Families Hampshire North March-April Issue 25

FREE TAKE ME HOM

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IN THIS ISSUE Eggcellent Easter holiday guide Enjoy wild times outdoors Clubs & classes What’s on in March & April

Issue 25 March/April 2018 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Hampshire North

2 Families Hampshire North

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Hampshire North Managing Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk 07789 882 467 Advertising Claire Clarricoates claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk What’s on listings complied by Chloe Atkinson Next issue May/June 2018 Booking deadline 2 April Printed By Holbrooks Printers Ltd Distributing to: Andover, Basingstoke, Fleet, Hook, Alton, Bordon and all the areas in between.

Cover image © Deposit Photos

Contents 4. News & views

6. Education news 6. How to make the most of parents evening 8. Enjoy wild times outdoors 10. Holiday clubs, classes and camps 12. Book reviews for the season 13. Can pre-nup agreements help save your marriage?

14. Your guide to eggcellent Easter holiday fun 16. What’s on in March & April

Are you looking for a new opportunity?

Familieshampshirenorthmagazine © Families Hampshire North Magazine 2018 Families Hampshire North 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 Hampshire North are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Hampshire North. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Hampshire North; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Would you like to advertise your business to over 38,000 parents in our May/June issue?

Book Today

Call 07789 882467 or email editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk

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Could you be the next editor of Families Hampshire North Magazine?

2018 is Families Hampshire North’s 5th year in print and is part of a national brand of 36 magazines run across the Country. We are looking for a new editor to take over and run this popular well established business.

What skills do you need? Ideally, you....

• • • •

are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the local area and what’s on for families have some experience in either sales, marketing, advertising or running a business want to run your own business from home, working flexible hours to suit you and that work around your family want to help local businesses connect with local parents

As a franchisee owner you will gain access to a network of experienced editors, as well as training, allowing you to develop valuable skills in print publishing, copy writing, design, sales and marketing, social media and business management.

For more information and to register your interest, please email Rebecca on editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk and include a brief summary of your skills and experience.

Families Hampshire North 3

News & Views

Children’s authors top the pops in libraries The kids are taking over the libraries! Seven children’s authors - Julia Donaldson, Daisy Meadows, Roderick Hunt, Francesca Simon, Adam Blade, Jacqueline Wilson and Roald Dahl – are among the top 10 most borrowed authors in UK libraries, according to figures from annual data released by the British Library.

David Walliams’ popularity continues to soar and he’s now the nineteenth most borrowed author, up from forty first place in 2014-15. Jeff Kinney does not make it into the top ten authors but his Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is clearly a big hit with kids with eight titles in the series featuring in the top 10 most borrowed children’s fiction titles.

For parents looking for something for their ‘reluctant reader,’ this library data provides a helpful guide to what other children love.

73 questions a day! So what’s the problem?

British children aged 1 to 6 ask an average 73 questions every day ... half of which parents struggle to answer, according to a recent study conducted by One Poll.

Children are at their most inquisitive at 4 years old and boys and girls tend to be just as curious as each other.

Almost a third of parents in the study find this constant barrage of questions exhausting, lasting as it often does from the time children wake until they drop off to sleep at night. Almost half of the parents interviewed admit that they struggle to find an answer 50% of the time, turning to Google for help, whilst nearly one third confessed to making up answers on the spot.

Fathers field the most questions but mothers still deal with an average of 413 per week.

To help parents deal with some of their children’s more challenging questions, Tots Town at Argos has teamed up with child psychologist Dr. Sam Wass and created a series of videos which can be found on YouTube.

Download our magazine

Don’t miss an issue! Download the latest magazine and our back catalogue at issuu www.issuu.com

For more details on most borrowed children’s authors and titles visit www.bl.uk/plr

Technology good for kids learning Recent research indicates that a staggering 96% of teachers believe technology has had a positive impact on the way children participate and learn in a lesson, whilst 56% believe that pupils are more engaged when technology is used, according to a survey conducted by Smoothwall, a web filtering provider for schools.

An impressive 86% of teachers also say that technology has made them perform better and prepare more varied and exciting lessons. And parents are on board too. A survey conducted

by The Knowledge Academy shows that 91% of parents believe technology is making it easier for them to be involved with their child’s education and 68% say that technology has increased their ability to help children with school work.

However, there are some concerns. At least a third of teachers are worried about using technology in class because they cannot control what each child is doing whist it is being used. A similar number of parents also think that children already have too much access to technology and don’t need it at school. More information at www.smoothwall.com and www. theknowledgeacademy.com

Entries now open for 2018 Wicked Young Writer Awards Now in its 8th year, the Wicked Young Writer Awards is a chance for young people, aged between 5 and 25, to write about absolutely anything! It’s your chance to get creative and write on any theme that interests you. Be unique! The judges want to hear your voices through original writing and stories.

There are six fiction award categories in total: 5-7 years old, 8-10 years old, 11-14 years old, 15-17 years old and 18-25 years old. In these categories, any creative writing will be accepted.

You can write a story, play, or poem. There is a 750-word limit, entries can be hand-written or typed and writing must be original and your own ideas.

The closing date this year is Monday 12 March 2018. For more details on the Awards, including tips for young writers, and to submit your entries, visit the official website www.wickedyoungwriterawards.com

To advertise your business to over 40,000 parents in North Hampshire in our next issue call 07789 882467 or email editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk 4 Families Hampshire North

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Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737.

Your Child, Their Journey, Our Focus

A co-educational independent school (3 to 13 years) full of opportunity, offering an inspirational educational journey for a successful adult life

Open Mornings Saturday 3rd March - 10.00am Friday 27th April - 9.15am 01252 405500 registrar@yateleymanor.com www.yateleymanor.com

Can your Child swim?

AWARD WINNING SWIMMING LESSONS SWIM ENGLAND FACILITY OPERATOR OF THE YEAR

START YOUNG Learn from four months old FLEXIBLE CHOICE Available up to 7 days a week QUALIFIED TEACHERS All teachers are Swim England or equivalent qualified SPREAD THE COST Pay monthly by Direct Debit Alton Sports Centre 0333 005 0457

Hart Leisure Centre 0333 005 0134

Mill Chase Leisure Centre 0333 005 0458

Frogmore Leisure Centre 0125 287 3454

Taro Leisure Centre 0333 005 0473

everyoneactive.com

everyoneactive

10354_East Hants and Hart_Families Magazine_Jan_Feb edition.indd 1 familiesonline.co.uk

Spaces available now

@everyoneactive 13/12/2017 11:36 Families Hampshire North 5

Education News Eagle House School offer learning for life Eagle House is a coeducational Prep School for 3 to 13 year olds, located in Sandhurst, Berkshire.

The school’s superb grounds and excellent facilities are the background to an experience where success, confidence and happiness are paramount.

Recently in an ISI Inspection in December 2017 the school was awarded ‘excellent’ in all areas.

How to make the most of parents’ evening

Younger pupils follow the International Primary Curriculum and our older children have embarked on a new Humanities curriculum that links subjects through topics and themes. Great teaching, new technology and a focus on the basics mean that children make good progress and love to be in the classroom. Independent learning is a focus for all children and our Extended Project programme helps drive inquisitive minds. Eagle House has a dynamic extra-curricular programme and we unashamedly offer lots as part of our Golden Eagle activities experience.

Parents’ evening is your opportunity to get feedback on how your child’s doing at school, so how can you get the most of your time in there?

Children benefit from a huge range of opportunities in sport, music, drama, art, outward bound and community programmes. We are a busy school OPEN and this helps all children achieve new things S G MORNIN every day. ch ar Sat 3 M

Be realistic about what the teacher will tell you: the style of feedback teachers give has changed since most of us were kids – it tends to be less blunt and less about direct comparisons with classmates. Don’t expect class rankings for example.

& Sat 28 April

Visit www.eaglehouseschool.com for more information or come along to their open morning on Saturday 3 March or Saturday 28 April.

Starting the future at Yateley Manor

realise that learning is fun.

At Yateley Manor we know that you want the best possible start for your child, so the innovative and nurturing atmosphere in our Nursery provides a secure, gentle introduction to school life.

Children quickly settle into this homely environment and soon

The Nursery is situated in an attractive, purpose-built secure building with bright, well-equipped rooms and a large and imaginatively designed outside play area. With the support of inspirational staff, children develop a love of school, become sociable and confident, and eager for their continued adventure into our Reception classes.

Nursery children have access to all of Yateley Manor’s fantastic facilities including the Woodland Learning Area, indoor heated swimming pool and the fully equipped gymnasium. The children benefit from specialist teaching for swimming, music, French and dance.

OPEN MORNINGS

Sat 3 March & Fri 27 April

Yateley Manor is a leading independent day school for children from 3 to 13 year. The Nursery is open 49 weeks a year. Morning, afternoon or all day sessions, with extended care, are available to suit family requirements.

To find out about all that Yateley Manor can offer visit www.yateleymanor.com

6 Families Hampshire North

Plan: your appointment might only be for five or ten minutes so prioritise what you want to cover in advance. What do you need to know the most and what do you want to communicate to the teacher? Write a list and put it in order of importance in case you run short of time. Take a pen/pencil and paper to write notes.

Stay ‘on point’ Parents’ evenings usually run to tight schedules and most teachers will stick strictly to the time limits. Save the general chit-chat for another day and keep the conversation focused.

Be open-minded about less flattering feedback: You might receive negative feedback, albeit this should be constructive. Even if you don’t agree, stay calm and at least hear the teacher out respectfully before asking further questions.

Don’t be surprised if the teacher talks about a ‘different child’ (not literally!) Sometimes children behave or perform differently at school compared to at home – your child might be extremely chatty with you but very quiet in the classroom for example.

Need more information or still got concerns? It’s normally fine to request a follow-up meeting with the teacher.

Across the globe, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes advance students beyond their school level.

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Basingstoke North 01256 636233 Basingstoke South 01256 533234 kumon.co.uk Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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m16487 Eagle House FM 180W/130H AD AWP.indd 1

Working

TOGETHER

02/02/2018 10:21

St Nicholas’ School F L E E T

•

H A M P S H I R E

Celebrating the Individual

Open Days

Saturday 3rd March 10am-1pm Thursday 10th May 6-8pm An independent day school for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-16

• Small class sizes • Inspirational teachers • A caring, family ethos • Purpose-built facilities • Idyllic grounds • Focus on the individual • ‘Excellent’ ISI Inspection

familiesonline.co.uk

st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

01252 850121

registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

Families Hampshire North 7

Here are some simple tips to encourage Wild Times 1. Create a Den in the garden. Get the kids to help build it. They could even camp in it overnight!

2. Invest in some wellies and waterproofs so that you can go outside, rain or shine.

Enjoy wild times outdoors One of the greatest joys you can have as a parent is to see your kids run free outside - watching the delight on their faces and listening to their laughter as they hide in long grass, get muddy or roll down a hill.

With increasing pressure from work and school, families are struggling to find free time to be in nature. It seems there is an epidemic of families and children who aren’t getting to go outside enough.

Being outside is good for children’s general wellbeing and mental cognition.

Kids are shown to be happier, healthier, more confident and less anxious when they spend time in nature. Equally, adults benefit from being outside with their children too. Serotonin levels are higher in your body after you have spent time in daylight and being in fresh air also helps you sleep better.

According to a report commissioned by Persil for their ‘Dirt is Good’ campaign, British children are spending less time outside than adult prisoners! 74% of kids are spending less than an hour outdoors every day. A third only spend half an hour, and one in five don’t go out at all. Also, a recent government funded survey showed that one in nine kids haven’t been in a natural environment, like a park, forest or beach for at least 12 months.

With increasing pressure at school, parents who work, after-school clubs, screen time and homework to do, children generally have a lot less free time.

Unstructured time outside and in nature is something that has become a luxury rather than a necessity.

Organisations like The Wild Network are trying to encourage families to get back outside. Their mission is to ‘rewild’ childhood and give children more #wildtime. Their groundbreaking film has

Enjoy the outdoors at The Vyne At The Vyne near Basingstoke, the whole family can enjoy the outdoors and become one with nature. As well as multiple trails, families can look out for wildlife in a purposebuilt bird hide, build dens from fallen tree branches or investigate a number of walking routes through the woods and around the wetlands.

Running daily, children will love looking for and assembling jigsaw pieces on the Lost tapestries trail for a suggested donation of £1. On the Children’s Tudor animal trail, sharpeyed visitors can look out for the animals that played an important part in Tudor life.

Intrepid explorers can stride into the woods on the Tudor geocaching challenge. Normal admission applies. For the ultimate outdoor experience, why not join the Family Volunteer Group. Meeting once a month, work alongside a National Trust ranger as they look after the countryside. To find out more and sign-up, visit myvolunteering.nationaltrust.org.uk/ opportunity-search.

8 Families Hampshire North

3. Grow some fruit and vegetables.

You can do this by using pots on the windowsill or by using a small patch in the garden.

4. Start an animal watch list that children can tick off.

5. Create some landscape art. Use twigs, leaves, shells or stones, and photograph what you have made.

6. Make walks fun – do some of the walk blindfolded! Or make a treasure map of things your children have to find.

7. Try geocaching (www.geocaching.com).

This does involve using an app but might encourage a reluctant nature explorer who won’t be parted from a device.

8. Let older children have some freedom.

Get them to walk, explore and go out on their bikes without adults.

9. Research some outdoor activities or exercise classes that you can do as a family, like an outdoor boot camp or mountain bike riding.

10. Sign up to the National Trust’s ‘50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 ¾.’

Other resources Check out the nature detectives with the Woodland Trust, who have lots of fun ideas for kids of all ages. www. woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives Try www.ifootpath.com, a great app for walking in the UK, it costs just £1.99.

Buy The Adventure Map of Britain for £14.99 at www.marvellousmaps.com It’s a wonderful visual guide of fun things to do in the UK. familiesonline.co.uk

Groundwork’s popular children’s craft club is back at Alice Holt this Spring

been seen across the world, and they have a wild time learning project in which over 200 schools have taken part. You can find out more by going to their website www.thewildnetwork.com.

Spokesman for the Wild Network, Mark Sears says: “Over the last five years, we have seen an avalanche of evidence that shows that time spent outdoors offers huge benefits to children as well as their wider families and communities. Wild Time is one of the few things left that is fun, free and good for you and yet most families don’t get enough of it. Other than the more obvious benefits like better physical and mental wellbeing, which are increasingly well evidenced it is now proven that Wild Time can support learning too through better concentration, imagination, resilience and capacity to rapidly process risk - all vital tools that children will need to thrive in the 21st century.”

If you want more time in nature with your family try and make time at the weekends to take them to a beach, wood, forest or river. If you’re on a budget, or short on time, find your local park and enjoy the green, open space. Do some running races, climb a tree and make a camp. The urban farm movement is also a great way to give your children a taste of the country life.

Join Groundwork in the magical surroundings of Alice Holt Forest for a craft club with a difference! We combine guided outdoor exploration and games around the forest with indooor seasonal craft sessions using our gathered natural materials. As a result, your child will learn about nature and wildlife, as well as creating some beautiful and unique crafts to take home at the end of the day. These full day sessions for ages 5-12 involve a combination of games and exploration in the forest with seasonal, nature-based crafts in the classroom. £20 per child. Booking is required, contact Jennifer Law at enquiries.aliceholt@groundwork.org.uk or 07736 132 692. This event is running during Easter Holidays on 5, 9, 13 April and on 31 May. www.forestry.gov.uk

Young Naturalist Club at Gilbert White Learn a new set of conservation and surveying skills to help our wildlife flourish and create new habitats for local wildlife, both on our grounds and for your own gardens. This will involve the use of tools such as gardening equipment. Not suitable for those under 5 years, children over 8 do not need to be accompanied by an adult. Runs every first Saturday of the month, 3 March and 7 April. www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

The best thing about spending time in nature is that is free as the air you breathe. Pack some sandwiches and the world is your oyster. Keep your phone in your bag and gadgets at home.

Enjoy playing hide and seek, rock pooling, jumping a stream and finding bugs under a rotten branch.

Nature Festival Re-discoveR the woRld on youR dooRstep

Bioblitz: Sun 27 May 5pm - Mon 28th 5pm Main Stalls: Mon 28 May from 10.30am - 5pm

£7

ADULTS CHILDREN £3 INCLUDES ENTRANCE TO HOUSE & GROUNDS

. Alton . Hampshire www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk Selborne

A fund raising event for Gilbert White & The Oates Collections

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Outdoor trails at The Vyne REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1159058

DAY TImE ACTIvITIES

& THE

OATES COLLECTIONS

In grounds once roamed by feisty Tudor monarchs families can enjoy a range of seasonal outdoor trails and welly walks before refuelling in the Brewhouse tea-room. Watch as our specialists set about removing 41 miles of scaffolding from around the house after a major roof project.

Call 01256 883858 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne #nationaltrust

When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places in London and the South East such as Sandham Memorial Chapel, The Chase and West Green House Garden for ever, for everyone.

© National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\John Millar.

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Holiday Clubs & Camps New ventures and more adventures from Jubilee Cadets On the back of the hugely successful woodland school holiday club ‘Jubilee Cadets’ two new ventures are due to be launched after Easter. Mini Cadets will offer sessions for pre-schoolers who will enjoy a range of activities such as bug life, denbuilding, campfires and cooking with their qualified Forest Schools Leader.

Jubilee Cadets’ intrepid adventures can now continue during term time with a new activity club which will take place after school for 5 to 11 year-olds. It’s good old fashioned fresh air and fun in a magical woodland with a range of Forest School pursuits on offer.

Jubilee Jets: Open weekdays from 8am-6pm, 3–13 April 2018. Jubilee Cadets: Open weekdays (excluding Bank Holidays) from 8am-6pm, 26 March - 18 April 2018.

All Stars Cricket running across Hampshire this Summer All Stars Cricket is a brand-new initiative from the England and Wales Cricket Board aimed at providing children aged five to eight with a great first experience in cricket and an opportunity to have fun and make freinds. After the success of Hampshire’s All Stars programme last year, it will again be delivering in 60 fully accredited All Stars centres across Hampshire from May 2018.

All Stars is a fun and active way to develop your child’s skills and spend quality time together as a family. Through the eight-week programme children will learn how to catch, throw and hit moving balls in a safe and inclusive environment.

Each registered child will receive a pack of cricket goodies including a cricket bat, personalised t-shirt and more. They can use this equipment to continue their love of cricket when they go home.

The programme will launch on 11 May, dates and times vary depending on the centre.

For more information or to register for a summer of #BigMoments visit allstarscricket. co.uk

SCL Easter holiday clubs School holidays are all about fun for children, and that’s exactly what SCL’s highly qualified team provide. SCL understand that different children have different interests, so they offer a range of exciting activities for your 4-12 year olds to get stuck into.

Wild Learning Holiday Club Adventure Camp From our secret camp deep in the woods, we venture out to try den building, fire making, tracking and stalking, mud sculptures, environmental art, whittling, forest games, tree climbing, exploring the stream and more.

For more details and to book visit www. wild-learning.net. No charge for drop off, but parking charges apply if adults remain on site. Running during Easter Holidays on April 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12th, and on 29th and 30th May. Ages 5yrs+.

10.15am-4pm. £38 per day.

Nature Camp at Gilbert White’s House Our first ever holiday day camp for kids between 8 and 12 who have a passion for wildlife and enjoy spending time outdoors. Using all of our 30 acre site and neighbouring woodland, children will be able to run off some steam and to learn more about the world around them, as well as picking up some cool new skills.

Each day will be packed with a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities including pond dipping, habitat building, butterfly hunts, animal tracking, bat box building, den building, wild art and Bushcraft. Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch, waterproof coat, wellies and a spare set of clothes just in case. £40 per day per child or all 3 days for £100 per child. Snacks and drinks provided throughout the day. 10am-4pm. Runs for 9 - 11 April.

Visit www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk to book or for more information.

Easter Holiday Club with Bright Sparks at Winchester Science Centre

This Easter, your child can choose from SCL’s multiactivity Ofsted registered Club Energy programme, full of fun activities and new adventures, or the FA Charter Standard Soccer School, where they’ll learn new skills and tricks before competing for the title of SCL Cup winners.

A daily science-themed holiday club for children age 5 – 9 years old from 9am – 4pm. Breakfast and afternoon clubs provide an extended childcare option from 8am – 6pm. Annual Pass holders enjoy a 10% discount. Booking: £165 full week, £35 a day (breakfast club from 8am – 9am, £2, and afternoon club from 4pm – 6pm, £3). Runs Tue 3 – Fri 6 Apr and Mon 9 – Fri 13 April.

Visit www.wearescl.co.uk/holiday-club-venues for more details, and book now to secure your child’s place for an action packed Easter.

Visit www.winchestersciencecentre.org for more details or to book.

10 Families Hampshire North

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Mum thrilled with confidence boost from Perform Drama

Woodland Holiday Club

With Perform drama classes well-established in North Hampshire, we spoke to Jessica Harrison to find out why she has been sending her children, Ellie (9) and George (6), to Perform

since the age of 4.

“Ellie is a natural performer” says Jessica, “so Perform was always going to work for her. George is a more reserved child who likes to play by himself. But, actually, George probably gets more out of Perform than Ellie! He has grown so much in confidence since attending.”

“Perform is not like a stage school. The children perform a show, but the focus is on fun games and exercises that teach them incredible life skills, like making eye contact, speaking out clearly and making conversation” reports Jessica.

“Initially George mumbled a couple of words in the shows. Now he speaks out in a strong voice and smiles all the way through. This confidence has really improved his everyday interactions with family, school friends and teachers.”

“These days, we spend so much time looking at our phones.

Through Perform my children now understand the importance of engaging with others – and they don’t even know they’ve learned this!”

Book online for the Easter Holidays at: www.jubileecadets.co.uk 0118 970 1300 Conveniently located between Basingstoke, Reading and Newbury.

Join

To book a free trial in Bramley, Fleet, Hook or new classes in Basingstoke, visit www.perform.org.uk/try

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Families Hampshire North 11

0-2 YEARS Ten Fat Sausages

By Michelle Robinson & Tor Freeman Andersen RRP 11.99 Poor old sausages – they do their best to make life easier for kids learning to count and what do they get to be in return? Somebody’s tea, that’s what. Well, not today! Today they get to escape the humdrum pan they are sizzling in and have an adventure. Sausage by sausage. An ingenious idea with plenty of sauce.

BOOK REVIEWS FOR THE SEASON

By Justine Crow It’s possibly my natural rebelliousness but as all those resolutions from the beginning of the year fade away, like volunteers for the washing up at weekends, I’m thinking about all things edible and my choice of items for this page mainly reflect that. Serve yourself!

Fish Boy

By Chloe Daykin Faber RRP 6.99 This wonderful novel starts with chips.

Literally, chips poised for the oven while our hero Billy drips seawater on the kitchen floor and his dad demands no trunks at the table.

This book may contain other teatime staples such as baked beans, tuna and even Twix bars but Billy loves the ocean most of all. It is both his refuge and his playground and when Patrick Green arrives with “fingers like steel,” the bullies no longer get to use “Fish Fingers” as an insult.

Moo Cow, Moo Cow Please Eat Nicely!

By Jo Lodge

9-12 YEARS

Macmillan RRP 5.99 How are your table manners you little lot?

I know the answer already. Terrible! You are either slurping up the grub like a duck in the silt, chewing widely like a day-dreaming heifer or belching like a contented swine. Teatime resembles a veritable farmyard when it comes to you toddlers but this clever board book teaches all you mucky pups how to eat politely.

3-5 YEARS Tacos

By Lotte Nieminen Phaidon RPP 9.99

This is a great cooking primer that requires no flames. Follow the recipe, pop out the kitchen utensils and ingredients, get mashing and chopping, add the toppings et voila!

Or whatever “voila!” is in Spanish... your very own mess free taco. I love the fact that the book is billed as ‘interactive.’ We are so accustomed to that term being technological it comes as a bit of a shock to discover this means with tabs and flaps. Mind you, surely all books are interactive by their very nature.

There Was an Old Giant Who Swallowed a Clock

By Becky Davies Little Tiger Press RRP 11.99 I’m always grateful for the traditional ‘I Know An Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly’ rhyme as it has rescued many a traffic tantrum by virtue of its unlikeliness alone – the children’s tears have stopped 12 Families Hampshire North

My Sweet Orange Tree

By Jose Mauro de Vasconcelos Pushkin RRP 10.99

dead in their tracks by the time it gets to the swallowing of the cat as they digest the sheer incredulity of it all. This takes the fun one step further and swaps the old biddy for a giant, the insect for a clock and some knitting to stifle the ticking… (DO keep up).

Never out of print in its home country since being published in the 1960s, we Brits finally get to sample the delights of this Brazilian classic. Zezé wants to be a “poet with a bow-tie” when he grows up – a laudable ambition if you ask me – but until then he passes the time in a down-at-heel district of Rio having fun with his imaginary friends.

And then one day a real one shows up….

One Pan 100 Brilliant Meals

By Mari Mererid Williams Ebury RRP 12.99

6-8 YEARS Cooking Step-byStep Dorling Kindersley RRP 13.99

I believe a good children’s cookbook leaves a lasting legacy. Certainly in our household we return to the same old tome again and again for the most beloved and useful recipes. This has more than 50 different dishes for young cooks, from the traditional such as roast chicken and quiche to new modern classics like gazpacho, hummous and guacamole all illustrated in the DK house-style that is almost good enough to eat.

Graceland, is where Justin Timberlake was born. And that huckleberries are a real thing and they grow in Boise. So there!

Whilst not strictly a junior cookbook, this is billed as being specifically useful for busy families, young professionals and students.

Certainly the notion of rustling something uncomplicated up in a single pot is attractive to the older offspring in our house, not to mention the subsequent minimal dishwashing action. Here the budding chef gets to dazzle us with gnocchi, lasagne and even pizza. Suddenly I’m feeling peckish.

Can’t think why…

Justine Crow is co-founder of the famous South London bookshop ‘Bookseller Crow on the Hill’ based in Crystal Palace. As well as being a blogger and reviewer, parent of three and qualified swimming teacher, she also co-authored The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury.

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Can pre-nup agreements help to save your marriage?

Wedding season is just around the corner, and has an extra buzz thanks to the brace of royal weddings planned for 2018. If you’re tying the knot this year, it’s likely you’ve spent time carefully planning everything from bouquets to bunting. But have you given a second thought to a pre-nuptial agreement? Some couples just don’t want to think about what happens if the marriage doesn’t last. But what if a pre-nup could actually help make your marriage stronger?

What can a pre-nup / pre-marriage agreement do?

This is a legal agreement that is designed to make things easier to sort out if the marriage breaks down.

It can: • • • • •

Protect any pre-existing assets from being split Protect a spouse from their partner’s debt Provide for children from a previous relationship Keep inherited property within the family Help prevent solicitor fees from mounting up

A pre-nup is still not enforceable in the UK, although judges do attach a lot of weight to it and will enforce it unless there is good reason to overturn it or parts of it.

Is a pre-nup for you?

You might feel that you don’t have enough money to warrant a prenup at the point of marrying, but who knows what the future may bring? They are no longer just the preserve of celebrities and the super-rich.

Anyone can benefit from the peace of mind that a pre-nuptial agreement can bring, but they may be especially relevant if you own your own business, want to protect children from previous relationship or you are likely to come into a significant inheritance.

A pre-nuptial agreement can also give you extra peace of mind if you have concerns over your partner’s debt. That’s because a ‘debt clause’ can be included to protect you from being liable for that debt.

Your pre-nup can be changed at any time, as long as you both agree.

If you’re already married, you could also consider a post-nuptial agreement at any time.

Do I need legal help?

To comply with the law, a pre-nuptial agreement must be drawn up and signed by a qualified solicitor. There’s no ‘one-size fits all’ so it’s a good idea to speak to a specialist in family law. They will have the expert knowledge and understanding of this niche area to effectively meet your specific needs.

For further information on pre-marriage agreements or any other family matters such as divorce, separation, children matters, mediation and the collaborative process contact Ann Davies on 01256 305596 or email ann.davies@lambbrooks.com

For a fixed fee appointment, contact our family team today on: T: 01256 305596 E: julia.mcguigan@lambbrooks.com

Our dedicated family team offer practical solutions for: Pre Marriage Agreements Civil Partnership Agreements Cohabitation Civil Partnership Dissolution Divorce and Separation Children Matters Financial Disputes Injunctions Mediation Collaborative Family Process

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Families Hampshire North 13

Your guide to

eggcellent Easter holiday fun

Here’s our pick of some local Easter activities and family days out in North Hampshire and surrounding areas

New Tropical House at Marwell Wildlife Marwell Zoo’s biggest ever exhibit, a new Tropical House opens this Easter.

This marks the second phase of a £17m investment programme for the zoo over the next 8-10 years, creating improved habitats for animals and more immersive experiences for guests. The £8m exhibit will span two levels offering fantastic vantage points across a lush, tropical canopy and the opportunity to experience the captivating life of the forest floor. Guests will be free to share the habitat and enjoy close-up views of new, colourful and charismatic species. Powered by Marwell’s animal waste, the new exhibit will significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

Take part in the giant egg trail over the Easter holidays! ‘Crack’ the puzzle for a chance to win four tickets to a sunset safari this summer. Plus, visit over the Easter bank holiday weekend to meet the Easter bunny in his burrow and collect your free chocolate egg.

Marwell Zoo I Winchester I SO21 1JH www.marwellorg.uk

Easter Bunny Hunt at Gilbert White’s House Visit Gilbert White’s House from 30 March - 15 April for an Easter Bunny hunt with a difference! Bunnies are hiding throughout the grounds but you’ll need to navigate to them using a compass (provided). Suitable for all ages.

Gilbert White’s House I Alton I GU34 3JH www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

The Sound of Spring at Winchester Science Centre Enjoy an Easter feast (for the ear drums!) this spring from 29 March – 16 April with live shows and a variety of hands on and exciting sound-related activities. In addition to full access to the main exhibition and planetarium, visitors this Easter holiday will have a chance to make water dance with a Dragon Bowl and explore energy, movement and soundwaves. General admission fees apply. Daily from 10am – 5pm.

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium I SO21 1HZ www.winchestersciencecentre.org

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Easter Bunny at Hollycombe Steam in The Country This Easter, on 1 & 2 April, Hollycombe will be home to a rather large Easter Bunny who will have a few surprises for the children. We will also be holding our popular Easter Trails all weekend where children (and adults!) can hunt for clues around the site. Those returning a completed trail sheet will receive a small prize! Adults £16, children £12, under 3s free Hollycombe Steam in The Country I Liphook I GU30 7LP www.hollycombe.co.uk

Little Africa arrives at Paultons Park New for 2018 and now open at Paultons Park is Little Africa!

Visit the Park’s own little corner of Africa featuring some amazing animals and birds of the savannah. From Meerkats, to Porcupines, Lizards to Fennec Foxes there are animals of all shapes and size to delight and entertain.

Paultons is also home to Peppa Pig World, an amazing land that let’s youngsters discover Peppa’s World and enjoy seven fabulous themed rides plus a large indoor play zone, adventure playground and muddy puddles water splash park. Birds of a Feather will be screening at the Park this year in Paultons Show Street 4D Cinema.

Discover Lost Kingdom, an an amazing Dinosaur Theme Park World that features two world class family rollercoasters, life-like animatronic dinosaurs, Jurassic themed family rides, a Prehistoric adventure play park and an amazing opportunity to come face to face with ‘living’, walking Dinosaurs!

Paultons Park I Romsey I SO51 6AL www.paultonspark.co.uk

Mythical LEGO beasts arrives at Milestones Museum Pandora’s Box has opened at Milestones Museum in Basingstoke, releasing mythical LEGO beasts into the museum’s streets!

This new LEGO adventure challenges visitors young and old to recapture the escaped beasts, with the wise Owl of Athena on hand to guide them on their quest. Visitors will have fun travelling around the museum using our app or trail map to track down the beasts, return them to the box and save the day. There are plenty of other LEGO activities to enjoy, including a free LEGO play area, LEGO mosaics (weekends and school holidays only), plus make-and-take minifigures. LEGO fans can also come along to our big build weekends – 3 and 10 March – to help Bright Bricks, our LEGO partner, build a Greek temple.

Mythical Beasts runs until 15 April 2018 and is included in the standard admission charge to Milestones Museum; an additional charge applies for some activities. With our new Milestones ticket, visitors can enjoy unlimited trips to the museum for 12 months – visit www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk to find out more.

Milestones Museums I Basingstoke I RG22 6PG www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Easter fun at Wellington Country Park Join in the fun at ‘Welly Park’ for a jam-packed Easter holidays with circus themed events, the mega egg hunt and Easter crafts!

In May, the Inflatable Takeover is back with bouncy castles as well as obstacle courses and a bungee run! Nature Activities then takeover the half-term to get everyone involved in the outdoors.

All events are included in the admission price which gets you access to the park including our brand new Adventure Playground, a Splash Zone, Animal Farm and much more!

Wellington Country Park I Berkshire I RG7 1SP www.wellington-country-park.co.uk

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at The Vyne In The Vyne’s grounds, set off on your own Easter adventure. from 30 March – 15 April. Wrap up warm with wellies and coats and get ready to follow the clues to the creatures’ secret hiding places around the grounds. At the end, you can swap your trail sheet for a tasty chocolate treat! 10am – 4pm. £3 per trail plus normal admission charges.

The Vyne I Basingstoke I RG24 9HL www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne

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6 February to 15 April Milestones Museum, Basingstoke

Search MYTHICAL BEASTS MILESTONES or visit: www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk *Enjoy unlimited visits to Milestones for 12 months – find out more on our website.

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Included in normal admission Families Hampshire North 15

WHAT’S ON

March & April

Your essential guide to family events this March & April. We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.

To promote your local event, nearly new sale, theatre shows or community event in the next What’s on guide please email editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk Throughout March & April Little Africa Paultons Park Romsey, SO51 6AL See the Park’s own little corner of Africa and discover the amazing animals and birds of the savanna.

From Meerkats, to Porcupines, Lizards to Mongoose there are animals of all shapes and sizes to delight and entertain.

Throughout March & April Tudor Geocaching Challenge The Vyne Basingstoke, RG24 9HL Intrepid explorers can download the Geocaching® app from geocaching.com/play before casting themselves back to the sixteenth century with our Tudorthemed geocaches. 10am – 4pm.

Normal admission charges apply.

Throughout March & April Children’s Tudor Animal Trail The Vyne Basingstoke, RG24 9HL Deer, horses and falcons are just some of the creatures you may have seen at The Vyne in 1535.

See if you can spot the animals that played an important part in Tudor life. 10am – 4pm. Normal admission charges apply.

Throughout March & April The Lost Tapestries Trail The Vyne Basingstoke, RG24 9HL Follow the trail across the grounds to recover and fit together jigsaw pieces of these oriental masterpieces. Daily from 10am, suggested donation £1 Throughout March & April ‘The Highway Rat’ Activity Trails Alice Holt Forest Farnham, GU10 4LS Go in search of 10 Highway Ratthemed panels, each with fun facts and activities to try. As you go, look out for characters from the story, complete four rubbings and take your picture with the life-sized Highway Rat ‘Wanted’ poster! Activity pack £3.

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Until 14 April May The Toys Be With You The Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery Basingstoke, RG21 7QD ‘May The Toys Be With You’ is one of the UK’s finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original cinema posters.

Until 15 April LEGO® Mythical Beasts Milestones Museum Basingstoke, RG22 6PG Pandora’s box has opened at Basingstoke’s Milestones Museum, and mythical LEGO® beasts have escaped onto the museum’s streets. Take on this new LEGO challenge, suitable for adventurers of all ages, recapture the legendary creatures and save the day! Normal admission charges apply.

3 March Milkshake! Live The Anvil Basingstoke, RG21 7QR Starring Milkshake! favourites this all-singing, all-dancing musical extravaganza will take you on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales. 12pm & 3.30pm. £17.50, under 16s £15.50.

4 March Dolly’s Vintage and Artisan Fairs Old Basing Village Hall The Street, RG24 7DA Over 30 stalls selling handmade goods and showcasing the best of local produce. 10am – 3.30pm.

Adults £2, children free.

5 – 21 March Exhibition: Pens, Paintbrushes & Pioneers: Portrait of a Woman Writer Chawton House Library Alton, GU34 1SJ This exhibition draws together portraits held in Chawton House Library – paintings, frontispieces, and written pictures by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, Maria Graham, Mary Robinson, and Jane Austen.

7 March Magical Mystery Tour Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium Winchester, SO21 1HZ These monthly tours all start on Earth before flying through the solar system, and perhaps further still! 3.10pm. Premium rate of £7.50, or £5 if also buying entry to the hands-on exhibition.

8 March Barn Tots SEN Viables Community Centre Basingstoke, RG22 4JR This group is a small and friendly platform for those who have children with additional needs or disabilities. With a range of craft activities, toys and sensory play items, this is a great way to allow your child to play safely while you meet other parents facing some of the challenges you may also be encountering. 10–11.30am. £2.

9 & 23 March Toy Library Alton Maltings Alton, GU34 1DT Take home toys, DVDs, games and puzzles for children aged 0-8 years, for as little as 30p. Relax and chat over a drink, meet new friends, while the children play with the preloved toys. 9.30 – 11.30am.

Come to the (Steam) Fair!

Visit Britain’s largest working traditional steam fairground and railways. Enjoy the rides, including the unique Razzle Dazzle, the world’s first ‘white knuckle’ ride.

The rides may be old but the atmosphere is cordial and ideal for that relaxed, family day out. All your rides are included in the admission price, and once you’ve paid, you can come back free as many times as you like for a year!

OPEN: All Easter Weekend. Then Sundays & Bank Holidays to 14th October Daily: Wednesday 30th May to Sunday 3th June (limited rides weekdays) Gates open at 11.00. Rides from 12.30. Last admission 16.00.

Midhurst Road, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7LP Follow the brown signs. 01428 742 900 www.hollycombe.co.uk

Activity Trail

Join in the fun at Alice Holt this spring!

Follow us on Facebook to find out more.

Call 0300 067 4448 forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt Alice Holt Forest The Highway Rat © 2011 & TM Julia Donaldson/ Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd

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10 March Mother’s Day Sleepover Gilbert White’s House Alton, GU34 3JH Bring your Mum along to an exciting evening of nature activities at the Gilbert White Field Studies Centre and sleep in our 16th Century barn. All materials, refreshments and breakfast included. Booking required. 5+yrs.

6pm-8am. £25.

10 March A Midsummer Night’s Dream Ballet The Lights Andover, SP10 1AH Join Ballet Theatre UK as we enter the enchanting and magical realm of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

7pm. From £14.50 10 & 11 March Mother’s Day Weekend Finkley Down Farm Andover, SP11 6NF Mum’s go free for Mother’s Day weekend!

10 & 11 March STEM Superheroes Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium Winchester, SO21 1HZ This British Science Week (9 - 18 March), we’re inviting children to dress up and enjoy the Science Centre in their favourite superhero outfits. Get your little ones into science, technology, engineering and maths! Free face-painting will be available to enhance costumes.

General admission applies.

11 March Andover Junior Parkrun Charlton Sports Fields, SP10 3LF Junior Parkrun is a weekly 2k run at 9am for children 4-14 years who wish to enjoy all the fun of Parkrun. It’s free but you need to register first by visiting www. parkrun.org.uk/andover-juniors

Making use of store cupboard ingredients and households items, award-winning BBC science communicator Jon Chase proves science isn’t limited to high-tech laboratories in this fun demo-led family show series. Various times.

Show tickets cost £1 per person on top of general admission.

13 March Construction Club South Ham Library Basingstoke, RG22 6QB Construction fun for all the family!

3.45–4.45pm. Free.

18 March Basingstoke Junior Parkrun Stratton Park Basingstoke, RG22 5HL a weekly 2k run at 9am for children 4-14 years who wish to enjoy all the fun of Parkrun. It’s free but you need to register first www.parkrun.org.uk/andoverjuniors

15 March Bumps, Babies and Books Andover Library Chantry Centre, SP10 1LT A drop-in social group for mumsto-be and new mums. Browse our baby books and parent information books. Refreshments provided. Come have a chat and make new friends. 11am–1pm. Free 16 March Disco Skate Roller Disco The Harlington Fleet, GU51 4BY The Harlington have combined with ‘Disco Skate’ to bring the joy of ‘Roller Disco’ to Fleet! Family friendly, fun, exciting and great exercise! 6pm-9pm, All ages £5 17 & 18 March DIY Live Science Shows with BBC presenter Jon Chase Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium Winchester, SO21 1HZ

18 March Frankie’s Fun Run Charlton Lakeside Andover, SP10 3LS This will comprise of two runs, an adult 5k run and a 2k children’s run, to raise money and awareness for the Downs Syndrome Association. 10.30am. Adults £7.50, children £4.

23 March Open Mic Night Central Studio, Queen Mary’s College, Basingstoke, RG21 3HF Come along and play at an in house ‘Open Mic Night’ - or just come and hear some of the most talented musicians in Basingstoke.

From 7pm, free entry - all welcome, from professionals to first time performers.

25 March Beauty & The Beast: Easter Pantomime The Anvil, Basingstoke, RG21 7QR This spellbinding pantomime has a star cast, impressive music, energetic dance routines as well as plenty of jokes, slapstick and heaps of audience participation!

2pm & 6pm. Tickets from £20.

25 March Winklebury Boot Sale Sycamore Community Halls Winklebury, RG23 8AB 2pm – 4pm 25 March Mum2Mum Market Basingstoke Queen Mary’s College, RG21 3HF Join us for our popular nearly-new sale of baby and children’s toys, equipment and clothes! 3pm – 5pm. Adults £2, children free.

27 & 28 March Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday The Haymarket Basingstoke, RG21 7NW The enchanting world of Sarah and Duck is brought to life in a brand-new stage show, featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA Award-winning CBeebies show. Tue 2pm & 4pm, Wed 11am & 2pm. Tickets: £14.50 .

30 March – 8 April Day out with Thomas Mid Hants Railway Alresford, SO24 9JG Meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends at the Watercress

presents

SOUNDS INTERESTING EASTER HOLIDAY: 29 March - 16 April Amazing live science show and hands-on activities this Easter!

Advance online bookings save 10%

01962 863 791

winchestersciencecentre.org winchestersciencecentre.org familiesonline.co.uk

01962 863 791 Families Hampshire North 17

Wellington Country Park

Line. 9.30am – 5pm. Adults £18, children £12 30 March – 15 April Easter Eggstravaganza Finkley Down Farm Andover, SP11 6NF Easter egg hunts, pony rides, baby animals, sheep racing, the Easter Bunny, Mad Hatter and more!

31 March Monthly Craft Fair St Paul’s Church Centre Andover, SP11 6JP A Family Friendly Craft Fair at St Paul’s Church and Community Centre in Andover. 1–4pm. 50p entry.

1 April Classic Car Sunday The Departure Lounge Cafe Alton, GU34 4BH All pre 1990 classic cars and their owners are welcome to the Classic Car Sunday meets that will be taking place on the first Sunday of each month over the summer in Alton. 2pm – 5pm 3 April Easter Bunny’s Eggs Factor The Lights Andover, SP10 1AH From the team behind Marty MacDonald’s Farm and Santa’s Christmas Wish comes the most chocolatey Easter show ever! Everyone is excited about the Easter Bunny’s singing competition - but who will Fluffy think has got The Eggs Factor?

11am. Adults £10, children £9.

Short breaks from

£389

3 April Family Willow Sculptures Workshop Basing House Basingstoke, RG24 8AE Create amazing sculptures out of willow. Make a bird, a heart or perhaps a giant flower. The only limit is your imagination! 10.30am – 12.30pm. £4 per person.

3 April Family Felting Workshop Basing House Basingstoke, RG24 8AE A fun, messy workshop where we will create a purse or a penguin puppet. We will use the finest Merino sheep wool in an array of beautiful colours and take home our fabulous felts! 1.30-3pm. £4.

4 Arpil Bushcraft Day Gilbert White’s House Alton, GU34 3JH Join us for some more exciting Bushcraft activities at the FSC and in the woodland. Booking required. Suitable for ages 5+. All materials included. £6 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm 4 April Weave A Wall Hanging Workshop The Lights Andover, SP10 1AH Learn the art of hand weaving using a hand loom with textile artist Helen Harrison. Learn the basics of weaving and take home a beautiful wall hanging you can be proud of! Suitable for ages 8+.

1pm - 3.30pm. Tickets £12

Massive 2018 park investment!

NEW Zen holiday homes!

Family holidays

forest in the

Stunning new look central square and restaurant, revamped leisure centre & pub Swimming, activities & top entertainment Meet our alpacas!

01442 50 88 50 | awayresorts.co.uk Godshill, Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire SP6 2JZ

18 Families Hampshire North

5 April Lego Animation Workshop The Lights Andover, SP10 1AH Bring your Lego, toys, action figures and work in small groups to make a fun animated film. Ages 5-7 10am - 12.30pm, £12. Ages 8+ 1.30pm - 4pm. £16.

5, 9 & 13 April Children’s Craft Club Alice Holt Forest Farnham, GU10 4LS These full day sessions for ages 5-12 involve a combination of games and exploration in the forest with seasonal, nature-based crafts in the classroom. £20 per child. Booking required. enquiries.aliceholt@groundwork. org.uk or 07736 132 692.

6 & 7 April Red Riding Hood The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre Bordon, GU35 0LR Red Riding Hood may be little but she’s about to embark on a big adventure! Deep in the Enchanted Forest, the Big Bad Wolf roams with one thing on his mind...his dinner! Granny is in danger of being gobbled up and with only a foolish fairy and wacky woodcutter on hand to help, our hooded heroine must step in and save the day! Various times. £8 7 April Wrestle Force The Harlington Fleet, GU51 4BY A night of world class professional wrestling! An incredible experience and a great night out the whole family can enjoy!

3.30pm. From £10 7 April Easter Bunny’s Eggs Factor The Haymarket Basingstoke, RG21 7NW Everyone is excited about the Easter Bunny’s singing competition - but who will Fluffy think has got The Eggs Factor?

Marty MacDonald, Henrietta the Hen and Professor Pinky are all going to enter, but can’t choose which song to sing… can you help them practice and see if you have The Eggs Factor too? 1.30pm. £12.

9 April Family Mask Making Workshop Basing House Basingstoke, RG24 8AE Have fun making large, colourful masks out of cardboard and junk bits and bobs. 1.30–3.30pm. £4.

9 April Family Stuffed Owl Workshop Basing House Basingstoke, RG24 8AE Turn an old jumper into a beautiful, colourful stuffed owl to take home.

Please bring your own jumpers along to make these cuddly creatures. (Accompanying adult needs to have basic sewing skills).

10.30am – 12.30pm. £4 per person 10 April Freaky Fairy Tales - play in a day The Lights, Andover, SP10 1AH It’s a mixed up world and all the familiar fairy tale characters seem to have wandered into the wrong story! Will there be a happily ever after? Only you can decide.

Age 6+ 10am - 3pm. £16.50 10 & 12 April The Very Hungry Caterpillar - interactive story telling workshop The Lights, Andover, SP10 1AH When the little caterpillar builds a house and falls asleep, something very magical happens. Join the magic with Amanda as she brings this classic story to life with music, movement and imaginative fun.

This workshop is suitable for children aged 2-5. £5 10 & 12 April Life Lab Gilbert White’s House Alton, GU34 3JH Our new temporary exhibition and learning space in the museum springs into life with our first ever Life Lab drop in events. Come and try your hand at being a naturalist by examining some of the specimens from our learning collection. Use a range of tools to find out about the animals in front of you including microscopes, measuring equipment and fact files. 10am-4pm 11 April Daytime Games & Fun on Skates The Harlington, Fleet, GU51 4BY Family friendly, fun, exciting and great exercise! 2pm – 6pm, All ages £5 on door purchase only. familiesonline.co.uk

Marwell Zoo

12 April Barn Tots SEN Viables Community Centre Basingstoke, RG22 4JR This group is a small and friendly platform for those who have children with additional needs or disabilities. With a range of craft activities, toys and sensory play items, this is a great way to allow your child to play safely while you meet other parents facing some of the challenges you may also be encountering. 10am – 11.30am. £2 per family.

12 April Design & Make for Spring Basingstoke Library Festival Place, RG21 7LS Get ready for spring with this textiles workshop for children aged 5 – 12. Create your own T-shirt design using fabric paints and embellishments. Bring your own T-shirt! 10.30am – 12noon. £5 per child. Booking essential.

13 & 27 April Toy Library Alton Maltings Alton, GU34 1DT Take home toys, DVDs, games and puzzles for children aged 0-8 years, for as little as 30p. Relax and chat over a drink, meet new friends, while the children play with the preloved toys. 9.30 – 11.30am.

13 April Jaws in Concert The Anvil Basingstoke, RG21 7QR Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the concert hall! The original summer movie blockbuster live in concert, with an Academy Award®-winning score that made John Williams a household name. Ages 12+ 7.30pm. Tickets £20 - £55 20 April Magical Mystery Tour Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium Winchester, SO21 1HZ These monthly tours all start on Earth before flying through the solar system, and perhaps further still! 3.10pm. Premium rate of £7.50, or £5 if also buying entry to the hands-on exhibition.

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22 April Plant Fair Chawton House Library Alton, GU34 1SJ View a collection of leading specialist nurseries offering a wide range of bulbs, perennials, herbs shrubs and trees. 11am – 4.30pm.

Garden entry is £5 (children under 16 go free). Tickets to the house additional £3.

surprises. The lively songs will have everyone joining in! It’s a spectacular theatre experience for all ages-especially 2-8 year olds!

2pm. Adults £7, children £5.

22 & 29 April Bluebell Wood Trains Hollycombe Steam in The Country, Liphook, GU30 7LP Ride the Hollycombe Quarry Railway and experience the evocative mixed scent of bluebells and steam! Adults £16, children £12, under 3s free.

28 & 29 April Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell The Haymarket Basingstoke, RG21 7NW This timeless children’s book is making its stage premiere! Join Ben and his friend Sally as they wait to see what the Zoo will send when they receive Ben’s letter asking for a pet. All kinds of familiar animals both big and small arrive but what will make the perfect domestic companion? £15.

24 April Emergency Life Saving Course Viables Community Association, Basingstoke, RG22 4BJ Course content includes: approaching emergencies/dealing with unconscious casualties/ choking/severe bleeding and CPR. This course is Free but a donation would be appreciated. 2pm – 4pm 27 April Disco Skate Roller Disco The Harlington Fleet, GU51 4BY Family friendly, fun and exciting skating 6pm-9pm, All ages £5 (including skate hire).

28 April Abba Fever The Harlington Fleet, GU51 4BY A 5 piece live band with 5 part harmonies! This show transports you back to the 70’s through the biggest hits of the world’s favourite band. 8pm. From £14.

28 April NCT Nearly New Sale Queen Mary’s College Basingstoke, RG21 3HF 11am. £1 per adult.

29 April Mum2Mum Market Hatch Warren Community Centre Basingstoke, RG22 4XF Buy top quality baby and children’s secondhand goods at our award winning, pop-up baby and children’s market nearly new sales. 2pm – 4pm. Admission £2 on the door, children free.

Don’t forget to say you saw these events listed in Families Hampshire North Magazine Would you like to feature your event in our next issue?

Email us the details to editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk for them to be included in our May/June issue by 2 April.

Vintage inspired knitwear for the modern day baby and toddler

www.etsy.com/shop/emilyandevelyn

28 April Monthly Craft Fair St Paul’s Church Centre Andover, SP11 6JP A Family Friendly Craft Fair at St Paul’s Church and Community Centre in Andover. 1pm – 4pm.

50p per person 28 April Penguin The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre, Bordon, GU35 0LR Based on the award-winning book by Polly Dunbar, Penguin is exiting, surreal and full of Families Hampshire North 19

Families Hampshire North

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