Families Hampshire West March-April 2018 Issue

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

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

Please call Vicki King 07501 433 922

Issue 63 March/April 2018 familiesonline.co.uk

IN THIS ISSUE Eggcellent Easter what’s on guide Special Educational Needs Clubs & Classes

familiesonline.co.uk Families Hampshire West

Families Hampshire West

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Managing Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk 07789 882 467 Advertising Claire Clarricoates claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk What’s on and local news Chloe Atkinson assistant@familieshampshirewest.co.uk Next issue May/June 2018 Festivals, parties, holiday clubs & classes, what’s on and much more.

Contents

Booking deadline 2 April 2018 Artwork deadline 7 April 2018

4

News & Views

5

Education news

6

Enjoy wild times outdoors

8

Education feature: Life with a child with SEN

10

Holiday clubs & classes

12

Parenting

14

Nourish your family

15

Book reviews of the season

16

Your guide to eggcellent Easter holiday fun

20

What’s on in March & April

Distribution We distribute in Winchester, Southampton, The New Forest, Totton, Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford, Hedge End, Bursledon, Netley, Park Gate and all the areas in between.

Cover image: Deposit Photos © Families Hampshire West Magazine 2018.

Families Hampshire West 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 West 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 West. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Hampshire West; 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.

To advertise your business to over 45,000 parents in West Hampshire in our next issue call 07789 882467 or email editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk

W.J.French & Son SHOEFITTERS OF DISTINCTION

www.wjfrenchandson.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

40 Bedford Place, Southampton. SO15 2DG

023 8022 6542

mail@wjfrenchandson.co.uk Families Hampshire West 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.

Start your journey this Spring at Maples Day Nursery

For parents looking for something for their ‘reluctant reader,’ this library data provides a helpful guide to what other children love. For more details on most borrowed children’s authors and titles visit www.bl.uk/plr

It’s time to register for Wear A Hat Day

A Winchester Day Nursery is offering all new families a £50 Love2Shop voucher upon registration this spring, for children starting before 30 April 2018.

Maples Day Nursery in Hatherley Road is welcoming families into nursery to come and see the fantastic facilities and Easter activities. These include the arrival of unhatched eggs which children help to nurture both before and after they hatch.

Activities with the chicks provide stimulating learning opportunities across all seven areas of the EYFS. To book a visit call the nursery on 01276 855886 or visit www.childbasepartnership. com/maples-day-nursery

funds for research into brain tumours.

Calling all schools, parents and teachers! Please get involved in Wear A Hat Day 2018. Taking place on Thursday 29 March, this is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it that day, just choose another. Join in the fun as schools and families across the UK get involved to help raise

“Wear A Hat Day is a perfect opportunity to bring the whole school together and support this game-changing charity.” – Mr Dan Gross, Deputy Head Curriculum, Beachborough School.

It’s easy to register online at www.wearahatday.org and receive your fundraising pack. In 2017, families and schools came together alongside other organisations and communities across the UK and helped raise over £300,000 to fund our vital research. With your help we can double this in 2018. So register for Wear A Hat Day 2018 and get involved.

Join Sparsholt College for its biggest and best Countryside Day British Science Week 2018 a celebration of science and technology British Science Week, run by the British Science Association is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, featuring entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK for people of all ages.

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium are inviting children to take part in their STEM Superheroes event as part of British Science Week on 10 and 11 March to dress up and enjoy the Science Centre in their favourite superhero outfits to get your little ones into science, technology, engineering and maths! Free face-painting will be available to enhance costumes.

For more information visit www. winchestersciencecentre.org 4 Families Hampshire West

Looking for an amazing family day out this spring? Join Sparsholt College for its biggest and best Countryside Day yet, filled with have-a-go activities, live music and lots of foodie treats on Saturday 12 May from 9.30am-4.30pm. The beautiful 450-acre campus will be open for visitors to experience the great outdoors, fantastic attractions and indulge in a spot of retail therapy.

Attractions for 2018 include: British Transport Police Dog Display, Sheep Dogs, Duck racing, Cattle show, Hampshire Fire and Rescue demo, Shire Horse logging, Help for Heroes, Sparsholt’s entry for The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Ferret racing, Face painting, Zorbing, Archery, Pony rides, Children’s entertainers and plenty more. Find that one-ofa-kind treasure in our craft marquee, follow our fun Children’s Trail and sample an array of tasty treats on a fun-filled day out.

We celebrate the region’s finest food and drink with Hampshire Fare with local chef demos all accompanied by the finest recommendations from Berry Brothers and Rudd.

Come along to Sparsholt College’s showcase event and book your Countryside Day tickets now at: www.sparsholt.ac.uk

Don’t miss an issue! Download the latest magazine and our back catalogue at issuu familiesonline.co.uk

Education News 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

familiesonline.co.uk

New York Gangs Invade Suburb of Bitterne at St Mary’s Independent School There was a rumble taking place in a quiet part of Southampton this term as the street-wise Jets took on the sharp-dressed Sharks. Do not call the police, however: Officer Krupke and Lt Shrank had it all under control!

Students of St Mary’s Independent School performed the classic and ground-breaking musical ‘West Side Story’. The story – a 1950’s New York set version of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’ – tells the doomed romantic tale of Tony and Maria and features classic Sondheim and Bernstein songs such as ‘America’, ‘Maria’, ‘Gee Officer Krupke’ and ‘Tonight’.

Students had been rehearsing their finger-snaps, pirouettes and stunt manoeuvres since November, and were ready to unleash their energies on unsuspecting audiences.

Everybody’s hard work and dedication shone through with some remarkable talent both on and off the stage.

To find out more about St Mary’s Independent School, come along to the Prep Open Week from Monday 12 – Friday 16 March between 9:30 – 11:30am. To arrange a tour 02380 671267 www.stmarysindependentschool.co.uk.

Thinking about returning to learning?

In addition to providing qualified, experienced, insured and DBS/ reference checked 1:1 tutors; Home School Tutoring UK now offers a range of accredited L2 (NCFE/CACHE) distance learning courses, including Understanding Autism, Employability Skills, Mental Health, Counselling, Diabetes, Dementia Care, Retail Operations and Business Administration.

All courses are free to anyone over the age of 16, (including books, support, feedback, marking and certification. Learn and qualify in the comfort of your own home with no exams, all coursework. Please contact alex.murray-twinn@homeschooltutoring.co.uk for further details.

Families Hampshire West 5

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

6 Families Hampshire West

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.”

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 If you want more time in nature with your family who won’t be parted from a device. 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.

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.

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

Stroud School, Romsey

King Edward VI Preparatory School Co-educational Independent Education for Ages 3-13

• An “education of the highest quality” ISI report • Small class sizes • 22 acres of outdoor learning • Preparation for 11+ and 13+

Highwood House, Highwood Lane, Romsey SO51 9ZH 01794 513231 registrar@stroud-kes.org.uk www.stroud-kes.org.uk

Come and see what our Prep school can offer your child at our Stroud Open Day on Saturday 3rd March, 10am – 1pm.

We would be delighted to show you round either school on a normal working day. Please contact the registrars for more information.

Co-educational Independent Education for Ages 11-18

S M

St Mary’s

Independent School

Wilton Road, Southampton SO15 5UQ

• Academic excellence Extensive range of co-curricular opportunities • Outstanding facilities • Comprehensive bus service

023 8079 9216 registrar@kes.hants.sch.uk www.kes.hants.sch.uk

• • • •

Small class sizes Outstanding academic results Incredible co-curricular opportunities Financial assistance available

We nurture. We inspire. We achieve.

September 2018 – Year 7 Places Available Please contact us to arrange a tour www.stmarysindependentschool.co.uk – 02380 671267 familiesonline.co.uk

Families Hampshire West 7

Education Feature

Life with a child with Special Educational Needs Parents are often faced with additional challenges when they have a child with special needs. Claire Winter talks to some parents about life with a child who has SEN, and gets some tips on how to find the help they need.

Caroline is mum to seven-year-old Alfie, who has autism. She says life with autism is like being on a constant rollercoaster, as no two days are the same.

“Some days we’re on a level, and then the following day we might be hurtling down an enormous drop! Alfie is autistic, which as a spectrum disorder, affects people in completely different ways. Alfie’s main challenges include social and communication issues, anxiety, dyspraxia (problems with coordination and motor-functions), sensory issues, emotional under-development and short-term memory problems. This means that even basic things, like asking him to put his shoes on or find his water bottle can be fraught with difficulties. Frankly, it’s exhausting at times! Some days are better than others. My measure is if we manage to get through the day without any major tantrums or without him hitting out at anyone, and he goes to sleep feeling loved and protected, then we’ve had a good day.”

Caroline’s son is in a mainstream school, and she says that getting education and support for your child at school is a huge sticking point for many SEN parents.

“The problem with the current mainstream school system is that it is a ‘one size fits all’ approach, but schooling a child with SEN is like trying to stick a square peg into a round hole. In our experience, because Alfie keeps up academically with his peers and appears to ‘cope’ in school, he only gets a basic level of support with things like social skills and confidence building.

I think Alfie could thrive at school if he had access to further support and if the school could fund a helper to sit with him. He is a bright and intelligent boy, but because they don’t address his specific needs, he will only perform at a mediocre level. Because Alfie just gets on with it out of sheer determination and a huge amount of self-control, he continually slips through the net. He is exhausted when he comes home from school from trying to ‘fit in,’ and that is when he is most likely to meltdown. But unfortunately, the school doesn’t get to see this behaviour. This

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is a major issue for many SEN parents, and a lot of us feel very let down by the system.”

Holly set up her charity Stand Out for Autism (www. standoutforautism.com) to raise awareness about the condition and help local parents. Dealing with other families and children’s reaction to an autistic child can be a challenge.

“Sometimes I just adopt a warrior mum pose when Harry is having a meltdown; it doesn’t help to have another parent comment on his behaviour. Sometimes you need to think before you say something, as you may not know the full story. This is one of the main reasons why I set up the charity. Sometimes, it is also difficult dealing with people who are well meaning. If a stranger approaches my son when he is upset, it makes him even worse. It is hard because he has a non-visible disability.”

Caroline says Autism is often referred to as a ‘hidden disability, but it does depend on the child and their specific needs.

“The nature of the condition being a spectrum disorder means that everyone experiences it differently. People often don’t realise Alfie has a condition, and then if we explain, we get comments like “well, he doesn’t look autistic.” For some reason, people feel qualified to comment on your child’s condition after only meeting them for five minutes! I have to continually explain to people that because he is classed as ‘high-functioning,’ i.e. he keeps up with his peers academically and has average verbal skills, it doesn’t mean that his life is any easier. In fact, in some ways it’s harder, because society expects him to be a certain way because he doesn’t have the indicators of what people perceive to be ‘disabled,’ such as a wheelchair or a full-time carer. I am always happy to talk about Alfie and his condition as part of a positive conversation around disability.”

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S a t ur da y 2 1 Ap r i l 2 0 1 8

02380 275573

Woodlands Community College Harefield, Southampton, S018 5FW 10:15am - 12pm (members 10am) £1.50 per adult in aid of NCT charity

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www.nct.org.uk/southampton

Please contact the Area Advisor for Hampshire (West & Central) Mrs Alex Murray-Twinn, BA (Hons), PGCE, NPQH

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alex.murray-twinn@homeschooltutoring.co.uk

8 Families Hampshire West

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What should you do if you suspect your child may have SEN or additional needs?

Holly says: “I would go to your family doctor or health visitor as the first port of call. Look for local support, see if your local children’s centre has any specialist groups. The National Autistic society is also a great resource. There may also be a local organisation that could help you too.”

Caroline says if your child is school age, you should get in touch with their school, particularly if they haven’t flagged anything up to you already.

“Be able to give clear examples of how the issue is affecting your child and their ability to learn or function in a classroom setting, and how it may be affecting them at home. Keep notes if necessary. Issues at school can often manifest themselves at home through bad behaviour, withdrawing, general grumpiness, and not wanting to talk about school. Obviously, it depends on the challenges involved and the individual child, but if you suspect the issue is related to mental health, then they ought to be seen by a GP who can refer them on to the relevant services, although access to this varies depending on area and hospital trust.

“Last of all – don’t give up! If we all keep shouting about it, eventually we will get heard!”

Five Early Signs of Autism Early autism intervention programmes can address the primary behavioural symptoms of autism in children from as young as 18 months of age and can have long term positive effects. Many children with autism appear to be developing typically until they start pre-school, when language and social delays stand out in contrast to the development of their peers.

These five signs of autism can be observed in children as young as 12 to 24 months of age.

Your child does not look when you point at something - A child with autism may not look when you point at an object across the room and may not follow your gaze when you look at something.

Your child does not point with one finger to request items or get help - A child with autism may not use gestures like pointing with one finger to ask for things or to direct your attention.

Your child does not respond to his or her name - Children with autism may not understand the response you expect when you say their name, or they may not be motivated to respond in the same way as a typically developing child.

Your child avoids looking you in the eye - A child with autism may find eye contact challenging or painful and may avoid looking you in the eye when you are talking to, playing with, or dressing him or her.

Your child ignores you or does not seem to understand directions - A child with autism may have trouble understanding spoken language.

If you have concerns about your child, contact your GP or healthcare provider today.

For more information on early intervention visit www.autism.org. uk or www.gemiini.org, a web based learning programme offering online video modeling to parents without a formal diagnosis.

ADFAM02

Now taking registrations Fun is an essential ingredient at Maples Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as the staff who provide them.

AD SEN01 £50 Love to Shop Gift Vouchers If your child starts at nursery between 1st February and 30th April 2018 Please quote reference LF-LTS18

“My son absolutely loves going to Maples. At 17 months he happily sits at home reciting all the staff members na mes and squeals with delight as we arrive in the mornings.

The tea m are very professional and you can tell from the moment you walk in how much they care for your child.”

Parent, www.daynurseries.co.uk

Please call 01962 870977 or email maples.nursery@childbase.com Maples Day Nursery and Preschool, 39 Hatherley Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 6RT

www.childbasepartnership.com familiesonline.co.uk

The Sheiling Ringwood School and College (6-25 years)

Set in a stunning, sustainable and eco-friendly 40-acre site close to the New Forest and Dorset coastline, the natural surroundings of our school and college provide a rich, enabling and therapeutic learning environment for students who have special educational needs.

We offer an individualised and flexible approach to placements. Day and residential. We also offer respite services for our students during the holidays.

Call 01425 477488 www.thesheilingringwood.co.uk Families Hampshire West 9

Holiday Clubs & Classes

Mum thrilled with confidence boost from Perform Drama 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.

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

“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!”

To book a free trial in Hedge End, Lymington, Romsey, Southampton or Winchester visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Barracudas Activity Day Camps available in Winchester this summer It can be hard to keep children entertained during the school holidays. With an unrivalled choice of activities and more ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings than any other comparable provider, Barracudas is an excellent choice for both parents and children alike.

For as little as £3.64 an hour, children have a choice of quality activities for every session, run by friendly, professional and enthusiastic staff in exceptional settings.

They’re so confident that your child will have ‘such an amazing experience at Barracudas they can’t wait to come back’ that they offer a ‘money back guarantee’ for all new bookers! For a 100% stress free school holiday, choose Barracudas. Visit www. barracudas.co.uk

Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds.

HEDGE END 01489 666323 hedgeend@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/hedgeend

SOUTHAMPTON & EASTLEIGH 01962 771024 southampton@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/southampton

TOTTON 02380 422488 totton@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/totton

WINCHESTER 01794 390601 winchester@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/winchester

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

Creative Courage For Life

10 Families Hampshire West

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To book, please call our sales team on 01489 785228. To find out more about these events, visit the website; www.ymca-fg.org

Easter Holiday Club with Bright Sparks at Winchester Science Centre

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.

Visit www.winchestersciencecentre.org for more details.

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Between April and June our three “Taster Day” sessions give you the chance to try something new at a super low price! From kayaking to abseiling, fire lighting to woodland crafts, there’s something for everyone and for all ages. Why not join us for our “Paddle Sports Taster Day” on Saturday 14th April at 9.30am – 12.00pm or 2pm-4.30pm? We are offering you a variety of fun-packed activities; you will have the opportunity to try kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing on the lake. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Alternatively, you can test your survival skills at the “Survival Taster Day” sessions on 15th April or if you’re feeling brave come along to the “Head for Heights” sessions on 9th June.

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YMCA Fairthorne Manor, near Botley, offers a unique outdoor activity venue set in the heart of the countryside. The 111 acres are made up of sweeping grounds, mature woodland, a lake and access to the upper reaches of the River Hamble.

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Want to challenge yourself, try something different with friends or enjoy a new activity with the kids?

Giving every child such an

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they can’t wait to come back!

Daycamps Join us every school holiday at one of our settings and enjoy a fun-filled programme of activities that will leave you with lasting memories, new friends and fantastic experiences.

Daycamps available at Fairthorne Manor in Botley, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

Easter Trail Join us for our annual Easter trail and enjoy a themed walk through our beautiful woodland, followed by a roast lunch or dinner in our dining hall.

Friday 30th & Saturday 31st March Session 1 - 11am - 1pm Session 2 - 3pm - 5pm £8 per Adult

Your local community charity

1/2 Hampshire West.indd 3 familiesonline.co.uk

£6 per Child

For more information and to book Daycamps & the Easter Trail, visit www.ymca-fg.org or call our friendly sales team on 01489 785228.

08/02/2018 14:21 Families Hampshire West 11

Parenting

Could shared parental leave work for you?

Shared Parental Leave (SPL) allows parents to share time off work during the first year after their child is born, with dads and mums both taking some of the leave, whilst being paid at a statutory rate.

When Craig Curran and Sarah Farquharson looked into sharing the time off after their baby was born they couldn’t believe their luck. They both worked for Virgin Money which offered enhanced shared parental pay for parents on SPL – meaning they would receive a higher level of pay than the statutory rate. Sarah also earned more than Craig so it made better financial sense for Craig to share the leave with her. Even better, the couple were able to take a month of leave together – Sarah took the first five months of leave alone, the couple shared the sixth month and Craig took the last two months.

The result for Craig and Sarah has been a closer family relationship and a greater sharing of parental responsibilities - with neither parent’s career suffering as a result. Sarah was promoted just after she found out she was pregnant whilst Craig returned from his leave to a promotion. “If anyone asks me about it, I say just do it. You never get that time again” says Craig. “I would 100% do it again.”

Both Craig and Sarah report that their managers and colleagues were very supportive of their leave plans. However, that is not always the case.

In its annual survey Workingmums.co.uk found that only 37% of respondents said they would consider taking SPL. The majority would not. Some of the reasons given were the negative impact on household finances,

the mother for all or part of the leave and so forth. Being able to read about other parents’ experiences brings the whole process to life.

fears that the dad’s career would suffer and a lack of knowledge about SPL. Some 43% of respondents said they wouldn’t take SPL because it would not make sense financially but the majority of these said that even enhanced SPL pay wouldn’t make a difference to their decision. Clearly, the suggestion is that other non-financial factors are at play, such as the desire many women have to spend as much time as possible with their baby. 17% of mums said they didn’t want to share their leave.

What SPL does is give parents greater choice over how they manage the care of their new born child and it can be an important building block in facilitating change in discriminatory working environments. However, take up remains very low nationally, possibly because the legislation is complex and dry.

HR managers are recommending that the language is simplified and that managers are given tools they need to implement SPL, as well as being able to give concrete case studies which show the many different ways in which SPL can be taken: in one chunk or in separate blocks over a period of time; overlapping with

One of the benefits of SPL is that dads who have taken it feel much more confident about being in sole charge of their children. They also have a greater sense of empathy about what looking after a baby involves, and there can also be a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

One dad who took SPL is John Birrell from the law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner. His wife went through a traumatic emergency C-section followed by hospitalisation for an infection.

Having her husband to share the months after the birth meant she was not left on her own to recover from major surgery while doing the physically exhausting work of looking after a young child. “Mental health is too often ignored and post-natal depression must be one of the most common forms,” says John.

Workingmums.co.uk collaborated recently with dadswebsite www.daddilife.com on a series of videos highlighting the need for parents to have open conversations around Shared Parental Leave. One couple who took part are Eulalia Pereira and Martin Stopher from London. Eulalia said: “As a mother there is a sense you should be doing everything. I know (as a result of taking SPL) that Martin, on a day to day basis is there, that he is involved with the kids. I could not have hoped for more.”

Mandy Gardner is editor of www.workingmums. co.uk, a platform dedicated to finding flexible, challenging work for mums. To view videos in which three couples discuss their choice to take Shared Parental Leave, take a look at the Workingmums.co.uk Youtube Channel.

Making the Digital World Safer for Our Children Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters tells us about new measures in the UK that will attempt to achieve this.

A social media code of practice intended to boost efforts to remove or address bullying, intimidating or humiliating online content.

Late last year was marked by a landmark moment. Internet safety reached the top of the news agenda when the Government outlined its plans to make Britain the “safest place to be online.”

An annual internet safety transparency report undertaken by social media organisations which would show progress on addressing abusive and harmful content and conduct.

Following the rapid development of the “open and free” digital world, the Culture Secretary, Karen Bradley revealed that although she felt the internet was a huge force for good, “it has also caused undeniable suffering and can be an especially harmful place for children and vulnerable people. Behaviour that is unacceptable in real life must also be unacceptable on a computer screen.”

Among the Government’s forthcoming measures will be: A voluntary levy on internet companies, such as Google and Facebook, to be used to target issues such as cyberbullying, online abuse and children being exposed to pornography on the internet.

12 Families Hampshire West

Supporting tech and digital startups to build internet safety into their products from the beginning.

New compulsory school subjects to provide online safety education.

Encouraging social media companies to offer safety advice and tools to parents.

Streamlining and targeting education and advice on online safety for parents in the same way that other risks, like road safety, are tackled starting from when children are born.

Urging organisations that are collecting data from children and young people to publish how they intend to use it.

A new requirement that privacy notices setting out how an organisation plans to use personal data it collects are written in a clear, plain way that is understandable, even to a child.

The Government’s intends to target new parents at NCT courses, Sure Start Centres, nurseries, pharmacies and via Facebook itself.

This should mean that there is less reason for parents to fear technology and they should feel more comfortable in allowing their children to use it to explore, communicate and learn.

For further information about topical issues affecting parents and children in the digital world and how to keep your children safe online, visit www.internetmatters.org

familiesonline.co.uk

Southampton Football Club, Then and Now A major exhibition between Southampton Football Club and SeaCity Museum 29 MARCH - 28 OCTOBER 2018 AT SEACITY MUSEUM SEACITYMUSEUM.CO.UK SOUTHAMPTONFC.COM familiesonline.co.uk

Families Hampshire West 13

In her book, Tamar Henry tells the traumatic story of the health challenge that rocked her young son’s life.

Through her son’s adversity and subsequent recovery and her studies to become the health professional that she is today, this mother of three adopted a new focus on nutrition that lends itself to her family’s current lifestyle.

To find out more about Tamar, her family, services and to receive free up to date health information find her at www.henryshealth.

Nourish your Family!

We asked Tamar Henry, who has recently published the book Nourish, A Modern Mother’s Guide to Child Nutrition, about the importance of a balanced diet and how to maintain healthy eating habits.

Eating in Moderation?

I am regularly asked whether it’s okay to eat unhealthy foods as long as they are eaten in moderation. In other words, can foods that we know are detrimental to child health be considered part of a balanced diet? Clearly, it is what you do most often that counts, and allowing your child to eat a little of what they fancy from time to time can easily be justified. However ongoing research also warns us that processed foods contain dangerous amounts of salt and or sugar, not to mention an array of preservatives, colourings and chemicals and can be seriously damaging to both short and long term health. So, it’s important that you educate your child about unhealthy foods and why they should only be eaten occasionally and in small amounts.

GIVEAWAY OFFER Families has copies of Nourish, A Modern Mother’s Guide to Child Nutrition to give away.

In her recently published book NOURISH, A Modern Mother’s Guide to Child Nutrition, Tamar Henry tells the traumatic story of the health challenge that rocked her young son’s life. Through her son’s adversity and subsequent recovery and her studies to become a health professional, Tamar, mother of three, adopted a new focus on nutrition that lends itself to her family’s current lifestyle.

Nourish is available from Amazon, Kindle, Google Play, Kobo and iBook.

To apply for the giveaway, just email editor@familieshampshirewest. co.uk with your name and full address by 30 April 2018.

Healthy Choices As they continue to grow I am supporting my own three sons to learn that a balanced diet consists of a variety of the fresh produce available to us (think fruits, veggies, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices). Helping your family to understand what role food plays in their life (healthy and unhealthy) will certainly encourage them to make better choices.

As children grow up and develop autonomy, they need to take charge of their own food choices and feel comfortable eating and selecting their own foods. To help them make good choices when this time comes, give them the opportunity to pick from an array of healthy foods, elect items from the supermarket, create their own menus, invite family and friends for dinners; support them in the kitchen and help to make the subject and importance of health more fun.

Making Mealtimes Relaxed The dinner table is a place full of possibilities to both nurture and nourish your family. As a parent responsible for feeding your family, it’s important to try hard to create a meal time space that is conducive to the likes and needs of everyone. Children who are stressed and emotional at mealtimes will create a negative emotional connection with the food they are being offered and are likely to reject it. On the other hand, children who experience joy, fun and inclusion at mealtimes, and who have helped and made their own choices around the food that is being served will make a positive connection to that same food, and happily come to the table and eat.

Saturday 12 May 9.30am–4.30pm Find out more sparsholt.ac.uk Sorry, no dogs with the exception of recognised assistance dogs Fundraising for Sparsholt College Hampshire

14 Families Hampshire West

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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 familiesonline.co.uk

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.

Families Hampshire West 15

Your guide to

eggcellent Easter holiday fun Here’s our pick of some local Easter activities and family days out in West Hampshire and surrounding areas

The Peter Rabbit Garden Trail makes a welcome return to Manor Farm This year. Based on Beatrix Potter’s muchloved characters, there’s a free prize for every trail pass purchased. Can you spot Peter’s lost coat? There’s currant buns to find and goldfish to catch. And don’t forget to watch out for Mr. McGregor!

You’ll enjoy a great family day out at Manor Farm meeting friendly farm animals around our traditional farmyard. There is always something new to see with baby animals and all our usual farmyard favourites.

The café offers a selection of food and drink from teas and ice creams to hot food. Finally finish with a visit to the beautiful country park with its mix of ancient woodland, riverside walks and farmland.

Peter Rabbit Garden Trail pass £4 (£2 for online advance purchases).

Admission charges: adults £8, children (3-16) £5, under 3 years free senior (60+) £7, family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £25, family ticket (2 adults, 3 children) £29.

Manor Farm Country Farm I Southampton I SO31 1BH www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm

Easter fun at Adventure Wonderland With its resident White Rabbit, Adventure Wonderland is the perfect spot to keep the kids entertained this Easter. There will be egg and spoon races and an Easter Egg hunt in the giant hedge maze everyday over the four days of the holiday weekend plus you can meet Paw Patrol’s Skye & Rubble on 11th April.

2018 is an exciting year at the park, opposite Bournemouth Airport, with a host of new attractions including a World of Madness play area, a Dance with the Stars marquee, a giant White Rabbit bouncer, a Super Zap Zone in the Wild Thing Play area and a curriculumbased Alice trail for schools and groups. Other attractions include the ever-popular Cuddle Corner Farm, the largest natural hedge maze in the South, story time with Alice and new shows in the Happydrome Theatre.

Visit adventurewonderland.co.uk or call 01202 483444 for further details, opening times and tickets. Book online for a 10% discount.

Adventure Wonderland I Christchurch I BH23 6BA www.adventurewonderland.co.uk 16 Families Hampshire West

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

Easter family fun at the Swan Centre Have fun at the Swan Centre, Eastleigh this Easter holiday with fantastic shopping, leisure and entertainment for all the family, On Friday, 30 March, between 11am and 3pm, young milliners can road test their design skills with Easter Hat and Bonnet Making workshops.

On Friday, 6 April, The Puppetree Theatre Company will be bringing the story of Pooka – a mischievous ‘Spirit’ - to life in puppet shows which feature this character from Celtic folklore. Shows at 11.30am, 1pm and 3pm On Friday, 13 April, Angie Hula Hoop will demonstrate her art with a stack of colourful hoops and funky music and inviting the youngsters to have a go at a workshop at 1pm.

The Swan Shopping Centre, has free family entertainment every half term and holiday.

The Swan Shopping Centre I Eastleigh I SO50 5SF www.swanshopping.com

Easter Treats at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre!

From Good Friday 30 March to Easter Monday 2 April, Monkey World will be handing out chocolate Easter Eggs to the first 100 children in the park every day! As well as Easter Treats, there is lots to see, including over 250 primates of more than 20 different species. Many have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty. At Monkey World, they all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment.

The kids Activity Centre will be open over Easter, with fun trails, arts and crafts and information, making Monkey World a great day out at Easter!

Monkey World I Wareham I BH20 6HH www.monkeyworld.org familiesonline.co.uk

PETER RABBITtm & BEATRIX POTTERtm c Frederick Warne & Co. 2018. Reproduced by kind permission of Frederick Warne & Co.

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Based on Beatrix Potter’s much-loved characters, the trail makes a welcome return to Manor Farm for Easter 2018. £4 per child plus normal farm admission charges

prize Free very e with ass p trail sed a h c r pu

www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm

www.hants.gov.uk

Shop, dine & play BIG NAME RESTAURANTS, CINEMA, BOWLING, PLAY CENTRES AND REGULAR KID’S ENTERTAINMENT MAKE THE SWAN CENTRE THE IDEAL DESTINATION FOR CHILDREN

the swan centre eastleigh

familiesonline.co.uk

@swaneastleigh

www.swanshopping.com Families Hampshire West 17

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 at Milestones Museum 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-andtake minifigures. LEGO fans can also come along to our big build weekend on 10 March – to help Bright Bricks, our LEGO partner, build a Greek temple.

Meet Beaulieu’s Nature Detective on birdthemed Easter trail Meet the Nature Detective at Beaulieu this Easter and spot his feathery friends on a bird-themed treasure trail with family activities around the attraction from Good Friday 30 March - 15 April.

Find the bird-named vehicles in the National Motor Museum, make dough bird shapes with Lord Montagu’s cook in Palace House and become a fully fledged Nature Detective when you pick up your trail bag and go hunting for natural treasures. Spot the Nature Detective as he drives around the attraction in his Willys Jeep, get your face painted like a bird and join in with bird making and colouring crafts.

Then find out more about the ancient art of falconry at the brand new display Abbot’s Mews which tells the fascinating story of falconry on the Beaulieu Estate.Make bark rubbings, see how many topiary animals you can find and when you’ve finished your hunt, pick up your Nature Detective bug prize.

All Easter activities are included in the general admission entrance ticket, which includes entry to the National Motor Museum, Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the stunning grounds and gardens.

Beaulieu I New Forest I SO42 7ZN www.beaulieu.co.uk

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.

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

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 I www.marwellorg.uk 18 Families Hampshire West

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familiesonline.co.uk

Included in normal admission

Families Hampshire West 19

Palace House at Beaulieu

What’s on March & April

Your guide to family events this March & April. Don’t forget to check with the venue before setting off just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.

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. Runs throughout 2018.

Until 29 March Spring Trail - Self Guided Family Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA Look out for the signs of spring in the Gardens. No need to book, collect your trail map from the Ticket Desk. Daily from 10am.

3 March Peter and the Wolf The Berry Theatre Hedge End, SO30 4EJ Join Peter and his Granddad as they embark on a hilarious adventure through fields and forests in a musical adventure for everyone aged 4+. 2pm. £8/£6.

3 March Lepe Beach Clean Lepe Country Park Exbury, SO45 1AD Each day, the Lepe Rangers pick up litter that has either been washed up on the beach with the tide or left by visitors. Plastics are the most common source of litter found and cause harm to marine creatures and bird life. Join the Lepe Rangers to take on a beach and park clean.

3 & 4 March M4TH5 W33K3ND Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, SO21 1HZ A weekend of maths fun at Winchester Science Centre delivered in partnership with the University of Southampton. Maths games, puzzles and challenges for all! General admission fees apply (additional charges apply for planetarium and live shows) 3, 10 & 17 March Mayflower Young Writers Mayflower Theatre Southampton, SO15 1GE Do you like writing? Would you like to work with a professional writer and find out more about selected Mayflower Theatre shows? Are you at secondary school or college? Would you like to see your work performed and 20 Families Hampshire West

published online and in print? Free event but you need to pre-book 4 March Forest Fables & Seaside Stories Forest Arts Centre New Milton, BH25 6DS Travel on imaginary journeys as you delve deep into the forest, adventure to the beach and under the sea, with fun and games guaranteed. Suitable for ages 3 – 7 and their grown-ups. 10.30am.

Tickets £4 5 – 10 March The Importance of Being Earnest Theatre Royal Winchester Winchester, SO23 8SB The Importance of Being Earnest by the master of comedy Oscar Wilde, makes a welcome return to Winchester in this wonderfully witty, deliciously decadent and classic revival from The Original Theatre Company.

6 & 20 March Story time at Central Library Southampton, SO14 7LW Story time is a fun and interactive storytelling activity designed for under 5s. The session is free and there is no need to book - just turn up! 11am 7 March Magical Mystery Tour Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, 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.

10 March Southampton Vaults Tour Tudor House & Garden St Michael’s Square, SO14 2AD Find out about Southampton’s exciting past with Dr Andy Russel and visit the city’s hidden vaults.

This is an outside walking activity from 11am-12.45pm or 2pm3.45pm / £5 (£4 Conc).

10 March Luxury Chocolate Making Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA Run by professional chocolatiers from Chocolate Craft, come and make your own luxury chocolates that look as good as the professional’s. 10am -12noon, or 2pm – 4pm. £40pp or £45 for 2 people.

strive to find ways to work and play together. Inspired by research into the human brain, Bright Sparks is a playful, delightfully humorous show that shows how important it is to work together..

11am & 2pm. Adults £8, children £6.

10 March Wildlife Watch in Southampton Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust The Roundhouse, Woodmill Activity Centre, SO18 2JR A club for children aged 5-15 and their families. The various activities help children discover the natural world, learn new skills and work towards Wildlife Watch award schemes. Contact: lamulley@hotmail.com. 10am12noon. £4 per person 10 March Nick Sharratt’s Big Draw-Along The Berry Theatre Hedge End, SO30 4EJ Join acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator, Nick Sharratt, to find out how he creates his picture books. He’ll show you how to draw Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, kings and cats and all kinds of crazy creatures! 2pm. Tickets £8 10 March Snow White Nuffield Southampton Theatres Southampton, SO17 1TR Far, far away there lies a curiously mechanical kingdom in which everything ticks but nothing laughs. It is ruled by ‘The Queen Who Never Smiles’ and she is determined to control everyone and everything, even time itself.

11am & 2pm. Tickets £6 10 & 11 March Bright Sparks The Point Eastleigh, SO50 9DE Watch these two opposites get their wires crossed as they

11 March Mother’s Day Lunch Cruise Blue Funnel Ocean Village, SO14 3FJ Give Mum a day off and treat her to something a little different this year. Enjoy views of Southampton and her port from the water while sitting down to a superb 2 course set lunch. There is a gift for every Mum. Booking essential.

12.15pm, duration 2 ½ hours.

Adults £21.95, children £10.95 11 March Mother’s Day at Monkey World Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Nr Wareham, BH20 6HH Mum’s get 50% off entry at Monkey World on Mother’s day!

Simply download the voucher from the website and present it at the entrance gate.

12 & 26 March Boogie in the Barn Hanger Farm Arts Centre West Totton, SO40 8FT Fun music and movement sessions for under 5’s with singing and dancing along to all their favourite nursery rhymes and popular songs. Coffee, tea and squash provided. 10.30am – 11.30am. £2 per child.

FAMILY THEATRE SHOWS at The Point, Eastleigh THIS SPRING March: Bright Sparks April: Captain Flinn & the Pirate Dinosaurs / Sourpuss 023 8065 2333 www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

15 & 29 March Rhyme time at Central Library Southampton, SO14 7LW Rhyme time is a fun and interactive singing activity designed for under 5s. The session is free and there is no need to book - just turn up! 2pm 17 March Big Owls Spring on the Farm Countryside Education Trust Beaulieu, SO42 7YG Join us on the farm where we will be meeting the animals, looking for new arrivals and having fun with lots of crafts and activities.

For ages 4 - 6 accompanied by an adult. 10am – 12noon. £6 17 & 18 March Peppa Pig’s Adventure Theatre Royal Winchester Jewry Street, SO23 8SB Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. 10am, 1pm & 4pm. Tickets from £17 17 & 18 March DIY Live Science Shows with BBC presenter Jon Chase Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, SO21 1HZ 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.

19 March Scratch Shakespeare Theatre Royal Winchester Jewry Street, SO23 8SB University of Winchester students perform four of Shakespeare’s classics reimagined. 7pm. £10.

20 – 24 March George’s Marvellous Medicine Nuffield Southampton Theatres Southampton, SO17 1TR Various times and ticket prices.

22 March Gold, Guns and Slums Westgate Hall Westgate Street, SO14 2AY Join Southampton City Council’s chief archaeologist, Dr Andy Russel, for the news of the latest discoveries from excavations in Southampton. Recent excavations in East Street alone have unearthed the remains of a cannon factory, evidence of goldworking and also insights into life in a Victorian slum. 7:30- 8:30pm 24 March Car Boot Sale Shirley Junior School Bellemoor Road, SO15 5XE Bag a bargain at our annual car boot sale. BBQ, cafe, crafts, bouncy castle and face painting.

Cars £5, Children’s box £1. Entry for cars between 11-11.30am.

12noon - 2pm. £1 entry, children free familiesonline.co.uk

24 March Wildlife Watch in Winchester Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Winnall Moors, SO23 8DX A club for children aged 5-15 and their families. Various activities help children discover the natural world, learn new skills and work towards Wildlife Watch award schemes. Booking essential. 10am - 12noon, £4 per person.

24 March New Forest NCT Nearly New Sale Brockenhurst Village Hall New Forest, SO42 7RY Top quality children’s clothes, toys and equipment at a fraction of the price. 10am. Adults £1, kids free.

24 March Easter Craft & Egg Hunt St Mary’s Independent Schoo, Southampton, SO18 4DJ Bring your baskets for some Easter fun between 10am – 12pm.

Lots of crafting activities followed by an Easter egg hunt for ages 0 – 8. If we are really lucky the Easter Bunny may even pay us a visit.

Email prep@stmiss.co.uk to book your free place.

24 March NCT Easter Party Townhill Community Centre Southampton, SO16 9NP Enjoy some Easter fun at the NCT Easter party. Check the NCT website for more details!

24 & 25 March Night Sky Live!

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, SO21 1HZ A two-day family festival celebrating the night sky. Live science shows, presenterled planetarium shows, live stargazing (outdoor or indoor, weather permitting) and hands-on astronomy activities. 10am – 9pm (8.30pm Sunday).

24 March -22 April Peter Rabbit Garden Trail Manor Farm & Country Park Bursledon, SO31 1BH See our Easter page for full details.

25 March Museum Craft Fair The Brickworks Museum Southampton, SO31 7HB A special craft market to kick start the season. Entry prices include both the museum and the craft fair. From 11am to 4pm. Adults £3, children £1.

26 March Tropical House!

Marwell Zoo Winchester, SO21 1JH See our Easter page for full details.

Events runs throughout the summer.

27 – 31 March Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella Mayflower Theatre Southampton, SO15 1GE A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and

her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz. From £22.

30 & 31 March Easter Trail YMCA Fairthorne Manor Curdridge, SO30 2GH Join us for our Easter trail as we enjoy a walk through the woods, followed by a roast lunch or dinner in the dining room. Adults – £8, Children £6. To book call 01489 785228 30 March – 2 April Longdown Easter Trails Longdown Activity Farm Ashurst, SO40 7EH Search for clutches of eggs in their special nests which are hidden around the Farm. Children will receive a chocolate treat at the end of the trail.

30 March – 2 April Easter Eggstravaganza!

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Nr Wareham, BH20 6HH Free Easter Eggs for the first 100 children into the park from Good Friday until Easter Monday!

The children’s Activity Centre is also open all week for fun filled activities and information.

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

Line. 9.30am – 5pm. Adults £18, children £12.

30 March – 15 April Easter Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA The Easter bunny has left a trail of clues and fun around the Gardens.

Follow the self guided trail and receive a prize. Suitable for all the family. £1.50 per child plus garden admission fees apply.

30 March – 15 April Easter Egg Trail Itchen Valley Country Park Southampton, SO30 3HQ Follow the egg trail through the woods finding the answers then come back for your chocolatey prize.10.30am - 4pm. £2.

30 March – 15 April Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Mottisfont, Romsey, SO51 0LP Take part in our nature-themed Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, roam the parkland and explore the blooming gardens. Complete nature-themed activities with your family to earn a delicious chocolate prize. From 10am. £2 per trail (general admission applies).

30 March Easter Bonnet Crafts Swan Centre, Eastleigh, SO50 5PB Come along to the Centre and create an Easter Bonnet and take part in our Easter Bonnet parade to win a £25 gift voucher!

ril 2018 30 March – 15 Ap

Become a nature detective this Easter with loads of themed activities included in your Beaulieu admission!

beaulieu.co.uk Beaulieu | New Forest | Hampshire | SO42 7ZN

01590 612345 Open daily from 10am

Families Hampshire West 21

30 March – 15 April Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt: Mini Rangers Trail Mottisfont Romsey, SO51 0LP Study ‘mini-beasts’ under the microscope, investigate the life of bats in Mottisfont’s medieval cellarium, spot river wildlife, and hunker down in a tent to discover sounds of the estate at night.

There are loads more fun nature activities to get stuck into, plus Cadbury chocolate treats for all participants. 10am–5pm. £2.

30 March – 15 April Bird-themed Easter Trail Beaulieu New Forest, SO42 7ZN Find the bird-named vehicles in the National Motor Museum, make doughbird shapes with Lord Montagu’s cook in Palace House and become a fully fledged Nature Detective when you pick up your trail bag and go hunting for natural treasures.

31 March Penguin The Berry Theatre Hedge End, SO30 4EJ A joyful adaptation of Polly Dunbar’s award-winning book, Penguin, by Long Nose Puppets.

Made especially for 2-7 year olds, stay after the show to join the company up on stage and the meet the puppets. 11am. Adults £8, children £6.

3 April Morgan & West: More Magic for Kids!

The Berry Theatre Hedge End, SO30 4EJ Expect an afternoon full of crazy capers for the young, old, and everyone in-between, and magic to marvel at. 2pm. Adults £8, children £6.

3 & 4 April We’re Going on an Egg Hunt Royal Victoria Country Park Netley, SO31 5GA Story trail around the Park and a craft activity. Suitable for 5yrs and under. Please wear wellies and bring a waterproof coat if the weather isn’t good. Booking is essential.10am or 2pm. £6 per child (includes a drink and biscuit).

3, 5, 10 & 12 April Pond Dipping Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA Join us for pond dipping and see what is in our Education Garden ponds. Can you find diving 22 Families Hampshire West

beetles, nimble pond skaters and slimy snails? 1pm – 4pm. £2.

stories, crafts and sweet treats!

11am - 12noon, free.

4 – 7 April David Walliams – Awful Auntie Mayflower Theatre Southampton, SO15 1GE Various times. Tickets from £19.50

6 April Easter Entertainment Swan Centre, Eastleigh, SO50 5PB Bring the children down to the Centre for some free Easter entertainment. Shows at 11:30am, 1pm and 3pm.

8 April Simply Aston Martin Beaulieu New Forest, SO42 7ZN Back for its third year, Aston Martin owners are invited to start Beaulieu’s events calendar and bring their prized motors for a celebration of the iconic marque, with vehicles of every age and model.

7 April Jane Austen: Tour and Tea Winchester Cathedral, SO23 9LS Jane Austen died in Winchester in 1817. This tour offers visitors an intimate and often amusing insight into her life and connections with the Cathedral. Tickets £12.50

8 April Sunday Circus School The Point Eastleigh, SO50 9DE Young people aged 8-17 are invited to Sunday Circus School to learn new skills in juggling, aerial stunts and acrobatics. 10am. £8

7 April The Jungle Book Theatre Royal Winchester Jewry Street, SO23 8SB Brand new musical adaptation of family favourite, The Jungle Book.

1.30pm and 4.30pm. Tickets £16

9 & 23 April Boogie in the Barn Hanger Farm Arts Centre West Totton, SO40 8FT Fun music and movement sessions for under fives. Little ones will be singing and dancing along to all their favourite nursery rhymes and popular songs.

10.30am – 11.30am. £2 per child.

4 April Captain Flinn & the Pirate Dinosaurs 2: The Magic Cutlass The Point, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE This critically acclaimed tale of adventure and bravery is for all aged 3+, presented by one of the country’s leading family theatre company’s. 2pm & 4pm. Adults £8, children £6.

4 April Easter Family Activities Winchester Cathedral Winchester, SO23 9LS Pick up a free Easter trail from the Entrance Desk and follow it around the Cathedral. Suitable for children from age 4 - 11 years.

4 April Spring Willow Wreath Itchen Valley Country Park West End, SO30 3HQ Using willow make a ring then decorate with leaves and flowers.

10.30am – 12 noon. £3 6 April Sourpuss The Point, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE A playful adventure for children aged 3-8 years old and their families, featuring handcrafted string and shadow puppets. 11am & 2pm. Adults £8, children £6 6 April Just a Spoonful of Sugar – Toddler Time Special Lordshill Library, Southampton, SO16 8HY Join staff for an hour of songs,

7 April Saturday Storytime The Berry Theatre Hedge End, SO30 4EJ Musical storytellers Kate the Hedgehog and Craig the Fox, along with a host of woodland friends, delight families with their fantastical tales, sing-along-songs and joyful games. Suitable for ages 3-7 years and their grownups. 10.30am. £3 per person 8 April Forest Fables & Seaside Stories Forest Arts Centre New Milton, BH25 6DS Travel on imaginary journeys as you delve deep into the forest, adventure to the beach and under the sea, with fun and games guaranteed. Suitable for ages 3 – 7 and their grown-ups. 10.30am. £4

We March On: Southampton Football Club, Then and Now Celebrating over 130 years of Southampton Football Club, this major exhibition from 29 March – 28 October 2018 gives a unique insight into life at the club, through its supporters, ex-players and backroom staff. You’ll get a real feel for the passion as the exhibition charts the highs and lows of club life.

Follow a family with five generations of Saints fans in a short, day in the life documentary. Discover which Southampton player introduced football to Brazil in 1894. Find out how the club is leading research to help prevent player injury. Or how their state-of-the-art Staplewood training facility is producing top international players.

The exhibition features intriguing memorabilia from all periods of the Saints’ rich history and explores how the Club operates today to meet the challenging demands of Premier League football.

10 April Beautiful Birds Itchen Valley Country Park West End, SO30 3HQ Come along and make a wooden bird and a bird feeder and try to spot birds through the binoculars.

RSPB will also be onsite for your birdie questions. 11am - 12 noon. £4 per child. Booking essential.

11 April Paddington 2 Cinema Screening Forest Arts Centre New Milton, BH25 6DS Family cinema screening at Forest Arts Centre in New Milton.

11am and 2pm. Tickets £3 11 April Character Days: Paw Patrol’s Skye & Rubble Adventure Wonderland Christchurch, BH23 6BA Come along to Adventure Wonderland and meet your favourite Paw Patrol characters!

Normal admission charges apply 11 & 12 April The Sagas of Noggin The Nog Theatre Royal Winchester Jewry Street, SO23 8SB In the Lands of the North where the black rocks stand guard against the cold sea, in the dark night that is very long, the Men of the Northlands sit around their great log fires and they tell a tale.

12 April Big Owls Pony Club Countryside Education Trust Beaulieu, SO42 7YG Join us on the farm where we will be meeting the ponies and learning how to take care of them.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am – 12noon. £6 (adults free).

SeaCity Museum I Southampton, SO14 7FY www.seacitymuseum.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

12 – 21 April Titanic The Musical Mayflower Theatre Southampton, SO15 1GE Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Maury Yeston and Peter Stone’s stunning musical focuses on their hopes and aspirations. Ages 8+.

Various times. From £19.50 13 April Family Bushcraft Cooking Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA Come and make some tasty fruit puddings and cook them over the campfire. Learn how to start a fire safely. Ages 4-12 years. 10am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 4pm. 12.50 per session (for 1 child and 1 adult) 13 April Easter Entertainment Swan Centre, Eastleigh, SO50 5PB Bring the children down to the centre for some free Easter entertainment. Shows at 11:30am, 1pm and 3pm.

13 & 14 April The Minotaur The Berry Theatre Hedge End, SO30 4EJ A tale of adventure and intrigue, of love and betrayal, of fear of the unknown, and of two cultures each bent on revenge. 2pm & 7.30pm. £12 / £10 concessions 14 April Titanic Family Day Sea City Museum Southampton, SO14 7FY Visit the museum to commemorate the sinking of the RMS Titanic 106 years ago.

Take part in a number of special activities including our Titanic crafts and object handling.

Exclusive special theatre performances from Mayflower Musical Youth Theatre performing new writing from Mayflower Young Writers. Small charges will apply for some activities.

14 April Paddle Sports Taster Day Fairthorne Manor Southampton SO30 2GH Join us for an activity day where you will have the opportunity to try kayaking and paddle boarding on the lake, and canoeing and Kata Kanu on the river (tides 10.00am – 2.00pm). You can also have a familiesonline.co.uk

15 April Survival Taster Day Fairthorne Manor Southampton SO30 2GH Join us for an activity day where you will have the chance to try fire lighting, den building, camo and tracking, and woodland willow crafts. You can also cook your own food on your own family fire!

Ages 6+ All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults £22, children £18. Call 01489 785228 to book.

16 April – 25 May Garden I Spy Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Ampfield, Romsey, SO51 0QA Enjoy taking part with this fun I-spy trail. Daily from 10am.

17 April Story time at Central Library Southampton, SO14 7LW Story time is a fun and interactive storytelling activity designed for under 5s. The session is free. 11am 20 April Magical Mystery Tour Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, 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.

The Point, Eastleigh’s spring season offers something for the whole family to enjoy On 10 March Filskit Theatre presents Bright Sparks; a delightfully playful show for 3-7 year olds.

At Easter Les Petits Theatre presents Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs 2: The Magic Cutlass (4 April), a tale of adventure and bravery for ages 3+; and Lori Hopkins’s Sourpuss (6 April) for 3-8 years, features handcrafted string and shadow puppetry.

8-17 year olds can learn new skills in juggling, aerial and acrobatics at Sunday Circus School (8 & 15 April); and very young children can enjoy weekly term time classes in Ballet Tots, Ballet Juniors and Move & Munch, plus adventures on Saturday mornings with Storytime (31 March and 21 April).

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

21 April New Forest Chocolate Fair Lyndhurst Community Centre Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY International chocolates, shakes, pastries, drinks, desserts, cakes, chocolate makers, decorators and so much more! 11am – 3pm. Free.

22 April Boat Jumble Beaulieu, New Forest, SO42 7ZN Browse hundreds of stands with boating spares, accessories, clothing, tools, as well as new and used boats. Adults £9.80, youth (13-17) £6, children (5-12) free 22 & 23 April What The Ladybird Heard Theatre Royal Winchester Jewry Street, SO23 8SB Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: The Ladybird has a plan of her own! £14 28 April Saturday Storytime The Berry Theatre Hedge End, SO30 4EJ Musical storytellers Kate the Hedgehog and Craig the Fox, along with a host of woodland friends, delight families with their fantastical tales, sing-along-songs and joyful games. Suitable for ages 3-7 and their grown-ups.

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12 & 26 April Rhyme time at Central Library Southampton, SO14 7LW Rhyme time is a fun and interactive singing activity designed for under 5s. The session is free and there is no need to book - just turn up! 2pm

go at the Aqua Slide! Ages 6+ All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults £22, children £18.

Call 01489 785228 to book.

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12 April Mucky Bucket Mobile Farm Itchen Valley Country Park West End, SO30 3HQ Alpacas, donkey, ducks and more for you to come along to see and touch. 10am - 3pm. Free

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