Families Solent East Jul-Aug 2011

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Issue 35 | July/August 2011

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

MAGAZINE

Cover photos by John Franklin, www.johnfranklinimages.com

SOLENT EAST

Summer

family fun

3

great competitions to be won

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 July/August 2011

Families Editor’s Letter

Welcome With the long summer holidays starting in late July you’ll be glad to hear that our What’s On section is bursting with shows, music events, festivals, displays and all kinds of family-friendly fun!

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: September/October 2011 Editorial and booking deadline: Monday, 8th August 2011.

Here at Families Solent East the big news is a change of editor starting with the September-October issue. Mandy Earle will be taking the editor’s chair and I’m sure the magazine will benefit from her excellent background in sales and marketing. I’ve enjoyed as editor and would like to thank all our readers, advertisers, distributors, Holbrooks printers and designer, Andrew Mesher of Redbackstudios.co.uk for all their support. Enjoy the summer holidays and look out for the September-October issue when the children go back to school.

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

JOHN FRANKLIN EDITOR

Printed by Holbrooks Printers: Call 023 9266 1485, www.holbrooks.com Copyright: Families Solent East 2011.

Data Protection: If you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition offering prizes in Families Solent 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.

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.

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.

IN BRIEF The Solent, Isle of Wight and Hampshire region has a huge diversity of marine wildlife habitats, ranging from the muddy sheltered bays of the Solent to the underwater chalk ledges and rocky outcrops of the Isle of Wight.

The Balanced Seas Marine Conservation Zone Project is developing recommendations for Marine Conservation Zones in these areas. The marine wildlife of the Isle of Wight is particularly rich and there are proposals for four marine conservation zones, including the waters around the famous landmark of The Needles, home to rare species such as the Stalked Jellyfish and Peacock’s Tail seaweed, and an area off Bembridge where seagrass beds, rocky ledges and reefs provide habitats for a large range of species, including seahorses and rare seaweeds.

For more information visit www.balancedseas.org

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?

Next advertising deadline: Monday 8th August Tel: 02392 325005 Email: ads@familiessolenteast.co.uk July/August 2011 Families Solent East 3

Families Content

contents JULY/AUGUST 2011

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

06 CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION

Schools, nurseries, tutoring and more.

08 FEATURE Great ideas for simple family fun this summer.

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

15 COMPETITIONS

Free competitions with great prizes!

15 CLASSIFIEDS Local products and services for you and your family.

IN BRIEF Can stress be helpful?

New research has been published that reveals that stress can actually help when studying for exams.

The stress that occurs when revising at the last minute helps the brain form stronger memories.

Scientists have discovered that when we are stressed, hormones are produced within our bodies that cause changes within our brain cells, helping memories to be retained more efficiently. However, whilst some stress can be good for retaining information, too much can have the opposite effect.

Professor Reuls presented these findings at the annual conference of the British Neuroscience Association.

4 Families Solent East July/August 2011

Families News

Family News It must be summer, with the return of live music at the Bandstand, West Battery Gardens, Southsea, on Sunday afternoons.

There’s a fantastic line up for Sunday afternoons throughout the summer months and it’s a great family-friendly event.

So pack a picnic and join in the fun! A huge range of musical genres are represented, including Soul, Jazz, Latin and Swing.

For more information visit www.visitportsmouth.co.uk or call 023 9282 6722

Fun, Family Time and Exercise, ALL IN ONE. If you’d like to spend more time with your family and have fun keeping active then look no further than your nearest swimming pool. Many offer a range of different sessions for you all to really enjoy the water.

On your bike!

Check out pools like Everyone Active who run well supervised fun sessions for all the family. Family swim sessions with rafts, games, floats, toys and ball are brilliant and crazy inflatables, waves and flumes add even more to the excitement.

Portsmouth is a great city for cycling, being very flat and compact with only a few moderate hills to climb.

Next time you are near your local swimming pool, call in to find out what is on offer and get the whole family active in the water.

Many journeys that you usually make by car are ideal for cycling thanks to the network of cycle routes available.

For those longer journeys you may be able to combine cycling with either a bus or train. And remember, maintaining and using a bike costs much less than owning and running a car.

You can get more information and download the Portsmouth cycle map at www.visitportsmouth.co.uk and search ‘bicycle’.

UK’s ’under-age’ social networking generation

Changes to SEN Special Educational Needs statements will be replaced with a ‘health and care’ plan – and parents will be given a personal budget to spend on implementing it, under new government proposals.

Younger children are increasingly setting up their own pages on social networking sites such as Facebook, finds a new study from the London School of Economics.

The report reveals that one in three of 9-12-year-olds in the UK has a profile on Facebook, even though the network sets a minimum age of 13 to join.

The aim is to give parents whose children have SEN more power over their care – but ministers also believe it will reduce the number of children labelled as having SEN, because they believe too many children are currently given SEN status.

The new plans are being piloted from September 2011, and will be introduced nationally next year.

Researchers say it shows that age restrictions are only partially effective and that a growing number of children are taking online risks. Younger children especially are less likely to use privacy options and to understand the safety features that are available. The full report, Social Networking, Age and Privacy, is available online at:

www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/sen/ a0075339/sengreenpaper

www2.lse.ac.uk/media@lse/research/EUKidsOnline/ShortSNS.pdf

follow

The Sound of

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July/August 2011 Families Solent East 5

Families Childcare & Education

First Steps are based within the Roko Health Club on Copnor Road, Portsmouth. They offer all types of childcare from Ofsted certified as Outstanding nursery care from babies with a Pre School to holiday activity clubs for children from 4 to 12 years of age.

They have full use of the Roko facilities such as studios, all weather pitches, grass and swimming pool. The holiday clubs are fully supervised by the childcare team and incorporate everything from junk modelling, indoor/outdoor games, quizzes, swimming sessions, art and craft sessions, cookery and much more. The clubs are designed for working parents and are available to Roko members and non-Roko members on holiday weekdays from 8.30 till 6pm. Hot food is also available in the club bistro for a minimal cost or children are also welcome to bring their own packed lunches.

For more information contact Jenny on 02392 639777 or visit the nursery website www.childrensdaynursery.co.uk where you can also download forthcoming holiday club schedules.

The curse of the social sites?

Almost half of parents believe their children would do better in school if they weren’t constantly distracted by social networking sites and other websites, according to new research. The YouGov poll found 62 per cent of parents with kids aged 12 to 17, and 36 per cent of those with children aged six to 11, were worried about slipping grades and a detrimental effect on schoolwork.

In an earlier survey of 500 teachers, half said pupils’ fixations on social networking was affecting their ability to concentrate in class.

6 Families Solent East July/August 2011

Families Childcare & Education

Lose that baby

weight

With a new baby, finding the time to exercise can be difficult, but the benefits are worth the effort.

Not only does exercise help your body recover from pregnancy and birth, some research suggests that it can help treat and prevent postnatal depression. Remember that if you’ve had a caesarean you should give yourself six weeks to heal before you even think about any exercise.

If you’ve had a normal delivery there are some exercises you can do straight away - the ones you’ll have benefited from doing all through your pregnancy – the pelvic floor! 2-3 weeks later, it’s OK to do some simple abdominal crunches, providing you have been checked out by your doctor.

If you want to lose weight as well as tone you will need to do some cardiovascular exercise such as brisk walking or swimming. Many gyms offer postnatal exercise classes and also have crèches you can use. With membership you will often be offered a free session with a personal trainer, who will be able to create a training programme especially for you, so take advantage of this. Whatever form of exercise you choose, don’t push yourself too hard too soon and have fun!

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

July/August 2011 Families Solent East 7

Families Feature

Build a den Den-building courses abound them), (see www.forestry.gov.uk or google give can se and taking your kids on a cour mer. sum e entir the them ideas for dens for ing is But you don’t need a tutor: den-build Look . kids t mos to thing brea as ral as natu e to uciv cond for spaces that are especially If l. idea are se, dens – woods, of cour some you’re confined to the garden, find huge a – ed start them get to props not got cardboard box is perfect. If you’ve er or build l loca a one to hand, try asking any have they ther large store whe packaging you could have.

Row a boat Everyone has a park with a boating lake somewhere within striking distance, so why not throw caution to the wind and try out the boats? Make sure the kids wear life jackets (which should be available from the hire attendant), and take it in turns to row (so what if you end up going round and round? It’s all part of the fun.).

Go fishing

By Joanna M oorhead

The sun is out, the school holidays are almost here. What can you do without spending a fortune in the lovely, long summer ahead?

Joanna Moorhead shares her top ideas for how to enjoy the days – and lay down some happy memories.

adult Kids love fishing! If you know an to chat child your get who enjoys fishing, l loca or ch bea the to go or with them – to the chat and fish, ple peo re whe lake , this anglers. If your child seems keen a little in st inve to might be a good time of fun lots e’s ther , ively rnat Alte fishing kit.

-jar! jam and net le simp a with had to be

Try sand sculpture

Sand sculpting is bigger than ever before – each summer, the papers groan with photographs of wonderfully-crafted figures, buildings and entire kingdom s on beaches near and far. But it doesn’t have to be a professional art – why not take your children on a beach day out with sculpture in mind? Start with a flots am and jetsam-collecting session, sinc e this will add plenty of fuel to your idea s, and then set off. If you’re being competi tive, give everyone a time limit for the creation of their masterpieces.

Fly your kite

e’s a The sun is out, the sky is blue. Ther more be d coul t breeze fluttering: and wha ing play kite ’s child your fun than watching at have es hom t Mos ? wind on the gentle or least one kite forgotten in a cupboard e mak even tucked in the shed; you can tacular your own. For inspiration and spec on ival Fest Kite the visit not displays why ust)?

Aug 29 (27mon Com a thse Sou

Families Feature

Go cycling Dust off your helmet, pump up your tyres, and head for a spin through a loca l park, along a canal bank, or along a cycl e track. If you’re not sure what rout es are available in your area, check out www.sustrans.org.uk Or, if you real ly don’t have any old bikes hanging around that you can crank back into serv ice, why not investigate the possibility of hirin g them for a day (or even a week) and exploring your neighbourhood in a whole new way? And if your kids are tiny, invest in a child seat – most toddlers will love riding along with Mum or Dad.

Organise a street party

g If you enjoyed your Royal Weddin street party – or if you looked on – why enviously at other people’s parties drop ly Simp ? mer sum this not throw one urs’ hbo neig your ugh thro ns invitatio ting. doors, and organise a planning mee

Pitch a tent in the garden

Whether your family are regular campers or not, there’s nothing to beat the excitement of a tent pitched in the garden. Ideally it should be easy to assemble so the kids can help. Onc e it’s up, encourage the children to deco rate it with all they need for a long, lazy day in the garden – cushions, blankets, boo ks, games and so on. Of course, lunc h and tea can be picnics under canvas!

Go wild swimming...

...or even, if your kids are tiny, wild , cool, paddling? Nothing beats the fresh or face your on r wate vibrant feel of wild of s idea For . toes your een betw even just you, r nea where to go to find wild water you see www.wildswimming.co.uk. If ch, bea a with ere ewh can’t get to som lido a to visit a try , river stream or instead – www.lidos.org

Stargaze!

You can download a simple star-guid e from the BBC at www.bbc.co.uk/tv/features/ stargazing/star-guides.shtml During July and August the Summer Triangle is easy to spot. It’s made up of the three bright stars: Altair, Vega, and Deneb (in Cygnus the Swan). It mig ht take a while to work things out, but stick with it. Once you’ve identified a constellation, you’ll always find it easy to spot. Also, between August 11th and 13th a meteor shower (called the Perseids) is due to take place. Due to the bright Moon on these nights you’ll only see the brightest shooting stars but it’s always worth a look.

Organise a rounders match Everyone loves a rounders match (or you can make it cricket). Simply phone a few other families, identify your park or space for the match, choose your day, and pitch up with the bats and balls, the post-mar kers, and the rugs and picnics for lunch.

Make sure the teams are well-balanced in terms of age, ability etc, and play hard! It’s a wonderfully bonding experience.

Visit a pick-your-own farm

says “That was the best day of my life,” a trip our of 12, , my daughter Miranda n r-ow -you pick a to ago s mer couple of sum it: ut abo g ythin ever d love farm. She rehand, choosing which farm to go to befo season in be ld wou t looking online at wha ing pick nd arou ing on our visit, runn strawberries when we got there, and fruit making jam and puddings with her can You ds. war when we got home after at in farm own r -you look for a pick www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk

Borrow a dog

course, You might own a dog already, of go and idea this skip just in which case ad! inste walk a for out her or take him if you But if you’re not a dog-owner, and are ces chan ren, have a child or child st – that a dog would be a welcome gue or day the for , over one e invit not so why larly regu even for the weekend? We foster two dogs, Rocco and George, children while their owners are away: my s, walk for them take to ce chan the love the all It’s . play with them and feed them fun without the ties!

Plant a veggie grow-bag

You don’t need any more space than a window-box, or a tiny space in your yard, for a veggie grow-bag – and your kids will love deciding what to plant, sow ing the seeds, remembering to water them and then charting their progress from seedling to stomach. Potatoes are an ideal starter veg if you’re new to growing.

July/August 2011 Families Solent East 9

Families What’s Xxxx On

What’s On | Mainland Saturday 2 July – Sunday 24 July (weekends only) Planetarium Show Natural Selection Intech Science Centre and Planetarium, Winchester. www.intech-uk.com 01962 863791 Natural Selection - stunning blockbuster show about Darwin, his life and work. This is an extension to the previous limited run. Best for ages 11yr+ and adults. 3.20pm.

Tuesday 5 July onwards New, Found Treasures National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 023 9283 9766 Professional artists and master craftsmen will exhibit dazzling new treasures inspired by our collections. Through their work they will explore personal stories and events, expressing the themes of discovery and reflection, journeys, the sea and the navy.

FREE with a valid ticket.

Saturday 9 July Summer Fun Day Horndean Junior School, Five Heads Road 1 till 4pm. 50p entrance fee per adult, children free. Includes Stormtroopers, bouncy assault course, grand raffle, penalty shoot out, school band, various displays and lots of fun stalls.

Saturday 9 July South Downs Wood Fair Queen Elizabeth Country Park www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk This event showcases all aspects of wood, together with superb crafts, speciality foods and exciting entertainment for the whole family.

Saturday 9 Sunday 10 July Justin Fletcher Paultons Park www.paultons.co.uk 023 8081 4442 Star of CBEEBIES “Something Special” and “Gigglebiz”, Justin Fletcher! 2 fantastic shows each day at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Normal admission rates apply.

No need to pre-book.

10 Sunday July Stag Owners Club Rally The Watercress Line, Alresford, SO24 9JG www.watercressline.co.uk A fantastic vintage car, the Triumph Stag was manufactured between 1970 and 1977 and now has a loyal band of enthusiastic owners; come and enjoy our two steam service and see the Berks Bucks & Oxon group display of much loved vehicles at Ropley Station for one day only. Standard Fares Adult £14; Child (2-16) £7; Family £35.

10 Families Solent East July/August 2011

Sunday 10 July National Motor Museum, Beaulieu www.beaulieuevents.co.uk 01590 612345 The first Beaulieu ‘Simply Mazda’ event promises to be a great day out for all enthusiasts of Mazda.

Owners of Mazda vehicles are invited to bring their car to Beaulieu and become part of the event.

Sunday 10 July Family Fun Day with a Victorian Theme Peter Ashley Activity Centre Fort Purbrook, Portsdown Hill Road, Portsmouth 11am – 4pm. Includes displays from the Fort Cumberland Guard, traditional games, fancy dress, tug of war, pony rides and of course, come and try sessions in Archery, Climbing, Judo, RifleShooting, plus Family Olympics!

Adults £4 and all children (accompanied by an adults) are FREE. Friday 15 July Strawberries and Steam Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk 023 8089 1203 Celebrate the Hampshire Food Festival at Exbury. Enjoy a summer fruit cocktail on arrival before boarding carriages for a two-circuit run of the Rhododendron Line. A delicious 2-course meal will be served in Mr Eddy’s Restaurant, with food sourced from Hampshire Suppliers – including of course, seasonal strawberries and cream!

For more info visit www.hampshirefare.co.uk/ food-festival.asp.

Saturday 16 July Mini Makers Aspex , The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays www.aspex.org.uk 023 9277 8080 Artist-led workshops for toddlers – 8 year olds, held every other Saturday, excluding Summer Holidays, for just £4 per person.

10.30 – 11.30am.

Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 July (afternoons) Charity Rock Weekend Colonial Bar, Horndean Clive’s Easylearn Rock Schools present an exciting charity Rock Weekend featuring students from rock vocalist Mark ThompsonSmith’s five area rock schools.

These afternoon rock gigs are in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Kids of Portsmouth (www.cfkids.org.uk).

Contact Mark on 02392 436122 or markts@clivesmusic.com for more details.

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.

Saturday 16 Sunday 17 July Hampshire Water Festival Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 02392 453405 Water is life! This FREE event, in Leigh Park Gardens, celebrates the wonderful world of water with fun-filled family days. Plus half price entry to the Farm & Gardens.

10am-5pm. Free entry to Water Festival. All festival visitors receive ½ price entry to farm attraction.

Sunday 17 July Bus Rally (+ Intensive train timetable) Anstey Park, Alton www.altonbusrally.org.uk Buses of all vintages at one of the South’s largest Bus Rallies. FREE Bus services from Anstey Park to Alton, Medstead & Four Marks railway stations. An intensive train service will also be in operation at the Watercress Line – take the opportunity to visit the railway and see the restoration works underway in the locomotive shed at Ropley or visit our other stations. Bus Rally Fares; Adult £16; Child (2-16) £9; Family £40.

Sunday 17 July Rare & Traditional Breeds Show Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton. www.wealddown.co.uk 01243 811363 A delightful agricultural show for rare and traditional breeds of farm animals. One of the biggest shows of its kind in the south east and hugely popular with visitors and exhibitors alike.

Plus craft and trade stands with a countryside theme.

Sunday 17 July OUTDOOR CONCERT

BY THE BAND OF HM ROYAL MARINES www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk 023 9281 9385 An unmissable afternoon of musical delights. Bring a picnic, a rug and enjoy the music.

Refreshment stalls on-site. Event free. Standard admission fees apply for entry to the Museum.

Concert begins at 2pm.

Saturday 23 July Cultural Olympiad Aspex , The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays www.aspex.org.uk 023 9277 8080 Free workshop with an Olympic flavour! 11am – 3pm.

Saturday 23 July Aiming High Aspex , The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays www.aspex.org.uk 023 9277 8080 Fun Creative workshops run with the support of Aiming High for Disabled Children and Portsmouth Autism Support Network, for children with autism and Special Educational Needs and their

families. These sessions are free with tea and cake provided.

Sessions are led by artist Abi Gilchrist with the support of occupational therapist Philippa Williams. Autism Workshops 11am – 12.30pm, SEN Workshops 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Saturday 23 July A Tale of Dinosaurs in Times Gone By thespring.co.uk 02392 82472700 Travel through time in a thrilling tale of dinosaurs and amazing creatures of another age.

Tea or coffee and a scrummy cake available for Mums and Dads at just £2 during the storytelling. Children must not be left unsupervised in the venue.

Sunday 24 July The German Show National Motor Museum, Beaulieu www.beaulieuevents.co.uk 01590 612345 Old, new, standard, modified and everything in between! The show features a huge variety of German cars, including BMW, Audi, VW, Porsche, Mercedes, and promises a weekend with a difference for all the family.

Wednesdays 27 July – Wednesday 31 August Wonderful Wednesdays!

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton. www.wealddown.co.uk 01243 811363 Hands-on activities to occupy children of all ages! Have a go at all kinds of interesting and unusual countryside skills, traditional crafts, activities and games. Under cover if wet. 11am - 4pm.

Thursday 28 July Simply Classics National Motor Museum, Beaulieu www.beaulieuevents.co.uk 01590 612345 A great day out for all motoring enthusiasts. Owners of classic vehicles dated pre 1986 are invited to bring their car to Beaulieu and park within the museum complex.

Thursday 28 July– Sunday 4 September Summer Holiday Fun at Basing House, Bartons Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke. www.basinghouse.org.uk 0845 6035635 (except Fridays) 10am - 5pm.

Check our website or call us for various children’s activities throughout the summer such as colouring, flag making and more!

Adult £4.50, Concessions £4, Child (aged 5-15 yrs) £3.50, Family (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adults and up to 3 children) £12.

What’s On | Mainland Friday 29 July RSPB Date With Nature Seawatch Southsea Common The RSPB will be on Southsea Common to show you that the seaside is about more than seagulls! Experience the varied species that can be spotted on Southsea seafront. 10am - 4pm.

Saturday 30 July Lughnasa Butser Ancient Farm www.butserancientfarm.co.uk 7pm - 10pm. Help us mark the Celtic Harvest Festival with an evening of music and dancing at our own Ceilidh. BBQ, licensed bar, soft drinks and other refreshments. Bring a torch - we are a dark site.

Tuesday Aug 2 – Thursday Sep 1 Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk 11am – 4pm. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday All the fun of a Victorian seaside holiday! Dress up and promenade along the “pier”, become a pier entertainer, put on a Punch and Judy show and make a souvenir to take home. Plus learn about and play with Victorian style toys and board games. FREE with a valid ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday 30 July Mini Makers Aspex , The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays www.aspex.org.uk 023 9277 8080 Artist-led workshops for toddlers – 8 year olds, held every other Saturday, excluding Summer Holidays, for just £4 per person.

10.30 – 11.30am.

Tuesday 2 and Thursday 4 August Nature’s Rainbow Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 02392 453405 Explore the park to find all the colours of the rainbow and use petals to make a picture.

10.30am-12.30pm, £4 per child.

Saturday 30 Sunday 31 July Exbury Tea Festival Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.uk 023 8089 1203 Exbury’s Tea Festival promises a celebration of the nation’s favourite drink, with half-price admission for everyone on both days of the Festival! Children are invited to bring a favourite bear to our Tea Party, and dress as a favourite Alice in Wonderland character for our fancy dress parade.

Thursday 4 August Junior Ranger Day Queen Elizabeth Country Park www3.hants.gov.uk/countryside/qecp 02392 595040 10:30am. A day out on patrol looking at the wild side of the Park. Please wear stout footwear and bring a packed lunch. Please book in advance. £3 per child.

Suitable for 8 years and over. The day will finish at about 3pm.

Saturday 30 July – Sunday 7 August Summer Celebration Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 02392 453405 Start off the holidays in sizzling style with lots of fun things to do. Special children’s activities 10.30am-3.30pm. Normal admission charges apply.

Monday 1 August – Friday 2 September In Search of Sea Creatures – Under the Sea! Spinnaker Tower www.spinnakertower.co.uk 02392 857520 Family fun as the Spinnaker Tower goes under water. Help fill the fantasy aquarium by decorating your own crafty sea creatures. Plus rockpool residents from the Blue Reef Aquarium will be making special appearances every Monday and Friday throughout August as part of a marine awareness promotion.

Families What’s On

Thursday 4 Aug – Thursday 1 Sept (Thursdays) Back in Time - Family Fun Activities Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport www.submarine-museum.co.uk 023 92510354 ext 240 11am – 3pm. Drop in family hands on workshops with lots of surprises exploring the Royal Navy’s very first submarine Holland 1. Activities will range from marine archaeology, livinghistory and storytelling. Suitable for all ages. FREE with a valid museum ticket.

Friday 5 – Sunday 7 August Chilli Fiesta West Dean Gardens, Chichester www.westdean.org.uk 01243 811301 10.30 – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm).

From flaming food, live music and salsa dancing to Hot! Hot! Hot! chillies – there’s something for everyone!

July/August 2011 Families Solent East 11

Families Xxxx

What’s On | Mainland Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 August Celts - Butser Ancient Farm www.butserancientfarm.co.uk 023 9259 8838 A weekend of all things Celtic.

Amongst other things, learn how to spin wool from our sheep, taste honey cakes in the roundhouse and make a candle to take home (small charge applies).

Saturday 6 – Sunday 14 August Day Out With Thomas The Watercress Line, Alresford, SO24 9JG www.watercressline.co.uk Last chance to see Thomas at the Watercress Line in 2011 during the Summer holiday. You can travel all day behind large steam engines such as ‘Henry’.

‘Daisy’ the diesel railcar will also be here; FREE activities, bouncy castle slide and miniature railway, children’s entertainment and of course, rides behind ‘Thomas’, ‘Diesel’ and ‘Toad’.

Day Out With Thomas; Adult £16; Child (2-16) £10; Family £48.

Sunday 7 August Experience the 1940s Milestones Museum, Basingstoke www.milestones-museum.com 01256 477766 11am - 4.45pm. Experience the 1940s at Milestones Museum at this special event which will feature singalongs with Basingstoke Amateur Operatics Society, re-enactors from the ‘On Parade’ group, social history presentations from the Milestones costumed interpreters team, 40s sweet shop and more. Adult £7.90, Concession £6.90, Child (aged 5-15 yrs) £4.75, Family (2 adults + 2 children) £22.75.

Under 5s FREE. Monday 8 August – Sunday 14 August Down on the Farm Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 02392 453405 Animals antics galore, with farm crafts and activities. Special children’s activities 10.30am3.30pm. Normal admission charges apply.

Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 August Field to Fork Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 02392 453405 Try your hand at some farm jobs, make some produce and taste some home-grown goodies.

10.30am-12.30pm, £4 per child.

12 Families Solent East July/August 2011

Thursday 11 August Edwardian Navy Day Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport www.submarine-museum.co.uk 023 92510354 ext 240 Suitable for all ages. FREE with a valid museum ticket.

Saturday 13 Sunday 14 August Festival of Steam Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton. www.wealddown.co.uk 01243 811363 With steam rollers, steam lorries, model boats, miniature railways and engines, and the everpopular steam-powered carousel gallopers. 10.30am – 5pm.

Sunday 14 August Go Ballistic! www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk 023 9281 9385 Fully Loaded! Join us for a day of hands-on science based fun, bangs and noise. Experience the secrets of the power of gunpowder, learn how to make your own water rocket and see how far it goes or have a go at launching water bombs with our catapult (mums and dads are advised to stand clear) and understand how science is used by the Royal Marines in combat.

Sunday 14 – Saturday 27 August (excluding 22 Aug) Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” Theatre Production Marwell Wildlife www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407 Watch the magic the Jungle Book in a truly unique setting. In association with Eastleigh’s The Point Youth Theatre with original songs and music. FREE with entry to the park, this family friendly production will be taking place twice.

Monday 15 – Sunday 21 August Blooms and Bees Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 02392 453405 Buzz around the park on the flower trail, meet our bees and taste their honey. Special children’s activities 10.30am3.30pm. Normal admission charges apply.

Tuesday 16 and Thursday 18 August Flower Power Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 02392 453405 From the prettiest to the prickliest plants in the park – discover them all on this blooming brilliant session. 10.30am-12.30pm, £4 per child.

What’s On | Mainland Thursday 18 August Join the Navy (Now and Then) Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport www.submarine-museum.co.uk 023 92510354 ext 240 Suitable for all ages. FREE with a valid museum ticket.

Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 August Captain Barnacles Spinnaker Tower www.spinnakertower.co.uk 02392 857520 Captain Barnacles, leader of the Octonauts crew, from the popular illustrated books and animated TV series, will be exploring the Spinnaker Tower at intervals throughout the day to greet visitors.

Sunday 21 August HMS Alliance Family Fun Day Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport www.submarine-museum.co.uk 023 92510354 ext 240 Join the celebrations and party with the submariners to celebrate 30 years of HMS Alliance being open to the public. With live music, family games and food.

FREE with a valid museum ticket.

12noon – 4.30pm.

Monday 22 – Sunday 28 August Eco Rangers Week Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 02392 453405 Junk Creation, Water-Wise Challenge and Promise a Pledge are just some of the ways you can become an eco ranger this week. Special children’s activities 10.30am-3.30pm. Normal admission charges apply.

Tuesday 23 Thursday 25 August Eco Ranger Challenge Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 02392 453405 Earn your eco ranger green badge by completing the challenges and making your pledges to save our planet.

10.30am-12.30pm, £4 per child.

Families What’s On

Thursday 25 August Captain Mouse – the Mouse who lived under the Sea Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport www.submarine-museum.co.uk 023 92510354 ext 240 Suitable for all ages. FREE with a valid museum ticket.

Thursday 25 – Monday 29 August Art Fair Marwell Wildlife www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407 Marwell International Wildlife Art Society present the world’s largest annual display of wildlife art with over 700 stunning exhibits from 200 plus artists and sculptors.

Friday 26 – Monday 29 August Southsea Folk & Roots Festival www.southseafolkfestival.co.uk 07506 033 378 or 023 9282 0896 Presenting a great programme of live folk & roots music. Tickets available on the door or in advance on line. See website for details for performances and venues.

Saturday 27 – Monday 29 August Portsmouth International Kite Festival Southsea Common www.portsmouthkitefestival.org.uk MONday 29 August Supercar Start-up National Motor Museum, Beaulieu www.beaulieuevents.co.uk 01590 612345 Hear the unique melodies created by the multi-cylinder engines of some of the world’s most prestigious supercars, as they are put through their start-up paces in the Beaulieu Arena.

Monday 29 August – Sunday 4 September Barmy about Bats Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 02392 453405 Be amazed by these creatures with our batty crafts and games.

Special children’s activities 10.30am-3.30pm. Normal admission charges apply.

Tuesday 30 August and Thursday 1 September Brilliant Bats Staunton Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/staunton 02392 453405 Find out all about bats and have a close encounter with the fascinating creatures.

10.30am-12.30pm, £4 per child.

Although we aim to be as accurate as possible, the events listed in our What’s On section are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Some events may have a charge, so please contact venues in advance to check full details.

July/August 2011 Families Solent East 13

Families Xxxx

What’s On | Isle of Wight

Sunday 17 July The Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society Show Northwood Showground between Cowes and Newport www.riwas.org.uk

Wednesday 3 August Shanklin Main Carnival Shanklin Town Join in with the carnival celebrations throughout Shanklin.

Saturday 23 July Last Night of the Osborne Proms Osborne House, East Cowes An outdoor concert with fantastic fireworks finale. www.bsolive.com

Saturday 6 August Shanklin Illuminated Carnival Shanklin. 8pm onwards.

Celebrations throughout Shanklin.

Saturday 23 July Newport Main Carnival Join in with the carnival celebrations throughout Newport.

Friday 29 July Sandown Children’s Carnival Sandown Town Celebrations throughout Sandown www.sandowncarnival.com Saturday 30 July Sandown Main Carnival Sandown Town Celebrations throughout Sandown www.sandowncarnival.com TUESDAY 2 – Thursday 4 AUGUST Time Travellers Go… Seafaring CARISBROOKE CASTLE www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout Seafaring, 1800s style. Prepare for battle and enjoy plenty of hands-on activties.

14 Families Solent East July/August 2011

Saturday 6 Sunday 7 August Chale Show Chale showground A traditional summer show. www.thechaleshow.co.uk Saturday 6 – Saturday 13 August Cowes Week www.cowesweek.co.uk Cowes Week stages up to 40 daily races for over 1,000 boats.

TUESDAY 9 – Thursday 11 AUGUST Time Travellers Go… Normans & Saxons CARISBROOKE CASTLE www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout Prepare for action then take part in a Kids Battle of Hastings or thrilling naval battle!

TUESDAY 16 – Thursday 18 AUGUST Discoveries & Inventions CARISBROOKE CASTLE www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout Take a trip through history’s most exciting inventions, then get inspired yourself with our fun hands-on activities.

TUESDAY 23 – Thursday 25 AUGUST Archaeology CARISBROOKE CASTLE www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout Uncover clues, take part in an archaeology trail and handle real artefacts.

Wednesday 17 August Cowes Carnival Join in with the carnival celebrations throughout Cowes. www.cowescarnival.co.uk

Saturday 27 August Cowes Illuminated Carnival Cowes Town www.cowescarnival.org Celebrations throughout Cowes.

Wednesday 17 August Ventnor Main Carnival Ventnor Town Celebrations throughout Ventnor www.ventnorcarnival.org.uk Friday 19 August Ryde Carnival Children’s Procession Ryde Town www.rydecarnival.org.uk Saturday 20 August Ryde Carnival Ryde Town Featuring over 2,000 performers. www.rydecarnival.org.uk Saturday 20 August Ventnor Illuminated Carnival Ventnor Town Celebrations throughout Ventnor. www.ventnorcarnival.org.uk Saturday 20 Sunday 21 August Garlic Festival Newchurch The Island’s biggest summer show. www.garlic-festival.co.uk

SATURDAY 27 – MONDAY 29 AUGUST Time Travellers Go… Gruesome CARISBROOKE CASTLE www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout Experience a weekend of horrible fun. Meet the Medieval Surgeon, mingle with the rat catcher and even have your face painted with the pox!

Monday 29 August St. Helens Main Carnival St. Helens Village Join in with the carnival celebrations throughout St. Helens.

Wednesday 31 August Sandown Illuminated Carnival Sandown Town Celebrations throughout Sandown. www.sandowncarnival.com

Families Competitions & Classifieds

COMPETITIONS

WIN Win an ONE OF 4 Easy2Name KTOENSTPASRK! Off to ILPAYCKEDTIC FTOATHM PAUL E FUN School set

By entering our competition you could win a family ticket to visit Paultons Park and the fabulous new Peppa Pig World. With nearly 3 acres of fully themed fun and 7 new and exciting rides including Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight, Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, George’s Dinosaur Adventure, Grandpa’s Little Train and you can even ride in a ‘cloud’ around Windy Castle!

With huge indoor and outdoor play areas, superb animated and themed attractions, a new café it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience! But that’s not all! Be sure not to miss the star of CBEEBIES “Something Special” and “Gigglebiz”, JUSTIN FLETCHER, who will also be appearing at the Park on Sat/Sun 9th/10th July with two fantastic family shows each day at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

We have 5 Easy2Name Off to School sets to give away, each set is worth £17.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag.

To enter the draw simply send a postcard to Easy2Name School Give Away, 2 Malthouse Cottages, Ecchinswell, Newbury, Berks RG20 4UA. Please state clearly the name of your child and whether you require the shoe bag in red or blue.

The full Easy2Name range can be seen at www.easy2name.com

To enter, just send an email with the title ‘Paultons’ with your name, address and phone number to Competitions@Familiessolenteast.co.uk by 12th August 2011.

Note: The Family Tickets are for 2 adults + 2 children and are valid to 31st October 2011.

WIN ONE OF 3 FAMILY TICKETS

Beaulieu – A Great Day Out For All

The Family

Come to Beaulieu this summer and see the National Motor Museum’s latest exhibition ‘Feats of Endurance’ showcasing vehicles that stretch the boundaries of motoring endurance.

The museum has over 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring, from World Land Speed Record Breakers to F1 racers. Take a ride on ‘Wheels’, a fascinating journey through motoring, and visit Jack Tucker’s 1930s style garage. Displayed in World of Top Gear are actual cars from the BBC show, and the James Bond exhibition houses genuine vehicles and memorabilia from the Bond films.

Added summer attractions include falconry demonstrations in the Cloisters of Beaulieu Abbey during August, family games and playlets outside Palace House, and veteran cars driving around the grounds. Jump aboard the Monorail and open-topped London Bus for an exciting way to explore the grounds and don’t miss the stunning artwork on display in the Beaulieu gardens.

To enter, just send an email with the title ‘Beaulieu’ with your name, address and phone number to Competitions@Familiessolenteast.co.uk by 12th August 2011.

Beaulieu is open daily from 10am.

For more information call 01590 612345 or visit: www.beaulieu.co.uk

Classifieds ART

Sport

Hiscock Gallery Local artists, local views.

11 Stanley St, Southsea.

Tel. 02392 825330 www.hiscockgallery.co.uk

N.K.A. Karate Every Tuesday 6pm - 7pm. The Hall, Church of The Resurrection, BreconAvenue, Drayton, PO6 Children and Adults welcome.

Build your fitness and Agility.

Come along - first Lesson FREE.

White Dog Gallery Art, framing and printing.

8 Milvil Rd, Lee-on-the-Solent.

Tel. 02392 552255 www.whitedoggallery.co.uk

Parties

Business Opportunities ‘LINEN AT HOME’ NEW TO YOUR AREA Be your own boss; working when it suits you & your family; no sales targets; fantastic support. To view the gorgeous range of products, visit http://www.linenathome.co.uk/ju or host your own party and benefit from Free & 1/2 Price items. Call Julie 023 92593221 or 07503199320 for more details.

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

Kids parties, School Proms, Snaps Disco, etc.

Health & wellbeing

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

I Feel Good Weightloss Effective Products, Guidance & Support. Call Sarah or text ‘SLIMMER’ to 07773 795374.

INDIGO CHILD Selling Crystals, Handmade Jewellery, Cards, Artwork. Also a Reiki Master, 20% off all treatments during July. www.indigochild.co.uk or contact sianturner@live.com for more information.

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

PLAYGROUPS & NURSERIES NIPPERS & NATTER Havant Methodist Church, Petersfield Road, Havant P09 2HU. Every Tuesday 10am until 12 midday.

TUITION

HOME REPAIR & MAINTENANCE Tradelink Home Improvements Low Cost Double Glazing Repairs.

8am – 8pm, 7 days a week.

No call out charge & free estimates.

Call Tradelink Home Improvements on 02392 376004.

THE PINK PAINTBRUSH Local lady decorator based in Fareham. Rooms painted including gloss work from £80. Excellent references. Free estimates.

Call Michelle on 07932 425741

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