Families Hampshire West Magazine Sept/ Oct 2017

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

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

Please call Vicki King 07501 433 922

IN THIS ISSUE Education news Swimming Great minds and how to grow them Halloween events What’s on

Issue 60 September/October familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Hampshire West

School menu app!

Access school menus from yr mobile

Do you struggle to keep track of which school meal is served on which day? Prefer to look at menu information on your mobile devices, rather than holding onto a leaflet for the whole term?

GREAT NEWS! We’ve created a primary school menu app called , to show you our Southampton KS1-2 school meals, day by day, for the whole school term!

No need to figure out ‘which week?’!

See photos of what’s for lunch Look ahead for the whole school term

PLUS+ Our brand NEW secondary-school menu app

‘Love’ favourite dishes & get recipes

Get the

app!

Search iTunes & Google Play or get all the details at fb.me/CityDinnersSouthampton

launches Sept ‘17, with the full term’s menu and tariff info for KS3 pupils.

Get Lunchero+ on iTunes and Google Play

We serve 1.7m nutritious school dinners in 47 Southampton schools each year. #lunchero

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

2 Families Hampshire West

@swaneastleigh

www.swanshopping.com familiesonline.co.uk

Contents Hampshire West 07789 882 467 Managing Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk Advertising Claire Clarricoates claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk

September/ October 4

Local news & views

A round-up of all the latest news.

6

Education news All the latest news from your local Schools including Autumn Open Day dates for your diary.

7

Preparing to start a new class

Seasonal events, Santa’s Grotto’s, Where is Santa? Parties, What’s on and much more, plus all the regular features.

Top tips to support your child through the transition into a new class

Booking deadline 6 October 2017

High performance learning.

10

Swimming Feature

Next issue November/December 2017

Cover image: © Istockphoto © Families Hampshire West Magazine 2017 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.

8 Great minds and how to grow them

Why should your child learn to swim

and the benefits of swimming for your toddler.

13

Clubs & classes News

All the latest news from your local clubs & classes.

14

Halloween Spooktacular

Our guide to all the best local Halloween events in Hampshire.

16

What’s on A round-up of all the best local events this September & October including Children’s theatre shows.

Advertise your business with us from as little as £31.20 per month and reach over 42,000 parents in West Hampshire 6 issues per year delivered directly to parents and carers in Southampton, Winchester, The New Forest and surrouding areas.

To feature in our November/ December Christmas special, email: editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk or call 07789 882467. Book by 6 October. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Hampshire West 3

Local News The Swan Centre - fantastic leisure and shopping experience Located in the heart of Eastleigh, the Swan Shopping Centre is a convenient shopping location boasting a great variety of retailers and everything you need for a fantastic shopping and leisure experience.

The Centre is home to more than 40 retailers including Tesco, Boots, Argos, The Entertainer, TK Maxx, H&M, New Look and Next plus a great range of restaurant and leisure venues including Frankie & Benny’s, Nando’s, Prezzo, Chimichanga, Harvester, Partyman World, Kung Fu Oriental Buffet, Hollywood Bowl, Anytime Fitness and VUE Cinema.

The Swan Centre also hosts a variety of free family entertainment throughout the year to keep the little ones happy and with over 600 car parking space located within the Centre, and a train and bus station nearby, planning a trip to the Swan Centre is a breeze. Visit www.swanshopping. com to find out more.

Back for its 49th year, Southampton Boat Show Register for Wear A returns this September offering a fun-filled family Hat Day 2018 and start planning your event day out Providing a host of family-friendly attractions alongside live music and thrilling entertainment, there are tons of exciting features at this year’s Show. Celebrity pirate, Gem Hunt, from Swashbuckle will be taking to the stage with a special song and dance show and there’s lots of opportunities for kids of all ages to get out on the water from Stand Up Paddleboarding and Bumper Boats to Dingy sailing and the Adventure Canoe Ride.

Celebrating the lifestyle, fun and excitement that being on the water has to offer, come and spend the day at Britain’s biggest festival of boating, hopping on and off hundreds of stunning boats lined up along Europe’s largest purpose-built marina. For more details or to buy your tickets today, visit www.southamptonboatshow.com

Fruit & Veg for kids gets a makeover There’s a new team in town looking to help our children make a lifelong friendship with fruit and veg Googly Fruit Organic.

Googly Fruit is a new brand range of 100% organic fruit and veg snacks for toddlers. The products look so inviting with cleaverly designed packaging with fun characters featuring Bob Banana, Carl Carrot, Susie Strawberry and Charlie Corn that toddlers will love and entice them to look forward to eating them.

Products include “Crunchy Puffs” offer an exciting alternative to fat-filled crisps and are coated in carrot powder. “Real Fruit Made Crunchy” are yummy freeze dried snacks made from 100% fruit and are available in three varieties; Apple & Blueberry, Banana & Raspberry or Strawberry. The “Squeezy Pouches” contain no added flavours, colours or preservatives and count as part of your child’s five a day.

Take a look at their website for some fun activities staring their characters, www.googlyfruit. co.uk. Products available from Ocado, Superdrug, health stores and independent retailers.

4 Families Hampshire West

Wear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event. It takes place on Thursday 29th March 2018. March is also UK Brain Tumour Awareness Month.

Schools and families across the country get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumors.

Brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK that is purely dedicated to raising funds for continuous and sustainable scientific research into brain tumours.

Taking part can be as simple as putting on a hat and donating on the day, but most families like to create entertaining fundraising events. Many schools for example have inventive hat competitions, parades and fashion shows and raise hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

On average, organisations raise £250, with small ones £50 and some raising more than £2,000! Whatever target you set yourselves aim to smash it!!

More information, event and fundraising tips can be found online: www.wearahatday.org

familiesonline.co.uk

Are you worried about your child being bullied at school?

Bullying at school is not inevitable.

It does not have to happen.

It should not happen.

We work hard to ensure that children at Woodhill School are free from bullying.

Woodhill School Brook Lane

Botley SO30 2ER

Woodhill School

Independent School for boys and girls aged 2 - 11 years Happy Atmosphere - Small Classes - Outstanding Results

01489 781112

Zero complaints in our bullying record.

www.woodhill.hants.sch.uk

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BOOK ONLINE OXYGENFREEJUMPING.CO.UK OR VISIT US AT ANTELOPE RETAIL PARK, BURSLEDON ROAD, SOUTHAMPTON SO19 8NE familiesonline.co.uk

Families Hampshire West 5

Education news

Woodhill School strive to create a learning environment free from bullying Woodhill School is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all pupils so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Incidents of bullying are rare but bullying of any kind is not accepted at the school.

Children spend a significant proportion of their waking life at school. Bullying can happen to any child at any school and can have a devastating effect on their education, welfare and self-esteem.

Woodhill School strive to create a learning atmosphere where pupils are free from bullying. They use the curriculum, in particular Personal Social Health Education lessons, to reinforce the school ethos that bullying will not be tolerated in school and help students to develop strategies to combat bullying type behaviour through role-play and other activities.

If you are worried about your child being bullied then your first point of contact should be your child’s school. Usually there is a hierarchy of people to approach from the class teacher to the head of year to the head-teacher to help resolve the problem.

To find out more about Woodhill School or to arrange a visit call 01489 781112 or visit www. woodhill.hants.sch.uk

Families Hampshire West Magazine is looking for a distributor to cover Winchester, Sutton Scotney, Twyford areas.

If you have a car, a few hours to spare every two months, are reliable and want to earn some extra money. Good rates of pay offered, contact: Rebecca on 07789882467 or email: editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk 6 Families Hampshire West

Students circumnavigate the Isle of Wight on a pedalo King Edward VI Southampton, had a team team of Sixth Formers who set themselves the challenge of being the first team to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight, by pedalo. The Sixth Formers took turns to pedal in the two-person craft for more than 12 hours.

Amazingly, they covered about 50 nautical miles during the charity challenge, which raised more than £2,500 for Hamble Lifeboat and Cystic Fibrosis UK. Hamble Lifeboat, is a volunteer-driven charity providing invaluable service, rescuing over 100 people each year in the Central Solent area. The funds were also split with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust which invests more money into cystic fibrosis research than any other UK organisation.

Open Evening The fantastic accomplishment was covered on the BBC news as well as in Fri 6 Oct local media. A huge congratulations to the Sixth Formers involved.

6.30-9pm To find out more about the school call 02380 799216 or visit www.kes.hants. sch.uk or come along to their open day on Friday 6 October from 6.30 - 9pm.

Moyles Court School seek to embrace and harness unique young individuals There is some irony that our children, Generation X or “Linksters” (coined by author Meagan Johnson) potentially have as much knowledge about the outside world as we have as adults. Linksters have ready access to news, they have political opinions from political parties who reach out to them directly through social media and they care passionately about discrimination. Heads and teachers, should have a keen eye on the outside world while also understanding growing young minds.

Open Moyles Court School seek to embrace and harness their unique Morning young individuals. Today’s young pupils are already creating their own Sat 30 Sept culture and seeking to make their own stamp on the world. We have 10am a responsibility to look to the future and identify where human skills 12 .30pm can continue to be unique and flourish in a brave new world of Artificial Intelligence and digitalisation.

To find out more about Moyles Court School, come along to their open morning on Saturday 30 September from 10am – 12.30pm. Your child can also join in for a ‘taster’ morning or day so they can fully experience life at the school. Visit www.moylescourt.co.uk or call 01425 472856.

Lunchero goes to secondary school Lunchero – the school menu app created by City Catering Southampton for its nursery, infant, junior, and primary schools – starts secondary school this September.

“The launch of Lunchero has been a resounding success,” said Deputy CEO Rachel Hall, “with hundreds of families across the city downloading and using the app daily, for their children in KS1-2. Quite rightly, our secondary schools have been clamouring for the same service for their pupils, so we’re launching Lunchero+ this September - allowing everyone to access the whole term’s menu, day by day, by individual school,” said Rachel.

Lunchero+ has all of the functionality of its younger sibling – including photos of meal choices (with a NEW ‘tap to enlarge’ feature), recipes, and details of school holidays and INSET days… In addition, Lunchero+ provides secondary school users with tariff information for everything on the menu.

“And to ease the transition from primary to secondary school, we’ve also added a simple calculator into Lunchero+, to help our younger users add up the cost of their food choices for the day,” Rachel added. In time, the company may look to build gaming into Lunchero+, to challenge its users’ maths skills.

Lunchero and Lunchero+ are available via iTunes and Google Play, and more details are available via Facebook/CityDinnersSouthampton. familiesonline.co.uk

Top tips to support your child through the transition into a new class

by Jane Rogers, The Cambridge Parent Coach

Many children sail through the transition into a new class at the start of each school year, but for others it can be an anxious time.

Here are a few tips to help you support your child through this transition: Acknowledge feelings

It’s important that your child feels listened to, so rather than saying; ‘Don’t worry, it will be fine,’ let them know that you understand eg.

‘It’s a bit worrying when you have to get used to a new teacher isn’t it?’

Don’t feed their anxiety

That said, there is a fine line between sympathizing with your child and ‘feeding’ their worry. Stay upbeat, if you are feeling anxious too try not to let it show.

Normalise

Tell your child that they are not alone, lots of other children will be a bit nervous as well, nerves are perfectly normal.

Be prepared

Talk through any worries that your child may have and make sure that they know what to do in certain situations. If your child keeps asking questions don’t answer yourself, but get them to tell you the answer eg. ‘What did we say you would do if you forgot your PE kit?’

Get them to imagine themselves solving this problem.

Talk to the school

Make sure the new teacher knows about it if your child is particularly anxious, and keep in touch with them in the early days of the new term.

And finally…

Give your child time to settle. You may find they regress in their behaviour at home during this settling in time, but if they feel secure and loved at home coping with new challenges will be gradually get easier.

Find Jane’s books ‘How to encourage good behaviour so you can enjoy your children’ and ‘How to use positive discipline to improve your child’s behaviour’ on Amazon.

You can also follow The Cambridge Parent Coach on Facebook.

SCHOOL Co-educational Independent Education for Ages 11-18

• Academic excellence • Strong pastoral support • Extensive range of co-curricular opportunities • Outstanding facilities

• Comprehensive bus service covering south Hampshire and Salisbury • Financial assistance, scholarships and sports awards available

We invite you to attend our

OPEN EVENING Wilton Road, Southampton SO15 5UQ

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023 8079 9216

Friday 6th October 2017 6.30-9pm registrar@kes.hants.sch.uk

We would be delighted to show you around the school. Booking is not required. www.kes.hants.sch.uk

Families Hampshire West 7

How to create a high performing child: Cultivate confidence and resilience – if a child thinks they can, they keep trying. It’s the ones that think they can’t who fall behind – the ones who say ‘I’m rubbish at this’. Don’t sort everything out for them – and that includes tying their shoelaces as much as it does doing their homework. And model the behaviour – don’t give up too easily on things in your life.

Key words: How could you do this? Have you done anything similar before? What did you do then? ‘I know you can. I know it’s hard to do now but I know you can learn how to do this in time if you work at it.’

Develop critical or logical thinking: The ability to deduct, hypothesise, reason and seek evidence is probably the characteristic most associated with academic success.

Great minds and how to grow them

By Wendy Berliner With the children back to school, you could be forgiven for thinking you are handing them over to the professionals and your job is just to make sure they get enough good food, rest and enjoyment so that they flourish in class.

Perhaps you think your teaching job is limited to hearing the little ones read while you make sure the bigger ones do their homework. But it’s more than that. What parents do at home educationally can make the difference between whether their children succeed at school or not.

The truth is that there is more room at the top of the class than we thought and children’s success can be made rather than born. The key is developing the right learning attributes and attitudes such as curiosity, persistence and hard work. But with children spending as little as 15% of their time in class, life at home with parents has to be at the heart of this development.

Key words: ‘Why do you think. . . (bread goes mouldy, babies cry, leaves fall when autumn comes, people disagree about climate change?)’ ‘I wonder if that happened because of this?’

‘How could I find out the truth about that?’

Encourage them to monitor their progress – very important to the high performer is knowing how they are doing, knowing they are on track with their homework for example, knowing they need to put more effort into improving certain things.

Key words: ‘What do you need to be able to do this? How can you check you’re on track? How can you tell whether you are doing it right?

Encourage open mindedness – being open to new ideas is the hallmark of an advanced learner. Start with being open minded yourself so you model what it’s like to be receptive of ideas that differ from your own.

Key words: ‘That’s different to us, isn’t that interesting?’ ‘I never thought of it like that, but that is such a good approach.’

Practice – it’s the only way to get good at something. Make sure it is regular, deliberate and planned, working towards achievable incremental goals and you practise what you can’t do until you can do it well.

Key words: ‘You are really good at that now, what’s the next step up from (playing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on your recorder, writing a story of 100 words/swimming a width of the pool?)’

The latest research from education and neuroscience proves how malleable the brain is, how learning potential can grow, how IQ isn’t fixed – it can go up if you invest in it, and it can probably go down if you don’t.

In our new book Great Minds and How to Grow Them, myself and Professor Deborah Eyre, a lifetime specialist in advanced learning have looked at the research in detail and come up with guidance any parent can use at home, fitting it seamlessly into normal daily life.

What follows are five top ideas you can use at home. They come from Deborah’s High Performance Learning System which is being introduced to schools in the UK and abroad and is detailed for parents in Great Minds and How to Grow Them.

Highwood House, Highwood Lane, Romsey, S051 9ZH 01794 513231

Stroud School, Romsey Co-educational Independent School for Ages 3-13

registrar@stroud-kes.org.uk www.stroud-kes.org.uk

• Preparatory School for King Edward VI Southampton • Small class sizes • Preparation for 11+ and 13+

Great Minds and How to Grow Them by Wendy Berliner and Exclusive Reader Offer Deborah Eyre. For a 20% available for discount and free delivery Families of the book use webcode: GMGT230 on www.routledge. com Reader offer available until 31 December 2017.

8 Families Hampshire West

• 22 acres of outdoor learning including sports fields, woodland forest, school farm and adventure play area Come and see what Stroud can offer your child Stroud provides an “education of the highest quality” ISI Report

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OPEN DAY

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Many parents report that we are the perfect fit for their child and that’s why we’re able to turn in the results; because our pupils are fundamentally happy. Being based in the heart of the New Forest gives us a deep connect with our environment and our pupils feel this too. Enjoy life at Moyles Court, enjoy life while learning.

21⁄2 -16 Co-EdUCaTIoNal, daY & BoaRdINg TElEphoNE: 01425 472 856

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W.J.French & Son SHOEFITTERS OF DISTINCTION

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023 8022 6542

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Families Hampshire West 9

The benefits of swimming for your toddler Swimming is an exciting and rewarding activity that you can do with your child from as early an age as you wish.

The only proviso is that the water is warm enough – around 29-30°C for a toddler and that your child is fit and well.

Why Take Your Baby Swimming?

Swimming is one of the few things your baby can do from birth, and as well as being fantastic for them, it’s also one of the healthiest activities for you too.

In water, little ones are able to exercise every muscle in their body – including some they wouldn’t yet find on land.

Whilst the emphasis in our sessions is on strengthening the bond between parent and child, swimming from birth is also excellent for their development.

What are the benefits?

Taking your toddler swimming has many benefits including: • • • • • •

A complete physical work-out which helps to strengthen the heart, lungs and respiratory system Helps with core muscle development and co-ordination Can help to improve eating and sleeping patterns Swimming can be socially stimulating as well as being an excellent way of bonding An activity which all the family can take part in A life skill that has health benefits all through life and save a life

How to get your toddler started 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Even if you plan to take your toddler to swimming lessons, it’s a good idea to take them to the pool yourself first, before you begin any classes.

Look for family sessions when the whole pool is available Start with sessions of around 30 minutes until they are happy in the water.

When you first take your toddler swimming try to go as a family, or with a friend, so that you have some assistance if your toddler starts to play up.

Get into the water first and stand in the depth where you feel most comfortable with your arms out, ready to hold your baby, then ask your partner or friend to hand them to you in the water.

What your child will need There is a wide range of swimwear available so if your child needs some encouragement it may help if you allow them to choose their own. There are also a lot of buoyancy aids on the market, so you may want to consider some of these until your child is confident in the water. Or you can go to a pool that offers family sessions with floats and toys for the children. Goggles will stop water getting in their eyes, but you’ll need to make sure they fit correctly and that they don’t reduce vision.

When not to take your child swimming As a general guide, if your child has any of the following symptoms it would be best not to take them swimming: cough or cold, breathing difficulties, fever, infection, diarrhoea, skin rash, ear infection, open wound or cuts.

10 Families Hampshire West

During their first year of life, a baby’s brain grows more rapidly than at any other time, with every movement they make helping to strengthen this growth. Despite looking gentle, swimming provides a complete physical workout, strengthening the heart, lungs and respiratory system which, in turn, aids development of the brain. What’s more, regular swimming can enhance their awareness while improving eating and sleeping patterns – a definite bonus for parents!

A weekly swim session will also help them develop physically, emotionally and mentally. For instance, right from the word go they’ll be learning to respond to voice commands, which is fantastic stimulation for a newborn baby’s brain.

Water familiarisation is an equally important aspect. Babies who swim on a regular basis develop a respect for water and can be taught potentially lifesaving skills. And these skills kick in from remarkably early on, proven by the fact that Water Babies pupils as young as two have saved themselves from drowning.

Water Babies classes are available in Southampton, Winchester, Botley and Fareham. For more information, call Clare Davies on 01794 324353, email humptydumpty@waterbabies.co.uk or visit www. waterbabies.co.uk.

Structured lessons or a dip in the local pool?

Parents love the idea of taking their child swimming but either they aren’t confident swimmers themselves or feel as though they don’t know how to teach their child to swim correctly. It’s a great idea to get your child into classes which have clear structure, the best classes provide an enriching environment for both parent and child to strengthen their bond and create happy memories associated with the water and learning to swim.

Puddle Ducks classes combine a carefully balanced set of activities based on extensive child development research, including group and individual work, swimming, submersion, floating, songs and games all geared towards getting your child to swim independently and nurture a love of water.

To find out more information on your nearest classes, prices and times visit www.puddleducks.com/ dorset or call 01202 674676.

Families readers can get an exclusive 10% discount on your first block of lessons at Puddle Ducks Dorset, simply quote ‘FAMILIES10’ when booking.

Reader Offer 10% disc ount

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OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

Weekly Local Classes

The South’s favourite waterpark

From splashy beginnings to swimming superstar!

SLIDE OUTSIDE THROUGH SEPT+ OCT

See our WEBSITE for opening times 01202 716123 info@splashdownpoole.co.uk Tower Park, Poole BH12 4NY | FREE PARKING

www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk . Fantastic Flume Rides . Tots Pool . Interactive Splash Zone

Burst with pride as you watch your baby journey from the early days of enjoying the freedom and fun of the water to learning to swim independently.

Our world-class teachers could have trained as private pilots – five times over – in the time it takes to fully qualify with us. You can trust us to take the very best care of you and your little one.

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BOOK YOUR PLACE today!

Families Hampshire West 11

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13/02/2017 21:08

Achieve more with Baby Paddlers Milestone Programme

Why should your child learn to swim?

Swimming is the only sport that could save your child’s life.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents more than 400 children in the UK died as a result of drowning in 2009. The bottom line is: it makes sense to seriously consider how and when your child is going to learn to swim.

Self Teaching One option is teaching your child yourself. Most children love going to the pool and with your persistence, and their willingness to practice, should learn to float and swim doggy paddle well enough to get out of trouble if they fall into the water. However, if you don’t have the time or confidence to do this, you will need to consider booking some lessons.

Talk to the swimming provider you are considering Tell them about your child, what you are looking for and ask what suitable lessons they have. Pose as many questions as you want and don’t be hurried into accepting unsatisfactory answers. Ask them to send all the information they have for you to consider. If they don’t take an interest in you, cross them off your list!

Ask around Get recommendations from friends and family and ask about their experiences. If possible, ask the children for their feedback too.

Ask to observe some lessons If you aren’t permitted to observe lessons, proceed with caution!

Consider group size The smaller the group, the more individual attention your child will get.

Of course, the smaller the group, the more expensive the lessons, so consider your budget. There are advantages and disadvantages with every group size: •

One to One lessons with a good instructor can be great, but your child will miss out on the fun of learning with other children;

•

If you’d like your child to have lots of individual attention, but also want them to have fun with other children, small groups of three are ideal;

•

Larger groups of four or more are handy if you are on a budget and your child is confident, but not so good if your child is shy or nervous and needing a bit more support.

Remember that if your child does not seem happy attending the lessons or does not seem to be progressing, it’s time to consider another option. However, don’t give up on the idea of your child learning to swim. Learning to swim is like riding a bike. It’s a skill that, fortunately, once learned will never be forgotten.

12 Families Hampshire West

At Baby Paddlers we teach you and your children to be water confident – something we believe starts with having fun! Following the launch of the Baby Paddlers Milestones programme last term we have been delighted to watch the progress of our little ones as they progress through the stages and achieve their badges and rewards. Our classes provide a great bonding opportunity and are tailored to support you both. We welcome all children from 0 – 4 years, and love helping them develop, from the special first Splash, to their first Kick and the all-important first Swim.

Classes are held in Bishops Waltham, Lymington, New Milton, Southampton, Winchester and Fordingbridge. To find out more visit www.babypaddlers.co.uk or call us for a friendly chat on 01962 680236 (10am – 2pm Mon-Fri).

Enjoy a flumin’ great time at Splashdown Waterpark We know that dipping your toes in for the first time can be scary and just because they’re tall enough, doesn’t mean they’re bold enough. Some brave 4 year olds are just fine but some aged 6 still not sure.

Our waterpark is staffed with trained lifeguards and if your little landlubber is 1m tall and happy in the water, they would be safe to slide. For the less confident, Ricky’s Reef, with its 3D effect reef liner, is perfect to get acquainted whilst Buccaneers SplashZone is a watery, interactive playground. Home to 13 thrilling rides, each with a varying degree of difficulty, splash down at the South’s favourite waterpark, where fun flows for all the family.

For more information including opening times, directions and ticket information visit www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk/poole or call 01202 716123.

To feature your business in our clubs & classes pages call 07789 882467 or email editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk for details.

COME AND JOIN US AT REBECCA’S HOLIDAY CLUB FROM 23 - 27 OCTOBER, CHANDLERS FORD Rebecca’s Holiday club is a privately owned playwork childcare establishment. You can expect high quality childcare based around your working needs as a parent/carer that incorporates your childs happiness and individual needs into everyday routines.

Please contact us on 02380255686 or email office@rebeccas-clubs.co.uk

www.rebeccasoutofschoolclub.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs & Classes

Perform for 7 - 12 year olds

Fire up your electric guitar and let’s rock!

Children are invited to the ball with our exciting new show for 7-12 year olds - Cinderella Rocks.

This hilarious version of Cinderella features struggling band, The Ugglies, in their quest to top the charts with handsome music mogul, Simon Prince.

Your local Perform venues Hedge End (New Venue) Turnpike Pavilion, Downscroft Gardens, SO30 4RR

Home-School Tutoring

Lymington St Thomas Church Hall, SO41 9ND Romsey United Abbey Reform Church, 1 Abbey Water, SO51 8ET

Perform drama, dance and singing workshops Perform offer a unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential.

Perform for 4 - 7 year olds

Grab your snorkel and get ready for an amazing under water expedition. This September, dive down to a magical world full of watery adventures. Your child will sing along with Dolly the Dolphin, learn to dance the Fishy Funk and venture into the depths to rescue the Lost Pearl from the scary Deep Sea Creature.

Our unique weekly drama classes will boost your child’s confidence and build their concentration as they sing songs, play games and have fun.

At Home School Tutoring UK, all tutors are graduates, 95% are qualified teachers (the remainder having suitable alternative experience or in the case of languages, are bilingual.)

Southampton Highfield Church Centre,Highfield Lane, SO17 1RL Winchester Holy Trinity Parish Church, Upper Brook Street, SO23 8DG

An Initial consultation is free and offered by an ex-Headteacher with many years of experience. With no minimum number of sessions to book, Home-School Tutoring are the first choice for many schools, council agencies and private families.

Autumn Term Special Offer All children are entitled Autumn to a no-obligation free Special trial session. Plus a £40 discount if signing up Offer £40 discount and quoting discount code UTSS131017 (4-7 yrs) or UTSP131017 (7-12 yrs). Expires 13 October 2017.

For more information or to book a consultation without obligation, call Alex Murray-Twinn on 02380 275573 or email: alex.murray-twinn@homeschooltutoring. co.uk or visit www.homeschooltutoring. co.uk

Call 020 7255 9120, enquiries@perform.org.uk or visit www.perform.org.uk

Home-School Tutoring UK

Race Ahead

Tutors (with full references/DBS checked) available for:

with reading!

School approved books delivered to your home.

“Nothing beats one-to-one tuition for boosting a child’s performance,” says Susan Fieldman of The Good Schools Guide.

3rd

1st 2nd

• • • • •

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

02380 275573

alex.murray-twinn@homeschooltutoring.co.uk

www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk Like to join us as a tutor?

Get in touch today!

Book rental for young readers. www.readingchest.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

(est. 1984) Families Hampshire West 13

Halloween Spooktacular It’s one of the best times of the year for children, but how can you help your child get into the spirit of Halloween? We’ve come up with some ideas to create a truly scary atmosphere and local events you can enjoy for everyone to enjoy the spookiest time of the year.

20 – 30 October Spooky Science Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium Winchester SO21 1HZ 10am – 5pm www.winchestersciencecentre.org

You can’t scare us! Resident science experts don their imaginary proton packs and myth-bust their way through a cauldron of spooky effects. A hair-raising experience but not as you know it! Spooky shows and demonstrations are free with general admission. Enjoy full access to the Science Centre’s exhibition floors and complete your visit with an immersive show in the planetarium (planetarium shows are not included in general admission). £12 adult, £8.40 child - save 10% if you book tickets online at least 1 day in advance.

21 – 29 October Discover the fantasy and Folklore of Halloween Beaulieu National Motor Museum Brockenhurst, SO42 7ZN

Halloween custard

www.beaulieu.co.uk

This Autumn, discover the traditions and folklore from which modern Halloween developed. In old England cakes were made for wandering souls, visit the Victorian kitchen in Palace House as the cook prepares these traditional ‘soul cakes’. In Ireland fairies were among the legendary creatures who roamed on Halloween. Find their homes tucked away along Millpond Walk as well as giant tree carvings of mythical creatures on your journey around Beaulieu! Plus, get creative with arts and crafts as well as themed face painting and much more…

Halloween Party at Jungle Jeans 27th & 28th October 2017 6 - 8pm £11.50 per child Call 02380 638120 to book. Ticket only event Spooky Disco Crazy Tattoos Fancy dress Party bags Apple dunking Chocolate ghost hunt Biscuit decorating and much more!

Jungle Jeans Ltd Unit N West Quay Industrial Estate West Quay Road, Southampton SO15 1GZ 14 Families Hampshire West

Your little ones will absolutely love this custard and chocolate spooky treat; perfect for a Halloween night in.

What you will need Chocolate brownies (make your own or buy) Ready-made custard Mini marshmallows Chocolate buttons How to make it:

So Fea ut tu r Re ham ing pt pt ile on

• • •

• •

Begin by crumbling up the brownies into mini bite sized pieces.

Pour the custard into a large bowl and drop two spoonfulls into the base of the serving bowl you are using.

Next, place a few of the brownie pieces into the glass on top of the base layer of custard, ensuring they go right against the edge for that layered look.

Spoon more custard into the bowl until it reaches the top.

Pop two mini marshmallows on each and place a chocolate drop in the middle of each marshmallow to make eyes.

Why not try?

Alternatively, you could make this dessert with banana custard or Angel Delight instead and use writing icing for the googly eyes.

familiesonline.co.uk

21 – 29 October Potions and Broomsticks Manor Farm Country Park Bursledon, SO31 1BH

www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/manorfarm 10am – 5pm As an extra special treat on top of meeting the farm’s animal residents, the play tractor, combine harvester, pedal tractor circuit, new outdoor play area and of course the café, we have lots of ‘witch-crafts’ and wizardry at Manor Farm this October half-term. Join us for a host of spooky activities. Help to make a potion in our witches cauldron, test your broomstick flying skills and visit our witches wardrobe dressing-up area. Play some ghoulish games in our activity barn and try out some creepy crafts in the house. A special welcome to little witches and wizards, so come in your best Halloween costumes and join in the fun! All activities are included in the farm admission price.

21 - 30 October Halloween Spooktacular Paultons Park Ower, SO51 6AL www.paultonspark.co.uk

Paultons Park is set to host its Halloween event, with ‘spooktacular’ entertainment on offer to guests visiting throughout the October half term.

Included within the admission price is an array of frighteningly fun activities for its little visitors, including a Monsters’ Ball, meet and greet and a fancy dress competition.

At intervals throughout the day the Show Stage will host The Little Monsters’ Ball, a daytime dance party that will see monsters dance to ghostly tunes where youngsters can join in with the scary spectacle. Families will be entertained with spooky meet and greets from magical and mysterious guests, including weird and wonderful witches, vampires and pumpkins, who will be playing tricks on visitors. It wouldn’t be Halloween without a freaky fancy dress competition, encouraging youngsters to wear capes, costumes and an array of face paints for the chance to impress judges and win a prize.

23 - 31 October Experience a frightfully spooky HalloScream Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway Exbury, SO45 1AZ www.exbury.co.uk

Mystery comes to Exbury this October half term! Hop aboard The Flying Sorcerer and help solve the mysterious goings-on round our train track!

A frightfully good time awaits with a pumpkin trail and spell search before little ones get adventurous in the play area. Spooky goingson in Witch’s Wood will lead older ones down a trail to the darkest paths to uncover phantom poems.

Mr Eddy’s Tearooms will have a fang-tastic menu filled with tricks or treats, along with a Haunted Workshop with creepy crafts and face painting. The Flying Sorcerer will be running up to five times a day and prebooking is essential so visit www.exbury.co.uk to book your tickets.

21 - 29 October Boo at the zoo!

Marwell Zoo Colden Common, SO21 1JH Dress up in your best Halloween fancy dress costume and take part in some spooky activities.

Join the scary witch for some creepy storytelling in the Haunted Hall, and get creative making your own magical wand – new for 2017! Meet the resident wizard to take part in his popular broomstick flying sessions before earning your Level 2 licence. Plus, stop by the Pumpkin Patch to carve your very own special pumpkin to take home (extra charge of £3). Normal admission charges apply.

Potions and aFtartmhe Broomsticks 21 October – 29 October

Spooky Science 20 – 30 October 10am – 5pm

This half term make a potion, learn to ride a broomstick and try on our wicked wardrobe. All this plus ghoulish games and creepy crafts included in your admission price. Dress up and join in my little witches and wizards! www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm

Advance online bookings save 10% www.hants.gov.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Spooky shows and demonstrations free with general admission

winchestersciencecentre.org - 01962 863 791 Families Hampshire West 15

Your guide to family events this September & October. 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 September The Great Brick Safari Marwell Zoo Colden Common, SO21 1JH The Great Brick Safari: An Interactive Experience with LEGO® Bricks exclusive to Marwell Zoo! Over 2 million LEGO bricks will be used to make over 80 stunning sculptures representing 25 different species. Among them will be a 1.5 tonne elephant, a life size Bengal tiger and a trio of Giant panda cubs and more. LEGO fans of all ages will be able to follow the trail with a free spotters guide and also take part in hands on building activities in the Great Brick Building Zone. Normal admission charges apply. Runs to 1 Oct. 2 September Alresford Agricultural Show Tichborne Park Alresford, SO24 4AJ 9am – 6pm The day offers a wide variety of events. From donkey, dog and duck shows to racing sheep and ferrets there is never a dull moment at the Alresford Show.

Children can let off steam in the Farm Yard Fun playground and be entertained by Punch and Judy shows throughout the day. Adult £15, Child 11-16 £5, under 11 free.

9 September Heritage Open Day Lepe Country Park Exbury, SO45 1AD 10am – 4pm Step back in time to explore Lepe’s history with a particular focus on Lepe’s role in the run up to D-Day and during the Cold War. Exhibitions, talks, children’s trails and guided walks will be happening throughout the day.

There is a charge for the guided walk, but all other activities are free.

9 September Romsey Show Broadlands, SO51 9LQ 8am – 6pm The Romsey Show is one of the oldest and largest one-day shows in England, where town and country meet, on the second Saturday in September every year. 2017’s programme includes a humorous and educational Sheep Show, a Heavy Horse Logging Display, The Dog and Duck Display Team, South Wilts Falconry, Inter Pony Club Jump Relay, plus fun and laughter with The Mole Show! Adult £17, Child 16 Families Hampshire West

12-17 £11, under 11 free.

9-10 September Stay Wild Festival Itchen Valley Country Park West End, SO30 3HQ Stay Wild Festival is for anyone who is interested in Wilderness Living Skills, Bushcraft and Woodland Craft and is a chance to meet others who share their enjoyment for being outdoors.

Bring your family and friends for 2 days of activities, workshops, exhibits, demos and games for all ages. Day Tickets: Adult £40, Child £25, Family £105. Weekend tickets: Adult £64, Child £40, Family £165.

9-10 September Storytelling at The Great Hall The Great Hall Winchester, SO23 8UJ 10:30am and 2:30pm The Great Hall is delighted to welcome visitors for Heritage Open Days to discover the fascinating history of this former castle site and law court. The Great Hall is the finest surviving medieval aisled hall of the 13th century and once formed part of the magnificent Winchester castle.

For children and families, listen to the Great Hall storytellers to hear the legends of King Arthur and more. Try on costumes of your favourite characters and use props to bring the stories to life… Will you become one of King Arthur’s trusted knights, his beloved Guinevere or the wizard Merlin?

Join in and find out.

10 September DEMFEST Hillier Gardens Romsey SO51 0QA 11am – 4pm DEMFEST 2017 is a family friendly festival, featuring information and advice from organisations who wish to make a difference to the lives of people living with a dementia and their carers. There will be live music, interactive workshops and a variety of activities catering for all the family.

Admission to the festival is free.

Jumping fun at Oxygen Freejumping 10 September Heritage Open Day Tudor House & Garden Southampton, SO14 2AD 10:30am – 4:30pm The day will be packed with activities including tours, crafts and Courtlye Musick’s melodic Renaissance beats. The fantastic Vintage Bus service will also be offering four free guided tours of Southampton Old Town. Free admission, additional charges apply for extra activities.

10 September Drop in art workshop The Colour Factory Winchester, SO23 7DD 12pm – 5pm A drop-in art workshop for children and adults. Come and help break the record for Winchester’s longest line of colourful bunting! Using patterns found in Winchester’s unique heritage discover how to paint and print them using exciting techniques and traditional printing

presses. There will be lots of arty fun as well as face painting for the little ones.

15 – 24 September Southampton Boat Show Mayflower Park and Town Quay Southampton, SO14 2AQ Returning for its 49th year, the Southampton Boat Show is planning to get more people than ever before participating in boating and watersports activities with an array of exciting on the water features at this year’s biggest festival of boating.

Whatever your age or skill level, whether you’re an aspiring sailor, junior paddleboarder or avid skipper, looking for family-fun or a challenge, there is something for everyone. Adult £15 advance, £22 on the day / Child under 16 free.

16 September Saturday Morning Movie & Make: the Boss Baby (PG) Hanger Farm Totton, SO40 8FT

All Aboard The Flying Sorcerer at Exbury Gardens

10 September Heritage Open Day Bursledon Brickworks Swanwick, SO31 7HB A chance to see the museum for free! Bursledon Brickworks are proud to be part of the National Heritage Open Days scheme. Walk in the footsteps of the men who made the bricks that built much of the local area and further afield. familiesonline.co.uk

10:30am A fun-packed morning of movies and making, held once a month.

September’s film is The Boss Baby.

Watch the film and then create a fun thing to take home! The most unusual Boss Baby arrives at Tim’s home in a taxi, wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase. The instant sibling rivalry must soon be put aside when Tim discovers that Boss Baby is actually a spy on a secret mission, and only he can help thwart a dastardly plot that involves an epic battle between puppies and babies. Tickets £6.

23 September Grease (PG) Outdoor Cinema Hoglands Park Southampton SO14 1NH 7:35pm Good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fell in love over the summer. But when they unexpectedly discover they’re now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance?

Hijack Cinema are taking over Hoglands Park, slap bang in the centre of Southampton, to screen Grease under the stars. Admission is from 6:45pm and the film starts at 7:35pm. Tickets £10 + booking fees.

23 September Family Woodland Music Hillier Gardens Romsey SO51 0QA 10am – 12:30pm Using recycled materials and the woodland as a resource, families

will build their own simple musical instruments for all abilities. Ages 4 - 12 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: £12 (for 1 child and 1 adult).

24 September End of Summer Pool Party Avon Tyrell Bransgore BH23 8EE 1:30pm – 5:30pm Music, field games and watersports in the outdoor pool will guarantee you make a big splash! Got a water pistol? Bring it along and join the water fight!

Café Explore will be running a BBQ on the terrace with cold drinks and ice creams also available. Each paying pool party guest will get a free burger or hot dog. Tickets £5.

24 September Children’s 1k Fun Run Winchester City Centre 2pm Winchester Half Marathon is a beautiful run that starts and finishes in the centre of Winchester outside the Guildhall.

The children’s fun run is suitable for ages 2+ and entry costs £5 per child. This race will be chip timed and children will receive a medal and goody bag! There will be various forms of entertainment for Spectators as well as a Bouncy Castle, face painter and live music.

24 September Trains, Trains, Trains Bursledon Brickworks

Swanwick, SO31 7HB Hampshire Narrow Gauge Railway Trust have a chance to show their trains off at the Brickworks.

Inside there will be train displays and stalls. The museum will be all steamed-up and the old machinery turning, the cafe running, as well as activities for children. Adult £6, Conc £5, Child £4, Family £15.

26 September Eastleigh Film Festival: Toy Story The Entertainer Eastleigh SO50 5SG 7:20pm Join Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang in John Lasseter’s witty tale of toys gone wild as two pals embark on one epic adventure to escape the clutches of an adolescent teen and reunite with their beloved owner Andy.

Toy Story will be screened at The Entertainer, where you can expect plenty of thematic fun before the film begins. Adult £10, Child £5.

30 September – 1 October Hampshire Harvest Festival Winchester Cathedral Winchester, SO23 9LS A fun-packed family event celebrating the County’s food and farming. Join Winchester Cathedral for live music, children’s have-a-go activities, vintage tractors, falconry displays, farm

animals, horse-drawn wagon rides, Hampshire Fare market, local beers and ciders and, new for this year, an afternoon tea tent offering wonderful cakes, scones, tea and even a glass of fizz.

1 October End of Season Rally Twyford Waterworks Twyford SO21 1QA 11am – 4pm This is Twyford Waterworks’ very popular end of season rally, with steam engines, cars, stationary engines, demonstrations, displays, and miniature railway rides. Come and help make this a great end to a good year for the Waterworks.

Tickets: Adult £5, Child under 16 Free.

7-8 October Sweet on Honey Hillier Gardens Romsey SO51 0QA See the best that the Hampshire Beekeepers Association has to offer at their annual honey show.

Speak to local beekeepers and learn about bee keeping. Children can have a go at craft activities and learn all about bees (a small charge applies for activities). Free entry to the show but normal garden admission fees apply.

The Gruffalo’s Child © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2004 – Macmillan Children’s Books

ADAPTED FROM JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER’S AWARD-WINNING PICTURE BOOK

HHHHH ‘Everything good children’s theatre should be’ The List

An interactive experience with LEGO® Bricks

MON 23 - SAT 28 OCTOBER BOOK NOW 023 8067 1771 nstheatres.co.uk

THE PERFECT FAMILY TREAT familiesonline.co.uk

Families Hampshire West 17

11 October Teddy Bear’s Picnic Lymington Library Lymington SO41 9BW 11 – 11:30am Pop along to the Children’s Area at Lymington Library during Toddler Time and you’re sure of a big surprise! Bring your favourite teddy and join in with songs, rhymes and stories at an extra special Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Ten bears will also be hiding in the library all week. Pick up your trail sheet from the Help Point before you begin and see how many you can spot! Suitable for under 5s and their parents/carers.

14 October Saturday Morning Movie & Make: Smurfs – the Lost Village Hanger Farm Totton, SO40 8FT 10:30am A fun-packed morning of movies and making, held once a month.

September’s film is Smurfs – The Lost Village. Watch the film and then create a fun thing to take home! Best friends Smurfette, Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty use a special map that guides them through the Forbidden Forest, an enchanted wonderland that’s filled with magical creatures. Their adventure leads them on a course to discover the biggest secret in Smurf history as they race against time and the evil wizard Gargamel to find a mysterious village. Tickets £6. (U).

14 October Autumn Pumpkin Festival and Scarecrow Avenue Royal Victoria Country Park Southampton SO31 5GA The Jubilee Sailing Trust presents the nineteenth Autumn Pumpkin Festival and Scarecrow Avenue.

Fun for all the family with autumnal food, drink, music, dance, crafts, gardening advice and produce, storytelling, games, stalls and much more. The biggest pumpkins in UK will be paraded and celebrated!

21-29 October October half-term family trail Winchester City Mill Winchester SO23 9BH Get in to the Halloween spirit with the Mill’s labyrinth of cobwebs and a brand new spooky family trail.

Everyday this October half-term, keep an eye out for the pumpkins that have sprouted in and around the Mill for the chance to win yummy prizes. Normal admission charges apply.

21 October Autumn Open Day Oasis Down to Earth Farm Southampton SO16 9FQ 10am – 3pm Join Down to Earth Farm for their Autumn Open Day. Buy your Halloween pumpkins, meet the lovely animals, enjoy the BBQ and live music, plus children’s craft activities, face painting, stalls and more. Adult £2.50, Child £1.

18 Families Hampshire West

24 & 26 October Pond Dipping Hillier Gardens Romsey SO51 0QA 1pm – 4pm Join Hillier Gardens for pond dipping and see what is in their Education Garden ponds. Can you find diving beetles, nimble pond skaters and slimy snails? All equipment is provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Normal garden admission charges apply, plus £1.50 per child to join in with pond dipping.

24 and 27 October No Limits days Calshot Activities Centre Fawley, Calshot, SO45 1BR 9:30am – 4:30pm Making the impossible possible for young people with disabilities and their siblings. Using variations of standard and adaptive equipment, the aim is to make every activity accessible and inclusive. Activities include; ski slope activities, inclusive cycling, archery, rock and rope, shooting. A No Limits day will incorporate a selection of these activities delivered by a professional instructional team.

Full day: £46 (lunch included). £36 for HCC gateway card holders.

24 and 27 October Action Adventure Days Hampshire Outdoor Centres 9am – 4:30pm for a full day, 9am – 12:30pm for a half day.

There are 3 Hampshire Outdoor Centres dotted around Hampshire; Calshot, Tile Barn and Runway’s End. In the holidays these centres open their doors to children who would like to have a go at the exciting activities that are on offer, suitable for 4 – 17 year olds.

Activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, archery, caving and many more may be included in an Action Adventure Day. From £45 (full day). £26 (half day).

25 October Let’s Dig! Exploring Archaeology The Eling Experience Testwood Lakes Visitor Centre 10am Drop in any time 10am - 12noon and join us as we investigate real archaeological artefacts. Explore how archaeologists work and try piecing together the past. Suitable for 5+ year olds - all children must be accompanied. Free.

25 October Puppet People Winchester Cathedral Winchester, SO23 9LS 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm Discover the real-life stories behind some of the good, the bad and the downright ugly past people of Winchester Cathedral with a free mini trail, and design and make a paper puppet to take away. Free, for ages 4 to 11. Normal entrance fees for adults apply.

27 October Family Halloween Bushcraft Hillier Gardens Romsey SO51 0QA 10am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 4pm A Halloween session of fun, spooky songs and stories around the fire. Play with charcoal, make popcorn over a fire and toast a marshmallow. Learn how to start a fire safely too. With a special site in the woodland, and set within beautiful grounds, bushcraft sessions are fun, safe and educational. Suitable for ages 4 - 12 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: £12 (for 1 child and 1 adult).

27 October It’s Magic on the Farm with Silly Scott Longdown Activity Farm Ashurst, SO40 7EH Enjoy lots of madcap humour and magical mayhem with one of the UK’s top family entertainers Silly Scott. Normal admission charges apply.

Back to school with a bounce at Oxygen Freejumping The Summer holidays may be over for another year, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Oxygen Freejumping, Southampton’s favourite trampoline park, is here to make sure the kids still have a place to let off steam and jump for joy this term. Explore over 100 connected trampolines and 8 unique jumping zones, including the awesome walk-the-wall, giant airbag cushion and mega foam pit.

Parents will love it too, even if they’re not coming along for a bounce!

The cafe overlooks the entire trampoline park, and serves Lavazza coffee, wine, beer and snacks.

Plus, exclusively for the new school term, get 20% off all jumping activities including after school club, neon disco, toddler sessions, trampoline coaching, kids parties and much more! The discount applies to all Oxygen’s products, simply use promo code SCHOOL20 when booking online. Valid 4pm-6pm only. Offer ends 31 Oct 17. T&C apply. Book online at oxygenfreejumping.co.uk

28 October Fireworks Spectacular Beaulieu National Motor Museum Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN Admission from 3pm Be wowed by the explosive and dynamic fireworks display, set to a Beaulieu does Broadway theme.

Have fun on the Beaulieu Rides & Drives and Old-Time Fairground, all at good value extra charges.

Hot food and drinks are available both inside and out, as well as roast chestnuts and candyfloss.

Everyone is invited to get in the spirit of the night in fancy dress!

See website for tickets.

28- 29 October It’s Frightfully Fun at the Farm Longdown Activity Farm Ashurst, SO40 7EH There’ll be lots of spooky stuff to see and do including pumpkin carving, other blood-curdling crafts and face painting. On Sunday only, meet and hold a barn owl and see lots of creepy creatures like rats, snakes, cockroaches and huge snails, courtesy of The Creature Teachers.

Normal admission charges apply, plus small charge for certain activities. Every child that arrives at the Farm in spooky fancy dress will be allowed entry at a special concessionary rate of £5 each.

28 – 29 October Wizard Weekend The Watercress Line Alresford, SO24 9JG Dress up as a Halloween spook and take unlimited rides on the Wizard Express steam train. There will be lots of spooky activities to keep the kids entertained: Hold an owl or be brave and touch some hairy, scary, creepy crawlies, marvel at a haunting magic show and get your face painted into something scary!

29 October Halloween Crafts in Patrick’s Patch Fairweather’s Garden Centre Beaulieu, SO42 7YB 10am, 11:30am and 1pm Join Rachel for a full filled morning in Patrick’s Patch making a scary Halloween spider and its web. You will be able to take your spooky spider home with you – just in time for Halloween! Suitable for ages 4-11. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets £5 per child.

29 October Halloween Steam Up Bursledon Brickworks Swanwick, SO31 7HB All the resident traction engines come home to roost for the winter having spent the summer touring all over the country. The museum will be in steam, Hamphsire Narrow Gauge Railway Trust will be running their trains and inside there will be all kinds of activities for children including popular Halloween activities, craft stalls and music.

familiesonline.co.uk

Children’s Theatre Nuffield Southampton Theatres Southampton SO17 1TR Box Office: 02380 671771 www.nstheatres.co.uk 16 September Higgledy Piggledy Pie Ages 3+ I £6 I 11am & 2pm This brand new children’s production promises to be a playful treat for all the family.

Featuring popular rhymes brought to life using vegetable puppets, Stunty Dumpty unicycling on a tightrope, clowning and more!

23-28 October The Gruffalo’s Child Ages 3+ I From £12 Hot on the heels of The Gruffalo’s huge West End success comes The Gruffalo’s Child, a magical, musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel from Tall Stories Production. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he?

Mayflower Theatre Southampton SO15 1GE Box Office: 023 8071 1811 www.mayflower.org.uk

23 September The Pixies’ Scarf Ages 3+ I £6 I 11am & 2pm Delightful retelling of The Pixies’ Scarf by Alison Uttley. While out picking whortleberries with Grandmother, Dicky Bundle finds a magical scarf that opens a door to the beautiful, fragile world of The Wee Folk. But the Pixies don’t want to share their precious secrets with a human child. Dicky must strike a deal with the Queen of the Pixies, or loose the magical scarf forever.

30 September Town Mouse, Country Mouse Ages 4-8 I £6 I 11am & 2pm This is a retelling of two Aesop’s Fables, Town Mouse and Country Mouse and Belling the Cat, combining acting, music and innovative puppetry to create one funny, musical and dramatic puppet play.

7 October Steadfast Tin Soldier Ages 3+ I £6 I 11am & 2pm A playful retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s poetic story, Steadfast Tin Soldier uses light, projections and simple materials that are skilfully transformed through puppetry to create a theatrical experience that promises to engage and touch young hearts and minds alike.

14 October Mischief and Mysteries in Moominvalley Ages 4-8 I £6 I 11am & 2pm A treat for young audiences, Mischief and Mysteries in Moominvalley will feature appearances from their favourite Moomin characters, magical puppetry and original music, all set against an ingenious pop-up book set. familiesonline.co.uk

21 - 23 September Northern Ballet: The Little Mermaid Ages 5+ I From £15 adult I £7.50 child Northern Ballet’s beautiful new ballet will reimagine the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale and take you on a journey beneath the waves.

12 - 15 October The Railway Children All Ages I From £19.50 Adult, £13.50 child E. Nesbit’s classic novel The Railway Children is brought thrillingly to life in a stunning new stage production. Complete with beautiful period costumes and ingenious designs, this new production promises an uplifting theatrical experience for all ages.

All ages welcome.

13 - 15 October The Tiger Who Came To Tea All Ages I From £12.50 Following a smash-hit West End season, the tea-guzzling tiger is back on the road in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! All ages welcome.

Theatre Royal Winchester Winchester, SO23 8SB Box Office: 01962 840440 www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 6-8 October The Gruffalo Ages 3+ I £13 Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups.

13-15 October Stick Man All Ages I From £14 This award-winning production, is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. All ages welcome.

22 October Michael Morpurgo’s King Arthur Ages 7+ I £14 I 2:30pm Michael Morpurgo’s King Arthur is a fast-moving show of adventure, physical theatre, puppetry and outstanding storytelling. Stories of brave chivalry and battles, the search for the Holy Grail and the great betrayal by Lancelot and Guinevere are all part of this exciting new production from award-winning Story Pocket Theatre.

The Berry Theatre The Berry Theatre Southampton SO30 4EJ Box Office: 023 8065 2333 www.theberrytheatre.co.uk 7 & 23 October Saturday Storytime Ages 3-7 I £3 I 10.45am 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. Each session is packed full of adventures and characters, and ends with

interactive play time where everyone becomes part of the story.

21 October Me… Ages 2- 6 I £8 & £6 I 11am & 2pm This early year’s favourite is a lovely and touching story about a parent and their love for their child by much loved children’s author Emma Dodd. Suitable for ages 2-6 years.

26 October The Enormous Turnip Ages 3- 10 I £8 & £6 I 11am & 2pm This re-potted version of the famous children’s story is full of unswerving energy, live music and eccentric puppetry.

28 October The Snow Dragon Ages 3+ I £8 & £6 I 2pm On New Year’s Eve, Billy is looking forward to the annual visit of the legendary Snow Dragon, who will bring him even more goodies...

But when Billy bumps into some hungry wolves in the forest, New Year’s Day seems a long way off.

How will Billy escape?

Would you like to advertise your business to over 42,000 parents in our next issue?

Book Today Call 07789 882467 Booking deadline 6 October

The Gruffalo’s Child At Nuffield Southampton Theatres 23-28 October Hot on the heels of The Gruffalo’s huge West End success comes The Gruffalo’s Child, a magical, musical adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson.

Live on stage at from 23-28 October, this playful production promises to be a theatrical treat for all the family this autumn half term. Featuring songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up – not forgetting plenty of attitude!

Tickets are £12 and available from the Box Office 023 8067 1771 or online at nstheatres.co.uk Families Hampshire West 19

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Chichester

Glenmore Business Park Chichester | PO19 7BJ 01243 256590

Southampton

Chandlers Ford Industrial Estate Eastleigh | SO53 4DG 02382 247811

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31/07/2017

21–29 October 2017

Find out more:

beaulieu.co.uk

Beaulieu | New Forest | Hampshire | SO42 7ZN

01590 612345 Open daily from 10am 12:09

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Families Hampshire West

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