Families Solent East magazine, March / April 2010, Issue 27 by Watershed Creative Limited

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For Chichester, Fareham, Gosport, Petersfield, Portsmouth, Southsea, the Isle of Wight and all the places in-between. Families Solent East, PO Box 731, Southsea PO1 9AR | www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

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Interesting maths facts 1. You can multiply two numbers in any order and end up with the same answer. For example:

9 x 11 = 99 11 x 9 = 99

2. Multiply is the inverse (opposite) of divide.

3. Divide the bold number shown in the window by one of the numbers above it. The answer is the number that is left.

99 ÷ 11 = 9 99 ÷ 9 = 11

8 8 8 9 9 9 9 8 8 10 11 12 9 10 11 12 1010 10 10 7 712 8 9 88 96 81 90 99 108 11 12 1 11 11 7 80 100 11 0 120 1 12 12 7 10 11 84 64 72 1 121 9 0 77 132 2 14 63 7

£3.45

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3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 4 4 2 3 3 4 5 21 24 27 30 33 36 4 5 6 4 4 2 7 16 20 2 11 12 9 12 15 18 24 2 8 9 4 8 32 10 22 24Multiply the two top numbers 20 in any order. The answer is shown 36

Designed to support your child’s Maths at home and in the classroom. Visit the website to see the wheel in action.

learningwheels www.learningwheels.net

learn howto

multiply and divide

products in English, Maths, French, German & Spanish

www.learningwheels.net

In this issue: News History is fun Out & about What’s on Education Vision Photography Aloe Vera Directory Competitions

3 4-7 8 9-15 16 17 18 19 6, 8, 20

Your Opportunity to Lead the Beat. Boogie Mites are now recruiting Group Leaders and Franchisees, to cope with demand.

Next issue, May/June 2010 Editorial and booking deadline: 9th April 2010.

If you have a love of music and children, and want a career that fits around your family life, start to boogie! We have a number of opportunities available; from leading weekly sessions to building your own profitable business.

To advertise in Families Solent East: Call 023 9232 5005 or email ads@familiessolenteast.co.uk. Spread the word: If you know of a nursery or other place parents visit regularly that would like to receive FREE copies of Families Solent East but isn’t already doing so, get in touch and we’ll sort things out. Designed by Watershed Creative: 023 9242 2009, www.watershedcreative.com Printed by Bishops Printers: 023 9233 4900, www.bishops.co.uk Copyright: Families Solent East, March 2010 Data Protection: If you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition oﬀering prizes in Families Solent East, we may supply your details to the company oﬀering the samples or prizes. If you would prefer us NOT to do so, please state this clearly on your entry. Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners’ own risk and, whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent East nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

To find out more contact Sue: t: 023 92817274 e: sue@boogiemites.co.uk

www.boogiemites.co.uk

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

Make sure you get your copy of Families Solent East! Families Solent East is FREE, so it can be hard to get hold of a copy! For £9.30 you can get the next six issues delivered direct to your door. To be sure of getting your copies, please complete and cut out this form and return it, together with your cheque for £9.30 made payable to Families Solent East, to: Families Solent East, PO Box 731, Southsea PO1 9AR. Name Address

THERE’S A NEW PARTY IN TOWN… pass it on! Jamie Oliver is coming to Town! Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of his exciting new business Jamie at Home. We are currently seeking self-employed Managers and Consultants with or without Party Plan experience and anyone looking for extra income in the New Year. Could this be you? For more details contact Jacqui on 07857 642237 or jacquimcjme@aol.com.

Postcode

2 Families Solent East March/April 2010

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

News

very cloud has a silver lining. The snow and ice that brought such disruption earlier this year to schools, work and magazine delivery also brought redwings and fieldfares to our gardens. Similarly, this may be my last issue as editor of Families Solent East magazine, but the silver lining comes in the form of John Franklin, the new editor, who will be taking on the magazine from the next issue. I have had a very exciting time over the past five years, establishing the magazine in the area, and I am sure it will continue to grow under John’s excellent editorship. Many thanks to all my loyal Liz Bourne Editor and local readers, advertisers, and especially my distributors mother of three without whom it wouldn’t have been possible. Bye!

Support for Grandparents in Portsmouth Grandparents can have significant influence on a child’s happiness and well being. There are 14 million grandparents in the UK: 1.5 million are aged under 50 and 7 million under 65. One in four families has been found to receive some kind of childcare support from grandparents. However, grandparents’ role in children’s lives often goes unrecognised, and in any breakdowns of family relationships grandparents can even be denied access to their grandchildren. Political parties are beginning to appreciate the need to support grandparents and the government’s recent Green Paper, Support for All, talks about plans to do this, but The Grandparents’ Association is a key support nationally, and now locally in Portsmouth. The Association’s mission is to improve the lives of children, and it offers support for all grandparents in caring for, or maintaining contact with their grandchild. A national charity, they run an information and advice line on 0845 4349585, and welfare benefits line on 0844 357 1033. They can be found online at grandparents-association.org.uk. In November 2009, Louisa Wearn started in post as project worker for Portsmouth and she is tasked with finding out the prime needs of grandparents in the city and will work with volunteer grandparents to set up a network of support – peer support on childcare issues and for maintaining social contact, for example. Louisa is keen to hear from any grandparent in Portsmouth who would like information or support. Email her at louisa.wearn@ grandparents-association.org.uk or call 07969 361 663.

Mums Are on a Roll With New Class in Southsea Losing one’s baby weight can be a challenge. ‘It’s easy to avoid exercising if you don’t make it part of your routine’ according to one mum from Southsea. But she says her buggy exercise class MamaFit is ‘all these friendly mums having a chat… it doesn’t feel like exercise’. Lauren from Cosham agrees, adding that financially it ‘compares to the gym… and you get personal advice’. The babies like it too, mostly sleeping because of the movement. Even so, stops are allowed for cuddles and nappies! Instructor Jim Doherty was inspired to start MamaFit while caring for son Leon, 17 months, when his wife was abroad. He believes mums are ‘naturally committed’. Indeed new mum Vicky, from Portsmouth, surprised herself by jogging in her first class. Although sleep deprivation makes exercising tough, Jim points out that ‘exercise makes you sleep better’. He adapts the routines to each mum’s fitness level so everybody gets pushed. The group meets on Tuesdays at 11am at the Pyramids Centre Car Park, Southsea, and evening and weekend classes are coming soon. Call 07711 275 338 or email jim@mamaﬁt.net.

Telephone 023 9232 5005

Healthy SForhoYouers

Children Contact Eva Martin

www.healthykidsshoes.co.uk

Grandparents’ Association now in Portsmouth!

Our mission is to improve the lives of children. Supporting all grandparents in caring for, or maintaining contact with their grandchild. If you need support, or can offer it to others, contact: Louisa Wearn: 07969 361663, Helpline: 0845 4349585 www.grandparents-association.org.uk

GO FOR IT… JOIN THE BUSINESS MUMS! Working with a successful, international company, with a £36 million turnover in the UK, we are looking for openminded and ambitious people to spearhead its second phase expansion. Working part time, £500-£1,500 pm, or full time, £2,000-£5,000+ pm, without having to compromise your current career, business or family commitments. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment, self-employed background, would like to work from home, or feel you wish to develop an extra-ordinary income, please call Hesione Waugh on 01329 232084.

March/April 2010 Families Solent East 3

inss& M  ueens & By Liz Bourne, with help from English Heritage

evoltin  evoltin evoltin easants easants Why History is Fun

y husband hated history at school. His teacher was dull, uninspiring and was nicknamed Toady due to his hunched and warty demeanour. My history teacher, on the other hand, was great fun and easily sidetracked. She will be remembered for her passion for the French Revolution and her infamous Nazi goose-stepping demonstration in front of the Lower Fourths. But unfortunately many of us do fall out of love with history because of the failure of some teachers to bring it to life. Some may ask why it’s important to learn about the past – shouldn’t we be looking to the future? But imagine this: what if you were to wake up tomorrow morning with no memory at all? You didn’t recognise anyone around you, nor your surroundings. It would be very bewildering. That link between the past and present would be lost if we had no memory of our history. African historian Ayi Kwei Armah said that ‘the present is where we get lost if we forget our own past and have no vision of the future’. Teaching children about history, either of their own country or of others, is essential if they are to understand current ideas, values, conflicts and traditions. Anything that has a past has a history, including the history of ideas (such as the concept of freedom) and cultural history (such as the history of music). It would be difficult to understand the significance of the inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the USA without at least some basic knowledge of the black struggle in the country. Similarly, my children’s knowledge of the Second World War goes some way to help them understand why their grandmother met her father only twice before she was five and why she didn’t eat a banana until she was seven! But the important thing is it needn’t be dull! History isn’t just about dates, battle strategies and dusty old pottery. History is gruesome, scary, revolting, funny, exhilarating and rude. You need only look at the hugely successful Horrible Histories franchise to1see 4/2/10 how history09:35 can inspire. 33863 Families 130x87:Layout Page 1

ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE MUSEUM

Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th May 2010 • Traction & Showman’s Engines, Road Locomotives & Rollers • Talks, Tours, Steam Rides & Fairground Attractions • Brass Bands, Morris Dancers & Craft Stalls • Festival of local Real Ale, Cider & Sausages

into history...

Buy your tickets before 31st March 2010 and receive a 10% discount!

Discover the past with ex-submariners and learn abo their first hand experienc ut es.

Plus the record breaking British Steam Car! www.celebrationofsteam.co.uk t: 023 9283 9766

Supported by

HMS ALLIANCE • X24 MIDGET SUB • HOLLAND 1 INTERACTIVE GAMES• COFFEE SHOP • HARBOUR TOURS

meet the crew today

www.rnsubmus.co.uk

Tel 023 9251 0354 Haslar Jetty Rd, Gosport PO12 2AS

OPEN EVERY DAY

4 Families Solent East March/April 2010

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

Sadly, history can be marginalised in the primary classroom by the literacy and numeracy curriculum, but, taught correctly, it can be just as worthwhile a subject:

 By learning the mistakes of our past we can hope not to repeat them  We gain a sense of belonging and identity  We can understand the personal impact of past disasters and transfer this to those in the present  The learning of history leads to an inquiring mind – the word ‘history’ comes from the Greek ‘to know’

Useful Web Sites

 bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/programme  bbc.co.uk/history/forkids/  englishheritage.org.uk  nationaltrust.org.uk Great fun for the little ones NEEDLES OLD BATTERY Daily 10.30am - 5pm from 13 March

Learning About History

MAKE MUM'S DAY Mothers Day Sunday 14 March Free admission to the Needles Old Battery and a slice of Victoria sponge for mums accompanied by one or more of their children

Through visiting historic locations, history studied in the classroom can be made memorable by being brought to life in real and exciting ways. Children will begin to feel aware that they too are part of the story – and part of England’s heritage. Just soaking up the atmosphere of a place where important events took place can help to give greater insight and understanding of today’s society. Using it to imagine how rich and poor lived side by side, how kings ruled, servants worked or monks worshipped can reveal so much about how and why we do things now, especially when compared with present-day equivalents. EH_Solent East_Osb+Caris_2 12/2/10 11:21 am Page 1

EASTER EGG TRAIL Easter Monday 5 April 10.30am - 5pm

MOTTISTONE MANOR GARDEN Sun to Thurs 11am - 5pm from 14 March EASTER EGG TRAIL Easter Sunday 4 April

11am - 4pm

Easter trails supported by Cadburys. Normal admission plus £1.50 per trail sheet. Last admission to both properties 4.30pm For more information visit: www.islandupdate.org or call 01983 754772 / 741302 Time Well Spent

Registered charity no. 205846

Historic Isle of Wight

CARISBROOKE CASTLE

OSBORNE HOUSE

Explore this fascinating castle. March the battlements, try on armour and enjoy fun interactive activities. Find out more about the castle’s most famous prisoner, Charles I and meet the current residents – the Carisbrooke Castle donkeys.Then relax in the new Edwardian style Princess Beatrice Garden.

Visit Queen Victoria’s family home and discover more about her family life. See the royal state apartments and the private rooms including the royal nursery where the children played. Explore the Swiss Cottage, a miniature chalet where the prince and princesses learned how to run a house and grow vegetables.

Open daily all year from 10am

Open daily, April-Oct from 10am

Adult £7, Concs £6, Child £3.50, Family £17.50, EH members free

Adult £10.90, Concs £9.30, Child £5.50, Family £27.30

Carisbrooke Castle, Newport, PO30 1XY

Osborne House, East Cowes PO32 6JX

Joint tickets with Hovertravel, Red Funnel and Wightlink available. For more information call 0870 333 1183 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk Telephone 023 9232 5005

March/April 2010 Families Solent East 5

Royal Marines Museum Eastney Esplanade, Southsea royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk, 023 9281 9385 An extensive museum based on the Southsea seafront in the former Officers’ Mess of Eastney Barracks. Learn about the origins of the Royal Marines from 1664 through to the current day. Engaging and hands-on displays, informative exhibits and even a real snake and scorpions.

Carisbrooke Castle & Osborne House english-heritage.org.uk Children love finding special features, searching for clues and solving problems, so it’s not just history that can be learned at historic sites. Literacy, numeracy, art, drama, maths – all these and more can be explored and, importantly, enjoyed at English Heritage buildings. Pre-booked learning groups are welcome to all 400 English Heritage properties free of charge. Carisbrooke Castle also offers reasonably priced, expert-led Discovery Visits which helped it win a Sandford Award for excellence in heritage education through work with schools.

Local Museums

www3.hants.gov.uk/museum

Our local museums offer fantastic insights into how we used to live. They are usually free to go to as well!

Museum on the Mezzanine, Gosport Discovery Centre Manor Farm, Bursledon Westbury Manor Museum, Fareham The Spring, Havant City Museum, Portsmouth Museum of Island History, Newport, IoW

On the Mainland Arundel Castle arundelcastle.org

See 1,000 years of history at this imposing castle, set in magnificent grounds. Check web site for regular events.

Beaulieu

beaulieu.co.uk

Visit the Motor Museum, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey all for one price. A great day out for everyone with a good diversity of things to do.

6 Families Solent East March/April 2010

Bucklers Hard

Beaulieu bucklershard.co.uk

A beautiful spot on the banks of the Beaulieu River, of particular historic importance – it was here that some of Nelson’s fleet was built. The museum is interesting as are the authentically reconstructed cottage interiors. You can see Nelson’s wonderfully preserved baby clothes and learn about life in an 18th century village.

Charles Dickens’s Birthplace Portsmouth 023 9282 7261

Dickens was born here in 1812 and the house has been preserved as a museum furnished in the style of 1809 when his parents set up their home. See the couch upon which he died.

Cowdray Park Midhurst cowdray.org.uk

One of southern England’s most important early Tudor courtier’s palaces. Follow in the footsteps of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Take a tour using a hand-held audio guide, including one specifically for children.

Royal Navy Submarine Museum Haslar Jetty Road, Gosport, rnsubmus.co.uk, 023 9251 0354 George Malcolmson, historian at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum said, ‘Children learn about the past to help make sense of the world they are growing up in. It helps if history can be communicated in a fun way and museums are great at doing this’. At the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport families can actually go onboard a real WWII era submarine, HMS Alliance, with a veteran submariner who lived onboard. They can see, touch and smell where the crew slept and ate and find out first hand why they never washed, what it sounded like when they were under enemy attack and what it is was like being underwater. Families can also have a go themselves and play at being a submarine commander on interactive games in the science gallery and dress up to become a pirate in the Skull & Crossbones exhibition.

1 of 10 Family Tickets to Carisbrooke Castle For your chance to win, just answer the following question…

What four-legged creature famously works the wheel, drawing water from a well, at Carisbrooke Castle? Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number to: Carisbrooke Castle, Families Solent East, PO Box 731, Southsea, PO1 9AR, or send an email to: competitions@familiessolenteast.co.uk, with ‘Carisbrooke Castle’ as your subject. Closing date 9th April 2010.

D-Day Museum

Portchester Castle

Tells the story of Operation Overlord from its origins in 1940 to victory in Normandy in 1944. Lots of interesting displays to engage children plus a great display of army vehicles.

An important part of the Solent’s defences for hundreds of years. Mostly ruined, apart from the keep, plus an exhibition in the keep interprets the history of the castle and village.

Clarence Parade, Southsea 023 9282 7261

Fishbourne Roman Palace

sussexpast.co.uk

View the wonderfully preserved mosaics and visit the engaging museum.

Fort Nelson

Portsdown Hill, Fareham 01329 233 734, armouries.org.uk

Over 350 big guns and historic cannon on display. Damp tunnels to explore.

Milestones Living History Museum

Leisure Park, Basingstoke milestones-museum.com

english-heritage.org.uk

Butser Ancient Farm 023 9259 8838, butserancientfarm.co.uk

A permanent working ancient farm. Look out for special events which bring the history to life.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

023 9272 8060, historicdockyard.co.uk

A great day out with lots to see. Go aboard the historic HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860; see the Mary Rose and visit the museum jam-packed with artifacts taken from the sight of her watery grave; go to the Royal Naval Museum devoted to the ships and crews of the Royal Navy.

A network of streets with shops, a village green and a pub, dating from the Victorian times and the 1930s.

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

Cracked it! Easter at the Museum

Weald and Downland Museum Singleton, Chichester, wealddown.co.uk, 01243 811 363 Discover our ancestors’ homes and the way they built them, their animals and the way they raised them, their crops and flowers and the way they grew them. There are over 45 historic homes, farms and workplaces that have been rescued from destruction and restored to their original form. The houses include the showpiece Bayleaf medieval farmstead, a pair of timber-framed Victorian agricultural labourers’ cottages from the 1860s, a tiny 13th century flint cottage, a toll cottage from 1807, and much more. Farm and work buildings include barns, a granary, cattle sheds, a stable, an operational 17th century watermill, a market hall dating from 1620, a working smithy, and a Tudor kitchen complete with cook. The Museum’s freedom, space, and ‘hands on’ policy means children can scamper in and out of the houses through low doorways, clamber up the steep wooden staircases and peep out of upstairs windows, all the while discovering how our ancestors’ homes and workplaces compare to our own. Children can look, touch and consider building materials through the ages. They can build their own structures with hand-made bricks in the brick drying shed dating from 1733. They can watch the heavy grindstones grinding the grain in the watermill, and see what it was like to have been the boy who drove the 17th century treadwheel to raise water from the well far beneath. And of course, they enjoy a trip to the working Tudor kitchen, where the Tudor fare may look very unusual compared to what they are used to at home!

What to do with the family for the holidays? Problem solved with Easter activities for all the family on Sunday 4 & Monday 5 April: two days of fun and celebrations, with a bonnet competition and parade on the Monday. Then join us for Wonderful Easter Wednesdays on 7 & 14 April, with hands-on activities, arts, crafts and games.

11 – 4pm

Museum open throughout the Easter holidays 10.30 – 6pm

WEALD & DOWNLAND OPEN AIR MUSEUM Singleton, Chichester, W. Sussex PO18 0EU 01243 811348 www.wealddown.co.uk

the ROYAL MARINES MUSEUM Registered Charity No. 259422

Southsea Castle

Clarence Parade, Southsea 023 9282 7261

Built in 1544, the castle was part of Henry VIII’s fortifications. He watched his flagship, the Mary Rose, sink in front of the castle. Run through the tunnels, visit the informative displays and go through the Time Tunnel to discover more about the history of the Castle.

Stansted House

Rowlands Castle 0233 9241 2265, stanstedpark.co.uk

A fascinating glimpse of how the other half lived! A truly ‘upstairsdownstairs’ experience.

On the Island Bembridge Windmill

01983 873 945, nationaltrust.org.uk

The only surviving windmill on the Island, built around 1700 and still with its original machinery.

Telephone 023 9232 5005

Brading Roman Villa

Brading bradingromanvilla.org.uk, 01983 406 223

View mosaics and artifacts from Roman times.

Dinosaur Isle

Culver Parade, Sandown dinosaurisle.com

Shaped like a pterodactyl, the museum houses a fascinating array of fossils and artifacts which will grip children (and adults) of all ages.

Needles Old Battery

Alum Bay nationaltrust.org.uk, 01983 754 772

A Victorian coastal defence and secret rocket testing site perched high above the Needles Rocks. Look out for fascinating events involving the rocketmen and the space race.

Newtown Old Town Hall

Newport 01983 531 785, nationaltrust.org.uk

A town hall with no town! Exhibition about the mysterious ‘Ferguson Gang’.

April Fun! with unmissable family activities!

Commando Fit

6th-8th & 13th-15th April 11am, 1pm & 3pm Back by popular demand! Being a Royal Marines Commando is a tough job: you need to be strong in mind and body. Test yourself against the commando gym tests and our very own assault course... Please note that normal admission prices apply to take part in the activities.

Royal Marines Museum Garden Party 11th April

Enjoy a traditional garden party, play games & watch the Fort Cumberland Guard bring history to life with a bang! This event is FREE to attend in the Museum grounds; normal admission charges apply for entry into the Museum building.

Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 9PX T: 023 9281 9385 W: www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk See us on Twitter and Facebook March/April 2010 Families Solent East 7

A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE THOMAS AT

Thomas & Friends are celebrating their 65th Anniversary throughout 2010! The Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line will be holding their fantastic ‘Days Out With Thomas’ events during Easter Break (2-11 April) and the Summer Holidays (7-15 August). Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to see ‘Thomas’ and lots of his friends including James, Henry and Daisy. Percy and Toad will be joining Thomas at Ropley Station giving rides and Diesel will be giving rides too at Alresford Station. Bulgy, Trevor and a friend of George will also be coming along – plus free face painting and lots more! You could win a Family Ticket for this great family day out! For your chance to win, just answer the following question…

What number does Thomas have on the side of his water tanks? A: 1 B: 2 C: 100 Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number to: Watercress Line, Families Solent East, PO Box 731, Southsea, PO1 9AR, or send an email to: competitions@familiessolenteast.co.uk, with ‘Watercress’ as your subject. Closing date 31st March 2010. Family Ticket includes 2 adults and 2 children aged 2-16 years old. Ticket value is £45.00. Prize cannot be substituted or transferred. Competition not open to employees or members of the Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line.

FREE MOTHER’S DAY FUN AT WEST DEAN GARDENS

There’s fun, flowers and free entry for all mums accompanied by one or more children on Mother’s Day, Sunday, 14th March, at West Dean Gardens. These picturesque and historical gardens are situated in the rolling folds of the South Downs National Park on the A286 between Chichester and Midhurst, and can be accessed by both car and public transport (Stagecoach Coastline buses, Route 60: ChichesterSingleton). The Gardens feature horticultural splendours such as the Victorian walled kitchen garden, the Edwardian pergola, the spring garden and pond, plus breathtaking parkland views and a circular walk through St Roche’s Arboretum. No visit is complete without a trip to the restaurant which serves a variety of delicious homemade food and refreshments, from soups and cakes to main meals. And if you want to buy the perfect present for Mum, then take a look in the gift shop which sells jewellery, handbags, rugs and more!

BRINGING THE NATION’S FAMILIES TOGETHER National Family Week runs from Monday, 31st May to Sunday, 6th June 2010, aiming to highlight the important role families play in society and encourage healthy active lifestyles and quality family time. Perhaps you might be interested in running your own event or activity for families in your community. Councils can use the Week to promote the many services they provide to families with storytelling sessions in libraries, sports taster sessions in leisure centres or picnics in their parks or schools can run activities to showcase the facilities they have available to families in their area. As well as thousands of smaller events and activities set to run all across the uk, large funpacked flagship Family Week Picnics, including one at Southsea Common, will kick start the Week. Visit nationalfamilyweek.co.uk for further information including details on how you can take part. If you are interested in getting involved and would like to discuss your ideas with a member of the National Family Week team, call Gemma Fordham on 020 7871 0189 or email gemma@nationalfamilyweek.co.uk. Families Magazines is working alongside National Families Week as a media partner to support the week’s events. Find out more at our Group site at familiesonline.co.uk/NFW by following the link to NFW at the end of the article.

8 Families Solent East March/April 2010

New for this year are the children’s activity sheets featuring word searches, quizzes, nature trails and treasure hunts, guaranteed to keep children entertained whilst discovering the hidden treasures of the gardens, including the gambolling spring lambs! Opening times: 1st March to 31st October, 10:30am to 5pm (last entry 4:30pm) Normal admission: Adults: £7.50; Over 60s: £7; Children: £3.50; Family: £18.50 (2 adults + 2 children). Entry to the car park, restaurant and gift shop is free. westdean.org.uk/gardens

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

Although we aim to be as accurate as possible, the events listed on pages 9 to 15 are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Also, some events may have a charge that applies but is not recorded here. So please contact venues in advance to check full details.

March From the beginning of March until Mother’s Day, Vision Photography (023 9262 0140) are oﬀering a 15 minute sitting plus a 10” x 8” print for just £10 (quote ‘oﬀer’). Book early to guarantee a sitting.

FRIDAY 5th Make Do and Mend Bunting Workshop

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, 10:30am-3pm (2 days) 023 9247 2491, makingspace.org

Free family event inspired by the 1950’s Kitchen in The Spring museum.

The Great Spring Steam Gala

Watercress Line 01962 733 810 to book, watercressline.co.uk

Don’t miss this chance to see and ride behind ‘Tornado’, the first steam locomotive built in Britain for almost 60 years (as seen on Top Gear).

Chichester Farmers’ Market East Street and North Street

SATURDAY 6th Paper Paintings 3-5 yrs

Aspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, 10-10:45am, £3 023 9277 8080 to book, aspex.org.uk

A creative collage workshop.

Tissue Art 5-8 yrs

Aspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, 11am-12:45pm, £4 023 9277 8080 to book, aspex.org.uk

A hands-on workshop for young children and their parents.

Weave Moore than Meets the Eye 5-10 yrs

Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, 10:15am-12:15pm, £6 01243 774 557 to book

Have a go at weaving found objects and materials into a woven wall hanging.

Baked Beans and Custard 5-10 yrs

SUNDAY 7th Garden Workshop

Staunton Country Park, Havant 023 9245 3405

Tree and shrub pruning tips.

Hampshire Farmers’ Market

Market Square, Petersﬁeld, 10am-2pm

Fit for a King!

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 6th listing above.

The Great Spring Steam Gala Watercress Line As Friday 5th listing above.

WEDNESDAY 10th In Pursuit of Pulsars Ages 11+

Intech Science Centre, nr Winchester, 6:30pm, £6/£5 01962 891 925 to book, intech-uk.com

An accessible introduction to pulsars and their amazing properties..

THURSDAY 11th Horrible Science

Theatre Royal, Winchester 01962 840 440, theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk

Why don’t penguins get spots? Could picking your nose be dangerous? From the producers of Horrible Histories comes the seriously squishy Horrible Science.

FRIDAY 12th Horrible Science

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre As Friday 5th listing above.

The Great Spring Steam Gala Watercress Line As Friday 5th listing above.

Telephone 023 9232 5005

Exbury Gardens 023 8089 9422, exbury.co.uk

See the beautiful Daffodil Meadow in full flower and board the special Exbury Mothering Sunday Train – free daffodils for all lady visitors!

Mother’s Day

Royal Marines Museum, Southsea 023 9281 9385, royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk

Free entry for mothers accompanied by children on this day.

Mother’s Day

Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common 01962 777 407, marwell.org.uk

Treat your mum on mother’s day with a special offer (TBC).

Mother’s Day

Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth 023 9287 5222, bluereefaquarium.co.uk

Celebrate Mother’s Day and fi nd out all about fishy mums!

Nuﬃeld Theatre, Southampton 023 8067 1771, nuﬃeldtheatre.co.uk

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

Examine the evidence for yourself using the digital microscopes.

Horrible Science

Theatre Royal, Winchester As Thursday 11th listing above.

Meet a Rocketman

Needles New Battery, 12-2pm 01983 754 772, nationaltrust.org.uk

Learn what it was like to be involved in Britain’s race for space from former rocketmen of the Isle of Wight.

What could the birds be up to at this time of year? Wrap up warm and come along and fi nd out.

FRIDAY 19th Wild Tots: Brilliant Birds

Parkhurst Forest, 10:30am-12 noon, £2.50 suggested donation 01923 529 199 to book

A morning of games and stories for pre-school children.

Chichester Farmers’ Market East Street and North Street

SATURDAY 20th Giant Tales with The Tale Tellers

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10:30am 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Mothers can preview the house free of charge, with or without their children!

Aspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, 10:30am-12 noon, £4 023 9277 8080 to book, aspex.org.uk

Stansted House, Rowlands Castle, 1-4pm stanstedpark.co.uk

Mother’s Day

Staunton Country Park, Havant 023 9245 3405

Special £2 entry for everyone plus a bunch of daffodils for mothers and grandmothers.

To Have and to Honk Ages 3+

Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve, 10:30am-12 noon, £2.50 suggested donation 01489 570240 to book

There are giants and trolls in the Tale Teller’s sack today. A free event.

Charming story with live music.

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 1:30pm 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

TUESDAY 16th In the Nest

Daﬀodils on Mothers’ Day

Open House on Mothering Sunday

Fit for a King!

Make Do and Mend Bunting Workshop

Mothering Sunday

SATURDAY 13th The Musicians of Bremen 3-9 yrs

Mary Rose Under the Microscope

Dress up as Henry VIII or one of his wives.

Amazing sea creatures, puppets and live music.

Free slice of cake with every tea or coffee for mums.

A honkingly good show with music and hilarious physical theatre.

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth 023 9264 9000, newtheatreroyal.com

Theatre Royal, Winchester As Thursday 11th listing above.

Quay Arts Centre, Newport, 3pm 01983 822 490, quayarts.org

Magic, mime and music.

Meet a Rocketman MOTHERING SUNDAY 14th Needles New Battery Oshima and the Big Sea Ages 3+ As Saturday 13th listing above.

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, 10:30am-4pm 01243 811 348, wealddown.co.uk

Mother’s Day Specials

Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet 01983 885 923, iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Each mum taking a steam train ride will receive a free gift to make her feel really special!

Mother’s Day

Needles Old Battery 01983 754 772, nationaltrust.org.uk

Free admission to the Old Battery for all mums accompanied by at least one of their children. She can then enjoy a free slice of home-made cake in the tea room.

Mary Rose Under the Microscope

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 13th listing above.

Paint + Canvas 8-13 yrs

Work with artist Wendy Middleditch and create your own masterpiece.

Primrose and Camellia Walks

Exbury Gardens 023 8089 9422, exbury.co.uk

Special guided walking trail to see the best primrose displays, and also showcase Exbury’s award-winning Camellia’s on the Old and New Camellia Walks.

Mary Rose Under the Microscope

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 13th listing above.

SUNDAY 21st Nature Navigation

Manor Farm Country Park, Bursledon, 10am 01489 787 055

Follow the unique trail through the woodland and discover the hidden clues. Inspired by the satellite orienteering craze that has swept the globe. GPS devices provided.

Hampshire Farmers’ Market

Palmerston Road, Southsea, 10am-2pm

Mary Rose Under the Microscope

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 13th listing above.

March/April 2010 Families Solent East 9

Exbury Gardens As Saturday 20th listing above.

SATURDAY 27th The Gruﬀalo

Theatre Royal, Winchester 01962 840 440, theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk

Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood.

The Spring Heritage Open Day

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 11am-4pm 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

A series of free events including ‘Maps’ (10am-1pm), exploring the local area and maps; plus a Family Treasure Trail (11am and 2pm).

Meet the Barber Surgeon

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

Find out how the barber surgeon pulled teeth, amputated limbs, shaved men and mixed medicines.

Horrible Light Night with Nick Arnold Ages 6+

Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport, 7-9pm, free 023 9251 0354 ext. 240 to book, rnsubmus.co.uk

Celebrate the lost hour and longer days with bestselling Nick Arnold. Learn about the smelly submariners who hardly washed and made bread with their feet. Take a Dastardly Dives and Frightening Lights tour of HMS Alliance, the WWII era submarine.

Midhurst Farmers’ Market

Capron House, North Street

Primrose and Camellia Walks

Exbury Gardens As Saturday 20th listing above.

SUNDAY 28th IW Grand National and Ashey Scurry Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet 01983 885 923, iwsteamrailway.co.uk

TUESDAY 30th Infant Voices

Kings Theatre, Southsea, 6pm, £5 023 9282 8282, kings-southsea.com

The culmination of the Portsmouth Infant Music Festival with a massed choir and individual infant schools performing.

April EVENTS RUNNING THROUGHOUT ALL OR MOST OF THE EASTER HOLIDAYS…

THURSDAY 1st to SUNDAY 18th Skull & Crossbones: Living Under the Jolly Roger Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport 023 9251 0354, rnsubmus.co.uk

Become a pirate, learn how to speak pirate, command your boat, discover treasure, hoist your Jolly Roger and set sail for a pirate tour of the museum. Find out why submarines fly Jolly Rogers and how the Royal Navy Submarine Service combats modern day piracy. The exhibition features the oldest surviving Jolly Roger from the WWI E54 submarine and the newest from HMS Trenchant which was flown recently in Afghanistan.

FRIDAY 2nd to FRIDAY 16th: WEEKDAYS ONLY Fossil Walks Dinosaur Isle, Sandown 01983 404 344 to book, dinosaurisle.com

Find fossils in Brook Bay or Shanklin.

FRIDAY 2nd to SUNDAY 18th Big Top at the Tower! Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth 023 9285 7520, spinnakertower.co.uk

Travel to the top of the Tower and watch a circus show. Have a go at juggling, plate spinning, stilt walking, face painting, colouring, and meet Spinny the mascot.

Easter Egg-stravaganza Beaulieu, nr Brockenhurst 01590 612 345, beaulieu.co.uk

Visitors can join in a hare-brained Easter Trail.

Travel in style to the famous races at West Ashey Farm by a Steam Powered Iron Horse!

Eggs and Young Birds

The Gruﬀalo

Build your own nest in the craft area and play an egg matching game. Bird feeds and talks will also take place.

Theatre Royal, Winchester As Saturday 27th listing above.

Meet the Barber Surgeon

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 27th listing above.

Primrose and Camellia Walks

Exbury Gardens As Saturday 20th listing above.

10 Families Solent East March/April 2010

Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common 01962 777 407, marwell.org.uk

Spectacular Spring

Staunton Country Park, Havant, FREE 023 9245 3405

Free spring related activities and crafts.

SATURDAY 3rd to SUNDAY 18th Easter at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk On board HMS Warrior 1860 Easter Egg Trail: 10am-4:30pm New Family Activity Area: 10:30am-4:30pm

Once the lower deck mess and school room for Warrior’s young officers, Warrior’s Gun Room is now somewhere you can bring your own young ‘sailors’ for R&R, including costumed role-play, toys, games and colouring sheets.

The Mary Rose Museum Crowns, Coifs, Helmets and Hats: 11am-12 noon, 2-4pm

Try a range of Tudor hats and design your own crown to take home.

Predators

Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth 023 9287 5222, bluereefaquarium.co.uk

From stingrays to sharks, deadly stone fish to piranhas, the aquatic world is divided into the hunters and the hunted. Discover the amazing techniques different species have evolved to catch their prey and come face to face with the oceans’ ultimate predators – the sharks!

THE EASTER HOLIDAYS CONTINUED…

GOOD FRIDAY 2nd Day Out With Thomas

Watercress Line 01962 733 810 to book, watercressline.co.uk

SATURDAY 3rd How the Koala Learnt to Hug Ages 4+ New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth 023 9264 9000, newtheatreroyal.com

A charming tale about the magic of family, with great stories, sing-along songs, games and lots of hugging.

Easter Family Fun!

Aspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, 11am-3pm 023 9277 8080, aspex.org.uk

Try your hand at print-making or take part in an Easter egg hunt.

Easter Egg Trail

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 10am-3pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

Self-guided Easter Trail around the Dockyard.

Easter at Exbury

Exbury Gardens 023 8089 9422, exbury.co.uk

Parrot (tree) Trail and family train rides – there are surprises in store at Exbury this Easter.

Normans and Crusaders

Arundel Castle 01903 882 173, arundelcastle.org

Re-enaction with an armourer, archery, mounted display and story teller.

Day Out With Thomas

Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.

Primrose and Camellia Walks

Come and celebrate the 65th anniversary of Thomas and Friends. See Thomas, Diesel, Toad, Daisy, Trevor and many more, plus free face painting and entertainment.

Exbury Gardens As Saturday 20th listing above.

Wild Egg Hunt

Easter Weekend

Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common 01962 777 407, marwell.org.uk

Embark on the Wild Egg Trail around the park for the chance to win a monster chocolate egg.

Easter Weekend

Butser Ancient Farm 023 9259 8838, butserancientfarm.co.uk

Butser Ancient Farm As Friday 2nd listing above.

Easter Fun

Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet As Friday 2nd listing above.

Easter Oﬀer

Take part in a chick hunt around the farm.

Chessell Pottery Barns, nr Calbourne As Friday 2nd listing above.

Easter Fun

EASTER SUNDAY 4th Easter Trail 5-11 yrs

Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet 01983 885 923, iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Enjoy the spectacle of some of the Island’s blossoming spring-time countryside. An Easter Treasure Hunt, Easter colouring and crafts. Children can come in Easter bonnets and join in an Easter Bonnet Parade each day at 1.45pm.

Easter Oﬀer

Chessell Pottery Barns, nr Calbourne 01983 531 248, chessellpotterybarns.co.uk

Decorate an egg cup for just £5.

Chichester Farmers’ Market East Street and North Street

Sustainability Centre, East Meon, 1-3pm, £7 01730 823 166 to book, sustainability-centre.org

Trail through the woods with chocolate egg prizes. Craft-making and decorating Easter biscuits.

Easter Sunday

Staunton Country Park, Havant, from 10:30am 023 9245 3405

Easter trail, encounter sessions, fun activities and crafts (small charges apply). Take part in the Egg Hunt and meet the Easter Bunny!

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

SPINNAKER TOWER Portsmouth

Much more than a Motor Museum

owe Big Top at the T ow

h cir cus s ower e h t e e T S p of the at the t o

2-18 April

From Friday 2nd - Monday 5th April every child will receive an egg-citing chocolate treat from the Easter Bunny in Palace House

! at 1n0d0mm s ch morep? w u o h s a Circus worksho Striking,

us oin t our circ inting, C Face Pnaot have a go a or why

National Motor Museum, Palace House & Abbey and World of Top Gear included in entry Beaulieu, Hampshire SO42 7ZN

www.beaulieu.co.uk

Telephone 023 9232 5005

Exit 2 M27

01590 612345

spinnakertower.co.uk

023 9285 7520

March/April 2010 Families Solent East 11

Manor Farm Country Park, Bursledon, 10am 01489 787 055

Meet the latest spring arrivals down on the farm.

Easter Activities

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, 11am-4pm 01243 811 348, wealddown.co.uk

Activities and Easter celebrations.

World at War

Fort Nelson, Fareham, 10am-5pm, charges apply 01329 233 734, royalarmouries.org

British, American, Russian and German soldiers stage a 1940s battle for control of the ramparts.

Easter Chocolate Eggstravaganza Weekend Robin Hill, Downend 01983 527 352, robin-hill.com

Chocolate marquee full of chocolate to taste and sample, competitions, and the Mad Easter egg dash at 12 noon.

Magical Eco Easter Egg Trails

Mottistone Manor Garden, 11am-4pm, normal admission + £1.50 per trail sheet eastereggtrail.com

Supported by Cadbury, follow a trail map around the property visiting trail points and collecting clues. Take part in the ‘Face on your Egg’ competition.

Hampshire Farmers’ Market

Market Square, Petersﬁeld, 10am-2pm

Easter Egg Trail

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 3rd listing above.

Day Out With Thomas

Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.

EASTER MONDAY 5th The Great Butser Egg Roll

Queen Elizabeth Country Park, from 10am, £1 per egg 023 9259 5040

The annual egg rolling ceremony on the slopes of Butser Hill.

Magical Eco Easter Egg Trails

The Needles Old Battery, 10:30am-4pm, normal admission + £1.50 per trail sheet eastereggtrail.com

Supported by Cadbury, follow a trail map around the property visiting trail points and collecting clues. Take part in the ‘Face on your Egg’ competition.

Easter Activities

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum As Sunday 4th listing above, plus bonnet competition and parade.

Day Out With Thomas

Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.

Easter at Exbury

Exbury Gardens As Saturday 3rd listing above.

Easter Fun

Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet As Friday 2nd listing above.

The Joys of Spring

Manor Farm Country Park, Bursledon As Sunday 4th listing above.

Easter Weekend

Butser Ancient Farm As Friday 2nd listing above.

World at War

Fort Nelson, Fareham As Saturday 4th listing above.

Normans and Crusaders

Easter Clowning School 11-16 yrs

Drawing on the Past

4-day workshop begins with performance from the company and finishes with a performance from you!

Help create a timeline of the history of Newtown and its Old Town Hall by drawing and colouring pictures to be displayed around the walls in August.

Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham, 10am-3pm, £60 (4 days) 01329 223 100, ashcroft.org.uk

Girls and Boys Come out to Play

HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

Learn about and play with Victorianstyle toys and board games and make your own to take home.

Commando Fit

Royal Marines Museum, Southsea 023 9281 9385, royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk

Test your body and mind against the commando gym tests and an assault course.

Plant Hunter Tours

Exbury Gardens 023 8089 9422, exbury.co.uk

Join the storyteller playing George Forrest, legendary plant explorer of the early 20th century. Hear hair-raising tales of uprisings, death and glory in the Yunnan as Forrest quests to bring back new plants and seedlings to England and Exbury.

Fort Fun Days

Fort Nelson, Fareham, 10am-5pm royalarmouries.org

A variety of activities designed especially with children in mind.

Day Out With Thomas

Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.

WEDNESDAY 7th Free Family Craft Sessions

Primrose and Camellia Walks

Arundel Castle As Saturday 3rd listing above.

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 11am-3pm 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Dragon Eggs

Easter at Exbury

Easter Chocolate Eggstravaganza Weekend

Robin Hill, Downend As Sunday 4th listing above.

Exbury Gardens As Saturday 20th listing above. Exbury Gardens As Saturday 3rd listing above.

Easter Fun

Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet As Friday 2nd listing above.

Easter Weekend

Butser Ancient Farm As Friday 2nd listing above.

Normans and Crusaders

Arundel Castle As Saturday 3rd listing above.

Easter Oﬀer

Chessell Pottery Barns, nr Calbourne As Friday 2nd listing above.

12 Families Solent East March/April 2010

Easter Oﬀer

Chessell Pottery Barns, nr Calbourne As Friday 2nd listing above.

TUESDAY 6th Medieval Copper Jewellery

Making Space, Leigh Park, 10am-12 noon, £6.50 023 9247 2491, makingspace.org

Weave and make patterns with copper wire to create a medieval style bangle or pendant.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton 023 8071 1811, mayﬂower.org.uk

The most fantasmagorical stage musical!

Paint and decorate delicate eggs.

National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

Get inspired by Naomi Novik’s exciting Temeraire books where dragons fight alongside Nelson’s Navy to make a special dragon ‘Easter’ egg to take home.

Hatch Egg – Hatch!

Newtown Old Town Hall, 2-4pm nationaltrust.org.uk

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Commando Fit

Royal Marines Museum, Southsea As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Day Out With Thomas

Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.

Plant Hunter Tours

Exbury Gardens As Tuesday 6th listing above.

THURSDAY 8th Dragon Puppets

Making Space, Leigh Park, 10am-12 noon, £6.50 023 9247 2491, makingspace.org

Design and create your own dragon puppet using mixed media and lots of craft y things.

All Hands on Deck

HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11:30am-12:30pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

What is a fid? Where would you fi nd a holy stone? A themed object-handling session on board HMS Victory.

Globetrotting

HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

Make your own mini-globe complete with ships and sea creatures.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above,

Girls and Boys Come out to Play

HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Commando Fit

Royal Marines Museum, Southsea As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Fort Fun Days

Fort Nelson, Fareham As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve, 10:30am-12 noon, £2.50 suggested donation 01489 570 240 to book

Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.

Wonderful Easter Wednesdays

Exbury Gardens As Tuesday 6th listing above.

A session of crafts and activities related to birds, nests and eggs.

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, 11am-4pm 01243 811 348, wealddown.co.uk

Hands-on activities, crafts and games.

Day Out With Thomas Plant Hunter Tours

FRIDAY 9th Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

Visit hampshiretopattractions.co.uk for more information and discount vouchers. Day Out With Thomas

Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.

Plant Hunter Tours

Exbury Gardens As Tuesday 6th listing above.

SATURDAY 10th My Mother Told Me Not To Stare Ages 8+ Nuﬃeld Theatre, Southampton 023 8067 1771, nuﬃeldtheatre.co.uk

A deliciously dark operetta for curious children and their grown ups.

Magical Tales with The Tale Tellers

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10:30am 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Tales that are full of magic and magical creatures.

Spinning a Yarn

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 10am-4pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

Have a go at Tudor crafts with demos by the Portchester Spinners.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Day Out With Thomas

Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.

Primrose and Camellia Walks

Exbury Gardens As Saturday 20th listing above.

SUNDAY 11th Royal Marines Museum Garden Party

Royal Marines Museum, Southsea 023 9281 9385, royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk

Traditional garden party, games and watch the Fort Cumberland Guard bring history to life with a bang!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

MONDAY 12th Easter Artweek: the Shadow Puppet’s Apprentice

Jubilee Stores, Newport, 10am-2:30pm, £15 01983 822 490, quayarts.org

Using card, rods, paper and string, design shadow puppet characters and shadow screen.

The Mole Who Knew It Was None Of His Business Ages 4+ The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 3pm 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Did you do a poo on Mole’s head? A magical, musical adaptation of the popular picture book.

Snow White and the Seven Dancing Dwarves 5-7 yrs

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Little movers make a dance version of this favourite story to show friends and family at 3pm.

Puppet Theatre 8-12 yrs

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Make a puppet theatre and all the characters from your favourite story so you can perform a show for friends and family.

Design Your Own Coat of Arms Making Space, Leigh Park, 10am-12 noon, £6.50 023 9247 2491, makingspace.org

Design and paint your own heraldic crest to hang on your wall at home.

Easter Clowning School 11-16 yrs

Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

TUESDAY 13th Little Red Hen 3-7 yrs

Nuﬃeld Theatre, Southampton 023 8067 1771, nuﬃeldtheatre.co.uk

Spinning a Yarn

An adaptation of the nursery favourite featuring a host of animal puppets, songs and comic routines.

Day Out With Thomas

Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham, 2:30pm 01329 223 100, ashcroft.org.uk

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 10th listing above. Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.

Primrose and Camellia Walks

Exbury Gardens As Saturday 20th listing above.

A Little Princess

The story of a parentless girl resisting hunger and cruelty at the hands of her headmistress.

Fairy Wings and Wand 5-7 yrs

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Make a beautiful pair of glittering fairy wings and a sparkling magic wand.

Telephone 023 9232 5005

March/April 2010 Families Solent East 13

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Urban Hip Hop Dance 8-12 yrs

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Write your own story or illustrate one of your favourite tales in this cartooning workshop.

Choreograph your own urban stories using hip hop dance.

Let’s Paint Everything, Everywhere! 8-13 yrs

Sustainability Centre, East Meon, 1-3pm, £7 01730 823 166 to book, sustainability-centre.org

Aspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, 11am-3pm, £30 (3 days) 023 9277 8080 to book, aspex.org.uk

Work alongside an artist creating work inspired by the gallery’s exhibition programme.

Easter Artweek: Garden Squares

Jubilee Stores, Newport, 10am-2:30pm, £15 01983 822 490, quayarts.org

Using fabric, paper and seeds make miniature decorative gardens ready to sew and grow.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Girls and Boys Come out to Play

HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Commando Fit

Royal Marines Museum, Southsea As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Fort Fun Days

Fort Nelson, Fareham As Tuesday 6th listing above.

WEDNESDAY 14th Easter Artweek: Eggheads

Jubilee Stores, Newport, 10am-2:30pm, £15 01983 822 490, quayarts.org

Make your own special decorated eggs inspired by nature’s patterns and folk decoration.

Free Family Craft Sessions

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 11am-3pm 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Be inspired by the Watermill automata ‘Waterscape’ to make your own mini moving object.

Medieval Costumes and Props Making Space, Leigh Park, 10am-12 noon, £6.50 023 9247 2491, makingspace.org

Get inspired by fair maidens and brave knights and design and make your own props and costumes.

Goldilocks Puppet Theatre 5-7 yrs

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Make a mini puppet theatre and your own Goldilocks and three bears.

14 Families Solent East March/April 2010

Magic Means 5-11 yrs

Weird and wonderful hats, clay wizard heads, map sticks and mobiles.

Easter Island

National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

Learn the secrets of Easter Island and about Captain Cook and his voyages.

Do We Need a Theory of Gravity? Ages 11+ Intech Science Centre, nr Winchester, 6:30pm, £6/£5 01962 891 925 to book, intech-uk.com

Why can’t we fi nd the dark matter? Could it all be a mirage?

Little Red Hen 3-7 yrs

Nuﬃeld Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 13th listing above.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Commando Fit

Royal Marines Museum, Southsea As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Wonderful Easter Wednesdays Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton As Wednesday 7th listing above.

THURSDAY 15th Easter Artweek: Jewellery Workshop 9-12 yrs

Jubilee Stores, Newport, 10am-2:30pm, £35 (2 days) 01983 822 490, quayarts.org

2-day, hands-on, creative workshop on working with copper and silver.

Pirates of the Caribbean 5-7 yrs

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Create a swashbuckling drama and perform for friends and family at 3pm.

Magical Mystery Towers 8-12 yrs

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Construct your own special tower with SCAT.

Seafari

National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am1pm and 2-4pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

Learn about life under the ocean waves and create a sea creature to take home.

All Hands on Deck

HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Thursday 8th listing above.

Little Red Hen 3-7 yrs

Nuﬃeld Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 13th listing above.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Girls and Boys Come out to Play

HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Commando Fit

Royal Marines Museum, Southsea As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Fort Fun Days

Fort Nelson, Fareham As Tuesday 6th listing above.

FRIDAY 16th The 3rd Annual Portsmouth Youth Variety Show

New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth 023 9264 9000, newtheatreroyal.com

Opportunity for Portsmouth’s young performers to showcase their skills.

My Fairytale 5-7 yrs

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

SATURDAY 17th Circus!

Quay Arts, Newport, 12-3pm, FREE 01983 822 490, quayarts.org

Free family drop-in on a circus theme.

Pepys Show

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-4:30pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

Meet Pepys and his long-suffering wife Elizabeth and a cast of supporting characters from his famous diaries. Members of the History Re-enactment Workshop will bring this period to life in Victory Arena and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Performances at 11:30am, 1:30pm and 2:30pm, with activities to take part in and characters to meet all day.

Ship Shape

HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk

Discover the living and working conditions of a Victorian sailor through hands-on activities, role-play and guided exploration of the ship.

Cow Pow Wow

Longmoor Inclosure, meet at Liss Forest Road car park, 11am-1pm, suggested donation £2 01256 381 190 to book

Join the Grazing Project Officer on this site and meet the Shetland cattle that garze it. Learn about the cows, what they do and why they are so important for the future of the site’s wildlife.

Little Red Hen 3-7 yrs

Write and draw your own fairytale and bind into a special book with gems and sparkles.

Nuﬃeld Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 13th listing above.

Circus Skills and Magic 8-12 yrs

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

Learn circus skills and a magic trick to amaze your friends and family.

Clay Castles

Making Space, Leigh Park, 10am-12 noon, £6.50 023 9247 2491, makingspace.org

Make your own haunted castle out of air-dry clay to take home and paint.

Space Stories

Intech Science Centre, nr Winchester 01962 863 791, intech-uk.com

Storyteller, Michael O’Leary, tells space stories in the Planetarium.

Chichester Farmers’ Market East Street and North Street

Little Red Hen 3-7 yrs

Nuﬃeld Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 13th listing above.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Space Stories

Intech Science Centre, nr Winchester As Friday 16th listing above.

SUNDAY 18th ‘Bustival’ – a Cavalcade of Vintage Vehicles

Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet 01983 885 923, iwsteamrailway.co.uk

A festival of old and new buses.

Hampshire Farmers’ Market

Palmerston Road, Southsea, 10am-2pm

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

Pepys Show

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 17th listing above.

Ship Shape

HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 17th listing above.

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

Visit hampshiretopattractions.co.uk for more information and discount vouchers.

MONDAY 19th Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Kings Theatre, Southsea 023 9282 8282, kings-southsea.com

A superb retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph and his eleven brothers, with many unforgettable songs.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

TUESDAY 20th A Seed in Need under 5s

Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve, 10:30am-12 noon, suggested donation £2.50 01489 570 240 to book

Seed related activities plus plant your own sunflower to take home.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Kings Theatre, Southsea As Monday 19th listing above.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

WEDNESDAY 21st Peppa Pig’s Party Ages 2+

Theatre Royal, Winchester 01962 840 440, theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk

The popular children’s TV show is recreated live on stage with beautifully true-to-life puppets.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Kings Theatre, Southsea As Monday 19th listing above.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

THURSDAY 22nd Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Kings Theatre, Southsea As Monday 19th listing above.

Peppa Pig’s Party Ages 2+

Theatre Royal, Winchester As Wednesday 21st listing above.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

FRIDAY 23rd Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Kings Theatre, Southsea As Monday 19th listing above.

Telephone 023 9232 5005

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

SATURDAY 24th JezO’s Magic and Laughter Show 4-10 yrs

Little Learners Day Care

Magic, laughter, excitement and comedy.

• Age from 3 months to 8 years • Learning through play the Highscope way! • OFSTED registered with good outcome • 5 free government sessions for preschool children

Tortoise Taught Us 7-107 yrs

Fratton 023 9275 6104

Nuﬃeld Theatre, Southampton 023 8067 1771, nuﬃeldtheatre.co.uk

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 1:30pm 023 9247 2700, thespring.co.uk

• Discounts • Preschool funding • Qualified caring staff • Ample car parking • Holiday leave • New spacious under 2s room

Park Lodge, 28 Clarkes Road, Fratton • 7:30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday

Afternoon of humorous poetry reading by children’s writer, Ernest Yelf.

Meet the Navigator

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm 023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk Find out how the Mary Rose navigator steered his course.

St George’s Weekend

Watercress Line 01962 733 810 to book, watercressline.co.uk

Trains, Morris dancing, classic cars, fancy dress, picnics and real ale for the grown ups.

Spring Garden Show

Robin Hill, Downend 01983 527 352, robin-hill.com

Back for the fourth year, with garden businesses, local food, art and lots to see including the hilarious ‘It’s a Knock Out’ competition and the UK’s best chainsaw sculpture artists.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Kings Theatre, Southsea As Monday 19th listing above.

BACK TO SCHOOL…

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mayﬂower Theatre, Southampton As Tuesday 6th listing above.

SUNDAY 25th Chris and Pui: Show Me Show Me Ferneham Hall, Fareham 01329 231 942, fernehamhall.co.uk

CBeebies’ favourite double act is coming to town.

Meet the Navigator

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 24th listing above.

Looking for childcare? Choosing someone to look after your child when you return to work or training is one of the most important decisions you can make… Registered childminders:

St George’s Weekend

l Provide professional and flexible care in their own home

Spring Garden Show

l Are inspected and regulated by Ofsted

Watercress Line As Saturday 24th listing above. Robin Hill, Downend As Saturday 24th listing above.

l Are crb checked, insured and First Aid qualified For more information: www.ncma.org.uk or call the local ncma office on 023 9263 9146 March/April 2010 Families Solent East 15

Education Portsmouth High School

Year 5 Taster Day

Empowering Children Through Words at Mayville

Thursday 20 May 2010

Find out what life at Portsmouth High School is really like by joining us on one of our Taster Days. Take part in lessons and enjoy a normal school day. Please contact one of our Admissions Team for more information as booking is essential.

023 9282 6714 admissions@por.gdst.net www.gdst.net/portsmouthhigh An independent day school for girls aged 3-18. Portsmouth High School is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (charity no 306983), the largest provider of independent education in the UK.

Being just four is no barrier to creating poetry at Mayville. When local poet Elaine Crinnion embarked on a workshop with reception children they produced stunning results. Their teacher Parmy Greed said, ‘I’ve been so surprised at their language; it’s been an amazing exercise.’ Elaine Crinnion said ‘At a very young age poetry comes naturally, and if children have the opportunity to explore words it can stay with them forever.’ The youngest member of the class four year old Oscar Shortman, proved her point…

The class looked different on my first day, I was turning my head around Looking at everything in the classroom. And it had a new white board. And class rules Hanging by a light-blue ribbon from the ceiling.

Elaine Crinnion spent three days in Mayville’s Pre-Prep, Junior and Senior departments empowering children to create their own poems. It’s this type of initiative at Mayville that encourages learning. James Robinson has a four year old son, Eddie, in reception. He was one of a number of parents who volunteered during Book Week to read his child’s favourite book, ‘The Cow on the Roof’, to the rest of the class. Galaxy fm’s drive time presenter, Ben Glover, also came in to read ‘Boris’ to his son Reuben and his classmates in Kestrels. James Robinson said, ‘What a fantastic idea to get parents involved in the life of the class.’ He added ‘The school is friendly and you really feel your child is being seen.’ As for Eddie’s reading, ‘It’s improved so much. Hopefully he’ll be reading his favourite book to his mum soon.’

16 Families Solent East March/April 2010

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

H ar

“I w ry a bu t s p r e t join I felt lo ty wor r re a e d in a n e ly s i e d l ly r nd i o I e la x t ing. felt ”

Pho tog rap hy As tud io w ith a

diff ere nce

K at

“Bri ie llian t! ”

“Jas g frie on was n at t dly. I w really h the e beg as qui t the end I d inning b e shy sho idn’t ut a ot t o st want t op.”

Say Cheese!

ason Baker got his first camera when he was just eight years old. He pursued his hobby and went on to become the youngest person at that time to be accepted on a photography degree course at Swansea. After 12 years working for other photographic studios, he decided it was time to set up on his own. Vision Photography’s premises in New Road, Portsmouth were effectively derelict when Jason discovered them. It took weeks to clear the rubbish out and turn the site into a professional studio. All this and with a baby on the way, it was never going to be easy! Baby Oliver entered the world and has been a fixture of the studio ever since. With wife Zoe as a partner in the business and taking on responsibilities including that of sales manager, this is very much a family business. Customers are often greeted by young Oliver, two, and he is considered a very important member of the team. He has been known to persuade the most shy of children that it’s OK to play in the studio. For Jason, it’s great to be able to put in the long hours required as well as seeing his son grow up. ‘We set up Vision with the intention of being different to other studios, it’s very homely here’, says Jason. He is keen to be as customer-focused and friendly as possible, with no hard sell. Working hard to keep the prices as low as possible, Jason and Zoe depend a lot upon their excellent reputation, repeat custom and word-of-mouth recommendations. The studio is developing all the time, with new and exciting products always appearing. Vision Photography also run special promotions and open days, such as for Mother’s Day and Halloween. To find out more visit visionphotostudio.com or call 023 9262 0140.

Telephone 023 9232 5005

When I told my children that we were going to spend a Saturday afternoon in a photographic studio with someone they had never met the response was underwhelming. My eldest, Meg, was interested in the idea, but as the teenage years approach so does the inevitable self consciousness. My youngest daughter, Katie, initially loved the idea, but then looked terrified at the prospect of posing in front of a camera. Odd, really, given that she is not known for her quiet and demure nature. Harry was the most anxious. He loves his routine and gets worried if we take him somewhere new. He spent the three days before the shoot worrying about it, despite our reassurances. When the time came to visit Vision I was completely unsure as to how the children would react. The three children were nervous and clingy. Walking past the studio front, though, they seemed to relax a little when they saw a big photo of a young child covered in paint. They were beginning to realise that this might be a little different to the school photos that they are more used to. Jason greeted us enthusiastically and the children nervously giggled as we were all taken into the studio. What happened next was extraordinary. Jason asked them to simply run towards him as he snapped away. Katie, in particular, took this as a cue to lose all inhibitions and obliged enthusiastically. Meg also found this a pleasant enough task to find the confidence to relax and begin to enjoy the experience. Most noticeable was the fact that within around 45 seconds, Harry was taking his shoes off, keen to join in! Jason proceeded to take photos of the children individually, taking the lead from them. Katie happily did frog impressions, Meg performed gymnastics and Harry nearly took Jason’s eye out by demonstrating his excellent karate skills. By allowing the children to take the lead in this way, Jason was able to take photos which are really true to the children’s characters. The shoot lasted around an hour which, according to the children, was too short – they all wanted to keep going. Jason, no doubt, has a very special way with children of all ages that allows them to relax and enables him to take some truly special pictures.

March/April 2010 Families Solent East 17

Aloe Vera: The Miracle Plant

Liz Bourne swaps her water-based daily beauty regime for something a little more sophisticated!

Friday

have to admit to not having a particularly punishing beauty regime. I have also been trying the Forever Bright Toothgel (£5.45 for I am flummoxed by shelves of products such as toners, refreshing 130g). This is a gentle, non-fluoride gel containing aloe vera and toners (what’s wrong with a splash of water?) and deep-cleansing bee propolis. I found it a particularly pleasant change to the usual age-defying sag-resistant lotion. I promise you that I do wash reg- minty toothpaste. It was non-abrasive and left my teeth feeling ularly and use moisturiser twice a day. Other than that, though, I really fresh and clean. The children also tried it but thought it simply don’t have the time or inclination. looked like alien bogies! Despite this, they had to admit that it So when I had the opportunity to trial some Aloe Vera products from was actually quite nice! local distributor and team leader for Forever Living, Hesione Waugh, I was worried whether or not I was her target audience. But over the Saturday course of a week, myself, my family and my friends tried a few My feet have never been the most attractive part of me so I was Aloe Vera-based products and were pleasantly delighted when Hesione recommended the Aloe Propolis Crème surprised by the results! (£14.25 for 118ml) for dried and cracked feet. I have been using this all week and I have to say that I am absolutely delighted with Monday it. It is a creamy blend of aloe vera, bee propolis, chamomile and This morning I took my usual shower and comfrey that is excellent to soothe irritated skin on any part of tried out the Aloe-Jojoba Shampoo (£13.43 for your body. It also leaves a protective barrier making it ideal for dry 296ml) and the Aloe-Jojoba Conditioning skin like mine. Rinse (£13.43 for 296ml). Both promise soft, shiny and manageable hair and contain no Sunday nasty chemicals, making them perfect for those This was the day my daughter and I were looking forward to! We with skin conditions. My initial reaction was locked ourselves away in my bedroom with the Sonya range of that they felt less lathery than my usual, reasonskincare, a face mask and a sachet of Forever Aloe2Go. ably priced products, but my hair did smell nice. Starting with the Aloe Purifying Cleanser (£25.54 for 177ml), this gentle product cleanses with aloe and fruit extracts. We both thought it Tuesday was gentle and left our skin feeling soft and smelling good. I passed some Aloe Heat Lotion (£11.64 for 118ml) on to my valiant We then moved on to the Aloe Deep-Cleansing Exfoliator (£19.16 for magazine distributor, Lisa, who had slipped on some ice and pulled her 118ml). Again, this did make our skin feel good, but we didn’t have the hamstring badly. ‘It worked wonders’, she said. ‘It heats up just like deep time or inclination to massage it on our faces for the whole 2-3 minutes. heat and once massaged in does help the pain. My We moved on to the Forever Marine Mask husband has been doing a lot of spinning classes at (£17.45 for 113g) which promised a deep cleanse, Aloe Vera Facts work and his legs were hurting so he has used it too while balancing the skin’s texture with natural sea and thinks it’s great! I like the idea that it’s just like minerals. This too felt gentle on our sensitive skins. Also known as ‘the Miracle Plant’, deep heat but without the harsh stuff.’ Whilst this was drying on our faces, we each ‘Silent Healer’ or ‘Burn Plant’ tried a bit of the Aloe2Go gel drink. No doubt it is It has been used for 4,000 years highly efficacious for something, but neither of us Wednesday It is a succulent, resembles a could palate it! In fact, we had to eat two custard cactus, but related to onions, Another friend has fallen off her bike whilst creams each to take away the taste – not very benefigarlic and asparagus cycling to work in the snow. Her shoulders took the cial for our health! brunt of the fall and the resulting ache has caused Topping it all off with a dash of Aloe Moisturizing Its leaves contains at least some discomfort. I handed her a tube of Relaxation Lotion (£11.64 for 118ml), we certainly felt very 75 known ingredients including Massage Lotion (£19.54 for 192ml). This contains pampered, and our skin was glowing from some vitamins, minerals, aloe vera, essential oils, white tea and fruit extracts. proper treatment at last! enzymes and ‘Although it felt nice, and didn’t irritate my eczema, amino acids. I did find the pong a bit overpowering – I’m just not All in all, it was a great experience and I would used to putting something on quite so fragrant!’ recommend the use of these products. They are all natural, sourced from plants untainted by herbicides and pesticides, and come Thursday with a 60 day money-back guarantee. I have been using the shampoo and conditioner every day this week. I have If you are looking to run a busiwarmed to it more and more, but I think that at that price, although ness from home, working with a pleasant, it doesn’t make a significant difference to the way my hair successful international company, looks. Maybe given my less than thorough beauty regime, I’m just not call Hesione Waugh on 01329 232 in the market for products in that price range. 084 to find out how.

18 Families Solent East March/April 2010

www.familiessolenteast.co.uk

Directory Business opportunities Forever Living, 01329 232 084. Call

Hesione Waugh for details of how to build a successful business around family life.

Swine Flu Jab

Are you vaccinating your under 5? The national Swine Flu hotline has been closed, and yet we’re still being told the disease is a threat to our under 5s. Sarah Butters from Families Leeds investigates. With cases of Swine Flu on the decline, many parents are asking why they’re still being called on to vaccinate their children. But experts say they’re predicting more cases in the 2010 ﬂu season, later this year. So as the letter inviting your child for the jab lands on your doorstep, here’s some information to help you make the best decision for your family.

What is Swine Flu? It’s a viral respiratory illness ﬁrst detected a year ago and declared a pandemic last June. Symptoms are similar to seasonal ﬂu and include a fever, head and muscle ache, sore throat, cough and possible vomiting and diarrhoea.

How is it spread? By person to person contact, generally by coughing or sneezing. Dr Liz Martin explains, ‘When you cough on a surface, you leave droplets and it’s these droplets that carry the virus.’ Young children are particularly eﬃcient at spreading Swine Flu because they’re not great at sneezing into tissues, and covering their mouths when coughing.

Why are the under 5s being targeted? Figures have shown that more than 80% of young children admitted to hospital with Swine Flu were previously healthy. Along with pregnant women, our young children appear to be particularly vulnerable. The jab is not suitable for children under 6 months, as they don’t develop an immunity from it.

What are the concerns? Some parents feel the vaccine was rushed out as a reaction to the pandemic threat, and so hasn’t been tested thoroughly enough. There’s also concern about its side eﬀects. Those who’ve had the jab describe symptoms ranging from a sore arm, to acute aches and pains. There’s also a perception that the worst is over, and that vaccinating our children now, is at exposing them to unnecessary risk. While it may help the government justify the investment they made in the vaccination, many parents are asking why we’re still vaccinating if the threat has reduced enough for the Swine Flu hotline to be closed. However, the World Health Organisation recently warned of more cases after the summer.

Can children with an egg allergy have the jab? The general Swine Flu vaccine is called Pandemrix and is grown on eggs, so isn’t suitable for those with an egg allergy. Instead you can ask for Celvapan. Both oﬀer immunity, but children will need two doses of the Celvapan, while those able to have Pandemrix only need one dose.

Where can I ﬁnd out more information? Take a look at www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu.

Join the Families Forum What’s made you say ‘No’ or ‘Yes’? Do you think mums are being responsible by not vaccinating their children? Join the debate and see what other parents are saying on the Families Group web site at www.familiesonline.co.uk/swineflu.

Usborne Books, 01329 662 998, www.usborneonline.org/lizacheshire. Build an exciting and proﬁtable business selling Usborne Books.

Make your child’s party one to remember with

Wikaniko Eco-Friendly Business

www.wikanikolifestyle.co.uk, 01271 867 022 (Caroline). Household and natural beauty products; £48 start-up; internet access required.

Clubs & classes Melody Tots Music Group, 023 9235 5584, melodytots@live.co.uk, Wed mornings for 3 months to 4 years in Rowlands Castle.

Comedy magic • Hysterical laughter • Music, fun & games • FREE goodie bags • CRB (Police) checked • 023 9255 1018 www.professorpotty.co.uk

The Squidgybug Shop, 023 9246 3792, www.squidgybug.com, 5 Mengham Road, Hayling Island. Children’s themed party supplies, cards and gifts. Ultimate Princess Party, 07799 293280, 2 hours of princess fun – crafts, face painting, parade and games!

mucky-pups.com, 0779 9293280. Where kids have messy fun and we clean up! Term time classes, holiday clubs, parties.

Photographers

Health & wellbeing

Rare Moments Photography, 07891 434 318, raremomentsphotography.co.uk. Pregnancy and baby portraits.

I Feel Good Weightloss

Scott Lymath Photography,

Eﬀective Products, Guidance & Support. Call Sarah or text ‘SLIMMER’ to 07773 795374.

Holidays Appuldurcombe Holiday Cottages,

01983 840 188, www.appuldurcombe.co.uk. Family friendly cottages around a 300 acre estate on the Isle of Wight.

Beaufort House Guest House, IOW, 01983 403 672, thebeaufortsandown.co.uk. Family-friendly guesthouse just 5 mins from Sandown’s beautiful sandy beach.

Parties

lymath-images.co.uk. Modern images taken around Portsmouth. Wedding and event services.

Vision Photography, 023 9262 0140, visionphotostudio.com. Family friendly studio.

Shopping Hiscock Gallery, 023 9282 5330, 11 Stanley St, Southsea. Art and craft supplies; specialists in framing and ﬁne art printing.

Tuition First Class Learning, 01329 310 634,

www.firstclasslearning.co.uk. Maths and English tuition.

A.I.S Limousines & Party Buses,

www.aislimos.co.uk 023 9235 8627. Kids parties, School Proms, Snaps Disco, etc.

Beadz by Louise, 07885 519 453, beadzbylouise.co.uk. Jewellery making parties for children and adults. Birthday Creations, 023 9238 2694, birthdaycreations.co.uk. Quality party supplies including wooden party bag ﬁllers, party bags and cotton bunting. Girlie Girls Parties, 023 9235 7125,

07738 053 486, girliegirlsparties.co.uk. Pamper parties and craft parties for girls aged 4 to teens.

Kip McGrath Portsmouth, 023 9275 5923, www.kipmcgrath.co.uk. Professional tuition in Maths and English for children aged 6-16 years. rectory from Advertise in our diper month. as little as £4.5av0ailable to suit all

A range of options oking of one year. bo budgets. Minimum

March/April 2010 Families Solent East 19

1 of 4 Family Tickets to Paultons Park Paultons Family Theme Park, on the edge of the New Forest, offers a great value day out with over 50 different rides and attractions included in the price. Thrill seekers will love a spin on EDGE, the mighty revolving disc ride, or a turn and twist on the fabulous Cobra coaster. Those who like to get wet can splash down on the exhilarating Raging River Ride log flume. There’s lots of fun for smaller children too, including the wonderful Water Kingdom, a splash park paradise for kids! And there’s much more, including animated indoor attractions, exotic birds and animals, live shows (seasonal) all set in beautiful landscaped gardens. For your chance to win a family visit (2 adults and 2 children under 12 years) just answer…

How many attractions are included in the price? Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number to: Paultons Park, Families Solent East, PO Box 731, Southsea, PO1 9AR, or send your details in an email to: competitions @familiessolenteast.co.uk, with ‘Paultons’ as your subject. Closing date April 9th 2010.