families solent east magazine, november/december 2009, issue 25

®

FREE For Chichester, Fareham, Gosport, Petersfi eld, Portsmouth, Southsea, the Isle of Wight and all the places in-between. Families Solent East, PO Box 731, Southsea PO1 9AR | www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

132 Family friendly seasonal events inside Plus Pantos, Dyslexia Awareness Week, & Women in Business Women in Business

learnhowto tellthetime

products in English, Maths, French, German & Spanish

rrp£3.45+p&p

Simply turn the hands to mimic a clock and

read the language

www.learningwheels.net

Put Organised Mum on your Christmas wish list!

www.organisedmum.co.uk or phone 0845 644 7507 for a brochure

Put Organised Mum on your Christmas wish list!

2010 calendarsand diariesStationery andlists books

Magnetic fridge listsPlanners And more!www.organisedmum.co.uk or phone

2010 calendarsand diariesStationery andlists booksStationery andlists booksStationery and

fridge listsPlanners And more!

for you or any woman you

know

Teach your baby to swim...Teach your baby to swim...

Water Babies offers a unique experience for you and your baby right from birth, providing a lifetime of water confidence and precious memories.

To find out more about classes in your area call

Water Babies - the start of something extraordinary . . .

Water Babies - the start of something extraordinary . . .

Willows Centre for ChildrenAll services judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in June 2006

As one of Portsmouth’s Children’s Centres, we provide:

023 9266 6918Battenburg Avenue, Portsmouth PO2 0SN

[email protected]

www.willowscentre.org.ukand www.childsplay.uk.net

l All year childcare available from 7:45am to 6pm for children aged 3 months to school age

l Health clinic and breastfeeding support

l 5 free morning or afternoon term-time education sessions available for 3 to 4 year olds

l Fun sessions for adults, babies and young children

Songs and activities to capture the imagination

Weekly classes Themed music and craft workshops Children's Parties CDs and Parent Packs

Can you feel the beat?

Contact Sue: 023 92817274 [email protected] www.boogiemites.co.uk

or contact your local Children Centre

November/December 2009 Families Solent East 3

Make sure you get your copy of Families Solent East!Families Solent East is FREE, so it can be hard to get hold of a copy! For £9.30 you can get the next six issues delivered direct to your door. To be sure of getting your copies, please complete and cut out this form and return it, together with your cheque for £9.30 made payable to Families Solent East, to: Families Solent East, PO Box 731, Southsea PO1 9AR.

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Address

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Next issue, January/February 2010: Children’s Centres and Childcare. Editorial and booking deadline: 4th December 2009.

To advertise in Families Solent East: Call 023 9278 2726 or email [email protected].

Spread the word: If you know of a nursery or other place parents visit regularly that would like to receive FREE copies of Families Solent East but isn’t already doing so, get in touch and we’ll sort things out.

Designed by Watershed Creative: 023 9242 2009, www.watershedcreative.com

Printed by Bishops Printers: 023 9233 4900, www.bishops.co.uk

Copyright: Families Solent East, November 2009

Data Protection: If you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition o� ering prizes in Families Solent East, we may supply your details to the company o� ering the samples or prizes. If you would prefer us NOT to do so, please state this clearly on your entry.

Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners’ own risk and, whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent East nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Families Group: Families Solent East is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All magazines in the Group are independently owned and operated under licence.

In this issue:

News 3Pantos & performing 4-6Santa’s out & about 7What’s on 8-11Out In & about 11-12Education 12-13Women in business 14-15Competitions 4, 7, 12

I can’t quite believe that this is the 25th issue of Families Solent East that I have produced. Over the past four

years I have been writing, editing and raising advertising revenue for the magazine, negotiating over 250 distribution points and meeting some fabulous people. Hard work, I can’t deny, but at the same time I have managed to get all three children to school on time,

reasonably clean and with most of their homework done. Goodness knows how, but I’ve done it. And that’s what has been so brilliant about doing this job – the � exibility. It has also brought me many new opportunities and for this reason I have decided to sell the business. If you are interested in taking on this great magazine, with lots of untapped potential, more details can be found on the back page.

Liz BourneEditor and local mother of three

Tweet us @FamiliesSolentE

Fan us attinyurl.com/fse-facebook

News

Families Solent East OnlineYou may already be familiar with our web site, but we have recently undertaken a revamp that will make it more informative, fun to use and better looking.

Familiessolenteast.co.uk is the � rst place to look for more information about the magazine if you are a local business looking to advertise or a reader wanting to know where to pick up a copy. We have also started constructing a Directory that will give you details of all sorts of businesses, services and attractions relevant to the area and to your family.

O� en we don’t have space in the magazine to include all the editorial we think you want to read. When this happens in future we’ll now be able to put it online for you.

Do take a look at the site and let us know what you think.

Vision Photography O� erChild-friendly photographic studio, Vision Photography, has once again o� ered Families Solent East readers the opportunity to have a free sitting and a 10 x 8 inch print. � e o� er ends at the end of the year but with Christmas fast approaching, we recommend that you book soon to avoid disappointment.

Photos make wonderful and personal gi� s at Christmas and Vision Photography are also o� ering a 12 x 16 inch canvas for just £65. With a relaxed and fun approach, the photographer is great with children. Why not take the whole family in for that special shot, dress up in Christmas costumes, and have a bit of fun! And you won’t be disappointed by the prices.

Vision Photography also o� ers gi� vouchers, which make fantastic presents.Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30am-5:30pm, you can book your sitting by calling Vision

on 023 9262 0140, or see examples of their work at www.visionphotostudio.com.

readers the opportunity to have a free sitting and a 10 x 8 inch print. � e o� er ends at the end of the year but with Christmas fast

are also

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk 4 Families Solent East November/December 2009

This town used to be full of children. It was like bottled sun. � en something went wrong – and Kay has changed; he’s become arithmetical, anti-girl, awkward and argu-mentative. Is it because he is a teenager, or is it something more sinister? � en one night Kay vanishes...

His best friend Gerda enlists Granny Snow to help her � nd him. Armed only with her red kicking boots, some

pots of honey and some geriatric magic, their perilous journey carries them down an ice-packed river, among � owers more dangerous than a Venus � y-trap, a kidnapping by an awesomely-terrifying robber girl, some frenzied media attention, talking reindeer and a lot of snow, as they pursue the terrifying Professor Storm and her ice warrior students.

If Gerda and Granny Snow are to rescue Kay they must follow � e Northern Lights leading to � e Ice Palace itself, where the Snow Queen lives on her Ice Mirror of Reason, and Kay is turning bluer and colder.

This entrancing, timeless tale from master storyteller Hans Christian An-dersen is brought up to date by Chichester Festival Youth � eatre in a new musical adaptation by Bryony Lavery and Jason Carr – the same creative team behind 2008’s acclaimed A Christmas Carol.

We have one family ticket to see � e Snow Queen at the Chichester Festival � eatre for Monday, 21st December at 7:30pm. For your chance to win, just an-swer the following question…

Who has adapted � e Snow Queen for the Chichester Festival � eatre?Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number to: � e Snow Queen, Families Solent East, PO Box 731, Southsea, PO1 9AR, or send an email to: [email protected], with ‘� e Snow Queen’ as your subject. One entry per household. Closing date: 11th December 2009.56 East Street Havant Hants PO9 1BS

www.thespring.co.uk Box office 02392 472700

AESOP THEATRE PRESENT

Not such an Ugly Duckling

Sat 7 Nov 1.30pmSuitable for ages 2 to 7 years£5.75, £18.50 (family of 4)

HUMDRUM PRESENT

Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book

Thu 10 Dec 7.30pmSat 12 Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pmMon 14 to 18 Dec 7.30pmSat 19 Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pm£7.50, £25 (group/family of 4)

SCAT THEATRE PRESENT

Captain Bungle’s Best Birthday

Mon 21 Dec 1.30pmSuitable for ages 4 to 7 years£5.75, £18.50 (family of 4)

FAM-001 The Spring Nov AW.indd 1 25/10/2009 19:44

Snow Queen 16th to 31st DecemberChichester Festival � eatre

� eA family ticket to

Snow Queen A family ticket to

Image: Shaun W

ebb Design & Mike Eddow

es

What turns a normally quiet and polite septuage-narian into a loud and abrasive lout, hurling abuse at a cross-dressing man? � e annual trip to the theatre to see the pantomime, that’s what. Well, that’s what it’s like in my family. Each year my parents take my children to the pantomime and throw themselves into their role as audience

members, intercepting sweets and elbowing others out of the way to get to the front of the ice-cream queue. At all other times, they are good, upstanding members of their community, often found wondering around National Trust properties and sucking on Werthers Originals.

Unless the theatres pump some funny gas in through their air condi-tioning, there must be something very special about the Christmas pantomime that turns digni� ed pillars of society into theatre thugs.

Harking back to the Middle Ages and the traditional Christmas mummers plays, modern day pantomimes have many of the same ele-ments. Every mummers play had a moral and good always defeated the bad with St George always available to play the hero. Father Christmas occasionally made an entrance as well, as did a quack doctor who man-aged to bring a corpse back to life, symbolising the reawakening of the earth from the death of winter.

In our modern day pantomime, a D-list celebrity is brought back to life for a couple of weeks, symbolising our obsession with fame and the reawakening of their career, albeit for a short time.

Audience participation has always been a key element in the panto-mime. And it is this that gives the grandparents of middle England carte blanche to lower their guard for a while and let rip in a way not seen since they heard that their local branch of Edinburgh Woollen Mill was closing down.

� e English are known for their reserved nature so audience participa-tion does not always come naturally. At any other time of the year, being split into two groups and expected to shout or sing on demand, would cause any self e� acing audience to stand up and leave, and immediately write to their local paper in disgust. But this is Christmas and the rules are di� erent. Personally, my competitive nature takes over and I have been known to brood for days if my side of the theatre wasn’t considered best.

� ere is something very appealing about the pantomime that makes us break down the barriers, enjoy the child-like quality of the genre (and the hidden innuendos) and shout out to our heart’s content. Or maybe it’s the couple of drinks we had in the bar beforehand…

November/December 2009 Families Solent East 5Telephone 023 9278 2726

Across the regionThe Wind in the WillowsNu� eld Theatre, Southampton26th November to 9th January023 8067 1771, www.nu� eldtheatre.co.ukMoles, rats and the evil weasels and stoats – let the adventure begin! A whirlwind riverbank adventure � lled with madcap lunacy, music and a classic tale.

AladdinKings Theatre, Southsea9th December to 3rd January023 9282 8282, www.kings-southsea.comA traditional pantomime for all the family.

Wizard of OzTheatre Royal, Winchester9th December to 3rd January01962 840 440, www.theatre-royal-winchester.co.ukSet o� along the yellow brick road on a journey packed with surprises. Lots of songs, jokes, boos and hisses.

Cinderella Ventnor Winter Gardens10th to 13th December 01983 857581, www.ventnorwintergardens.co.ukVentnor � eatre Group will bring this magical fairytale to the Isle of Wight. Featuring an endearing Cinderella, a lovable Buttons, a handsome prince and many more enchanting characters. Heaps of hilarious comedy and audience participation will be provided by a pair of outrageous ugly sisters, various village idiots and a magni� cent pantomime horse! A superb live band and energetic chorus will have you singing along and your toes tapping. A wonderful Christmas treat for all the family!

The Jungle BookSpring Arts Centre10th, 12th, and 14th to 19th December023 9247 2700, www.thespring.co.ukA masterful adaptation of Kipling’s classic. Going further into the stories than the Disney cartoon, this is truer to the spirit and the language of the original.

Snow White and the Seven DwarfsFerneham Hall, Fareham11th December to 10th January01329 231 942, www.fernehamhall.co.ukMirror, mirror on the wall… Sue Holderness stars in this traditional Christmas pantomime.

Santa Claus and the Return of Jack FrostMay� ower Theatre, Southampton11th December to 16th January023 8071 1811, www.may� ower.org.ukA new pantomime with laughter and slapstick, snowball � ghts, ice skating and some familiar Christmas songs.

The Snow Queen Chichester Festival Theatre16th to 31st December01243 781 312, www.cft.org.ukSee competition opposite.

Alice in WonderlandNew Theatre Royal, Portsmouth17th December to 2nd January023 9264 9000, www.newtheatreroyal.comNot a pantomime, but a beautiful family musical telling the well-known story with live music, songs and laughs.

Cinderella Medina Theatre, Newport22nd to 30th December01983 527 020, www.medinatheatre.co.ukA spectacular and magical panto with added Fame Factory Spotlight Sparkle, which promises comedy, fun, craziness, moments of tenderness and romantic heart-stopping moments.

A Christmas Carol Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham23rd December01329 223 100, www.ashcroft.org.ukA comical extravaganza to excite and challenge any young audience. With the help of a large pop-up book and lots of humbugs this entertaining version of the Dickens’ tale take the audience back to Victorian England using mime, voice and a couple of suitcases loaded full of ghosts.

6 Families Solent East November/December 2009 www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

Rocking to success!Portsmouth and surround-ing area schools are about to get a very di� erent type of music lesson thanks to Clive’s Easylearn Rock Roadshows.

Ex Sweet vocalist, Mark � ompson-Smith, in conjunction with the Extended Services co-ordinator team, is o� ering free rock roadshows to all local schools.

Mark said, ‘� e Extended Services team are looking to make local communities more aware of all of the various activities that are available for children so we’re really pleased to be able to o� er them the opportunity to get involved by putting on our roadshows in their own school.

‘� e pupils have the chance to see the Easylearn way of teaching drums, bass or guitar and it’s a fun and fast way to engage pupils with the excitement of playing in a rock band at the end of their session.

‘� e roadshows that we’ve had so far have been fantastic fun – we even had Dawn Primarolo, Minister for Children, Young People and Families at one of our summer Portsmouth roadshows and she was incredibly supportive of our new initiative.

‘Who knows where it may lead – a life long hobby or even a long term career in music, with all the fun and enjoyment that goes along with it? We now have students that have joined us and then have gone on to take music gcses and subsequently moved further on to college for their btecs, so it’s an incredible feeling knowing that you have had a part to play in their progress.’

If your school would like a visit from Mark and the Easylearn Rock Roadshow team contact your local Extended Services Team or call 023 9243 6122 or email [email protected].

Rocking to success!Portsmouth and surround-ing area schools are about to get a very di� erent type of music lesson thanks to Clive’s Easylearn Rock Roadshows

Ex Sweet vocalist, Mark � ompson-Smith, in conjunction with the

Helen O’Grady023 9225 8256 (Andrea), www.helenogrady.comPortsmouth, Gosport, Havant, Peters� eld, Portchester, Southsea, Titch� eld, Cosham and Cowplain

Stagecoachwww.stagecoach.co.ukChichester (01243 587 885), Fareham (023 8046 5006), Havant (023 8058 4854) and Peters� eld (0845 055 6376)

TADAA: The Alternative Dramatic Arts Academy07528 875 738 (Bryony), www.tadaa.infoWaterlooville Community Centre

Theatre Train 01983 248 844 (Julie), www.theatretrain.co.ukRyde

For many, Christmas shows and pantomimes are the only time that children get to go to a theatre or indeed perform at their school nativity. So now may be the perfect time to go with the momentum and sign them up to a drama or performance-related club.

For most students, performing arts classes are an extension of the role-play games and dancing along to music most enjoy at home. Some students may well harbour aspirations of stardom when they begin, but it is much more likely that these wannabes will learn that life in ‘show biz’ is not quite as glamorous as they � rst thought, and that performing can be enjoyed simply as a fun hobby.

Depending on the emphasis of the class, children can learn theatre cra� as well as voice skills, improvisation and dance.

For children who need bringing out of themselves, the transformation that can be seen in children in just a few months can be unbelievable in terms of a new con� dence and self-assurance.

� eatre arts bring literature to life, and build self-con� dence. Learning to perform in front of an audience can help children with public speaking (even just speaking out in class at school); role playing and improvisation give their minds freedom to develop while developing empathy for other peoples’ feelings.

Similarly, a love of music, like that of literature, is a wonderful resource for an entire lifetime. � e more a child understands the language of music, the more con� dent and enriched he or she will be by listening, singing or playing an instrument.

Don’t Do put your daughter on the stage, Mrs Worthington!Don’t


We bring a taste of Norway and the Arctic to you through fun family trails and activities. Burn off the Christmas excess and see for yourself what it takes...Please note: Normal admission charges apply to take part in the activities. Museum closed from 12 noon 23rd to 10am 27th.

19th December - 3rd January

ROYALMARINESMUSEUM

the

Registered Charity No. 259422

SouthseaHampshirePO4 9PX

T: 023 9281 9385

Cold Front

www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk

Cold Front MkII.indd 1 15/10/2009 9:36:03 AM

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells! Santa’s sleigh is drifting around Hampshire, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight sprinkling some festive fun, and we have his itinerary… but do contact venues in advance to check his details!

Santa’s Out About

From 21st NOVEMBERSanta’s Christmas Wonderland Santa’s Christmas

Paultons Park, Ower023 8081 4442, www.paultonspark.co.ukFrom 21st November Enter a magical ice wonderland with friendly animated singing characters.

27th to 29th NOVEMBERVictorian Festival of Christmas Victorian Festival

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard023 9283 9766, www.christmasfestival.co.ukVisitors will be magically transport-ed into a Dickensian-style bygone era of snowy white streets with a festive fairground and seasonal carols. Fun can be had throughout the dockyard with parlour games, bawdy Music Hall, a nativity farm and a traditional ‘green’ Santa, who ensures this hugely popular event is fun for all the family.

27th NOVEMBER to 3rd JANUARY

Ice Rink Winchester Cathedral, £9.20 (adults), £7.20 (concessions), £30 (2 adults and 2 children)01962 857 276, www.winchester-cathedral.org.ukA large, real open air ice rink in a wonderful setting, nestled amongst the Christmas Market. � e Ice Rink Café provides Alpine-style refreshments. Sessions last an hour.

A family ticket to Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink

For your chance to win, just answer the following question (clue: take a look in the What’s On section)…

What special event is taking place on Friday, 27th November to mark the opening of Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market and Ice Rink? Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number to: Winchester Ice Rink, Families Solent East, PO Box 731, Southsea, PO1 9AR, or send an email to: [email protected], with ‘Winchester Ice Rink’ as your subject. One entry per household. Closing date 1st December 2009.

From 5th DECEMBER (see details)

Santa Specials Watercress Line 01962 733 810 to book, www.watercressline.co.uk5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th to 24th DecemberEnjoy a steam train ride with Santa.

Santa Specials and Mince Pie Specials Isle of Wight Steam Railway, HavenstreetSanta Specials: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th to 24th December Mince Pie Specials: 26th to 28th December01983 885 923, www.iwsteamrailway.co.ukStroll through the Winter Wonderland to meet Santa in his grotto where a gi� awaits every child. Take a relaxing ride on the steam trains. Plus seasonal fayre in the station bu� et and restaurant and a shop packed with gi� ideas.

5th to 6th DECEMBERFather Christmas at the North Pole Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport023 9251 0354 ext 241, www.rnsubus.co.ukWalk through the snow of the recreated North Pole to board a WW2 submarine and meet Santa. HMS Alliance served in the Royal Navy � eet from 1947-1973, but this Christmas will play host to a very special festive guest.

12th, 13th, 19th and 20th DECEMBER

Victorian Christmas Milestones Living History Museum, Basingstoke01256 477 766A series of family events especially for Christmas, including a Victorian Family Christmas on 12th December from 6:30-9:30pm.

12th, 13th, and 19th to 22nd DECEMBER

Exbury Santa Steam Specials Exbury Gardens023 8024 5750, www.exbury.co.ukA musical train ride through wintery gardens with seasonal characters along the way. Hot punch for adults and a festive sweet for children. Children will receive a present from Father Christmas in a grotto in a heated marquee.

12th to 23rd DECEMBERCountry Christmas!Staunton Country Park, Havant023 9245 3405 to bookMeet Santa in his grotto, enjoy Christmas cra� s, festive face painting and seasonal stories. Hang your special Christmas wishes on � e Wishing Tree, browse the shop for decorations and gi� s, and buy your Christmas tree.

12th to 24th DECEMBERSnow Village and Snow SlideGunwharf Quays, Portsmouth023 9283 6700, www.gunwharf-quays.comEnjoy the Sno!slide in the Plaza. Jump on an in� atable ring and slide down the double-laned 45� real snow slope. Smaller children can enjoy building snow men in the Snow Garden.

19th DECEMBER to 3rd JANUARYCold Front Royal Marines Museum, Southsea023 9281 9385, www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.ukHands-on trails and activities to see if you have what it takes to survive in freezing conditions.

Tudor Christmas Fun Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard023 9283 9766, www.historicdockyard.co.ukFind out about the toys and games of Tudor times, plus a Christmas trail around the museum.

Christmas Celebrations Beaulieu, nr Brockenhurst01590 612 888, www.beaulieu.co.ukEnjoy the festive atmosphere in the splendour of Beaulieu. Dress up in period costumes, and enjoy carol singing and parlour games. Experience a Victorian-style Christmas complete with yule log and traditional decorations.

26th DECEMBER to 1st JANUARYA Sussex ChristmasWeald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton01243 811 348, www.wealddown.co.ukExperience the traditions of Christmas past and discover how our ancestors enjoyed the festive season. Walk o� the Christmas pud and enjoy the traditionally decorated houses with their crackling log � res. Plus a variety of festive fare, music and stories from Tudor to Victorian times.

refreshments. Sessions last an hour.

A family ticket to Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink

For your chance to win, just answer


Although we aim to be as accurate as possible, the events listed on pages 8 to 11 are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Also, some events may have a charge that applies but is not recorded here. So please contact venues in advance to check full details.

NovemberSUNDAY 1st

Hampshire Farmers’ MarketMarket Square, Peters� eld, 10am-2pm

FRIDAY 6thChichester Farmers’ MarketEast and North Streets, 9am-2pm

SATURDAY 7thBeneath the Banyan TreeNu� eld Theatre, Southampton023 8067 1771, www.nu� eldtheatre.co.ukEveryone has a story to tell. Every person, every animal, every tree has a story to tell. Not all stories have words. Anjali’s story begins in India.

Not Such an Ugly Duckling 2-7 yrsThe Spring Arts Centre023 9247 2700, www.thespring.co.uk� e bullied and abandoned hero befriends some interesting characters in this delightful adaptation of a traditional tale.

Meet the Barber-Surgeon Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, www.historicdockyard.co.ukDiscover how strange Tudor remedies and treatments seem today.

SUNDAY 8thBeneath the Banyan Tree Ages 7+New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth023 9264 9000, www.newtheatreroyal.comA fusion of theatre, traditional Indian and Western dance, puppetry and music tells the story of Anjali, a young girl who’s moved to the UK from India.

Meet the Barber-Surgeon Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 7th listing above.

TUESDAY 10thHeartbreak Soup Ages 9+Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham01329 223 100, www.ashcroft.org.ukFollows the life and times of Cuddy Gill, the blue boy, born with a damaged heart. Full of playful physicality and beautiful puppetry, extraordinary new writing that inspires laughter and tears from audiences of all ages.

WEDNESDAY 11thA Tempest Ages 8+New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth023 9264 9000, www.newtheatreroyal.comFeaturing a deaf/hearing cast plus song, music, puppets and fully integrated British Sign Language. Introduces children to the richness of Shake-speare’s language and storytelling.

Telescope Amnesty Ages 8+ Intech Science Centre, nr Winchester, 6:30pm01962 863 791, www.intech-uk.comBring your own equipment for advice or use the telescopes on display. Observing from the terrace.

Special Planetarium Show Ages 8+ Special Planetarium Show

Intech Science Centre, nr Winchester, 8:30pm, £6/£501962 863 791, www.intech-uk.comA planetarium show about what you can see in the night sky.

SATURDAY 14thThe Big Enormous Present 3-8 yrsChichester Festival Theatre01243 781 312, www.cft.org.uk, A mysterious present has appeared in the playground at Jack, Dot and Polly’s school. Who can it possibly be for? What could be waiting inside?

Oshima and the Big Sea Ages 3+Nu� eld Theatre, Southampton023 8067 1771, www.nu� eldtheatre.co.ukAmazing sea creatures, shadow puppetry and live music.

Making Space Open StudiosMaking Space, Leigh Park, 10am-4pm023 9247 2491, www.makingspace.orgEnjoy a mince pie and maybe pick up a gi� from the gallery of work from the resident and guest makers.

Family History Open DayThe Spring Arts Centre, 10am-4pm023 9247 2700, www.thespring.co.ukMeet expert genealogists and learn about your past. Free Family History Cra� sessions for children.

Tudor Dressing Up Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, www.historicdockyard.co.ukWhat would you look like as a Tudor?

Fish Keepers Weekend Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth023 9287 5222, www.bluereefaquarium.co.ukChat with one of the trained aquarists to � nd out how to be a responsible � sh keeper.

Christmas MarketWeald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton01243 811 348, www.wealddown.co.ukDozens of stalls with arts, cra� s, food, unusual gi� s and much more. Admission only £2.50, including access to all Museum exhibits.

NCT Nearly New SaleKings Centre, 37 Elm Grove, Southsea, 1-3pm0844 243 6243, [email protected] top sale of toys, equipment and clothes for children 0-9 years.Come and get your winter/Christmas Bargains. £1 per family.

SUNDAY 15thSomething Else Ages 3+New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth023 9264 9000, www.newtheatreroyal.comStorytelling, upbeat songs and a lot of laughs.

Hampshire Farmers’ MarketPalmerston Road, Southsea, 10am-2pm

Fish Keepers Weekend Blue Reef Aquarium, PortsmouthAs Saturday 14th listing above.

Tudor Dressing Up Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic DockyardAs Saturday 14th listing above.

Christmas MarketWeald and Downland Open Air Museum, SingletonAs Saturday 14th listing above.

THURSDAY 14thNCT Christmas Shopping NightNorth End Baptist Church, 195 Powerscourt Road, Portsmouth, 8-10pm0844 243 6243, [email protected] sale of unique and luxury Christmas presents. Refreshments. Free entry.

FRIDAY 20thChichester Farmers’ MarketEast and North Streets, 9am-2pm

SATURDAY 21stStorytelling Workshop Ages 6+Nu� eld Theatre, Southampton023 8067 1771, www.nu� eldtheatre.co.ukWorkshop uses basic improvisation techniques to unlock you and your child’s imaginations and have all the family storytelling together.

Time for Pantomime 4-7 yrsThe Spring Arts Centre023 9247 2700, www.thespring.co.ukStorytelling with participation. Story sacks, books, puppets, games and songs, to help the story come to life. And it’s free!

Young Artists’ Workshop Ages 13+Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, 10:15am-12:15pm01243 774 557 to bookExplore expressive, abstract paintings from the Gallery’s collection and discover new ways of creating art.

Meet the Tudor Gunner Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, www.historicdockyard.co.ukJoin in with a Tudor gundrill.

A Christmas FestivalStansted House, Rowlands Castle, 10am-4pmwww.stanstedpark.co.ukDo all your Christmas shopping under one roof.

A Victorian Christmas Osborne House, nr East Cowes,10am-4pmwww.english-heritage.org.ukExperience the spirit of a traditional Victorian Christmas with magic and illusion at the side shows, a travelling theatre, carol singing and a chance to meet Queen Victoria herself.

SUNDAY 22ndMeet the Tudor Gunner Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic DockyardAs Saturday 21st listing above.

A Christmas FestivalStansted House, Rowlands Castle As Saturday 21st listing above.

A Victorian Christmas Osborne House, near East CowesAs Saturday 21st listing above.

FRIDAY 27thBig Christmas Pottery Decorating Weekend Chessell Pottery Barns, nr Calbourne, £4.95 studio fee01983 531 248, www.chessellpotterybarns.co.ukDecorate your own Christmas pottery gi� s.

Victorian Festival of Christmas Victorian Festival of Christmas

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard023 9283 9766, www.christmasfestival.co.ukGo on a journey back in time to experience a traditional Victorian Christmas at this popular event.

Paper Lantern Procession Winchester, 6:30pmStarting at the Grand Hall, this dazzling array of coloured lanterns will process through the High Street to the Cathedral.

SATURDAY 28thHo Ho Ho HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, www.historicdockyard.co.ukCelebrate the Festival of Christmas by making a fun, festive treat to take home.

Stencil Designs 5-10 yrsPallant House Gallery, Chichester, 10:15am-12:15, £601243 774 557 to bookTake two contrasting images from Henry Moore’s textiles for inspiration, make your own stencils and use them to create new and exciting designs.

Midhurst Farmers’ MarketCapron House car park, 8:30am-1:30pm

Telephone 023 9278 2726 November/December 2009 Families Solent East 9

Contact: 023 9251 0354 • www.rnsubmus.co.uk

The Royal Navy Submarine MuseumHaslar Jetty Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 2AS.

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Sat 5 & Sun 6 Decemberfrom 10am

Father Christmasat the North Pole

Tickets:Advance £8 or £24 per family*, Under 3’s FREE

On the door £9 or £27 family*

Walk through the snow andmeet Father Christmas at theNorth Pole on his submarine!

*4 persons

FREE GIFT FOREVERY CHILD

Get Festive atOsborne House

Days out worth talking about.

Sat 21 Nov – Sun 22 Nov10am – 4pm A Victorian Christmas Weekend Enjoy Victorian sideshows,stalls and carol singing.

www.english-heritage.org.uk/osborne

Publication ???87mm x 130mm

12 Dec, 6.30–9.30pm

A Victorian Family Christmas12, 13, 19 and 20 December 11am–5pm

A Family Christmas Event!For more information Tel 01256 477766

www.milestones-museum.com

Christmas carols in Palace House

Children’s fun trail

Giant Christmas tree

Gift ideas for Christmas

The BeaulieuGift Shop inVisitor Reception, offers

soft toys, stockingfillers, motor related itemsincludingTopGear merchandise,traditional gifts and Beaulieu’sown wine and festive fare.There isfree parking and free entry to theGift Shop.Open daily 10 am - 5 pm

Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire SO42 7ZN Exit 2 M2701590 612345 www.beaulieu.co.uk

National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey & Gardens


Although we aim to be as accurate as possible, the events listed on pages 8 to 11 are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Also, some events may have a charge that applies but is not recorded here. So please contact venues in advance to check full details.

Big Christmas Pottery Decorating Weekend Chessell Pottery Barns, nr CalbourneAs Friday 27th listing above.

Victorian Festival of Christmas Victorian Festival

Portsmouth Historic DockyardAs Friday 27th listing above.

SUNDAY 29thChocolates for Advent Calendars 6-16 yrsLe Salon du Chocolat, Stansted Park, 10:30am, £12.50023 9241 3350, www.lesalonduchocolat.co.ukMould 24 seasonal-shaped chocolates with milk, dark or white chocolate, hand wrap them then take home to put in your own advent calendars.

Teatime with Father ChristmasManor Farm Country Park, Bursledon, 2:30pm01489 787 055Santa drops into the schoolteacher’s cottage for a� ernoon tea. Bring along your letter to for him to post in the special post box.

Big Christmas Pottery Decorating Weekend Chessell Pottery Barns, nr CalbourneAs Friday 27th listing above.

Victorian Festival of Christmas Victorian Festival

Portsmouth Historic DockyardAs Friday 27th listing above.

DecemberFRIDAY 4th

Chichester Farmers’ MarketEast and North Streets, 9am-2pm

Big Christmas Pottery Decorating Weekend Chessell Pottery Barns, nr CalbourneAs Friday 27th November listing above.

SATURDAY 5thChristmas Card Making Ages 5+Making Space, Leigh Park, 10am-1pm, £15023 9247 2491, www.makingspace.orgMake fabulous Christmas cards using di� erent techniques such as stencilling, embossing, stickers and glitter.

Knots and Rigging Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, www.historicdockyard.co.ukLearn about the rigging on the Mary Rose and try your hand at making anti-boarding netting and knots.

Santa’s Torchlight Trail HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am and 2pm023 9283 9766, www.historicdockyard.co.ukBring a torch to explore the ship and help Santa � nd the missing presents.

Father Christmas at the North Pole Father Christmas at the

Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport023 9251 0354 ext. 240 to book, www.rnsubmus.co.ukMeet Father Christmas and his real reindeer on a WW2 Submarine at the North Pole in Gosport! Snow and free gi� included!

Christmas in the ParkQueen Elizabeth Country Park, £8023 9259 5040 to bookFather Christmas in his grotto with gi� s, a festive nature trail, tractor ride and children’s cra� .


SUNDAY 6thChocolate for Christmas Gifts Ages 4+Le Salon du Chocolat, Stansted Park, 2pm, £20 (child), £25 (adult)023 9241 3350, www.lesalonduchocolat.co.ukFamilies can get together and make their chocolate gi� s for friends and relatives. Choose two trays from over � � y di� erent chocolate moulds, and paint and decorate them. Everything is wrapped into seasonal packaging, tied up with ribbons and bows to take home and hide away until Christmas.

Tree DressingWeald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, 12:30-4pm01243 811 348, www.wealddown.co.ukA wonderful celebration for all the family of the life-giving properties of trees. Make a lantern (bring a jam jar!), and join the procession to dress the trees as darkness falls. Plus headdress making, story telling, music, dance and seasonal tasty treats.

Christmas Shopping National Trust Shop, North Street, Brighstone, 11am-3pmEnjoy shopping for gi� s with the added bonus of mince pies and mulled wine on o� er.

Hampshire Farmers’ MarketMarket Square, Peters� eld, 10am-2pm


Knots and Rigging Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 5th listing above.

Father Christmas at the North Pole Father Christmas at the

Royal Navy Submarine Museum, GosportAs Saturday 5th listing above.

Teatime with Father ChristmasManor Farm Country Park, Bursledon As Sunday 29th November listing above.

Christmas in the ParkQueen Elizabeth Country Park As Saturday 5th listing above.

WEDNESDAY 9thThe Big Friendly GiantNew Theatre Royal, Portsmouth023 9264 9000, www.newtheatreroyal.comRoald Dahl’s classic book about the 24� giant and an orphan called Sophie.

Are We Alone? Ages 11+ Intech Science Centre, nr Winchester, 6:30pm, £6/£501962 863 791, www.intech-uk.comA space lecture by Dr Robin Catchpole.

THURSDAY 10thHorseplay Workshop 3-5 yrsChichester Festival Theatre01243 781 312, www.cft.org.uk, Creative improvisation with a live performer and horse-themed treasures.

The Big Friendly GiantNew Theatre Royal, PortsmouthAs Wednesday 9th listing above.

FRIDAY 11thHoof Ages 3+Chichester Festival Theatre01243 781 312, www.cft.org.uk, A horse’s quest for a herd, humour and a life without shoes.


SATURDAY 12thGlass and Sparkle Ages 5+Making Space, Leigh Park, 10am-1pm, £15023 9247 2491, www.makingspace.orgMake beautiful glass and transparent Christmas decorations by trapping sequins and sparkly things. Glass decorations will be melted and ready for collection in time for Christmas.

Clothkits Ages 8+Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, 10:15-11:45am; 12:15-1:45pm and 2:30-4pm, £9 per family01243 774 557 to bookLearn to stitch your own Clothkit cushion decorated in a design commissioned specially for the Gallery to coincide with the Henry Moore textiles exhibition. Sewing machines and Clothkit materials will be provided.

Tudor Life Ashore Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, www.historicdockyard.co.ukFind out what life was like for the families of the Mary Rose crew.

Santa’s Torchlight Trail HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic DockyardAs Saturday 5th listing above.

Hoof Ages 3+Chichester Festival TheatreAs Friday 11th listing above.



SUNDAY 13thChristmas Crafts 5-11 yrsSustainability Centre, East Meon, 1-3pm £601730 823 166, www.sustainability-centre.orgDecorated Christmas silver twigs for a natural looking house, felt gi� s and tree decorations.

Fossil Walk Dinosaur Isle, Sandown,1pm01983 404 344 to book, www.dinosaurisle.comA gentle stroll along Yaverland beach looking for fossils.

Christmas Market and FestivitiesManor Farm Country Park, Bursledon, from 10am01489 787 055Browse a selection of local cra� and produce stalls whilst enjoying music, theatre and festive entertainment.

Chocolate for Christmas Gifts Ages 4+Le Salon du Chocolat, Stansted ParkAs Sunday 6th listing above.

Christmas Shopping National Trust Shop, North Street, BrighstoneAs Sunday 6th listing above.

Tudor Life Ashore Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic DockyardAs Saturday 12th listing above.


Telephone 023 9278 2726 November/December 2009 Families Solent East 11

Visit hampshiretopattractions.co.uk for more information and discount vouchers.

WEDNESDAY 16thAway in a Manger: the Manor Farm NativityManor Farm Country Park, Bursledon, 6:15pm, £7.50 (adults), £5 (child)01489 787 055A very special presentation of the Christmas story set against the charming backdrop of Manor Farm. Using live characters, animals from the farm and a selection of favourite carols, the nativity story unfolds on a 30 minute guided farmyard tour, followed by a chance for children to meet some of the farm animals.

THURSDAY 17thAway in a Manger: the Manor Farm NativityManor Farm Country Park, Bursledon As Wednesday 16th listing above.

FRIDAY 18thMeet SantaMill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling Island, 10am-4pm, £8 (child), £4 (adult)023 9246 0044 to book (advisable)Visit the resort and use the facilities, meet Santa and write him a letter. Each child will receive a gi� and each adult a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine. Festive entertainment throughout.

Chichester Farmers’ MarketEast and North Streets, 9am-2pm

SATURDAY 19thThe Night Before Christmas 4-7 yrsThe Spring Arts Centre023 9247 2700, www.thespring.co.ukStorytelling with participation. Celebrate this exciting time of the year.


Meet SantaMill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling IslandAs Friday 18th listing above.

SUNDAY 20thChristmas Crafts 5-11 yrsSustainability Centre, East MeonAs Sunday 13th listing above.

Hampshire Farmers’ MarketPalmerston Road, Southsea, 10am-2pm

Teatime with Father ChristmasManor Farm Country Park, Bursledon As Sunday 29th November listing above.


Meet SantaMill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling IslandAs Friday 18th listing above.

MONDAY 21stCaptain Bungle’s Best Birthday 4-7 yrsThe Spring Arts Centre023 9247 2700, www.thespring.co.ukEven pirates have birthdays, but has Captain Bungle’s pirate crew forgotten his birthday?

Christmas Table Centres 6-15 yrsLe Salon du Chocolat, Stansted Park, £15023 9241 3350, www.lesalonduchocolat.co.ukUsing liquid chocolate, edible glitters and sparkly dusts, children will paint, decorate and then assemble their solid chocolate pieces into a beautiful chocolate centre piece presented on a solid base of chocolate.

TUESDAY 22ndA Christmas Carol Ages 7+The Spring Arts Centre023 9247 2700, www.thespring.co.ukAn extraordinary adaptation of Dickens’ classic ghost story, with masks, puppets and a magical set.

Festive fun at the Fort Fort Nelson, Fareham01329 233 734, www.royalarmouries.orgEnjoy traditional Punch and Judy shows and Christmas cra� activities.

Christmas Table Centres 6-15 yrsLe Salon du Chocolat, Stansted ParkAs Monday 21st listing above.

WEDNESDAY 23rd Christmas Table Centres 6-15 yrsLe Salon du Chocolat, Stansted ParkAs Monday 21st listing above.

THURSDAY 24thChristmas Eve

FRIDAY 25thChristmas Day

TUESDAY 29thCommando Kids!Fort Nelson, Fareham01329 233 734, www.royalarmouries.orgA chance to join the Army, 1940s style, with a junior assault course.

Brrr! Keep warm and entertained for lessAhhh! The weather is cold, wet and miserable. And you and the children have been cooped up indoors with nothing to keep you entertained than a tree bedecked with half nibbled and partially melted chocolate decorations and an elderly aunt who no one remembers inviting. But don’t despair! Thankfully there are plenty of places you can go to shelter from the ravages of the weather and the incessant babbling of elderly relatives.

If you are concerned that all this is going to cost too much (although probably not as much as the psychotherapy bills if you are left indoors for much longer), why not invest in a Culture-all passport o� ered by Hampshire County Council? This gives you and your family free, unlimited access to all of Hampshire County Council’s paid-entry museums, attractions and countryside sites for one year, plus unlimited free parking. And all for just £69! A great idea for a Christmas gift too, the passport means that you could shelter indoors at Milestones Museum during the colder months, then enjoy the animals at Manor Farm and Staunton Country Park when the sun is shining. Visit www.hants.gov.uk/passport for more information.

If you are out for a weekend walk near the Needles Old Battery from 7th November to 13th December then take shelter from the elements at the Tea Room (open from 11am-3pm). A nice hot drink will help you on your way.

Of course, if all else fails, a trip to the local soft play area is never unwelcome for the under 12s. Let them burn o� excess energy in the safe environment whilst you loll on the chairs, enjoying a cup of co� ee and the paper.

For ideas of places to visit see overleaf and online at familiessolenteast.co.uk for more details.

12 months’ unlimited entry to some of Hampshire’s best attractions: Milestones Museum Manor Farm Country Park Staunton Country Park Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Bursledon Windmill Rockbourne Roman Villa Aldershot Military Museum Basing House Royal Victoria Country Park (chapel museum and tower) Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve

To find out more and buy online go to www.hants.gov.uk/passport

12 months’ unlimited entry to some

Passport

Ideal for Christmas

12 months’ unlimited entry to some 12 months’ unlimited entry to some

Christmasonly

£69 for up to

2 adults and 2 children

Issue 24 competition winners Exbury: Rob Hollins, Portsmouth; Cath Hoare, HorndeanLife Book: Claudine Rees, Southsea; C Claasen, Sheet; Kelly Meale, Portsmouth; Mrs C Olive, Waterlooville; Diane Plaskett, PortsmouthBeaulieu: Karen Williams, Gosport; June Roberts, Chichester; K Wild, Portsmouth; J D Smallbone, Lee-on-the-Solent; Daniel Cherry, Portsmouth

Issue 24 competition winners Issue 24 competition winners

12 Families Solent East November/December 2009

Education

Horizone Play Centre! at Havant Leisure CentreGet the kids active in

our fantastic 7 metre

high, 4 level play frame

and separate toddlers area

www.horizonlc.com

Havant Leisure Centre, Civic Centre Road, Havant

Telephone 023 9247 6026 Email [email protected]

Reinventing the wheel?When I studied French and German at school I really struggled with the idea that words had genders and that verbs would change according to whether you were talking to a peer or a grown-up or a goat, or whatever (admittedly, my mind was dri� ing by this point). Although I had my mini Collins French dictionary, I really needed something quick and easy to use to remind me whether I should ‘ecris’ or ‘ecrit’. If only I had access to a Learningwheel, a simple yet e� ective method of guiding linguists towards the correct use of verbs. Local teachers, Andy and Wendy Craig, have spent the past year and a half establishing the educational publishing company that produces Learningwheels and it has been a huge success. Their first product, a French set of Learningwheels, was designed by the husband and wife team and proved to be such a success that they expanded the range to include Spanish and German verbs.

Each ‘wheel’ helps learners find the correct verb to use dependent upon the gender and tense by simply turning the inner wheel to match with the outer one. � ey are a� ordable, fun and easy to use, portable and great to slip into a school bag or to hand out in lessons. But Wendy and Andy didn’t stop there. � ey have also developed some great Learningwheels to help learners with their maths. From division and multiplication to addition and subtraction, it is all covered with the Learningwheel sets. � ese are particularly useful for spotting patterns in maths which really help the learner understand future arithmetical problems.

Need to tell the time? � ere are Learningwheels for doing this in English, French, Spanish and German.Individually priced between £2 and £4, these are an excellent way to support your child at home or, if you are a teacher, your class (there are discounts for schools).Learningwheels are available from Amazon, Little Linguist, Grant & Cutler and Waterstones, as well as from local book shops. See the full range at www.learningwheels.net.

Each pack contains one Learn to Tell the Time uk clock, one Multiplication wheel and one Addition wheel (worth @ £10.35). For your chance to win a pack of Learningwheels, just answer the following question:In what language is ‘a clock’ called ‘un horloge’?

Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number to: Learningwheels, Families Solent East, PO Box 731, Southsea, PO1 9AR, or send an email to: [email protected], with ‘Learningwheels’ as your subject. One entry per household. Closing date 11th December 2009.

competitions@, with

‘Learningwheels’ as your

Send your answer along with your name, address Send your answer along with your name, address

Learningwheels, Families Learningwheels, Families

Learn to Tell the Time wheel and one

, was designed by the husband and wife team and proved to be such a success that they expanded the range to

portable and great to slip into a school bag

But Wendy and Andy didn’t stop there. � ey

1of 15 packs of Learningwheels

Indoor places to goBrading Roman Villa Brading01983 406 223, www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk

Blue Reef Aquarium Clarence Parade, Southseawww.bluereefaquarium.co.uk

Carisbrooke Castle 01983 522 187, www.englishheritage.org.uk

D-Day Museum Clarence Parade , Southsea023 9282 7261

Dinosaur Isle www.dinosaurisle.comCulver Parade, Sandown

Fort NelsonPortsdown Hill, Fareham01329 233 734, www.armouries.org.uk

Intech Science Centre Morn Hill, Winchester01962 863 791, www.intech-uk.com

Milestones Living History Museum Milestones Living History

Leisure Park, Basingstokewww.milestones-museum.com

Osborne House www.englishheritage.org.uk

Portsmouth City Museum Museum Road, Portsmouth023 9282 7261

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 023 9272 8060, www.historicdockyard.co.uk

Portsmouth Natural History Museum Eastern Parade, Southsea023 9282 7261

Royal Marines Museum Eastney Esplanade, Southsea023 9281 9385, www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk

Royal Navy Submarine Museum Royal Navy Submarine

Gosportwww.rnsubmus.co.uk

Spinnaker Tower www.spinnakertower.co.uk

Indoor play centresFun City, Fareham01329 511 055, www.funcityfareham.co.uk

Horizone Play CentreHavant Leisure Centre023 9248 8442, www.horizonlt.com

JR Zone, Newport 01983 559 272, www.jrzone.co.uk

Monkey Bizness, Gosport08458 739 645, www.monkey-bizness.co.uk

Playzone, Portsmouth023 9237 9999, www.theplayzone.co.uk

Space Island, Lake 01983 405 070, www.space-island.co.uk

Reinventing the wheel?When I studied French and German at school I really struggled with the idea that words had genders and that verbs would change according to whether you were talking to a peer or a grown-up or a goat, or whatever (admittedly, my mind was dri� ing by this point). Although I had my mini Collins French dictionary, I really needed something quick and easy to use to remind me whether I should ‘ecris’ or ‘ecrit’. If only I had access to a Learningwheel, a simple yet e� ective method of guiding linguists towards the correct use of verbs. Local teachers, Andy and Wendy Craig, have spent the past year and a half establishing the educational publishing company that produces Learningwheels and it has been a huge success. Their first product, a French set of Learningwheelshusband and wife team and proved to be such a success that they expanded the range to include Spanish and German verbs.

Each ‘wheel’ helps learners find the correct verb to use dependent upon the gender and tense by simply turning the inner wheel to match with the outer one. � ey are a� ordable, fun and easy to use, portable and great to slip into a school bag or to hand out in lessons. But Wendy and Andy didn’t stop there. � ey have also developed some great

maths. From division and multiplication to addition and subtraction, it is all covered with the Learningwheelfor spotting patterns in maths which really help the learner understand future arithmetical problems.

Need to tell the time? � ere are French, Spanish and German.

Individually priced between £2 and £4, these are an excellent way to support your child at home or, if you are a teacher, your class (there are discounts for schools).Learningwheels are available from Amazon, Little Linguist, Grant & Cutler and Waterstones, as well as from local book shops. See the full range at www.learningwheels.net

Each pack contains one Learn to Tell the Timeuk clock, one MultiplicationAddition wheel (worth @ £10.35). For your chance to win a pack of Learningwheelsanswer the following question:

In what language is ‘a clock’ called ‘un horloge’?

Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number to: Learningwheels, Families Solent East, PO Box 731, Southsea, PO1 9ARor send an email to: [email protected], with ‘Learningwheels’ as your subject. One entry per household. Closing date 11th December 2009.

Each pack contains one

1of 15 packs of Learningwheels

November/December 2009 Families Solent East 13

Dyslexia Awareness Week � e aim of Dyslexia Awareness Week (1st-7th November) is to increase people’s understanding of a surprisingly common di� culty. Although even now some consider it a ‘middle class excuse for underachievement’ dyslexia is a very real problem for one in ten of us.

Dyslexia is o� en in the news and has been the cause of heated debates between parents, teachers and politicians for many years. � is summer Sir Jim Rose, in his report to the government, � nally de� ned dyslexia as ‘a learning di� culty which primarily a� ects skills involved in accurate and � uent word reading and spelling.’

� is statement has been called a landmark in the understanding of dyslexia. Parents and teachers have, for many years, felt that a question mark has been held over the diagnosis and existence of dyslexia. � ey have struggled to get recognition and help for their children. Many adults with dyslexia have grown up with little or no support for their condition.

Earlier this year a politician, unhelpfully, branded dyslexia as a ‘wicked’ myth designed to cover up poor teaching and wrong methods. However, with the Rose Report recommending that £10m pounds should be spent addressing dyslexia, the idea that it is a myth has � nally been dispelled.

Some of this money will initially train four thousand dyslexia specialists who will support local schools. � ey will share expertise and rec-ommend the implementation of speci� c teach-ing techniques and use of materials designed for those with dyslexia.

Dyslexia isn’t being de� ned as single category but as a continuum of di� culties. So, teachers will need to assess children individually and decide the best ways to address their needs. Tutoring will then be necessary as dyslexics will vary according to the severity of their problems.

Parents and students will welcome the new in-vestment that the government is providing. But this initiative will take time to implement and if your child needs help now what can you do? Well, support for children is available. � ere are many organisa-tions which specialize in diagnosing and supporting dyslexics. An online search will put you in touch with a range of organizations and resources.

Alternatively, if your child just needs a boost then Kip McGrath o� ers free assessments in reading, writing and spelling, and weekly a� er school tuition. Many of their students have bene� ted from the extra support. Visit the Families Solent East web site to read how tuition at the Kip McGrath Centre helped one child progress academically and improve his self esteem.

To book a free assessment at Kip McGrath Education Centre give Linda or Howard a call on 023 9275 5923.

have struggled to get recognition and help for their children. Many adults with dyslexia have grown up with little or no support for their

local schools. � ey will share expertise and rec-ommend the implementation of speci� c teach-ing techniques and use of materials designed for

Dyslexia isn’t being de� ned as single category but as a continuum of di� culties. So, teachers will need to assess children individually and decide the best ways to address their needs. Tutoring will then be necessary as dyslexics will vary according

Parents and students will welcome the new in-vestment that the government is providing. But this initiative will take time to implement and if your child needs help now what can you do? Well, support for children is available. � ere are many organisa-tions which specialize in diagnosing and supporting dyslexics. An online search will put you in touch

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� is pupil now attends Chiltern Tutorial School in Otterbourne, just south of Winchester.

� e school is based in a village hall and caters for up to 30 pupils aged 7-11 with speci� c

learning di� culties. If you are a parent or teacher and would like to know more about

the school or how you can support your child or pupils in a mainstream setting, please

contact Bruce or Jane Gaudie on 07855 766 675 or 01962 717 696, or take a look at their

web site at www.chilterntutorial.co.uk.

Unlocking the potential of dyslexic & dyspraxic childrenA small school for boys and girls aged 7–11 with specific learning difficultiesOur supportive environment uses innovative teaching programmes that workChildren are taught individually and in small groups by specialist teachers

Chiltern Tutorial School

Contact Bruce or Jane Gaudie 01962 717696 • 07855 766675www.chilterntutorial.co.uk

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Remember watching those ‘helicopters’ spin to the ground, playing in the mud, bark rubbing, lying in long grass, collecting bugs in a jam jar, growing beans?

Why not inspire a nature detective, engage a budding scientist or grow an apprentice gardener this winter. � e Kids Love Earth shop has everything to bring learning to life and engage their in-terest: from woodland guides, mini-animal track kits, their bespoke ‘wild walk bags’ and many other autumnal ideas, to crystal growing, chemistry chaos, biology madness and more! Kids Love Earth believe that inspiring children to understand, love and protect the natural world will produce adults who will care for our future, who will stand up and argue that planners cannot build on that last piece of green habitat.

If you love nature and believe this too, why not become an Ambassa-dor? Sell what you believe in, enjoy � exible hours, earn 20% commission and have lots of fun. � e starter kit is just £99 and you are provided with on-going support and guidance to build your business to the level you want. Why not give Julie a call on 01243 774 500 or check out the web site at www.kidsloveearth.co.uk for more information.

Returning to work a� er having a baby, or once your children have all gone to school, can be a daunting prospect. Juggling with childcare costs – does all your money go on nursery fees? – and the logistics of working can bring on a swi� and debilitating nervous breakdown amongst even the most

organised of us.� at’s why many women look to start their own business. Running

Families Solent East for the past four years has meant that I am able to spend the school holidays with my children (albeit with the occasional dash to the computer to send an email), do the school run, and I can even have the odd sneaky breakfast at the Tenth Hole in Southsea with friends. I have never missed a school assembly, parents’ evening or � ute recital, yet the business has grown from strength to strength over the years.

Of course, starting your own business is a big step to take, but with organisations like Business Link around, that step is made a lot easier. Business Link provides local businesses with expert advice and access to a series of inspirational events to help you. On Wednesday, 25th No-vember at Lakeside, Portsmouth, a one-day event designed speci� cally for women aims to inspire and encourage women to take the plunge and help them realise that it is easier than they think!

Seminars throughout the day will help you learn about being assertive, how to network e� ectively, money matters and marketing techniques. Be inspired by other women who have taken the leap and now run their own successful businesses. � ere will also be the opportunity to have one-on-one chats with a business expert. � is event will give you all the motivation you need to get started. Visit www.whatsstoppingyouevents.co.uk for more information or call 01732 878 007.

If you can’t make this event, you could also gain inspiration from Antonia Chitty’s new book, The Mumpreneur Guide: How to Start Your Own Business (priced £18, available from Amazon). � e book o� ers some fantastic top tips, useful resources and some real life examples to help you get started on your very own family friendly business.

Families Solent East has been a fantastic business for me and my family and it has led to many other

opportunities for me. � ese opportunities are coming in thick and fast and I have now made the decision to sell the business. If you are interested in taking up the reins of the magazine, see the back page for details.

What’s stopping you?

FREE Event For Women On: Wednesday 25 November At: 1000 Lakeside, Portsmouth, Hants

For every woman thinking of working for herself or who has started a business within the last 12-months.

To Book on this FREE event Call 01732 878 007 or visit www.whatsstoppingyouevents.co.uk

Working for yourself could be easier thanyou think.

Includes: SEMINARS, EXHIBITION AREA, HELP AND ADVICE SESSIONS

Business opportunity

emember watching those ‘helicopters’ spin to the ground, playing in the mud,

inspiration from Antonia Chitty’s new book, Mumpreneur Guide: How to Start Your Own Business(priced £18, available from Amazon). � e book o� ers


BOOGIE MITES original songs and musical activities has been gaining fantastic feedback from parents, carers, early years practitioners, advisors and most importantly children throughout the South East. Here Harriet � omas, who writes the music, and Sue Newman, her business partner, tells us

about the creation and development of Boogie Mites.

Harriet’s storyAs a singer and songwriter struggling to bring up a young family, I loved getting out socialising and understood the power of music to excite and energise but as I duly mouthed the words and undertook the set of actions I realised that I was su� ering with ‘Wheels on the Bus fatigue’. Question-ing to myself why babies and young children’s music and movement session could not inject the excitement and fun of a Boogie beat, it struck me that there was no reason why they shouldn’t! I could combine my passion for song writing and my desire to be at home and look a� er my children by setting up my own music group that would do exactly that, engaging both carers and children through using an upli� ing boogie beat. � at is how Boogie Mites music was born.

Sue’s storyI had just given up a full-time, high-� ying management role in London and moved to Portsmouth to enjoy a career break and create the opportunity to look a� er two young boys and was expecting number three. Having got so much from singing and dancing myself throughout life I was keen that my children and I got involved in musi-cal activities. � erefore, I was so disappointed to � nd the lack of anything inspiring on o� er, especially as Boogie Mites had just saved me from ‘Wheels on the Bus’ fatigue whilst living in London. So I contacted Harriet and she agreed that I could trial some Boogie Mites style sessions and songs in Portsmouth. It was meant to be just a hobby, but I loved it and immedi-ately saw that with some work on formatting workshops and compiling programmes for schools to support learning in a more structured way, Boogie Mites could (and should) be enjoyed by a much wider audience.

Creating the beatCombining our music and business talents we set up Boogie Mites uk Ltd three years ago, following many years of trying out new songs and formats of music workshops for pre-school children and their carers. We admit we never read the rules for teaching music to children: we didn’t keep the songs simple or the pitch constant, we sung with back-ing tracks and we encouraged self expression – chaos! Our aim was simple – we wanted to eradicate ‘Wheels on the Bus’ fatigue by:

• Creating music session to excite and energise, to encourage creativity and lay a foundation for a love of music that can last a lifetime

• Offering music sessions that engage pre-school children from all backgrounds, boys and girls, non-English speaking, special needs and mixed ages to feel the boogie beat

• Producing music that gets mums, dads, carers and teachers boogying, an enthusiastic role model for the children being so much more impor-tant than perfect pitch

• Promoting recycling through use of recycled materials for props and instruments to show that expensive instruments are unnecessary

Working to our aim and responding to the reactions that we received from the adults and children attending the groups, we created Boogie Mites

and broke the mould of standard music and movement provision for young children.

And the beat goes onIt became clear that Boogie Mites music could support learning in many more ways than these original aims. We read the Early Years Foundation Stage (eyfs), consulted eyfs professionals and could see that our style of music making workshops and songs with linked activities could support development across the curriculum, with particular bene� ts for com-munication, language and literacy, an area desperately in need of some new ideas for practitioners and parents to improve � agging outcomes.

Boogie Mites now o� ers an exciting array of workshops, including:

• Our annual programme of themed music workshops are for parents and carers with pre-school children at Children’s Centres and community centres and for nursery, pre-schools and schools.

• Our acclaimed eyfs music and movement programmes link Boogie Mites music with learning activities such as stories, rhyming games and role play to support development across all areas of learning in the eyfs, particularly communication, language and literacy, problem solving, reasoning and numeracy. � ey have received fantastic feedback from

parents and practitioners throughout the south east.

• We are just completing the trial for our new programme for mums and babies from 0 to 6 months, o� ering the chance for the latest boogie mums to create a new generation of boogie babies that can feel the beat.

• Plus, we run music and craft workshops, parties and have compiled three Boogie Mites cds.

We are both delighted to have created something that we feel so passionate about and is really making a di� erence. We regularly get told about children requesting Boogie Mites songs and incorporating them into their play, and have early years practitioners and parents admitting to singing our songs with and without children around!

A lot of Boogie Mites’s success is due to our team of fantastic group leaders from various musical, early years, special needs and teaching backgrounds, all of whom share a belief in the power of the Boogie Mites beat; and to the fantastic support from Portsmouth Early Years and Family Learning Services, who let us trial our new style music programme in settings via practitioner and parent training workshops.

Our core business of leading music workshops in nurseries, schools and parent groups is based in South London (Harriet) and Portsmouth (Sue). We have run successful practitioner training programmes in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Surrey and some London boroughs. In 2010, Boogie Mites uk Ltd plans to spread the boogie beat nationally via fran-chising and teacher training programmes.

Let’s jump to the beatSo let’s hope the whole of the uk are soon jumping to the Boogie Mites beat, as research shows that children with a strong sense of beat are more likely to be strong readers and more physically coordinated. And through our own experience as mums and from what we have learnt as group leaders, parents and practitioners sharing songs they love them-selves are more likely to be enthusiastic and energised role models.

Don’t blame it on the sunshine…

Call 023 9281 7274 or visit www.boogiemites.co.uk.

and broke the mould of standard music and movement provision for young children.

Blame it On the Boogie!

“� ank you for the motivational Boogie Mites training today. � is was the � rst Early Years course I have attended that has truly embraced the philosophy of the eyfs framework.”Yours boogily, Kevin Hillier Year R Teacher, Greenmount Primary School, IoW

DirectoryDirectory

Business opportunitiesForever Living, 01329 232 084. Call Hesione Waugh for details of how to build a successful business around family life.

Usborne Books, 01329 662 998, www.usborneonline.org/lizacheshire. Build an exciting and pro� table business selling Usborne Books.

Clubs & classes

[email protected], 07977 132 653, babysigners.co.uk. Baby signing classes in Portsmouth and Southsea.

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

HolidaysAppuldurcombe Holiday Cottages, 01983 840 188, www.appuldurcombe.co.uk. Family friendly cottages around a 300 acre estate on the Isle of Wight.

Beaufort House Guest House, IOW, 01983 403 672, thebeaufortsandown.co.uk. Family-friendly guesthouse just 5 mins from Sandown’s beautiful sandy beach.

[email protected], 01566 784946. 10 holiday cottages in Devon with indoor pool and other facilities.

PartiesBeadz by Louise, 07885 519 453, beadzbylouise.co.uk. Jewellery making parties for children and adults.

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

Girlie Girls Parties, 023 9235 7125, 07738 053 486, girliegirlsparties.co.uk. Pamper parties and craft parties for girls aged 4 to teens.

Comedy magic • Hysterical laughter • Music, fun & games • FREE goodie bags • CRB (Police) checked • 023 9255 1018

www.professorpotty.co.uk

Make your child’s partyone to remember with

The Squidgybug Shop, 023 9246 3792, www.squidgybug.com, 5 Mengham Road, Hayling Island. Children’s themed party supplies, cards and gifts.

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

PhotographersRare Moments Photography, 07891 434 318, raremomentsphotography.co.uk. Pregnancy and baby portraits.

Scott Lymath Photography, lymath-images.co.uk. Modern images taken around Portsmouth. Wedding and event services.

Vision Photography, 023 9262 0140, visionphotostudio.com. Family friendly studio.

ShoppingHiscock Gallery, 023 9282 5330, 11 Stanley St, Southsea. Art and craft supplies; specialists in framing and � ne art printing.

TuitionFirst Class Learning, 01329 310 634, www.fi rstclasslearning.co.uk. Maths and English tuition.

Kip McGrath Portsmouth, 023 9275 5923, www.kipmcgrath.co.uk. Professional tuition in Maths and English for children aged 6-16 years.

Is this you? If you have always fancied a job in publishing, and running your own business appeals to you, this could be for you – a perfect job for a bright, sociable mum.

Maybe your children have just started school and you want something to satisfy your (other!) creative urges – you now have a bit of time to yourself, which you don’t want to � ll solely with domestic chores, and you want to earn some money of your own. Or perhaps you are in need of a career change or maybe redundancy is looming.

If the above strkes a chord, you might like to become the next editor/owner of Families Solent East and join a friendly group of fellow mums from around the UK running your own franchise of Families Magazines Ltd.

A great opportunity The Families group of magazines has been growing since the very � rst issue in South West London in 1990 and is now comprised of 29 di� erent franchises stretching from the south coast of England to Edinburgh. Everyone is friendly and helpful – workshops and social events are regular features on the calendar, and tips and advice are always available.

Families Solent East has grown tremendously since I set it up over 4 years ago, but has not yet nearly achieved its full potential for an area populated with so many young families. There are also major group developments in progress to raise the pro� le of the Families brand and make life easier

and even more pro� table for franchisees. Now is a great time to buy in.

Work when you want to One of the best things about running a Families franchise is that the hours are 100% � exible. Sometimes your family needs have to come � rst. As a Families franchisee, you are free to schedule your time to suit you and your family. Of course, the more you put in, the more you will get out of it, in every sense.

Skills you’ll need You will need to be good with the written word, con� dent, know your way around a computer, be a driver and live in or nearby the franchise area. Many Families editions are run as a partnership between two friends with complementary skill sets: dividing roles according to their strengths. For example, one may focus on editorial content, the other on sales, accounting and distribution. The division of work and roles would be entirely up to you.

Get in touch To discuss this great opportunity, please register your interest by mailing me, Liz Bourne, at [email protected] with your telephone number, address and introductory information about yourself and, if relevant, your business partner.

Liz Bourne, Editor

Advertise in our directory from as little as £4.50 per month. A range of options available to suit all budgets. Minimum booking of one year, paid in advance. Call 023 9278 2726 or email editor@families solenteast.co.uk for more information.

Advertise in our directory from as little as £4.50 per month.

Advertise in our directory from

The time has come for me to move on. Other commitments and a desire for new challenges have led me to decide it is time to sell the Families Solent East magazine business…

families solent east magazine, november/december 2009, issue 25

Documents

copy of families solent

water babies

southsea po1

free morning

business women

po box

lifetime of water confidence

year childcare available