Issue 48 septoct families solent east

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Issue 48 | September/October 2013 www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

Solent East The back to school issue

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2 Families Solent East September/October 2013

contents

Welcome We’ve experienced the highs and the lows of the holidays and have, after some frantic searching, found the PE kit and book bag we carefully put away in a ‘safe place’ six weeks ago - now it’s time to start afresh with a brand new school year!

In this issue we have a very special competition, which we are running alongside Lorraine Morgan Photography of Portsmouth, to celebrate the 50th issue of Families magazine coming out in January 2014! See page 5 for more details.

I hope you had a lovely, relaxing summer and that the return to early morning chaos isn’t too painful!

4 News & views Local news for you and your

family

7 The benefits of Inclusion

Rachael Ross of Portsmouth

Down Syndrome Association,

explains the importance of

inclusion

Mandy Earle - Editor

8 Which secondary school?

20 things to consider when

Image by Steve Reid Blitz Photography Ltd, Gosport 07540 972360

choosing the right secondary

school

10 Conscious parenting

Neil Seligman examines what it On the cover: Max Ross

Next issue: November/December 2013 Editor: Mandy Earle - 02392 362737 editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk Advertising Sales: 02392 362737 sales@familiessolenteast.co.uk

Editorial & booking deadline 1st October 2013 Copyright: Families Solent East 2013.

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.

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

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takes to be a ‘conscious parent’

and explains why it is worth the

effort

12 Clubs & classes

Football, drama, swimming and

singing? How do you know what,

and how much out-of-school

activity is right for your child

19 What’s on

All the best family events during

September & October, plus our

back to school giveaway

Classes for 4 –12 year o lds

0845 400 1317 September/October 2013 Families Solent East 3

Families News

& Views

Portsmouth BookFest 2013 will run from Saturday 19th October to Sunday 3rd November.

12th – 15th September

023 92 688 037

Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year during four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors. Run by volunteers nationwide, it is a oncea-year chance to discover architectural

Parental prep for entrance exam season

The Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge

Children may have to take the exams but it also requires a battery of skills and knowledge from parents to make sure their children reach exam season possessing a quiet confidence and selfbelief, secure in their English and maths knowledge and well-practiced in exam techniques.

Join thousands of children across the UK taking part in the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge running from 26th August to 30th September, a nationwide effort to inspire children to read.

As in previous years, the programme will include a variety of events for adult audiences as well as a programme featuring children’s authors visiting city schools run by Portsmouth School Library Service.

For programme information please ring the Portsmouth Box Office on

Start early is the mantra you’ll hear from parents who’ve been through the experience. Whether you use a tutor or do-it-yourself, a steady structured programme prepares a child, not just for exams, but for the big changes they face when they start ‘big’ school in year 7.

Register for your 5 week trial at www.readingeggs.co.uk/eggs.

Don’t lose sight of your child in all of this. Focus on what they are doing right. Confidence drives self-belief which encourages learning and also establishes an outlook that will serve them well throughout life.

4 Families Solent East September/October 2013

treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life. Piloted in Gosport, Heritage Open Days has since developed into Britain’s largest and most popular grassroots heritage event, with participation more than doubling during the first decade of the millennium. Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory to find out where is open in your area.

You can also call 0844 335 1884 for more information.

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Families News

& Views

& Advert1:Layout 1 05/12/2011 12:16 Page 1

Celebrating 50 issues of Families Solent East Magazine!

To celebrate the 50th issue of Families Solent East magazine, we have teamed up with local studio Lorraine Morgan Photography to host a very special competition!

good quality baby and 'Buy and Sell Pre-loved equipment' children's clothes and Check out our webs

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Between now and the end of October, just book your free entry shoot with Lorraine Morgan Photography to be in with a chance of winning.

Contact us on : 07856 832095

All en be inc tries will specia luded in a l co sprea mpetition Janua d in the ry/Fe bruar y i s S s E I u e!

T R A

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Y

The lucky winner, selected by our judges at Families Magazine, will be featured on the front cover of the January/February 2014 issue P and will also receive a 30 x 20 O Canvas of their winning image, T with 3 additional 10 x 8 prints!

The 50th issue will be released in January 2014

To book call 02392 696 633 www.lorrainemorganphotography.co.uk 154b Kingston Road, Portsmouth, PO2 7PD Please visit

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

for full terms and conditions of this competition

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To find out more visit

www.thehareandthebroom.co.uk or call Hannah 07714 100107 Sally 07401 544540

September/October 2013 Families Solent East 5

Families News

& Views

Mayville High School never closes Over the summer, Mayville High School have had a full range of holiday activities taking place including a drama week, picnics, sporting activities and a host of fun and educational visits. The school holidays have also seen

the usual hard working band of caretakers, painters and decorators ensuring that the premises are clean, bright and colourful for the next academic year. They believe that pleasant surroundings are conducive to good working practices. In particular this year they have focussed on the early years, although longer term plans exist for the building of a new block to house Humanities and Modern Foreign Languages.

They also hope to be laying a multi-purpose games surface at their pitches at Cockleshell Gardens during the forthcoming academic year.

Mayville is proud of its reputation for being a caring school where each pupil is treated as an individual, it is the key to their success. They are very proud of their students too and welcome you to tour the school during their drop in day to see them at work on Thursday 26th September 10am – 6pm and their Senior School Experience Thursday 3rd October 5 - 7pm. Call 02392 734847 or email enquiries@mayvillehighschool.net

Busy year for St John’s College students

At St John’s College, a Lasallian school in Southsea, students make the most of the many extra-curricular activities that are on offer to them – not just during term time, but over the holidays too.

The summer holidays were no exception – with Senior School students busying themselves with a voluntary and cultural exchange to Sri Lanka; a cycling challenge, and two Choir tours.

On the penultimate day of term a group of 14 students

and staff travelled to De Mazenod College - a De la Salle college similar to St John’s but in Sri Lanka. The purpose of the trip was to experience Sri Lankan culture and to support local projects which help the poor and those affected by the Tsunami. Over the two weeks, students spent time redecorating areas used by children in Kids’ Town – a home for street children financed by De La Salle brothers, as well as teaching children English songs and games. Time was set aside for the students to relax too – they explored the temples and markets of Colombo and Kandy and later visited a local elephant orphanage.

Sticking with the College’s Lasallian links but staying a little closer to home a group of Sixth Form students cycled from Southsea to Reims – the birthplace of the School’s founder Saint John Baptiste

6 Families Solent East September/October 2013

Portsmouth High School Open Day Choosing a school for your daughter’s education is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

From her first steps in Nursery to receiving her A Level results, the right guidance, encouragement and individual attention are crucial to every girl’s success.

Portsmouth High School is one

of the leading independent, all-girls’ schools on the South Coast, offering seamless education for girls from Nursery to 18.

They are committed to providing an education which is specifically tailored to the needs of girls, which rather than sheltering them, challenges them to confound expectations and stereotypes and achieve greater success.

Visit the school at their next Open Morning on Saturday 5 October from 9.30 to 12.30 when the whole school, from Nursery to Sixth Form, will be open to visitors.

The Headmistress will talk at 10am and will be available for question and answer sessions during the morning.

Contact 02392 826 714 or www.portsmouthhighco.uk

De La Salle. The group cycled 250 miles from Le Harve to Reims over four days in July – covering up to 70 miles a day to raise money for Falconi Hope and Help for Heroes.

Members of the St John’s Chapel Choir were busy too – with a trip to Windsor and a Choir Tour to Germany, Belgium and Holland in August, there was little time for rest!

For the fourth year running the Chapel Choir returned to St George’s Chapel in Windsor as the Choir in Residence performing Mass and evensong over five days.

To find out more about the extensive programme of activities offered across all year groups at St John’s, in addition to the wide-ranging curriculum of IGCSEs, GCSEs and Advanced A level subjects, visit the College’s Open Event on Saturday 5 October when the whole school will be open to visitors. Phone the school office on 023 9281 5118 to book your place.

The Benefits of

Families xxxxxxx

Inclusion

By Rachael Ross - Chair, Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association.

When I went to school in the mid ‘70s and ‘80s, children with any form of disability were not actively encouraged into mainstream education. This absence of anyone with a disability was also reflected in the wider community.

Consequently when I left school, and for much of my early adult life, I had never even met or spoken to a person with a disability, leaving me awkward and unsure how to interact in their company.

Thankfully times have changed, and children with a wide variety of additional needs are now commonplace in mainstream education. Children like my son Max.

overwhelmed by the genuine affection and friendship shown to Max by both staff and pupils. Many of the children have grown up with Max, and see it as nothing unusual that he is in their class working with them.

In turn, I’m sure the children benefit from being with Max. They learn to celebrate differences. They learn acceptance and patience, and will hopefully grow into more tolerant adults which will lead to a more accepting and integrated society.

Inclusion is helping to steadily improve society’s attitude towards Down syndrome, fuelled by more positive media portrayal. Several top retailers including M&S, Next and Boden have used children with Down syndrome in Max is eight and happens to have Down their advertising syndrome. Until the campaigns. Actors 1970s it was still ‘‘We have seen glimpses of what with Down syndrome widely believed that children with Down can be achieved as children with have played characters in popular syndrome were the right skills and support go TV shows such as uneducable, and they on to lead more independent Glee and Downton were denied that and productive lives’’ Abbey. Individuals most fundamental are becoming role of childhood rights; models, and are themselves changing an education. We now know that with misconceptions, like Simon Beresford, right specialist support these children can who in 2007 became the first person with learn alongside their peers, and today, Down syndrome to complete the London more children than ever before are being Marathon, and now eight marathons later successfully included in mainstream is an inspiration for people around the schools. That’s not to say that special world. schools do not play an equally important role. It has to be a decision based on More is being achieved than ever before, what’s best for each individual child and but there is a still a long way to go. Down their specific needs. syndrome is the most common cause of For Max, the benefits in attending mainstream education are huge. Speech and language issues are a significant problem for nearly all children with Down syndrome, and can lead to frustration and isolation if not tackled head on. Studies show that when they attend mainstream school, these children develop at least two years faster with spoken language and literacy.

They also benefit from having positive role models. Max needs to be around his typically developing peers, not just for PE and playtime, but there needs to be meaningful interaction. He needs to feel that he is part of the class, part of the wider school community, with the same opportunities and responsibilities as the other children. Otherwise how can we expect him to interact successfully with society as an adult?

We are very fortunate that Max’s teachers have created a welcoming and caring environment where he is very much a part of school life. When we visit, I am always

intellectual disability and yet funding does not reflect this.

The situation has worsened in the recent economic climate, and parents are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of access to specialist support like speech and language therapy, which help enable their children to participate in mainstream education. As the Coalition Government plans to ‘end the bias

towards mainstream’, there is a real risk that 30 years of slow uphill progress will be undermined unless there is adequate investment in training, research, resources and specialist support.

We have seen glimpses of what can be achieved as children with the right skills and support go on to lead more independent and productive lives, enter employment, and become valued members of their communities. But as yet, there has never been an entire generation of children with Down syndrome that has passed through the system with adequate and sustained support in all areas of need, continuing into early adulthood. Until this happens, we will never be sure of their true capabilities.

Rachael is the Chair of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association (Footprints) which offers friendship, advice and a wide range of educational services to children, their families, schools and professionals in Portsmouth and across the South East.

To find out more visit

www.footprintsds.org

Some Facts about Down syndrome Approximately 1 in 1,000 babies in the UK are born with Down syndrome Most people born with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, making a total of 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46 In 1960 the life expectancy for someone with Down syndrome was 10.

In 1983 it was 25. Today it is 60+ Studies show 87% of children with Down syndrome attend mainstream primary schools, but only 25% go on to mainstream secondary schools as access to specialist support like speech and language therapy declines further It is estimated 80% adults with DS could enter employment with the right support, only 20% are given the opportunity

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

September/October 2013 Families Solent East 7

Families xxxxxxx

Which secondary is right for my child?

20 things to think about when choosing

1 Make your own mind

up. It’s amazing how many parents never even look round a school because of what they’ve heard. A school that doesn’t suit another family could be just right for yours.

3 Use open days wisely. If

10 Look at the school’s

Portsmouth High School

Saturday 5 October 9.30 to 12.30

4 Nothing advertises a school

www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk School minibus and hover nanny service available daily

like its pupils. Do they seem happy? Are they polite? If you have time, hang around in the area at home time. Are they well-behaved?

5 How about the staff –

do they seem happy and fulfilled working there? Take opportunities to chat to them.

6 Listen to your instincts. If a

school doesn’t feel right, move on. You don’t have to explain yourself or your reasons for doing so to anyone else (although you do, of course, need to discuss it with your child if your instincts are different).

7 Don’t get bogged down in

the detail: what you’re aiming to get is a sense of the school.

Does it feel happy, productive, calm? Is there a sense of order and caring? These things matter more than the nittygritty.

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8 Families Solent East September/October 2013

9 Pay attention to what’s on

feelings as well as your own.

Choosing his or her primary was down to just you and your partner; but your 10 or 11-year-old deserves a say. you can, go to a daytime visit (especially to a school that seems a strong contender) because you’ll see it in working mode.

An indpendent school for girls Nursery to Sixth Form

girls went to a school that specialised in maths and science, even though these weren’t their strongest subjects. the walls – and not just the artwork. What are children being warned about, or encouraged to do? Are there any school visits being advertised? What clubs seem to be thriving?

2 Listen to your child’s

Open Morning

‘big school’

8 Think about your child’s

talents and interests and ponder carefully whether they’ll be catered for. But, think too about what the school offers that might be harder to pick up at home.

We’re a family of writers, so literacy is easier for us as parents; so I’m glad my

league tables, but don’t pin everything on them. Read the Ofsted report too and pay particular attention to how the school has done over time. If it’s had a dip, are there signs of improvement or suggestions that it could turn round?

11 Where do pupils go on to

from this school? You want to see at least some youngsters doing well academically and aiming for good courses at top universities.

12 Go to the head teacher’s

talk and take your notebook.

This is an important part of the event: not only do you need to pick up on the head’s attitude and values and what matters most to him or her, but you also need to pay special attention to anything that’s said about the entrance criteria. Understanding that is the crucial next stage.

13 If you like a school, do

your homework about whether your child fits its entrance requirements. However much you love the school, and however much you think your child would thrive there, you’ll only get a place if you fulfil the criteria. Read the school’s entrance policy through very, very carefully. If you don’t fulfil the requirements, could you change something so you do?

If not, move on: there’s no point in wasting a choice or railing against something you can’t change.

Families Education

15 Keep telling yourself

(because it’s true!) that there is no perfect school. Every school has strengths and weaknesses.

There’s more than one school that can be right for your child.

16 When it comes to fill in the forms, allow yourself lots of time and do it carefully. There may be supplementary forms or complicated arrangements for giving them in (especially if you’re applying to faith schools). If you find it all too confusing, talk to your child’s primary teacher or head, or call the education department at your local authority.

17 Have a plan of action for

what you’ll do if you don’t get the school you’re hoping for.

Just having that plan will make you feel more relaxed.

18 Remember that there’s a

lot of movement in the first few weeks after places are allocated, and many children get in from waiting lists.

PER L

BO N RE O M AD H

A

other parents, and you want to talk to other parents, but don’t get pulled along by their tide. Do your own research and develop your own views: knowledge is power.

O

14 You’re bound to talk to

M RE

19 Don’t underestimate how much hard work an appeal can be, or how emotionally draining. That’s not to say don’t do it: just be prepared.

20 Remember that, at the

end of the day, parents make more difference to a child’s future than a school does.

Even if your child doesn’t get into your first choice of school your attitude to that could be a much bigger factor in what happens next for your child than the school itself. Have confidence, first and foremost, in your child. And believe that, together, you will work things out if and when you come up against problems.

By Joanna Moorhead

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September/October 2013 Families Solent East 9

Five soulful insights for conscious parenting

by Neil Seligman

Parent from a space of authentic humanity From ‘ANTHEM’ by Leonard Cohen.

Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering.

There is a crack, a crack in everything.

That’s how the light gets in…

KEEP CONSCIOUS AND CARRY ON Whatever our background or beliefs, many of us are beginning to develop an interest in living a more ‘conscious’ life ~ that is, a life based in present moment awareness, appreciation and authenticity.

In this article, Neil Seligman examines what it takes to be a ‘conscious parent’ and explains why it is worth the effort!

Whatever you do as a parent, every child will come to believe these three illusions at some stage in their development: 1) I am different.

2) There is something wrong with me.

3) I am alone.

So we might say that the aim of parenting is not to demonstrate perfection or to protect children from encountering the illusions, but to reveal our own humanity, so that when they meet these trials they have everything they need to meet the challenge.

Here are three practical suggestions to parent from a space of authentic humanity: 1) Genuinely welcome failure as a rich source of learning and inspiration.

2) Teach children that it is safe to experience difficult emotions (like the ‘weather of the soul’). The trick is to feel emotions fully and express them in words, movement or art. Tell your children when you feel sad or upset so that they feel comfortable doing the same.

3) Introduce the idea that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional.

Pain is a neutral energy that we all must experience whereas suffering is the story about the pain eg. “I should not be in pain – poor me”.

attention fully to children when they call on our care. It means putting the phone down, listening deeply, engaging willingly and releasing ourselves fully into the now.

In practicing presence we are committing to experience every situation as ‘new’ and by doing so we might surprise ourselves with fresh solutions that emerge from this space of mindful attention.

Perhaps our ‘No’ will soften and we will find new ways of saying ‘Yes’. Our conversations also move more quickly out of conflict, as when we are truly present our capacity for compassion deepens.

Centre your parenting in the energy of welcoming

In the intimacy of authentic humanity, children feel safe to experience their own vulnerabilities and learn to deal with them beautifully as a normal part of life. The family then becomes a sanctuary of welcoming for all aspects of uncertainty, a forum of love where no matter what occurs there are always rich human resources to draw on.

‘I see you, I love you, you are welcome here’.

The most important thing you can do for any child is to welcome their unique nature fully such that their essential self comes forward, safely nurtured in unconditional love beyond expectation.

In order to do this we must control our natural desire to ‘shape’ the child.

Shaping is an opposing energy to welcoming as when we shape another, we fix them in our mind as our judgment. The outcome of shaping is the limiting of potential as it causes the child to experience a conditional aspect to love. We might say to the child – you are going to be a doctor, or a tennis player, you will go to this type of school, you will be this type of person.

Shaping is never positive for the child and is entirely unnecessary as a fully welcomed child will willingly communicate their authentic desires and preferences and seek your loving guidance.

A welcoming parent therefore promotes self-sufficiency, stability and authentic development in the child.

Let presence be your daily guide

Speak the language of disapproval not shame

Being present for long periods as a parent is a truly enormous challenge.

In every moment there are multiple distractions competing for attention.

Being mindful of the present moment means that we bring our conscious

10 Families Solent East September/October 2013

When a child does something that we consider to be wrong or inappropriate it is vital that we show disapproval for the behaviour rather than shaming the child for who they are. Language is crucial here:

Families Feature There is a world of difference between saying: 1) I am extremely disappointed with you 2) I am extremely disappointed with your behaviour.

It is of course crucial that we guide children with clear boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, yet when we need to express disapproval we must learn to do so without breaking relationship and without withdrawing unconditional love.

Disapproval for actions should not be expressed as commentary on the essential nature of the child which would be shaming the child as fundamentally flawed. Shame language creates insecurity, unworthiness and feels like wholesale rejection.

Alternatively, disapproval in relation to behaviour allows the child to engage with you about what went wrong and what the consequences should be for the behaviour whilst all the time being safely held in the context of a relationship based in unconditional love.

Remember also to speak to your own feelings around your child’s behaviour and to call forward the behaviour that you would like to see.

Life Coach, Jacquie Stebbings, offers us this great example from family life: “Joely playfully hit me yesterday. She did it a few times and I brought in an "I" statement (about my feelings of being hit) - I said: I don't like being hit, Joely.

Then I offered to her what I do like: I like to be hugged though. She then transformed her hitting to giving me a hug.

Often children are wanting our attention, they want the focus to be on them - I get this. Hitting is certainly a way for Joely to get my attention. Giving her an alternative behaviour is helping her to expand her perspective (and resourcefulness) on how to draw people to attend to her.”

Keep learning - Being a great parent means being a great student Your children look to you for guidance, strength and care. They are absorbing your actions, your emotions and learning how to be, how to respond, how to behave. For you to fulfil this, the ultimate of leadership roles as best you can, focusing on your own personal development, wellbeing and learning is vital.

Persevere with things that take you beyond your current knowledge and

Image by Claire Greenway www.clairegreenway.co.uk

Further reading

awareness. Anything which expands your ability to stay present, to reveal your humanity, to remain stable in the face of vulnerability will serve you and your family well.

Christopher McCurry: Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance

Neil Seligman is a former barrister and Director at The Conscious Professional Ltd. Neil is a Life Coach, Reiki Master and Meditation Teacher. www.theconsciousprofessional.com

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

Daniel Siegel: The Whole-Brain Child - Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture You Child's Developing Mind Eckhart Tolle: A New Earth – Awakening to your Life’s Purpose Byron Katie: Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life Brene Brown: The Gifts of Imperfection

September/October 2013 Families Solent East 11

&Classes

Clubs

By Ellen Arnison

Football or ballet, drama or Brownies - how do you know what, and how much, out-of-school activity is right for your child?

Not long after your son or daughter disappears through the classroom door for the first time, the choice becomes bewildering.

Their schoolbags come home stuffed with leaflets from this or that organisation promising all manner of benefits from enrolling in their classes. You may find yourself feeling guilty if you don’t sign up to everything.

Take a deep breath and relax. Extracurricular activities are not essential; many children do perfectly well without them. However, there are some benefits from a few well-chosen groups, clubs or classes.

With the best will in the world, school cannot teach all the skills you might consider essential for modern life.

Swimming lessons, for example, or cycling proficiency are crucial for safety.

In addition, carefully selected activities can bring numerous other benefits that could help your child now and in the future.

activities. Too many and the wrong ones will only leave everyone fed up and exhausted.

The easy choices are the ones your children are desperate to do. Although beware of signing up for something just because your son or daughter’s best friend is doing it, this may not be a good enough reason.

Ask yourself if your child gets something from the activity that they don’t get elsewhere and that it complements what’s already going on.

For example, an active youngster who is already in the football team might be better balancing their activities with music or drama than adding another sport. Equally a child timid in the classroom may get great gains from being in a choir if it boosts their confidence.

A more tricky area is an activity you’d like your child to do when they’d rather spend their after-school time at home relaxing. Only you can tell if they are genuinely exhausted by a day’s education or not. However, do take their views into account as there really is no point in forcing a child into something they hate. And some school stages are more taxing than others.

After-school activities affect the whole family. No one wants to spend all their time ferrying children from one activity to another while dinner still needs to be prepared and other children become resentful.

So only commit to out-of-school activities that fit comfortably into the schedule and budget. It may transpire that your time and money can be better spent on family activities at home.

When you do decide on a class or club –

They will get a huge confidence boost from participating in an enjoyable activity they are successful at. A shy child, for example, may flourish in a dance class.

As well as learning new skills, more subtle benefits include fostering a sense of community, increasing self-sufficiency and allowing a child – particularly one in a large family – something they feel is their own. Club time can also allow oneto-one time for other children.

While these advantages are very real, care must be exercised when choosing

12 Families Solent East September/October 2013

take some time to check it out. Find out how long it has been running, do other parents recommend it, are the staff Disclosure or CRB checked?

While extra classes keep your children entertained and active, it’s also important that they have some unstructured time – even that they are allowed to feel bored. If they bounce from one organised thing to the next, they’ll never learn the important skill of amusing themselves.

Liat Hughes Joshi, author of Raising Children: The Primary Years, told Parentdish: “If you decide to do none at all, you won't be short-changing her if her after-school activity consists of nothing more than a TV programme, a snack and some good, old-fashioned playing.”

SEN activities

Children with special educational needs can benefit hugely from well-chosen extra-curricular activities.

Even with the best educational support, SEN children can often feel ‘less’ than their peers. They may be aware of their difficulties and differences and this can have a profound effect on their confidence.

Therefore an activity they can participate in successfully is a huge boost to their self-esteem. For example a dyslexic child, for whom school is a struggle, may blossom as a leading light in the dance troupe.

Equally there are other more educational and developmental benefits that make extra-curricular activities important. Dyspraxic youngsters, for instance, can find their co-ordination improves while doing karate or trampolining.

Clubs can be important social outlets for SEN children, perhaps giving them a chance to meet others facing similar challenges. The school or local authority will be able to advise about SEN groups in your area.

Families Clubs

& Classes

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September/October 2013 Families Solent East 13

Families Clubs

& Classes Travel to Fairytale Forest through the magic of drama

Summer success for PVSC

PVSC are the South Coast’s leading Synchronised swimming club with great success locally and nationally.

On Sunday 21st July they held their annual display at Hilsea Lido, which the Pool for the People team are working hard to open soon.

They were delighted to have over 400 people turn up to support the club.

The girls were a little nervous about getting into an unheated pool but all commented how pleasant it was on such a hot day!

The club were delighted to meet Katie Dawkins, the ex-Great Britain swimmer who went to the 2012 Olympics and is the newest member of their coaching team.

To find out more about PVSC and how to join the club Email: pvsc. info@gmail.com or telephone 07592 302501

Gosport BMX club Gosport BMX club based in Alver Valley, Grange Road, has just finished another successful year. At the time of writing the riders had finished the national and regional season, with 120 member the club has done well finishing 1st in the south of England for the second year in a row and 2nd image by Spencer in the country. We Moret have just held the final 2 rounds of the national series and welcomed 700 riders to Gosport. If you want to come and try BMX, they welcome new riders on Saturday mornings from 10-11am followed by a gate session from 11am - 12pm. The first 3 sessions are free, for more details email gosportbmxmembership@hotmail.co.uk

Let your 4 - 8 year explore the fantastic Perform Fairytale Forest Meeting much loved classic fairytale characters as well as new exciting ones along the way…

This term, Perform children in the Solent East area will not just be having fun acting, singing and dancing each week, they’ll be exploring the magical and wonderfully exciting Fairytale Forest! Meeting many of the well loved characters from the classic Fairytales and countless cool new friends like the Funky Fairy. Don’t miss your chance to capture the magic as the children explore this fabulous fantasy world.

Perform’s Principal Lucy Quick says “Fairytale Forest is the most exciting theme yet. Not only are Fairytales amazingly dramatic stories, but according to child psychologists, when children deal with dramatic situations through drama, it equips them to deal with real-life situations so much better”.

As well as promising ‘the best fun of the week’, Perform specializes in helping children develop the 4 C’s. Confidence, Communication, Co-ordination and Concentration and according to parents and teacher all over London and the South East ‘you can always tell a Perform child’.

Little Kickers

Little Kickers is a successful international franchise run locally here in the Portsmouth and Southampton area by Gary Darling and his son Toby since February 2010.

With the expertise of fifteen CRB checked coaches, they train children from 18 months old up until their 7th birthday, dividing them into four distinct age groups - Little Kicks, Junior, Mighty and Mega Kickers – encouraging each child to maximise their involvement and development by offering a gently staggered learning environment for all.

‘We operate within a programme that places as much emphasis on simple learning concepts as it does on finetuning a child’s basic balance, agility and co-ordination’ Gary commented, ‘As well as having fun with a football, our classes teach children invaluable social skills like listening, sharing, taking turns and teamwork, which we feel stands them in good stead for the future’.

Classes are 45 minutes of fun based activities encouraging confidence, co-ordination, control and a sense of camaraderie. They are held locally on Saturday and Sunday mornings at

14 Families Solent East September/October 2013

Any interested 4-8 year old can try out the classes by attending a Free Trial Session.

Classes in Fareham, Romsey, Winchester.

For more information please contact: 020 7255 9134 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

Highbury College, Bridgemary School, Gosport and Meadowside Leisure Centre, Fareham and booked on either a 6 or 13 week basis.

For more information about local classes contact Gary & Toby via email Tdarling@littlekickers.co.uk or 01489 871916

Families Clubs

& Classes

Water Fun - Water Safey Learning to swim could not only save your life one day, but quite possibly the lives of others around you. It opens a doorway to numerous other aquatic pursuits and pastimes and can make holiday times more enjoyable, productive and safe. These two recommended local swim schools teach water confidence and safety techniques right from birth.

G Ball Swim is a family run swim school offering a variety of different swimming lessons from 12 weeks to adults at various locations including Nuffield Health and Fitness Centres in Portsmouth and Chichester, Quindell Golf & Country Club in Whiteley and the beautiful historic building of New Place, Fareham. To find out more contact 0800 9177 463 or 07590 396031 or email Gary Ball gary@gballswimschool.co.uk

www.gballswimschool.co.uk

The Water Babies programme is designed to make the most of babies’ natural affinity with water. With progressive training, babies can be taught lifesaving skills such as turning onto their backs or, following a sudden submersion, swimming to the nearest solid. Casses held at locations in Portsmouth, Waterlooville, Fontwell, Goodwood and Worthing. Call 02392 231 007 or email cheekymonkeys@ waterbabies.co.uk

www.waterbabies.co.uk

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

Portsmouth Watersports Centre Holiday Activities As well as all their usual activities for adults and children including kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and rowing – Portsmouth Watersports Centre also offer excellent holiday day and week camps for children aged between 8 and 16. For £125 for the whole week, children experience 5 full days of den building, army activities and raft building, climbing and high rope competitions, beach safari experience and a country park visit and more.

Contact 02392 663873 – book before 10th October and get £10 off!

September/October 2013 Families Solent East 15

Families Clubs

& Classes

Starting Early with

Language & singing The recent announcement from Government Minister for Education, Michael Gove, that learning a second language will become a compulsory part of the National Curriculum for primary aged children from 2014, has highlighted the importance of equipping our children with a skill that will put them at an advantage throughout their lives.

The benefits of learning a second language at a young age Studies undertaken by the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford both reached the same conclusion: bilingual children attain higher levels of academic achievement as a result of improved cognitive ability in terms of reasoning, problem solving and literacy; they are more confident and have a greater understanding of the complex nature of social relationships through exposure to other cultures, which teaches them to be more aware of how their behaviour affects others; and they may even be afforded a greater level of protection from the effects of aging since learning an additional language improves long term memory, increases creativity and promotes mental flexibility!

When to start Whilst expert opinions differ over the perfect age, they all agree that it lies somewhere between birth and the age of 6 and the EU recommends that all children should have started by the age of three. Since research tells us that the time between 18 months and 3 or 4 years marks a time of heightened language acquisition, it makes sense that a second language should be learnt at this time. This refutes the common misunderstanding that learning an additional language during the preschool years, when the child is still learning his or her first language, is confusing since developing brains have

the ability to compartmentalise new information as required, retaining two different languages equally and with greater ease than adults.

Singing in another language Debbie Garrick is a local qualified translator and interpreter who runs language classes for children: ‘Muchachos Singing Spanish’.

‘Muchachos’ is a 45 minute class for pre-schoolers aged between 20 months and 4 years, during which Debbie uses traditional Spanish or Latin American nursery rhymes and instruments to teach children and their parents the language, whilst at the same time introducing an element of culture to the classes.

Debbie’s classes, which run in various locations across West Sussex and Hampshire, have gone from strength to strength. Debbie now offers sessions at nurseries and after school clubs.

In addition to the Spanish classes, Debbie has recently introduced a new class: ‘C’est Chouette Singing French’.

This is based on the same principles as ‘Muchachos’ and is proving to be equally as popular.

If you would like to learn more about any of Debbie’s classes or are interested in working with her to deliver her programme within an educational setting yourself, then you can contact her through her website at

Glee club for young people Portsmouth based singing teacher Rebecca Robertson of Cantando Music has formed an all singing and all dancing Glee Club for young people ages 8-16.

The Glee Clubs run from St Judes Church in Southsea at 5.00 - 6.30 every Tuesday and cost £5 per session.

No block booking is required, no experience is necessary and no auditions will take place, the only thing needed to join a Cantando Youth and Junior Glee Club is the passion for singing and dancing and enthusiasm.

The Glee Club will perform 2 – 3 times a year alongside Cantando Female Voice Community Choir and singing students from Cantando Music in showcases and concerts at the end of each term.

For further information or to enquire about private singing tuition with Cantando Music visit www.cantandomusic.co.uk, email info@cantandomusic.co.uk or call 07515 734674

www.muchachos.co.uk, by telephone on 07796 144388 or via email at debcgarrick@yahoo.co.uk

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If you go down to the woods today…

Does your child get enough sleep?

A recent report shows that an alarming number of children, mainly in more affluent countries, are suffering from sleep deprivation which is having a negative impact on their school work.

Smartphones, computers and TVs in bedrooms have been highlighted as a factor in poor sleep routines for children.

Is your child getting enough sleep?

One bad night may have a knock on effect the next day, possibly leading to grumpiness, lack of attentiveness and poor concentration but the effects of regularly not getting enough sleep are more dramatic. The cumulative effect of sleep deprivation can ultimately hinder progress and lead to lower grades.

How much sleep do children actually need?

Individual children will vary but children should be getting roughly the amount advised below: Pre-school – 11 to 13 hours per night 5 to 12 year olds – 10 to 11 hours per night

By Liz Bourne on behalf of Southsea Greenhouse After a lovely summer break, it’s sometimes hard to get back into the swing of school runs, frantic preparation of lunch boxes and the frenzied hunt for the school PE kit. But the autumn is a lovely time of year and really we should take a moment to enjoy the outdoors and soak in the glorious colours that accompany the season.

At the Southsea Greenhouse community garden in Canoe Lake we are looking forward to watching our fruit trees flourish. Kindly donated by Waitrose, we hope to extend our little garden to include an orchard so that the community can enjoy wandering through the trees and maybe sample some of the produce!

Trees are essential to life and the autumn is a great time to enjoy them.

Children love to climb trees, look for bugs, or simply collect all the different leaves they can in a woodland.

The Woodland Trust (woodlandtrust. org.uk) has a fabulous website which gives you lots of ideas for things to do with children. You can join their Nature Detectives’ Club for regular ideas about wild adventures, as well as activity packs, posters and stickers. Or you can simply sign up to their newsletter and you will get a monthly email packed with inspired ideas of things to do, wildlife to spot and games to play.

There are many popular woods to visit in the area. Queen Elizabeth Country

Park, near Petersfield, is Hampshire’s biggest country park with 2,000 acres of open access woodland and downland. It is also award winning, and has fantastic facilities that are perfect for families with young children. Clean loos, a playground for little ones, decent parking (see free car parking voucher on back page) and a lovely café make it a great place to spend an afternoon. Making dens, finding leaves, or doing bark rubbing – you can allow you children to explore the wild in a safe environment.

Trees are also an important part of the city, so if you are in a more urban area and you don’t want to travel, there is still plenty to enjoy. Watch the leaves changing colour, and use this as inspiration to do some art!

You can share your tree memories on the Woodland Trust’s site, www.loveitorloseit.org.uk

for more detailed information go to the NHS Live Well web page

I have seen the effects of sleep deprivation on primary pupils first hand; one boy in my class was struggling at school, he always seemed tired, struggled to concentrate and did not produce a satisfactory amount of work in lessons. I spoke to his parents after he actually fell asleep in class one day and it emerged that he had been watching TV into the early hours without his parents’ knowledge. Once he was getting enough sleep, he was a different child in school and began making good progress.

by Howard Jones of Kip McGrath Education Centre, Portsmouth

18 Families Solent East September/October 2013

www.southsegreenhouse.co.uk

Images by 'Claire Greenway www.clairegreenway.co.uk'

Teenagers – 9 hours per night

Families What’s

What’s On Your guide to the best family events this September and October 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.

• Isle of Wight Events • Mainland Events

Every Tuesday

7 September

Mummies & Bumps @ Make Make, 4 Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SH 10:30 - 12:30. Parents & babies (0-12mths) craft morning, bring your craft, whether it's knitting, crochet or sewing, and relax knowing you and baby are welcome and you can do a spot of crafting and we'll supply the tea/coffee & cake. No entry fee.

Email info@makesouthsea.com

Dragon Boat Racing Day in aid of Wessex Cancer Trust The Portsmouth Watersports Centre, Eastern Road, Portsmouth PO3 5LY Team Dragon Boat Racing Day, 10am – 4pm, BBQ, Bar and Trophies for the winners! £350 per boat of 17 (16 paddlers and 1 drummer) and minimum sponsorship £50 per person requested. To book a boat: 02392 360212

Every Wednesday

7 September

Slice of Make Make, 4 Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SH 19:00-21:30. Open craft night, very sociable group for adults of any age. Bring your latest project whether it’s knitting, crochet, quilting or patchwork (or others) and meet other like-minded people. Enjoy some tea/ coffee & cake too. No entry fee.

Email info@makesouthsea.com

Wildlife Story Time Special Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport.

PO12 1BT 11am to 12 noon. Wild animals, large and small – stories and crafts on the wild side for all. Suitable for under 10s accompanied by an adult. FREE! No need to book, but places will be limited

5 September Refreshers/Beginners Sewing Machine Skills Make, 4 Albert road, PO5 2SH 18:30-21:30. Learn how to thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, what different stitches are for and have a good practice before making a cushion. All materials included. Email info@ makesouthsea.com

5 September Portsmouth’s Affinion International Print Services and Wetwheels Solent Golf Day, Botley Park Hotel and Country Club, Botley Golf Day being held in aid of Portsmouth Charity Wetwheels Solent. Breakfast, 18 holes shotgun start 11am, 2 course dinner, live auction by BBC Homes Under the Hammer auctioneer Graham Barton and Guest Speaker Geoff Hold MBE DL. £70 per head/£260 per 4 ball. To book: 02392 360212

9,16 & 23 September Level 3 Dressmaking Make, 4 Albert road, Southsea, PO5 2SH 19:00-22:00. How about making your own Tea Dress? If you already have experience making simpler items on your sewing machine but would like to take the next step this is the course for you. Choose from our beautiful fabrics in store and make yourself a beautiful dress.

All materials included. Email info@ makesouthsea.com

13 September Celebrate Roald Dahl Day! Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT 4 to 6pm. Pop in after school for fun activities linked to Roald Dahl’s famous stories. Meet the Enormous Crocodile and Fantastic Mr Fox. Dress up as your favourite characters. Learn to draw like Quentin Blake, take part in our Story Makers competition. Free drop in.

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

On

14 September

15 September

Southsea Fest Albert Road, Portsmouth, PO4 0JW 023 9286 3911. Southsea Fest is the south coast’s award winning annual all-day music festival, serving up the best of emerging bands and artists from across the British Isles and beyond. Over 100 bands and artists will descend upon the City to perform in front of nearly 3,000 people across a dozen stages all within stumbling distance of each other along Albert Road, Southsea. It all kicks off around midday and runs right through till early Sunday morn, with wristband granting access to all the venues and activities (subject to venue license). This year we will celebrate the 6th anniversary of Southsea Fest! Tickets Adults £18/12-17 year olds £8.

See website for details. www. southseafest.com/

The Ruby Ride Cycle Challenge in aid of The Rowans Hospice 1000 Lakeside, Western Road, North Harbour, Portsmouth PO6 3EN 023 9223 8531. A sponsored bike ride in and around Portsmouth with a choice of three routes; Leisure (18), Challenge (30) and Epic (65) miles with refreshment stops along the way. (All routes approx. lengths) The Cycle Challenge will have a staggered start time; Leisure route is suitable for all those who are able to cycle on the road, this route will loop around Portsea Island and back to 1000 Lakeside. Will leave from 10:30am. All 3 routes will start and finish at Lakeside North Harbour (adjacent to IBM at North Harbour). Complementary refreshments available en route for cyclists. Adult £20 (£30 on the day) Child (5-16) £10 (£15 on the day) Under 5's FREE

14 September ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’ Drama Workshop Local & Naval Studies Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1NS 10am to 2pm. Spend the day being lions, elephants and lots of other animals as you create your very own play in a day. Drama professional Leigh Johnstone will help you to use your imagination to transform the Gallery into a wilderness in this fun and interactive drama experience. Suitable for age 7-11 yrs. (please bring a packed lunch – no nuts of nut products please) Tickets £8. Please book by telephoning the booking line on 023 9252 3463

14 - 15 September International Charity Classic Car Extravaganza, Isle of Wight Newport and Ryde A spectacular collection of classic cars from all over the UK and mainland Europe will descend on the Isle of Wight. Saturday 14th the show will be held at Newport Quay where all monies collected will be donated directly to St Catherine’s School in Ventnor which specializes in teaching children with learning and communication difficulties. Sunday 15th the show will be at Ryde Esplanade and all monies collected will go directly to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice in Newport. In excess of 700 vehicles on display, guaranteed to delight all visitors from the youngest child to the eldest adult. Both shows will be free to attend and access will be from 11am to 5pm. All display vehicles must be registers 020 8439 7871. Spectators wishing to attend and take advantage of early Wightlink fares should book in advance on 0871 376 1000

15 September Portsmouth & Southsea Farmers' Market, Palmerston Road Precinct, Southsea, PO5 3QB 01420 588671. Hampshire farmers' markets bring real food, passionately produced to markets all year round throughout the county, making food come to life through a great experience.

All of the producers provide the highest quality and freshness, with food produced within the county borders. 10am – 2pm.

21 September Little Pickles Market The Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth 10am-11.30am. A market with pre-loved tables for hire to sell baby/children’s items. Prams, maternity items, clothes, shoes, toys, books, highchairs and much more. Come and see what bargains you can find! £1 entry per adult, children free and a free entry bag for the first 50 buyers! Sellers - Pre-loved spaces to bring your own table up to 6ft £8. Limited number of business spaces (children-orientated) £15 (please email to book). For more information email clarehussein@ littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk or book now

21 September Little Pickles Markets The Lockswood Centre, Centre Way, Locks Heath, SO31 6DX 10.30-12pm. A family market with nearly new tables for hire to sell baby/children’s items.

Prams, maternity items, clothes, shoes, toys, books, highchairs and much more. Come and see what bargains you can find! £1 entry per adult, children free and free

September/October 2013 Families Solent East 19

Families What’s goody bag for the first 50 buyers!

Pre-loved tables - £10 and keep all your takings on the day. Limited number of business tables (childrenorientated) £15. Please contact the organiser before booking. For more information email: alison@ littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk or book now

21 September Cosham Farmers' Market High Street, Cosham, PO6 3AG 01420 588671. Vibrant, exciting and full of flavour, a huge variety of food you won’t find in the supermarket. 10am – 2pm

21 September Portsmouth Summer Fair Victoria Park, Portsmouth, PO1 2BG, 02392 250267.

A family day out in Victoria Park.

Pedal-powered stage, music, food, rides, crafts, stalls, fun for all the family - lots for kids to do.

11am – 5pm

21 - 29 September Isle of Wight Cycling Festival 2013 Island wide The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival provides the perfect opportunity to get off the beaten track and enjoy some of the Island’s most beautiful, unspoilt countryside. Rides vary from pleasant meanders through pretty villages to Cycle the Wight, a 70-mile road route around the Island’s spectacular coastline. The festival kicks-off in Newport with a day of family entertainment, including the hilarious Sink or Swim. Watch from the riverbank as homemade pedal-powered crafts attempt to make it across the River Medina without getting wet. www. sunseaandcycling.com. Tel 01983 821000

25 September Animal Adventures Story Time Special, Gosport Gallery, Walpole Road, Gosport.

PO12 1NS 2 - 2.45pm. Stories, arty activities and hands-on encounters with animal specimens from SEARCH Museum! Inspired by Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. For children under 5 and their parents or carers.

FREE! No need to book, just come along.

From 25 September Makaton with your Baby Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT Makaton uses signs and symbols to help people communicate. & support spoken language. Course starting Wednesday 25 September for 5 weeks. 1.30pm - 2.30pm.

Course Fee £10.

Please book by telephoning the booking line on 023 9252 3463

On 26 September Mayville High School Open Event 35-37 St Simon’s Road, Southsea, PO5 2PE Mayville welcome you to tour the school during their drop in day to see their students at work.

10am – 6pm. Call 02392 734847 or email enquiries@ mayvillehighschool.net

26 September Charity Crochet Night Make, 4 Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SH 19:00-21:00. Join Make to help add to crochet blankets that are auctioned off for charity. Pattern provided and wool is available, but welcome to donate your spare wool too. Tea, coffee & cake available. Email info@ makesouthsea.com

27 September Free Networking for mums in small businesses The Sovereigns Pub, Portsmouth.

10-12am. Our Monthly Networking Morning will be held to fundraise for Macmillan in conjunction with The World’s biggest Coffee Morning. With thanks to The Sovereigns Pub, we’ll be donating all the tea & coffee proceeds to charity, and are looking to fundraise further on the day. All welcome. email hampshire@networkingmummies. com

28 September Young People's Film Class workshop, Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3BS, 023 9273 7370 With the digital age upon us, most actors' work is now in recorded media. These workshops provide valuable insight and training on both sides of the lens. 11:30pm – 1:30pm Junior Workshops TV and Film for 7 years – 16 years. Tickets £ 12.50

28 - 29 September Annual Arreton Barns Sweetcorn Fayre 2013, Arreton Barns Annual Arreton Barns Sweetcorn Fayre including an array of vintage craft stalls, fairground rides and plenty for the kids to get involved with. Trampolines and a bouncy castle, the children have the opportunity to ‘pop their own popcorn’, make their own sweetcorn fritters and experience the workings of a traditional steam powered corn mill. Live music and acts will be performing over both days with plenty of local Isle of Wight artists entertaining the crowds throughout. The beer festival that is also held over the weekend has over 40 beers and ciders on offer at The Dairyman’s

20 Families Solent East September/October 2013

Daughter pub. Farmer Jack’s will hold cheese and wine tasting as well as sausage making demonstrations and tastings. 10am – 5pm, Entry is £2.50 per person, with children under 11 free. www. arretonbarns.co.uk

29 September Sunday Gun Firings at Fort Nelson, Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, PO17 6AN A display of gun firings at the Fort.

29 Sept 11.30am, 1pm & 3pm.

Also on 20 October 1pm & 10 November at 11am. Museum open daily 10am - 5pm April to October. 01329 233734

3 October Mayville High School Senior School Experience 35 – 37 St Simons Road, Southsea PO5 2PE 5 - 7pm. Mayville welcome you to tour the school during their Senior School Experience to see their students at work. Call 02392 734847 or email enquiries@ mayvillehighschool.net

5 October How to Catch a Star The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre 56 East St, Havant, Hampshire PO9 1BS, 023 9247 2700 11.30am & 2.30pm. Blunderbus Theatre Company. Once there was a boy and he loved stars. He decided he would try to catch a star. But first he had to think of a plan. Especially for small people aged 3-7 £8 adults, £5 children

5 October Strings and Things - Charity Concert, Park Community College, Middle Park Way, Havant, PO9 4BU 7-30pm start. A charity concert for the charity SSAFA (Havant). A very mixed bag of entertainment from Irish Dance to The Shadows and everything in between. All the monies collected will go to the charity, without exception. Ticket prices are £7.00 for adults and (concession of £6.00 for under 12's and over 65's). Tickets may be purchased from The Dickinson Centre on 02392 489836. Or directly from Peter Lindsay on 02392 470839.

5 October St Johns College Open Event Grove Road South, Southsea, PO5 3QW 9:30am – 12:30pm. Find out about the extensive programme of activities offered across all year groups at St John’s, in addition to the wide-ranging curriculum of IGCSEs, GCSEs and Advanced A level subjects, visit the College’s Open Event on Saturday 5 October when the whole school will be open to visitors. Phone the school office on 023 9281 5118 to book your place. 023 9281 5118

5 - 6 October Grow! Cook! Eat! West Dean Gardens, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0RX 10.30am – 5pm. Celebrity cook and author Mary Berry will be the star guest at West Dean’s brand new garden event, Grow! Cook!

Eat! A celebration of the best of British harvest with the focus on seasonal and locally produced food. The event, an extension of West Dean’s annual Apple Affair, will celebrate the impressive harvest from West Dean’s own orchards, Walled Gardens, glasshouses and further afield on its farms.

With cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend showing you how to get the best from locally grown and sourced food.

Displays of agricultural and farm machinery – children can climb aboard and sit behind the wheel and touch and see livestock from West Dean’s farms and estate. Live programme of folk music throughout the weekend, Exciting activities for children Early bird prices from £8.60 Adult, 90p Child for either Saturday or Sunday.

Book online at: www.westdean. org.uk/Events/Outdoorevents/ GrowCookEat

6 October

5 October

NCT Nearly New Sale Thorngate Halls, Bury Road, Gosport, PO12 3PX Good quality toys, books, nursery equipment, pushchairs, high chairs, clothes for 0-5s, maternity wear & more! £1 per adult entry (in aid of the NCT), 10.30am - 12.30pm but 10.15am early entry for members (with proof of current membership).

Portsmouth High School Open Event, Kent Road, Southsea, PO5 3EQ 9.30am to 12.30pm Visit the school at their next Open Morning when the whole school, from Nursery to Sixth Form, will be open to visitors. The Headmistress will talk at 10am and will be available for question and answer sessions during the morning. 023 9282 6714, headsec@por.gdst.net

Mini-beasts and Microscopes Gosport Gallery, Walpole Road, Gosport. PO12 1NS 11am - 1pm. Turn mini-beasts into mega-beasts by exploring real specimens from the collection at SEARCH under the microscope.

FREE! Drop in, no need to book.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

12 October

Families What’s 19 October

24 October

St Johns College Early years Open House, Grove Road South, Southsea, PO5 3QW Visit the school to find out what they can offer your child. A Christian Co-Educational day and boarding school for ages 2 – 18 years. 023 9281 5118

19 October NCT Nearly New Sale Titchfield Community Centre, Mill Street, Titchfield PO14 4AB 10:00 – 11:30. Quality second hand clothes, toys and equipment for babies and children. Priority entrance to NCT members with valid membership card. Seller’s registration from 14th September 2013. Email: FarehamNCT_ NNS@yahoo.co.uk or www.nct. org.uk/in-your-area/fareham

On

Charity Crochet Night Make, 4 Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SH 19:00-21:00. Join Make to help add to crochet blankets that are auctioned off for charity. Pattern provided and wool is available, but welcome to donate your spare wool too. Tea coffee & cake available. Email info@ makesouthsea.com

26 October Halloween Story Time Special Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT 11am to 12 noon. Don’t be scared, come along and join in with our Halloween stories and craft activities. Suitable for under 10s accompanied by an adult.

FREE! No need to book, but places will be limited

November 2013 Saturday Saturday 23rd23rd November 2013 Saturday 23rd November 2013 20 October

26 October Little Pickles Market - Fareham Fareham Leisure Centre, Park Halloween Horror Lane Fareham, PO16 7JU Bembridge Youth and Community Between 1.30pm and 5pm 10-11.30am. A family market Centre, Steyne Park, Steyne Road, with nearly new tables for hire to Bembridge PO35 5UL sell baby/children’s items. Prams, A night of Ghoulish fun with fancy The Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Alexandra Way, Portsmouth PO2 9QA maternity items, clothes, shoes, dress competitions for children and The Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Alexandra Way, Portsmouth PO2 9QA toys, books, highchairs and much adults, disco, Halloween games, 6 It’s a Knockout Games for each team more. Pre-loved spaces to bring licenced bar and spooky snacks.

6 It’s a Knockout Games for each team Fancy dress is Santa Hat or Beard (or both!)

Saturday 23rd N your own table up to 6ft- £8 and Free entry and everyone welcome.

Fancy dress is Santa Hat or Beard (or both!)

Activities for family/friends spectators in-between races and fun tote Activities for family/friends spectators in-between races and fun tote and keep all your takings on the day. Teams7-11pm Between 1.30pm of up to 10 people, £20 per head (£200 per team of 10) Teams of up to 10 people, £20 per head (£200 per team of 10) Limited number of business spaces 26 - 27 October At Mountbatten L to bring your own table (childrenThe Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Al Between orientated) £15 Great South Run Weekend Between 1.30pm 1.30pm and and 5pm 5pm 6 It’s a Knockout Games for each te Southsea, Portsmouth Between 1.30pm and 5pm To Book: On-line at www.linkedupfundraising.co.uk/events Fancy dress is Santa Hat or Beard (o To Book: On-line at5pm www.linkedupfundraising.co.uk/events 20 October Between 1.30pm andLeisure Annual Bupa Great Southwith 10 covering mile letter to: Activities for family/friends spectator At Mountbatten Between 1.30pm and 5pmper team)Centre Or send a cheque (£200 per team) Or send a cheque (£200 with covering letter Teams to: of up to 10 people, £20 per h At Mountbatten Leisure Centre Portsmouth and Southsea andFundraising 5k runs, plus and junior LinkedUp C.I.C,mini 41 Centurion Gate, Southsea PO4 9TE LinkedUp Fundraising C.I.C, 41 Portsmouth Centurion Gate, Southsea PO4 9TE The Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Alexandra Way, PO2 9QA At Mountbatten Leisure Centre The Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Alexandra Way, Portsmouth PO2 9QA For further 360212 or email clare@linkedupfundraising.co.uk information call Clareis02392 360212 email (or clare@linkedupfundraising.co.uk Farmers' Market, Palmerston runs information make thiscall a Clare great02392 running At Mountbatten Leisure Centre 6 It’s a Knockout Games For for further each team - Fancy dress Santa Hat ororBeard both!)

At Mountbatten Leisure Centre The Mountbatten Centre, Alexandra Portsmouth PO2 9QA Activities for 6 spectators in-betweenLeisure races & for fun tote.

Teams of up toWay, 10 people, £20 per head (£200 per team of 10) aa Knockout each team Road Precinct, PO5 3QB weekend with something for To Book: On-line at www.linkedupfundr The Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Way, Portsmouth PO2 9QA 6atIt’s It’s Knockout Games Games for each Alexandra team Book On-lineThe www.linkedupfundraising.co.uk/events OR send a cheque (£200 per team) with9QA coveringOr letter send to: a cheque (£200 per team) with Mountbatten LeisureorCentre, Alexandra Way, Portsmouth PO2 Fancy isis Santa (or 01420 588671. Real food, everyone.

Fancy dress dressFundraising Santa Hat Hat C.I.C, or Beard Beard (or both!) both!) Gate, Southsea PO4 9TE LinkedUp Fundraising C.I.C, 41 Centurio LinkedUp 41 Centurion 6 It’s a Knockout Games for each teamin-between races and fun tote for For further information call Clare 02392 360 Activities for family/friends family/friends spectators 6Activities It’s a Knockout Games forspectators each teamin-between races and fun tote passionately produced to markets Fancy is Santa Hat or Beard (or both!)

6 It’s adress Knockout Games for each team Teams of 10 £20 per head (£200 Teams of up upisto to 10 people, people, £20 per(or head (£200 per per team team of of 10) 10) Fancy dress Santa Hat or Beard both!)

26 Oct - 3 Nov Call Clare 02392 360212 or email Clare@linkedupfundraising.co.uk Activities for family/friends spectators in-between races and fun tote all year round making food come Fancy dress is Santa Hat or Beard (or both!)

Activities for family/friends spectators in-between races and fun tote Event proudly m Teams up 10 people,by £20 per head (£200 perraces teamand of 10) Eventofproudly managed Activities forto family/friends spectators in-between fun tote Event in (£200 aid of Headway to life through a great experience.

Wild at Event White’s and in aid Apples of Headway Teams of up to 10 people, £20 per head per team of 10) Teams of up to 10 people, £20 per head (£200 teamEast of Hampshire 10) LinkedUp Fun andper South Event in aid of Headway LinkedUp Fundraising Portsmouth All of the producers provide the TortoisesPortsmouth half-term funHampshire andfamily South East Portsmouth and South East Registered Charity No. 1086140 To Charity No. 1086140 Registered Charity No. 1086 To Book: Book: On-line On-line at at www.linkedupfundraising.co.uk/events www.linkedupfundraising.co.uk/events highest quality and freshness, with Gilbert Registered White’s House, Selborne Or Or send send aa cheque cheque (£200 (£200 per per team) team) with with covering covering letter letter to: to: food produced within the county (Closed Monday).

To Book: On-line at www.linkedupfundraising.co.uk/events LinkedUp Fundraising C.I.C, LinkedUp Fundraising C.I.C, 41 41 Centurion Centurion Gate, Gate, Southsea Southsea PO4 PO4 9TE 9TE To Book: at www.linkedupfundraising.co.uk/events For further information call per Clareteam) 02392with 360212 or email clare@linkedupfundraising.co.uk Or send aOn-line cheque covering letter to: To Book: On-line at(£200 www.linkedupfundraising.co.uk/events borders. 10am – 2pm.

10.30am - 4.30pm, Follow For further information call Clare 02392 360212 or email clare@linkedupfundraising.co.uk Or send a cheque (£200 per team) with covering letter to: 56 LinkedUp C.I.C, Centurion Gate, Southsea 9TE Street, Havant Or send a Fundraising cheque (£200 per 41 team) with covering letter to: PO4East LinkedUp C.I.C, 41 02392 Centurion Gate, Southsea PO49TE 9TE Timothy the Tortoise’s wildlife For furtherFundraising information call Clare 360212 or email clare@linkedupfundraising.co.uk LinkedUp Fundraising C.I.C, 41 Centurion Gate, Southsea PO4 www.thespring.co.uk For further information call Clare 02392 360212 or email clare@linkedupfundraising.co.uk 20 October For further information call Clare 02392 360212 or email clare@linkedupfundraising.co.uk trail around the garden of 18th Box Office 02392 472700 Pirates at Sea century naturalist Gilbert White Event proudly managed by Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent at his former home in Selborne, Event proudly managed by Event in aid of Headway Event in aid of Headway LinkedUp Fundraising Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3BS East Hampshire during the autumn LinkedUp Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Event proudlyFundraising managed by Registered Charity No. 1086140 Event in aidCharity ofSat Headway Event proudly managedbyby Registered No. 5 1086140 October -11.30am &proudly 2.30pm Event managed 023 9273 7370. Meet the Pirates half-term, and discover more about Event in aid aid of of Headway LinkedUp Fundraising Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Event in Headway LinkedUp Fundraising Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Registered Charity No.East 1086140 Portsmouth and South for a pirate afternoon. Learn to talk the animals he observed for his How toHampshire Catch a StarLinkedUp Fundraising Registered Charity No. 1086140 1086140 Registered Charity No. like a Pirate, dress up and have a most famous work: The Natural Blunderbus Theatre Company sea swelling time. Fantastic fun for History of Selborne. Clues will Once there was a boy and he loved stars. He the kids and family. FREE EVENT lead families around the 30 acres decided he would try to catch a star. But first 2pm of grounds and parkland to find

Between 1.30pm and 5pm

At Mountbatten Leisure Centre Between 1.30pm and 5pm

At Mountbatten Leisure Centre

At Mountbatten LeisureSaturday Centre 23rd November 2013 Saturday 23rd November 2013

Saturday 23rdPO2 November 2013 Saturday 23rd November The Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Alexandra Way, Portsmouth 9QA 2013

6 It’s a Knockout Games for each team Fancy dress is Santa Hat or Beard (or both!)

Activities for family/friends spectators in-between races and fun tote Teams of up to 10 people, £20 per head (£200 per team of 10)

Bringing Charities, Corporations an

Bringing Charities, Corporations and Individuals Together

To Book: On-line at www.linkedupfundraising.co.uk/events Or send a cheque (£200 per team) with covering letter to: LinkedUp Fundraising C.I.C, 41 Centurion Gate, Southsea PO4 9TE

Bringing Charities, Corporations and Individuals Together Bringing Charities, Corporations and Individuals Together

Bringing Charities, Corporations and Individuals Together

Bringing Charities, Corporations and Individuals Together Bringing Charities, Corporations and Individuals Together

he had to think of a plan. Especially for small For further information call Clare 02392 360212 or email clare@linkedupfundraising.co.uk people aged 3-7 £8 adults, £5 children

Fri 1 November - 2:30pm

Arthur’s Dream Boat Long Nose Puppets Based on the book by Polly Dunbar

Event in aid of Headway Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Registered Charity No. 1086140 Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

Arthur has an amazing dream about a beautiful pink and green boat with a stripy mast. A magical playful children’s show with breath taking puppets. £8 adults, £5 children

Event proudly managed by

LinkedUp Fundraising Bringing Charities, Corporations and Individuals Together

September/October 2013 Families Solent East 21

Families What’s the ‘tortoises’ hidden amongst the plants. Meanwhile, inside the museum you can join in celebrations for one of our most traditional fruits – the apple – with a variety of activities, including apple bobbing and tasting. £8.50 adults; £7.50 concessions, £3 under 16s and free for under 5s.

Family tickets (two adults and three children) are £20. There is free parking a short distance away in the village car park, behind the Selborne Arms. For more info call 01420 511275 or visit www. gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

26 Oct - 3 Nov Ghosts & Ghouls Half-term Hauntings, Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, SO42 7ZN Beaulieu is supposed to be one of Britain’s most haunted places and ghosts have often been seen and heard in the 13th century Abbey and at Palace House. So, if you're looking for something spooky to do this October half-term, there will be lots of strange goings-on for you to get involved with - follow the Halloween quiz trail and take a lucky dip in our mysterious box of delights. Listen to spooky stories from the costumed guides in Palace House. Have your face painted as a witch, skeleton or something equally as scary. Take a ride on the moan-a-rail - if you're feeling brave! Open daily from 10.00am 5.00pm. 01590 612345

26 Oct - 3 Nov Spooky Spectacular Staunton Country Park Middle Park Way, Havant 023 9245 3405 Chilling Fun with a number of Halloween activities to enjoy.

Normal admissions apply. SEE KIDS GO FREE VOUCHER ON BACK PAGE.

On 26 Oct - 3 Nov

28 - 31 October

Halloween at Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway 20 minutes from M27 Junction 2 West in the New Forest.

‘Dare you ride’ and experience a Halloween Phantomime?

Spooky Tree Trail. Come in Fancy dress and receive a free ‘Treat Bag’ Festival of Autumn Colours and Nerine Exhibition. Prior booking highly recommended. 02380 245750 www.exbury.co.uk open 10am – 5pm daily.

‘How would YOU feel?’

Your favourite stories as you have never seen them before!

Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT (Culminating in a chilling performance at 5pm on Halloween!) 11am to 4pm.

Think you know the story of Rumpelstiltskin? How about Little Red Riding Hood or Hansel and Gretel? Well think again! This October half term will give you the chance to explore these well-known stories from a totally different perspective. Learn the frightening truth behind these famous tales and gain new drama skills along the way! Suitable for ages 7-14 years. £60 per child for 4 days Please book by telephoning the booking line on 023 9252 3463

26 Oct - 3 Nov Halloween Pumpkin Family Trail On Board HMS Warrior HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, PO1 3LJ 023 9283 9766. 10am – 4.30pm. Halloween Pumpkin family trail on board HMS Warrior 1860. FREE with a valid ticket

26 Oct - 3 Nov

Spooky Castle Carisbrooke Castle 10am - 4pm. Let your little horrors scare themselves silly this Halloween with creepy crafts, spooky activities and ghost hunting galore! £7.70 Adult / £6.90 Concession / £4.60 Child / £20.00 Family

28 - 1 November Family Halloween Activities – The Magical Faraway Tree Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Waterlooville, PO8 0QE 023 9259 5040 Magical fun with a tractor ride to the enchanted forest. 2 hour activity. Booking essential. £5 per child. FREE CAR PARKING VOUCHER ON BACK PAGE

28 October

29 October

Chris & Pui Roadshow Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SH 023 9282 8282 11am and 2pm. Chris and Pui are bringing their road show to town.

See Incy Wincy, Humpty Dumpty, the Grand Old Duke of York and – “oh my woolly word!” – Little Bo Peep all live on stage. Laugh, sing and join in with the ‘Show Me Show Me’ duo as they perform sketches, rhymes and songs for preschoolers and their families.

Viv’s Dinosaur Discovery Roadshow Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT Sessions at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm Come and meet Viv - a fearsome carnivorous dinosaur and find out about how, when and where he lived. What were the other dinosaurs like? What did they eat? What sort of plants were in the forests? Which dinosaur had the biggest brain? Which dinosaur had two brains? Discover these and lots of other fascinating dinosaur facts when you visit Viv’s Dinosaur Discovery Roadshow!

Suitable for ages 5+. Tickets £5 per child. Please book by telephoning the booking line on 023 9252 3463

Wizard Weekend at the Watercress Line

30 October Spooky Staunton – Short Breaks Staunton Country Park Middle Park Way, Havant 023 9245 3405 For children with disabilities and their families. Booking essential.

30 October Moonlit Memories Meander www.rowanshospice.co.uk starting from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 6:30pm 023 9223 8533. A 1.5 or 3-mile sponsored walk for children aged 0 - 16 years, accompanied by an

22 Families Solent East September/October 2013

adult, around Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and HM Naval Base in aid of The Rowans Hospice. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore secret areas of the Naval Base not normally open to the public, see HMS Victory illuminated against the night sky and a great excuse to stay up late during half-term. The Meander starts at 6.30pm and the £5 registration fee includes a medal and a hot drink and snack on completion. The closing date to register is Friday 25 October.

31 Oct - 1 Nov Wizard Weekend Midhants Railway ‘The Watercress Line’, Alresford It's time to board the Wizard Express! Watch the Watercress Line transform in to a place of magic and mischief on Halloween!

Walk in Harry Potter's footsteps over the railway footbridge where he received his Hogwarts Express ticket; the famous film location from Kings Cross station that is now here at the Watercress Line!

Come dressed as a witch, wizard or Halloween spook and find out about bats, owls and all things magical! With craft activities, face painting*, witches Besom brooms* and daily shows from the FalconHigh display team. Fares Adult £14, Child (Aged 2-16 yrs) £7, Child under 2 FREE, Family (2 Adult and 2 Children – 1 child effectively travels for FREE) £35, Advance tickets include all booking fees and tickets cost the same on the day. Wizard Weekend is a free addition to our standard fares. Find out more and book your tickets in advance at www.watercressline. co.uk or pay on the day.

1 November Arthur’s Dream Boat The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre 56 East St, Havant, Hampshire PO9 1BS, 023 9247 2700 2:30pm. Long Nose Puppets Based on the book by Polly Dunbar.

Arthur has an amazing dream about a beautiful pink and green boat with a stripy mast. A magical playful children’s show with breath taking puppets. £8 adults, £5 children

Congratulations to last issues competition winners!

Nikki Pinnock Graham O’Neil

ts

T

10 %

IS CO U N

D on

We have 5 Easy2Name Off to School sets to give away, each set is worth £18.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE...

FOR LARGE VISITOR ATTRACTION

Please state clearly the name of your child and whether you require the shoe bag in red, lilac or blue.

The full Easy2Name range can be seen at

The world’s largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles at the National Motor Museum

PLUS...

www.easy2name.com Enter online at www.familiessolenteast.co.uk/competitions

Get in early!

Forthcoming events for the diary...

Various Dates Paultons Park is now booking for Santa’s Christmas Wonderland!

Ower, Romsey, The New Forest, SO51 6AL Check website for dates. A magical ice cavern with adorable singing animated characters.

Children meet Santa and receive a super FREE gift! NEW! Join Reindeer Blitzen and Elf Bobo on an amazing 4D film adventure as they help Santa and save Christmas! Experience Peppa Pig World at Christmas featuring; 7 fun rides with magical illuminations, Santa & his reindeer, decorated trees, the indoor playzone and see Peppa and George in their winter coats. Enjoy a great selection of Paultons Park’s other rides and attractions and see over 80 different species of exotic birds and animals including Penguins and Meerkats plus discover our unique themed topiary animal gardens in over 140 acres of beautiful landscaped parkland. Visit the website for dates and tickets prices or call 023 8081 4442

Various Dates SANTA SPECIALS Midhants Railway ‘The Watercress Line’, Alresford 30th Nov, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 20th - 24th December See Santa on a steam train - the perfect way to start Christmas! Join Santa as we steam on a magical one hour round trip through the scenic Hampshire countryside as he visits you in your seat! Santa gives every child a gift in a special souvenir sack with soft drinks for children and wine and mince pies for the grown-ups. Departing from

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Win!

Easy2Name Off to School set

Families What’s

either Alresford or Alton, Santa Specials are by advance booking only, fares include all booking fees.

Wheelchair passengers must book by telephone before 1st November.

To find out more and to book your tickets, clickety click to www. watercressline.co.uk Fares from £14 Adult, £14 child (1-16), £7 baby (under 1yr)

23 November Santa It’s a Knockout Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Alexandra Way, Portsmouth, PO2 9QA 6 It’s a Knockout Games for each team - Fancy dress is Santa Hat or Beard (or both!) Activities for spectator’s in-between races & fun tote. Teams of up to 10 people, £20 per head (£200 per team of 10) Book On-line at www.linkedupfundraising. co.uk/events OR send a cheque (£200 per team) with covering letter to: LinkedUp Fundraising C.I.C, 41 Centurion Gate, Southsea PO4 9TE. Call Clare 02392 360212 or email Clare@ linkedupfundraising.co.uk

26 October 3 November 2013

Spooky stories in Palace House Frightening face painting Halloween quiz trail & lucky dip Ride the Moan-A-Rail

HALF PRICE ENTRY

for children in Halloween costume.

Conditions apply (Excludes 26th October)

National Motor Museum BOND IN MOTION World of Top Gear Palace House & Gardens Beaulieu Abbey Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire SO42 7ZN Exit 2 M27 Open daily 10am Tel 01590 612345

www.beaulieu.co.uk

29 Nov - 1 Dec Victorian Festival of Christmas Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Buy before 31st October for Early Bird discount!

A visit to the new Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860, National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations and Harbour Tours is made even more special when you visit during A Victorian Festival of Christmas! Festival favourites are set to return including our largest ever Christmas Market, Fagin’s Real Ale Tavern, Dickensian-style snow covered streets, a traditional Father Christmas (dressed in green) stage show and a wonderland of Victorian characters and entertainment. http://www.christmasfestival. co.uk/ Tel 0844 8805419

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

31st OCTOBER - 3rd NOVEMBER I T ’ S T I M E TO B OA R D THE WIZARD EXPRESS!

www.watercressline.co.uk September/October 2013 Families Solent East 23

Also explore some of our other sites for some spooky fun!

Royal Victoria Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp • Ghostastic Trail • Apple Day • Halloween Horrors

Chilling Fun – a number of halloween activities to enjoy!

Magical Fun with a tractor ride to the enchanted forest

Spooky Spectacular

Family Halloween Activities – The Magic Faraway Tree

Sat 26 Oct – 3 Nov, 10.30am – 3.30pm Normal admission applies.

Wed 30 Oct, 10.30am – 2.30pm For children with disabilities and their families.

Booking essential.

www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm www.hants.gov.uk/qecp

FR

EE Children must be accompanied by an adult. Offer ends 31st October.

Hand in this voucher at our Visitor Centre.

SE 1/9/13

Kids go

Voucher entitles free parking at QECP. Exchange voucher for FREE parking permit in Visitor Centre car parkin g or Shop (vehicle registration to be provided). Only valid for one vehicle on day exchanged. Offer ends 31st October.

QE 1/9/13

www.hants.gov.uk/staunton

Search o nline in the W hat’s O n section for more informat ion

Manor Farm and Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm • Manor Farm Trick or Treat

Monday 28 Oct to Friday 1 Nov Booking is essential.

2 hour activity. £5 per child.

Spooky Staunton – Short breaks

One child FREE with a full paying adult (up to 2 adults and 2 children per voucher)

Lepe Country Park www.hants.gov.uk/lepe • Halloween Quiz Trail • Lepe in the Dark

www.hants.gov.uk