Families Solent West Issue 30 Sept/ Oct

FREE Issue 30 September/ October 2012

SOLENT WEST

IN THIS ISSUE: How to encourage reading After school activities The Hampshire Baby & Toddler Show 2012 What’s on this Autumn

Solent West September 2012 The- October really useful magazine for families with children 0 - 12 years Families in Hampshire

September - October 2012

Families Solent West

Contents News & Information

4

All the latest local news you need to know.

Cover image: Marks & Spencer Families Solent West Editor: Rebecca Carr 0808 108 0917 editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk Next issue: November/ December 2012 Booking deadline: 1 October 2012 Copy deadline: 6 October 2012 40,000 readers per issue Printed by Cedar Group www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Copyright: Families Solent West, September/ October 2012 Data Protection: if you send us your name and address in order to win a prize in a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the prize. If you would prefer us not to tdo this please state this on your entry.

Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and anuy other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent West not its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for consequence.

The Hampshire Baby & Toddler Show 2012 6 This popular show returns for a thirdyear. Find out more on page 6.

How to encourage reading

8

A simple guide to help your child with their reading and learning.

Family Health

9

Should kids eat less wheat? Eliabeth Dalton investigates.

After School 10 activities What to choose now the kids are back to school.

Families Solent West is part of a group established in 1990 headed by Families South West London. All magazines are independently owned and operated under licence.

Like to work from home round your family?

Pocket money or full time business?

Please email Alex on alex.murraytwinn@yahoo.co.uk for a free, no obligation information pack September - October 2012

Families Solent West

3

News & Views Easy2Name Off to School set We have 5 Easy2Name Off to School sets to give away, each set is worth £18.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag.

Mini Witches and Wizards for Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Workshops Autumn 2012

To enter the draw simply send a postcard to Easy2Name School Give Away, Malthouse Farmyard, Ecchinswell, Newbury, Berks RG20 4TT Please state clearly the name of your child and whether you require the shoe bag and labels in red, pink or blue.

The full range can be seen at www.easy2name.com

Be careful with music A new survey by Baby Sensory has discovered that many parents are unaware of the risks of playing music through headphones to their baby bump. The research by the baby development classes found that 89% of parents are unaware of the risks involved when playing music to their unborn child: that the amniotic fluid within the womb actually doubles the level of decibels a child hears from 60 to 120. Baby Sensory founder, Dr Lin Day says, “It is widely researched and publicised that playing music to an unborn child helps mother and child bond and assists with brain development, which I fully support. However, the problem with playing the headphones directly on the abdomen is that the amniotic fluid works as a conductor of sound and can amplify the music which causes it to be far louder for the baby. This can, in some circumstances, lead to hearing problems to the child from birth.”

Find out more at www.babysensory.com

Romsey-based Hampshire Collegiate Prep School has appointed a new Head Teacher

There’s more than a hint of magic in the air this autumn as Perform enters the Magician’s Chamber, Perform’s most spell binding term yet.

Local children are invited to don their finest wizard robes, seize their magic wands firmly and enter the weird and wonderful world of Arthurian Legends. As always, Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing workshops will be full of thrills, spills and laughter.

Helen Donnelly joins with more than 20 years’ teaching experience, leaving the post of Head of Junior School at LVS Ascot in Berkshire where she taught for 10 years.

As well as taking up her new role, Helen also has the task of introducing her two children to the school following the family’s recent relocation to the south.

To find out more go to: www.hampshirecs.org.uk or call 01794 512206

Next advertising deadline is 1 October 2012 - Bumper Christmas Issue Tel: 0808 108 0917, email: ads@familiessolentwest.co.uk

Unlike other drama schools, Perform focuses exclusively on SERIOUS FUN. So, whilst children have the best fun of the week, they are also learning confidence, communication, concentration and coordination skills at the same time, giving them a head start in life.

Perform offers a Free Trial Session, so why not bring your 4-8 year old along this September to discover the wonderful world of Perform for them? Your local classes are in Fleet, Basingstoke, Winchester.

For more information visit: perform.org.uk or call: 0845 400 1304

Home-School Tutoring UK (est. 1984) Tutors (with full references/CRB checked) available for: • • • • •

All ages, levels and subjects Special Needs Support Exam Preparation Support with Home Schooling Holiday and/or Term time work

Initial consultation is free and without obligation

Please contact the Area Advisor for Hampshire (West & Central) Mrs Alex Murray-Twinn, BA (Hons) PGCE, NPQH e: alex.murray-twinn@homeschooltutoring.co.uk t: 02380 275573 www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk 4

September - October 2012

Families Solent West

Win one of 2 Birthday Parties at Gambado Gambado Eastleigh, located at the Swan Leisure Centre offers a host of fantastic value for money party packages. We cater for Birthday Parties from your child’s first to eleventh birthday! And we have just launched NEW prices! Prices start from £7.95/ toddler for a weekday toddler party to just £8.95/ child for a 4 year old plus to celebrate afterschool or £10.95/child at the weekend. So sit back and relax as we provide: · 2 hours of fun- 120 mins play and 40 mins party entertainment and hot and cold buffet · One of the best party hosts in town · A hot and cold yummy party buffet catering to match all children’s favourites and unlimited sugar free squash · Balloons, blowers, invites, thank you cards · Themes, adult food and a visit from your favourite character such as Games Boy, the Pink Pig or Fireman Sammy (additional cost applies) For more information or to book at your convenience on line please visit our website www.gambado.com or call our Party Bookings team on 0844 375 9494 For your chance to win a party for 10 children ( any package, any time subject to availability) please visit: www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/ competitions to enter. T&C apply. Closing date is 30 October 2012.

Birthday Extravaganza......

Come and celebrate with us

Southampton NCT wins lottery funding for breastfeeding support scheme The Southampton National Childbirth Trust has been awarded £6,800 lottery funding to support a breastfeeding peer support programme. With local breastfeeding rates well below the national average, the project aims to train 12 local mothers to become peer supporters to help encourage women to sustain breastfeeding. The training involves 20 hours’ tutorial time to receive a nationally recognised OCN qualification.

If you have breastfed for at least three months and are interested in becoming a peer supporter, email sotonbfc@nct.org.uk

Little Pickles Markets will be celebrating their 2nd Birthday with their biggest market yet at River Park Leisure Centre, Gordon Road, Winchester on Sunday 16th September 2pm 4pm. Bring the whole family to join in the fun with Iggle Piggle, Peppa Pig and Super Mario, a Bouncy Castle, face painting and free Wiggle Waggle music session. With over 40 tables of pre-loved childrens clothes, toys and equipment plus other child related businesses! First 100 goody bags with free samples free! £1 adult entry, children free. www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk

The Big Book Hunt Take part in the children’s big book hunt from September– 31st December.

Do you have any children’s library books at home that might be hiding under a bed, in a cupboard, on a bookshelf or possibly chewed by the family dog? Not sure what to do with them? Why not join in the Big Book Hunt between September and December and return any books you find to your local library.

You can even have new library cards if your old ones are lost and you can start borrowing books the same day. With an offer this good, make sure you tell family and friends about the Big Book Hunt and help children to become library users again. www.southampton.gov.uk/libraries

September - October 2012

Families Solent West

5

The Hampshire Baby and Toddler Show 2012 F

Southampton’s premier Baby and Toddler Show is back for a third year and is sure to be a fantastic day out.

WIN TICKETS We’ve got 5 pairs of tickets to giveaway.

The event takes place at the City Cruise Terminal in Southampton on Sunday 4 NoSimply go to vember from 10.30am – 4pm. The event offers www.familiessolentwest.co.uk parents and parents-to-be the chance to try, to enter for your chance to test and buy the very latest products, enjoy a win demonstration session and take part in activities for parents and toddlers. Our exhibitors include; clubs and classes, family portraits, baby knitwear and bespoke clothing, organic products, books and much more.

Our headline sponsor this year is Mothercare, who will be showcasing the latest in pushchair technology as well as offering car seat safety demonstrations. If you visit their stand on the day you will also receive a special 10% discount off any purchase or orders taken at the show.

As well as the exhibition, there are lots of entertainment and taster sessions for everyone including; toddler football, baby yoga, music and movement, soft play, a bouncy castle, plus you can meet Peppa Pig! Plus we have 1000 goody bags to giveaway and we’ll also be running a charity raffle in aid of Wildern Opportunity Group, based in Hedge End, who provide support for children with special needs.

Facilities at the show include a baby feeding café, baby changing, a breast-feeding area and free parking. With everything on one level the venue provides easy access for everyone including pushchairs!

Advanced tickets are now available for £3.50 (£5 on the day) and can be purchased on the website. All advanced tickets holders will be entered into a draw to win one of two £250 Mothercare gift vouchers. Plus all visitors will receive a free family swim voucher to redeem at a choice of venues. Book your tickets today and don’t miss this fantastic event!

Timeless 24 hour childcare agency offer a range of services across Hampshire including:

• Quality childcarers & babysitters • Registered childminders • Full & part time nannies

Are you a qualified childcarer? If so, we would like to hear from you. please call us on: 07934 828728 or visit our website: www.timeless24.co.uk

• Birthing solutions

• Taster sessions

• Childcare

• Baby feeding area

• Photography

• Baby & toddler classes

• Financial advice

• Music & movement

• Organic products

• Bouncy castle & soft play

• Expert advice

• Pushchairs & car seats

• baby essentials

• Toys

• charity raffle

• Free show guide

SPECIAL READER OFFER

£1.00 off

entry on the day with this coupon.

Valid on Sunday 4 November only. Families Solent West

www.babyshowhampshire.co.uk 6

September - October 2012

Families Solent West

Etikett is a unique boutique specialising in classic, traditional and designer wear for babies and children 0 - 8 years.

* accredited christening retailer * shoes & accessories * toys & gifts * baby & premature babywear * girls & boys wear * free gift wrapping service & loyalty card * baby gift hampers - ideal for baby showers, birth congratulations, in stock and made to order 22 High Street, Botley, Southampton SO30 2EA Tel: 01489 785829 I www.etikett.co.uk FREE PARKING IN THE SQUARE & CAR PARKS

September - October 2012

Families Solent West

7

How To... encourage reading Simple, quick guides to help you help your family

by Eliabeth Dalton

Many of us know the value and enjoyment of reading. Good readers become better writers, better learners and well rounded individuals. Taking an active part in helping your children become interested in reading is vital.

Despite busy days, tired kids, limited time and many distractions, we outline five simple steps that can help.

Step one

Set up reading time every day Decide when and where a reading session will take place, which fits into your household schedule. 10 minutes is fine.

Encourage your child to read aloud. They don’t have to get every word right, and praise them often. If they are discouraged by their own reading, you read aloud. The pleasure of listening to you read can restore their enthusiasm.

Offer to read every other sentence, page, chapter, and have conversations and discussions about the content.

See the teacher and judge where they are: Find out what reading program the school follows, get to know the levels, and aim to supplement the program at home.

Prepare a timetable. Know what level your child is at and the next, with some idea of when it can be achieved. There is no race to be the first to read, it just puts things into context.

Step four

Plan specific reading linked activities: Extend your child’s positive reading experiences, e.g. If they enjoyed reading about dinosaurs, visit the natural history museum.

Make it fun. Children love sound effects, different voices, pulling faces.

Encourage activities that require reading, e.g. read a recipe, instructions, and directions, play games that require reading, use a reference book to look up something you have seen.

Step two

Visit the library and give your child their own library card. They can choose their own library book or listen in on storytime.

During reading time: Introduce the bookmark. Stop after a few pages and pick up where you left off at another time.

Provide an accessible, special place for children to keep their own books.

Use special incentives like an extra 5 minutes to finish a chapter, a promise to take them to see the film of the book, sticker charts and certificates.

Let them choose their own books. Don’t worry the books are too young or too easy, early reading success can came from several “non-traditional” sources such as comics.

8

Step three

September - October 2012

Helping reading for children with learning difficulties Books and Audio Follow a book as the audio book plays. Listen to a chapter, and then read it together.

Turn on the TV subtitles Sub-titles on your TV or DVD help increase sight word vocabulary, whilst developing a sense of flow of written and spoken language Make your child the star of their own audio book Your child can read into a recorder, then follow the book together during playback Everyone joins in Reserve thirty minutes each evening for family reading time. Each family member reads different material and then shares information about it, or take turns reading aloud from the same book.

Support their learning Help ensure your child doesn’t get behind in reading material necessary for school subjects, ask for help with obtaining textbooks on CD ROM. Together identify unfamiliar words you come across and show your child how to look up the meanings of words.

Step five

Be a role model: Let your children see you reading for pleasure. Read aloud everyday items menus, road signs, food labels.

Give books as gifts.

Leave books, magazines, and colourful catalogues around your home.

Write short notes for your child to read.

Families Solent West

Should our kids eat less wheat?

To advertise in Families Solent West call: 0808 108 0917 Advert1:Layout 1 05/12/2011 12:16 Page 1

good quality baby and 'Buy and Sell Pre-loved equipment' children's clothes and Check out our webs

ite for dates and ven

www.littlepicklesmar email: littlepicklesma

ues near you:

kets.co.uk

rkets@gmail.com

Contact us on : 07856 832095 Check out our social media sites:

For centuries wheat has been at the centre of our diets. Over the last 10,000 years, the earth’s population has doubled ten times, and wheat is one food source that has helped enable this. Wheat feeds more people in the world today than any other food. Yet nutritional therapists are starting to advise reducing our consumption of wheat, in some cases even eliminating it from our diets totally. Why? Wheat is a common part of our and our children’s diets. It is in almost every meal we have - cereal, bread, crackers, biscuits, cakes, pastry, and pasta. It is also recommended by many world governments as an essential part of our daily intake. However, wheat grown today looks very different from how it used to look. Chemicals are used to grow wheat today, as well as preservatives, and the most notable difference is how it’s processed. Today most wheatbased foods are highly processed, removing most of the nutrients.

Perhaps therein lays the reason, as wheat is increasingly being linked to common allergy, sensitivity, ADD and hyperactivity in kids, celiac disease, fatigue, weight gain and more. Wheat contains fibre and other nutrients that are beneficial for health and wellness. However, sensitivity to wheat and gluten (a large protein found in wheat) is increasing. Some people have a severe allergic reaction to gluten, known as coeliac disease, which affects as many as one in 300 in the UK. But wheat intolerance is also more prevalent. Symptoms occur after the body reacts to wheat and interferes with its normal processes, causing everything from irritable bowel syndrome to thyroid disorders, arthritis, diabetes, asthma and eczema. Indeed, many nutritional therapists believe too September - October 2012

much wheat causes headaches, a feeling of ill health, bloating, tiredness and even depression. There’s little mainstream scientific evidence to support this, but that hasn’t stopped nutritionists advising their patients to cut down on wheat intake or use alternatives to wheat such as spelt, rye, barley, rice and soy.

Twitter:twitter.com/littlepicklesmk Facebook: www.facebook.com/littlepicklesmarkets1

It is very easy to overdose on wheat and end up eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner – toast, sandwiches, a pizza. Try cutting wheat down to one meal a day for the family, and eat the most natural and unrefined wheat such as wholemeal or wholegrain bread and whole-wheat pasta.

While it may not necessary for most of us to cut out wheat completely from our diets, it’s worth the effort to reduce excessive wheat intake.

Wheat free lunch boxes Good quality proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats are the key to a super wheat-free lunch box.

• Quality proteins - Deli meats, cheese and cheese spreads, salads (chicken, turkey, tuna), soup, yogurt, protein bars, hard-boiled eggs, falafel • Complex carbohydrates - Vegetables and fruits (celery, carrot sticks, sugar snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower), rice, whole grain gluten free bread and crackers, hummus, gluten free pasta with pesto and pinenuts, rice cakes with fun toppings (nut butters, jam, cheese) • Healthy Fats - Olive oil, raw nuts/seeds, dried fruit, avocados, olives

Families Solent West

9

Choosing after-school activities After-school activities can provide enrichment, adventure and variety. They can enhance knowledge and build character.

Spend a bit more time choosing the right activity programme for your child and you will reap the benefits.

Consideration for special needs children Consider your child’s interests, rather than their needs. Many regular activities can use technology or planning to help their participation, e.g. drama, athletics, cooking, academic Evaluate your child’s stamina.

Check they have the energy for an extracurricular activity?

Talk with the activity leaders about your child’s unique medical and communication needs.

Make sure family downtime is a regular part of the schedule.

After-school activities definitely offer value to your children. Reports indicate those who participate in after-school programs have better school attendance, higher grades and loftier aspirations. They’re less likely to get into trouble are at lower risk of obesity. It is also a great opportunity for children to develop social and leadership skills. The benefits are there, but under which classes?

Talk to your child and find out how they feel about the activity, and let them choose at least one club or activity themselves. Help them choose activities that reflect who they are and what they want to learn, don’t impose your preferences.

Explain that it’s important and fun to try new things, and remember switching activities is normal amongst children.

Always check out the quality of an activity.

Discipline-based activities that create a quality product over a period of time are great, e.g. putting on a play. Don’t think that high cost equal high quality, some 10

September - October 2012

activities are cheaper to run like football.

Staff members should be professionals with skills and experience.

Consider the mix of activities. The benefits of exercise are huge, so including a sport would be a good start. Extracurricular activities are ideal for children to explore and practice what it means to be a group leader, e.g. Brownies. If you are stuck between two similar activities, consider the usefulness, e.g. drum lessons might be cool, but the guitar might have wider applicability.

Remember the inclusion of children with special needs is beneficial to all. Special needs children achieve more, improve behaviour, and enhance motivation. Children without special needs learn from working cooperatively and grow in confidence through helping others.

Finally, remember logistics. The afterschool programme affects you too. Avoid signing on to too many activities that leave you scrambling from one to the next.

No one will have fun doing anything if it means arriving late, leaving early, and going without dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Look hard for places you can walk to, it reduces your carbon footprint while keeping you fit for free!

Finally do build in some downtime. Children need to have independent play as well as the structured activities, so ensure time is built in for dinner, watching T.V. and relaxing. Leave some activities perhaps for the summer, when different interests can be tried, without the pressure of school demands.

Images © Fotolia.com

As the new school year starts, so does the time to choose after-school activities, but take a quick look and you will find a whole range of classes available, from Scouts to Ballet, from French to Karate. How can we know which ones are the best for our child, offer value for money, and critically, which ones they will enjoy!

Dance, Rhythm, Coordination, Imagination, Fun For Boys and Girls aged 2-5

CALLING ALL TODDLERS TO GET THEIR ‘GROOVE’ ON! Classes held @ Romsey Rapids For more information call Emma on 0781 8406831 Families Solent West

a s el d tm ffi ri s N u Ch he T

at

Treasure Island The perfect family show!

Parrots, Pirates and Pieces of eight!

Nuffield Theatre Southampton 7 December 2012 to 6 January 2013

023 8067 1771

www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk

September - October 2012

/nuffieldtheatre

@nuffieldtheatre

Families Solent West

11

© Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

What’s On We aim to be as accurate as possible but the listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please contact venues in advance to check details and prices.

Throughout September Art in the Garden Sculpture Family Trail www.hilliergardens.org.uk Free with normal admission

picture book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson MBE and Axel Scheffler. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown ups.

Exciting family trails where children can learn about colour and camouflage while discovering art in the Gardens.

Little Pickles Markets West End Parish Centre, West End, SO30 3FE

Family Summer’s End Picnic and Concert with Fireworks www.hilliergardens.org.uk 6pm to 9pm , Adults £12, Children £8

Live entertainment for all the family including hilarious shows, dancing, singing, circus skills and dressing up.

16 September Little Pickles Markets Birthday extravaganza River Park Leisure Centre, Winchester

www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 2pm - 4pm 40 tables of quality Pre-loved children’s toys, clothes and equipment for sale. Bouncy castle, face painting, free music session with Wiggle Waggle and come and meet Iggle Piggle, Peppa Pig and Super Mario!

19 - 20 September The Gruffalo Theatre Royal Winchester Box office 01962 840440 1.30pm (20th Sept at 10.20am & 1.30pm) Children’s favourite The Gruffalo has been performed to well over a million people worldwide. Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the award-winning 12 September - October 2012

Festival of Autumn Colour www.exbury.co.uk Daily 10am – 5pm Children free, Adults £9.50 One of the most stunning displays of autumn colour in the country.

Exbury is National Collection holder for Nyssa and Oxydendrum, two of the most beautiful autumn trees. to 4 Nov

1 September

www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 10am – 11.30am Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

1 October

6 October Baby and Children’s Market The Romsey School Main Hall, Greatbridge, Romsey SO51 8ZB 22 September Baby and Children’s Market Regents Park Community College, Main Hall, King Edward Avenue, Shirley, Southampton SO16 4GW 2.30pm to 4.30pm

www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

A large selection of stalls selling excellent quality pre loved and new items for boys and girls aged from birth to six years. Entrance : Adults: £1, Free for Kids.

Refreshments. Parking is free.

For more information call Kirsten on 07580 410594 or to book a stall visit our website.

30 September Little Pickles Markets The Hilt, Hiltingbury Road, Chandlers Ford

www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 10am – 11.30am Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

Throughout October Art in the Garden Sculpture Family Trail www.hilliergardens.org.uk Free with normal admission Exciting family trails where children can learn about colour and camouflage while discovering art in the Gardens.

Little Pickles Markets Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishops Waltham

www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 10am – 11.30am Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

14 October Little Pickles Markets Fleming Park Leisure Centre, Eastleigh

www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 2 - 3.30pm Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

2pm to 4pm

www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

11 October Autumn Festival www.hilliergardens.org.uk Adults £3. Children free.

Buy 4 tickets and get 5th free Spectacular range of crafts and sculpture plus countryside activities including pottery demonstration, rake making, ferret racing. to 14 Oct

13 October Big Draw www.exbury.co.uk Daily from 10am – 5pm last admission. Children free, Adults £9.50 Create an autumnal collage with fallen leaves, twigs and berries from the Gardens, under the watchful of the National Assn of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS).

20 October RHS & New Forest Breakfast Walks www.exbury.co.uk 8am – 10.30am Adults£19 (£15.20 RHS Members / Friends of Exbury)

Enjoy a walk around an autumnal Exbury with Head Gardener John Anderson, finishing with a 3-course locally sourced breakfast. Re-entry to Gardens included to visit Nerine exhibition. & 21 Oct

Little Pickles Markets Isaac Watts Memorial United Reformed Church, Winchester Road, SO16 6TS www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 2.30pm – 4pm Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

& 14 Oct

Sweet on Honey www.hilliergardens.org.uk Free with normal admission, 1.30pm to 5pm Annual honey show of the Hampshire Beekeeping Association.

Families Solent West

Watershed Productions present the BBC Worldwide and Polka Theatre Production of

CHARLIE AND LOLA’S BESTEST PLAY Tues 30 & Wed 31 Oct Based on the characters created by Lauren Child adapted by Jonathan Lloyd

Show times: 11am I 1.30pm I 3.45pm BOX OFFICE 01962 840440

www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

September - October 2012

Families Solent West

13

Autumn Half Term Events

27 October Exbury Ghost Train www.exbury.co.uk Trains run daily from 10am – 3.45pm Admission to Gardens Ghost Train: Adults £13.50; Children £4; Familiy £34

Ride the Exbury Ghost Train and enjoy a “Halloween Phantomime”!

Come in fancy dress and receive a free goody bag. Lots of Halloween characters, terrible jokes, props galore and a very dark tunnel! to 4 Nov

Halloween Festival

www.marwell.org.uk/halloween

10am – 5pm Adult £16-£18, Child £12£14

Prepare to be spooked…meet all manner of creepy crawlies and even see a python up close, enjoy spooky storytelling with our resident witch. Visit our pumpkin emporium – where you can buy a pumpkin (or bring your own) then draw on and carve your very own design. Our experts will be on hand to assist, so don’t be shy!

Plus, throughout the week, different animals will be enjoying pumpkin treats – from meerkats to monkeys and many more – so come and join the Halloween fun! to 4 Nov

Ghosts & Gouls Beaulieu www.beaulieu.co.uk 10am - 5pm daily

There is something strange in the neighbourhood at Beaulieu this half term including; phantom tours, sppoky tours, ghost hunters, spooky stories and much more. to 4 Nov

14 September - October 2012

27 October Spooky Submarine Tours Royal Navy Submarine Museum 10am

Grab your torch and follow our ghostly guide on a spooky tour of WW2 era submarine HMS Alliance. Watch out for the scary bits!! Tickets: Free with a valid museum ticket Suitable for ages 5 upwards. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. to 31 Oct

27 - 28 October Frightful fun at the farm Longdown Activity Farm www.longdownfarm.co.uk

A whole weekend of spooky stuff to see and do including pumpkin carving (charge applies) and paper bat making.

Sunday only: inlcudes meet and hold a barn owl and see lots of creepy creatures like rats, snakes and snails from the creature teacher.

29 October Firework Spectacular Beaulieu www.beaulieu.co.uk 3pm - 9.30pm

Have fun on the Beaulieu Rides & Drives and Old-Time Fairground entertainments including a Big Wheel, Gallopers and Swing Boats, all at good value extra charges. Hot food and drinks are available both inside and out as well as roast chestnuts and candyfloss.

PEPPA PIG Watercress Line Adults £14, children (2 – 16) £7, family ticket £35

Peppa visits the Watercress Line for the very first time! It’s going to be a really exciting day out.

There will be colouring, DVD shows and face painting available at Alresford station in the Old Goods Shed. Catch the BIG steam trains to Alresford where Peppa will be making appearances at various intervals on each day! And it’s excellent value too! Standard fares apply offering unlimited travel along the full length of our 10 mile railway on the day of your visit! to 2 Nov

Unsinkable Boats SeaCity Museum 10am-3pm / FREE drop-in sessions, entrance charge to the museum applies

Join the University of Southampton‘s Outreach Team to design & build an unsinkable boat.

Pumpkin Carving for Halloween www.hilliergardens.org.uk Children £2. Adults free with usual admission

Come and carve a pumpkin, we are here to help.

Vegetable Orchestra SeaCity Museum 10-11am / 11.30am-12.30pm 1-2pm / 2.30-3.30pm / £2 per participant. Pre-book only 02380 834536 Join the lively and imaginative team from SoCo to create instruments made out of vegetables and then use them for a special group performance! It’s great fun for all the family.

30 October Room on the Broom: Hats and Trickery (4-7 years) Southampton Art Gallery 10am – 12pm OR 1.30 – 3.30pm. Pre-book 02380 834536

Get into the Halloween spirit listening to the story of Room on the Broom and then have fun making and decorating your very own witch’s or wizard’s hat, ready to trick or treat with style!

Abominations Animation (8-12 years).

Tudor House 10.30 – 3.30pm. £15. Prebook 02380 834536

Get to grips with the basics of stop-frame animation and create a short horror film. You can explore this clever technique and create an animation using the spooky Tudor House. Create your own ghost, monster, witch or beast then create a fantastic film to show you friends. Each participant will receive a copy of the animation.

Tower of Terror The Spinnaker Tower 02392 857520 www.spinnakertower.co.uk Adults £8.25, Concession £7.40, children £6.55 The Spinnaker Tower is celebrating Halloween in spooky style by transforming into a Tower of Terror. Frighteningly decorated and with some gruesome new members of staff roaming the tower poised to thrill visitors. Plus, to get into the Halloween spirit, children are invited to dress up in Halloween costume and get into the tower for just £1*.

Families Solent West

31 October Halloween at Tudor House 10.30am – 3.30pm FREE event, entrance charge to the museum applies

What better place to spend Halloween than ‘spooky’ Tudor House. Meet our friendly sprits in the banqueting hall, and pick up your witch trail. Take part in dropin craft activities and spooky vampire photo booth. Prizes for the best fancy dress.

Wicked iPod Covers Tudor House 10.30am – 12.30pm OR 1.30 – 3.30pm / FREE WFL Pre-book 02380 834536

Working with Lokksley Illustration and Crafts you can make a wicked looking cover for your iPod, phone or MP3 player. Using felt and other fancy trimmings you will transform your object into a frighteningly good accessory. 6 10 years old.

Happy Halloween for all the family www.hilliergardens.org.uk

Children £2. Adults free with usual admission Forest Forge Theatre Company bring their own fun twist to make Halloween a little less spooky.

30 - 31 October

Family Friendly Ghost Tour Tudor House 10.30-11.30am OR 3.304.30pm £2.00 adults, £1.00 for children over 7. Pre-book 02380 834536

Get into the spirit of Halloween at Tudor House for some spooky goings on. Our family friendly ghost tour will tickle your funny bones as you head into the deep dark cellar! Come in fancy dress and enter our competition to win a prize!

September - October 2012

Charlie and Lola’s Bestest Play Theatre Royal Winchester Box office 01962 840440 11.00am, 1.30pm and 3.45pm Watershed Productions present the BBC Worldwide and

Polka Theatre production at Theatre Royal Winchester. Based on the characters created by Lauren Child adapted by Jonathan Lloyd. Don’t miss everyone’s favourite brother and sister, Charlie and Lola, in their extremely everso wonderful stage show! The stars of the hit BBC series and books by Lauren Child are brought to life by a magical mix of puppets, live action and music. Age recommendation 3+

Families Solent West

15

16 September - October 2012

Families Solent West