Families Solent East Issue 44 Jan-Feb 2013

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Solent East

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Local news, events & advice for you & your family.

PLUS! Tips for planning the best family holiday ever!

Covering: Portsmouth & Southsea, Fareham, Gosport, Waterlooville, Havant, Hayling Island, Chichester, Petersfield, the Isle of Wight...and all the places in between.

Solent East • Valued by local families for 8 years • 40,000 parents reading across East Hampshire, the Isle of Wight & West Sussex Issue 42 www.f | Septemb amilie er/Oc tober ssolen 2012 teast. co.uk

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Families Welcome

Welcome Happy 2013!

It’s that time of year again where we repent our Christmas sins by putting ourselves through a gruelling detox of no alcohol, no chocolate and well, practically no food - partly because we have no money left and party because it seems like a good idea to just eat fruit for a month. Well, it isn’t.

Imagine if you suddenly started pouring carrot juice into your fuel tank when it had been running on gloopy diesel for years? Your car would make some terrible noises and I dare say wouldn’t get you very far.

So here’s a thought, instead of just eating apples for the next few weeks, perhaps we shouldn’t punish ourselves by purging every sin known to man after weeks of serious festive binging (because let’s face it, that approach is doomed to fail and often does, which is why we have to make the same resolution every year!)

So this year, I’m going to try and ease myself into a more healthy lifestyle with more fresh food, fresh air and gentle exercise and try to exhibit a modicum of self-control when it comes to the more sinful things in life because we need to still treat ourselves every now and again, don’t we?

Solent East

Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Waterlooville, Havant, Hayling Island, Chichester, Petersfield, the Isle of Wight & all the places in between.

Mandy Earle - Editor

contents

4 Local news Local news for you and your

family

5 Time to switch off

the Telly?

Kip McGraph brings us advice

on our children’s TV usage.

6 Focus on Fareham Fareham is a favourite for

families, we show you some of

the reasons why.

8 Family Health We look at how excess sugar

affects our children, while

local mum and herbal health

practitioner, Wendy Budd, gives

us tips on staying healthy this

winter.

editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk Advertising Sales: Nicky Cowper - 02392 362737 ads@familiessolenteast.co.uk

Editorial & booking deadline 4th February 2013 Copyright: Families Solent East 2013.

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

Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners’ own risk and, whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent East nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Families Group: Families Solent East is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All magazines in the Group are independently owned and operated under licence.

RECRUITING NOW

I am looking for 5 working partners to work part time from home without compromising current work or family commitments. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment, self-employed background & you wish to achieve an extraordinary lifestyle call me NOW. For more information & an informal chat call

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Start small, build big - Join our team now & see your life develop!

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

10 Holidays It’s that time of year when we

start thinking about our family

holiday (to distract us

Wallace and Gromit, book clay modelling sessions with a real life from the cold!). Find out ourMeettop

Ride the steam trains all day and find out more about the railway’s tips for the best holiday ever. mechanical gadgets and gismos, all for our great value standard fares!

18TH-24TH FEBRUARY

Aardman modeller* and enjoy a cracking bit of cheese from local producers.

*additional fee applies.

All subject to availability.

14 What’s On & Competitions

All the best family events in N E W13 FOR 20

January & February 2013

©Aardman Animations Ltd 2012

Please follow us..

www.watercressline.co.uk Facebook.com/FSEmagazine

Editor: Mandy Earle - 02392 362737

FamiliesSolentE

Next issue: March/April 2013

January/February 2013 Families Solent East 3

Families Local

News

Become a Governor If you’re good at reading, listening, and talking with other people to find solutions to problems, you’re just the sort of person schools need as governors. You can serve your community and contribute to a better future for us all by taking an interest in education in Hampshire. On average governors spend about 20 hours a term, mainly in the evenings, going to meetings, reading papers, attending training and visiting their school. You don’t need any special expertise but you’ll learn a lot and meet some interesting people.

There are currently vacancies in the South East area including Havant, Fareham, Gosport and Waterlooville. They run regular Information and Recruitment events in your area where you can find out more about the role.

To find out more contact Hampshire Governor Services on 023 9244 1481 or visit www3.hants.gov.uk/education/governors

Kenwood in the Community Since Kenwood in the Community started approximately 18 months ago the scheme has supported over 30 organisations in their goal to help make a positive impact on the lives of people in the local community. They support a wide variety of charities and organisations such as schools & colleges to promote healthy eating, their main focus school for this activity is Warblington School in Havant. They provide sponsorship for events & activities such as Race for Life and Macmillan Cancer Support. By holding various workshop sessions throughout the year, they also help children and young people to understand the importance of eating healthily and making meals from raw ingredients, rather than cooking a frozen pizza.

Kenwood is proud to say that across the business there is a Kenwood in the Community team, made up of six colleagues dedicated to providing new and exciting experiences to local organisations - they currently have the help of another 12 volunteers to arrange and carry out activities. The team is always looking for more volunteers to help plan and assist at future events, if you are interested in providing support for any of the Kenwood in the Community events please e-mail: kitc@kenwood.co.uk

The Lodge Arts Centre

Court Lane Junior School

Garden for Gold 2 years ago Court Lane Junior School, Cosham set up their Young Gardeners Club – it has been a big success, now running 2 days a week with 30 children attending and another 30 children on the waiting list.

The children, aged 7 to 11 years, are keen, motivated and love all the activities involved in the garden, from planting seeds and weeding to spreading manure on the raised beds. They work as a team growing all the vegetables from seeds, which has given them a real sense of ownership over their garden.

Taking home their crops is their favourite part!

In June 2012 they were judged for the Portsmouth in Bloom competition and were delighted to receive the Gold award for the category “School garden cultivated by children”.

Helen Beer, co-ordinator of the Gardeners Club and qualified RHS gardener said ‘‘The children worked really hard on their garden and I am very proud of them. They definitely deserved to win.” ‘‘We are now keen to expand the Young Gardeners Club further by purchasing a commercial poly tunnel. We need to raise £1000 to make this possible and would truly appreciate any donations from local businesses.’’ If you wish to help please contact Helen Beer at Court lane Junior School ref Poly tunnel fund.

The Art and Soul Traders Ltd is a ‘not for profit’ social enterprise that provides access to the arts for all, encouraging and promoting learning for life.

The artists and band of volunteers proactively help enhance the quality of lives in the community as well as promote equality, diversity, community learning by undertaking public art murals, providing studio, performance and exhibition space, creating volunteer opportunities, providing training and mentoring and facilitating workshops, meetings and courses for artists, schools, individuals and community groups.

In 2002 they renovated the derelict Gate Keepers Lodge in Portsmouth city centres Victoria Park.

The Lodge is now home to a gallery, fair-trade café, multi-media suite, studio and has a workshop that can cope with most crafts. They have also provided a range of children’s workshops in a variety of arts media such as hat making, drama and creative games, comic books, puppet making, handmade cards, pottery, street art, dragon kites, music, drumming, gardening and many more.

With a licensed bar in their enchanted garden, disabled access and toilet and broadband throughout, this quaint little gate keeper’s cottage has been transformed into a state-of-the-art creative hub. www.artandsoultraders.com. Tel 023 9287 0880

What a year for

Southsea Greenhouse!

2012 was the Year of Co-ops as they also celebrated their first birthday. Despite the atrocious weather and distinct lack of surplus vegetables the Southsea Greenhouse managed to keep up the momentum and even moved closer to their goal of obtaining a piece of derelict land in Southsea to turn into a fabulous community farm garden.

It hasn’t been easy for them - local support has been crucial and they are looking forward to 2013 with renewed enthusiasm. With 82 members and a core group of volunteers, they are looking forward to rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck into the community garden. They need to cut down the weeds and dig a foundation for a small Portacabin which will act as a lock-up as well as a shop once things really get going. They are looking to involve as many local people and businesses as possible. As well as new members and volunteers they need businesses who may be interested in sponsoring a patch of land, or cladding the Portacabin, for example. For more info and to get in touch contact southsea.greenhouse@gmail.com or visit www.southseagreenhouse.co.uk

Families Education

Time to switch off?

How TV can interfere with your child’s learning

By Linda Jones of KipMcGraph Education Centre Most homes have at least one TV, maybe more - they are part of the furniture. However, at our education centre we advise parents to take the TV out of children’s rooms. For children to develop vocabulary, expression and storytelling skills they need to read • TV replaces interactive learning and hear stories. Our experiences which are vital in the early experience is that TV years. does not help this • TV overloads the visual part of the brain, process. depriving other areas such as, creativity Some researchers and imagination. have found that • TV uses too many fast paced images, watching television can result in delayed which means children find it difficult to be development, patient and focus for any length of time. emotionally and • TV does not need a response, no skills mentally. In fact it is are needed and so none are developed. recommended that Important skills such as planning and before the age of judging are neglected 2 children should not watch television • TV interferes with building relationships at all! and interacting with real people.

This is hard for us parents to take because as we all know TV is also the best babysitter the world has ever known!

So what can we do? Here are some suggestions;

• TV replaces physical activity with sedentary, leading to unhealthy lifestyle habits.

• Keep under twos away from the TV. • Limit viewing, no more than one or two hours a day • Choose programmes and DVDs which you think are suitable (monitor the violence and content).

• Absolutely no TV in any bedrooms, stay in control and be a role model!

• Watch and discuss together, promote a critical approach to what they see.

• Think of alternative activities.

As children grow and learn they need interactive experiences with their physical surroundings and people. A screen wastes precious time and does not provide these experiences. The television will not educate your children, in fact the more TV they watch, the less educated they usually end up.

Portsmouth High School presents 27 February - 1 March at 7.30pm

Hairspray!

Portsmouth High School girls are putting on the show to end all shows as they take to the boards for three nights performing the musical Hairspray. Set in 1962 Baltimore, teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance programme.

Hairspray is a social commentary on the injustices of parts of American society in the 1960’s and joyously stands up for integration. With a cast of over 60, Portsmouth High School senior girls, with the accompaniment of the school orchestra, are bringing the production to Southsea. Set to be a lot of fun and hugely entertaining, as acting, singing, dancing and musical talents are pulled together. Tickets available from Portsmouth High School priced £12 & £8 concessions.

E-mail admissions@por.gdst.net or call 023 9282 6714

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

Little Learners Day Care www.littlelearnersdaycare.co.uk • Discounts • Age from 3 months to 8 years • Learning through play the • Holiday playscheme Highscope way!

• Qualified caring staff • OFSTED registered with • Ample car parking good outcome • • Preschool term time only places Holiday leave • 15 government funded hours free • Discounts for siblings Fratton 023 9275 6104 • email: littlelearnerso4@yahoo.co.uk Park Lodge, 28 Clarkes Road, Fratton • 7:30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday • Follow us on twitter

An independent school for girls from Nursery to Sixth Form in the heart of Southsea. Part of the Girls’ Day School Trust.

Entrance Examination Saturday 19 January Scholarships and Bursaries available in the Senior School Registrations being taken now.

Please contact our Admissions Registrar for further information.

Open Doors Event on Thursday 14 March 9.00 to 11.00am when you can see the school in action on a normal working day.

Find out more about opportunities for your daughter.

www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk admissions@por.gdst.net 023 9282 6714 January/February 2013 Families Solent East 5

Family friendly

Fareham

Did you know that Fareham used to be the heart of the UK strawberry growing industry? And in Victorian times, bricks and chimney pots manufactured in Fareham were used all over London, and even helped build the Royal Albert Hall?

There may be a few historic facts that you didn’t know about Fareham, but we want you to know all the best places to have fun with your family and where to go for useful information and advice.

Family indoor places Mobys Playcentre – a giant indoor play centre for toddlers to 12 year olds. Now serving Starbucks coffee!

9 Fielder Drive, Fareham. 01329 285344 www.mobys-playcentre.co.uk Fun City – an indoor play centre for children aged 1-12 years, with a separate area for 1-5 year olds.

Standard Way, Fareham Industrial Park, Fareham, 01329 511055 www.funcityfareham.co.uk Soccer City - for ages 4, 5 and 6 there are Tiny Tots coaching sessions at the weekend and 3 day holiday courses for children aged 7 to 13. Standard Way, Fareham Industrial Park, Fareham, 01329 285536 www.soccercityfareham.co.uk Fareham Library – for toddler rhyme time sessions, books and DVDs. Osborn Road, Fareham. 0845 603 5631 www.hants.gov.uk/fareham-library Ashcroft Arts Centre – drama, street dance, family arts, theatre and music.

Osborn Road, Fareham. 01329 235161 www.hants.gov.uk/ashcroft Ferneham Hall – theatre, panto and live performances. Osborn Road, Fareham.

01329 231942 www.fernehamhall.co.uk

Fareham Leisure Centre – swimming, trampolining, gymnastics, dance and more for the kids, and there’s exercise classes including spinning, and a fully-equipped gym for the adults.

Park Lane, Fareham, 01329 233652, www.everyoneactive.com Meadowside Leisure Centre -Tennis, football, gym, badminton and kickboxing for grown ups – and for the kids there’s Socatots, Jiggly Wrigglers, Gym Tots, Baby Ballet, Maraca Jacks, taekwondo and badminton. Whiteley Way, Whiteley. 01489 577464. www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk Apollo Cinema – including a kids club.

Market Quay, Vannes Parade, Fareham www.apollocinemas.com Go Bowling – 25 lanes, glow in the dark bowling, a diner, pool tables and an arcade.

Collingwood Retail Park, Newgate Lane, Fareham. 01329 287808 www.gobowlingnow.co.uk There are 5 youth centres in Stubbington, Locks Heath, Titchfield, Portchester and central Fareham. To find your local community centre or youth club, telephone: 01329 236100 or visit: www.fareham.gov.uk/farehams_ community/places

A Sure Start for families Your local Sure Start Children’s Centre should be first on your list of places to get to know in Fareham. They offer activities like baby signing and baby massage, baby and toddler drop-in groups, links with health visitors, breastfeeding support, dads clubs and more.

Children’s centres are great hubs of local activity. You can meet other parents and find out what’s going on in your local community. Grandparents and child-minders are very welcome too.

Keepsake Children’s Centre - Westlands Grove, Portchester. Tel: 02392 372519 Oak Meadow Children’s Centre - Tewkesbury Avenue, Fareham. Tel: 01329 841097

Merryfields Children’s Centre - Neville Lovett Community School, St Anne’s Close, Fareham. Tel: 01329 829522

Sovereign and Strawberry Meadow Children’s Centres - Brookfield Community School, Brook Lane, Sarisbury Green. 01489 577206

Fareham Borough Council provide 38 play areas aimed at 4 to 8 year olds, 18 community recreation grounds and 7 skate parks for older children across Fareham, Portchester, Titchfield, Warsash, Locks Heath, Park Gate and Sarisbury. Find out where your nearest park is by calling 01329 236100 or visit www.fareham.gov.uk/parks Written for Families Magazine by Carla Martens, a Hampshire based freelance writer, editor, proof-reader and communication designer. Visit www.india-green.co.uk

6 Families Solent East January/February 2013

The great outdoors Come rain or shine, we know kids would much rather be outdoors playing, exploring nature, riding a bike or playing ball games. There are plenty of popular outdoor places in and around Fareham that are well worth visiting. Here are some of our favourites:

Swanwick Lakes Sopwith Way, near Swanwick Located just off the M27, this nature reserve has many woodland and lake walks, cycle and horse trails, and regular activities for kids.

Telephone: 01489 570240 or visit www.hwt.org.uk

Holly Hill Woodland Park Barnes Lane, Sarisbury 70 acres of woodland with loads of parking – perfect for walks, picnics and feeding the ducks. Telephone: 01329 236100

Hundred Acre Wood Off the A32, Meon Valley Road, Wickham Not only a great place for walking, cycling and picnicking, Hundred Acre Wood also has a natural playground with a tree house, wigwams, playhouses and sandpits for young children to explore. There’s a climbing wall and bridge for older children, and you can all join in together to build your perfect den. Telephone: 01420 520212

Portchester Castle Church Road, Portchester Another classic place to enjoy the outdoors. The castle grounds are equipped for picnics, walking the dogs and playing ball games with the kids.

There’s loads of parking and you can walk around the castle, explore the moat, and marvel at how many years this impressive fort has been standing (since the third century!) Tel: 023 9237 8291, visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk

DANCEWEAR of

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3a High Street, Fareham, PO16 7AN Tel: 01329 829393 www.dancewearoffareham.co.uk

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Established 20 years ago, Dancewear of Fareham has a wide following on the dance scene and offers clothing & shoes for ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, latin, zumba & gymnastics for all ages.

Not so well known is their impressive range of prom, cruise & evening dresses, satin wedding and bridesmaid shoes and handbags - all fully dyeable to match any outfit.

The dyes are mixed by skilled colourists to recreate the exact colour required, creating a bespoke oneoff appearance, so the whole outfit has the designer look without the expensive price tag.

It’s well worth the short walk from the shopping centre to the High Street to see the new collections or park free for 40 minutes on the High Street. Don’t miss the voucher below!!

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Offer excludes sale items. This Families Solent East voucher is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or to be reproduced in any other way without prior consent. Any queries regarding this voucher should be directed to the FSE office on 02392 362 737. Expires 23/02/2013.

G Ball Swim at Quindell G Ball Swim School (known also as Solent Swim Academy at some of its locations) is a unique family run swim school offering a variety of different swimming lessons. Here in the Fareham area, child classes and adult and baby classes are run at the exclusive Quindell Golf & Country Club in Whiteley (no membership required) and the beautiful historic building of New Place, now owned by the De Vere Group. They also run lessons at venues in Portsmouth and Chichester.

The pool at Quindell Golf & Country Club in Whiteley (pictured) is beautiful, covered by a unique retractable roof so during the summer months parents can bask in the sun while the children learn to swim wearing sun glasses!

During this time of year with the glass roof closed, the children learn to swim among the picturesque surroundings of the Golf course (and among untouched snow if they are lucky!) while safely inside, always lovely and warm due to its air heaters and a pool temperature that is maintained at 30c.

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

To find out more contact 0800 9177 463 or 07590 396031

Families Solent East 7

ten tips for the best family holiday Top

Fantastic family holidays don’t just happen - they’re crafted, often through endless amounts of time, planning, budgeting and making sure safety nets are in place to stop hiccups becoming disasters. Of course everyone loves spontaneity but for spontaneous decision to be possible, especially where a family with children are concerned, a framework has to be in place...and getting that framework right is the backbone of every holiday.

ever!

4 8 1 5 9 6 2 10 7 3 Don’t cut corners. To get the right holiday, you may have to spend a long time on research.

Don’t begrudge this time, and don’t expect the perfect holiday to fall into your lap without it: after your mortgage, your car and (if you’re paying them) your child’s school or university costs, the money you spend on your holiday is your biggest outlay. So doing the homework matters. Start with a list of what sort of holiday you’re looking for – the location you’re after, what facilities you need close by, what sort of accommodation you need, how far it needs to be from the airport, and so on. Give yourself parameters, and then get googling. Keep a list of possible resorts/villas/hotels; whittle it down to a shortlist; and then make a decision.

Don’t expect a bargain. After two decades of planning holidays for my family (my children are aged between ten and 20), I’m sure of one thing: where school holidays are concerned, bargains are as rare as hen’s teeth. Far better to start from the premise that you’ll get what you pay for. Look for the best deal, the best quality that you can possibly afford: but if somewhere seems a lot cheaper than other places, scrutinise it very carefully indeed.

Space is crucial. You know those places that say ‘sleep 4/6’ and turn out, on closer inspection, to have a pull-down bed in the sitting room? Avoid them (at full capacity) like the plague.

Squeezing as many people as possible in is fine for students, less good for grown-ups. You want a bit of luxury on holiday – and space is luxurious.

By Joanna Moorhead

Location, location, location.

Just as when you’re buying a house, this is your number one priority. Some of the villas I’ve looked at for my family’s holiday this year are twice the price of others, simply because of where they are. And guess what: I can understand why. On holiday I want a great view and shops and restaurants we can walk to.

If you’ve got younger children, a beach within walking distance may be your number one location priority. Know what you need, and don’t settle for less.

Friends matter, so think very carefully about who to holiday with. However close you are, nothing scratches away at a friendship’s weakest points as much as sharing two weeks together. You think you know that couple, and you think you like their kids? Take it from me, you’re going to know a lot about them, and you may have totally reassessed their kids, by the flight home.

Be honest about the sort of experience you want. Holidays aren’t times to be aspirational, or eyeing up the Joneses, or following the in-crowd. They’re about being honest about how you’d really love to spend a fortnight with your family – and who cares what anyone else might think. You don’t need anyone else’s approval, or envy, for the holiday you choose: what this is about is working out what’s right for your family, and making it happen.

Once you’re there, alternate busy days with quiet ones. Even if you’re a busy, boisterous, action-packed family, everyone needs some downtime. The easiest, simplest way to make sure you get both busy days and more relaxed ones is simply to alternate them. If you went to a water park yesterday, relax by the pool today. If you went fellwalking yesterday, read a book and have a cream tea today.

Overloading is the enemy of a good holiday.

8 Families Solent East January/February 2013

Don’t over-plan: have ideas, but leave space to be open to what you find when you get there. It’s well worth doing some research about the area you’ll be staying in – essential, in fact – but it’s a mistake to plan every jot and comma of your stay before you even touch down. You want to explore, to discover, to be surprised, to make friends – and all these things will only happen if you’ve left the space for them to unfold. So, for as much knowledge as you’ve learned beforehand, always be flexible about what you’re going to find out, and want to do, when you actually get there.

Embrace change: as your family grows up, be ready to move on to new destinations and new experiences. For three years running my family had wonderful holidays in a hilltop villa in inland, northern Mallorca. It was perfect for us: but by the third year it was obvious my older daughters needed something more: shops, places to hang out, a beach they could walk to. I was desperately unhappy about giving up the villa: but guess what? The following year I found somewhere even better.

Set boundaries. It might be a holiday, but rules ensure everyone – especially the parents – get a break. If your children are younger, those rules might be about bedtime (you need some time with your partner, so letting your kids stay up all evening might not be the best move), or about time for the children to go to the crèche; if your children are older, the rules might be about sharing the washing up, or about how much contact you need to have with them through the day. But put your rules in place, because then everyone can relax and have what they came to do: have a wonderful fortnight away.

Where to go...

The Alps

Perfect for snow, yet the Alps are much too good to save just for your skiing holidays – those who’ve tried the area summer and winter often say summer is the best time to be there. For a wonderful family Alpine holiday, you’ll be hard-pressed to improve on the Chilly Powder formula – choose from a luxurious hotel or a villa, all set in a biscuit-tin picture-perfect location, complete with in-chalet childcare and – for the foodies – an in-chalet chef. Sports on offer include white water rafting, rock-climbing, trekking, tennis and summer tobogganing (which is one of the most fun summer sports I’ve ever tried, and kids adore it).

Prices vary depending on what sort of package you’re after, but as a for-instance, Chalet des Amis (three bedrooms; sleeps up to eight) is £1,200 in the midsummer. More information at www.chillypowder.com

Where to go...

North Devon

Devon is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason: wonderful beaches, plenty to do (even in the rain), beautiful scenery and a wide choice of where to stay. Libbear Barton, a country estate on the north side of the county, hits just the right note of luxury (beamed cottages that are beautifully laid out and furnished) and has everything on hand, from stairgates to babysitters, for the hard-pressed family. There’s an indoor pool, games room, play areas inside and out, fishing lake and woods – all on a rolling, 40-acre estate, and with the sea a half hour’s drive away. Perfect for big families or families holidaying together – the farmhouse sleeps up to 14. Prices vary, but for example Moley’s Place, sleeping eight in four bedrooms, costs around £1,700 a week in high summer. More info at www.libbearbarton.co.uk

Dad’s Corner

Families Health

& Holidays

with Darren Corps

DADS: Too risky to take with you on the family holiday?

I feel I have put my eldest at possible risk of harm on two occasions whilst on holiday.

Some years ago we were in Cornwall and I decided that it might be a good idea to descend some cliffs with a pram. There was a steep path down to the shore which began to get more precarious with me lifting the pram this way and that. And for reasons beyond me I just kept on going. I was on a ‘mission’ and as far as I was concerned there was no way I was going back! I soon realised that the whole thing was becoming risky and I got quite frightened. Eventually, and luckily, another man spotted me and together we descended with each of us carrying one end of the pram.

The second time was at Centre Parcs. This time I decided to let my then 5 year old, who

couldn’t even swim properly, tackle the main swimming pool flume with its exciting deep whirl pool finale. I hadn’t seen the sign and thought to myself how dangerous can a waterslide really be? Sheer panic took over me when I caught up with him to discover he was struggling to get to the surface of the whirlpool.

It’s very embarrassing to be given a severe telling-off from a 16-year-old looking life guard.

Contact Sharon on 02392 691932 to arrange a FREE induction

I mentioned all this to my eldest recently who gave me his usual disappointed look. “I’m calling Childline” he said. A little surprised at this I replied that it’s normal for Dads to take more risks than Mums especially when on holiday. After our chat I wondered if what I had said is actually true. Had I just stereotyped men and women again? “Your Dad’s just immature sometimes” I overhear my wife explain to the eldest from the kitchen. And she’d be right of course!

Darren Corps lives in Waterlooville, is the father of two boys & Marketing Manager at The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, Havant.

www.monroesfitness.co.uk info@monroesfitness.co.uk Cosmopolitan House, 40 Airport Service Road, Portsmouth, PO3 5XR

Monroe’s Fitness for Woman If you feel intimidated at the thought of going to a conventional gym, then we have just discovered a lovely ‘Ladies Only’ Fitness Centre here in Portsmouth.

Handy holiday buys

If you want to make lifestyle changes such as lose weight, improve fitness, change shape or simply feel healthier, they can help.

LittleLife Wheelie Duffle Inspire your child’s adventurous side with one of LittleLife’s Animal Wheelie Duffles - ideal for family holidays or visiting relatives.

The spacious 20L compartment provides plenty of room while the clever, ‘stay-put’ lid makes it easy for your child to pack and remove items from the bag. Compatible with most airline handluggage requirements and made from a hardwearing nylon fabric, with a practical, wipe-clean surface - your child will love carrying their own bag thanks to the child-sized, telescopic handle and smooth running wheels. RRP £39.99

Owner and local mum Sharon, knows what it is like to be a busy parent, offering a pay as you go rate at just £4 per session, while full membership is only £29 per month. Regardless of your age or fitness level, their hydraulic circuit and Cardio Vascular equipment will enable you to complete a full body workout without any complicated exercise programmes.

The atmosphere is motivated, friendly and supportive, with no embarrassing mirrors all over the gym walls, to help make exercising a pleasure rather than a chore and also a great place to meet other local mums. With modern shower facilities, a lovely informal coffee area and free parking.

Call to chat to Sharon on 02392 691932

My Buggy Buddy Lock

New Medical ID wristbands & Bracelets

Regardless of the cost of your buggy, just the aspect of having it stolen would be a massive inconvenience. This lock is small and lightweight enough to carry with you and locked using a combination number, helping secure your buggy when at the park, shops or swimming pool. £8.95

A new collection of durable wristbands and bracelets, engraved with essential medical information, has been designed to help save a child’s life in an emergency. With a range of designs perfect for children of all ages, the recognised Star of Life symbol alerts emergency services and first aiders to conditions such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and life threatening allergies to foods like nuts and medicines such as penicillin.

Engraved with key contact details and medical information, the jewellery provides a lifesaving sign post to those administering first aid and helps to explain what course of action to take. Visit www.icegems.co.uk to view the full range and prices.

www.kiddymania.co.uk

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

Families xxxxxxx

The Boutique Market have had an amazing year, going from strength to strength having started off as Southsea Boutique Market, in a church hall back in 2011.

They are now working with some of the finest venues in Portsmouth - running an indoor market at Little Johnny Russell's pub on Albert Road, a lovely vintage event in conjunction with the New Theatre Royal and a regular huge indoor market at Portsmouth Guildhall. They supplied a popular indoor

market at The Victorian Festival of Christmas and were also responsible as part of the team for one of Portsmouth's biggest events last year, Victorious Vintage at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Most of these events have been provided for free to the public with all profits ploughed straight back in to advertising to maximise the benefit to the traders who choose to get involved.

What can we expect from The Boutique Market in 2013?

‘I will continue to supply free entry events, giving local traders without their own business premises a place to sell.’

Commented Abigail PallantSidaway, owner of The Boutique Market, ‘This year, I am also taking The Boutique Market to Winchester which I know will be perfect for us as they have some equally lovely venues. We’ll also be doing some “pop-up” venues in Camden, London which will be great fun.’

The best thing is being able to work with some wonderful

boutique

market

Cut out and keep

Vintage Special!

Portsmouth Guildhall: Sun 3rd February11am - 3pm

Come & visit the BBC’s Homes & Antiques Magazine Stand

FREE ENTRY A vintage feel indoor market to showcase local boutique sellers.

There will be stalls with bargain vintage, pre-loved and new retro desirables as well as unique and handmade gifts. Perfect for thrifty magpies.

www.boutiquemarket.co.uk

Twitter: @southseabtqmkt www.facebook.com/SouthseaBoutiqueMarket For all enquiries email: sales@boutiquemarket.co.uk

10 Families Solent East January/February 2013

people - that's the beauty of living in a place like Southsea, we work really hard to support each other.’

The Boutique Market is back in Portsmouth Guildhall on 3rd February where they will have the much adored BBC's Homes & Antiques Magazine running a stand offering meet and greet, great discounts on magazines and subscriptions and also a selection of beautiful vintage home ware that has featured in the magazine.

Will there be another Victorious Vintage in 2013?

‘I am finally in a position to say a delighted. "Yes!" We are teaming up with Little Johnny Russell's Bar, The Belle Isle Restaurant and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to bring you a fantastic boutique festival which will be even bigger and better than last year. The 2012 Jubilee weekend festival was better than we could have imagined with an enormous footfall of over 38,500

Started in October 2010 by mum of four Jessamine HislopNewton, Little Pickles Markets hold various children’s markets for families to hire tables to sell their good quality preloved items. Markets are all held within indoor venues that are pushchair and wheelchair friendly and that have accessible parking. Items normally on sale range from pushchairs, nursery furniture, toys, book, clothes and much more. They only charge a minimal entry fee of £1 per adult, children are free and the first 100 buyers receive a free goody bag. Some of their markets enjoy guest appearances from cartoon characters, have colouring competitions, face paints, toddlers music taster sessions, cupcakes and selected small businesses.

people through the gates of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard!

We now have an excellent team working together, and this year are changing the format slightly to focus less on the vintage and make the whole thing a relaxed and friendly place, with something for everyone.’

This years ‘Victorious Festival’ will have even more headline acts and entertainment plus even more superb shopping stalls, bars and eateries, all provided in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the surrounds of our iconic historic naval ships’.

Keep up to date by checking out the Boutique Market website and the festival's new website: www. victoriousfestival.co.uk" For enquiries into trading at The Boutique Market or to sponsor any of the events they are involved in please visit www.boutiquemarket.co.uk or email sales@boutiquemarket.co.uk

We are delighted to see more and more markets coming to the Solent East area in North End, Cosham, Southsea, Copnor, Lee on Solent and Gosport and that they will also be recruiting within surrounding areas early in 2013. The Little Pickles team consists of Mums either wishing to be home for their families, or working alongside part time jobs, who enjoy supporting their own family, and other families within the community giving opportunities for people to sell their children’s items, or come along for a bargain.

Contact tarryn@:littlepicklesmarkets. co.uk for more info (Please see the What’s on pages for specific dates and venues) and keep up to date with all their other areas at www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk

Addictive

Families Health

unwholesome So you sent your child off to school this morning on a full bowl of cereal and some fresh orange juice thinking this is a good start to the day yet you may have already given them over half their recommended daily allowance of sugar.

Oh Sugar!

This scenario is common across many families. Over the past 10 years the use of sugar in foods has undergone a transformation, resulting in us potentially providing a diet for our children that contains too much sugar than their bodies can cope with.

A silent revolution

Essentially, the mass development of a cheap, highly sweet, glucosefructose syrup, produced from surplus corn, started in the 70’s, and was soon pumped into every conceivable food: pizza, coleslaw, meat. It provides a "just baked" sheen on bread and cakes, makes everything sweeter, and helps to keep foods moist so extends shelf life from days to years. At the same time low fat foods were being embraced by dieters, so as fat was taken out of foods, sugar replaced it to maintain taste.

Unsurprisingly, sugar consumption has trebled worldwide over the last 50 years, and this purified sugar (known as ‘added’ sugar) is now an alarmingly major part of the Western diet. As a result, the amount of sugar going into our bodies has been silently revolutionised.

Unavoidable

UK guidelines recommend that added sugars shouldn’t make up more than around 50g a day, equivalent to ten teaspoons of sugar for adults and nine for five to ten-year-olds. Added sugar is now found in almost all processed foods and not just obviously sweet foods - glucose-fructose syrup is found in everyday products, such as cereal, salad dressing, sausages, making it easy to send our children over the recommended limit, sometimes with just one product.

Increasing addiction Moreover, recent research has been looking into a worrying trend

that the more sugar we eat, the more we want, and concluding that the addictive nature of sugar for our children is much higher than previously thought.

Added sugar dulls the brain’s mechanism that tells you to stop eating, by reducing activity in the brain’s anorexigenic oxytocin system that gives the body the ‘full’ feeling. Without this, our appetite becomes insatiable, making it very easy to overeat.

The dangers

“Sugar is ubiquitous, and the problem with refined sugar as opposed to natural sugar,” says Tracey Harper, Nutritional Therapist, “is that this sugar is an empty food with the goodness striped away, so when eaten it actually robs the body of vital nutrients, resulting in a depleted immune system.” She goes on to explain that sugar feeds bad bacteria in the gut, the gut lining becomes exposed, so toxins can enter the blood stream, causing allergens to develop and other auto-immune deficiencies.

Studies confirm this, showing that excess sugars cause a 50% drop in the ability of white blood cells to fight off bacteria.

The growing problem of obesity in the UK with 31% of children now classified as overweight and the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes, once associated with old people, also points to the overconsumption of sugar in children’s daily diet.

Excess sugar rots teeth and let’s not forget, poor memory, low moods and depression all have been linked to the overconsumption of sugar. The recognisable 'sugar high' you get after eating sugar resulting in more energy and improved mood is temporary. After some time, the body crashes, energy levels plummet, leaving lethargy and tiredness. Further effects can include hyperactivity in children, crankiness and eczema.

Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

& everywhere The toxic truth about sugar Reducing added sugar in your family’s diet • Remember natural sugars are good - Soak apricots or use fresh fruit, whizz them in a blender, and use that to sweeten foods • Ensure every meal includes protein. Have meat, fish, vegetable or salad with pasta or pizza, so your child is getting everything for the body to function properly • Eat from scratch. Eat real food not processed food – Porridge with a dash of honey has everything a young child needs to start off the day • Make your own pasta sauce, stuffed with lots of pureed vegetables (carrots, peppers, greens.)

Make a large batch then freeze in small portions • Make smoothies using a hand blender and a jug. Add in a vegetable, e.g. avocado and strawberry. Cheaper and as good as any supermarket brand • Children eat what is there. Keep sugary snacks and junk food out of the house, instead offer oat biscuits, hummus, chopped vegetables, Whole Earth peanut butter Further information • Thanks to Tracey Harper for her contribution to the article and great tips for reducing sugar in children’s diet - www.traceyharpernutrition.co.uk info@traceyharpernutrition.co.uk

78 Albert Road, Southsea Tel: 07878 306621 Open Tuesdays - Saturdays 10am - 5pm

www.buddsherbalmedicine.co.uk www.facebook.com/wendybuddherbals

‘‘Emphasis is placed on the patients role in the achievement of optimum health’’ Wendy is available for private consultation & free over the counter advice

January/February 2013 Families Solent East 11

Wendy's

winter remedy's Medical herbalist Wendy Budd gives us advice on some medicinal uses for common ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.

Ginger Used for thousands of years both medicinally and culinary and famed for its anti-nausea action, it has been used with great success in motion sickness, post-operative nausea, and morning sickness. It is calming to the digestion and warming, aiding the digestive process. Simple ginger tea using fresh grated ginger is a great morning pick me up. It raises the metabolic rate and for this reason is favoured by slimmer’s. Ginger also stimulates the circulation especially to the extremities so is useful for arthritic joints, increasing the flow of blood to and from surrounding tissue. It is also mildly antiinflammatory and analgesic.

To make fresh ginger tea simply grate some fresh root ginger into a warmed tea pot or cafeteria. Ginger syrup is great for coughs, colds and sore throats. A must for everyone's medicine cabinet.

Garlic is a certain cure for a cold if taken at the first sign of symptoms - crush a large clove, mix with honey and spread on a slice of bread; eat with a strong cup of ginger tea adding a small pinch of chilli powder.

Toothache may also benefit from garlic. Toothache is caused by an infection of tooth and/or gum. Garlic may be used to treat the infection topically with good success, reducing pain and inflammation until you are able to get an appointment with your dentist. Simply peel a small garlic clove, crush, mix with small amount of coconut oil, place over affected tooth/area - you could also use dried garlic powder the same way. It may burn slightly at first but relief will compensate this.

Onion for ear ache is a very old tradition and works amazingly well. Simply cut a large onion in half and hold over the affected ear. It will ease the pain and inflammation almost instantly. Use this method for as long as required. It can be very useful for children who often suffer from very painful ear ache.

Always contact a professional health care provider if symptoms persist.

Wendy Budd medical

herbalist BSC mnimh. Director of Budds herbal apothecary.

Garlic & Onions Both contain high amounts of medicinal compounds. The sulphur content make them valuable plant "antibiotics" and the antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties of these medicinal foods have been widely researched.

12 Families Solent East January/February 2013

Kids go FREE* Hand in this voucher when you visit Name:....................................................................................

Address:................................................................................ * One child FREE with a full paying adult (up to 2 adults & 2 children per voucher) Children must be accompanied by an adult. Offer ends 31st March FF01 31st March 2013 2013

18TH-24TH FEBRUARY Meet Wallace and Gromit, book clay modelling sessions with a real life Aardman modeller* and enjoy a cracking bit of cheese from local producers.

Ride the steam trains all day and find out more about the railway’s mechanical gadgets and gismos, all for our great value standard fares! *additional fee applies.

All subject to availability.

NFORE2W013 ©Aardman Animations Ltd 2012

www.watercressline.co.uk

What’s On Your guide to the best family events this November and December.

Although we aim to be as accurate as possible, the events listed in our What’s On section are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Some events may have a charge, so please contact venues in advance to check full details.

Every Saturday Craft4Kids. Free craft activities The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre 56 East Street, Havant 10.30am to 1pm - Come along and create small works of art.

Activities are often based upon a children’s theatre production showing at The Spring.

Every Tuesday Toddler Tuesdays - Blue Reef Aquarium, Clarence Esplanade Southsea, PO5 3PB Each parent with a child in a pushchair can take advantage of a special £2 reduction off the normal admission. Starting at 11am with a Buggy Tour, get up close and personal with some rock pool animals at 11.30am before heading to the Blue Reef Café for 1pm for Seaside Storytime or special visits from local baby and toddler businesses. 023 9287 5222

10 January Stargazing at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, PO1 3LJ 4 - 9pm.An evening of stargazing, space activities, public lectures and cosmology chat at the Portsmouth

Historic Dockyard. This BBC Stargazing LIVE 2013 Partner event is free but booking is essential.

Visit http://research.icg.port. ac.uk/outreach/stargazing for further details and to book your free tickets. 023 9284 5157

12 January FREE Story Telling The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre 56 East Street, Havant 10.30am - Hear about a magical world full of faraway places and silly stories. In these sessions the children become involved and join in with the actions. For 4 – 8 years.

16 January Street Dance - 5 week course Local Studies Centre, High Street, Gosport 4 - 5pm. For 7-11 year olds. A fun, friendly and funky class for children to learn new street dance routines. £10 for 5 weeks. Please book – Booking Line 023 9252 3463 www.hants.gov.uk/gdc

19 January Dads & Lads (and Lasses!) Make and Take - 5 week course, Local Studies Centre, Gosport 10 to 11.30am. Make Dinosaurs and Robots using a whole range of recycled materials. Suitable for age 6 – 11 years. £5 per family per week. Please book – Booking Line 023 9252 3463

19 January Entrance Examination Portsmouth High School Scholarships and Bursaries available at the senior School.

Contact admissions@por.gdst.net or call 023 9282 6714

19 January Street Art 5 week course, Local Studies Centre, High Street Gosport 11.45am to 12.45pm. Create your own artwork in the style of

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

2013

OVER 80 OFSTED REGISTERED VENUES WITH CRB CLEARED STAFF 40+ ACTIVITIES SPORTS, ARTS AND CRAFT OPEN 8AM-6PM MON-FRI WE ACCEPT CHILDCARE VOUCHERS AS PAYMENT

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WWW.SUPERCAMPS.CO.UK • 01235 832222 Want to see your advert in FSE? Call 02392 362737

Families What’s street artists Banksy and Shepard Fairey. Suitable for 12 – 16 year olds. £10 for 5 weeks. Please book – Booking Line 023 9252 3463 www.hants.gov.uk/gdc

19 January Little Pickles Market Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth, 10:00 – 11:30am A children’s Market with pre-loved tables for hire to sell your baby/ children’s items. From prams to maternity clothes, clothes to toys, dvds to highchairs and much more. email sarah@littlepicklesmarkets. co.uk

20 January Portsmouth and Southsea Farmers' Market, Palmerston Road,Southsea 01420 588671

26 January

By The Sea - A Musical Concert with the Mini BSO The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre 56 East Street, Havant 11.15am. You can ride on the ocean waves, take a walk along the beach or even dance with a jellyfish. There is plenty of music to listen to, sing along to or join in with, as well as fantastic stories, for all the family. The Mini BSO is a quintet that includes all four families of musical instruments found in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Suitable for ages 3 –103, £7 adults, £4 children, £20 (family of 4)

26 January Little Pickles Market HEDCA, Coombe Road, Gosport 10:00 – 11:30am. A children’s Market with pre-loved tables for hire to sell your baby/children’s items. From prams to maternity clothes, clothes to toys, dvds to highchairs and much more - email leanne@littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk

26 January Pantomime Story Time Special Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport 11am to 12 noon. Listen to a great story and make your own stage and characters and put on your own panto. Suitable for under 10s accompanied by an adult. FREE! No need to book, but places limited

27 January Little Pickles Market Wimbledon Park Sports Centre, Taswell Road, Southsea 1:30 – 3pm. A children’s Market with pre-loved tables for hire to sell your baby/children’s items.

From prams to maternity clothes, clothes to toys, dvds to highchairs and much more Email kellyheslop@ littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk

On

29 January Children's Concert Portsmouth Guildhall 1.30 - 2.30pm. A hour of music for 5-11 year olds performed by the Southern Pro Musica Symphony Orchestra. Tickets £3.50.023 9282 4355

2 February Kings Theatre Tours Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea The Kings are pleased to continue their regular tours of this beautiful Grade Two listed building, including areas which the public never normally see Email: education@kings-southsea.com 023 9282 8282

3 February Boutique Market, Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square 11am – 3pm. Huge indoor market!

Packed full of handmade, vintage, retro, clothes and homeware as well as unusual art and unique designs from our local area. To book a stall as a seller please email sales@boutiquemarket.co.uk and check www.boutiquemarket. co.uk to find out further information.

9 February Theatre for Children and Families Make a Memory 11am & 1.30pm. Indefinite Articles present CLAYTIME - A play with clay - where the audience are invited to participate. Each Claytime is totally unique - creating its own world, its own characters and its own stories drawn directly from its young audience. Suitable for children and young people of all ages and their family members or carers. Please Note: Additional support will be available for children and young people with disabilities and/or additional needs. £7 single ticket or £22 (family of 4). Hardship concession available on family tickets – please enquire via the Box Office.

16 February Free Story Telling The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre 56 East Street, Havant 10.30am. Hear about a magical world full of faraway places and silly stories.In these sessions the children become involved and join in with the actions. For 4 – 8 years.

16 February Little Pickles Market, St Faith's Parish Centre, Lee-on-the-Solent.

12:30 – 2pm. A children’s Market with pre-loved tables for hire to sell your baby/children’s items.

From prams to maternity clothes, clothes to toys, dvds to highchairs and much more - email leanne@ littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk

January/February 2013 Families Solent East 13

Families What’s

On

Half Term

16 - 24 February Adults Pay Kids Prices During February Half Term, Spinnakar Tower, Gunwharf Quays Daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm The Spinnaker Tower is inviting kids of all ages for a half term of family fun from Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 February, with adults paying kids prices all week. Sarah Webb, general manager at the Spinnaker Tower, commented: “We’re all big kids really and I know our glass floor certainly inspires some big kid moments! The Spinnaker Tower is a great day out for all the family and with our Big Kid Prices this February half term, adults can enjoy their day out for the same price as their kids!” Adult must be

accompanied by a full paying child. One adult per child. See www.spinnakertower.co.uk or call 02392 857520 to book in advance or to find out more!

Paultons Park www.paultonspark.co.uk Paultons Park, home to the UK exclusive Peppa Pig World, is open for February Half Term!

Peppa Pig World is set in nearly 3 acres of fully themed fun with 7 fantastic rides, magical attractions and indoor and outdoor play areas! Paultons Park now has over 60 wonderful rides and attractions to discover, such as the awesome volcano-themed ride MAGMA, the fabulous EDGE and not forgetting the awesome Cobra! 17th February 2012 – Monday 25th February. 023 8081 4442 56 East Street, Havant www.thespring.co.uk Box Office 02392 472700

...at The Spring Great value theatre for all including comedy, music, dance & engaging children’s shows.

Adult & children’s workshops & school holiday workshops.

FREE Saturday Crafts for kids.

Museum, cafe, Craft & Gift shop.

Saturday 26 January 11.15am

By The Sea

A Musical Concert with the Mini BSO

You can ride on the ocean waves, take a walk along the beach or even dance with a jellyfish. There is plenty of music to listen to, sing along to or join in with, as well as fantastic stories for all the family. The Mini BSO is a quintet that includes all four families of musical instruments found in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Suitable for ages 3 –103. £7 adults, £4 children, £20 (family of 4)

Paint-your-own pottery studio

Paint-your-own pottery studio Paint-your-own pottery studio EE 1 FR fee o i stud his ad! t withooffffeerr eenndd1ss3 .2.102 1351.0.028

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FREE STUDIOPO5 FEE 3AZ WITH THIS AD 66, CastleONE Road, Southsea ENDS 31.08.12 14 Families Solent OFFER East January/February 2013 el: (023) 92 825010 www.artypotz.com

66, Castle Road, Southsea PO5 3AZ

17 February Portsmouth and Southsea Farmers' Market, Palmerston Road, Southsea. 01420 588671

18 - 24 February Wallace & Gromit!

The Watercress Line Come and join Wallace and Gromit for a Grand Day Out at the Watercress Line! Learn how to make animation models out of clay with a real life Aardman modeller*, find out more about the gadgets and gismos in the loco sheds and enjoy some cheese tasting at Ropley station. Catch the BIG steam trains to Alresford where Wallace and Gromit will be making appearances at various intervals on each day and where you will find face painting, colouring and activity sheets plus DVD shows for younger children.

It’s great value too as standard fares apply giving unlimited travel along the full length of the 10 mile railway on the day of your visit!

Book your tickets in advance at www.watercressline.co.uk or pay on the day. *1 hour modelling workshop must be booked in advance, suitable for all ages, additional fee per person. Fares Adult £14, Child (Aged 2-16 yrs) £7, Child under 2 FREE, Family (2 Adult and 2 Children – 1 child effectively travels for FREE) £35 , Advance tickets include all booking fees and tickets cost the same on the day.

19 - 24 February Zippos Circus, Kings Theatre Albert Road, Southsea From the creators of the award winning “Horsepower!” comes a newZippo’s Circus production, an exciting and innovative circus that will leave you breathless.

Join Zippos on stage at the Kings Theatre this Half Term! Contact venue for ticket details.

023 9282 8282

19 February Animation Workshops – Bringing Matisse to life, Gosport Gallery, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1NS 10am to 4pm. Gosport Gallery will be exhibiting Matisse’s work in Spring 2013. Younger art lovers will have the chance to bring some of the art work to life using stopmotion animation – creating a film in a day! Suitable for 7 to 11 year olds. Tickets £5. Please book – Booking Line 023 9252 3463 www.hants.gov.uk/gdc

20 February Animation Workshops – Bringing Matisse to Life, Gosport Gallery, High Street, Gosport 10am to 4pm. Gosport Gallery will be exhibiting Matisse’s work in

Spring 2013. Art lovers will have the chance to bring some of the art work to life using stopmotion animation – creating a film in a day! For 12 – 16 year olds.

Tickets £5. Please book – Booking Line 023 9252 3463 Half Term at the Spring The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre 56 East Street, Havant During the February Half Term holiday come along and make pieces of art work based on Super Heroes. Daily 11am -1pm. FREE.

20 - 22 February Children’s Holiday Workshops The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre 56 East Street, Havant TIMES 10am – 3pm 20 February - CIRCUS SKILLS for ages 5 – 7 - Become a circus super hero. Show at 2.45pm, With Rachel Carter. SUPER STREET DANCE for ages 8 – 12 - Create your own street dance. Learn how to choreograph contemporary dance moves. With Kate Hewitt 21 February - SUPER HERO MUG for ages 5 -7 - Make a super hero and paint your super ceramics.

With Alison Richer. PAINT YOUR CANVAS for ages 8 – 12 - Design and paint your own super hero canvas to go in your bedroom wall.

22 February - SUPER STORIES for ages 5 – 7 - Hear about some strange super heroes and make your own super hero puppet. With Nikki Kidd our resident Storyteller.

1 SCRATCH ANIMATION for ages 8 – 12 - Design our own computer art and games. With Chi Nguyen Holiday Workshops cost £15.50 per day. Please note that most workshops require a minimum attendance in order to run – we recommend pre-booking.

21 - 23 February Oklahoma Fernham Hall, Fareham 7:30pm. Stage One Youth Theatre Group will be performing Oklahoma at Ferneham Hall. This classic musical is packed with colourful characters, fine comedy and hit songs such as People Will Say We're In Love, Kansas City and Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin.

Tickets will be available from the theatre Box Office : 01329 231 942. Ticket prices £10.50 (concessions £9.00) Details of the show and group can be found on www.stageoneyouththeatre.co.uk

22 February Make it Like Matisse – Art workshops for families SEARCH, 50 Clarence Road, Gosport, PO12 1BU 10 to 11.30am, 12.30pm to 2pm, or 2.30 to 4pm. Be inspired

by the Matisse exhibition and create your own masterpiece. Have a go at mono printing and make your own unique print. Make a paper collage based on one of the minibeasts at SEARCH (similar to ‘The Snail’ by Matisse). Lots of arty fun suitable for ages 4 and up. FREE (funded by Hampshire Learning), but places must be booked by phoning 023 9250 1957 from 28th January. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

27 February Snail Tales! Story Time Special Gosport Gallery, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1NS 2 to 2.45pm.Stories, arty activities and hands-on encounters with snail specimens and their relatives from SEARCH Museum! Inspired by Matisse’s picture ‘The Snail’ in our exhibition. For children under 5 and their parents or carers. FREE! No need to book, just come along.

27 Feb - 1 March Portsmouth High School girls present Hairspray Portsmouth High School 7.30pm. Portsmouth High School girls are putting on the show to end all shows as they take to the boards for three nights performing the musical Hairspray. Set in 1962 Baltimore, teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance programme.

Hairspray is a social commentary on the injustices of parts of American society in the 1960s and joyously stands up for integration.

With a cast of over 60, Portsmouth High School senior girls, with the accompaniment of the school orchestra, are bringing the

production to Southsea. Set to be a lot of fun and hugely entertaining, as acting, singing, dancing and musical talents are pulled together.

Tickets available from Portsmouth High School priced £12 & £8 concessions.

E-mail admissions@por.gdst.net or call 023 9282 6714

2 March Kings Theatre Tours Kings Theatre, Albert Road Southsea By popular demand, The Kings are pleased to continue their regular tours of this beautiful Grade Two listed building, including areas which the public never normally see. Email: education@kingssouthsea.com. 023 9282 8282

14 March Open Doors Event Portsmouth High School 9 – 11am. See the school in action on a normal working day, find out more about opportunities for your daughter. Contact admissions@por. gdst.net or call 023 9282 6714 for more details.

28 March Wear a Hat Day Brain Tumour Research Join the fun and help fund the fight against brain tumours - ‘Wear a Hat Day’ is a fun way of increasing awareness and raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer.

A day every year that Brain Tumour Research encourage people to make donations in order to wear a hat to school, at work, at social events or even at home. Register your interest by emailing sarah@ braintumourresearch.org

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