FamiliesDorset 6 MayJune 2019

RECRUITING NOW

IN THIS ISSUE What’s On Guide Fun Family Days Out Inspiring Party Ideas Clubs & Summer Camps Could Tutoring Help Your Child?

Issue 6 May/June 2019

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle

please call Vicki King 07501 433 922

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FR EE !

Saturday and School Holiday Cycling Courses Three Bikeability levels: Level 1 & Level 2 (10 to 15 year olds) Level 3 (11+ up to further & higher education)

For children who live or go to school in Bournemouth. Sessions take place at King’s Park Cycle Centre with our fully qualified instructors.

T. 01202 454636 E. road.safety@bcpcouncil.gov.uk Dates and booking details: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/bikeability

3-16 Co-EduCational, day and Boarding

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A Moyles Court pupil is given the spACe to explore who they Are And whAt they CAn AChieve, in A CAring, supportive And hAppy AtMosphere.

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OPEN DAy 11th May 2019 10aM - 12.30pM

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2 Families Dorset

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Editor’s Welcome Managing Editor - Keren Moseley editor@familiesdorset.co.uk 07518 514012 Advertising - Claire Clarricoates Claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk 07812 218331 Design - Matthew Craig mattcraigdesign.co.uk Next Issue July/August 2019 Summer Activities & Days Out, Summer Clubs & Camps, Education and much more!

Booking Deadline: 31 May Copy Deadline: 6 June Distribution We distribute throughout Dorset including Bournemouth, Blandford Forum, Broadstone, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, New Milton, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Verwood, Wareham, Wimborne and more.

Find Families Dorset Magazine on @FamiliesDorsetMag @FamDorsetMag © Families Dorset Magazine May/June 2019.

Families Dorset is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Dorset are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Dorset. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Dorset, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

In This Issue 4 News & Views 5 Why Parents are Turning to Tutoring 6 Party Ideas to Inspire You 8 Holiday Camps & Courses Guide 10 Help Your Children Make Friends 11 Family Fun Days Out 14 What’s On Guide Would you like to advertise your business to over 40,000 parents in our July/August issue?

BOOK TODAY Call 07518 514012 or email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

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With summer just around the corner, thoughts invariably turn to planning for the long summer break and perhaps even a family get away. So, make sure you check out our top tips for Clubs and Holiday Camps, and be inspired by some great family get-away deals at one of Dorset’s best camping sites, Old Bidlake Farm, and more.

If you have any news or events that you’d like to share with our readers, or if you’re a local business – attractions, holiday clubs, leisure and education providers, nurseries, play centres - and you’d like to reach parents and families in our next issue – please do get in touch with me.

We also highlight some of the best family days out - including special offers from Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens and Highcliffe Castle - and give you the low-down of things to do near you in our indispensable What’s On guide. Plus, find out why so many parents are turning to tutoring and discover what’s trending in the world of children’s parties on page 6.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for up-todate information, competitions and more.

Best wishes,

Editor

It’s Official!

You REALLY like us!

Our Readers Prefer Families Magazine to the Internet!

Last year, we conducted a survey across the UK asking readers to tell us what they find useful about our magazine and how likely they would be to respond to advertising in it.

79%

of readers told us that they use the magazine to research ideas

More than 70% of our readers said they were highly likely to respond to advertising in our magazine or had already done so. That’s fabulous news for our advertisers and for our readers, because it means we can carry on making the magazine better and better!

A whopping 79% of readers told us that they use the magazine to research ideas for local family activities or children’s classes and clubs and an equally impressive 74% said they use it to plan family life.

Many of you also told us that you find it easier to plan family activities and entertainment using Families Magazine than using the internet! You told us that using the internet to research and plan can be time consuming and confusing, involving lots of trawling online for useful information.

A common complaint seems to be the “endless trawling” that digital research involves. A typical response came from a reader in Lancashire who said: “We can trawl the internet for an age, but with Families® Magazine we just turn the page.”

Readers also told us that they really value having a physical magazine in their hands in which all the information relevant to family life has already been collated and is presented to them in an easy-to-digest format.

A typical response came from a reader who commented: “With the Families® magazine, all the information is right there, in a simple to understand, calendar format, which is perfect! I can then successfully plan our summer break.”

We were also really happy that large numbers of you reported that Families Magazine makes your lives easier and less stressful and saves you time.

“We can trawl the internet for an age, but with Families® we just turn the page”

Thank you to everyone that volunteered their comments.

If you are interested in taking part in one of our Reader Forums, please email info@familiesmagazine.co.uk with your name, phone number and postcode. (Readers names have not been quoted for privacy reasons).

Families Dorset 3

ws s e N iew &V

Summer in the Alps The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs.

School Holidays Put Single Parents Under Pressure Single parents struggle particularly with the extra costs involved in school holiday childcare, according to recent research commissioned by the credit information provider, Equifax.

A fifth of single parents admit to calling in sick because they are unable to afford childcare. 35% of single parents take unpaid leave, compared to just 18% of dual-income households, which puts them under further financial pressure.

School holidays also come with the added pressure to spend money to keep children

entertained. The research revealed that most parents expect to spend £178.29 during a halfterm holiday.

4 out of 5 parents agree that school holidays are getting more expensive every year, with more than 76% saying there are fewer free entertainment options out of term time, compared to five years ago.

For ideas of things to do during the holidays for budgets of all sizes, check out our Clubs & Holiday Camps pages and What’s On Guide.

Low Take-Up of Free Childcare Government figures show that far fewer families than expected are using the tax-free childcare offer.

According to figures released by HMRC, just 91,000 parents accessed the offer by December 2018, far below the 415,000 the government had budgeted for.

This number represents just 5% of the 2 million families the government estimated would be eligible for the scheme when it was first launched.

The tax-free childcare scheme is a replacement for the

previous childcare voucher system, which closed to new entrants from October 2018.

Ongoing technical difficulties, the complexity of the system and low awareness have been attributed as causes for the poor response by families.

The government has said it is running a national communications campaign to raise awareness and encourage more parents to apply.

Thinking School Pupils Make Outstanding Progress Pupils who attend Thinking Schools, state schools where pupils and teachers use a shared ‘thinking language’ across all subjects, are showing outstanding results in the Government’s Progress 8 (P8) scores, which measure pupils’ progress across eight key subjects from the end of primary school to GCSEs at age 16.

Over a three-year period to 2018, Thinking Schools recorded an average of over an extra whole GCSE grade growth across the eight subjects that are included in P8.

Two of these, Glenmoor and Winton Academies in Bournemouth, were recently judged Outstanding

4 Families Dorset

by schools inspectorate Ofsted, with Glenmoor recording a P8 score of 1.03 and Winton a P8 of 0.6 for 2018, meaning pupils are making above average progress and a negative score means below average.

At the centre of the whole-school approach taken by Thinking Schools is the use of a ‘thinking language’ in each subject by every teacher and every pupil. They use visual tools that help transform information into knowledge. This leads to deeper learning and the development of higher-order thinking skills, such as analysing, evaluating and creating.

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet - Au Coin du Feu - plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown-ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!

For more about Chilly Powder summer and winter chalets visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit http://en.morzine-avoriaz.com/activities/ summer-activities/

Safety Wristbands Easy2name’s new safety wristbands will help you find your child if they wander off on a day out and can also be used as medical alert.

Contact details such as a mobile number and important medical information can be written on the outside. Or you can use the internationally recognised term ‘ICE’ (In Case of Emergency) on your wristband. These silicone wristbands are waterproof and tear proof and are ideal for outings, school trips and family holidays.

Suggested children’s sizes are 14cm for ages 2-4, 16cm for ages 5-8 and 18cm for ages 9 and above.

OL! BACK TO SCHO STICK ON IRON ON SEW ON SEW NO IRON - NO GS BA PENCILS &

You name it we label it!

Call us on: 01635 298326

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Why are Parents Turning to Tutoring?

Around a quarter of children in the UK are being tutored.

Claire Winter looks at why one in four families are seeking extra help outside of the classroom.

Parents often get extra tuition for their children to prepare them for important exams. They also get them to help boost their child’s skills in a subject in which they aren’t doing well or to help them excel in a subject, and impress the schools to which they are applying.

It’s estimated that we spend £2 billion a year on private tutoring, which makes us one of the top spenders on tuition in the world.

Ex-teacher Victoria Kennedy, takes the view that tutoring needs careful management to ensure it doesn’t result have a negative impact on a child. She says: I found that children with extra pressure and expectations from parents struggled with failure, needed more encouragement and guidance to complete tasks and often suffered from a sense of overwhelm.

Many parents believe that tutoring The education charity the Sutton can be an amazing resource that Trust acknowledges the importance gives children extra confidence, of tutoring but worries that extra reassurance and skills to stop them tuition is causing the educational feeling overwhelmed by the gap to widen between pressures of schoolwork. children from affluent Others argue that extra Many parents economic backgrounds believe that tutoring creates more and those from poorer tutoring can pressure on children. Many ones. be an amazing children are busy already resource. with lots of extra-curricular activities and homework.

The charity’s chair, Sir Peter Lampl, says: Private tuition is widespread and increasingly so. Nearly half of teachers have tutored and a quarter of teenagers have been tutored.

Families® Magazine spoke to parents about their thoughts on tutoring.

CEO and founder of the charity, Action Tutoring, Susannah Hardyman, also highlights the importance of tutoring.

I think tutoring can be a positive thing at junior school age; it can shore up work done in class. Know what your goal is when you hire a tutor, finding the right one is crucial.

We know tutoring works to improve grades and this impact is not limited to young people from high-income backgrounds either. As more and more young people access private tutors, the gap in attainment between disadvantaged young people and their peers will grow. Our charity uses the power of volunteer tutors to bridge the gap and ensure tutoring support can be accessed by every pupil who needs it, not just those who can afford it.

Gill says:

Academic performance is important to Judith.

We want our son to get into a good Prep school, and the entrance exams are very competitive. Tutoring will ensure he gets the best chance to go to the school of our choice.

Dyslexia Assessments & Support from Diverse Thinking

Individualised Learning & Care at Moyles Court School

Vicki Angel is a fully qualified dyslexia assessor with over 20 years educational experience.

Moyles Court (from age 3 to 16yrs) is set within the most beautiful New Forest Park with extensive grounds, offering your child the most wonderful opportunities to thrive in the outdoors as well and the classroom.

Her business, Diverse Thinking, aims to recognise and support children and adults with Specific Learning Difficulties. Vicki works in local schools and universities carrying out dyslexia assessments.

If your child is struggling in school despite additional help, an assessment will pinpoint areas of strength and areas they may need specific support with. Contact Vicki via www.diversethinking.co.uk or 07913 417192.

Not only will the children benefit from smaller class sizes, excellent pastoral care and a curriculum tailored to their individual needs, they will also enjoy weekly sessions in French, PE, Dance, Cookery, Music Bugs and Forest Schools.

Richard Milner Smith, Headmaster says: “Our core values are at the heart of our fabulous school and we provide the best possible start in life. We offer individualised learning, a flexible approach to travel and wrap around care – making us accessible to so many families who want their children to be happy, learning and achieving in our glorious New Forest setting.”

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Open Day

Sat 11 May 10am -12.30pm

Families Dorset 5

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Food Parties

Active Parties

If you want to host a party at home, think about hiring a company to help.

A pizza making party is always winner. You can go to your favourite pizza restaurant or hold a DIY party at home. Cupcake decorating parties also go down well and the guests can take home the tasty treat instead of a party bag. You could also serve food that has a surprise element to it; a cake that is full of sweets when you cut it or ice cream cones filled with savoury fillings. You could also mix up healthy food with treats, such as marshmallows and fruit kebabs or tortilla chips with hummus and crudités.

You can even get specialists to come in and set up a sleepover these days. They will put up tents in your garden or your home, and some even supply breakfast on a tray! Or host a science party where someone comes in to do experiments and make goo with the children. They’ll even clean up afterwards. There are also gaming party providers who bring all the entertainment to you.

Number cakes decorated with fruit, meringues, and flowers are also all the rage. They make a great centrepiece on a party table.

If you prefer a more traditional party, why not hire an entertainer like a magician or clown?

Art Parties Themed Parties Magical forest and flower-themed parties are great fun to host if you like being creative.

You can also do a whole variety of different activities at your local leisure centre.

They often offer a variety of swimming, inflatable and sports parties. Why not pick a sport your child loves?

A perennial favourite is also a superhero party. It ticks a lot of boxes and offers great fancy dress options for boys and girls.

There are also loads of great decorations you can make, or buy if you don’t have the time! Another popular party is a Harry Potter party. You can make up lots of magical games to recreate a mini Hogwarts at home.

You could also check out your local trampoline park to see what party packages they offer. Other easy activity parties include paintballing, bowling, laser quest and go-karting.

You could also try something a bit different like a Mexican themed party. Decorate the house with cacti, serve guacamole and dips, hit a Piñata and have plenty of themed games.

6 Families Dorset

Parties at Home

Kids love food, so why not theme your party around it?

According to Pinterest searches for scavenger parties are up by 302%.

These are similar to treasure hunts and start with a list of things to find (or do) and a time limit. But there is no set path as players scavenge around and search for all of the items on the list. The player or team who finds everything on the list first or finds the most items before the time is up wins. These parties can be great fun and relatively inexpensive - you could hold one in your garden or a local park or wood.

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Planning your child’s birthday can involve deep-breathing and military-style planning.

This annual event has kids jumping for joy but many parents breaking out into a cold sweat.

Claire Winter takes a look at some different party ideas to inspire you.

If your child loves making things, an arts and crafts party is the perfect choice for them.

You can go to pottery centres, art studios or get a party provider to come to your house to host a craft party. You can do a huge variety of things like mosaics, pottery, painting and jewellery making.

Your potential Picassos will also get to take their masterpiece home instead of a party bag.

Remember...

not to stress too much!

Your child will remember your efforts whether you hire a circus performer and a bouncy castle; host a fun party at home or organise a trip out the cinema or a trampoline park. Enjoy it and embrace the mayhem; they grow up quickly!

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Creative Kids’ Parties at the Cove For a fun party experience that indulges your child’s creative-side, book a craft-making party at Create at the Cove. This charming arts & crafts Lulworth-based venue is the perfect place for children to enjoy Pottery Painting, Decopatch or even Make Your Own Cuddly Toy! Every party is a special and exclusive occasion and can comfortably accommodate 4 - 10 children at just £10 per child. Refreshments can be arranged and you can bring your own party bags. Relax in the coffee lounge while the party is in full-swing, and you can always end a wonderful day with a visit to Lulworth cove, just a 5 minute stroll away!

For a unique birthday treat, why not host a themed sleepover party in your own home or garden?

Teeparty provide a bespoke delivery and styling service, with all the equipment you could possibly need to transform your indoor or outside space into a magical sleepover world.

With themes for girls and boys, all guests receive sleep masks and sweet jars to keep! Plus, with their range of fun and stylish party extras, you can build your sleepover adventure as big or little as you like.

Find out more at www.tee-party.co.uk sleepover planners

Ideas

Teeparty Make Dreams Come True

teeparty

Local

teeparty sleepover planners

providing children’s themed sleepover setups for any occasion

The ULTIMATe SLeepover pArTy

•overnight or day hire• from £35 per guest •delivered, styled & setup• in your own home •range of themes• for girls & boys www.tee-party.co.uk 07773 201586 | hello@tee-party.co.uk

Call Stuart on 01929 400270 or visit createatthecove.com

teeparty sleepover planners

Mayim’s Mermaid Party Pod

Oasis Fun Party Fun

Mayim Mermaid Academy is the UK's longest running academy of its kind, providing Mermaid group, 1:1 or 2:1 lessons and bespoke Mermaid Parties for up to six children aged 8+. You can also hire a host Mermaid for that special occasion or enjoy a Mermaid photo shoot.

Celebrate your little one’s special day at Oasis Fun. With bowling, soft play, arcades, adventure golf, and a diner/bar, there’s plenty to do and enjoy. You can create a unique event that everyone will love and that provides hours of fun.

Safety is our main priority and our fins and tails are the best in the industry. All group sessions are for children aged eight or over, while 1:1 and 2:1 lessons are available from six years, subject to passing the swimming ability criteria.

Oasis Fun parties include an hour of activity, an hour in the party room and a buffet menu that includes sandwiches, pizza, chicken goujons and fruit salad, all for just £16 per child.

Book your party today on 01202 311611 and let the fun begin.

For full details, visit www. mayimmermaidacademy.co.uk or see our Facebook page @mayimmermaidacademy.

Whatever your party occasion, Oasis Fun has something for everyone.

Create a truly unique event for hours of party fun.

Get in touch today and let the fun begin!

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Oasis Fun, Glen Fern Road, Bournemouth BH1 2LZ oasisfun.co.uk | info@oasisfun.co.uk | 01202 311611

Families Dorset 7

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How Safe Will Your Child Be? Most summer camps and courses are regulated by various independent bodies, or in some instances by government inspectorates such as Ofsted which monitors safety standards. Levels of inspection vary according to the type of course or camp.

By Andrew Campbell

The long summer holiday break is a great opportunity for children to take part in organised activities, play schemes, workshops or day camps either within their local area on a daily or weekly basis or, increasingly, attend an American-style residential summer Camp.

Here’s our guide to some of the options available, together with some advice on what safety standards to look out for.

Residential Camps These are independent holidays for unaccompanied children aged from 7 years and above. Children are supervised round the clock in a secure residential environment such as a boarding school. Group leaders usually take care of children’s pastoral and welfare needs whilst Instructors provide a programme of activities. Camps can offer specialist courses or a multi-activity programme.

Unlike American summer camps, which due to longer school breaks and less holiday leave for working parents often provide a home-from-home experience, residential camps in the UK usually involve just a 7 day break. However, if your budget can be stretched there are a large number of residential camps operating throughout Europe and North America which can offer your child additional cultural and linguist experiences.

Multi-Activity Day Camps These are non-residential full-day camps running in your local area. They are for unaccompanied children from 3 years and above which usually run from Monday to Friday, offering a varied programme of sports or creative activities throughout the day. Typically multi-activity day

camps involve 4 to 6 activities per day, with each activity session lasting between 1 and 1 ½ hours. Often the sessions focus on ‘tasters’ or introductions to a range of activities such as performing arts and outdoor adventure.

Generally, children can attend for as many days as they wish, with a price discount for a full week’s attendance. Day camp arrival and departure times vary but the day usually starts between 9am and 10am and ends between 4 and 5pm. Many camps offer early drop off and late pick up options.

Sports/Activity Courses or Workshops Specialising in a specific sport or activity such as performing arts or art and craft, these courses are usually for children of 7 years and above. They generally operate for 2 to 3 hours per day, running for just one day or as a progressive course over 4 to 5 days. Sports courses are often led by qualified instructors/coaches or by local authority sports/ leisure centres, specialist swim centres or riding schools. National governing body awards can sometimes be achieved. Performing arts workshops tend to be run by performing arts schools who also offer term time classes for children.

Holiday Play Schemes These offer non-residential full or part-day supervised childcare for unaccompanied children from age 3 and above but are usually run by voluntary organisations or local authorities.

Activities at play schemes may be specific, such as sports or art and craft, or involve a range of different activities. Many play schemes run off-site trips to attractions such as museums or parks. In the main, they are provided for children living in the catchment area of the venue.

Day camps and play schemes offering full day care programmes for children under the age of 8 are legally required to register with their local authority. Registered providers are subject to inspection by government inspectorates such as Ofsted.

Sports/activity Courses will not generally be registered with the local authority unless they provide tuition for under 8s. Horse riding centres are legally required to register with their local authority though.

Adventure activities run by any commercial organisation providing specific adventure activities (certain watersports, climbing, trekking and caving activities) are legally required to obtain a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). This body inspects and monitors safety standards. Information on these inspections is available to the public from the AALA. www.hse.gov.uk/aala Residential Camps are not subject to legal registration unless they operate specific adventure activities or provide courses for under 8’s. Providers who are members of the British Activity Providers Association (BAPA) are subject to an independent inspection scheme covering site safety, activity standards, staff qualifications and training, health and safety and emergency procedures. For more information, visit www.thebapa.org.uk

Police Checks All registered day camps and plays schemes are required to get checks on specific staff.

In England and Wales this is done via the Disclosure and Barring Service. It is worth checking with the provider to see what their policy is in this area.

Staff Qualifications You may also want to check on staff qualifications. Most sports governing bodies have an official coaching scheme for instructors or leaders at various levels. It is a good idea to ask for further information on staff qualifications if the organisation does not explain its policy in its promotional material or on its website.

8 Families Dorset

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Play, The Way Nature Intended Pouncing Panthers provides a multi-activity holiday club for children aged five to twelve. Families Dorset caught up with Co-Founder, Victoria Pimm, to find out more.

Cycle Safety Courses for Kids Bikeability is about giving people the skills to cycle on today’s roads.

Level 1 and 2 Course: Level 1 teaches trainees to control and master a bike in a playground area, developing basic cycle control skills. Level 2 equips trainees with the skills to cycle on local roads, developing safe cycling skills and understanding of the road and traffic environment.

Level 3 Course: Level 3 is for children who have successfully completed Level 2 and are an experienced, confident cyclist. It provides the skills to tackle a wide variety of traffic conditions, many different road layouts and challenging traffic scenarios.

Find out more about BCP Council’s Saturday sessions & holiday courses, visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/bikeability or call 01202 454636 to book.

Put On A Show With Stagecoach Ringwood!

Stagecoach’s annual Summer challenge is back! Four days to learn a script, packed with songs and dances, then entertain family and friends in a presentation with lights, make-up/face paint and costume.

The workshop is suitable for students aged 4-16 years.

No experience is necessary, just bundles of energy!

Both Stagecoach and non-Stagecoach members are welcome. The aim is for children to develop their Performing Arts skills and feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Having fun is the utmost priority!

Runs from 5th–8th August at Trinity CE First School, Verwood. Sibling and Early Bird discounts are available, and Childcare Vouchers/Tax Free Childcare are accepted. Visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/ringwood

So Victoria, what inspired you to launch Pouncing Panthers?

Technology is encouraging a sedentary lifestyle, and it’s important to get children outside, get them fit and active and encourage healthy habits from a young age.

My husband, Justin, & I set up the club at the Mudeford Wood Community Centre in Christchurch in 2016. As parents ourselves, we wanted our children to experience as many different skills as possible whilst still ultimately having fun, thus Pouncing Panthers was born. Our motto ‘Play, the way nature intended’ is at the centre of everything we do, and the children love it!

What activities can children get involved in?

We offer several sports including but not limited to tennis, football, hockey and dodge ball and also other skills such as martial arts and street dance. These physical activities are interspersed with the more relaxing yoga, arts and crafts and oral Spanish and French…very useful for that family holiday! We also take the children into the woods for nature walks and den building and also down to the beach for sand art and beach volley ball.

Not only do our children learn invaluable skills but they also gain from making new friends, building confidence and making wonderful memories. What’s there not to love?

What’s new at Pouncing Panthers?

We recently launched our holiday club at Durlston Court School in New Milton, working within their stunning grounds and using their incredible facilities. The club was really well-received, and we’re looking to offer more days over the summer holidays! Check our social media page @PouncingPanthers - for new dates and how to book.

We’ve also appointed new front-of-house Managers, Stevie and Carly, who bring over 10 years’ experience working with children, including those with learning difficulties. They are both trained actors too so they’re sure to bring some extra ‘pazzazz’ to our clubs!

Discover more about Pouncing Panthers at www.pouncingpanthers.com or call 01202 250617.

Multi-Activity HolidAy club for Kids 5-12 Open Monday - Friday during school holidays

years

Mudeford Community Centre, Christchurch, BH23 4TR Activities include: Arts & Crafts | Beach Activities Football | French/Spanish | Martial Arts Performance Arts | Street Dance | Tennis Woodland Adventures | Yoga and more...

All Day: £28 (9am-4pm) Half Day: £18 (9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm) Early Bird: £7 (Extra 30mins) Visit pouncingpanthers.com for more info, dates and timetable or call 01202 250 617.

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How to...

Help your Children Make Friends Linda Blair’s Top Tips for Parents 55% of parents say they are anxious about making new adult friends and it’s therefore not surprising that some children are also not sure how to go about this. It’s useful to help them understand that the easiest way to make a friend is to BE a friend. Psychologist Linda Blair has some useful tips for children and parents.

Tips for Parents

Tips for Children Offer to Help If you think another child isn’t sure about whether to join in with what you’re doing, invite them to do just that. Everyone likes to feel included.

Sharing is Caring When you’re with your friends, offer to share your toys, so you can all play together.

Taking Turns Make sure everyone you’re with gets to have a turn at whatever you’re all doing.

They’ll know that you are a kind person.

Let’s Pretend Knowing how other people are feeling will help you understand what makes them tick. If your school has a drama club, join it, and ask to be in the school play too, so you can learn how different characters feel and behave. At home, ask your family to play ‘let’s pretend’ games with you.

Linda Blair says: “To make friends children must be able to consider life from other people’s points of view so they can appreciate and react to what others want to do and enjoy.

Although young children show they’re capable of appreciating other viewpoints, they don’t normally apply this skill until they’re about 5 years old.

This is why it’s important to start introducing them to this skill at a young age. Once they can understand empathy it will feel like second nature to them to behave in those adaptive ways.”

As a parent, you can help your child to make new friends. Families® Magazine suggests:

Read Stories about Sharing and Making Friends

Starting a Conversation

Talk about them afterwards. Start reading these stories as early as possible, even before you think your child can understand them!

Whenever you see an opportunity, ask your child how a character could be feeling - and ask how they know.

Some children may want a parent’s help to start a conversation. Working with your child to think of a few things they can say like “I like your lunch box” or “What games do you like?” can help your child feel more comfortable about starting to talk to a potential new friend.

Joining In Encourage your child to watch what other children are playing and think about what they can do to fit in. Suggest they try joining the game by doing something that’s relevant to it e.g. if children are playing at running a library, volunteer to be somebody who wants to borrow a book.

Make a Head Start Before your child starts a new school year, find out if you can who else will be in their class.

Then invite one of those children over to play with your child during the summer holidays.

That way, once school starts, your child already has a friend from the start of term. This in turn will reduce their anxiety when they go into class on that first day.

Stress that it’s important not to be negative about the game or try to change it and if the others don’t want them to join in right then, to try again another day.

Do as I Do During the early years, parents are their child’s best role models. Try to show your children how to make friends by setting a good example - giving the people around you your full attention and listening fully whenever your child, your partner or other key people around you want to tell you something.

Show you’re concerned about how other people are feeling and thank others when they do things you appreciate.

For more from Linda Blair, visit www.lindablair.co.uk

10 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk

Great Value Family Fares UNDER

5

FREE

s GO

Kingston Maurward

Animal park & gardens

Steam s e daily un rvices til 13 th Octobe r*

Dorchester, DT2 8PY / 01305 215003 / visitkm.co.uk

The easiest way from Castle to Coast

For Sat Nav, use DT2 8PX

discount Voucher: One child free with a paying adult!

swanagerailway.co.uk

One Voucher per group per visit. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers.

*except Diesel Gala 10 - 12 May 2019

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Families Dorset 11

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Photo Credit: Simon & Thelma©

Free Annual Entry When You Adopt a Primate Monkey World is a truly unique place.

It’s home to four large family groups of chimpanzees living naturally outside of Africa, Europe's only orangutan crèche, and an active breeding population of endangered woolly monkeys.

Already this year, the centre has welcomed an orphaned infant to the orangutan group, and births in the rare white-throated guenons group, the world’s only breeding population of woolly monkeys and the little-studied endangered Bengal slow loris group.

Combining fun with conservation, you can discover more about man’s closest living relative with half-hourly keeper talks, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest Great Ape playground.

You can support this conservation work by joining the adoption scheme, which comes with free annual entry. Find out more at www. monkeyworld.org

Falconry Flying Experience Days & More at Libertys Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre in Ringwood is home to a large collection of birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls and vultures.

Observe these magnificent birds flying free or treat yourself to a special Flying Experience Day and experience the thrill of falconry for yourself. You can also get up close and personal with the snakes, lizards and spiders during various displays in the day.

At the rescue centre, come and see wild birds of prey on their road to recovery and release back to the wild.

Open daily March - October 10am–5pm.

For more information visit www.libertysfalconry.co.uk

Summer Family Fun at the Castle Highcliffe Castle is the perfect location to entertain the whole family this summer.

From the beach to the woods and with jampacked event schedule and new children’s activity room, it has so much to offer.

Following extensive restoration work, the East Wing is now open to the public for the very first time, so it’s the perfect family day out.

New for this season, Highcliffe Castle Garlic Theatre production’s ‘The Three Little Pigs’ is in August, complete with some ‘piggy’ craft activities to amuse your little ones.

Plus, on August Bank Holiday Monday, Highcliffe Castle hosts an outdoor theatre production of David Walliam’s ‘Gangsta Granny’. So, bring a picnic and enjoy this amazing performance on the lawn.

For ticket information, visit www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

Camp Bestival Camp Bestival is known as the UK’s ultimate family festival, having won Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards five times.

Taking place 25th-28th July at Lulworth Castle, the four-day festi-holiday offers hundreds of things to see and do. From headliners Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Jess Glynne and Annie Mac, family fun with Mr Tumble, Mister Maker and Shaun The Sheep, to science shows and circus workshops, there’s so much for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Tree-climbing, woodland workshops, helter skelters, giant bubble workshops and face painting for the kids through to teens having poetry slams, teen only spinning classes, sleeping out under the stars and How To… workshops, there really is something for everyone.

*CAN BE USED FOR A MAXIMUM OF 4 TICKETS AND UP TO TWO EVENTS IF BOOKED AT THE SAME TIME. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.HIGHCLIFFECASTLE.CO.UK REF: DOR-FAM-050619

EXP: 31.06.2019

Parents are particularly spoilt at Camp Bestival; well, they do buy the tickets!

Amazing live acts and DJs, raves, discos, parties, comedy, literary talks, parenting advice and stories, cocktails, awardwinning street food, likeminded people all in a big old field by a castle and the sea.

Make it Hot, Hot, Hot! The only dedicated UK Cheese and Chilli Festival will be returning to Christchurch this year, taking place at Hurn over the weekend of Saturday, 8th June and Sunday, 9th June from 10am to 5pm.

The event will bring an amazing array of tastes, colours and experiences to town and is a ‘must go to event’ It’s the perfect weekend for cheese and chilli lovers who can try and buy from an incredible range of local and regional products. It’s family friendly too with some great attractions including free cooking displays, tastings, beer tent, live music, street theatre, crazy golf, human-sized table football, children’s rides, treasure hunts, balloon modelling, craft and shopping stalls and lots more. You also get £20 of discount vouchers on the door.

Children under 16 go free. Buy tickets on line and save money. For more details visit www.cheeseandchillifestival.com

12 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk

Feel The Magic of Vintage Train Travel Swanage Railway is the picture postcard branch line to the seaside.

Steam trains run for six miles, weaving their way through the beautiful Purbeck countryside from Norden, home of the Purbeck Mineral Mining Museum, past the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle to the sandy beach of Swanage, the eastern gateway to the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage site. Swanage Railway offers an intensive heritage steam train service with departures up to every 40 minutes in the summer season.

Special events, including steam galas in the Spring and Autumn, a diesel gala in May and our acclaimed Santa Specials in December, run each year.

Get Closer to Nature at Kingston Maurward Head down to this celebrated, familyfriendly Animal Park in the heart of Dorset.

With lots of animals to meet including peacocks, birds of prey and wallabies; you can even feed the goats and sheep, enjoy a picnic, or visit the park café. Take a walk along the lakeside nature trail and explore the stunning formal gardens and parkland.

Kids’ activities run throughout all school holidays with discounts for locals. Fun for all the family - the perfect day out! PLUS: brand new indoor play barn for those wet days coming soon!

Enjoy the Fun of the Fair at Baiter Park Poole Dorset’s favourite family fairground is returning to Poole’s Baiter Park this spring! Enjoy amazing value for money with our £6.99 wristband which provides you with unlimited rides for two hours!

The line-up includes all of the family favourites such as the Dodgems, Waltzer, Sizzler, children’s rides and bouncy castles. Opening 25th May until 1st June, the sessions are 12-2pm, 2-4pm, 4-6pm and 6-8pm. Come along and enjoy the fun!

WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR LOCAL EVENT IN THE NEXT ISSUE?

For more information visit www.visitkm.co.uk or call 01305 215003.

email editor@ familiesdorset.co.uk

Find us on Facebook - William Cole & Son Amusements.

Nothe Fort Museum of Coastal Defence Nothe Fort is an award-winning visitor attraction offering low cost entry and great value come rain or shine.

Built by the Victorians to protect Portland Harbour, Nothe Fort is one of the best-preserved forts of its kind. The advances in technology that affected the fort are explained through many displays, exhibits and audio-visual facilities located on the ramparts,

gun decks and maze of underground passageways.

Nothe Fort is one of Weymouth’s major attractions and a venue for a wide range of public events. You don’t have to be a military enthusiast to enjoy your visit.

It’s a great day out for all the family with lots to see and explore, so why not come and spend a day with us?

You won’t regret it, but beware the fort

Make Memories at Old Bidlake Farm Special moments shared with family form our fondest childhood memories, yet for many parents it is more difficult than ever to find time for those valuable opportunities.

familiesonline.co.uk

There’s also a wide range of educational activities for schools & colleges as well as corporate hospitality, public events and private function hire all year round.

Top 10 B A Magical UK Glam est psites Destination Closer to Home Voted in

Quote

‘Families Dorset’

for 20% off all off-peak stays.

A camping adventure under the stars offers the perfect escape for all the family, a million miles away from everyday life. To make the most of precious family time Old Bidlake Farm has everything you need ready and waiting for your arrival, with beautifully furnished Bell Tents and a thoughtfully-equipped facilities barn, so you can just pitch up and start making magical memories.

Discover more at www.oldbidlakefarm.co.uk.

is haunted. Enjoy the stunning and far reaching views of the Jurassic Coast from the picnic areas on the Ramparts, which provide one of the best vantage points on the south coast.

by Mum

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Treat your family to a hassle-free camping adventure to remember at Old Bidlake Farm’s beautifully furnished bell tents in a stunning location close to the dramatic Jurassic Coast.

Get a 20% discount on all off-peak stays.

Quote ‘Families Dorset.’ T&Cs apply.

Old Bidlake Farm, Broadoak, Bridport, West Dorset, DT6 5PY www.oldbidlakefarm.co.uk | 01308 538080 camping@oldbidlakefarm.co.uk

Families Dorset 13

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Once Upon A Princess Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne BH21 1LT The ultimate pop Princess party, live on stage! This glittering production features your favourite fairytale Princesses and a soundtrack of top pop hits and movie musical classics. 12pm & 4pm. £12.

18 May The Amazing Bubble Man Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA

Throughout May & June

Until 6 May

Experience the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and spellbinding bubble tricks. 11am & 2.30pm. Adult £12, child £10 advance.

Pottery, Crafts, Cuddly Toy Making & More

Jawsome Sharks Sea Life Adventure Park, Weymouth DT4 7SX

Wipeout World

Create at the Cove, Wareham BH20 5SG

Take a dive into the deep as a Jawsome Ranger and fulfil the mission of finding the missing shark teeth. Help Professor Finn locate the large Play-Doh model shark teeth in the tanks. Once qualified, Jawsome Rangers get a special Play-Doh gift.

Rossmore Leisure Centre, Parkstone BH12 4HR

Get creative at this charming and unique all-weather venue. Choose from a variety of craft kits, fossil digging, model making, decopatch, paint your own pottery, colouring & painting, make your own cuddly toy and more.

Open daily from 10am–5pm.

Up Close & Personal with Birds of Prey Liberty’s Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre, Ringwood BH24 3DZ A fun, thrilling and educational family day. Liberty’s houses a large collection of birds of prey and an indoor reptile house.

Observe these magnificent birds flying free or experience falconry first-hand with our Flying Experience Days. 10am–5pm.

4, 11, 18, 28-29, 30-31 May, 8, 15, 22, 29 June Bikeability Level 1 & 2 Courses King’s Park Cycle Centre, Bournemouth BH7 7AF Give your child the skills to cycle on today’s roads. Level 1 & 2 cycle training for children aged 10 and over to help build the skills and confidence to ride a bike safely on the road. Saturdays & May Half Term from 9am–12.30pm & 1–4.30pm.

Visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/bikeability or call 01202 454636 to book.

4–6, 25–27 May Go Nuts!

Monkey World, Wareham BH20 6HH Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts for the primates receives a free Monkey World badge over the Bank Holiday weekend. 10am–5pm.

Adult £14, child £10, under 3s free.

5 May Knob Fest Kingston Maurwood College, Dorchester DT2 8PX Visit the world-famous Dorset Knob Throwing Festival. Fun attractions include fun Knob Eating, Knob Painting, a Knob & Spoon Race, Knob Darts and a Knob Pyramid. A fun family day out with a difference!

10am–4pm. Adult £5, child <12 free.

6 May, 3 June Wildlife Tots Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, Ringwood BH24 3PJ Fun outdoor play and wildlife discovery activities for the family.

For age 2–5. 10.30am–12pm & 1–2.30pm. Booking essential.

10 – 12 May Diesel Gala

Dash through the 50ft obstacle course.

Get unlimited use of nine activities for you and your family to enjoy. Why not compete against the kids? Suitable age 5+.

10am–4.30pm. Advance booking. £9.99.

21 May – 13 June Matchstick Fleet Exhibition Nothe Fort, Weymouth DT4 8UF Made entirely of matchsticks and matchboxes, marvel at a special exhibition of model ships, that have taken one man a lifetime to build. Be amazed at the detail and accuracy of the modern warships models on display. 10.30am–5.30pm.

24 – 27 May

Swanage Railway, Swanage BH19 1HB

Purbeck Pirate Festival

Swanage Railway’s Diesel Gala and Dorset Beer Festival runs an intensive daily service over the full 10 mile line between Swanage and Wareham. 1 Day Rover tickets on the day: Adult £35, child £25, family £73.

Discounts on advance bookings.

Sandpit Field, Swanage BH19 1LA

11 May Sooty’s Magic Show The Regent Centre, Christchurch BH23 1AS Izzy Wizzy let’s get busy! Join Sooty for his brand-new Laugh Out Loud Magic Show! A spectacular family treat with a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show! 11am & 2.30pm. Adult £12.50, child £10.50, family £40.

Spring Country Fayre High Mead Farm, Ferndown BH22 9DR There’s something for all the family to enjoy with children’s play area, small animal cuddle corner, alpaca walks, fun dog show, birds of prey, storytelling and country fayre games. 10am–7pm.

Adult £5, child £3, under 3s free.

12 May Lone Parent Fair St James Church, Poole BH15 1JN Come and join in the fun. With haircuts, manicures and beauty treatments (parents only), bike safety checks, legal advice, budget coaching and parenting advice. Children can also enjoy face painting, entertainment, games, crafts and more. 10am–1pm. Free.

There’ll be much raiding, pillaging and plundering with pirate stalls, food, re-enactments and entertainment for all ages. 10am–4pm.

25 – 26 May 1940’s Home Front Family Weekend Nothe Fort, Weymouth DT4 8UF What was life like during WW2? 1940’s war time history is brought to life with Home Front re-enactments, or try the Evacuee Experience and visit secret areas of the fort. Plus 1940’s vehicle displays, live entertainment, themed activities, side shows and stalls. 10.30am–5.30pm. Adult £8, child £2, family £18, under 5s free.

25 – 27 May Inflatable Theme Park Redland Community Sports Hub, Weymouth DT3 5BA Experience some of the best bouncy castles and slides in Dorset. Children receive unlimited access to 10 large inflatables, a visit from Mickey and Minnie Mouse and a free face paint. There’s also an under 5’s inflatable area. 10am–12pm, 12.30–2.30pm, 3–5pm. Adult free, child £6.

25 May – 1 June Family Fairground Baiter Park, Poole BH15 1TQ Dorset’s favourite family fairground is returning to Baiter Park. Enjoy amazing value for money with a £6.99 wristband for unlimited rides on all the family favourites for two hours!

12–2pm, 2–4pm, 4–6pm and 6–8pm.

Come along and enjoy the fun!

25 May – 2 June 50 Things This May Half Term Kingston Lacy House & Gardens, Wimborne BH21 4EA Have some wild fun over May half-term.

Explore the woods and parkland on the Woodland Walk, have a go at some of the 50 Things to do before you’re 11¾ and celebrate birds, bugs and bees with some hands-on activities. 10am – 4pm. Admission charges may apply.

May Half Term on Brownsea Island Brownsea Island, Poole BH13 7EE Get your children out and about and enjoying nature on Brownsea Island.

Grab a free adventure trail or join a special free Minibeast guided adventure, and more to discover the island’s weird and wonderful wildlife. 10am–5pm.

Normal admission fees apply.

May Half Term at Kingston Maurward Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens, Dorchester DT2 8PX Go wild at Kingston Maurward this half term! Explore the stunning parkland estate, discover our friendly farmyard animals, and enjoy a range of kids’ activities. 10am–5pm. Adult £7, child 4-16 £5, child age 3 £2, under 2s free.

Treasure Trail Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH Your treasure awaits you, but first you must embark on an adventure across the heath and through the woods in search of clues to unravel the wildlife riddles for your prize at the end. 11am–3pm. £3.

26 May West Bay Pirate Day West Bay, Bridport DT6 4HA Shiver me timbers! There’s pirate mayhem at West Bay harbour with pirate games and entertainment for all the family.

12–5pm. Free.

27, 29 May Creepy Crawly Show Upton Country Park, Poole BH17 7BJ Mad 4 Animals returns with their energetic Creepy Crawly Show introducing some exotic animals while encouraging participation. 9.45–11.30am. Child £2.50. Adults & under 2s free.

27 - 31 May Half Term Pirate Trail & Crafts

WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR LOCAL EVENT IN THE NEXT ISSUE?

Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch BH23 4LE Follow the Pirate trail around the inside of the castle, with crafts and activities in the Dining Room. 10am–3.30pm. £2.50.

email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

14 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk

28 May

31 May

The Biiiggg Bounce!

Mad 4 Animals Jungle Challenge

QE Leisure Centre, Wimborne BH21 4DT

Barrington Theatre, Ferndown BH22 9TH

Come and try out this Olympic Sport and learn all the moves and routines to make you into a top trampolinist! Socks must be worn. Age 5–12. 10–11.30am. £5.40.

With a learning through laughter approach, you will have a great time meeting some incredible animals, no doubt with a few screams along the way! With meet & greet after the show.

10.30am–12pm, 1.30–3pm, 5.30–7pm. £5.

28, 31 May Multi Sports

Teeny Topple Adventure Zone

Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch BH23 1HW

QE Leisure Centre, Wimborne BH21 4DT

A fun-packed day in which your child will enjoy a multitude of sports such as hockey, football, tag rugby, dodgeball, swimming and more. Age 5–13. 8.45am–4pm. £19.50 day.

28 – 30 May Fun First Club QE Leisure Centre, Wimborne BH21 4DT A daily programme of sporting activities and creative arts and crafts for children aged 5-13. 8.45am–4pm. £19.50 day.

28 May – 2 June Medieval Mayhem with Fiery Jack Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ Celebrate May madness at the castle with Fiery Jack and the medieval jester academy. Experience new and different activities during the week to entertain the fools in your family as Fiery Jack and friends hold court. 10am–5pm.

Free events. Admission charges apply.

29 May Pop Up Pottery Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH Sculpt, create and decorate your own spring time decorations from air dry clay. Suits age 4+. 11am & 1.30pm. Booking essential. £8.

29 – 30 May Bounce, Bend & Boogie Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch BH23 1HW A great day to enjoy gymnastic activities, trampolining, swimming and dancing. It’s enough to tire even the liveliest children!

Age 5–13. 8.45am–4pm. £19.50 day.

Wild Days Out: Wild in the Woods Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, Ringwood BH24 3PJ Outdoor fun in the woods cooking up wild treats over the campfire and building dens! 10am–3pm. £21.

Universarama!

Corn Exchange, Dorchester DT1 1HF Using only silly puppets, ridiculous props and assorted fruits and vegetables, you’ll learn the secrets of the universe! A blend of spectacle, storytelling and cabaret making an accessible, funny and unique family show. 2pm. Adult £8, child £6, family £25.

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES GALORE!!

Paint your own Pottery, plus lots more...

Unlimited soft play with two new bouncy inflatables for children aged 1–5. 9am–12pm. £3.80.

Wildlife Detectives Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH Put on your detective hats, look for animal tracks, trails and signs and maybe meet a mammal. Suitable age 5+. 9–10.30am. Booking essential. £3.

1 June Eco Crabbing Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge BH20 5PE Find out how to catch seashore crabs without harming them or the other marine life that lives with them, and learn how to look after your catch. 1.30–3pm. £5.

Spring Arts Fest Kings Park, Bournemouth BH7 6JD With live entertainment, mascot appearances including Paw Patrol’s Marshall, mini funfair and more.

12–7pm. Free entry. Donations to Amelia’s Rainbow charity.

6 – 7 June Much Ado About Nothing Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch BH23 4LE The sparring antics of Shakespeare’s erstwhile lovers, Beatrice and Benedick, provide great hilarity for the other members of the household who plot to reunite them. A delicious comedy treat for all the family. 7pm.

Adult £13.50, child £5, family £44.

7 June Fathers’ Day Mini Makes & Bakes Lollipops Play Café, Bournemouth BH4 9EH Make memories with your child with 30-minute sessions of biscuit making and card and gift making for Father’s Day. For 2-5 years. £7.50 hour.

8 - 9 June Cheese & Chilli Festival Hurn Bridge Farm, Christchurch BH23 6AD

30 May

MULTI AWARD-WINNING ATTRACTION

The only UK show which celebrates cheese and chilli within a family festival setting. With stalls, competitions, live demonstrations and music plus a children’s play zone including Punch and Judy, magician, circus skills, crazy golf, human sized table football, children fun rides and inflatables. 10am – 5pm. Adult £8/£6 advance, child under 16 free.

Fabulous Indoor Space, Gift Shop, Coffee Lounge, Car Park

No need to book - no time limits

Tel: 01929 400270 www.createatthecove.com 9 June

23 June

Open Farm Sunday

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Meggy Moo’s Dairy, Shroton DT11 8TP

Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch BH23 4LE

A fun family day on the farm. Say hello to goats, pigs, lambs and calves and enjoy children’s activities including butter and cheese-making, cupcake decorating and welly-wanging. Free goody bag to the first 50 children. 11am–3pm.

Free entry. Donations welcome.

Shakespeare’s most enduringly popular comedy of love and intrigue, magic and mayhem, is brought to life in this wonderfully funny and exuberant Shakespeare classic. Come and be enchanted too by this exciting and intriguing family production. 7pm.

Adult £13.50, child £5, family £37.

15 June Family River Dip Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, Ringwood BH24 3PJ Pull on your wellies for a splash in the Dockens Water river in search of fish. 10–11.30am. £4pp.

Happy’s Circus St Mark’s School, Bournemouth BH10 4JA This amazing show features acrobats, aerialists, magic, speciality acts, clowns, audience participation and more!

Plus stalls and games. Gates 12pm.

Starts 2pm. Ticket £10, family £37.

Harry Paye Pirate Day Poole Quay BH15 1HA Poole celebrates its famous pirate son Harry Paye with a day of pirate themed family fun and entertainment.

The event kicks off with the Parade of Pirates followed by muskets and cannon displays. 12–6pm. Free.

16 June Father’s Day Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole BH16 6EU Monkey World, Wareham BH20 6HH Treat dad to a fun family day out! Dads get free entry to Farmer Palmer’s and 50% off entry at Monkey World with valid vouchers from the venues’ websites.

22 – 23 June Watersports Taster Sessions Poole Park, Poole BH15 2NE

Kingston Maurward Summer Open Day Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester DT2 8PY The perfect day out for all the family.

Enjoy live music, birds of prey, pony rides, tractor driving and dog shows, buy local produce, watch demonstrations or head down to the animal park for bouncy castle, soft play and even Guinea pig fishing! 10am–5pm. Free entry.

28 – 30 June Dorset Moon feat. Museum of the Moon Bournemouth Central Gardens, Bournemouth BH2 6DY Bournemouth’s exciting new summer arts event features Luke Jerram’s internationally acclaimed Museum of the Moon – a 7m diameter spherical sculpture that’s a fusion of NASA lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound. Free.

29 June Weldmar Family Dog Show Joseph Weld Hospice, Dorchester DT1 2SL This annual dog show is great fun for the family and your furry friends. Enter your pooch for £1 and enjoy stalls, food and more. Proceeds to Weldmar Hospice Care. 11am–4pm. Under 3’s free.

Detective Pikachu (PG) Verwood Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE In a world where people collect Pokémon to do battle, a boy comes across an intelligent talking Pikachu who seeks to be a detective. 1pm & 4pm.

Rockley Watersports are offering free taster sessions in kayaking, sailing, and stand up paddleboarding (SUP). From 12.30pm Saturday & from 10am Sunday. Free.

DON’T FORGET to check with the venue before setting off just in case anything’s changed since we went to print. And remember to tell them you heard it first in Families Dorset magazine!

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Dorset 15

ENTERTAIN THE WHOLE FAMILY AT

HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE

HALF TERM PIRATE TRAIL & CRAFTS 27-31 May 10:00-15:30 £2.50 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Thu 6 Jun - 19:00 A £13.50 | ST £11.50 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Sun 23 Jun - 19:00 A £13.50 | ST £11.50 | C £5 3 LITTLE PIGS PUPPET THEATRE Sun 4 Aug - 11:00/13:30 A £7.50 | C £7.50 WIND IN THE WILLOWS Tue 6 Aug - 19:00 A £13.50 | ST £11.50 | C £5 | F £37.00 GANGSTA GRANNY ON THE LAWN Mon 26 Aug - 17:00 A £12.50 | ST £8.50 | F £40.00

www.highcliffecastle.co.uk events@highcliffecastle.co.uk | 01425 278807 Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset BH23 4LE

NOTHE FORT

nothefort.org.uk

Weymouth’s Historic Sea Fort on the Jurassic Coast

l Military History l Coastal Defence l Public Events l Mouse Trail l Audio Visual l Interactive Activities

A great value day out for the whole family!

Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UF

01305 766626