Families Solent East March/April 2015

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Issue 57

March/April 2015 www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

Post-natal fitness tips, budget buys and the importance of play

Bumper Easter What’s On Guide

Win! Family tickets to Victorious Festival!

The essential local magazine for families with children aged 0 - 12

Childcare experience Spare room Commitment

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XXXXXXX Welcome from the

Editor You can almost hear the collective sigh of relief as winter draws to a close with longer days and warmer weather on the horizon - as the late Robin Williams said, ‘spring is nature’s way of saying ‘let’s party!’’

Find out where the party is with our Easter events guide, which is full of great reasons to get outdoors this spring. We also have family tickets to give away to this year’s Victorious Festival on page 22. You’ll find us at the festival again this year in the Kids Arena....We can’t wait!

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Mandy Earle | Editor

Editor: Mandy Earle 02392 362737 editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk On the cover: Ava Carter

with thanks to Moira Lizzie Photography 07974 177445 www.moiralizzie.co.uk

Advertising: Claire Clarricoates claire.clarricoates@ familiespublishing.co.uk Website and Social Media: Gemma Sills events@familiessolenteast.co.uk Distribution enquiries: 02392 362 737

Join us online for more news and competitions!

In this issue...

4 8 10 11 12 15 22

News and views A simple guide to Life Insurance Post - Natal fitness and baby on a budget Baby Play - It’s not just for fun Easter days out and fun with nature!

What’s on guide Easter holiday workshops & camps

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Copyright: Families Solent East 2015.

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 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.

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Confidence Building Fun

Call 0845 400 1317 or visit perform.org.uk to find your nearest venue.

Try a Free Drama Class Families Solent East | March/April 2015 | 3

News & views

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Schools Experience Shakespeare’s World School groups are invited to book their places at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, for activities from 16 - 19 March. The Museum’s Schools team is taking bookings for this exciting day for school groups during Shakespeare Week, which the Museum is running in partnership with Chichester Festival Theatre. During the day pupils will experience a variety of activities including drama warm up activities, examining one of Shakespeare’s plays, Macbeth, led by young practitioners and the learning team from Chichester Festival Theatre, exploring the Museum’s homes and buildings, and thinking about everyday life in Shakespeare’s time.

Call 01243 811363

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Touted as the hottest thing out of NZ since the bungee jump, Rock Up presents a series of indoor climbing walls that will get the blood pumping and hair raising. For children aged 4 years to adult, there are plenty of challenging climbs to get the whole family having fun together.

Using automatic belay devices which take in the slack as you climb and then lower you gently down to the ground, there are 26 climbs, towering over 25 feet high, including a Leap of Faith!

Prices between £8 - £15 depending on what time you go.

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Attend th learn ho e briefing to w child on to buckle you r and off the rop as they es will get m instead o of havin re goes g to wa for the it staff to help.

When? Open 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm Sunday. A climbing session lasts 1 and a half hours which includes a half hour briefing session Please speak to ourgroup staff about the ingredients in (including registration, whenfitting making orientation, harness andyour order. Thank you safety briefing) and an hour in the arena.

FOOD ALLERGIES and INTOLERANCES your meal,

Where? Whiteley Shopping, Whiteley Way, Fareham, PO15 7PD. Call 01489 232324 www.rock-up.co.uk

Real Nappy Week 2015 Watching the Solar eclipse Between around 8:30am and 10:30am on the 20th March, the moon will move in front of the sun, creating a Solar Eclipse. A partial eclipse will be visible here in the south at approximately 9:30am. While it will be an exciting experience, we’ll need to be extra wary of eye safety, especially with children who will be tempted to look directly at the sun! There’s useful information about watching the eclipse safely at: www.nationalgeographic.com – search ‘How to Safely Watch a Solar Eclipse’ on the site.

Why not watch a show at the South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre in Chichester to find out more about the Sky?

4 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East

Taking place between 20 - 26 April, celebrate everything fabulous about using cloth nappies. Nationwide events, local competitions, opportunities to meet people and get advice and a whole lot more at www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week.

British Science Week 13 - 22 March A ten day programme of science, technology, engineering and maths events and activities across the UK for people of all ages. You can find out what’s happening near you, download a free activity pack ‘Science for all ages’ or quiz questions (aimed at adults). Create clouds, make a giant egg timer or fruit batteries, measure wind and humidity and lots more! britishscienceweek.org

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Education & club news Brookham have a hoot with Hydestile Animals

Don’t forget Wear a Hat Day for Brain Tumour Research on Fri 27 March Join in for Wear A Hat Day on Friday 27th March! The Premier Brain Tumour Awareness event in the UK; helping to support long-term, life-saving research helping move us ever #CloserToACure.

There are so many ways to get involved… Register now to receive your free fundraising pack, then visit the Hatter’s Workshop for all your hatty extras; from posters to quizzes, hattemplates to merchandise order forms.

It’s all there and ready to help you, help us make 2015 the hattiest yet!

Children at Brookham School in Liphook were visited by Graham Cornick from Hydestile Resident Animals. Graham bought in a range of animals to show, and gave a talk about the rescue and care work that goes on at the sanctuary.

He also explained the importance of playing a role in the conservation of Britain’s wildlife and improving the environment that we live in.

The children were enthralled by all the different animal visitors, including a Rex rabbit, hedgehog, barn owl, pigeon, ferret and even a rat! However, the star of the day was the mathematical eagle owl, who had the children roaring with laughter, as all answers were ‘twooo’.

Highfield and Brookham Schools, Liphook, GU30 7LQ Tel: 01428 728000

www.braintumourresearch.org/ wearahatday

Horrible Histories at Stagecoach Theatre Arts School Stagecoach Fareham are preparing for a very exciting term this April. Having been given special permission by the show’s writers, students will be working on a production of Horrible Histories to perform at their end of term demo before the professional tour of the show even starts! The show focuses on the “Groovy Greeks” specifically the Gods and Goddesses and will allow the children to learn about them whilst they rehearse for the show.

Hedge End and Fareham classes 02380 465006 Havant classes - 0845 521 3730

St John’s hosts April Whole School Open Event On Saturday 25 April 9.30am – 12.30pm, St John’s will be opening their doors for a Whole School Open Event - the perfect opportunity for parents looking for a Nursery, Reception, Junior, Senior School or Sixth Form to get a feel for St John’s College. With a full programme of activities and demonstrations taking place throughout the morning, parents and children will experience teaching facilities and meet staff while learning about academic provision and cocurricular activities offered at St John’s.

St John’s College, Grove Road South, Southsea, PO5 3QW, 0845 2698804

Get reading and writing!

This spring, delve deep into your bookshelf and read something you’ve never read before, in honour of World Book Day. Throughout March and April schools, libraries and bookshops across the country are holding exciting events and workshops for young readers, plus you can register online for your free book token and choose from titles including Michael Morpurgo’s Best Mates and A Pirate’s Guide to Landlubbing by Jonny Duddle. Don’t miss The Biggest Book Show on Earth at www.worldbookday.com, a series of short videos starring this year’s World Book Day authors, where you can hear them talking about their work. You can also design your very own National Book Token and have your design distributed to bookshops nationwide. Competition closes 17 April 2015.

It’s also International Children’s Book Day on 2 April, the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen himself.

International Children’s Book Day aims to inspire a love of reading from an early age, so check out the website to find out more about all of the events across the country (and the world!), including writing competitions and talks from famous authors and illustrators. You can also find out about a whole host of fabulous children's books you may never have heard of at www.ibby.org

Wicked Young Writers!

Announcing the 5th year of the prestigious Wicked Young Writers’ Award! Get scribbling now for your chance to enter this competition, championed by Patron Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall and judged by a panel including Cressida Cowell, the hugely popular author of the How to Train Your Dragon series.

The competition recognizes excellence in writing, while encouraging creativity and developing writing talent in young people aged between 5-25.

Deadline 18 April 2015, find out more at www.WickedYoungWriters.com

6 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East

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Families Solent East | March/April 2015 | 7

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In a nu

A simple guide to

Life Insurance

Few people rush out to buy life insurance – it’s hardly a glamorous purchase and nobody wants to think about their own death. But a decent life policy is a must-have for people with dependents and other responsibilities. The range of different covers can seem confusing when you don’t know what you need – local Insurance specialist Gareth Birkett from One Direct gives us a guide to the different types of cover available.

Term Assurance

This is the most common type of cover which pays out a fixed amount if you die within the policy term. The cost of this cover varies dependant on your chosen length of cover and pay-out amount.

You can choose that the policy decreases over time, for example to help cover your decreasing mortgage repayments, or increases over the term to keep in line with the rising cost of living. You can also choose for your policy to stay the same throughout the duration.

Family income benefit

If you are looking for cheap, basic cover that is specifically aimed at families, then Family Income Benefit may be the policy for you. This cover pays out an agreed monthly income (from the date of the claim to the end of the policy term) instead of a lump sum. Although described as income, the payments are not subject to income tax. It can even be used for divorced parents, as it ensures that the person receiving maintenance payments will still get a monthly income to help them bring up the children if their former spouse dies.

Whole-of-life policy

This policy will pay out no matter when you die, as long as you keep up with your premium payments. This is usually the most expensive option as the cover lasts as long as you, so is guaranteed to pay out.

Critical illness insurance

This pays out a tax-free lump sum or a regular payment if you suffer from one of the illnesses or injuries specified on your policy. The payment could help cover your mortgage or rent, or other expenses such as alterations to your home for wheelchair access should you need it.

Not all conditions are covered. The policy will also specify how serious the condition must be. Examples of critical illnesses

8 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East

are heart attack, stroke, certain types and stages of cancer, conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Most policies will also pay out if you are permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness. It only pays out once and then the policy ends.

Serious Illness for Children This cover would help cover the costs involved in making life easier for your child should they ever be taken seriously ill. If you take out critical illness cover for yourself, your children are often covered as part of your policy. If your child is diagnosed with one of the illnesses covered by your policy, you'll receive a small lump sum of up to £25,000. The terms of this cover can vary between insurers so it’s best to speak to an adviser.

Income protection

Income protection insurance (which used to be known as permanent health insurance or long-term disability insurance) is a long-term insurance policy designed to support you if you can’t work because you’re ill or injured. It covers a wider range of illness and disability, and gives regular payments until you recover enough to return to work, retire or reach the end of the policy payment term. With income protection insurance, everything depends on getting the right policy – so you’ll probably want to speak to an independent financial adviser or broker.

Over 50's plans

This is a guaranteed life cover for those over the age of 50, these policies are especially aimed at those who have suffered a serious or critical illness. It is available to any UK resident aged between 50 - 80 years old, regardless of medical history. The plan is ideal to cover funeral costs or to leave a lump sum to loved ones.

All pay-outs are tax-free and, because the policy has no end-date, it's guaranteed to pay out if you die as long as it is after the initial deferred period.

tshell Life ins urance contrac is a t betwe an insu en you rer. It c ould pa and cash su y out a m if yo u length of the p die during th e o way to help pro licy. It is a gre at tect you the fina r family ncia from you were l worries they c ou no long er aroun ld face if househ d, such old bil as universit ls, child-care c osts, y fees a nd co mortga ge paym vering ents.

Who needs cover?

Sole breadwinner

Life insurance is an essential purchase if you have a partner or have children who rely on your earnings. For example, if you are the sole breadwinner in the family, without life insurance your loved ones might not be able to fund the mortgage, rent or other day-to-day expenses if you were to die.

Dual earners

What if you and your partner are both employed? You might not think you need life insurance if you are both earners, but would one income be enough to support the household? It’s highly unlikely the bills would decrease in size and number in line with the loss of the deceased’s income, so a joint life insurance policy would be the way to go.

Stay-at-home parent

Life insurance is important even if you are a stay-at-home parent who doesn’t bring an income. Your death could still have a financial impact on the family. Assuming your partner could not afford to give up work, could he or she afford to pay for a nanny or child-minder, for someone to help out with all the other responsibilities involved in running the household?

Top-up your cover

If you already have life insurance, it’s worth checking it’s up to date. You might have arranged the policy several years ago, perhaps when you lived in a smaller house with fewer children. You would therefore need to top up the cover to make sure it meets your current needs.

Remember, that you are only covered by death-in-service benefit while you remain employed by the company. If you are fired, made redundant or change jobs, the cover stops.

Gareth Birkett is principle of One Direct (UK) Ltd based in Fareham Hampshire.

They provide free advice for families on all protection polices mentioned. Contact any of the team on 01489 587880, enquiries@onedirect.co.uk or visit www.one-direct.co.uk

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Families Solent East | March/April 2015 | 9

Post Natal Fitness If you've recently had a baby, no doubt your little bundle of joy has become your sole focus. But it's also important for you to tend to your own health and recovery. Getting back to fitness can boost your confidence, help shift the 'baby weight', increase strength, improve posture and release 'feel good' hormones which can help you deal with the demands of motherhood. In part two of our fitness special, local expert Julia Willmott guides us through the do's and don'ts of post natal exercise.

Before you return to any kind of formal exercise, make sure you get the all clear from your GP/ midwife at your 6 week checkup (this may be later if you’ve had a C section); ask your midwife to check for diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and exercise appropriately. If you have conditions such as symphysis pubis disorder (pelvic girdle pain) make sure you talk to your specialist about what exercises are suitable.

Sleep when your baby sleeps.

Forget the housework, ask a friend to take your other kids to the park and get some shut eye.

Prior to your check up, as long as you’ve not been advised otherwise, you can enjoy walking with baby in the pram, pelvic floor exercises prescribed to you by your midwife, and general active daily living in between feeds and nap times!

Start gradually and take it in your stride.

Your energy levels may be very low to start with, so just take one step at a time, gradually building up intensity.

Be back safe when lifting baby from the crib by coming into a semi squat position, bending knees and lowering the hips behind you, weight through the heels, tummy drawn in, drawing in buttocks, thighs, pelvic floor and tummy as you lift baby.

Stay hydrated, especially if you’re breastfeeding. do the ‘wee test’, check it’s not too dark in colour, a clear sign of dehydration.

Posture – draw shoulders back and down, gently engaging the muscles between the shoulder blades; lengthen through the spine, draw in the deep abdominal muscles from hip bone to hip bone. Favour a rucksack over a shoulder bag to carry nappies etc. to protect your back.

If you’re breast feeding, try to feed the baby before your workout; exercising can promote lactation, which is probably not what you need in the middle of a yoga class!

Avoid high impact aerobic exercise – the relaxin hormone in your body following child birth means that joints are not as stable as before, so choose swimming over Step Aerobics, favouring aerobic exercise which isn’t impacting through the joints too much.

Breathe– it’s vital to allow yourself time to calm the mind in what can be a completely overwhelming experience. When it all gets too much, take 10 deep breaths, focus on drawing the breath into the sides and back of the rib cage, and breathing out fully to expel toxins from the body.

Make it social: check out your local NCT (nct.org.uk) gym and community centre to see if they run post natal fitness classes. Make sure the instructor is REPS registered (exerciseregister.org) and qualified in Pre and Post Natal Exercise.

Julia Willmott is a Pre and Post Natal Exercise Instructor, Pilates Teacher and a member of The Guild of Pregnancy & Post Natal Exercise. She is based in Petersfield Hampshire. Her Pilates classes were recently awarded '2014 Favourite' by Netmums members. Contact info@juliawillmott.com or visit juliawillmott.com

10 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East

Baby on a Budget Families’ tips to save cash 1) Opt for free NHS antenatal classes and join the NCT coffee mornings once your baby arrives.

2) Check you library to see if they also run toy libraries, free music classes for babies, and play areas as well as book corners.

3) Bottle-feeding costs over £500 a year and that’s just the formula! Breastfeeding is free. If you do bottle-feed, save money by not investing in a steriliser and using boilingwater instead. You don’t need a bottle warmer either – use hot water or even better, get your baby used to room-temperature feeds.

4) Tell the world you’re pregnant and you’ll be amazed at what hand-me-downs come your way. Prepare a gift list, or exchange unwanted gifts for something useful.

5) If a lot of your friends have children why not organise your own swapping event? Also, set up a babysitting circle with friends so you never have to fork out for a sitter.

6) It can cost up to £1000 to keep a baby in disposable nappies until they are pottytrained, whereas using reusable nappies costs only a few hundred pounds for baby number one and even less if siblings come along. visit www.goreal.org.uk 7) Hit eBay. Baby clothes and equipment often come in bundles. Join recycling forum Freecycle or other swapping-buying-selling websites such as Nappy Valley or Gumtree.

Buying second hand You can buy almost everything second-hand unless there is a safety issue involved. Most baby gear is used for such a short time, things will be in surprisingly good condition.

Look out for NCT sales and local charity shop.

While cots can be bought second-hand, current guidelines on preventing SIDS suggest that babies should sleep on new clean mattresses.

The Buggy will likely be the most expensive piece of kit. Try out friends before you buy to see how they feel and then look for decent models on a recycling site.

Invest in a second-hand sling for as little as £10, or borrow one – an unbelievable number of mums buy slings brand new and never use them. www.slingmeet.co.uk organises meetups across the UK for mums to test-drive different slings.

Car seats can be bought second-hand but make sure you are confident that the seat has not been in an accident. Go for a convertible one that lasts from birth - 4 years.

Baby & you

‘

Don’t feel that when you are playing with your baby that you are somehow wasting time. You are teaching your baby to become a sociable being!

Baby Play

It’s not just for fun!

Whilst playing with your baby can be fun, it is not at all trivial.

It is one of the main ways in which babies engage with other people, and a fundamental means of developing their social understanding. Lynne Murray tells us more.

How babies play, and the way in which parents can support their play, changes dramatically during their first two years of life. Babies generally become playful from around six weeks, when they start to smile, vocalise and show deliberate facial movements and expressions.

Parents typically find themselves imitating these baby signals, or reacting to them with stereotyped, exaggerated expressions called ‘marking’. These responses are largely automatic, and they help the baby maintain his positive mood and stay engaged. These early exchanges are like ‘conversations,’ and they are a very basic way for babies to sense the connection between their experience and that of someone else one of the basic building blocks of social understanding.

By around four or five months, a baby’s

vision has improved and he or she can focus on things at a distance, and also start to reach out and grab things.

These developments mean that a baby’s interests expand, and the previous, purely social, face-to-face play loses its attraction. This can be disconcerting for parents, as they search for new strategies with which to engage their baby.

This is a stage when body games, like ‘pat-a-cake,’ or ‘round and round the garden’ come into their own. Babies quickly become familiar with the different steps of such games, and most of their pleasure comes from the sense of anticipation and climax. These games, and supporting babies play with toys, represent a new form of social relating for the baby - one where play is about a ‘topic’ that baby and parent share together.

’

Although babies and parents enjoy these body games and toy play, they can also feel something of a ‘one-way-street’ for parents, since the baby typically doesn’t show great interest in the parent themselves. This situation changes from around nine months, as relationships shift from being ‘topic-based’ to being more genuinely two-way and connected.

Now, babies notice more of what their parents are doing, and will typically want to join in and even, in their own way, ‘help.’ They start to follow simple suggestions, and swap roles with their parent in games like ‘peek-a-boo.’ With this change, parents sometimes feel as if their baby has now become a ‘real’ person, and play can become easier and more satisfying.

This more connected phase culminates in the development of genuinely cooperative behaviour and more mature social understanding from around eighteen months, when babies can appreciate that other people have different experiences from their own, as well as different likes and dislikes.

These developments are assisted when parents engage in pretend play, which can support the baby in thinking about the experience of, say, doll characters.

Talking about people’s experiences and their feelings, and the reasons for them, either during play or during activities such as sharing picture books, are also important ways for parents to support the growing social understanding of their baby.

So don’t feel that when you are playing with your baby that you are somehow wasting time. You are teaching your baby to become a sociable being!

Lynne Murray is Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Reading, and author of The Psychology of Babies: How Relationships Support Development from Birth to Two (Constable & Robinson 2014).

Families Solent East | March/April 2015 | 11

Easter days out

From crafts and egg hunts to gazing at the stars! Here’s our ten picks for a great day out with the family this Easter.

Don’t miss our What’s On guide for loads more events!

Longdown Activity Farm Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, SO40 7EH 023 8029 2837

Paultons Park, Home of Peppa Pig World Nr Romsey, SO51 6AL 023 8081 4442 Paultons Family Theme Park is a great value family day out with over 60 rides and attractions including big rides, small rides, play areas, entertainments and a collection of exotic birds and animals all set within 140 acres of the beautiful New Forest National Park. Paultons is of course also home to Peppa Pig World, with 7 amazing Peppa-themed rides! Discounted tickets and official packaged short breaks are only available at the official website. New for 2015 is an exciting new mini-land, CRITTER CREEK. Critter Creek is a fully themed world of strange mixed-up creatures known as the ‘Curious Critters’!

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Chichester, PO18 0EU, 01243 811348 Step back in time and experience the Tudor (and traditional) Easter celebrations of ordinary folk. The Museum’s fun-packed schedule offers activities for the whole family to enjoy: Easter cooking in the Tudor kitchen, egg painting, bonnet making and a traditional Bonnet Parade and comedic Punch & Judy show on Easter Monday. The Bayleaf farmstead with its adjoining Winkhurst Tudor kitchen offers an impressive backdrop to the Easter activities. The long-established Good Friday Bake in the Tudor kitchen will begin the weekend’s celebrations, with the firing-up of the bread oven.

From 3rd April to 6th April, celebrate Easter at Longdown Farm surrounded by chicks, lambs and Easter bunnies! Join in with the fabulous Egg trail and receive a chocolate treat at the end. Also keep a look out for the very special golden eggs: ten will be hidden around the Farm at the beginning of each day, you’ll get a special prize if you find one! On Easter Sunday only any child arriving in their own Easter bonnet will be charged a special concessionary rate of just £5.00* each (under 3s are free). Running throughout the school holidays will also be a full schedule of activities including bottle-feeding the kid goats and calves, meeting the pigs and hand-feeding ducks. Children can collect real newly laid eggs, hold fluffy yellow chicks and cuddle baby bunnies. Plenty of indoor and outdoor play areas.

Fort Nelson Portsdown Hill, Fareham PO17 6AN 01329 233734

South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre Sir Patrick Moore Building, Kingsham Farm, Chichester, PO19 8RP 01243 774400 or 07818 297292.

This imposing Victorian fort is home to the Royal Armouries’ national collection of artillery – The Big Guns.

With free parking and free admission, the museum’s displays trace the development of artillery from pregunpowder siege machines to modernday super guns with over 350 on display. There are tunnels and ramparts to discover plus fascinating galleries and exhibitions. Set high on top of Portsdown Hill the Fort has some of the best panoramic views of the Solent and the Meon Valley. After you’ve explored the Fort why not take time to relax in Cafe 1871 – open daily for teas, coffees and hot and cold snacks (children’s menu available). Daily gun-firing 1pm.

Journey to the Stars with an exciting range of star shows at the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester. With a magnificent star projector, which displays over 4,500 pinpoint stars on the dome above your head, the shows ‘Springtime Stars, Moon and Planets’, 'The Easter Night Sky' and ‘Springtime Stars and Galaxies’ will showcase the wonders of the night sky at this time, and are suitable for would-be stargazers aged 7 and upwards. See amazing pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope to mark its stunning 25 years in orbit. Other shows include ‘Seven Wonders of the Solar System’ and ‘Giant Jupiter, King of the Planets’ and ‘The Northern Lights’.

12 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East

The Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, PO1 3TT 023 9285 7520 Spinnaker Tower presents an event with the best ingredient ever: Chocolate! From 28th March – 19th April visitors are invited to take part in birthdaythemed chocolate decorating, helping the iconic Tower celebrate 10 years of welcoming visitors to experience the stunning views. Each guest will be presented a sweet treat and invited to decorate it to a Birthday, Easter or Spring-time theme. Prizes will be given to the best decorated treats made at the Tower and those at home can also get creative by baking a Birthday Cake for the Tower’s special day.

All entries should be posted to Spinnaker Tower’s Facebook page or to the @spinnakertower Twitter feed with the hashtag #HappyBirthdaySpinnaker.

Royal Navy Submarine Museum Haslar Jetty Road, Gosport, PO12 2AS 023 9251 0354 Portsmouth Historic Dockyards Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, PO1 3LJ 02392 728060 Royal Marines Museum Esplanade, Southsea, PO4 9PX 023 9281 9385

STER

PRISES!

Mar Apr 3pm

Between the Royal Marines Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum we are spoilt for choice when it comes to days out enriched with our areas naval heritage. Join in with Crafty Commandos and make marine life finger puppets at the Royal Marines Museum, family fun Easter Egg activities at Action Stations at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Easter Egg trails at the RNSM and loads more!

Check our What’s On guide for details.

Fishbourne Roman Palace Roman Way, Chichester, PO19 3QR 01243 785859 From Monday 30th March – Friday 3rd April, 11am – 3pm, families will be able to take part in many activities. Make a Roman sundial and use it to tell the time, spin wool into yarn and have a go at making a fluffy pom-pom chick, try Roman writing, make a Roman wreath & toSpringtime celebrate crafts spring and play Roman an Easter treasure games. canthe also hunt for the Roamin’ hunt You around Palace grounds Rabbits hidden around the Palace grounds and solve a puzzle to win a prize! Imagine the luxury that would once have surrounded the proud owner of the largest Roman home in Britain.

Staunton Country Park Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB 023 9245 3405 Let the kids loose in 1,000 acres of landscaped parkland then take a stroll around the Farm and feed the friendly animals. From 3rd – 6th April there’s an Easter Trail, animal encounters and crafts. Take part in the Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday and meet the Easter Bunny! With an excellent outdoor play area and George’s indoor Play Barn, it is a great value day out. (Don’t miss the ‘Kids go free’ voucher on page 15!)

Make a teasel hedgehog, a fairy shelter or a clay gnome!

Learning with Nature is a lovely book that stands out from the rest - a how-to guide to inspire children with nature. You’ll find a wealth of ideas and activities to do in nature; games, crafts, recipes, skills, woodcraft, tracking etc. all with hidden learning. Written by experienced Forest School practitioners and suitable for children aged between 3 and 16, the games and activities are clearly categorized, with step-by-step instructions, age guide, a list of resources needed, and invisible learning points.

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Mid-Hants Railway - Watercress Line Station Road, Alresford, SO24 9JG 01962 733810 Day Out with Thomas 3 - 12 April. Thomas & Friends return to the Watercress Line for more family fun!

Shake hands with the Fat Controller, meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, take part in Thomas themed activities and ride the big steam trains all day! FREE Thomas sticker and certificate for every child! FREE Thomas activities, bouncy slide, tea cup ride, children’s entertainer and Thomas tattoos! FREE rides with Thomas, Toad and Diesel! It’s a great value family day out, not to be missed! Make their day a Day Out With Thomas and book your tickets online at www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk to get your free gift or simply pay on the day. Fares, to include all day travel on the trains and all FREE entertainment.

Families Solent East | March/April 2015 | 13

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14 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East

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What’s On Your guide to all the best family events this March & April

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. Please contact venues in advance to check full details.

4 March - 1 April

Makaton With Your Baby

Local & Naval Studies Centre, Gosport. PO12 1NS

10 – 11am on Wednesdays.

An introduction to the use of Makaton; signs are taught in a relaxed atmosphere using songs, stories and rhymes with your child (age 4 - 18 months).

You must have a child in this age bracket to attend the sessions with you. No previous knowledge is required. £20 for 5 week course.

5 March

World Book Day

National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Dockyard

11am – 4pm. A day of fun for little book worms. Come along to the museum to celebrate World Book Day with sea themed art and craft and of course storytelling. You can even dress your little one up as a character from their favourite book! Drop in activity throughout the day with story times at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. FREE activity no ticket required.

5 March

Story Explorers

Search, 50 Clarence Road, Gosport. PO12 1BU

4 to 6pm (last entry 5.30pm).

Celebrate World Book Day after School. Explore the museum’s collections with fun activities linked into famous books. Lots to do and make, with dressing up and reading too! Free – no need to book.

EASTER SURPRISES!

Springtime crafts & an Easter treasure hunt around the Palace grounds

Mon 30 Mar Fri 3 Apr 11am - 3pm

Spot the dot for free events!

7 March

Megson Family Folk Show

The Spring Arts & Heritage, East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS

2:30 pm. Award-winning folk duo Megson perform a gentle and entertaining concert especially for children. This 45 minute concert features classic folk songs alongside original material from the duo’s When I was a Lad album. £8 adults, £5 children.

7 - 8 March

World War II Weekend

Action Stations, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

10am - 5pm. WWII military and model boat displays, Love Southsea Vintage Market, Highbury College fashion show or performance, hair & fashions inspired by 30’s & 40’s, cooking with rations display, Fine Voice Singers Academy sing-along performance, costumed characters (Festival Players), family Challenge activity and Special Interest Tours.

Free for all Action Stations or Historic Dockyard ticket holders. Event only tickets also available, please call (023) 9289 3338, email: laserquest@ actionstations.org or contact www.actionstations.org for further information or to book.

PO19 3QR 01243 785859 w w w. s u s s e x p a s t . c o. u k

Meet Bank our new arrivals Holiday Fun at the Farm!

KIDS GO FREE!

So much to do at Staunton Country Park:

*

Hand in this advert to our Visitor Centre to receive offer

• Meet our friendly farm animals • Explore our rainforest experience

So much Eggstravaganza to see and nd do: Easter

farm animals � Meet our friendly 3rd April – 6thyApril forest Explore our rainforest •�Turn up and take part in our Easter experience activities and crafts •�Take our Egg fulHunt on Easter Visitpart ourinbeautiful Sunday and receive a treat from the om gardens in bloom Easter Bunny! � Enjoy our 1,000 acres of

rkland landscape parkland Step into Spring!

4th April 19thGeorge's April Play y Barn � New for–2012 • Turn and take in area! our Spring play ourup indoor softpart trails, activities and crafts

Middle Park Way, Havant, avant, Hampshire Hamps pshire PO9 5HB HB Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire PO9 5HB Tel: 023 92 45 3405. www.hants.gov.uk/staunton Tel: 023 9245 3405. www.hants.gov.uk/staunton *Up to two FREE children with every full paying adult. *Up to two FREE children with every full paying adult.

Valid until : 8th June 2012. Code: ST09 Valid until : 30th April 2015.Code: FS02

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STAUNTON Families Solent East | March/April 2015 | 15

What’s on 8 March

14 March

Tangled (2010) The Kings Theatre, Southsea

2:00pm. When the kingdom’s most wanted-and most charming-bandit Flynn Rider hides out in a mysterious tower, he is taken hostage by Rapunzel, a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair.

12 March

Northern Lights

South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

7:30pm. Journey north to the frozen wastes of the Arctic Circle and watch electrified particles from the Sun spiralling down into the upper atmosphere, where they generate the wonderful colours of the Aurora Borealis or ‘Northern Lights’. Come to the Planetarium to understand how eruptions on the Sun cause displays of the Northern Lights, and how these are visible from the ground as faint glows, coloured arcs or, at their most spectacular, coloured rays and bands of aurora light dancing back and forth across the night sky. Find out when are the best times to see the Northern Lights, where the best places are to see them, and when they might once again be visible from Southern England.

14 March

Story Time Special – Guess How Much I Love You

Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT

11am to 12 noon. Come along and make your Mum a special mobile to give to her on Mother’s Day. Suitable for under 10s accompanied by an adult. Free – no need to book, but places are limited.

14 March

Eclipses of the Sun and This Week’s Solar Eclipse

South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

3:30pm. Please contact the planetarium for details of this show. Tel. 01243 774400.

Red Nose Day at Portsmouth Watersports Centre Eastern Road, PO3 5LY

Kayak or stand up paddle board for a mile around Langstone Harbour, or attempt to climb the equivalent of Ben Nevis on our Climbing wall! £5 entry (money to Red Nose Day) Ages 8 and up for water activity or 7 and up for the wall. Booking required, limited space only: 02392 663873.

14 March

Solskate Roller Disco

Fareham Leisure Centre, PO16 7JU

5pm - 9pm. Fun for all the family (suitable for all ages) includes music, disco lighting and games with prizes to be won. / Adults - £5.50 / Children Under 14 - £4 / Family of 4 £16 / Skate Hire £2. www.solskate.co.uk 07810 201640.

14 March

Stones and Bones The Spring Arts Centre, Havant

11:30am. Stones and Bones is a marvellous mix of history and mystery! Find out all about archaeology and fossils, say hello to one of your stone-age ancestors, hear stories of giants and wizards, see a volcano erupting before your very eyes, and maybe even glimpse a dinosaur or two…lots of laughs, plenty of puppets, songs, slapstick, tall tales and crazy characters. Suitable for children aged 5+, 50 minutes show.

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16 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East

Paultons Park 15 – 20 March

Historical Clothing Exhibition

Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Chichester PO18 0EU

An exhibition of authentic traditional clothes created as part of our Historic Clothing Project. Researchers and volunteers will be explaining and demonstrating needlework techniques throughout the event. www.wealddown.co.uk 01243 811348.

16 March

When Magic and Science Collide

Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT

6 to 8pm. Amazing tricks inspired by astounding science.

Oliver Meech meddles with forces we barely understand in a comedy magic show for the QI generation. Suitable for ages 7 -107! Tickets £4.

Telephone booking line 023 9252 3463.

17 – 21 March Oliver!

Ferneham Hall, Fareham

Fareham Musical Society are delighted to be bringing “Oliver!” to Ferneham Hall Theatre. To book tickets, please contact the theatre on 01329 231942 or you can book on line at fernehamhall.co.uk

18 March

Under Five Fossil Hunters!

Local & Naval Studies Centre, High Street, Gosport.

2 -2:45pm. Enjoy a story, a dinosaur quest, fossil rubbing and make your own mini Monty Mammoth.

For Under Five’s with their parent or carer.

Free with £1 donation requested to make a mammoth; Just Drop In

21 March

Perfect Periscopes Royal Navy Submarine Museum 11am – 3pm. As part of British Science Week take a look through different periscopes, discover how they work and make one of your own to take home. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

21 March

Search for Science

Search, 50 Clarence Road, Gosport. PO12 1BU

10.30am to 2.30pm (last entry 2pm). The hands-on centre is setting up a selection of its most popular science activities for you to get to grips with. A special for National Science and Engineering Week. Tickets £2 per participating child on the door, accompanying adults free. Just drop in.

21 March

Cowes Spring Fayre Trinity Theatre, Cowes, IOW.

10am to 1pm. Annual Spring Fayre - enjoy the stalls including, cakes, toys, jewellery, raffle, tombola, books, Premier Cards and mouth watering refreshments. Everyone welcome.

21 March

Solskate Roller Disco

Fareham Leisure Centre, PO16 7JU 01329 233652

5pm-9pm . Fun for all the family (suitable for all ages) includes music, disco lighting and games with prizes to be won. / Adults - £5.50 / Children Under 14 - £4 / Family of 4 £16 / Skate Hire £2.

07810 201640.

What’s On

21 and 28 March

Zentangle Inspired Art – A Fun Family Course

Local & Naval Studies Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1NS

Springtime Stars, Moon and Planets South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

7.30pm. On late Winter and early Springtime evenings we can see some magnificent star patterns including Orion, the Hunter, and his retinue. There is also a fine display of planets.

Mercury may be glimpsed low down in the south-western sky and the crescent Moon on the 25th and 26th March. To cap it all, the lovely Red Planet Mars will be visible all night long during March. Come to the Planetarium to find out more about all these exciting events.

27 March

Jurassic Adventures Kings Theatre, Southsea

11:30am & 4:30pm. The most exciting family show since time began. A new production set on a magical island where anything might happen! With a brave cast of amazing actors, a great fun script, superb scenery, and of course DINOSAURS. Get transported to a prehistoric place full of fun, thrills and screams, be amazed and awed by the birth of a baby Dinosaur, but beware of the T. REX mother who wants her egg back! For all the family from age 3+

EASTER EGG TRAILS

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY! 3rd - 6th Apr il

00 EASTER Sunday Only. Just £5.

Entry FOR ANY CHILD WEARING THEIR OWN EASTER BONNET*

PLUS: Hands-on farm activities run throughout Easter and the school holidays. 10am - 5pm. Indoor and outdoor play areas.

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

For event details & much more click onto:

www.longdownfarm.co.uk

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* Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer

28 March – 19 April

10th Birthday Celebrations

The Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, PO1 3TT

Help the Spinnaker Tower celebrate its 10th birthday with chocolate decorating. More details on page 12.

MOTHERING SUNDAY

29 March - 12 April

Kids go free at Isle of Wight Steam Railway

£5 ENT

27 March

Enjoy a springtime trip down the canal and meet the elusive Easter Bunny. A personalised present and chocolate bunny for the children, refreshments and fun for everyone! Three trips each day departing from the Chichester Canal Basin at 11.00am, 1.15pm and 3.30pm.

Booking essential! 01273 906 330.

Free!

£5 15 MARCH

•

10am – 12.30pm. The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

No previous knowledge or experience required. All materials will be provided but a resources cost will apply. £20 for 2 week course.

Canal Basin, Chichester, PO19 8DT

3s Are

TRY

RY • £

11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm.

Celebrate Shakespeare week with us! Try your hand at writing with a quill pen. Suitable for children over 6 yrs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

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Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

28 March - 6 April

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Shakespeare Week

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21 – 22 March

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Haven Street, Ryde

Kids Go Free over the Easter holiday period. Enjoy a great day out with the children at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway!

Take a train ride, perhaps hop off at one of our stations for a walk in the countryside, explore our Train Story Discovery Centre.

30 March

Easter Family Activity – ‘Feathered Friends’

Weald & Downland Open Air Museum Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0EU www.wealddown.co.uk | Tel: 01243 811348

Chichester Cathedral, PO19 1PX

10.00am – 3.00pm. Activities working with the RSPB. No need to book just come along to the Eastern Arm of the Cloisters.

30 March - 3 April Easter Surprises!

Fishbourne Roman Palace Chichester, PO19 3QR

11am – 3pm. Join in with springtime crafts and an Easter treasure hunt around the Palace grounds. See page 13 for more details or call 01243 785859

31 March

Springtime Stars, Moon and Planets South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

3.30pm. See details on 27th March or call 01243 774400 www.southdowns.org.uk

SPRING AT ASPEX We’ve got loads going on for all the family.

Our After School clubs on Wednesdays in term time are back again.

There is also Holiday Art Club for 8-13s in Half Term.

0-5s can get involved with Mini Makers every Wednesday morning 11am. See our website for more information!

artists start at

Take advantage of our longer opening hours After School Dates: on the weekend.

Wednesdays in termtime.

Sessions run from 4 - 5.30.

Holiday Art Club Dates: 16th April, 10am-3pm

Booking Info:

Call 023 9277 8080 or email vicky@aspex.org.uk info, prices and to book.

Find us in Portsmouth’s Gunwharf Quays - we’ve got a great child friendly Cafe too!

www.aspex.org.uk Families Solent East | March/April 2015 | 17

What’s On 3 – 17 April (excluding weekends)

4 April

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Over 1,000 little ducks will race on the river by Yar Bridge in Yarmouth. Tickets £1 available from: Holdings, Harwoods, the Pharmacy and from the Sailing Club on the day. Cash prizes to be won!

3 – 19 April

Story Time Special ~ The Great Easter Egg Scramble

Tudor Games

3 - 6 April

Easter Egg Activities

Action Stations, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

10am - 5:30pm. Action Stations is pleased to be part of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s annual Easter Egg Trail. Time to dust off your bunny ears and join us in Action Stations for our family fun Easter craft activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE with a valid museum ticket.

3 – 6 April

The Museum at Easter

31 March

The Teddy Bear Doctors

Portsmouth Museum, Museum Road, PO1 2LJ

10.30am - 2.30pm. Bring your teddy bear along for free advice on identification, age or ‘clinical’ needs from local experts and restorers, Julie and Amanda from Bear it in Mind. Free admission - Small charge for repairs carried out on the day. Demonstrations of traditional bear making techniques throughout the day.

No need to book, just drop in.

2 April

HMS Victory’s Weapons

HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm.

Find out about the different types of weapons used during the Battle of Trafalgar and the skills needed to operate them.

FREE with a valid ticket. Drop in, all ages welcome.

2 April

The Easter Full Moon

South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

3.30pm. Please contact the planetarium for details of this show. Tel. 01243 774400.

3 April

The Easter Night Sky

South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

7.30pm. Please contact the planetarium for details of this show. Tel. 01243 774400.

Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Chichester PO18 0EU Join us to celebrate Easter as our rural forebears did. See page 12 for more details call 01243 811348.

3 – 6 April

Easter Egg Trail On board HMS Warrior 1860

10.30am - 4.30pm. The Easter Bunny has hopped all over the ship, leaving a trail of Easter Eggs behind him. Solve the clues to find the Easter Eggs hidden on HMS Warrior 1860.

FREE with a valid ticket.

3 - 6 April

Easter at the farm!

Longdown Activity Farm Ashurst, SO40 7EH

Celebrate Easter at Longdown Farm surrounded by chicks, lambs and Easter bunnies!

More details on page 12.

3 and 6 April

Chocolate Easter Egg ‘Bombs’ Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, Gosport

11am - 3pm. Come and make a chocolate Easter egg ‘bomb’ with a popping candy centre.

FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

3 - 12 April

Day Out with Thomas

Watercress Line, Alresford, SO24 9JG

Thomas & Friends return to the Watercress Line for more family fun! See page 13 for more details. Or call 01962 733810.

18 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East

11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm.

Turn back the clock and learn how to play traditional Tudor games. Children must be accompanied by an adult Free with a Museum ticket.

Family Activity Area

On board HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 10am - 4.30pm. Once the lower deck mess and schoolroom for young officers, Warrior’s Gun Room is now somewhere you can bring your young “sailors” for R&R. Enjoy themed art and craft activities, costumed role play as sailors swabbing the decks and colouring and quiz sheets. FREE with a valid ticket.

3 - 19 April

Crafty Commandos

Royal Marines Museum, Southsea

11am – 4pm. Join us this Easter as we make marine life finger puppets to take home with you. Free with a Museum ticket.

3 - 19 April

Where’s Wilf Easter Trail?

National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

10am - 5pm. Wilfred the Rabbit lived on board HMS Centurion but this Easter holiday he is hiding somewhere in our galleries. Can you follow the clues to track him down in this self-guided activity? Mini rabbit hunters can also borrow our Under 5s Sensory Bunny Bag to help them explore the museum. Trails available from the museum front desks. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

3 - 19 April

Easter Puzzle Trail

Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, Gosport

10am – 5pm. Can you see all the egg shaped clues in the museum galleries and discover what word they spell? Pick up a trail sheet at the front desk and take part in this self-guided activity. Every day throughout the school holiday. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

Easter Saturday Duck Race Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

4 April

Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT

11am to 12 noon. The Easter Bunny’s in a muddle come and see what happens and make an Easter basket. Suitable for under 10s accompanied by an adult. Free – no need to book, but places are limited.

4 April

The Dragon’s Tale

The Spring Arts & Heritage, East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS

2:30pm. The Dragon’s Tale is an original and whimsical reinterpretation of the story of St George and the Dragon, told in a series of flashbacks by the ageing Dragon, and his troupe of glove puppets. Suitable for children age 4–8 and their family and friends.

5 April

Ickle Bambino Baby Raves

The Square Tower, Portsmouth, PO1 2ND

A fun, family afternoon out with top local DJs playing a range of great music, anything with a good beat. Parties feature a host of engaging activity areas. Dancefloor, tea rooms and craft area.

Tickets available via Facebook community page. / Adults £4.00 / Children £3.00 1 - 7 years of age / Babies under 1 are free. Call 07519 505785.

5 – 6 April

Mad Easter Egg Dash!

Robin Hill Adventure Park & Gardens, Newport, Isle of Wight

Children of all ages are invited to take part in this fun Easter egg hunt where no-one ever goes home disappointed!

Prizes include a range of different size eggs. Our special friends the Easter Bunny and Big Bird will also be on hand to make sure the dash goes off with a bang! The ‘Mad Easter

What’s On Egg Dash’ takes place on both days at midday and we ask you arrive at the park in good time if you wish to take part.

6 April

and bird costumes for our fledgling visitors. Tickets £2 per participating child on the door, accompanying adults free. Just drop in.

7 - 9 April

Seven Wonders of the Solar System.

Commando Fit

South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

Royal Marines Museum

3.30pm. Explore our planetary neighbours. From the searing surface of our Sun, we head past beautiful blue Earth to the grandest volcanoes and most spectacular canyons in the Solar System, then on to some quite remarkable moons of Jupiter, and finally to the glorious rings of Saturn, and yet more remarkable moons.

7 April

11am and 2pm. Do you have what it takes to get Commando Fit this Easter? Try out a Royal Marines style physical training session to see how fit you really are. Take part on the Royal Marines Museum assault course, or even work as part of a team to complete the legendary Royal Marine log run. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

EASTER AT SPINNAKER TOWER FRIDAY 3 TO SUNDAY 19 APRIL

7 - 9 April

Twitter!

Easter Egg Trail

Search, 50 Clarence Road, Gosport. PO12 1BU

Royal Navy Submarine Museum

11am - 3pm. Take part in our egg-citing trail. Can you find all the clues around the museum that will lead you to the Easter eggs? FREE with a valid Museum ticket

10am to 1pm. Hands-on activity to help you learn more about our feathered friends, plus a make and take art activity. Lots of fun

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THEIR STORIES HMS VICTORY Nelson’s flagship

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Families Solent East | March/April 2015 | 19

What’s On FORT NELSON FREE MUSEUM ENTRY

8 April

HOME OF THE BIG GUNS

South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

Springtime Stars and Galaxies 3.30pm. On Spring evenings we can look beyond the veil of stars in our own galaxy, the Milky Way. As we look out into the wider universe we see countless other galaxies, many like our own, but many that are quite different. Come and explore this cosmic ‘zoo’ dwarf galaxies, giant galaxies, weird galaxies, and some with supermassive black holes at their hearts. For more info call Tel. 01243 774400.

8 April

The Great War Walk - the Dockyard during WW1 www.royalarmouries.org

A massive Victorian Fort to explore | Cafe 1871 | Over 350 big guns on display | Daily gun-firing 1pm | School holiday activities

In partnership with

Home of Thomas & FriendsTM toys

National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Dockyard

11.30am - 12.30pm and 2.30pm - 3.30pm. One hour guided family walk around the Dockyard. What was life like for the men and women who worked in Portsmouth Dockyard during WW1? Led by costumed guides this walk will explore some of the hidden histories of ordinary people at war. FREE event but spaces are limited to 30 per tour. The tour is suitable for children from 7 years. To book email families@ nmrn.org.uk or contact 023 9272 7584.

8 April

Heroes – Ships’ Cats & Dogs National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Dockyard

11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm.

Join us to find out more about the spy cats and well - dressed dogs who served in the Royal Navy and meet our real life museum mascot Tiggy the Jack Russell. You can also make your very own cat or dog mascot to take home. FREE, drop in, no ticket required, all ages welcome.

9 and 16 April Join Thomas & FriendsTM at a heritage Railway near you.

Experience a ride on a real steam engine and take part in Thomas-themed activities.

MID HANTS RAILWAY ‘WATERCRESS LINE’ Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JG

3RD - 12TH 2015

www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk

Day Out With ThomasTM Thomas the Tank EngineTM. Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W. Awdry. © 2015 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Thomas & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. © 2015 HIT Entertainment Limited.

20 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East

Animal Magic!

HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm.

Explore the myths and legends about animals at sea. Learn more about these and the power of animal magic. Make your own lucky animal charm to take home too. FREE with valid ticket. Drop in, all ages welcome.

10 April

The Hunt for Earth-like Planets and Life

South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

7.30pm. Please contact the planetarium for details of this show. Tel. 01243 774400.

10, 13 and 17 April Naval Pigeon Heroes

Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower

11am - 3pm. Discover the story of the heroic pigeons trained to carry messages. Make a pigeon puppet of your own and see if you can find the chocolate eggs in the giant pigeon nest.

FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

11 – 12 April

Shepherding & Shepherds’ Huts

Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Chichester PO18 0EU

An event focused on shepherds’ huts and their agricultural applications.

The character and charm of shepherd’s huts has made them incredibly popular as a modern, moveable space and some inspirational new builds will also be on display. The event will also encompass the skills, traditions and culture of the downland shepherds. Call 01243 811348.

12 April

Island Steam Day Havenstreet, Ryde, Isle Of Wight

10am – 4pm. Head back to the 1940s when lorry transport was in its infancy, to discover how the railways provided all our daily transport, taking food from the farm to the factory to the shops, and distributing goods and products from the ports to the towns.

13 April

Toddler Tours

National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Dockyard

11am – 12noon. Join in for short tours just for the under 5’s and their adults. Delving into our sensory Discovery Bag the museum is brought to life with singing, object handling and imagination. A chance to explore the museum at your child’s pace with a different theme for each tour and play time in the Cabin area included.

FREE but places are limited

What’s On and need to be booked in advance by emailing families@ nmrn.org.uk or calling 023 9272 7587. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All tours leave from main Museum Reception.

14 April

HMS M33 – Battleships and Gun Batteries

HMS M33, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

11am - 4pm. Take part in our giant version of World War One battleships in the Victory arena. Who can take command and sink the most enemy ships? FREE drop in, no ticket required.

14 - 16 April

Commando Fit Royal Marines Museum

11am and 2pm. Do you have what it takes to get Commando Fit this Easter?

Try out a Royal Marines style physical training session to see how fit you really are. Take part on the Royal Marines Museum assault course or even work as part of a team to complete the legendary Royal Marine log run. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

14 - 16 April

Treats, Sweets and Sea-lions Royal Navy Submarine Museums 11am – 3pm. Discover the story of the heroic sea-lions trained to find U-boats. Then win yourself a treat by playing our game of throw, catch and balance on the sea-lion’s nose.

FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

15 April

Animal Heroes-Wildlife at Sea National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Dockyard

11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm.

How do you keep a bear amused at sea and what does a leopard eat in the middle of the South Atlantic? Keep yourself amused by making a wild animal mobile to take home. FREE with a valid Museum ticket. Drop in, all ages welcome.

17 April The Northern Lights

South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

7.30pm. See details on previous 12th March listing.

19 April

The Northern Lights

South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

3.30pm. See details on previous 12th March listing.

24 - 26 April

“Amazing, Beautiful, Crazy: The Universe as revealed by the Hubble Space Telescope” South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

A weekend of Special Events to Celebrate Hubble’s 25 Years in Orbit. on the 24th at 7.30pm - Hubble’s 25 Glorious Years: Exploring the Solar System/ 25th at 1.30pm - Views from the Top 100 Best Hubble Images/ 25th at 3.30pm Hubble’s 25 Glorious Years: Birth, Life and Death of Stars/ 26th at 1.30pm - More Views from the Top 100 Best Hubble Images/ 26th at 3.30pm Hubble’s 25 Glorious Years: To the End of the Universe.

25 April

Show of Bravery Royal Navy Submarine Museum

11am - 3pm. A mini display and activity marking 100 years since the start of the Gallipoli campaign and focusing on the patrol by Boyle VC in HMS E14.

25 – 26 April

Beam Engine House Open Day Eastney, Portsmouth

See the magnificent Boulton and Watt Beam Engine in its original site and in steam.

2 May

Goodwood Opening Saturday Goodwood, Chichester

Opening Saturday will for the first time, feature a food festival alongside an established seven-race card.

Enjoy fabulous food and top racing action at the new Food Festival event. Tickets from £10. Free child admission, Free access to playground, lots of Live music & entertainment.

For tickets or hospitality call 01243 216610 quoting ‘Families’

STD MAP 84x120mm

90710 CHICH>AG>2.3.11

G O O DWO O D R AC E C O U R S E 19 fabulous days of horseracing & family fun including: Opening Saturday – Sat 2 May Enjoy fabulous food and top racing action at our new Food Festival event.

Sunday School – Sun 7 June A day of fun, inspiring activities as well as thrilling racing – ideal for families.

August Bank Holiday – Fri 28 – Sun 30 August Family entertainment and racing plus a spectacular fireworks display on Friday.

Tickets from £10 Free child admission • Free access to playground • Live music & entertainment For tickets or hospitality call 01243 216610 quoting ‘Families’

www.goodwood.com

Families Solent East | March/April 2015 | 21

What’s On

Holiday Workshops and Camps SSA Easter Holiday Camps GOALS Portsmouth Weekdays during the holidays 9:15am – 3pm Ages 5-12 £12.50 per day Call 07889 196834 GOALS have a plethora of experience running camp days catering for children at all stages of development from beginner through to elite level. For more information visit their Facebook page Soccer Scholar Academy Juniors

Friday 27th March 11:30am & 4:30pm

www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk

Tickets £18*, £16* | Conc £2 off

Box Office 023 9282 8282

Super Camps West Hill Park School Titchfield, PO14 4BS and Kingscourt School, Catherington, PO8 9NJ Weekdays during the holidays Ages 6 + 9am – 5pm (8am – 6pm drop off available) Call 01235 467300 Activities include sports, arts & crafts. Up to 8 activities per day - No 2 days the same! Book individual days or full weeks. Receive discount for booking 10 days + www.supercamps.co.uk

Maths/English Tuition & Trampolining /Tennis

Win!! A family weekend ticket to Victorious Festival 2015!

The Flaming Lips, Tinie Tempah, Basement Jaxx, Texas, The Fratellis, Ella Eyre, The Magic Numbers, Peter Hook & The Light, Hayseed Dixie, Bipolar Sunshine, Ben Ottewell (Gomez), The Amazing Snakeheads, Honeyblood plus many more acts to be confirmed for this years festival.

Last year saw over 70,000 visitors to the festivals new, stunning seaside location on Southsea Seafront. Your ticket gives access to all the music stages, the beer festival and the Kids rena onsite as well as the nearby Southsea Castle and Lighthouse, The D-Day Museum, The Blue Reef Aquarium and Southsea Skatepark the biggest problem is how to fit everything in to the weekend!

Early Bird tickets (£18 per adult per day, £6 for 5-15 year olds and £1 for under 5’s) remain on offer until 3rd April via www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

We have two family weekend tickets to give away!

Enter online at: www.familiessolenteast.co.uk/competitions

22 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East

Maths and English Booster Classes Kip McGrath Education Centre, Portsmouth Mon - Fri 13 - 17th April 2 hours per day 9-11am Ages 6-16 £195 per week Call 023 92 755923 Trampolining and Tennis Priory School, Portsmouth Mon - Fri 13 - 17th April Ages 6-12 3 hours per day 12 - 3pm £75 per week Call 077 04 189077 Kip McGrath are teaming up with Portsmouth Schools Trampolining again this Easter for a mixed day camp of fun sports and tuition. For older children they also have GCSE revision activities. Children are dropped off at 9am at the Kip McGrath Education Centre with a packed lunch and then picked up again at 3pm for Priory School next door.

Your children will be supervised throughout the day by our tutors and the qualified adults from Portsmouth Schools Trampolining. Book your child on both holiday activities for a spacial rate of £240- call 023 92 755923

Holiday workshops & Camps Circus School Gosport Discovery Centre 14th – 16th April 9:30am - 3:30pm Ages 7 - 12 £40 for 3 days Call 023 9242 3615

3 Day Drama Workshop The Spring Arts Centre Havant 15th - 17th April Age 10 – 16 10:30am – 3pm £60 for 3 days Call 023 9247 2700

During the 3 days, children will learn how to juggle, diablo and spin plates and have a go at acrobatics and balancing!

On the last day children will perform a short circus show for friends and family. (Please bring a packed lunch)

Spend three days working with a drama specialist. Develop your own characters, stories and scripts and work towards performing your very own play in our professional theatre, with a real stage, lights and a live audience.

Camp Adventure Portsmouth Watersports Centre, Eastern Road 9:30am – 5pm weekly Ages 7 + £25 per day Call 023 9266 3873

Kingswood Camps Bembridge, Isle of Wight 29 March – 12 April 3, 4 or 7 night residential stays Ages 8-17 From £199 - £439 Call 0800 655 6560

Kayaking, the climbing wall with high ropes, den building, beach safari, crate stacking, outdoor sports, raft building, competitions, bushcraft skills, and much more. www.portsmouthwatersports.com

Young Artists and Holiday Art Club Aspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays 9th April 10am - 3pm Ages 11-15, £18 for the day

Join the Aspex participation team in this one day workshop inspired by Jim Howieson’s exhibition ‘Vacation’.

16th April 10am - 3pm Ages 7-11, £18 for the day

Looking at the work of children’s book illustrator Neal Layton, join in with this fun packed day to create and illustrate your own stories.

Residential camp - crashing waves meet high adventure.

Isle of Wight is the ultimate setting for watersports enthusiasts and beach lovers. Specialist watersports camp, Indoor swimming pool, 3G Swing and over 52 activities!

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

Where the action never stops Monday-Friday • 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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

01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk

Families Solent East | March/April 2015 | 23

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24 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East