1. family and parenting
2. children

Issue 40 I May/ June 2014
Free
SOLENT WEST
2014 baby
and toddler
of the year
competition 1st prize £500!
Find out more
inside
Cover image © M&Co
Summer holiday fun
For 4—8 year olds
Fabulous
parties at any
age
How to make
a bee garden
What's on in
Hampshire in
May and June
Drama courses on the
magical theme of Peter Pan
Throughout July and August, our
five day drama, dance and singing
courses will take your child on an
amazing journey to Neverland.
All material is specially written
and our experienced leaders will
ensure all children enjoy the fun!
Call 0845 400 1304 or visit
perform.org.uk/peterpan
Southampton New Forest Winchester Eastleigh Hedge End Botley Warsash Park Gate Chandlers Ford Romsey Totton
May/ June 2014
Families Solent West Magazine
The really useful magazine for parents with children 0 - 12 years
®
Solent West Magazine
Your LOCAL guide for information and events
for parents with children 0 - 12 years in
Hampshire
Let our 40,000 + readers know about your
business or service. Why not advertise with us in
2014, prices start from as little as £78
Features for our July 2014 Issue
Summer holiday activities I clubs & classes
Summer events I what's on and much more
02380 403247 I editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk
www.familiessolentwest.co.uk
‘I foster because I
love watching the
children develop
and grow into their
own person.’
Call now to find out more
about fostering with
Hampshire County Council
Need childcare?
Then let the Hampshire Childcare
and Family Information Team help!
For information about childminders, day nurseries,
pre-schools, playgroups, out-of-school clubs,
holiday play schemes and free part time early years
education in Hampshire, contact the Hampshire
Childcare and Family Information Team on
0845 603 5620
Monday - Friday: 8.00am - 8.00pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 4.00pm
or visit
www.fid.hants.gov.uk
Email: childrens.services@hants.gov.uk
www.hants.gov.uk
www.hants.gov.uk
2
May/ June 2014
Families Solent West Magazine
6
®
SOLENT WEST MAGAZINE
Families Solent West Magazine
Editor: Rebecca Carr
023 8040 3247
editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk
9
Next issue: July/ August 2014
Booking deadline: 2 June2014
Copy deadline: 6 June 2014
4
Advertising Sales
Claire Claricoates
02380 403247
40,000 readers per issue
In this issue....
Printed by Bishops
4
Local and current news
6
Fabulous parties at any age
7
Your local party directory
8
Dazzling decorations- Ready Steady Grow
9
Abbotstone wood - your local campsite
fights nature deficit disorder
10
Make a bee garden
11
What's on during May and June
www.familiessolentwest.co.uk
Copyright: Families Solent West 2014
Data Protection: if you send us your name and address in order to win a prize
in a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the
prize. If you would prefer us not to do this please state this on your entry.
Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted
for publication are sent at the owners risk and whilst every care is taken,
neither Families Solent West not its agents accept liability for loss or damage.
We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors
cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy
of the contents nor for consequence. Families Solent West is part of a group
established in 1990 headed by Families South West London. All magazines
are independently owned and operated under licence.
DISTRIBUTOR WANTED
We are looking for distributors in the
Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford area. If
you have a few hours to spare every two
months and want to earn some extra
money, please contact Rebecca for more
details:Telephone 02380 403247 or email:
editor@fmiliessolentwest.co.uk
The UK’s No.1 school holiday day camps
Fun and affordable childcare
in the school holidays
Call us on 02380 403 247
to include your business in our
July/ August issue.
Fareham
Swim School
Specially designed
Baby & toddler
classes
After school & weekend
lessons available
Book online at
www.supercamps.co.uk
or call 01235 467300
May/ June 2014
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Swimminglessonswithadifference!
Beautifulwarm,privatepools
Smallclasssizes.MAX4:1ratio
Baby&preschoollessonsavailable
Confidenceboostersessions
Eveningadultclasses&1:1s
Whateveryourageorabilitywe
willhelpyouswim.
For more info please see our website
www.farehamswimschool.com
or call
01329 802 208
Families Solent West Magazine
3
News
NEW! Perform
Drama, Dance &
Singing Workshops
now available in
Lymington & Romsey
The only drama, dance and singing workshops
for 4-8 year olds to focus on helping develop
children’s confidence, co-ordination,
communication and concentration skills.
Perform is not a stage school but will help give
your child amazing social skills and the best
fun of their week. We now have new classes
available in Lymington and Romsey.
From May to July, Perform children will be
diving down to a magical world full of watery
adventures. They’ll meet Dolly Dolphin,
Septamus the Octopus and Smelly-Fish-JellyFish. Learn to dance The Fishy Funk and by
the end of term rescue the Lost Pearl from
the scary Deep Sea Creature and best of all,
the children won't notice how much they are
improving their social skills along the way.
For more information or to book a free trial
session call the Perform team on 0845 400
Etikett summer
collection now
available.
Etikett is a unique baby and children`s boutique,
stocking beautiful and affordable clothing for
children 0 - 8 years from everyday-wear to
special occasion-wear with beautiful accessories,
shawls, blankets, towels, shoes, soft toys and
gifts, as well as christening-wear, flower girl
and page boy outfits. We also stock and make
lovely hampers and gift boxes to suit your
budget. These are ideal for baby showers, birth
congratulations and christenings. Etikett has
something for everyone and for those who want
something a little bit different for that special
occasion. We also stock premature-wear from
birth weight - 1-2 lbs. We also offer our customers a special loyalty card with discounts
available on purchases made in the store.
Follow us on Facebook to view all our fabulous new stock and keep up with any news search Etikett Baby and Childrenswear of Botley Follow us for special offers and details
on our celebratory 10 years in business this July. Etikett is open Monday – Saturday
from 9.30am – 4.30pm with free parking in the square on Botley High Street.
Telephone 01489 785829 or visit: www.etikett.co.uk
Sylvanian Families shopping weekend Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 June
The Sylvanian Families shop is
having a weekend away from
London and is teaming up with
the Gill Nethercott Centre and
the historic Whitchurch Silk Mill
in Hampshire to bring you the
biggest Shopping Weekend yet!
In addition to our shopping area
in the Community Centre, we
will be expanding our displays
and activities area onto the Silk
Mill lawn. As well as offering
our usual fantastic range of
Sylvanian products for sale,
plus lots of special offers and
competitions, there will be visits from your favourite Sylvanian characters! As a special
treat, there is free entry to the Silk Mill for our collectors. The event runs from 10am
- 4pm and there is free entry to Community Centre and Silk Mill. Refreshments, light
lunches and afternoon teas will be available in the Silk Mill
For more information call: 01256 895511 or visit the website:
www.sylvanianstorekeepers.com
www.facebook.com/sylvanianshop
Does your child lack
confidence in Maths?
Highly experienced Maths teacher
offers friendly, games-based tuition
for 9-16 yr olds in Southampton and
Chandlers Ford.
Phone Caroline on 023 8034 1776
or visit www.boostmaths.co.uk
4
May/ June 2014
Share your stories
This May sees the return of National Share-A-Story Month, an annual celebration of
the power of storytelling and story sharing. Run by the Federation of Children’s Book
Groups, Share-A-Story Month is a fantastic opportunity to bring children and stories
together, with a whole host of events running across the country. The theme for 2014
is ‘Imagination and Inventiveness’, celebrating with Dahl & Dahl and Puffin Publishers
the 50th Anniversary of the publication of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Check
out the website for plenty of ideas, activity packs, posters and competition prizes.
www.fcbg.org.uk/national-share-a-story-month
Families Solent West Magazine
New drama, music and movement
classes for babies and toddlers
How games can help
your child with Maths?
Chuckle Chunes is a creative and fun
singing, movement and drama class
for babies and toddlers. Why not
come and try a class for free? We run
classes within Hampshire incorporating
singing, movement and drama with
plenty of props, musical instruments
and enthusiasm! Each Chuckle
Chunes class surrounds an adventure, theme or journey creating a unique and
exciting experience for both parents and children.
Many children struggle with Maths at school, it can
be hard for parents and teachers to know how to
help them through a ‘mental block’ in the subject,
but with the use of games, Maths can be smuggled
in beneath the radar, and before long they are
practising vital skills without realising it. This is how
the Mathematics curriculum is delivered in sessions
with Boost Maths Tuition. Tailor-made games are
used to give children repeated practise in Maths
skills which are vital for Key Stages 2, 3 and GCSE.
Classes are to be held at Issac Watts Memorial Church Hall, Winchester Road,
Southampton on a Tuesday. Pre-walking age is from10am-10.40am and walking
to 4 years is from10.50am-11.30am. The first class is free and when you initially
sign up for your first term you will receive a free Chuckle Chunes t-shirt. For more
information contact:
Kelly on 07947 568 488, email: chucklechunes@googlemail.com. or visit
The highly visual and kinaesthetic nature of the
lessons lends itself to children who learn best
through seeing and doing. Pupils find it highly
motivating and enjoyable. One parent said, “after
attending the first session, the first thing he wanted
to do when he woke up the next day was do his
homework!” Children are in small classes with
others of the same age and ability, being taught by
a qualified and experienced specialist Mathematics
teacher.
Jayden MacNally 2013 Winner
Rob Paul Studios, in Partnership
with Wave 105.2 FM, are looking for
bonny babies, terrific tots and cheeky
children in their search for model
children and calendar kids!
At venues across the South this summer,
the search is on with Rob Paul Studios Baby
and Toddler of the year 2014. There are
fantastic prizes on offer with £500 awarded
to the first prize winner plus framed prints,
canvases and vouchers for the four entry
categories. Plus, the winner will be featured
on the front cover of Families Magazines
and all the category winners and runners up
will join the Baby and Toddler of the Year to
star in a 2015 calendar which will be sold in selected Sainsbury’s across the
South.
The competition will run across several venues including the Cascades in
Portsmouth, The Meridian Centre in Havant, The Dolphin Centre in Poole
and at a Sainsbury’s store near you. See the website for full details. At
each location you will have great photographs taken, see them instantly on
our specialist viewing equipment and select your choice for the competition
and you can take home some fantastic photographs. The competition is
free to enter but there is a minimum £10 purchase requirement. This year,
Wave 105.2 FM Cash for Kids charity will also benefit from 50 percent of the
minimum purchase price being donated to them.
For more details or to book tuition for your child
please contact: Caroline on 023 80341776,
email cc@boostmaths.co.uk
visit: www.boostmaths.co.uk
Soft play fun at Jungle
Jeans
A truly magical experience awaits you at Jungle
Jeans. Discover the sights and sounds of our
play frame jungle while the adults sit back, relax
and enjoy refreshments from the Tree Top Café.
There are spiral tube and racing slides as well as a
climbing wall, plus there is something special for the
really little ones too; play gyms with sensory toys,
ball pool and soft play shapes, completely padded so
you are totally comfortable and safe at all times.
Open Monday – Saturday from 9.30am – 6pm and
Sunday’s from 10am – 5pm. Call Nikki on 02380
638120 or visit: www.junglejeans.co.uk
To find out more call: 02392 455255 or visit the website:
www.robpaulstudios.co.uk/baby-and-toddler-of-the-year
www.facebook.com/BabyandToddlerPhotoCompetition
Free entry for one child at
Jungle Jeans
Exclusive Voucher for Families readers
Terms & Conditions apply. Call 02380 638120 for more
details. Please cut out and take this coupon with you
Unit N West Quay Industrial Estate I West Quay Road
Southampton SO15 1GZ
May/ June 2014
Families Solent West Magazine
5
Picture credit © Petro Feketa - Fotolia.com
Fabulous parties at any age
A birthday party is a ritual of childhood
and an event that’s remembered forever.
So the pressure is on. Organising a
child’s birthday party can seem like
a daunting task – here are some age
specific top tips for throwing a children’s
party no matter what your budget or
experience.
Age 1 – 3 Years
If you don’t want the party in your home
try your local soft play venue.
Keep the food simple, as children this
age will eat small amounts. A good
suggestion would be 2 finger sandwiches,
a small cup of chopped fruit, a few mini
breadsticks or crisps and a small pudding
such a pot of jelly or yogurt.
For this age group the party needs to be
kept simple. Make sure it doesn’t clash
with nap time (around 1pm – 3 pm). Older
children can tolerate tea time parties later
in the day, but under 4’s will be tired out
and tetchy by this time!
Bear in mind that the younger the
children’s ages, the more likely it is the
parents will be staying with them. Make
sure you have enough chairs and help
with making tea and coffees. The parents
would probably appreciate a few nibbles
or sandwiches too!
Rather than trying to organise games
for this age group, leave out plenty of
interesting toys and activities. If the
weather is good, encourage outside play.
Party bags for this age group are not
really necessary. If you do want to give
anything, a small toy such as a wooden
jigsaw puzzle or a small piece of cake in
a pretty bag would make a nice gesture.
Age 4 – 8 Years
This is age where parties really start to
become fun! There are so many options
with this age group for organized parties
in different types of venues, which is
great if you don’t want to have the party
at home.
Popular themes include pirates,
princesses, art parties, fairy, jungle and
super heroes.
The cost of hiring a venue can shoot up.
Keep costs down by doing your own party
food, and limiting the numbers you invite.
Church and village halls are an excellent
option and are low cost to hire. 2 hours
is about the right duration. If you book an
Summer range now in stock
Etikett is a unique boutique specialising in
classic, traditional and designer wear for
babies and children 0 - 8 years.
* accredited christening retailer
* shoes & accessories
* toys & gifts
* baby & premature babywear
* girls & boys wear
* free gift wrapping service & loyalty card
* baby gift hampers - ideal for baby showers,
birth congratulations, in stock and made to order
22 High Street, Botley, SO30 2EA
Tel: 01489 785829 I www.etikett.co.uk
6
May/ June 2014
Like us on
Facebook
hats
booties
clothing
10% discount for Families
readers on orders placed
during May and June
Quote Familiesmay
at the checkout
www.etsy.com/shop/emilyandevelyn
Families Solent West Magazine
entertainer for an hour, leave 30 minutes
for eating and 30 minutes for other party
games.
Picture credit © Konstantin Yuganov - Fotolia.com
This is the age when children will be left
at parties without their parents, so make
sure you have enough adults to manage,
if your venue doesn’t come with staff.
Traditional tea party food, as well as
pizza and the hot food often laid on
by venues will be popular. It can be a
fun idea to give each child their own
individual party box of food, particularly
useful if you have children attending with
special dietary requirements.
Party bags are always a hit for this age
group, and here you can spend as little or
as much as your budget allows. A party
venue will often supply their own party
bags, but if you want them to be that
extra bit special then do them yourself.
Try pretty paper bags, themed bags,
pre-filled bags or party boxes and pails
for something a little different. Choose
from fillers such as low cost plastic toys,
to more expensive but enduring wooden
toys. Its nice to include items that tie in
with the theme you have chosen.
Remember there is nothing wrong with
harking back to a more simple time when
children left parties with a balloon and a
slice of cake. Try presenting in a pretty
bag with a simple thank you tag.
Above all try to make the party your own.
Don’t compare to others and try not to
make it too large. It can be tempting to
invite the whole class, but unless you
have a large budget and a lot of extra
help, 8-15 children will be much easier to
deal with!
Age 9 – 12 Years
For older children, the traditional tea party
may not seem as exciting as it once was!
This age group can be a bit harder to
impress, but planning a party can still be
just as much fun. Try to tailor the party to
your child’s interests. Encourage your
child to brainstorm ideas for what they
would like to do.
Popular themes for older children include
disco parties, movie parties, climbing
parties, pamper parties, sleepover parties
and sports coaching parties. However
don’t get too caught up in ‘entertaining’.
By this age children will have strong
friendship groups, and are happy to be
in each other’s company chatting and
laughing.
If you’re planning a sleepover party,
you’ll definitely want to keep the numbers
down!
Party bags are still popular for this age
range. Just choose one or two gifts, such
as a science gadget, lip balms, bath
bombs or even a bag of pick n mix in a
traditional sweet bag.
This article was provided by Louise
Plunkett owner of Candle and Cake
07515392712
www.candleandcake.co.uk
www.facebook.com/candleandcake
It’s time to party at
Jungle Jeans
Come and join the fun with Hetty our very own Elephant
We offer high quality and value for money parties that children will love. Our birthday parties cost as
little as £70 for 10 children and include play and food. Plus, book a party for 15 children or more and the
birthday boy or girl will be FREE.
023 8063 8120 I www.junglejeans.co.uk
Jungle Jeans Ltd I Unit N West Quay Industrial Estate I West Quay Road I Southampton SO15 1GZ
May/ June 2014
Families Solent West Magazine
7
Local party directory
Active and Sport
Parties
Academy Studios
Romsey
01794 515129
www.academystudios.co.uk
Go Ape
Itchen Valley
0845 643 9215
www.goape.co.uk
Goals
Southampton
02380 510 666
www.goalsfootball.co.uk
Football parties Southampton
Little Kickers
Hampshire
07896 009651
www.littlekickers.co.uk
Football parties for 2 - 7 years
Mo'Roller
Southampton
023 8022 6439
www.themoclub.co.uk
Roller disco parties
Rugbytots
Hampshire
0845 313 3244/ 3258
southhants@rugbytots.co.uk
phil@rugbytots.co.uk
www.rugbytots.co.uk
Rugby parties for boys and girls.
Southampton Climbing
Wall
Tim
02380 330 865
southamptonclimbingwall.co.uk
Climbing parties for children 8+
years.
8
May/ June 2014
Birthday Cakes
Boodle Bakes
Kelly
07825108015
facebook.com/boodlesbakes
Whether you’re after a fabulous
birthday cake or themed iced
biscuits, cute cupcakes or a
special celebration cake, at
Boodles Bakes we can create
the perfect cakes or bakes
for all your special occasions.
Baked fresh to order, using local
ingredients all our cakes are
made with boodles of love, care
and attention.
Music & Dance Parties
Little Boppers & Little
Players
07884 443884
scarletstormentertainment.co.uk
Music themed character disco
parties for ages 3 - 8 years.
Perform
Winchester and Lymington
0845 400 1304
www.perform.org.uk
Perform parties are high energy,
fun, totally infectious and kids
can't resist joining in with all of
the activities. Based around a
colourful theme and involving
lots of lively games, we use the
power of children's imaginations
to get everyone involved. We
offer an impressive range
of drama themed birthday
parties. Our enthusiastic party
leaders are all fully-trained
and experienced in captivating
groups of lively children and
there is a huge range of party
themes to choose from.
Monkey Music Parties
Play Shack
Music parties with singing,
dancing and props.
Hedge End and
Southampton
01489 790794
www.play-shack.co.uk
Party wear
Venues
Etikett
Flemming Park
0844 822 1157
www.monkeymusic.co.uk
Botley
Elaine
01489 785829
www.etikett.co.uk
Etikett is a unique boutique
specialising in classic,
traditional and designerwear
for babies, girls and boys aged
0-8 years. Etikett also stocks a
range of fabulous party wear for
birthday parties, weddings and
any other special occassion.
Soft Play Parties
Gambado
Eastleigh
Tel: 023 8001 8336
www.gambado.com/eastleigh
Soft play parties and fun-filler
parties for 1 - 12 years.
Jungle Jeans
Southampton
02380638120
www.junglejeans.co.uk
Parties are available every day,
every hour and on the hour from
10am - 4pm. Each party lasts
for two hours and includes:
party, play a private party room,
invitations and a birthday
present. Optional extras include:
filled party bags, themed
balloon for each child, a piñata,
face painting or crazy tattoos,
a helium jungle balloon and an
entertainer.
Eastleigh
02380 684800
www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk
Various parties available from
0 - 15 years.
Marwell Activity Centre
Winchester
01962 777547
www.marwellactivitycentre.co.uk
Parties for 4 - 15 years
River Park Leisure
Centre
Winchester
01962 848706
Various activity parties
The Rapids
Romsey
01974 830333
www.the-rapids.co.uk
Themed wet and dry parties.
Watercress Line
Alresford and Alton
01962 733 810
www.watercressline.co.uk
Hire your own private train!
Winchester Science
Centre
Winchester
01962 863791
winchestersciencecentre.org
Parties with 100 hands-on
activities and party food for up
to 20 children.
Families Solent West Magazine
May/ June 2014
Families Solent West Magazine
9
Abbotstone Wood – your
local campsite fight Nature
Deficit Disorder
Nature Deficit Disorder, identified,
and possibly invented by an American
journalist, Richard Louv in his 2005
book The Last Child in the Woods
hypothesised that lack of connection
with nature was damaging children in all
sorts of ways, including attention deficit
disorder, a failure to understand the
cause and effect and obesity.
He may have overstated his case, but
most of us have some lingering idea
that nature is important, and wild unsupervised play is particularly valuable for
children. Those of us born in the 1950s,
60s and 70s have memories of a very
different childhood -spending all day, from
about the age of ten, rattling about on
commons and parks in gangs on wonky
bicycles. Not at all like the childhood of
those born in the 1980s and 90s.
All of this was in the air when John
Allison and Nick Welch opened their first
campsite at Forgewood near Tunbridge
Wells in 2010. They simply wanted to
create the sort of campsite that they
would enjoy - a chance to pitch a tent in
10
May/ June 2014
the open countryside, with a campfire,
the family dog and a minimum of rules
and regulations.
It worked rather well, and now as part
of their Camping Unplugged group,
they have a new open country campsite
in Hampshire, Abbotstone Wood near
Alresford on the Grange Estate, and
courtesy of the landlord Mark Baring,
suddenly find themselves helping the
fight against Nature Deficit Disorder.
At Abbotstone Wood, campers can
pitch their tents, make their world, and
sit around their campfire in open and
un-improved countryside, while their
children run through woods and fields
doing what they used to do. In addition to
enjoying the open spaces and playing in
the woods, Abbotstone offers structured
activities including bush-craft classes,
and Forest Club, which provides the
youngest campers with nature based
activities involving mud and twigs.
of high culture and low campfire life, with
a short walk between the two.
If you would like to do your bit in the
fight against Nature Deficit Disorder you
can get information about Abbotstone
Wood Camping and our other sites at
campingunplugged.com
Abbotstone Wood is a very a special
place and offers the perfect tranquil
environment to get away from it all but
staying in touch with all that makes
Hampshire such a fantastic county to find
out more call 07712 531696 or
www.abbotstonewoodcamping.co.uk
The Grange Opera also runs a summer
season, so you can enjoy a fine weekend
Families Solent West Magazine
Make a Bee Garden
by Robin Dean, The Red Beehive Company
Of all the insects that visit
our gardens, none are more
iconic and important to us
than bees, and they come
in a surprising range of
sizes, colours and shapes.
Honey and bumble bees
are instantly recognizable
to most of us as they buzz
around, but how many of us
could identify some of the
other species of bee?
Whether we can identify
them or not, one thing is
common to all species they all need our help. Most
bees would just like a little
nectar and pollen. A lovely
holiday project would be to
plant a “Bee Garden”. There
are a number of plants to
choose from that are robust
and require minimum care
and will do splendidly in a
small window box, planter
or large pot. Snowdrops,
Crocus, Primrose and
Bluebells (remember
Bluebells are protected, so
don’t go digging them up
from a local woodland area)
all make for a spectacular
spring display. Rosemary,
sage and lavender are also
highly attractive to bees,
and chives have flowers
to tempt them - as well as
making a tasty contribution
to the kitchen! A catnip plant
or two will keep your cat
happy, as well as the having
the local bees dropping
in for a nectar and pollen
snack.
that live in bee hotels are
solitary bees, and unlike
the social bees (honey and
bumble bees) don’t make
honey so therefore don’t
have anything to defend.
This makes them really
docile and perfectly safe to
have around children and
pets.
Now you have given them
some food, why not make a
bee hotel as well. For those
of you concerned about
encouraging bees to live in
the garden, don’t be. Bees
To construct your bee hotel
•
You will need some bamboo (around 1.5cm in diameter), string or
garden wire, and a small saw to cut the bamboo.
•
Cut the bamboo into 15cm lengths, cutting each piece just before a
node to give you a hollow tube with a natural sealed end.
•
Bind the bamboo pieces together with the string or garden wire, with
the open ends all facing in the same direction.
•
Take the bundle out into the garden and find a secure place to fasten
your bee hotel to. The open ends should face anywhere between east
and south to get the early morning sun, with a clear flight path into the
hotel.
Fun from dawn to dusk for
everyone on Family Adventure
Holidays!
AdventureHolidays.com
Prices fr
om
£295pp
Brave enough for white water canoeing through a spectacular gorge
and abseiling under a plunging waterfall? If not, how about gentler
pursuits such as the spectacular bay walk at Mont St Michel, bike
touring through coast and countryside or sunset beach walks?
Whether you’re seeking high-adrenaline thrills or a more relaxed
holiday, Family Adventure Holidays offer something for everyone from
tots to teens – and their parents.
Three action-packed summer holidays based in different regions
of France are available from Family Adventure Holidays. Prices
(excluding travel) start at just £295 per adult and £245 per child for
seven nights full board with all activities and availability through the
summer from 19 July to 13 September.
Families can choose between a fun-packed, all-inclusive holiday
based at a chateau in Normandy; a high-octane watersports
holiday on the Mediterranean coast; or a week’s adventure in the
Ardeche where the highlight is the thrilling descent of the Ardeche
gorge by canoe. All activities are led by professionally-qualified
English-speaking instructors and holidays also include outings and
evening entertainment with camp fires, kids’ games and barbecues.
Nothing is compulsory and there is a flexible choice of activities and
accommodation, with the emphasis on making friends and having fun
together.
For more details call 01273 803030 or visit the website:
www.familyadventureholidays.com
May/ June 2014
Call now
!
Baywalk in Normandy
Canoe descent down the
Ardeche gorge
Relax by th
e pool at ou
r
med advent
ure centre
Holidays for a week
memories for a lifetime
ays in France
15% Discount on Family Adventure Holid
Call us today
01273 80 30 30
ABTA No.Y0554
or visit our website www.familyadventureholidays.com
@FamAdventureHol
/familyadventureholidays
Families Solent West Magazine
11
What's on during May & June
Out & About
Sylvanian Families Shopping Weekend
Hampshire in Art by
Warsash Art Group
1 May - 31 July
10am – 5pm
Manor Farm and Country Park
Price: Free (admission charge
applies should you wish to visit
the farm)
An exhibition and sale of the
work of the Warsash Art Group.
Members include professional
artists and enthusiastic amateurs
from across South Hampshire and
new members are always welcome.
May Day Celebration
5 May
11am – 4pm
Manor Farm and Country Park
Price: Normal farm admission
charge. Traditional welcome to
spring with dancing, music and
children’s activities on the farm.
Please always check with the venue before attending any events
listed in case details have changed since we went to press.
Rise of the Dinosaurs at Marwell Zoo
National Mills Weekend
10 & 11 May
Eling Experience
Please visit their website for full
details of this event.
www.elingexperience.co.uk
Hedgerow Harvest
11 May
1pm – 4.30pm
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Free with normal admission
Want to find out more about how
to forage for food in he Hampshire
countryside? Bring the whole
family and come explore our
hedgerows, learn from experts and
from each other. This interactive
foraging walk is part of The Tree
Council’s new Hedgerow Harvest
History project, supported
by the Heritage Lottery Fund
(HLF). Through the project,
The Tree Council is working
with communities to celebrate
traditional hedgerow conservation
and the resulting harvest.
Guided sessions throughout the
afternoon.
Summer at Exbury Gardens
Family Sunday - Pinocchio
11 May
11.30am
Winchester Discovery Centre
For ages 4+ £6 or four for £20
Follow Pinocchio and his
grasshopper friend as they set out
on an adventure – to find some
fun! Hiccup Theatre join forces
with acclaimed writer for children
Michael Rosen (We’re going on a
Bear Hunt) to bring Carlo Colloid’s
classic tale to life. Live music,
puppetry, physical storytelling and
longer and longer noses combine
in a magical combination for
children and their grown ups.
Watercress Festival
18 May
Watercress Line
Celebrate one of Britain’s greatest
culinary delights at Alresford.
This free food festival is a great
day out with locally produced
fare, arts and crafts, music and
street entertainment. For more
information, visit the festival
website www.watercressfestival.org
Family Sundays - Dotty
the Dragon
18 May
11.30am & 2pm
Winchester Discovery Centre
£6 or four for £20. For ages 3-7
From the company behind The
Very Snowy Christmas and How
to Catch a Star. Blunderbus is
proud to present this enchanting
fairy tale adventure with a very
happy ending. This clever new
show comes to life with an
irresistible blend of live music,
fabulous puppets and high-energy
storytelling. Little people aged
3 - 7 will love this funny, heartwarming tale. But, big people will
have lots of fun, too. You can’t help
but fall in love with Dotty the baby
dragon...
Don't forget to say you saw
these adverts in
SOLENT WEST MAGAZINE
Award winning music classes for babies & young children
WINCHESTER, ROMSEY, CHANDLER’S FORD, HEDGE-END
E: winchester@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 02380 900178
The Church Rooms, London Road, Kings Worthy SO23 7JL
The Botley Centre, High Street, Botley, SO30 2ES
Shawford Parish Hall, Pearson Lane, Winchester, SO21 2AA
Teachers required. Full training provided. Call for details.
12 May/ June 2014
Families Solent West Magazine
What's on during May & June
Self Guided Family
Sculpture Trail
23 May - 18 July
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Free with normal admission
Tour a selection of our favourite
Art in the Garden and Youth Art
sculptures. Suitable for all the
family.
Rise of the Dinosaurs
23rd May - 2 September
10am – 5pm/6pm
Marwell Zoo
Thompsons Lane, Colden
Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH
Rise of the Dinosaurs is the latest
world-class event from Marwell
Wildlife. This summer dinosaurs
will inhabit this quiet, leafy corner
of Colden Common, transforming
it into a Jurassic jungle. Our
awesome dinosaurs will enthrall
adventurers as they come to life
with animatronics, roaring or even
spitting at anyone who dares to get
near them. Rise of the Dinosaurs is
included in the general admission
price to the zoo that can be booked
online at www.marwell.org.uk
Half Term Trail
24 May - 1 June
10.30am and 3.30pm
Itchen Valley Country Park
Cost £1.75 per trail pack. Come
and take part in our trail round
the Park
Outdoor Survival Trail
24 May - 1 June
10am – 4pm
Royal Victoria Country Park
Price: £1.50
Follow this self-guided trail to find
all the things you would need to
survive in the great outdoors.
May/ June 2014
Half Term Family Fun
24 May – 1 June 2014
10am - 6pm
The Spinnaker Tower
Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth,
Hampshire, PO1 3TT
Adult: £8.95, Concession: £7.95,
Child: £6.95
www.spinnakertower.co.uk
Join the Spinnaker Tower for a
whole host of family fun during
May half term, The Spinnaker
Tower’s Sky Captain mascot Vugo,
only introduced in February, will
be jetting back in to entertain
visitors, plus the brand new family
trail will be available to challenge
visitors, navigating the tower and
exploring the views to find all the
answers, discovering fascinating
facts along the way!
The Spinnaker Tower
Half Term Fun – Woolly
Week
24 May - 1 June
10am – 5pm
Manor Farm and Country Park
Normal farm admission charge
A host of ‘woolly’ activities and
demonstrations throughout the
week. From 24 - 30 May, try
your hand at spinning, knitting,
weaving – activities for young
and old. Why not follow our
Woolly Trail and see what you can
discover? 24 - 25 May is Sheep
Shearing weekend, come and see
our sheep take off their woolly
coats!
Half Term Trail
24 May - 1 June
10am – 3pm
Lepe Country Park
Price: £2 per child
Fun for all the family, pick up a
trail card from the park office and
return with the correct answers to
claim your prize. No need to book.
Woodland Activity Day
27 May
9.30am to 3.30pm
Itchen Valley Country Park
Cost £20.00. Booking is essential.
023 8047 5080.
A day in the woods for 6 – 11
year olds den building, campfire
cooking, games and much more.
Bush craft Fun
Peppa Pig
26 May – 1 June
Watercress Line
www.watercressline.co.uk
Come and meet Peppa Pig who will
be making personal appearances
at various intervals on each day!
After you’ve seen the cheeky little
piggy you can visit the petting
farm to tickle the piglets tummies
and enjoy the piggy washing
too! Plus there will be Peppa Pig
colouring activities and DVD
shows. You can even get your
face painted.* And it’s
excellent value too!
Fares give you all
day travel on the
big trains!
27 May
10am – 1pm
Royal Victoria Country Park
Price: £6 per child
Test your bush crafting skills and
make a campfire. Join us for a
picnic lunch while we make hot
chocolate and toast marshmallows.
Drinks and Marshmallows
provided – please bring your own
picnic lunch. Suitable for all ages.
An adult must accompany all
children. Please book in advance.
Clay Animals
27 May
10.30am and 12.30pm
Itchen Valley Country Park
Cost £1.50 per animal.
Come along and make any
animal you like out of
clay.
Families Solent West Magazine
13
What's on during May & June
The Watercress Line
Vikings Family Cruise
31 May
Depart at 11am, return 1pm
SS Shieldhall
Tour of Southampton Docks to
view 5 cruise ships. Ideal family
cruise, with Viking activity on
board marking 1000 years of King
Canute being crowned King of
England in Southampton
Tickets: Adult £15; Children £7.50;
Family (2 + 2) £40, 0844 357 2329
www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk
SS Shieldhall, Berth 48, Dock Gate
4, Eastern Docks, Southampton.
Woodland Activity Day
Climb a Tree
28 May
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Cost: £15.50 p/p plus a small
booking fee
As part of our half term activities
we bring you The Great Big Tree
Climbing Company. Two highly
skilled and friendly instructors
can help all ages 6+ reach new
heights within an oak tree’s
canopy using ropes, knots and
karabiners, whilst being securely
attached in a harness at all times.
If you’re feeling brave take the
zip
wire back down! Enquiries to
andy@ bigtreeclimbing.co.uk or
0800 0556760. Entry fees to the
Garden still apply. An adult must
accompany all children into the
Gardens.
Gruffalo Walk in the
Country Park
28 May
10am & 2pm
Manor Farm and Country Park
Price: £3 per child, 1 free adult
with each child
The Gruffalo comes to life in a
guided woodland walk, learning
about exciting local wildlife. Meet
at the Kiosk in Barnfield. The
Gruffalo © 1999 - Julia Donaldson
& Axel Scheffler, Published by
Macmillan Children’s Books.
28 May
9.30am to 3.30pm
Itchen Valley Country Park
Cost £20.00. Booking is essential
023 8047 5080.
A day in the woods for 6 – 11
year olds den building, campfire
cooking, games and much more.
Lepe into Action
28 May
10am – 4pm
Lepe Country Park
The event is open to all and
includes accessible activities for
children and young people with
disabilities. Have a go at climbing,
cycling, archery, cricket, boules,
orienteering and more.
Felt a Picture
28 May
10.30am and 12.30pm
Itchen Valley Country Park
Cost £3.00 per picture.
Come and get messy felting a
picture in the traditional way.
Little Foresters Woodland
Stories
29 May
10.30am to 12.00 noon
Itchen Valley Country Park
Cost £3.50 per child. Booking is
essential 023 8047 5080.
An outdoor story and craft session
for 2 – 5 year olds.
Family Cruise
31 May
Depart 3pm, return 6pm
SS Shieldhall
See 5 cruise ships depart.
Shieldhall will proceed down
Southampton Water: there, and on
her return trip, will offer a photo
of the 5 cruise ships as they leave
Adult £22; Children £11; Family (2
+ 2) £60, Call: 0844 357 2329
www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk or call:
Solent Gardeners Fayre
and Crafts
1 June
10am - 4pm
University of Southampton
Sports Ground
www.solentgardenersfayre.org.uk
Teddy Time Stories
Goldilocks and the three
bears
8 June
11.30am & 2pm
Winchester Discovery Centre
£6 or four for £20. For ages 3+
A wonderful introduction
to theatre full of audience
participation and the cuddliest
form of storytelling we know
of. Children are encouraged to
bring their own teddy bears along
with them to help Lily and her
teddy bears tell the story together.
Sunset Party in the park
13 June & 5 July
6.30pm – 9.30pm
Marwell Zoo
Sunset Party in the Park:
Marwell Sunset Party in the Park
is back by popular demand! Join
us for a party to remember! This
year’s event has a Dinosaur twist
where guests will have out of
hour’s access to our Rise of the
Dinosaurs event, be able to see the
animals at sunset and enjoy special
talks. Both nights have a whole
host of animal talks and the events
run from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.
War on the Line
14 - 15 June
Watercress Line, Alresford
Commemorate the 100th
anniversary of World War I and
experience life on a WW2 railway
at this living history family
event. With civilian and military
re-enactors and vehicles, bomb
disposal demonstrations, song,
dance and merriment! Find out
more and book your tickets in
advance: www.watercressline.co.uk
or pay on the day..
Sylvanian Families
shopping weekend
14 & 15 June
10am - 4pm on both days
Gill Nethercott Centre &
Whitchurch Silk Mill
Whitchurch RG28 7HP
Free entry to Community Centre
and Silk Mill.
The Sylvanian Families shop in
London is having a weekend away!
Widest range of Sylvanian Families
for sale, plus lots of special
offers and competitions, creative
activities and display marquee
and best of all, visits from your
favourite Sylvanian characters!
More information call: 01256 895
5 11 Refreshments, Light lunches
and afternoon teas will be available
ENJOY A
FAMILY
OUTING FOR
Come and visit one of the only Tide Mills in the world, still working
JUST £9
and regularly producing wholemeal flour.
Situated on the edge of Southampton Water, beside the renowned New Forest,
there has been a mill on site for more than 900 years, it is now both a working
mill and a museum. Come and see the mill harnessing the power of
the tide to grind wheat into flour, which you can buy in the gift shop.
Whilst visiting the mill why not take a look at the history that
Totton and Eling has to offer in the Heritage Centre.
Enjoy the scenery by taking a stroll around the riverside walks and
picnic next to the Pirate Play Ship overlooking the water or just sit,
relax and enjoy some refreshments in the Eling Creek Tea rooms.
The Eling
Experience
Home of the Historic
Eling Tide Mill
OPEN Wed – Sun 10am – 4pm and Bank Holidays.
Some peak and off peak opening times may apply –
check website or phone for details.
We are at Eling Lane, Totton, SO40 9HF.
Tel: 023 80 869575 | elingexperience.co.uk
for milling times.
14 May/ June 2014
Families Solent West Magazine
What's on during May & June
in the Silk Mill.
Southampton Dog Show
14 & 15 June
8am – 5pm
Royal Victoria Country Park
Open show. Spectators are
welcome. On the main event field
Docks Commentary Trip
14 June
Depart 11am, return 1pm
SS Shieldhall
Learn the history and enjoy the
sights and sounds of the famous
Southampton Docks. Tickets:
Adult £15; Children £7.50; Family
(2 + 2) £40, Call: 0844 357 2329
or visit: www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk
SS Shieldhall, Berth 48, Dock Gate
4, Eastern Docks, Southampton
Music Cruise on
Southampton Water
14 June
Depart 3pm, return 6pm
SS Shieldhall
Tickets: Adult £22; Children £11;
Family (2 + 2) £60.
Call: 0844 357 2329 or visit:
www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk
Meadow Madness & Wild
Woods
15 June
10am - 5pm
Itchen Valley Country Park
Cost £1.00 per adult, Children
under 14 are free.
A country fair with traditional
craft stalls based in the woodland
and on the meadow. Activities
are available for children either
free or for a small cost. Food and
drink stands, falconry, green
woodworking, coppice crafts,
Forest School area and much more.
Mini Beasts Bio Blitz
15 June – Father’s Day
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Price – £1 per child. Adults free
with normal admission. No
need to book. In preparation for
National Insect week (23-29 June),
come and discover and help us
record the biodiversity of insect
life we have here at the Gardens.
Look to see who is hiding under
the logs and in the leaf litter and
who is living in the long grass
and the wildflowers. Moth traps
will be set up overnight so we can
look more closely at the variety of
night flying insects in the morning
session.
Baby & Toddler of the year
2014
16 - 21 June
The Cascades Shopping Centre
Portsmouth
Enter your little one into our
photography competition. The
winner will appear on the cover of
Families Solent Wesr, Solent East
and Dorset magazines.
Around the Island Yacht
Race
21 June
Depart 10am, return 4pm
SS Shieldhall
Trip to view the yachts as they
near the finish. Tickets: Adult £35;
Children £17.50; Family (2 + 2)
£95. Call: 0844 357 2329 or visit:
www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk
SS Shieldhall, Berth 48, Dock Gate
4, Eastern Docks, Southampton
Don't forget to say you saw
these adverts in
SOLENT WEST MAGAZINE
WIN A family ticket to
A Vikings Cruise Aboard
SS Sheildhall
SS Shieldhall
Old MacDonald had a farm
22 June
11.30am
Winchester Discovery Centre
For ages 4+ £6 or four for £20
Written especially for parents to
enjoy with their children, this fun
filled farmyard tale brings to life
all the best loved characters from
the original nursery rhyme along
with a magical medley of games,
giggles and sing along songs
including Heads, Shoulders Knees
and Toes, She’ll Be Coming Round
The Mountain and of course Old
MacDonald Had A Farm.
Super Pet Dog
Competition
22 June
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Super Pet £4, Companion Show
£2, first entry £1
The Homestead Dog Club are back
again in 2014 with their annual
Super Pet competition. This event
is open to everyone and involves
20 fun challenges for dog and
owner alike, including a prebooked agility competition and a
companion dog show. There will
also be stalls and refreshments. All
proceeds go to Canine Partners.
For details contact Brenda Mizen
on 023 9259 7160 or email:
brenda.mizen@sky.com
Baby and Children's
Market
28 June
2pm - 4pm
The Romsey School
Main Hall and Cafe Greatbridge,
Romsey SO51 8ZB
www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk
A large range of stalls selling
excellent quality pre loved and
new items for boys and girls aged
0 - 8. Adults £1, Kids Free. Cakes
and Refreshments are served in
the cafe. Free Parking. To find our
about further events in the area
or to book a stall please visit our
website or call 07580410594 /
07789076536
Expect a Vikings invasion in
Southampton this spring, as Steamship
Shieldhall sets out on a family cruise
along Southampton Water some 1000
years after King Canute was crowned
King of England on the south coast.
There will be Viking activity on-board - try
your hand at putting on Viking armour
and helmets and handle swords and
axes; learn how the Vikings mastered
the art of longship building and how they
earnt their fierce reputation and more.
Entries must be received by 25th May.
To enter go to our website.
familiessolentwest.co.uk/competitions
Only one entry per household. For T&C's see the
website.
May/ June 2014
Families Solent West Magazine
15
www.watercressline.co.uk
www.watercressline.co.uk
26th May - 1st June
Meet Peppa Pig here
at the Watercress Line!
It’s going to be a really exciting day out! Come
and meet Peppa Pig who will be making personal
appearances at various intervals on each day.
And there will be lots of piggy activities to do, including a
piggy petting farm, piggy crafts and face painting too*!
*small fee applies
www.peppapig.com
14 & 15 JUNE 2014
CALL 01962 733810 TO FIND OUT MORE OR
CLICKETY CLICK TO WWW.WATERCRESSLINE.CO.UK
Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies Ltd/Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003.
es
Sylvanian Famili
nd
Shopping Weeke
&
SATURDAY 14th
2014
NE
JU
th
15
AY
SUND
.
p.m
0
4.0
.
10.00 a.m
TT
GILL NETHERCO RE ,
CENT
ITY
UN
M
M
CO
MILL
& THE SILK
NTS RG28 7HP
WHITCHURCH,
HA
New Place,
De Vere Hotel,
Shirrell Heath
Southampton
Skylark Golf &
Country Club
Whiteley
Fareham
The Sylvanian Families Sho
p
in London is having
a weekend away!
Dedicated Shopping Area
Displays & Competitions
Creative Activities Marquee
FREE Entry to the Silk Mil
l
Come & Meet
Your Favourite
ters
Sylvanian Charac
For further information visit
www.sylvanianstorekeepers.com
www.facebook.com/sylvanianshop
Or contact 01256 895 511
07554 973 304
May/ June 2014
Families Solent West Magazine
Families Ad '14 87 x 130mm.indd 1
03/04/2014 16:41