Childcare & Education

Building blocks for the future

at Mayville N

ot even a rain shower could dampen the enthusiasm of parents and pupils at Mayville as they worked together building and hammering at a specially organised Construction Day. At Mayville High school in Southsea we work with parents, building close links so the needs of your child can be truly met.

“The small class sizes mean that the teachers always have time to speak.

Any problems are always dealt with immediately”. says Vicky Damerell whose five year old son Jack is in reception

“By working together our pupils have a myriad of experiences that parents can share and enjoy.” says Head teacher Martin Castle

6 Families Solent East September/October 2010

Families Childcare & Education

Celebrating 5 Years of Maths and English tuition in Portsmouth.

K

ip McGrath Professional Tuition has been operating in Portsmouth for 5 years. Under the direction of Linda & Howard Jones they have helped hundreds of children with their reading, writing, spelling and maths. They have also recently moved premises, and taken the opportunity to invest in a brand new centre.

“We are upgrading our centre to meet the needs of our growing numbers and the future developments of Kip McGrath as the premier professional tuition service in Portsmouth.” explained Howard Jones. “This year we are helping over a hundred children each week to gain confidence, and make progress, in reading, writing, spelling and maths. Not only is our centre newer and brighter, but we also have new programmes and resources!

Howard and Linda, both qualified teachers, have recently won an award for successfully running their tuition centre for 5 years. “We are very proud to have achieved this as we have watched the business grow from an initial group of sixteen to one hundred and twelve students a week! We love teaching and wanted to re-invest into our centre.” Linda Jones, Centre Director. Call 02392 755923 for your child’s Free Assessment.

Little Learners first opened its doors in 2004 in Hilsea. We relocated to a beautiful detached house in 2007 situated in St Mary’s Park. Since relocating we have built a beautiful under 2’s unit which opened in Janurary 2010. All our team are qualified from an NVQ 2 to an NVQ 4 in childcare and education, the nursery is based on the highscope philosophy “learning through play”.

Little Learners Day Care is situated in the heart of Portsmouth with easy access to the motorway. We’re also only 10min from Fratton train station and 20 minutes from Portsmouth and Southsea train station. We also have a bus route outside the nursery which goes out of town to various locations.

For further information please call 023 9275 6104, email: littlelearners04@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.littlelearnersdaycare.co.uk

reach over

SOLENT EAST

40,000

readers

September/October 2010 Families Solent East 7

Families Feature

Clubs

& Classes

By Robina Cowan

We’ve been looking into the many benefits of out-of-school activities. Clubs and classes can stimulate social development, as well as building confidence and new skills.

Languages Children who learn a foreign language at an early age do so effortlessly.

They learn through verbal and physical participation and communicate without inhibition. If children enjoy their early exposure to a foreign language and culture, they will absorb and retain this, ensuring not only a head start in secondary school, but building confidence in all areas of the curriculum. Language classes for children are typically fun, happy and busy with plenty of activities including games, dances, songs and even cooking, to introduce the culture as much as the vocabulary.

Music Numerous studies have demonstrated that no matter the level of skill, music is one of the best ways to help early language development. Like speech, music has structure, rhythm and rules. It introduces new words and concepts through repetition, encourages turn-taking (just like in conversation), and helps children develop listening skills and attention spans.

8 Families Solent East September/October 2010

While some children can take to the violin or piano like ducks to water, it may be more rewarding to start in group singing, percussion and rhythm classes first before taking on trickier instrument tuition.

Even preschool music classes which include rhythmic singing and clapping songs are contributing so much more than a bit of weekly fun.

Sports & Exercise Pass any school playground at breaktime and the majority of children are running around, for the sheer exhilaration of moving at speed (typically exercising their lungs too by screaming at the same time!).

If your children are naturally active then they’re following their instincts, but those slumped in front of the television or computer could do with a nudge towards a regular activity they’ll come to look forward to.

Different sports suit different children; lively, outgoing boys and girls relish competitive team games; racquet sports such as tennis or badminton develop hand-eye coordination as well as stretching young limbs; swimming

builds strength without overstressing joints and ligaments; martial arts teach children to ‘read’ their opponents’ intentions; while dance adds poise, grace and flexibility to everyday movement.

Theatre & Performing Arts Drama is a wonderful extension of the ‘let’s pretend’ games young children love to play. Classes open and extend children’s imagination through role play and characterisation. Working to a theme or play introduces literature, classic stories and make-believe worlds which come to life through speech, song and movement.

Students explore empathy for their characters and classmates, and learn to work effectively in groups, growing in confidence as they learn to express themselves more fully.

Before too long, students learn to make eye contact, speak clearly in front of others and stand up tall when entering a room attributes which will serve them well whatever their choice of career.

Families Feature

Dance While dancing is great fun it also helps develop coordination, fitness and a sense of rhythm, musicality and expression, promoting self-discipline and confidence.

Arts & Crafts From the earliest age, children just love to make things. When clutching a big paintbrush, sticking pasta to a piece of card and squeezing play dough, children are developing motor skills which will later be fine-tuned to manage tasks such as writing and using cutlery effectively. Furthermore, the early attempts are stimulating many senses while introducing new techniques and textures. “There’s nothing like using clay to develop children’s artistic abilities,” one local potter observed: “usually they don’t get the chance to do pottery until they’re much older, but the younger ones love it just as much.”

School Support As soon as children have a grasp of numbers and arithmetic, countless other tasks become easier. In almost every other subject and in many walks of life, arithmetic and maths are needed and a weakness in this area will hold your child back. Extra maths classes not only help improve a grasp of numbers, but help in confidence and add to children’s achievements long-term.

Now that computers are standard in schools, learning to touch-type can make work faster and easier. Correct typing technique is also better for hands and backs. By starting before bad habits take hold, children can have a very useful skill that they will use throughout their lives.

Scouts & Guides No discussion of clubs and classes can be complete without mention of the Scout and Guide Associations.

Together they offer adventure and activity to almost a million young people across the UK. In addition, Girlguiding is the UK’s largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women. For young children Rainbows and Beavers can provide a great range of experiences, including making new friends, working cooperatively, playing games, going on visits and helping others. This leads on to Cubs and Brownies with the types of activities becoming more diverse, including organised camping trips.

Children can then progress to Scouts and Girl Guides where they continue to develop their skills and take on even more challenging adventures. This is certainly an activity that can support your children throughout their future development.

What to Look Out For Here are some more things to think about: 1. Having found an activity your child will enjoy, try to check out the atmosphere in the class. Is the teacher a person your child will relate to? Are the classes mainly fun, or is the teacher is focussed on performance and obtaining certificates for example? Do classes lead to performances? Some children love this - others shudder at the thought of being on show.

Can you feel the beat?

2. M ake sure the staff are qualified and have the required CRB checks and health and safety certificates. Always ask if you are unsure.

3. M ost classes allow parents to sit in on a session or for children to attend a free trial class. Watch if the children are a) under control - not rigid but well within what you would hope a class to be; b) getting the balance of discipline and fun; c) getting constructive corrections from the teacher.

Finally ...

First and foremost, find an activity your child will really enjoy. If their interest flags, or changes after giving it a good shot, don’t be afraid to look around for a new activity which might suit them better as they grow and develop.

Children need strong speech, language and communication skills so that they can learn, achieve, make friends and enjoy life.

Unfortunately, recent research shows that….

Up to 80% of children in some areas arrive at school without the communication skills they need to learn (I Can Charity research).

Therefore pre-school activities that support language development are of significant importance to give your child the head start they need before starting school. There is a wealth of information available to show the benefits of involving 0-5 year olds in music making activities to supporting communication, speech and language development. Indeed the National Strategy for literacy (Letters and Sounds) recognises that music plays a key part in developing children’s language in Early Years.

Boogie Mites, based in Portsmouth, write music specifically to support learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The Boogie Mites Programmes are popular in local schools, nurseries and Children’s Centres with particular reference to listening and language development.

Research shows that children with a strong sense of beat are more likely to be strong readers. Can you feel the beat?

Check out local Children’s Centres for information about your nearest Boogie Mites course or see the advert for private courses in the area.

September/October 2010 Families Solent East 9

Families Halloween

P

ick a pumpkin that looks healthy and fresh with a good colour.

You’ll also need some pieces of A4 paper, pens and pencils, a knife (preferably with a serrated blade such as a steak knife) and something to scoop out the inside of the pumpkin (an ice-cream scoop works really well).

• Step 1.

Place a piece of paper against your pumpkin and draw a rough boundary of the area you have available for your design.

• Step 2.

Draw the design you want to carve onto the paper, making sure you stay in the boundary that you drew earlier. Now you have a template for cutting out the design and you know it will fit your pumpkin.

• Step 3.

Take a knife (adults only!) and cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin.

Angle the cut inwards towards the centre of the pumpkin so that the lid you make will sit securely back into the hole.

• Step 4.

Get everyone to help scoop out the insides. This can be fun and messy!

You can wash and dry the seeds to use later for arts and crafts if you like. Scoop out the flesh until the walls of the pumpkin are about 3 cm thick.

• Step 5.

Now you’re ready to start carving! This stage is for grown-ups only.

Stick your template onto the pumpkin with tape or pins. Alternatively you can wet the paper and it’ll stick temporarily. Now you can either cut directly through the template with a knife, or you can prick out the outline of the template using a cocktail stick (when you remove the paper you’ll have a dotted outline to follow on the pumpkin). When cutting the pumpkin it’s best to use short, straight cuts. After a few minutes you should have a beautifully carved ‘Jack-o’Lantern’.

• Step 6.

Stand back and admire your handiwork. All that’s left is to place a night-light inside. If your pumpkin starts to shrivel, try leaving it in a bucket of water for a few hours and it should rehydrate.

If you don’t want to do any cutting, pumpkin painting is fun alternative, especially for younger children who want to do all the work themselves. If you don’t want to carve a face on your pumpkin you can make beautiful lantern designs using star shapes, moon shapes and so on. Biscuit cutters often come in patterns and sizes that are perfect for this.

10 Families Solent East September/October 2010

Families Halloween

Halloween is one of the oldest celebrations in the world, dating back over 2000 years to the time of the Celts who lived in Britain Orange and black are Halloween colours because orange is associated harvest time and black is associated with darkness and death Jack o’ Lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles or glowing embers in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts on Samhain (Celtic festival of the dead) Pumpkins come from the same family of plants as the cucumber (Squashes) About 99% of pumpkins sold are used as Jack O’ Lanterns at Halloween The biggest pumpkin in the world weighed a whopping 1,725 pounds.

It was weighed on 3rd October 2009 at the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers (OVGPG) Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off and was grown by Christy Harp, a teacher from Jackson Township, Ohio The ancient Celts believed that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween night. People wore masks and costumes so that the spirits wouldn’t recognise them as human Black cats were once believed to be witches’ familiars (companions who protected their powers from negative forces) Bobbing for apples may have originated from a roman harvest festival honouring Pomona, the goddess of plenty

September/October 2010 Families Solent East 11

Families Xxxx

What’s On | Mainland Wednesday 1 September – Sunday 31 October Skull & Crossbones: Living under the Jolly Roger Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport www.submarine-museum.co.uk 023 9251 0354 Become a pirate in this special family exhibition, learn how to speak pirate, command your boat, discover treasure, hoist your Jolly Roger and set sail for a pirate tour of the museum. Find out why submarines fly Jolly Rogers and how the Royal Navy Submarine Service combats modern day piracy. Open everyday from 10am – 3.30pm Saturday 4 Sunday 5 September Ruby Anniversary Celebrations Weald & Downland Open Air Museum www.wealddown.co.uk 01243 811014 Special advanced tickets required.

A weekend of wonderful activities celebrating the Museum’s 40th anniversary year. Includes a Community carnival, arena events, music and entertainment. Evening lantern parade and bonfire party, with lanterns made by children during the summer.

Sensory Tours of HMS Alliance 1pm & 2pm (BSL interpreted).

Join our submariner guides for 2 exciting tours: One will be BSL Interpreted and the other suitable for those who are partially sighted. FREE. Limited places.

Book in advance on 023 9251 0354 ext 240 or email enquiries@submarine-museum.co. uk Please wear suitable footwear for walking on the foreshore.

Ticket includes 20% discount to tour the inside of HMS Alliance and the museum on Saturday 11 September.

Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 September International Autojumble Beaulieu www.beaulieuevents.co.uk 01590 612345 The biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic and a must visit for classic motoring enthusiasts! Over 2,000 stands, with all kinds of classic motoring ephemera covering all motoring eras. For advance tickets telephone 01590 612888 or visit www.beaulieushop.co.uk

Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 September Heritage Open Days 2010 www.heritageopendays.org.uk Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that are either not usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee.

Heritage Open Days also includes tours, events and activities that focus on local architecture and culture. Check the website for events in your area.

10, 11 & 12 September Autumn Steam Gala Watercress Line - Alresford www.watercressline.co.uk 01962 733810 Exclusively Steam! 3 days of nothing but steam related thrills starring the newly restored sensational Black 5 No 45379 and Southern U Class No 31806 plus 5 more amazing engines.

Saturday 11 September The Worlds First Submarine Comes to Life!

Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport www.submarine-museum.co.uk 023 9251 0354 From 12noon - 4pm. Meet famous 17th century inventor Cornelius Van Drebbel, creator of the first fully submersible craft. Live demonstrations of his “Drebbel” submarine, plus an opportunity to climb inside this fantastic replica submarine. FREE.

Where you see the logo for Hampshire’s Top Attractions remember to visit: www.hampshiretopattractions.co.uk for news, information, special offers and discount vouchers.

Friday 17 Sunday 19 September Autumn Mixed Traffic Gala ‘Autumn and the wind of change’ Watercress Line - Alresford www.watercressline.co.uk 01962 733810 In the early 1960’s steam was starting to make way for diesel – see the story unfold, oil v coal, as our heritage diesel fleet take on steam.

Saturday 18 Sunday 19 September 11am - 12noon & 2pm - 4pm ‘Tudor Tunes’ Mary Rose Museum Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 Was there a band on the Mary Rose? Come and look at the musical instruments that were found on board.

FREE with a valid attraction ticket (children must be accompanied by an adult)

Autojumble at Beaulieu Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 September Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 September Battle Stations!

Mary Rose Museum 11am - 12noon & 2pm - 4pm Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 Longbows and arrows, cannon and shot. See Tudor weapons of war; take part in a gun drill and fire our replica gun. FREE with a valid attraction ticket (children must be accompanied by an adult) Sunday 12 September Heritage Day Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 023 9245 3405 FREE admission to Farm and Gardens! Spend a day in the life of Sir George Staunton, with a variety of walks and talks.

12 Families Solent East September/October 2010

Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 September Food - Butser Ancient Farm www.butserancientfarm.co.uk During this Open Weekend Butser will be making and cooking various foods for you to try if you dare!

Saturday 2 October Geocaching - at Basing House Basing House, Bartons Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke. www.basinghouse.org.uk 0845 6035635 10am - 5pm. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. Locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Great fun for all the family! See our website for more details.

Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 October Steam in the Gardens Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk 023 8089 1203 Steam engines of all shapes and sizes will be on show, from fullsize traction engines to miniature road vehicles. Exbury’s own Steam Railway will run through Yard Wood, clothed in early autumn colour. Plus a morning and afternoon spectacle as all the steam vehicles parade in front of Exbury House. Prices within Gardens Admission.

Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 October OctoberFest at Milestones Milestones Museum, Basingstoke www.milestones-museum.com 01256 477766 OctoberFest returns, bigger and better for 2010! A beer tent selling local CAMRA beers, live music, Oompah Band, street entertainers, cutnryside craft demonstrations, mini steam fair, petting farm, Punch and Judy, storytelling, food science workshops and more! For more information and ticket prices visit www.hants.gov.uk/octoberfest Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 October Apple Affair West Dean Gardens, Chichester www.westdean.org.uk 01243 811301 10.30am - 5pm. Discover apples of every shape and size! This is a family event for all ages, with stallholders offering an array of apple-based foods and drinks to taste and buy, as well as activities for the children including apple bobbing, and the ever-popular Big Draw drawing competition.

Tickets: £7.50 (adults) £7.00 (over 60s) £3.50 (children 5 - 15) £18.50 Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) Children under 5 Free.

Saturday 9 Oct – Sunday 7 November Festival of Autumn Colours Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk 023 8089 1203 The Gardens are glorious in Autumn with fiery colours from maples, dogwoods and deciduous azaleas. The subtle light tones of Autumn reflect these colours dramatically.

Special Autumn Trail leads visitors to the best of the colour.

Exhibition of autumn art in the Five Arrows Gallery. Prices within Gardens Admission.

Although we aim to be as accurate as possible, the events listed on pages 12 to 15 are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Also, some events may have a charge that applies but is not recorded here. So please contact venues in advance to check full details.

What’s On | Mainland Saturday 9 Sunday 10 October Autumn Countryside Show Weald & Downland Open Air Museum www.wealddown.co.uk 01243 811014 Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside at harvest time. At this beautiful time of year, enjoy heavy horses and vintage tractors ploughing, steampowered threshing, falconry and dog displays, craft demonstrations and a chance to browse and buy for early Christmas presents with a countryside theme at the many craft and trade stands.

Saturday 9 Sunday 10 October Big Draw - Exbury gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk 023 8089 1203 As part of the ‘Big Draw’ weekend, Exbury will welcome children free of charge into the Gardens.

Children will be encouraged to collect fallen autumn leaves and berries to help create a collage with the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS). Prices within gardens Admission, Children FREE Saturday 9 Sunday 10 October ‘Potions and Lotions’ Mary Rose Museum Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11am - 12noon & 2pm - 4pm.

Talk to the apothecary and find out how herbs, lotions and spices were used on board the Mary Rose. FREE with a valid attraction ticket (children must be accompanied by an adult).

Saturday 9 Sunday 10 October Family day - World Space Week 2010 Intech Science Centre and Planetarium, Winchester. www.intech-uk.com 01962 863791 Join Astrium, Arqiva, regional Universities and more for a festival of all things space.

Displays and activities.

Competition with Jon Tickle presenting prizes on Sunday!

Saturday 9 Sunday 10 October To Infinity and Back Intech Science Centre and Planetarium, Winchester. www.intech-uk.com 01962 863791 A planetarium space and satellite show by Astrium. This hugely popular live show by real space engineers returns to INTECH as part of World Space Week.

Sunday 10 October PROWL IN THE PARK Marwell Wildlife www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407 10:30am – 4:00 pm. Join us for a family sponsored walk to raise money for Marwell.

Whether you toddle like a tortoise or gallop like a gazelle, enjoy the day in the park while helping us to conserve wildlife! Participants can raise sponsorship individually or as a family. To register contact Gwen Heywood Waddington on 01962 777909 or by email gwenh-w@marwell.org.uk Sunday 10 October Rolls Royce Sunday Watercress Line - Alresford www.watercressline.co.uk 01962 733810 The Rolls Royce Owners Club grace the railway with their collection of spectacular motor cars.

Saturday 16 October 11am – 1pm & 2pm - 4pm Get To Know Nelson on board HMS Victory Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 Crafts and activities on board HMS Victory in celebration of Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. FREE with a valid attraction ticket, all ages welcome.

Saturday 16 Sunday 17 October New Forest Breakfast Walks Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk Enjoy a wonderful early morning tour of Exbury Gardens with Head Gardener John Anderson, exploring the best of the autumn colour in Yard Wood. Booking essential. Free re-entry to Gardens afterwards to view Nerine Exhibition.

Time: 8:00am – 10:30am. Booking office 023 8024 5750 Saturday 23 Sunday 24 October Wednesday 27 October 11am, 12noon, 2pm & 3pm Ghost Stories on board HMS Warrior 1860 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 October Half term Halloween Fun Milestones Museum, Basingstoke www.milestones-museum.com 01256 477766 10.30am - 4pm. Join us for a week of Halloween fun, with Make and Take activities. See website for more details. Adults £7.90, Child (aged 5-15 yrs) £4.50, Concessions £6.90.

Family (2 adults + 2 children) £22.50. Under 5’s FREE.

Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 October Spooky Submarine Tours Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport www.submarine-museum.co.uk 023 9251 0354 Grab your torch and follow our guide on a spooky tour of WW2 era submarine HMS Alliance.

Watch out for the scary bits!!

Free with a valid museum ticket.

Suitable for ages 5 upwards. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. From 10am.

Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 October Pumpkin Trail – Family Trail on board HMS Warrior 1860 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 Daily: 10am – 4.30pm.

Interactive ‘spooky’ storytelling on board. FREE with a valid attraction ticket Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 October Wizard Week Watercress Line - Alresford www.watercressline.co.uk 01962 733810 Board the Wizard Express for the many ghoulish goings on!

Travel aboard the ‘Wizard Express’ and have a spellbound day with us and our mystical steam engines! Young Wizards and Witches will receive a FREE Wizard Week goody bag on presentation of your ticket!

Competitions with great prizes!

Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 October Ghosts & Ghouls Half Term Hauntings Beaulieu www.beaulieu.co.uk 01590 612345 Enjoy phantom tours in the Museum, spooky stories in Palace House, and speak to real ghost hunters in the Abbey.

Plus gruesome face painting, a witches’ cauldron with lucky dip and more! All young ghosts and ghouls in Halloween costume will be granted half price entry on full admission prices between 23rd to 31st October.

Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 October Celebrate Halloween!

Spinnaker Tower www.spinnakertower.co.uk 02392 857520 Wizards, witches and ghoulish ghosts will be invading the Spinnaker Tower during October half term! Come along and join them for spooky storytelling, creepy colouring in, frightening face painting and creepy craft activities.

Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 October SPOOKY NATURE - HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL Marwell Wildlife www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407 Meet the tarantula and other creepy crawlies, lose yourself in our eerie maze then design and help carve your own pumpkin (you can bring your own or buy one of ours). This week long celebration of all things spooky is bound to make your blood curdle!

Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 October All things Weird & Wonderful Marwell Wildlife www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407 Join us in celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity – take part in a range of fascinating activities over autumn half term including a brand new trail around the park and a biodiversity exhibition in our education centre.

Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 October Portsmouth Outdoor Centre Eastern Road, PO3 5LY. www.portsmouthoutdoor.co.uk Check the website for courses and activities during half-term.

Sunday 24 October Great South Run www.greatrun.org Monday 25 Friday 29 October Autumn Adventures Half Term activities Weald & Downland Open Air Museum www.wealddown.co.uk 01243 811014 11am - 3pm .Wickedly wonderful seasonal activities, fun and farming for accompanied children of all ages! Carve a really scary pumpkin, play conkers, and enjoy arts, crafts and much more. Under cover if wet.

Monday 25 – Sunday 31 October Exbury Ghost Train Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk With skeletons, scarecrows and other ghoulish characters on route, dare you ride the Exbury Ghost Train? Enter the pitch-black tunnel at your peril. Family fun. Full of interesting stories, dreadful puns & even more terrible jokes! Come in fancy dress and receive a free treat bag. Pre-booking highly recommended for all dates and essential for Sun 31st October.

Booking Office 023 8024 5750.

Ticket price £3.50 per person plus entry costs to Gardens.

Exbury Gardens

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Families Xxxx

What’s On | Mainland / Isle of Wight Tuesday 26 October 11am - 4.30pm Macramé Workshop on board HMS Warrior 1860 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 FREE with a valid attraction ticket.

All welcome

Friday 29 October Fear of the Dark?

Royal Marines Museum www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk 023 9281 9385 Are you brave enough? An old Victorian Building and some creepy exhibits. All in the dark.

Have you got the bottle? Time TBC.

Tuesday 26 Thursday 28 October Hands-on Halloween on board HMS Warrior 1860 11am – 4pm Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766

Friday 29 October Samhain Celebrations (Festival of the Dead) Butser Ancient Farm www.butserancientfarm.co.uk 7.00-9.30pm. £10.00 no concessions Story telling, and live band in the Great Roundhouse. Followed by a Bonfire. Limited places! Ring 023 9259 8838 for availability and booking. Extras - Soup & a Roll, Hot drinks, Bar, Fortune Telling, Apple Bobbing. Safety - We are a ‘Dark Site’ so bring lanterns/torches. Children must be accompanied at all times.

Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 October DR TERROR AND THE VAMPIRE’S TOMB The Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson www.royalarmouries.org 10am to 5pm. Join mad Victorian collector Dr Terror on a journey into the unknown in the dark tunnels and chambers beneath the Fort. Plus loads of free Halloween activities. Tickets limited. Book in advance on 01329 848500.

Wednesday 27 October 11am – 1pm & 2pm - 4pm Monster Mermaids & Sea Serpents at the at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 Investigate scary sea monsters and frighten your friends at Halloween with our creepy sea creature masks. FREE drop-in workshop, all ages welcome Wednesday 27 – Friday 29 October Commando Skills Royal Marines Museum www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk 023 9281 9385 Hands-on Family Activities. 11am, 1pm & 3pm.

Don’t miss out this half-term on a great family event! Good skills are essential to being a commando, here is a chance to hone some of those skills yourself.

Thursday 28 October Saturday 30 October 11am – 1pm & 2pm - 4pm Vile Victory! on board HMS Victory Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 Come aboard if you dare to create skeleton crews and ghostly ghouls down in the murky depths.

FREE with a valid attraction ticket, all ages welcome.

Saturday 30 October Halloween Night at Milestones Museum, Basingstoke www.milestones-museum.com 01256 477766 6pm - 10pm.

Join us for a spooktacular Halloween evening. Get dressed up in your spookiest outfits for a ghost hunt, then dance the night away with a disco. Café open for food and drinks. Suitable for children aged 5-15 yrs. Adult £5, Child £2.50.

Saturday 30 October Ignition Overload Fireworks Beaulieu www.beaulieu.co.uk 01590 612345 Be wowed by the explosive and dynamic fireworks display, set to revving and driving music.

Admission, from 3pm, includes entry into the National Motor Museum and the James Bond Experience. 7.30 pm (approx) Ignition- The South’s most spectacular firework display.

Saturday 30 October Halloween Ghost Walk Basing House, Bartons Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke. www.basinghouse.org.uk 0845 6035635 5pm – 7pm. Help us find the ghosts that haunt Basing House if you dare! Suitable for children aged 5 years and above and their families.

14 Families Solent East September/October 2010

Thursday 9 September SEPTEMBER GARDEN TOUR Mottistone Manor Garden www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01983 741302 2.30pm. Join Head Gardener Robert Moore for an interesting stroll around this delightful garden. Discover how the garden is managed, the plans for the future and how it is adapting to climate change.

Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 September Heritage Open Days 2010 www.heritageopendays.org.uk Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that are either not usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee.

Heritage Open Days also includes tours, events and activities that focus on local architecture and culture. Check the website for events in your area.

Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 September Model Railway Exhibition IOW Steam Railway www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk 01983 882204 A steam train here, a diesel there, and a mainline express charging through the station. The excitement and the charm of railways in miniature.

Free Admission.

Saturday 18 – Sunday 26 September Isle of Wight Cycling Festival 2010 www.sunseaandcycling.com See the website for details of all the events.

Sunday 19 September Dog Show Arreton Old Village www.arretonbarns.co.uk 01983 528353 Monday 20 September International Classic Car Show Ryde Seafront More than 300 classic cars on show. Free entrance.

Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 September Sweetcorn Fayre Arreton Old Village www.arretonbarns.co.uk 01983 528353 The third annual Sweetcorn Fayre.

Part of British Food Fortnight.

Plenty of food activities as well as the Farmer Jack’s Sausage Competition to find the best Isle of Wight sausage.

Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 September Wine Festival IOW Steam Railway www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk 01983 882204 Now established as an annual event, our Wine Festival offers a selection of wines from around the World to taste and purchase; plus there’s a selection from closer to home, including the Isle of Wight. Free Admission, but Wine-Tasting tickets available on the day.

Sunday 10 October Grandparents Day Arreton Old Village www.arretonbarns.co.uk 01983 528353 Saturday 23 October PIRATE TRAIL The Needles Old Battery www.nationaltrust.org.uk Follow the clues around the Battery and crack the code to claim your treasure.

10.30am - 4pm Sunday 24 October BATTLE DRUMS! The Needles Old Battery www.nationaltrust.org.uk Meet our Victorian military drummer and discover how commands were conveyed by drum on the battlefield.

Demonstrations at 12 noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

Sunday 24 Thursday 28 October Witches & Wizards Blackgang Chine www.blackgangchine.com 01983 730052 Five days of special spooky autumn fun including yucky games, scary experiences and horrid competitions! Loads of prizes and give-aways as well as the famous evening ghost hunting tours!

Monday 25 – Friday 29 & Sunday 31 October Wizard Week IOW Steam Railway www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk 01983 882204 Halloween fun for all the family during Autumn Half-term week.

You’ll have a Wizard time!

Magic shows, dressing-up as wizards, witches and other spooky characters. Halloween colouring competition. Steam Train fares: Adults £9.50, Children (5-15) £5.00, Infant (0-4) FREE, Family £24.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children).

What’s On | Isle of Wight Monday 25 – Sunday 31 October ‘Ghost Walks’ CARISBROOKE CASTLE www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout 10am - 4pm. Wander the spooky battlements in this imposing fortress - once the prison of Charles I. Follow an expert guide and hear all about the ghostly goings on that have been witnessed over the years!

Tuesday 26 Sunday 31 October Spooktacular Appuldurcombe Farm www.appuldurcombe.co.uk Tel. 01983 852484 Tuesday 26 October AUTUMN FAMILY FUN DAY Mottistone Manor Garden www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01983 741302 11am - 3pm. Join in the fun with a special day of family activities competing against the others in your group to see who can score the most points. Come along and discover what challenges the Head Gardener has set for you this year.

Families Competitions & Classifieds

Tuesday 26 October PIRATE TRAIL The Needles Old Battery www.nationaltrust.org.uk Follow the clues around the Battery and crack the code to claim your treasure.

10.30am - 4pm Wednesday 27 October CHILDREN AT WAR TALKS The Needles Old Battery www.nationaltrust.org.uk Discover what it would have been like to be a child during the Second World War at one of our talks specially for children.

12pm - 3pm Thursday 28 October DRAWING MAGIC The Needles Old Battery www.nationaltrust.org.uk Take part in a day of children’s drawing activities based on Victorian times at the Battery.

10.30am - 4pm Don’t forget to say you saw these adverts in Families Solent East

WIN! Meet our giraffes in a face to face encounter!

Friday 29 October SPY TRAIL The Needles Old Battery www.nationaltrust.org.uk Follow the clues to solve the puzzle. No prizes, just spytacular fun! 10.30am - 4pm Saturday 30 – Sunday 31 October HALLOWEEN TRAIL The Needles Old Battery www.nationaltrust.org.uk Solve our Halloween trail on these spooky days to claim your treat.

Classifieds Business Opportunities

Parties

Your own home business Health, Household, Skincare & Cosmetic Products. Unique product positioning. Start free this month!

Internet access required. Your own free website! www.ourhealthplus.co.uk Tel: Caroline 01271 867022.

A.I.S Limousines & Party Buses www.aislimos.co.uk 023 9235 8627.

Kids parties, School Proms, Snaps Disco, etc.

CLUBS & CLASSES Melody Tots Music Group Tel: 023 9235 5584 melodytots@live.co.uk, Wed mornings for 3 months to 4 years in Rowlands Castle.

Marwell Wildlife is more than just a walk in the park. It’s a charity dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and their vision is a world where people can live in balance with nature.

Just by visiting, your contribution can help them achieve it.

Make your visit one to remember for a lifetime with a chance to meet their amazing herd of friendly giraffes in an exclusive Face to Face encounter. You’ll be able to quiz their keepers and even feed them tasty treats.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: A giraffe has seven neck bones just like a human - true or false?

Email your answer by 31 October 2010 to online@marwell.org.uk with a subject line: ‘Giraffe’ and don’t forget to include your name, phone number and postcode. Alternatively, send in your answer including your email address to: Giraffe Face to Face, Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common, Winchester, Hants.

SO21 1JH. By entering, you agree to be added to our monthly email newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time) - if you wish to opt out please state ‘opt out’ within your answer. Full terms and conditions available at www.marwell.org.uk/encounters Thanks and good luck

Sunday 31 October Halloween Ghost Walk Arreton Old Village www.arretonbarns.co.uk 01983 528353

Birthday Creations 023 9238 2694, birthdaycreations.co.uk Quality party supplies including wooden party bag fillers, party bags and cotton bunting.

Ultimate Princess Party 07799 293280, 2 hours of princess fun – crafts, face painting, parade and games!

mucky-pups.com Tel: 0779 9293280 Where kids have messy fun and we clean up! Term time classes, holiday clubs, parties.

Your Sparkly Party Tel: 02392 613559 www.yoursparklyparty.co.uk sparkles, mini-makeovers and stacks of girly fun.

Health & wellbeing I Feel Good Weightloss Effective Products, Guidance & Support.

Call Sarah or text ‘SLIMMER’ to 07773 795374.

PHOTOGRAPHERS John Franklin www.johnfranklinimages.com Relaxed family photography, event photography and fund-raising photos for pre-schools, schools, groups, clubs and organizations.

TUITION

To advertise in Families Solent East: Please call: 023 9232 5005 or email: ads@familiessolenteast.co.uk

September/October 2010 Families Solent East 15

John Franklin Natural, relaxed photography for you and your family Plus, photography for events, celebrations, groups, clubs and business.

Portable professional studio and on-site printing available.

www.johnfranklinimages.com