families solent east march/april 2015

Issue 57March/April 2015

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

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

FREE pick me up!

Win! Family tickets to Victorious Festival!

Post-natal fitness tips, budget buys and the

importance of play

Bumper Easter What’s On Guide

Speak to us about adoption and fostering

Childcare experience Spare room Commitment OFFER!

£20 OFFKIDS PARTY

IF BOOKED BEFORE

31ST MAY 2015

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Families Solent East | March/April 2015 | 3

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Call us on 02392 362 737 23,000 copies delivered straight to parents & carersCovering Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Waterlooville, Havant, Chichester, Midhurst, Petersfield & Isle of Wight

4 News and views8 A simple guide to Life Insurance10 Post - Natal fitness and baby on a budget11 Baby Play - It’s not just for fun12 Easter days out and fun with nature!15 What’s on guide 22 Easter holiday workshops & camps

In this issue...

118

12 15

4

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

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

Mandy Earle | Editor

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Welcome from the

Editor

Join us online for more news and competitions!

On the cover: Ava Carter

with thanks to Moira Lizzie Photography 07974 177445

www.moiralizzie.co.uk

Copyright: Families Solent East 2015.We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Families Solent East is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All magazines in the Group are independently owned and operated under licence.

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

Building FunTry a Free Drama Class

4 March/April 2015 | Families Solent East

News & views

FOOD ALLERGIES and INTOLERANCESPlease speak to our staff about the ingredients in your meal,

when making your order. Thank you

Take Away

ThROuGhOuT mARCh AND ApRIL

Every Sunday FROm 9 TO 11Am

02392 819722 [email protected] Landport Terrace | Portsmouth www.thecornercafesouthsea.com

@the-corner-cafe-southsea

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

Schools Experience Shakespeare’s World School groups are invited to book their places at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, for activities from

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

Call 01243 811363

Watching the Solar eclipse

Between around 8:30am and 10:30am on the 20th March, the moon will move

in front of the sun, creating a Solar Eclipse. A partial eclipse will be visible here in the south at approximately 9:30am. While it will be an

exciting experience, we’ll need to be extra wary of eye safety, especially with children who will be tempted to look directly at the sun! There’s useful information about watching the eclipse safely at: www.nationalgeographic.com – search ‘How to

Safely Watch a Solar Eclipse’ on the site.

Why not watch a show at the South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre

in Chichester to find out more about the Sky?

Real Nappy Week 2015Taking place between 20 - 26 April, celebrate everything fabulous about using cloth nappies. Nationwide events, local competitions, opportunities to meet people and get advice and a whole lot more at www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week.

Reader Offer!£20 off children’s parties

at Goals Portsmouth

if booked before 31st May 2015

Quote FAM01

Call 02380 180200

Rock Up! WhiteleyWhat? Touted as the hottest thing out of NZ since the bungee jump, Rock Up presents a series of indoor climbing walls that will get the blood pumping and hair raising. For children aged 4 years to adult, there are plenty of challenging climbs to get the whole family having fun together. Using automatic belay devices which take in the slack as you climb and then lower you gently down to the ground, there are 26 climbs, towering over 25 feet high, including a Leap of Faith! Prices between £8 - £15 depending on what time you go.

When? Open 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm Sunday. A climbing session lasts 1 and a half hours which includes a half hour briefing session (including registration, group orientation, harness fitting and safety briefing) and an hour in the arena.

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

What w

e loved this is ue!

Our top tip! Attend the briefing to learn how to buckle your child on and off the ropes as they will get more goes instead of having to wait for the staff to help.


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Take Away

ThROuGhOuT mARCh AND ApRIL

Every Sunday FROm 9 TO 11Am

02392 819722 [email protected] Landport Terrace | Portsmouth www.thecornercafesouthsea.com

@the-corner-cafe-southsea

FuLL ENGLISh bREAkFAST

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Education & club news

Get reading and writing!This spring, delve deep into your bookshelf and read something you’ve never read before, in honour of World Book Day. Throughout March and April schools, libraries and bookshops across the country are holding exciting events and workshops for young readers, plus you can register online for your free book token and choose from titles including Michael Morpurgo’s Best Mates and A Pirate’s Guide to Landlubbing by Jonny Duddle. Don’t miss The Biggest Book Show on Earth at www.worldbookday.com, a series of short videos starring this year’s World Book Day authors, where you can hear them talking about their work. You can also design your very own National Book Token and have your design distributed to bookshops nationwide. Competition closes 17 April 2015. It’s also International Children’s Book Day on 2 April, the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen himself. International Children’s Book Day aims to inspire a love of reading from an early age, so check out the website to find out more about all of the events across the country (and the world!), including writing competitions and talks from famous authors and illustrators. You can also find out about a whole host of fabulous children's books you may never have heard of at www.ibby.org

Wicked Young Writers! Announcing the 5th year of the prestigious Wicked Young Writers’ Award! Get scribbling now for your chance to enter this competition, championed by Patron Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall and judged by a panel including Cressida Cowell, the hugely popular author of the How to Train Your Dragon series. The competition recognizes excellence in writing, while encouraging creativity and developing writing talent in young people aged between 5-25. Deadline 18 April 2015, find out more at www.WickedYoungWriters.com

St John’s hosts April Whole School Open EventOn Saturday 25 April 9.30am – 12.30pm, St John’s will be opening their doors for a Whole School Open Event - the perfect opportunity for parents looking for a Nursery, Reception, Junior, Senior School or Sixth Form to get a feel for St John’s College. With a full programme of activities and demonstrations taking place throughout the morning, parents and children will experience teaching facilities and meet staff while learning about academic provision and co-curricular activities offered at St John’s. St John’s College, Grove Road South, Southsea, PO5 3QW, 0845 2698804

Horrible Histories at Stagecoach Theatre Arts SchoolStagecoach Fareham are preparing for a very exciting term this April. Having been given special permission by the show’s writers, students will be working on a production of Horrible Histories to perform at their end of term demo before the professional tour of the show even starts! The show focuses on the “Groovy Greeks” specifically the Gods and Goddesses and will allow the children to learn about them whilst they rehearse for the show.Hedge End and Fareham classes - 02380 465006Havant classes - 0845 521 3730

Don’t forget Wear a Hat Day for Brain Tumour Research on Fri 27 MarchJoin in for Wear A Hat Day on Friday 27th March! The Premier Brain Tumour Awareness event in the UK; helping to support long-term, life-saving research helping move us ever #CloserToACure. There are so many ways to get involved… Register now to receive your free fundraising pack, then visit the Hatter’s Workshop for all your hatty extras; from posters to quizzes, hat-templates to merchandise order forms. It’s all there and ready to help you, help us make 2015 the hattiest yet!www.braintumourresearch.org/wearahatday

Brookham have a hoot with Hydestile AnimalsChildren at Brookham School in Liphook were visited by Graham Cornick from Hydestile Resident Animals. Graham bought in a range of animals to show, and gave a talk about the rescue and care work that goes on at the sanctuary. He also explained the importance of playing a role in the conservation of Britain’s wildlife and improving the environment that we live in. The children were enthralled by all the different animal visitors, including a Rex rabbit, hedgehog, barn owl, pigeon, ferret and even a rat! However, the star of the day was the mathematical eagle owl, who had the children roaring with laughter, as all answers were ‘twooo’.Highfield and Brookham Schools, Liphook, GU30 7LQTel: 01428 728000


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Term AssuranceThis is the most common type of cover which pays out a fixed amount if you die within the policy term. The cost of this cover varies dependant on your chosen length of cover and pay-out amount. You can choose that the policy decreases over time, for example to help cover your decreasing mortgage repayments, or increases over the term to keep in line with the rising cost of living. You can also choose for your policy to stay the same throughout the duration.

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

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

Critical illness insurance This pays out a tax-free lump sum or a regular payment if you suffer from one of the illnesses or injuries specified on your policy. The payment could help cover your mortgage or rent, or other expenses such as alterations to your home for wheelchair access should you need it. Not all conditions are covered. The policy will also specify how serious the condition must be. Examples of critical illnesses

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

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

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

Over 50's plansThis is a guaranteed life cover for those over the age of 50, these policies are especially aimed at those who have suffered a serious or critical illness. It is available to any UK resident aged between 50 - 80 years old, regardless of medical history. The plan is ideal to cover funeral costs or to leave a lump sum to loved ones. All pay-outs are tax-free and, because the policy has no end-date, it's guaranteed to pay out if you die as long as it is after the initial deferred period.

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

Gareth Birkett is principle of One Direct (UK) Ltd based in Fareham Hampshire. They provide free advice for families on all protection polices mentioned. Contact any of the team on 01489 587880, [email protected] or visit www.one-direct.co.uk

Who needs cover?Sole breadwinner

Life insurance is an essential purchase if you have a partner or have children who rely on your earnings. For example, if you

are the sole breadwinner in the family, without life insurance your loved ones

might not be able to fund the mortgage, rent or other day-to-day expenses if you

were to die.

Dual earnersWhat if you and your partner are both

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

way to go.

Stay-at-home parentLife insurance is important even if you are a stay-at-home parent who doesn’t bring an income. Your death could still have a financial impact on the family. Assuming your partner could not afford to give up work, could he or she afford to pay for a nanny or child-minder, for someone to

help out with all the other responsibilities involved in running the household?

Top-up your coverIf you already have life insurance, it’s

worth checking it’s up to date. You might have arranged the policy several years

ago, perhaps when you lived in a smaller house with fewer children. You would therefore need to top up the cover to

make sure it meets your current needs. Remember, that you are only covered by death-in-service benefit while you remain

employed by the company. If you are fired, made redundant or change jobs, the

cover stops.

A simple guide to Life Insurance

In a nutshellLife insurance is a contract between you and an insurer. It could pay out a

cash sum if you die during the length of the policy. It is a great

way to help protect your family from the financial worries they could face if you were no longer around, such as

household bills, child-care costs, university fees and covering mortgage payments.


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

Baby on a Budget Families’ tips to save cash1) Opt for free NHS antenatal classes and join the NCT coffee mornings once your baby arrives.

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

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

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

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

6) It can cost up to £1000 to keep a baby in disposable nappies until they are potty-trained, whereas using reusable nappies costs only a few hundred pounds for baby number one and even less if siblings come along. visit www.goreal.org.uk

7) Hit eBay. Baby clothes and equipment often come in bundles. Join recycling forum Freecycle or other swapping-buying-selling websites such as Nappy Valley or Gumtree.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buying second handYou can buy almost everything second-hand unless there is a safety issue involved. Most baby gear is used for such a short time, things will be in surprisingly good condition. Look out for NCT sales and local charity shop.

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

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

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

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


Baby & you

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

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

By around four or five months, a baby’s

vision has improved and he or she can focus on things at a distance, and also start to reach out and grab things. These developments mean that a baby’s interests expand, and the previous, purely social, face-to-face play loses its attraction. This can be disconcerting for parents, as they search for new strategies with which to engage their baby.

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

Although babies and parents enjoy these body games and toy play, they can also feel something of a ‘one-way-street’ for parents, since the baby typically doesn’t show great interest in the parent themselves. This situation changes from around nine months, as relationships shift from being ‘topic-based’ to being more genuinely two-way and connected. Now, babies notice more of what their parents are doing, and will typically want to join in and even, in their own way, ‘help.’ They start to follow simple suggestions, and swap roles with their parent in games like ‘peek-a-boo.’ With this change, parents sometimes feel as if their baby has now become a ‘real’ person, and play can become easier and more satisfying.

This more connected phase culminates in the development of genuinely co-operative behaviour and more mature social understanding from around eighteen months, when babies can appreciate that other people have different experiences from their own, as well as different likes and dislikes. These developments are assisted when parents engage in pretend play, which can support the baby in thinking about the experience of, say, doll characters. Talking about people’s experiences and their feelings, and the reasons for them, either during play or during activities such as sharing picture books, are also important ways for parents to support the growing social understanding of their baby.

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

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

Whilst playing with your baby can be fun, it is not at all trivial. It is one of the main ways in which babies engage with other people, and a fundamental means of developing their social understanding. Lynne Murray tells us more.

Baby Play It’s not just for fun!

’‘Don’t feel that when

you are playing with your baby that you

are somehow wasting time. You are teaching your baby to become

a sociable being!

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

Easter days out

Longdown Activity Farm Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, SO40 7EH023 8029 2837From 3rd April to 6th April, celebrate Easter at Longdown Farm surrounded by chicks, lambs and Easter bunnies! Join in with the fabulous Egg trail and receive a chocolate treat at the end. Also keep a look out for the very special golden eggs: ten will be hidden around the Farm at the beginning of each day, you’ll get a special prize if you find one! On Easter Sunday only any child arriving in their own Easter bonnet will be charged a special concessionary rate of just £5.00* each (under 3s are free). Running throughout the school holidays will also be a full schedule of activities including bottle-feeding the kid goats and calves, meeting the pigs and hand-feeding ducks. Children can collect real newly laid eggs, hold fluffy yellow chicks and cuddle baby bunnies. Plenty of indoor and outdoor play areas.

South Downs Planetarium and Science CentreSir Patrick Moore Building, Kingsham Farm, Chichester, PO19 8RP01243 774400 or 07818 297292.Journey to the Stars with an exciting range of star shows at the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester. With a magnificent star projector, which displays over 4,500 pinpoint stars on the dome above your head, the shows ‘Springtime Stars, Moon and Planets’, 'The Easter Night Sky' and ‘Springtime Stars and Galaxies’ will showcase the wonders of the night sky at this time, and are suitable for would-be stargazers aged 7 and upwards. See amazing pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope to mark its stunning 25 years in orbit. Other shows include ‘Seven Wonders of the Solar System’ and ‘Giant Jupiter, King of the Planets’ and ‘The Northern Lights’.

Fort NelsonPortsdown Hill, Fareham PO17 6AN01329 233734This imposing Victorian fort is home to the Royal Armouries’ national collection of artillery – The Big Guns. With free parking and free admission, the museum’s displays trace the development of artillery from pre-gunpowder siege machines to modern-day super guns with over 350 on display. There are tunnels and ramparts to discover plus fascinating galleries and exhibitions. Set high on top of Portsdown Hill the Fort has some of the best panoramic views of the Solent and the Meon Valley. After you’ve explored the Fort why not take time to relax in Cafe 1871 – open daily for teas, coffees and hot and cold snacks (children’s menu available). Daily gun-firing 1pm.

The Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, PO1 3TT023 9285 7520Spinnaker Tower presents an event with the best ingredient ever: Chocolate! From 28th March – 19th April visitors are invited to take part in birthday-themed chocolate decorating, helping the iconic Tower celebrate 10 years of welcoming visitors to experience the stunning views. Each guest will be presented a sweet treat and invited to decorate it to a Birthday, Easter or Spring-time theme. Prizes will be given to the best decorated treats made at the Tower and those at home can also get creative by baking a Birthday Cake for the Tower’s special day. All entries should be posted to Spinnaker Tower’s Facebook page or to the @spinnakertower Twitter feed with the hashtag #HappyBirthdaySpinnaker.

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

From crafts and egg hunts to gazing at the stars! Here’s our ten picks for a great day out with the family this Easter. Don’t miss our What’s On guide for loads more events!



Royal Navy Submarine MuseumHaslar Jetty Road, Gosport, PO12 2AS 023 9251 0354

Portsmouth Historic DockyardsVictory Gate, HM Naval Base, PO1 3LJ 02392 728060

Royal Marines MuseumEsplanade, Southsea, PO4 9PX023 9281 9385

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

Fishbourne Roman PalaceRoman Way, Chichester, PO19 3QR01243 785859From Monday 30th March – Friday 3rd April, 11am – 3pm, families will be able to take part in many activities. Make a Roman sundial and use it to tell the time, spin wool into yarn and have a go at making a fluffy pom-pom chick, try Roman writing, make a Roman wreath to celebrate spring and play Roman games. You can also hunt for the Roamin’

Rabbits hidden around the Palace grounds and solve a puzzle to win a prize! Imagine the luxury that would once have surrounded the proud owner of the largest Roman home in Britain.

Mid-Hants Railway - Watercress LineStation Road, Alresford, SO24 9JG01962 733810Day Out with Thomas 3 - 12 April. Thomas & Friends return to the Watercress Line for more family fun! Shake hands with the Fat Controller, meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, take part in Thomas themed activities and ride the big steam trains all day! FREE Thomas sticker and certificate for every child! FREE Thomas activities, bouncy slide, tea cup ride, children’s entertainer and Thomas tattoos! FREE rides with Thomas, Toad and Diesel! It’s a great value family day out, not to be missed! Make their day a Day Out With Thomas and book your tickets online at www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk to get your free gift or simply pay on the day. Fares, to include all day travel on the trains and all FREE entertainment.

Make a teasel hedgehog, a fairy shelter or a clay gnome!Learning with Nature is a lovely book that stands out from the rest - a how-to guide to inspire children with nature. You’ll find a wealth of ideas and activities to do in nature; games, crafts, recipes, skills, woodcraft, tracking etc. all with hidden learning. Written by experienced Forest School practitioners and suitable for children aged between 3 and 16, the games and activities are clearly categorized, with step-by-step instructions, age guide, a list of resources needed, and invisible learning points. Switch the computer off and allow children to breath fresh air and have fun with nature!

Reader offer!Receive 30% discount and free UK delivery with voucher code FAMILIES2015Valid from 1st March to 30th June 2015www.greenbooks.co.uk/learning-with-nature

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

EASTERSURPRISES!

Springtime crafts &an Easter treasure hunt around the Palace grounds

Mon 30 Mar - Fri 3 Apr

11am - 3pm

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


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Havant

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New Lane

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Kenwood Outlet Shop 023 9239 2111

New Lane, HavantOpening Times

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What’s On

To see your event listed on these pages call

02392 362 737

Your guide to all the best family events this March & April

Although we aim to be as accurate as possible, the events listed in our What’s On section are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please contact

venues in advance to check full details.

Spot the dot for free

events!

Meet our new arrivals

KIDS GOFREE!*Hand in thisadvert to ourVisitor Centre

to receiveoffer

Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire PO9 5HBTel: 023 92 45 3405. www.hants.gov.uk/staunton

STAUNTON

*Up to two FREE children with every full paying adult.Valid until : 8th June 2012. Code: ST09

BankHoliday Funat the Farm!

F A R M � G A R D E N S � C O U N T R Y P A R K

So much to see and do:� Meet our friendly farm animals� Explore our rainforestexperience

� Visit our beautifulgardens in bloom

� Enjoy our 1,000 acres oflandscape parkland

� New for 2012 George's Play Barnour indoor soft play area!

avant, Hampspshire PO9 5HBHB

nd do:y farm animalsforest

fulomacres ofrklandGeorge's Play Barny Barnplay area!

• Turn up and take part in our Easter activities and crafts• Take part in our Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday and receive a treat from the Easter Bunny!

Step into Spring!4th April – 19th April• Turn up and take part in our Spring trails, activities and crafts

So much to do at Staunton Country Park:

• Meet our friendly farm animals• Explore our rainforest experience

Easter Eggstravaganza3rd April – 6th April

Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire PO9 5HBTel: 023 9245 3405. www.hants.gov.uk/staunton*Up to two FREE children with every full paying adult. Valid until : 30th April 2015.Code: FS02

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

EASTERSURPRISES!

Springtime crafts &an Easter treasure hunt around the Palace grounds

Mon 30 Mar - Fri 3 Apr

11am - 3pm

NEW kMix Pop Art Collective Range is a colour story that is vivid, bold and brilliant. The range consists of:

• Stand Mixer - Brings together a full pastry kit including balloon whisk, iconic K-beater, dough hook and creaming beater ensuring the most simple to the most indulgent recipes can be created

• Blender - Designed to suit your way of life, a pre-programmed blender to ensure perfect results every time.

• Hand Mixer - Compact, clean and designed for practical use, the kMix Hand Mixer will help with baking tasks… or simply be admired.

• Kettle - Attention to every detail is the signature of the range, Sure GripTM details make the kettle handle comfortable and secure

• Toaster - Combining functionality and style, the compact all metal kMix toaster provides complete toasting control.

Havant

Portsmouth Langstone Emsworth

Bedhampton

A27

A27

New Lane

AUTHORIZEDServiceCentre

Kenwood Outlet Shop 023 9239 2111

New Lane, HavantOpening Times

9am - 5pm Mon - Satwww.kenwoodworld.com/uk

www.delonghi.co.uk

Available NowFree Kenwood Kitchen recipes app also

available to downloadC R E A T E M O R E

4 March - 1 AprilMakaton With Your BabyLocal & Naval Studies Centre, Gosport. PO12 1NS10 – 11am on Wednesdays. An introduction to the use of Makaton; signs are taught in a relaxed atmosphere using songs, stories and rhymes with your child (age 4 - 18 months). You must have a child in this age bracket to attend the sessions with you. No previous knowledge is required. £20 for 5 week course.

5 March World Book Day National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Dockyard11am – 4pm. A day of fun for little book worms. Come along to the museum to celebrate World Book Day with sea themed art and craft and of course storytelling. You can even dress your little one up as a character from their favourite book! Drop in activity throughout the day with story times at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. FREE activity no ticket required.

5 MarchStory ExplorersSearch, 50 Clarence Road, Gosport. PO12 1BU4 to 6pm (last entry 5.30pm). Celebrate World Book Day after School. Explore the museum’s collections with fun activities linked into famous books. Lots to do and make, with dressing up and reading too! Free – no need to book.

7 MarchMegson Family Folk ShowThe Spring Arts & Heritage, East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS2:30 pm. Award-winning folk duo Megson perform a gentle and entertaining concert especially for children. This 45 minute concert features classic folk songs alongside original material from the duo’s When I was a Lad album. £8 adults, £5 children.

7 - 8 March World War II WeekendAction Stations, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard10am - 5pm. WWII military and model boat displays, Love Southsea Vintage Market, Highbury College fashion show or performance, hair & fashions inspired by 30’s & 40’s, cooking with rations display, Fine Voice Singers Academy sing-along performance, costumed characters (Festival Players), family Challenge activity and Special Interest Tours. Free for all Action Stations or Historic Dockyard ticket holders. Event only tickets also available, please call (023) 9289 3338, email: [email protected] or contact www.actionstations.org for further information or to book.


What’s on

8 MarchTangled (2010)The Kings Theatre, Southsea2:00pm. When the kingdom’s most wanted-and most charming-bandit Flynn Rider hides out in a mysterious tower, he is taken hostage by Rapunzel, a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair.

12 MarchNorthern LightsSouth Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester7:30pm. Journey north to the frozen wastes of the Arctic Circle and watch electrified particles from the Sun spiralling down into the upper atmosphere, where they generate the wonderful colours of the Aurora Borealis or ‘Northern Lights’. Come to the Planetarium to understand how eruptions on the Sun cause displays of the Northern Lights, and how these are visible from the ground as faint glows, coloured arcs or, at their most spectacular, coloured rays and bands of aurora light dancing back and forth across the night sky. Find out when are the best times to see the Northern Lights, where the best places are to see them, and when they might once again be visible from Southern England.

14 MarchStory Time Special – Guess How Much I Love YouGosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT11am to 12 noon. Come along and make your Mum a special mobile to give to her on Mother’s Day. Suitable for under 10s accompanied by an adult. Free – no need to book, but places are limited.

14 MarchEclipses of the Sun and This Week’s Solar EclipseSouth Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester3:30pm. Please contact the planetarium for details of this show. Tel. 01243 774400.

14 MarchRed Nose Day at Portsmouth Watersports CentreEastern Road, PO3 5LY Kayak or stand up paddle board for a mile around Langstone Harbour, or attempt to climb the equivalent of Ben Nevis on our Climbing wall! £5 entry (money to Red Nose Day)Ages 8 and up for water activity or 7 and up for the wall. Booking required, limited space only: 02392 663873.

14 March Solskate Roller DiscoFareham Leisure Centre, PO16 7JU5pm - 9pm. Fun for all the family (suitable for all ages) includes music, disco lighting and games with prizes to be won. / Adults - £5.50 / Children Under 14 - £4 / Family of 4 - £16 / Skate Hire £2. www.solskate.co.uk 07810 201640.

14 MarchStones and BonesThe Spring Arts Centre, Havant11:30am. Stones and Bones is a marvellous mix of history and mystery! Find out all about archaeology and fossils, say hello to one of your stone-age ancestors, hear stories of giants and wizards, see a volcano erupting before your very eyes, and maybe even glimpse a dinosaur or two…lots of laughs, plenty of puppets, songs, slapstick, tall tales and crazy characters. Suitable for children aged 5+, 50 minutes show.

15 – 20 MarchHistorical Clothing Exhibition Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Chichester PO18 0EUAn exhibition of authentic traditional clothes created as part of our Historic Clothing Project. Researchers and volunteers will be explaining and demonstrating needlework techniques throughout the event. www.wealddown.co.uk 01243 811348.

16 MarchWhen Magic and Science CollideGosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT6 to 8pm. Amazing tricks inspired by astounding science. Oliver Meech meddles with forces we barely understand in a comedy magic show for the QI generation. Suitable for ages 7 -107! Tickets £4. Telephone booking line 023 9252 3463.

17 – 21 MarchOliver!Ferneham Hall, FarehamFareham Musical Society are delighted to be bringing “Oliver!” to Ferneham Hall Theatre. To book tickets, please contact the theatre on 01329

231942 or you can book on line at fernehamhall.co.uk

18 MarchUnder Five Fossil Hunters!Local & Naval Studies Centre, High

Street, Gosport. 2 -2:45pm. Enjoy

a story, a dinosaur quest, fossil rubbing and make your own

mini Monty Mammoth. For Under Five’s with their parent or carer.

Free with £1 donation requested to make a

mammoth; Just Drop In

Don’t forget

Mothering Sunday

15 March!

Weald & Downland Open Air

Museum Chichester PO18 0EU

REDUCED ENTRY FEE. The perfect way

to celebrate this special day, which also

marks the start of our season. Enjoy

the spring weather with discounted

entry for all, plus a complimentary

traditional posy for mothers

and grandmothers! Tel.

01243 811348

21 March Perfect Periscopes Royal Navy Submarine Museum11am – 3pm. As part of British Science Week take a look through different periscopes, discover how they work and make one of your own to take home. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

21 MarchSearch for ScienceSearch, 50 Clarence Road, Gosport. PO12 1BU10.30am to 2.30pm (last entry 2pm). The hands-on centre is setting up a selection of its most popular science activities for you to get to grips with. A special for National Science and Engineering Week. Tickets £2 per participating child on the door, accompanying adults free. Just drop in.

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

21 March Solskate Roller DiscoFareham Leisure Centre, PO16 7JU 01329 2336525pm-9pm . Fun for all the family (suitable for all ages) includes music, disco lighting and games with prizes to be won. / Adults - £5.50 / Children Under 14 - £4 / Family of 4 - £16 / Skate Hire £2. 07810 201640.

Paultons Park


What’s On

MOTHERING SUNDAY

Weald & Downland Open Air MuseumSingleton, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0EU

www.wealddown.co.uk | Tel: 01243 811348

15 MARCH£5

ENTRY

£5 E

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£

5 E

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£

5 E

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SFwww.longdownfarm.co.uk

For eventdetails & much

more click onto:

* Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer

EASTER EGG TRAILSFUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY!

3rd - 6th April

UNDER3s AreFree!

EASTER Sunday Only. Just £5.00

Entry FOR ANY CHILD WEARING THEIR OWN EASTER

BONNET*

PLUS: Hands-on farm activities run

throughout Easter and the school

holidays. 10am - 5pm. Indoor and

outdoor play areas.Off A35 • Ashurst • New ForestTel. 023 8029 2837

28 March - 6 April Easter Bunny Trip Canal Basin, Chichester, PO19 8DTEnjoy a springtime trip down the canal and meet the elusive Easter Bunny. A personalised present and chocolate bunny for the children, refreshments and fun for everyone! Three trips each day departing from the Chichester Canal Basin at 11.00am, 1.15pm and 3.30pm. Booking essential! 01273 906 330.

28 March – 19 April10th Birthday CelebrationsThe Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, PO1 3TTHelp the Spinnaker Tower celebrate its 10th birthday with chocolate decorating. More details on page 12.

29 March - 12 April Kids go free at Isle of Wight Steam RailwayHaven Street, RydeKids Go Free over the Easter holiday period. Enjoy a great day out with the children at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway! Take a train ride, perhaps hop off at one of our stations for a walk in the countryside, explore our Train Story Discovery Centre.

30 March Easter Family Activity – ‘Feathered Friends’Chichester Cathedral, PO19 1PX10.00am – 3.00pm. Activities working with the RSPB. No need to book just come along to the Eastern Arm of the Cloisters.

30 March - 3 April Easter Surprises! Fishbourne Roman PalaceChichester, PO19 3QR11am – 3pm. Join in with springtime crafts and an Easter treasure hunt around the Palace grounds. See page 13 for more details or call 01243 785859

31 MarchSpringtime Stars, Moon and PlanetsSouth Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester3.30pm. See details on 27th March or call 01243 774400www.southdowns.org.uk

Take advantage of our longer opening hours on the weekend.

Find us in Portsmouth’sGunwharf Quays - we’ve got a great child friendlyCafe too!

SPRING AT ASPEX

www.aspex.org.uk

We’ve got loads goingon for all the family.

After School Dates:

Sessions run from 4 - 5.30.

Booking Info: Call 023 9277 8080 or email [email protected] info, prices and to book.

artists start at

Our After School clubson Wednesdays in term time are back again.

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

0-5s can get involvedwith Mini Makers everyWednesday morning 11am. See our website for more information!

Wednesdays in termtime.

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

21 – 22 March Shakespeare WeekMary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm. Celebrate Shakespeare week with us! Try your hand at writing with a quill pen. Suitable for children over 6 yrs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

21 and 28 MarchZentangle Inspired Art – A Fun Family CourseLocal & Naval Studies Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1NS10am – 12.30pm. The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. No previous knowledge or experience required. All materials will be provided but a resources cost will apply. £20 for 2 week course.

27 March Springtime Stars, Moon and PlanetsSouth Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester7.30pm. On late Winter and early Springtime evenings we can see some magnificent star patterns including Orion, the Hunter, and his retinue. There is also a fine display of planets. Mercury may be glimpsed low down in the south-western sky and the crescent Moon on the 25th and 26th March. To cap it all, the lovely Red Planet Mars will be visible all night long during March. Come to the Planetarium to find out more about all these exciting events.

27 MarchJurassic AdventuresKings Theatre, Southsea11:30am & 4:30pm. The most exciting family show since time began. A new production set on a magical island where anything might happen! With a brave cast of amazing actors, a great fun script, superb scenery, and of course DINOSAURS. Get transported to a prehistoric place full of fun, thrills and screams, be amazed and awed by the birth of a baby Dinosaur, but beware of the T. REX mother who wants her egg back! For all the family from age 3+


What’s On

31 MarchThe Teddy Bear DoctorsPortsmouth Museum, Museum Road, PO1 2LJ 10.30am - 2.30pm. Bring your teddy bear along for free advice on identification, age or ‘clinical’ needs from local experts and restorers, Julie and Amanda from Bear it in Mind. Free admission - Small charge for repairs carried out on the day. Demonstrations of traditional bear making techniques throughout the day. No need to book, just drop in.

2 April HMS Victory’s Weapons HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm. Find out about the different types of weapons used during the Battle of Trafalgar and the skills needed to operate them. FREE with a valid ticket. Drop in, all ages welcome.

2 April The Easter Full MoonSouth Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester3.30pm. Please contact the planetarium for details of this show. Tel. 01243 774400.

3 AprilThe Easter Night SkySouth Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester7.30pm. Please contact the planetarium for details of this show. Tel. 01243 774400.

3 - 6 April Easter Egg ActivitiesAction Stations, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard10am - 5:30pm. Action Stations is pleased to be part of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s annual Easter Egg Trail. Time to dust off your bunny ears and join us in Action Stations for our family fun Easter craft activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE with a valid museum ticket.

3 – 6 AprilThe Museum at EasterWeald & Downland Open Air Museum, Chichester PO18 0EUJoin us to celebrate Easter as our rural forebears did. See page 12 for more details call 01243 811348.

3 – 6 April Easter Egg TrailOn board HMS Warrior 186010.30am - 4.30pm. The Easter Bunny has hopped all over the ship, leaving a trail of Easter Eggs behind him. Solve the clues to find the Easter Eggs hidden on HMS Warrior 1860. FREE with a valid ticket.

3 - 6 April Easter at the farm!Longdown Activity Farm Ashurst, SO40 7EHCelebrate Easter at Longdown Farm surrounded by chicks, lambs and Easter bunnies! More details on page 12.

3 and 6 April Chocolate Easter Egg ‘Bombs’Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, Gosport11am - 3pm. Come and make a chocolate Easter egg ‘bomb’ with a popping candy centre. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

3 - 12 AprilDay Out with ThomasWatercress Line, Alresford, SO24 9JGThomas & Friends return to the Watercress Line for more family fun! See page 13 for more details. Or call 01962 733810.

3 – 17 April (excluding weekends)Tudor GamesMary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm. Turn back the clock and learn how to play traditional Tudor games. Children must be accompanied by an adultFree with a Museum ticket.

3 – 19 April Family Activity Area On board HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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

3 - 19 April Crafty Commandos Royal Marines Museum, Southsea 11am – 4pm. Join us this Easter as we make marine life finger puppets to take home with you. Free with a Museum ticket.

3 - 19 April Where’s Wilf Easter Trail?National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard10am - 5pm. Wilfred the Rabbit lived on board HMS Centurion but this Easter holiday he is hiding somewhere in our galleries. Can you follow the clues to track him down in this self-guided activity? Mini rabbit hunters can also borrow our Under 5s Sensory Bunny Bag to help them explore the museum. Trails available from the museum front desks. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

3 - 19 April Easter Puzzle TrailExplosion Museum of Naval Firepower, Gosport10am – 5pm. Can you see all the egg shaped clues in the museum galleries and discover what word they spell? Pick up a trail sheet at the front desk and take part in this self-guided activity. Every day throughout the school holiday. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

4 AprilEaster Saturday Duck RaceYarmouth, Isle of WightOver 1,000 little ducks will race on the river by Yar Bridge in Yarmouth. Tickets £1 available from: Holdings, Harwoods, the Pharmacy and from the Sailing Club on the day. Cash prizes to be won!

4 AprilStory Time Special ~ The Great Easter Egg ScrambleGosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT11am to 12 noon. The Easter Bunny’s in a muddle come and see what happens and make an Easter basket. Suitable for under 10s accompanied by an adult. Free – no need to book, but places are limited.

4 April The Dragon’s Tale The Spring Arts & Heritage, East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS2:30pm. The Dragon’s Tale is an original and whimsical reinterpretation of the story of St George and the Dragon, told in a series of flashbacks by the ageing Dragon, and his troupe of glove puppets. Suitable for children age 4–8 and their family and friends.

5 AprilIckle Bambino Baby RavesThe Square Tower, Portsmouth, PO1 2ND A fun, family afternoon out with top local DJs playing a range of great music, anything with a good beat. Parties feature a host of engaging activity areas. Dancefloor, tea rooms and craft area. Tickets available via Facebook community page. / Adults £4.00 / Children £3.00 1 - 7 years of age / Babies under 1 are free. Call 07519 505785.

5 – 6 AprilMad Easter Egg Dash!Robin Hill Adventure Park & Gardens, Newport, Isle of WightChildren of all ages are invited to take part in this fun Easter egg hunt where no-one ever goes home disappointed! Prizes include a range of different size eggs. Our special friends the Easter Bunny and Big Bird will also be on hand to make sure the dash goes off with a bang! The ‘Mad Easter


What’s On

historicdockyard.co.uk

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

6 April Seven Wonders of the Solar System.South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester3.30pm. Explore our planetary neighbours. From the searing surface of our Sun, we head past beautiful blue Earth to the grandest volcanoes and most spectacular canyons in the Solar System, then on to some quite remarkable moons of Jupiter, and finally to the glorious rings of Saturn, and yet more remarkable moons.

7 AprilTwitter!Search, 50 Clarence Road, Gosport. PO12 1BU10am to 1pm. Hands-on activity to help you learn more about our feathered friends, plus a make and take art activity. Lots of fun

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

7 - 9 April Commando Fit Royal Marines Museum11am and 2pm. Do you have what it takes to get Commando Fit this Easter? Try out a Royal Marines style physical training session to see how fit you really are. Take part on the Royal Marines Museum assault course, or even work as part of a team to complete the legendary Royal Marine log run. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

7 - 9 April Easter Egg TrailRoyal Navy Submarine Museum11am - 3pm. Take part in our egg-citing trail. Can you find all the clues around the museum that will lead you to the Easter eggs? FREE with a valid Museum ticket


What’s On

Join Thomas & FriendsTM

at a heritage Railway near you.Experience a ride on a real steam engine

and take part in Thomas-themed activities.

MID HANTS RAILWAY ‘WATERCRESS LINE’

Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JG

www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk

In partnership with

Home of Thomas & FriendsTM toys

3RD - 12TH 2015

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

are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. © 2015 HIT Entertainment Limited.

www.ro

yalarmouries.o

rg

FORT NELSONFREE MUSEUM ENTRY

HOMEOF THEBIG GUNS

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

8 April Springtime Stars and GalaxiesSouth Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester3.30pm. On Spring evenings we can look beyond the veil of stars in our own galaxy, the Milky Way. As we look out into the wider universe we see countless other galaxies, many like our own, but many that are quite different. Come and explore this cosmic ‘zoo’ - dwarf galaxies, giant galaxies, weird galaxies, and some with supermassive black holes at their hearts. For more info call Tel. 01243 774400.

8 April The Great War Walk - the Dockyard during WW1 National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Dockyard11.30am - 12.30pm and 2.30pm - 3.30pm. One hour guided family walk around the Dockyard. What was life like for the men and women who worked in Portsmouth Dockyard during WW1? Led by costumed guides this walk will explore some of the hidden histories of ordinary people at war. FREE event but spaces are limited to 30 per tour. The tour is suitable for children from 7 years. To book email [email protected] or contact 023 9272 7584.

8 April Heroes – Ships’ Cats & Dogs National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Dockyard11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm. Join us to find out more about the spy cats and well - dressed dogs who served in the Royal Navy and meet our real life museum mascot Tiggy the Jack Russell. You can also make your very own cat or dog mascot to take home. FREE, drop in, no ticket required, all ages welcome.

9 and 16 April Animal Magic! HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm. Explore the myths and legends about animals at sea. Learn more about these and the power of animal magic. Make your own lucky animal charm to take home too. FREE with valid ticket. Drop in, all ages welcome.

10 April The Hunt for Earth-like Planets and LifeSouth Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester7.30pm. Please contact the planetarium for details of this show. Tel. 01243 774400.

10, 13 and 17 April Naval Pigeon Heroes Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower11am - 3pm. Discover the story of the heroic pigeons trained to carry messages. Make a pigeon puppet of your own and see if you can find the chocolate eggs in the giant pigeon nest.FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

11 – 12 AprilShepherding & Shepherds’ HutsWeald & Downland Open Air Museum, Chichester PO18 0EUAn event focused on shepherds’ huts and their agricultural applications. The character and charm of shepherd’s huts has made them incredibly popular as a modern, moveable space and some inspirational new builds will also be on display. The event will also encompass the skills, traditions and culture of the downland shepherds. Call 01243 811348.

12 AprilIsland Steam DayHavenstreet, Ryde, Isle Of Wight10am – 4pm. Head back to the 1940s when lorry transport was in its infancy, to discover how the railways provided all our daily transport, taking food from the farm to the factory to the shops, and distributing goods and products from the ports to the towns.

13 April Toddler Tours National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Dockyard 11am – 12noon. Join in for short tours just for the under 5’s and their adults. Delving into our sensory Discovery Bag the museum is brought to life with singing, object handling and imagination. A chance to explore the museum at your child’s pace with a different theme for each tour and play time in the Cabin area included. FREE but places are limited


What’s On

STD MAP 84x120mm 90710 CHICH>AG>2.3.11

19 fabulous days of horseracing & family fun including:

GOODWOODRACECOURSE

Opening Saturday – Sat 2 May

Enjoy fabulous food and top racing action at our new Food Festival event.

Sunday School – Sun 7 June

A day of fun, inspiring activities as well as thrilling racing – ideal for families.

August Bank Holiday – Fri 28 – Sun 30 August

Family entertainment and racing plus a spectacular fireworks display on Friday.

Tickets from £10

Free child admission • Free access to playground • Live music & entertainment

For tickets or hospitality call

01243 216610 quoting ‘Families’

www.goodwood.com

and need to be booked in advance by emailing [email protected] or calling 023 9272 7587. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All tours leave from main Museum Reception.

14 April HMS M33 – Battleships and Gun Batteries HMS M33, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard11am - 4pm. Take part in our giant version of World War One battleships in the Victory arena. Who can take command and sink the most enemy ships? FREE drop in, no ticket required.

14 - 16 April Commando FitRoyal Marines Museum11am and 2pm. Do you have what it takes to get Commando Fit this Easter? Try out a Royal Marines style physical training session to see how fit you really are. Take part on the Royal Marines Museum assault course or even work as part of a team to complete the legendary Royal Marine log run. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

14 - 16 April Treats, Sweets and Sea-lionsRoyal Navy Submarine Museums11am – 3pm. Discover the story of the heroic sea-lions trained to find U-boats. Then win yourself a treat by playing our game of throw, catch and balance on the sea-lion’s nose. FREE with a valid Museum ticket.

15 April Animal Heroes-Wildlife at Sea National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Dockyard11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm. How do you keep a bear amused at sea and what does a leopard eat in the middle of the South Atlantic? Keep yourself amused by making a wild animal mobile to take home. FREE with a valid Museum ticket. Drop in, all ages welcome.

17 April The Northern LightsSouth Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester7.30pm. See details on previous 12th March listing.

19 April The Northern LightsSouth Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester3.30pm. See details on previous 12th March listing.

24 - 26 April“Amazing, Beautiful, Crazy: The Universe as revealed by the Hubble Space Telescope”South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester

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

25 April Show of BraveryRoyal Navy Submarine Museum11am - 3pm. A mini display and activity marking 100 years since the start of the Gallipoli campaign and focusing on the patrol by Boyle VC in HMS E14.

25 – 26 April Beam Engine House Open DayEastney, PortsmouthSee the magnificent Boulton and Watt Beam Engine in its original site and in steam.

2 MayGoodwood Opening Saturday Goodwood, Chichester Opening Saturday will for the first time, feature a food festival alongside an established seven-race card. Enjoy fabulous food and top racing action at the new Food Festival event. Tickets from £10. Free child admission, Free access to playground, lots of Live music & entertainment. For tickets or hospitality call 01243 216610 quoting ‘Families’


What’s On

SSA Easter Holiday CampsGOALS PortsmouthWeekdays during the holidays9:15am – 3pm Ages 5-12 £12.50 per dayCall 07889 196834GOALS have a plethora of experience running camp days catering for children at all stages of development from beginner through to elite level. For more information visit their Facebook page Soccer Scholar Academy Juniors

Maths/English Tuition & Trampolining /Tennis

Maths and English Booster ClassesKip McGrath Education Centre, PortsmouthMon - Fri 13 - 17th April2 hours per day 9-11amAges 6-16£195 per weekCall 023 92 755923

Trampolining and TennisPriory School, PortsmouthMon - Fri 13 - 17th AprilAges 6-123 hours per day 12 - 3pm£75 per weekCall 077 04 189077Kip McGrath are teaming up with Portsmouth Schools Trampolining again this Easter for a mixed day camp of fun sports and tuition. For older children they also have GCSE revision activities. Children are dropped off at 9am at the Kip McGrath Education Centre with a packed lunch and then picked up again at 3pm for Priory School next door. Your children will be supervised throughout the day by our tutors and the qualified adults from Portsmouth Schools Trampolining. Book your child on both holiday activities for a spacial rate of £240- call 023 92 755923

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

Holiday Workshops and Camps

Win!! A family weekend ticket to Victorious Festival 2015!The Flaming Lips, Tinie Tempah, Basement Jaxx, Texas, The Fratellis, Ella Eyre, The Magic Numbers, Peter Hook & The Light, Hayseed Dixie, Bipolar Sunshine, Ben Ottewell (Gomez), The Amazing Snakeheads, Honeyblood plus many more acts to be confirmed for this years festival. Last year saw over 70,000 visitors to the festivals new, stunning seaside location on Southsea Seafront. Your ticket gives access to all the music stages, the beer festival and the Kids rena onsite as well as the nearby Southsea Castle and Lighthouse, The D-Day Museum, The Blue Reef Aquarium and Southsea Skatepark the biggest problem is how to fit everything in to the weekend! Early Bird tickets (£18 per adult per day, £6 for 5-15 year olds and £1 for under 5’s) remain on offer until 3rd April via www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

We have two family weekend tickets to give away! Enter online at:www.familiessolenteast.co.uk/competitions

Friday 27th March11:30am & 4:30pm

Box Office 023 9282 8282

Tickets £18*, £16* | Conc £2 offwww.kingsportsmouth.co.uk


Holiday workshops & Camps

Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2014

www.supercamps.co.uk01235 467300

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

Where the action never stopsMonday-Friday • 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Activities for boys and girls ages 4-14

Camp Adventure Portsmouth Watersports Centre, Eastern Road9:30am – 5pm weeklyAges 7 + £25 per dayCall 023 9266 3873Kayaking, the climbing wall with high ropes, den building, beach safari, crate stacking, outdoor sports, raft building, competitions, bushcraft skills, and much more. www.portsmouthwatersports.com

Circus SchoolGosport Discovery Centre 14th – 16th April9:30am - 3:30pm Ages 7 - 12 £40 for 3 days Call 023 9242 3615During the 3 days, children will learn how to juggle, diablo and spin plates and have a go at acrobatics and balancing! On the last day children will perform a short circus show for friends and family. (Please bring a packed lunch)

Young Artists and Holiday Art ClubAspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays9th April 10am - 3pm Ages 11-15, £18 for the dayJoin the Aspex participation team in this one day workshop inspired by Jim Howieson’s exhibition ‘Vacation’.

16th April 10am - 3pm Ages 7-11, £18 for the dayLooking at the work of children’s book illustrator Neal Layton, join in with this fun packed day to create and illustrate your own stories.

Kingswood CampsBembridge, Isle of Wight29 March – 12 April3, 4 or 7 night residential staysAges 8-17 From £199 - £439Call 0800 655 6560Residential camp - crashing waves meet high adventure. Isle of Wight is the ultimate setting for watersports enthusiasts and beach lovers. Specialist watersports camp, Indoor swimming pool, 3G Swing and over 52 activities!

3 Day Drama Workshop The Spring Arts Centre Havant 15th - 17th AprilAge 10 – 16 10:30am – 3pm£60 for 3 daysCall 023 9247 2700Spend three days working with a drama specialist. Develop your own characters, stories and scripts and work towards performing your very own play in our professional theatre, with a real stage, lights and a live audience.


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families solent east march/april 2015

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