Families Solent East Issue 32 Jan-Feb 2011

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Issue 32 | January/February 2011

The local family magazine • www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

MAGAZINE

Cover photo by John Franklin, www.johnfranklinimages.com

SOLENT EAST

Kick Start

the New Year What does 2011 hold in store for you?

Happy Mums

Well-being, energy and happiness.

Valentine’s Day It’s not long until the 14th February!

Packed with family friendly events

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

2 Families Solent East January/February 2011

Families Editors Letter

Welcome If you’d only just got used to writing ‘2010’ on your cheques, the arrival of 2011 may have taken you by surprise! Don’t worry; our wide range of articles will ease you into the year with plenty of local news, information and ideas to keep the family busy.

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 PO Box 908, Portsmouth, PO6 9DL www.familiessolenteast.co.uk Tel: 023 9232 5005 Next issue: March/April 2011 Editorial and booking deadline: Friday, 4th February 2011.

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

2011 looks like being another bumper year for events, festivals and activities all across the local area. As usual, we’ll keep you up to date with our essential What’s On listings and news. If you misplace your magazine, remember that you can always view an on-line copy at www.familiessolenteast.co.uk I hope 2011 will be a great year for you and your family. We’ll see you again soon in our March-April issue.

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

JOHN FRANKLIN EDITOR

Copyright: Families Solent East 2011.

With St. Valentine’s Day just around the corner we discover how this tradition started.

Finally, as winter holds us in its grip for a little longer, we bring you some great tips to help you drive safely through to the spring.

MAGAZ INE

The local family magazine

SOLENT EAST anklinimages.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.

FREE

ry 2011 Issue 32 | January/Februa teast.co.uk • www.familiessolen

Franklin, www.johnfr

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.

Whether it’s getting fit, learning a new skill, or starting a business, now is the time to focus on your plans for 2011.

Check out our Kick Start the New Year article for inspiration.

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.

art Kick StYe ar the New What does 2011

hold in store for

Valentine’s Day

you?

Happy Mums

It’s not long until ry! the 14th Februa

happiness. ing, energy and

Well-be

PLUS: ALL THE LATEST NEWS

Packed with family friendly events

AND AN EXTENSIVE GUIDE

TO WHAT’S ON IN YOUR

LOCAL AREA.

r, Waterlooville, Havant,

Fareham, Gosport, Portcheste

Hayling Island,

places in between.

Covering: Portsmouth, Southsea, Isle of Wight and all the d, Midhurst, Chichester, Wickham, Petersfiel

Photography by John Franklin Design by Andrew Mesher

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?

Don’t forget to say you saw these adverts in Families Solent East January/February 2011 Families Solent East 3

Families Contents

contents JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011

05 NEWS Lots of local news and information including events and services.

07 CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION Finding information and choosing a nursery.

08 KICK START THE NEW YEAR

What does 2011 hold in store for you?

10 HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY It’s not long until the 14th February!

How did it all start?

11 HAPPY MUMS A tale of well-being, energy and happiness.

12 WHAT’S ON Activities and events across the whole area.

14 WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Keep your family safe in bad weather.

15 CLASSIFIEDS Local products and services for you and

IN BRIEF

Finally! BPAs banished from baby bottles

T

he European Commission has just announced a ban on the use of bisphenol-A (BPA) plastics in baby bottles, which will come into effect during 2011.

The controversial chemical is still currently used in some baby bottles sold in the UK, although many brands have stopped using it, and there is evidence to suggest it can interfere with healthy growth and body functions, mimicking the effect of the hormone oestrogen in the body, to which babies are particularly vulnerable. “We have been calling for a UK ban on selling baby bottles containing bisphenol-A plastics for several years,” says Belinda Phipps of the NCT, “and are thrilled their import and sale will soon be outlawed across the EU. When you put hot liquids into a bottle containing BPA, particularly as the bottle gets older and more scratched, the chemical can leach out of the plastic and be absorbed into the baby’s body. However, now there are viable alternatives and so there is no reason to continue using this chemical when there is concern about potential risks to young babies.” She adds, “we would now like to see BPA plastics banned in other products, as the chemical is also used in the linings of some formula tins and baby food containers.”

Visit the National Childbirth Trust at www.nct.org.uk

your family.

Calling all young poets 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 Jacqui on 07857 642237 or jacquimcjme@aol.com

4 Families Solent East January/February 2011

Could you write a prize-winning poem?

Would you like to be published online, for free?

Then the Firebird Children’s Prize for Poetry is for you. The Firebird Prize invites all poets under the age of eighteen to submit works for the competition.

All poems that are posted will automatically be entered into the competition. Closing date 21st March 2011.

Visit www.firebirdpoetry.com for more information.

Families News

Family News White Dog Gallery

SOLEN

REPOT ERAST T

WHITE DOG GALLERY

W

hite Dog Gallery opened in Lee on the Solent at the beginning of November and is already firmly placed on the map as an excellent venue to purchase art.

Whatever your taste or price range there’s sure to be something to suit as they have over 40 different local artists working with them. Their fully bespoke framing service has a range of over 300 different frames to choose from and there are lots of unusual gifts too. And when you visit the gallery you’ll probably be greeted by Max, the resident dog and namesake of the gallery itself.

framing

artprinting

creating quality with style

| 8 Milvil Court, Milvil Road, Lee-on-the-Solent, PO13 9LY | | Tel: 02392 552255 | whitedoggallery.co.uk |

White Dog Gallery can be found in Milvil Rd, Lee on the Solent. www.whitedoggallery.co.uk Tel 02392 552255.

Never too late to learn th, will rning Place in Portsmou he newly launched Lea uary Jan th 29 y y on Saturda be holding an open da m.

2011 from 10am to 4p rkshops ing range of taster wo There will be an amaz uary Jan g rin Du es. d abiliti suitable for all ages an l be running wil ce Pla ng rni Lea The and through to Easter, ltitude mu a every weekday in courses and workshops , nch Fre to ng y, art, weavi of subjects from cooker to computers. and ught to you by the Adult The Learning Place is bro il unc Co y Cit th ou rtsm e of Po Family Learning servic Portsmouth rby Road, North End, De 6 at d ate loc is and 022313.

PO2 8HH, Tel. 07944 gplace mouth.ac.uk/learnin See www.learnports for more details.

MARY ROSE COIN

T

I

n 2011 The Royal Mint is releasing six new com memorative coins including a £2 coi n featuring the Mary Ro se, King Henry VIII’s flagship. Thi s celebrates the 500th anniversary of her launch and feature s an incredibly detailed image of the ship.

The edge inscription rea ds: YOUR NOBLEST SHIPP E 15

11.

The Mary Rose, now ho used at Portsmouth’s His toric Dockyard, sank in 1545 . The Mary Rose coin is available to buy now from the Ro yal Mint at www.royalmint.co m/store/britishbase

T

he Spinnaker Tower is now 5 years old and has become an iconic image representing the regeneration of the waterfront.

Having received two million visitors from around the globe, the Spinnaker Tower has become a world class visitor attraction for the city of Portsmouth. Local residents are entitled to receive a discount off entry prices until the end of January 2011.

For details please see www.spinnakertower.co.uk

January/February 2011 Families Solent East 5

Families News

Gardening does it again

A

report, released today by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and funded by the Growing Schools Programme, shows that teaching gardening to children and young people with special education needs has a positive impact on their development.

One of the charity’s visions is to give all young people the opportunity to garden as they develop, regardless of age and ability. Pupils’ ages ranged from four to 16 and they had conditions such as Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC), Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties (BESD) Cystic Fibrosis, hearing impairment and Dyslexia.

The emphasis was to give students practical, hands-on gardening experience.

The practical and process-orientated nature of gardening was seen to be particularly appropriate to the visual and learning-through-doing needs of some of these pupils.

Pupils showed an improved level of participation in activities and embraced a new level of responsibility for their own learning and progress. Those who had preferred to work independently developed improved team working skills. Gains in confidence and self esteem also made them more resilient and happy to persevere with challenging tasks.

One Year 9 pupil said, “Gardening is a useful thing as it calms me down.

It’s a relaxing thing to do.”

A Year 6 pupil enthused. “I will do gardening forever.”

The findings of the pilot project have enabled the RHS to support two further SEN projects over the next few years.

For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk/schoolgardening/SEN

Kip McGrath re-launch A

great event was enjoyed by all who attended the re-launch of the Kip McGrath Education Centre in Portsmouth recently, with everything going to plan.

The Lord Mayor, Cllr Paula Riches, unveiled a wonderful plaque to commemorate the event which is now proudly displayed in the centre. Linvoy Primus (pictured) from Portsmouth Football Club handed out certificates to the children attending, and signed all the footballs and photos that people wanted. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed, with lots of people making new friends and finding out more about their children’s tuition.

To find out more about Kip McGrath’s tutoring programmes call 02392 755923 or visit www.kipmcgrath.co.uk

6 Families Solent East January/February 2011

Watch the birdy!

T

he Big Garden Birdwatch takes place over the weekend of 29 and 30 January 2011 and the RSPB is inviting us all to get involved.

Hundreds of thousands of people will take part in the survey by recording the birds visiting their gardens. You could even help smash the RSPB’s record of half a million participants. The more results they receive, the clearer the picture they’ll get of what’s happening to our garden birds in the UK. Find out more at www.rspb.org.uk

World Maths Day

P

1 March 2011

upils from hundreds of UK schools are preparing to go head-to-head against students from across the globe in a huge international maths competition. This year, more than 2 million pupils from 37,000 schools across 200 countries will take part, answering over 500,000,000 questions in an attempt to push their classes to the top of the international league tables.

There are three age categories – 5-8, 9-13 and 14-18 and schools can register as many or as few students as they wish from when the site opens on 1 February.

Registrations close 28 February 2011.

For more information visit www.worldmathsday.com

Families Childcare & Education

Choosing a

Nursery T

he Hampshire Childcare and Family Information team from Hampshire Country Council can provide details about nurseries, as well as pre-schools, playgroups and childminders all across Hampshire. You can reach them on 0845 603 5620, visit their website www.fid.hants.gov.uk, or email childrens.services@hants.gov.uk Once you’ve drawn up a shortlist of the nurseries you are considering, go and look around and ask lots of questions to see if they would suit your child. Although all nurseries follow Ofsted government guidelines, there is room for interpretation in the way the childcare and learning are delivered.

Local authorities receive government funding so they can offer 15 hours a week of early years education to all three and four year-olds from the term after their third birthday. If you choose a nursery which costs more than the funding or need more hours, you top up the difference.

Little Learners Day Care www.littlelearnersdaycare.co.uk • Discounts • Age from 3 months to 8 years • Learning through play the • Holiday playscheme Highscope way!

• Qualified caring staff • OFSTED registered with • Ample car parking good outcome • Preschool term time only places • Holiday leave • 15 government funded hours free • Discounts for siblings Fratton 023 9275 6104 • email: littlelearnerso4@yahoo.co.uk Park Lodge, 28 Clarkes Road, Fratton • 7:30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday • Follow us on twitter

Child tax credits and working tax credits are available to help with childcare costs. From April 2011, the ‘child’ element of the child tax credit will be increased for families earning up to £16,190 a year with an above-inflation increase. At the same time though, families earning over £41,400 will no longer be eligible for the full tax credit.

Some employers offer childcare vouchers which staff can opt to receive instead of part of their salary. Parents can save up to £1000 a year by reducing their income tax and national insurance contributions.

More information •T he Families Information Service.

Tel. 0800 2346 346 www.childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk.

•F or local nurseries & links to their Ofsted reports www.findmyschool.co.uk •T he National Day Nurseries Association Tel. 01484 40 70 40 www.ndna.org.uk/parents

January/February 2011 Families Solent East 7

Families Feature

Kick start

the New Year 2011 Now that we’ve made our New Year resolutions it’s time to get active for 2011.

It’s never too late to take up a new interest, learn a new skill or to develop your fitness.

Photo by John Franklin

A

ll through the area there are hundreds of opportunities to get involved in all kinds of activities, from the relaxing to the challenging. It’s easier than you think so why not make 2011 the year that you make that change.

Want to be a rock star? If you thought that all music lessons were all the same, then think again! Clive’s Easylearn Rock Schools are just the place to capture your child’s enthusiasm right from the off.

The UK’s leading Rock School team teach young rockers from 7 years upwards, not only their chosen instrument but also songs from all of the best rock bands around from lesson one, building up their skills and leading them towards playing at their very own rock concert! To book an exciting free taster session at one of our weekly rock schools, contact Mark on 02392 436122, Kasey on 02392 653455 or click on www.clivesmusic.com

8 Families Solent East January/February 2011

How about water sports? We have great facilities in the local area. Have you ever tried sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, power boating, or climbing?

Portsmouth Watersports Centre (formerly Portsmouth Outdoor Centre) went through an exciting new transformation in 2010, new Management, £200,000

holidays learning a new skill and meeting new friends…an exciting start to the New Year! www.portsmouthwatersport.com It’s never too late to learn. As featured in our local news section, the newly launched Learning Place in Portsmouth will be running courses and workshops every weekday through to Easter.

A multitude of subjects are covered including cookery, art, and computers.

The Learning Place is brought to you by the Adult and Family Learning service of Portsmouth City www.learnportsmouth. ac.uk/learningplace . Your local college can also give you advice and guidance on a wide range of courses and qualifications.

redecoration, new website and a shiny new name. The centre has launched an ambitious and innovative programme for 2011 with lots of fantastic new courses and clubs for the nervous beginner, and advanced clinics for skill seekers of any age. They are a friendly, welcoming team with lots of knowledge and experience in each sport so don’t worry if you don’t know which end of the boat or paddle is which; they will happily point you in the right direction. It’s a fantastic family day out, or a great way for the kids to spend a weekend or school

Maybe you’re thinking of branching out with a business of your own in 2011?

There are a multitude of opportunities available. For example, the Jamie at Home business opportunity is open to people from all walks of life, regardless of age or experience. It’s also an appealing proposition for mum’s looking for extra income whilst working around family commitments. Training and support is provided, so you could start earning from your very first party selling Jamie Oliver’s gorgeous Jme collection of products. Just like Jamie, you’ll get out what you put in, and if you work hard,

Families Feature

Meanwhile, another local business idea has been made a reality by Lindsey Broad, with the opening of her traditional sweet shop in Drayton. Named ‘The Drayton Sweet Jar’, the shop is stacked with jars of classic treats, plus gift items at special times such as Valentine’s Day and Easter.

Find them at 266 Havant Rd, Drayton or call 07595 629668.

One of the most popular of New Year resolutions is to get fitter and be more active. You could join a gym, talk a regular walk, or get on your bike. Here’s a great way to get out more and stretch your legs. Healthy Pompey has launched Healthy Rides - a chance to ride your bike further, without taking on the Tour de France. The rides will be on different days and be of varying lengths so there is something for everyone. Although we will show you the best cycle routes, these are purely social and leisure rides. We’ll keep to the slowest in the group and keep everyone together. Contact Owen. devine@portsmouthcc.gov.uk, or visit http://healthypompey.com/news-events/ events-2011/ as well as commission there are many other financial bonuses and opportunities. To find out more about becoming a Jamie at Home Consultant or for information about hosting a Jamie at Home Party, please call Jacqui McDonald on 07857 642237 or email jacquimcjme@aol.com If that isn’t your cup of tea there are many other types of businesses and products. For example, Hesione Waugh has worked with Forever Living Products for the last 6 years. Hesione says “I work from home, fitting this opportunity around my 3 children within a very hectic family life. I’m there for all of their plays, sports days, activities and school holidays.

I have an extremely good income and work with a team of fantastic people”.

Lots of different people work with this company, from all types of backgrounds including Managing Directors, Child Minders, Marketing Executives, Aerobic Instructors, Housewives, Hairdressers, Beauticians, Teachers, retired people, to name but a few. They work with Forever for different reasons too; extra income, more time, flexibility, financial security, to boost a pension, and fun! If you’d like to find out more, please visit www.hesionewaugh.myforever.biz or phone me on 01329 232 084 / 07794127732’.

You might prefer to strike out on your own and develop a business by yourself.

Michelle Fincham, mother of three, has set up a new Southsea business, called ‘Playful Child’. Michelle says “this is all about allowing children to be children for longer”. She explains that “all the toys on playfulchild.co.uk have been road-tested by my adorable children and I’ve learnt what is repeatedly picked up and what gets ignored”. Michelle sources quality toys that can be handed down, encouraging your child to be inspired and creative through play.

Visit www.playfulchild.co.uk for more information or call Michelle on 07734 532514/02392 821684.

January/February 2011 Families Solent East 9

Families Xxxx

The

History of

Valentine’s Day The exact origin of Valentine’s Day is lost in the mists of time, but one source may have been an old fertility celebration that occurred annually on February the 15th. Somewhere around 496 A.D. this day was repositioned as a Christian feast, one day earlier on the 14th of February.

Although there are three St. Valentines noted by the Catholic Church, the one associated with Valentine’s Day was a priest who angered the Roman Emperor Claudius II around 270 A.D. All three saints were supposedly martyred on the 14th February.

According to the most popular legend, Emperor Claudius II had prohibited marriage for young men, claiming that bachelors made better soldiers.

Valentine secretly performed marriage ceremonies but was eventually caught and subsequently put to death.

The story tells how Valentine fell in love with the daughter of his jailer while he was imprisoned by Claudius. It’s said that he sent her a love letter signed “from your Valentine”, giving rise to the custom we know today. Later, in 1537, King Henry VII officially declared February 14th the holiday of St. Valentine’s Day. In 1969, the Catholic Church revised its calendar and removed the feast days of saints whose historical origins were questionable. St. Valentine was one of them!

By the 18th century, the exchanging of hand-made cards and gifts on Valentine’s Day had become common in England. Typically, Valentine’s Day cards were made of ribbons and lace, featuring cupids and heart. Up until 1850 all Valentine’s Day cards were hand-made. By the late 1800’s massproduced cards were popular, along with the first Valentines Day chocolate boxes invented by Richard Cadbury.

Most popular romantic gifts • F lowers; the traditional bouquet of red roses or a personal favourite • A special box of chocolates •A collection of romantic songs that you know they’ll love • Beautiful jewellery • Perfume • A book of love poems •A dinner date (with the baby-sitting already arranged)

10 Families Solent East January/February 2011

There are a great number of St Valentine’s Day superstitions and customs. Here are a few…

• If an apple is cut in half on St Valentine’s Day, the number of seeds found inside will show how many children you’ll have.

• Being woken by a kiss on Valentine’s Day is considered lucky.

• If you see a squirrel on Valentine’s Day, you will marry a miser who will hoard all your money.

• If you see a goldfinch on Valentine’s Day, you will marry a millionaire.

• If you see a flock of doves on Valentine’s Day, you will have a happy, peaceful marriage.

• If you find a lost glove on Valentine’s Day, your future beloved will have the other glove.

• In Medieval times, girls ate unusual foods on St Valentine’s Day to make them dream of their future husband.

• In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be.

They would wear the name on their sleeve for one week. Hence the expression ‘wearing your heart on your sleeve’.

Happy Mums Whatever makes you happy dear

Families Life

Finding the calm inside Happiness with a group of friends can also come in a quieter, more spiritual form. About a year ago, neighbours Sue and Ann were chatting about how impossible it was to take any time out without feeling guilty. They thought that if they could just discipline themselves to get together and sit in a room quietly it could help. According to Sue: “We wanted to keep it simple. The one thing we could do was to stop our minds running with a million things a minute. “ The group gathers around a real fire in a garden or a candle in someone’s front room. Sometimes they exchange thoughts, sometimes one of the group takes the rest through meditation, guided visualisation or breathing exercises. Sometimes they just sit there and “enjoy the silence.”

By Kate Birch

Sitting still: nothing more but it is very energising, and it fills us with the simple joy of being away from the hustle of our daily lives.

We all need something to take ourselves out of ourselves.

Something that is about more than just being a mum, wife, partner, employee or boss. Getting together with a group of friends is always cathartic but with just dinner or drinks there are, as Margaret puts it “always one or two people who dominate.” But, as she says “if there is an activity where you can all participate, it is a different sort of evening.”

It is not about religion but it is definitely spiritual, connecting with spirituality; we all come from different religious backgrounds (or none for some).

To book club or not to book club When book groups first became popular, I could not have been more interested. An avid reader of just about anything since I was a child, I had let things slip after my children were born. Reading breaks had become sleep breaks or rubbish television breaks or no breaks at all as I tried to catch up on all I needed to do in a day.

They are more conscious of “key times” in the year, of the Equinoxes and summer and winter Solstice. “It is always special: no TV, no gimmicks, connecting with each other and being outdoors; the simple things in life are always the best!”

Often the group will concentrate on sending out good intentions, thinking about others, focusing, for example, on people in war torn countries. And sometimes one of them has had a tough time in her own life. As Ann puts it: “Because we are all mums, we can provide support and understanding.”

It is always special: no TV, no gimmicks, connecting with each other and being outdoors; the simple things in life are always the best!

So when I got the chance to join a book group I jumped at it. Unfortunately, I joined at exactly wrong time. After looking at To Kill A Mockingbird and a harrowing account of the Holocaust, I offered to host the next session. J M Coetzee’s Disgrace was proposed. It was another gut-wrenching tale and maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised when I received phone call after phone call on the day from mums sending their regrets. In the end it was just me and one other. I like to think that the group came to its natural end.

However, I never had the nerve to join another. Happily most book club mums have been spared my experience.

The best things about my book club are that I have a really good time with people whose company I enjoy and also I read more novels than I otherwise would. I sometimes think we should be a little bit more serious about discussing the book and I think anyone who was serious about literary criticism would find it very frustrating! It is a very cosy book group, with lots of food, wine and chocolate involved! (Clare) Cultural jaunts If you are at all worried about the chatter overwhelming the debate take the example of a group of mums who have decided to take the idea of a book group one step further.

Once a month they plan a cultural jaunt into town. It can be to a gallery, a museum, the theatre or the cinema. Being right up close and personal to the topic spurs the debate and distracts the group away from, well, distractions. And food, wine and chocolate can still play a part!

From the sublime to the ridiculousness that is the karaoke group!

But if quieter pursuits are not your thing and you are more of an exhibitionist, do what I do. And here, I have to blame one friend who, a few years ago, thought it would be fun to get a group around the newly purchased SingStar mics for a bit of karaoke.

For some of the mums it was a fate worse than well, childbirth, but the rest of us embraced it enthusiastically.

What started off as a disorganised bit of fun has become slightly more organised – core group of eight, get-togethers every six weeks or so and outings to various karaoke clubs.

Singing talent is not a prerequisite. We don’t take ourselves at all seriously (although Britain’s Got Talent beckons.)

We have all become closer and karaoke has seen us through highs and lows. After I broke my leg, it was my first outing.

A lift was provided, as were shoulders to lean on, both figuratively and literally as I hopped up and down the steps.

Then I sang my heart out despite an aching leg and swollen feet.

Another mum found solace in it after “a very sad bereavement.” The singing and companionship made her feel “less heavy-hearted.”

As different as all these groups are, they are all about something other than family or working life, (although if you need the support, it will be there). Ultimately you go home feeling that, as Margaret explains, “instead of being a mum you are someone in your own right with your own hobbies and interests.”

January/February 2011 Families Solent East 11

Families Xxxx

What’s On JANUARY Tuesday 4 January onwards Tiny Tots Gym The Grange Leisure Centre, Midhurst www.thegrange.org.uk 01730 816841 Sessions take place on Tuesday mornings with bouncy castle and soft play the sessions. 9.30am -11.00am all year round.

Wednesday 5 January (then every Wednesday in term time) Printmaking 1:30pm - 3:30pm The Learning Place, 6 Derby Road, Portsmouth www.learnportsmouth. ac.uk/learningplace 0239262160 Thursday 6 January (then every Thursday in term time) ESOL for beginners 9:30 - 11:30am ESOL conversation classes 1pm - 2pm The Learning Place, 6 Derby Road, Portsmouth www.learnportsmouth. ac.uk/learningplace 02392621860 Friday 7 January onwards Music and movement for toddlers The Grange Leisure Centre, Midhurst www.thegrange.org.uk 01730 816841 Friday mornings 10.00- 11.30am (term time)

Friday 7 January (then every Friday) IT courses (WORD/EXCEL/ SKYPE/INTERNET SHOPPING) 9:30 - 11:30 and 1pm - 3pm The Learning Place, 6 Derby Road, Portsmouth www.learnportsmouth. ac.uk/learningplace 02392621860 Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 January Fish Stock-taking Blue Reef Aquarium, Southsea www.bluereefaquarium. co.uk 023 9287 5222 Our very own ‘fishy census!’

During this weekend, Blue Reef is inviting you to volunteer to help spot and record the number of certain species including seahorses, sharks, octopus and lionfish.

Weekends only: 8 & 9 January, 15 & 16 January, 22 & 23 January, 29 & 30 January Eye-opener tours Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11am & 3pm 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 Monday 10 January (then every Monday) Yoga 9:30 - 11:30 The Learning Place, 6 Derby Road, Portsmouth www.learnportsmouth. ac.uk/learningplace 02392621860

Tuesday 11 January (then every Tuesday in term time) Indian head massage 9:30 - 11:30 Jewellery Making 1 - 3pm The Learning Place, 6 Derby Road, Portsmouth www.learnportsmouth. ac.uk/learningplace 02392621860 Tuesday 11 January Get online - Learn how to use the internet. 6pm - 8pm The Learning Place, 6 Derby Road, Portsmouth www.learnportsmouth. ac.uk/learningplace 02392621860 Thursday 20 January ‘The Art of Tudor Archery’ Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 12noon – 12.30 pm No booking necessary.

FREE Third Thursday talk in the AV theatre Saturday 29th January Taster sessions 10 am to 4pm. All day for all ages and abilities. Come along and try cookery, art, music, IT and much more.

The Learning Place, 6 Derby Road, Portsmouth www.learnportsmouth.ac.uk/ learningplace 02392621860

Saturday 12 – Sunday 20 February The wonders of wood Marwell Wildlife www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407 Join us in a celebration of the United Nation’s year of the Forest – follow our tree trail, decorate wood cookies, discover the wealth of life in trees and best of all, experience our brand new reptile and invertebrates house (new name TBC) with 8 species new to Marwell.

Sunday 13 February Chinese New Year at Gunwharf Quays Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth www.gunwharf-quays.com 023 9283 6700 Come and discover Gunwharf Quay’s Chinese New Year celebrations!

Thursday 17 February ‘Tudor Costume’ Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 12noon-12.30pm. FREE Third Thursday talk on in AV theatre No booking necessary

FEBRUARY Weekends only: 5 & 6 February, 12 & 13 February Eye-opener tours Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11am & 3pm 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

12 Families Solent East January/February 2011

Saturday 19 Sunday 27 February Tudor Games and Pastimes.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm.

Hands-on activities for all the family. FREE with valid ticket/ children must be accompanied by an adult.

Families What’s On

What’s On Monday 21Friday 25 February Cool Crafts Week Half Term activities Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton. www.wealddown.co.uk 01243 811363 Put on your winter woollies and wellies, come to the Museum and warm up with a week of creative activities and countryside skills: outdoor trails, arts, crafts and ideas to inspire accompanied children of all ages. 11am – 3pm, under cover if wet.

Saturday 19 – Sunday 27 February Secret Agent Trail.

Beaulieu www.beaulieuevents.co.uk 01590 612345 During February half-term week young visitors to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu can go undercover, taking part in a Secret Agent Trail.

Saturday 19 – Sunday 27 February Suckers Week Blue Reef Aquarium, Southsea www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk 023 9287 5222 In celebration of the amazing octopus. Discover how these fascinating creatures have adapted to survive in our oceans and enjoy close encounters with members of the cephalopod family.

Sunday 20 February Bird Watch at Farlington Marshes (Map ref. SU 679 044 11am-2pm.

Get close to the hundreds of waders and wildfowl on the marshes and lakes around high tide. Guides will be on hand to help you identify the birds and tell you about their behaviour. Drop in anytime during the session to improve your bird identification skills. Parking is available off the Eastern Road (A27/A2030) roundabout. For further details, please contact Jamie Marsh, Solent Reserves Officer, on 01489 774429 Please note that this event will not run in wet and windy weather. Suggested donation £1.50.

Sunday 20 – Monday 28 February OPEN FOR FEBRUARY HALF-TERM Paultons Park www.paultonspark.co.uk 023 8081 4455 Paultons is the Best Value Family Theme Park with over 50 wonderful rides and attractions to suit all ages included in the admission price, offering a whole day out with something for everyone. The amazing variety of things to see and do includes big rides, small rides, wet rides, live entertainment (seasonal), gardens, birds and animals, all set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland. Just off Exit 2 M27. It’s way too much fun for one day!

Monday 21 – Friday 25 February Army Commando Beaulieu www.beaulieuevents. co.uk 01590 612345 Get a taste of life in the modern Army, courtesy of soldiers from the Marchwood based 17 Port & Maritime Regiment. Once kitted out in army camouflage, young recruits can join real soldiers on a patrol exercise.

Monday 21 – Friday 25 February Half-term Open Week & Diesel Service IOW Steam Railway www.iwsteamrailway. co.uk 01983 882204 10am until 4pm. Take an interesting stroll around Havenstreet Station, and see the restoration work being carried out in the carriage and wagon workshop. One or more of our diesel locomotives will be in operation, so train rides will also be available!

Enjoy morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea in the Refreshment Rooms; bag a bargain in the Railway Shop with many items on Sale; and watch the kids let off steam in the adventure playground. Free Admission. to site. Travel tickets will be available at the Havenstreet Station Ticket Office.

Monday 21Friday 25 February February Half term fun Milestones - Hampshire’s Living History Museum, Basingstoke www.milestones-museum.com 01256 477766 Drop into Milestones for some half term make and take fun.

Included in entry price. 10.30am - 4pm. Adult £7.90, Concessions £6.90, Child (aged 5-15 yrs) £4.50, Family (2a+2c) £22.50.

Under 5’s FREE.

Monday 21 – Sunday 27 February Follow the Flag – family trail on board HMS Warrior 1860 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 Daily 10am – 4.30pm.

FREE with a valid Attraction ticket.

Tuesday 22 February Mask Making for families.

10am to 3pm.

The Learning Place, 6 Derby Road, Portsmouth www.learnportsmouth. ac.uk/learningplace 02392621860 Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 February Crack the Code on board HMS Warrior 1860 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 11-12 and 2-4. Use Signal Flags and Semaphore to spell your name and send messages from ship to shore.Become a secret agent, make a spy gadget and send coded messages to your family and friends. FREE with a valid Attraction ticket Events in green are for the Isle of Wight Although we aim to be as accurate as possible, the events listed on pages 12 and 13 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.

January/February 2011 Families Solent East 13

Families Life

Winter Driving Tips Driving in winter requires a bit more care and preparation than at other times of year.

Keep your family safe with our tips on dealing with cold weather, snow, ice and floods!

Preparing to travel

I

n snowy, frosty weather allow yourself at least 10 minutes extra to prepare your car.

Don’t drive off with a tiny hole cleared in your windscreen as this is extremely dangerous. Clear all windows of snow and ice using a scraper and de-icer.

Clear snow from the roof as well as from your windows. Snow piled up on the roof can fall onto the windscreen obscuring your view and can be a hazard to other drivers too.

If you’re travelling any significant distance it’s a good idea to carry a mobile phone with fully charged battery, torch, first-aid kit, tow rope, blankets, extra warm clothes and boots, jump leads, snow shovel, warning triangle, an old sack or rug (to put under the wheels if you get stuck). Plan routes along major roads since they’re more likely to have been gritted. Put safety ahead of journey time in bad weather and expect some delays. Try to carry enough games and snacks for the children in case you get held up.

Clear vision Through the winter months dazzle from the low sun can be a particular problem.

Improve vision significantly by making sure that the windscreen is clean – inside and out. Use air conditioning for faster demisting and to reduce condensation on cold windows. In freezing weather make sure that wipers are switched off before you leave your car. If you don’t, the wiper blades could freeze to the screen and you could damage the wiper motor when you start the car again (the wipers will strain to move while they’re frozen

14 Families Solent East January/February 2011

to the windscreen). Windscreen washer fluid should be topped up and treated with a proprietary additive to reduce the chance of freezing.

Don’t try driving through fast-moving water, such as at a flooded bridge approach – your car could easily be swept away.

Driving in snow and ice

Driving fast through standing water is dangerous – tyres lose contact with the road and you lose steering control in what’s known as ‘aquaplaning’. Watch out for standing water, trying to avoid it if you can, and adjust your speed to the conditions. If you break down in heavy rain don’t prop the bonnet open while you wait for help; the engine will be more difficult to start again if the electrics are all wet.

Remember that stopping distance can be 10 times longer in ice and snow.

Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving in these conditions. Select second gear when pulling away, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.

When climbing a hill it’s important to avoid having to stop, or you may not get started again! Try to maintain a gentle constant speed, choosing a low gear so you can avoid having to change down.

If you have an automatic, then under normal driving conditions it will be set to ‘D’ or ‘Drive’ and the gearbox will work throughout the full gear range.

In slippery, snowy conditions you can make driving much safer by selecting ‘2’, which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reliant on the brakes.

If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.

Driving through water Only drive through water if you know that it’s not too deep for your car.

Drive slowly and steadily to avoid creating a bow wave. Allow oncoming traffic to pass first and test your brakes as soon as you can after leaving the water.

Battery care Batteries often fail in cold weather due to the high demand placed on them from lights, heaters, windscreen wipers and so on. When starting your car in the cold ensure that non-essentials like lights, rear screen heater and wipers are turned off.

Use the starter in short five-second bursts if the engine doesn’t start quickly, leaving thirty seconds between attempts. This allows the battery to recover. Batteries don’t usually last more than five years, so replacing them near the end of their life could save a lot of inconvenience at the side of the road.

Roadside help This is a good time to check your membership of your roadside rescue service. Don’t wait until you’ve broken down to find out it’s expired. Make sure you have your membership details easily to hand and put the help number into your mobile phone in case you need it.

Hopefully you’ll have no need to call, but it’s best to be prepared!

Families Classifieds

COMING SOON! Saturday 9th April 2011

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Classifieds Business Opportunities

Parties

WIKANIKO ECO-FRIENDLY business Household and natural beauty products. £48 start-up. Internet access required. www.wikanikolifestyle.co.uk Tel: Caroline 01271 867022.

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.

SHOPS Drayton Sweet Jar An exciting traditional sweet shop.

From the old to the new there’s something here for you! Open every day. Find us at 226 Havant Rd, Drayton, Portsmouth PO6. Tel. 07595 629668. www.facebook.com/draytonsweetjar

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

Kids parties, School Proms, Snaps Disco, etc.

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!

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

TUITION

Book a whole year in Classifieds

for as little as £54.00 Call 023 9232 5005 or email Ads@familiessolenteast.co.uk January/February 2011 Families Solent East 15