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222 Family friendly
events inside
The Easter
Issue
learn how to multiplyanddivide
products in English, Maths, French, German & Spanish
in any order. The answer is shown below in the window.
Interesting maths facts
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9 x 11 = 99 11 x 9 = 99
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 = 11rrp£3.45
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2 Families Solent East March/April 2010 www.familiessolenteast.co.uk 2 Families Solent East March/April 2010
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In this issue:
News 3History is fun 4-7Out & about 8What’s on 9-15Education 16Vision Photography 17Aloe Vera 18Directory 19Competitions 6, 8, 20
Your Opportunity to Lead the Beat. Boogie Mites are now recruiting Group Leaders and Franchisees, to cope with demand. 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.
Next issue, May/June 2010Editorial and booking deadline: 9th April 2010.
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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.
Telephone 023 9232 5005 March/April 2010 Families Solent East 3
Every cloud has a silver lining. Th e snow and ice that brought such disruption earlier this year to schools, work and magazine delivery also brought redwings and fi eldfares 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 fi ve 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 readers, advertisers, and especially my distributors without whom it wouldn’t have been possible. Bye!
Liz BourneEditor and local mother of three
News
Support for Grandparents in PortsmouthGrandparents can have signifi cant infl uence on a child’s happiness and well being. Th ere 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 oft en 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
Th e Grandparents’ Association is a key support nationally, and now locally in Portsmouth.Th e Association’s mission is to improve the lives of children, and it off ers 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 benefi ts line on 0844 357 1033. Th ey 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 fi nding 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 [email protected] or call 07969 361 663.
Mums Are on a Roll With New Class in SouthseaLosing 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 fi nancially it ‘compares to the gym… and you get personal advice’. Th e 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 fi rst class. Although sleep deprivation makes exercising tough, Jim points out that ‘exercise makes you sleep better’. He adapts the routines to each mum’s fi tness level so everybody gets pushed.
Th e 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@mamafi t.net.
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 open-minded 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 compro-mise 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.
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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
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By Liz Bourne, with help from English Heritage
My 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 side-tracked. 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. Th at link between the past and present would be lost if we had no memory of our his-
tory. 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, confl icts and traditions. Anything that has a past has a history, including the his-tory of ideas (such as the concept of freedom) and cultural history (such as the history of music). It would be diffi cult to understand the signifi cance 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 fi ve 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 to see how history can inspire.
Discover the past with ex-submariners and learn abouttheir first hand experiences.
Buy your tickets before 31st March 2010 and receive a 10% discount!
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:
Th rough 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.
Time Well Spent Registered charity no. 205846
Great fun for the little ones NEEDLES OLD BATTERY Daily 10.30am - 5pm from 13 March 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 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
Historic Isle of Wight
CARISBROOKE CASTLE 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.
Open daily all year from 10am
Adult £7, Concs £6, Child £3.50, Family £17.50, EH members free
Carisbrooke Castle, Newport, PO30 1XY
OSBORNE HOUSEVisit 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, April-Oct from 10am
Adult £10.90, Concs £9.30, Child £5.50, Family £27.30
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
EH_Solent East_Osb+Caris_2 12/2/10 11:21 am Page 1
Useful Web Sites
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
Th e learning of history leads to an inquiring mind – the word ‘history’ comes from the Greek ‘to know’
bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoft heworld/programme
bbc.co.uk/history/forkids/
englishheritage.org.uk
nationaltrust.org.uk
Learning About History
March/April 2010 Families Solent East 5Telephone 023 9232 5005
An extensive museum based on the Southsea seafront in the former Offi cers’ 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.
Royal Marines Museum
english-heritage.org.ukChildren love fi nding 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 off ers reasonably priced, expert-led Discovery Visits which helped it win a Sandford Award for excellence in heritage education through work with schools.
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: [email protected], with ‘Carisbrooke Castle’ as your subject. Closing date 9th April 2010.
Local Museums www3.hants.gov.uk/museumOur local museums off er fantastic insights into how we used to live. Th ey are usually free to go to as well! Museum on the Mezzanine, Gosport Discovery CentreManor Farm, BursledonWestbury Manor Museum, FarehamThe Spring, HavantCity Museum, PortsmouthMuseum of Island History, Newport, IoW
On the MainlandArundel Castlearundelcastle.orgSee 1,000 years of history at this imposing castle, set in magnifi cent grounds. Check web site for regular events.
Beaulieu beaulieu.co.ukVisit 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.
Bucklers HardBeaulieubucklershard.co.ukA beautiful spot on the banks of the Beaulieu River, of particular historic importance – it was here that some of Nelson’s fl eet was built. Th e 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 BirthplacePortsmouth023 9282 7261Dickens 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 ParkMidhurstcowdray.org.ukOne 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 specifi cally for children.
D-Day Museum Clarence Parade, Southsea023 9282 7261Tells 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.
Fishbourne Roman Palace sussexpast.co.ukView the wonderfully preserved mosaics and visit the engaging museum.
Fort NelsonPortsdown Hill, Fareham01329 233 734, armouries.org.ukOver 350 big guns and historic cannon on display. Damp tunnels to explore.
Milestones Living History Museum Milestones Living
Leisure Park, Basingstokemilestones-museum.comA network of streets with shops, a village green and a pub, dating from the Victorian times and the 1930s.
Portchester Castleenglish-heritage.org.ukAn 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. Butser Ancient Farm023 9259 8838, butserancientfarm.co.ukA permanent working ancient farm. Look out for special events which bring the history to life.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 023 9272 8060, historicdockyard.co.ukA 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.
Haslar Jetty Road, Gosport, rnsubmus.co.uk, 023 9251 0354George 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. Th ey can see, touch and smell where the crew slept and ate and fi nd out fi rst 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.
Carisbrooke Castle & Osborne House 1 of 10 Family Tickets to Carisbrooke Castle
6 Families Solent East March/April 2010 www.familiessolenteast.co.uk
Southsea CastleClarence Parade, Southsea023 9282 7261Built in 1544, the castle was part of Henry VIII’s fortifi cations. He watched his fl agship, 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 HouseRowlands Castle0233 9241 2265, stanstedpark.co.ukA fascinating glimpse of how the other half lived! A truly ‘upstairs-downstairs’ experience.
On the IslandBembridge Windmill 01983 873 945, nationaltrust.org.ukTh e only surviving windmill on the Island, built around 1700 and still with its original machinery.
Brading Roman Villa Bradingbradingromanvilla.org.uk, 01983 406 223View mosaics and artifacts from Roman times.
Dinosaur Isle Culver Parade, Sandowndinosaurisle.comShaped 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 Baynationaltrust.org.uk, 01983 754 772A 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 Newport01983 531 785, nationaltrust.org.ukA town hall with no town! Exhibition about the mysterious ‘Ferguson Gang’.
WEALD & DOWNLAND OPEN AIR MUSEUMSingleton, Chichester, W. Sussex PO18 0EU 01243 811348 www.wealddown.co.uk
Cracked it! Easter at the Museum
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 and Downland Museum
Singleton, Chichester, wealddown.co.uk, 01243 811 363Discover our ancestors’ homes and the way they built them, their animals and the way they raised them, their crops and fl owers and the way they grew them. Th ere are over 45 historic homes, farms and workplaces that have been rescued from destruction and restored to their original form. Th e houses include the showpiece Bayleaf medieval farmstead, a pair of timber-framed Victorian agricultural labourers’ cottages from the 1860s, a tiny 13th century fl int 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.
Th e 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. Th ey can build their own structures with hand-made bricks in the brick drying shed dating from 1733. Th ey 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! April Fun!ROYAL
Please note that normal admission prices apply to take part in the activities.
with unmissable family activities!
Commando Fit6th-8th & 13th-15th April11am, 1pm & 3pmBack 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...
Royal Marines MuseumGarden Party11th AprilEnjoy 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.
Families Solent East - April revised pricing.indd 1 15/02/2010 12:23:15 PM
March/April 2010 Families Solent East 7Telephone 023 9232 5005
FREE MOTHER’S DAY FUN AT WEST DEAN GARDENS
Th ere’s fun, fl owers and free entry for all mums accompanied by one or more children on Mother’s Day, Sunday, 14th March, at West Dean Gardens.
Th ese 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: Chichester-Singleton).
Th e 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!
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 gambol-ling 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
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 fun-packed fl agship 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 [email protected].
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.
Th omas & Friends are celebrating their 65th Anniversary throughout 2010! Th e Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line will be holding their fantastic ‘Days Out With Th omas’ events during Easter Break (2-11 April) and the Summer Holidays (7-15 August). Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to see ‘Th omas’ and lots of his friends including James, Henry and Daisy. Percy and Toad will be joining Th omas 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: [email protected], 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. Compe-tition not open to employees or members of the Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line.
A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE THOMAS AT
A FAMILY TICKET
8 Families Solent East March/April 2010 www.familiessolenteast.co.uk
Telephone 023 9232 5005 March/April 2010 Families Solent East 9
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.
MarchFrom the beginning of March until Mother’s Day, Vision Photography (023 9262 0140) are off ering a 15 minute sitting plus a 10” x 8” print for just £10 (quote ‘off er’). Book early to guarantee a sitting.
FRIDAY 5thMake Do and Mend Bunting WorkshopThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, 10:30am-3pm (2 days)023 9247 2491, makingspace.orgFree family event inspired by the 1950’s Kitchen in Th e Spring museum.
The Great Spring Steam Gala Watercress Line 01962 733 810 to book, watercressline.co.ukDon’t miss this chance to see and ride behind ‘Tornado’, the fi rst steam locomotive built in Britain for almost 60 years (as seen on Top Gear).
Chichester Farmers’ MarketEast Street and North Street
Tissue Art 5-8 yrsAspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, 11am-12:45pm, £4023 9277 8080 to book, aspex.org.ukA hands-on workshop for young children and their parents.
Weave Moore than Meets the Eye 5-10 yrsPallant House Gallery, Chichester, 10:15am-12:15pm, £601243 774 557 to bookHave a go at weaving found objects and materials into a woven wall hanging.
Baked Beans and Custard 5-10 yrs Quay Arts Centre, Newport, 3pm01983 822 490, quayarts.orgMagic, mime and music.
Fit for a King! Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukDress up as Henry VIII or one of his wives.
Make Do and Mend Bunting WorkshopThe Spring Arts and Heritage CentreAs Friday 5th listing above.
The Great Spring Steam Gala Watercress Line As Friday 5th listing above.
SUNDAY 7thGarden WorkshopStaunton Country Park, Havant023 9245 3405Tree and shrub pruning tips.
Fit for a King! Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic DockyardAs Saturday 6th listing above.
The Great Spring Steam Gala Watercress Line As Friday 5th listing above.
WEDNESDAY 10thIn Pursuit of Pulsars Ages 11+ In Pursuit of Pulsars
Intech Science Centre, nr Winchester, 6:30pm, £6/£501962 891 925 to book, intech-uk.comAn accessible introduction to pulsars and their amazing properties..
THURSDAY 11thHorrible ScienceTheatre Royal, Winchester01962 840 440, theatre-royal-winchester.co.ukWhy don’t penguins get spots? Could picking your nose be dangerous? From the producers of Horrible Histories comes the seriously squishy Horrible Science.
SATURDAY 13thThe Musicians of Bremen 3-9 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 1:30pm023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukCharming story with live music.
To Have and to Honk Ages 3+Nuffi eld Theatre, Southampton023 8067 1771, nuffi eldtheatre.co.ukA honkingly good show with music and hilarious physical theatre.
Mary Rose Under the Microscope Mary Rose Under the
Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukExamine the evidence for yourself using the digital microscopes.
Meet a Rocketman Needles New Battery, 12-2pm01983 754 772, nationaltrust.org.ukLearn what it was like to be involved in Britain’s race for space from former rocketmen of the Isle of Wight.
MOTHERING SUNDAY 14thOshima and the Big Sea Ages 3+New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth023 9264 9000, newtheatreroyal.comAmazing sea creatures, puppets and live music.
Mothering Sunday Exbury Gardens023 8089 9422, exbury.co.ukSee the beautiful Daff odil Meadow in full fl ower and board the special Exbury Mothering Sunday Train – free daff odils for all lady visitors!
Mother’s Day Royal Marines Museum, Southsea023 9281 9385, royalmarinesmuseum.co.ukFree entry for mothers accompanied by children on this day.
Mother’s Day Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common01962 777 407, marwell.org.ukTreat your mum on mother’s day with a special off er (TBC).
Mother’s Day Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth023 9287 5222, bluereefaquarium.co.ukCelebrate Mother’s Day and fi nd out all about fi shy mums!
Daff odils on Mothers’ DayStansted House, Rowlands Castle, 1-4pmstanstedpark.co.ukMothers can preview the house free of charge, with or without their children!
Mother’s DayStaunton Country Park, Havant023 9245 3405Free slice of cake with every tea or coff ee for mums.
Open House on Mothering SundayWeald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, 10:30am-4pm01243 811 348, wealddown.co.ukSpecial £2 entry for everyone plus a bunch of daff odils for mothers and grandmothers.
Mother’s Day Specials Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet01983 885 923, iwsteamrailway.co.ukEach mum taking a steam train ride will receive a free gift to make her feel really special!
Mother’s Day Needles Old Battery01983 754 772, nationaltrust.org.ukFree 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 Under the
Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 13th listing above.
Meet a Rocketman Needles New BatteryAs Saturday 13th listing above.
TUESDAY 16thIn the NestSwanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve, 10:30am-12 noon, £2.50 suggested donation01489 570240 to bookWhat could the birds be up to at this time of year? Wrap up warm and come along and fi nd out.
FRIDAY 19thWild Tots: Brilliant Birds Parkhurst Forest, 10:30am-12 noon, £2.50 suggested donation01923 529 199 to bookA morning of games and stories for pre-school children.
Chichester Farmers’ MarketEast Street and North Street
SATURDAY 20thGiant Tales with The Tale Tellers The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10:30am023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukTh ere are giants and trolls in the Tale Teller’s sack today. A free event.
Paint + Canvas 8-13 yrsAspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, 10:30am-12 noon, £4023 9277 8080 to book, aspex.org.ukWork with artist Wendy Middleditch and create your own masterpiece.
Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury Gardens023 8089 9422, exbury.co.ukSpecial 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 Under the
Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 13th listing above.
SUNDAY 21stNature NavigationManor Farm Country Park, Bursledon, 10am01489 787 055Follow 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.
Mary Rose Under the Microscope Mary Rose Under the
Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 13th listing above.
www.familiessolenteast.co.uk 10 Families Solent East March/April 2010
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.
Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury GardensAs Saturday 20th listing above.
SATURDAY 27thThe Gruff aloTheatre Royal, Winchester01962 840 440, theatre-royal-winchester.co.ukJoin Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood.
The Spring Heritage Open DayThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 11am-4pm023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukA 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 2-4pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukFind 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, free023 9251 0354 ext. 240 to book, rnsubmus.co.ukCelebrate 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’ MarketCapron House, North Street
Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury GardensAs Saturday 20th listing above.
SUNDAY 28th IW Grand National and Ashey Scurry Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet01983 885 923, iwsteamrailway.co.ukTravel in style to the famous races at West Ashey Farm by a Steam Powered Iron Horse!
The Gruff aloTheatre Royal, WinchesterAs Saturday 27th listing above.
Meet the Barber Surgeon Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 27th listing above.
Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury GardensAs Saturday 20th listing above.
TUESDAY 30thInfant VoicesKings Theatre, Southsea, 6pm, £5023 9282 8282, kings-southsea.comTh e culmination of the Portsmouth Infant Music Festival with a massed choir and individual infant schools performing.
AprilEVENTS RUNNING THROUGHOUT ALL OR MOST OF THE EASTER HOLIDAYS…
THURSDAY 1st to SUNDAY 18thSkull & Crossbones: Living Under the Jolly Roger Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport023 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 fl y Jolly Rogers and how the Royal Navy Submarine Service combats modern day piracy. Th e exhibition features the oldest surviving Jolly Roger from the WWI E54 submarine and the newest from HMS Trenchant which was fl own recently in Afghanistan.
FRIDAY 2nd to FRIDAY 16th:WEEKDAYS ONLY
Fossil Walks Dinosaur Isle, Sandown01983 404 344 to book, dinosaurisle.comFind fossils in Brook Bay or Shanklin.
FRIDAY 2nd to SUNDAY 18thBig Top at the Tower! Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth023 9285 7520, spinnakertower.co.ukTravel 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 Brockenhurst01590 612 345, beaulieu.co.ukVisitors can join in a hare-brained Easter Trail.
Eggs and Young Birds Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common01962 777 407, marwell.org.ukBuild your own nest in the craft area and play an egg matching game. Bird feeds and talks will also take place.
Spectacular SpringStaunton Country Park, Havant, FREE023 9245 3405Free spring related activities and craft s.
SATURDAY 3rd to SUNDAY 18thEaster at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Easter at Portsmouth
023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukOn board HMS Warrior 1860Easter 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 offi cers, 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, 2-4pmTry a range of Tudor hats and design your own crown to take home.
Predators Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth023 9287 5222, bluereefaquarium.co.ukFrom stingrays to sharks, deadly stone fi sh to piranhas, the aquatic world is divided into the hunters and the hunted. Discover the amazing techniques diff erent 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 2ndDay Out With Thomas Watercress Line 01962 733 810 to book, watercressline.co.ukCome and celebrate the 65th anniversary of Th omas and Friends. See Th omas, Diesel, Toad, Daisy, Trevor and many more, plus free face painting and entertainment.
Wild Egg Hunt Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common01962 777 407, marwell.org.ukEmbark on the Wild Egg Trail around the park for the chance to win a monster chocolate egg.
Easter WeekendButser Ancient Farm 023 9259 8838, butserancientfarm.co.ukTake part in a chick hunt around the farm.
Easter Fun Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet01983 885 923, iwsteamrailway.co.ukEnjoy the spectacle of some of the Island’s blossoming spring-time countryside. An Easter Treasure Hunt, Easter colouring and craft s. Children can come in Easter bonnets and join in an Easter Bonnet Parade each day at 1.45pm.
Easter Off er Chessell Pottery Barns, nr Calbourne01983 531 248, chessellpotterybarns.co.ukDecorate an egg cup for just £5.
Chichester Farmers’ MarketEast Street and North Street
SATURDAY 3rdHow the Koala Learnt to Hug Ages 4+New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth023 9264 9000, newtheatreroyal.comA 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-3pm023 9277 8080, aspex.org.ukTry your hand at print-making or take part in an Easter egg hunt.
Easter Egg Trail Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 10am-3pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukSelf-guided Easter Trail around the Dockyard.
Easter at Exbury Exbury Gardens 023 8089 9422, exbury.co.ukParrot (tree) Trail and family train rides – there are surprises in store at Exbury this Easter.
Normans and CrusadersArundel Castle01903 882 173, arundelcastle.orgRe-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 Exbury GardensAs Saturday 20th listing above.
Easter WeekendButser Ancient Farm As Friday 2nd listing above.
Easter Fun Isle of Wight Steam Railway, HavenstreetAs Friday 2nd listing above.
Easter Off er Chessell Pottery Barns, nr CalbourneAs Friday 2nd listing above.
EASTER SUNDAY 4thEaster Trail 5-11 yrsSustainability Centre, East Meon, 1-3pm, £701730 823 166 to book, sustainability-centre.orgTrail through the woods with chocolate egg prizes. Craft -making and decorating Easter biscuits.
Easter SundayStaunton Country Park, Havant, from 10:30am023 9245 3405 Easter trail, encounter sessions, fun activities and craft s (small charges apply). Take part in the Egg Hunt and meet the Easter Bunny!
Telephone 023 9232 5005 March/April 2010 Families Solent East 11
From Friday 2nd - Monday 5th April every child will receive anegg-citing chocolate treat from the Easter Bunny in Palace House
National Motor Museum, Palace House & Abbeyand World of Top Gear included in entry
www.familiessolenteast.co.uk 12 Families Solent East March/April 2010
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.
The Joys of SpringManor Farm Country Park, Bursledon, 10am01489 787 055Meet the latest spring arrivals down on the farm.
Easter Activities Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, 11am-4pm01243 811 348, wealddown.co.ukActivities and Easter celebrations.
World at WarFort Nelson, Fareham, 10am-5pm, charges apply01329 233 734, royalarmouries.orgBritish, American, Russian and German soldiers stage a 1940s battle for control of the ramparts.
Easter Chocolate Eggstravaganza Weekend Robin Hill, Downend01983 527 352, robin-hill.comChocolate 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 sheeteastereggtrail.comSupported by Cadbury, follow a trail map around the property visiting trail points and collecting clues. Take part in the ‘Face on your Egg’ competition.
Day Out With Thomas Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.
Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury GardensAs Saturday 20th listing above.
Easter at Exbury Exbury Gardens As Saturday 3rd listing above.
Easter Fun Isle of Wight Steam Railway, HavenstreetAs Friday 2nd listing above.
Easter WeekendButser Ancient Farm As Friday 2nd listing above.
Normans and CrusadersArundel CastleAs Saturday 3rd listing above.
Easter Off er Chessell Pottery Barns, nr CalbourneAs Friday 2nd listing above.
EASTER MONDAY 5thThe Great Butser Egg RollQueen Elizabeth Country Park, from 10am, £1 per egg023 9259 5040Th e 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 sheeteastereggtrail.comSupported 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, HavenstreetAs Friday 2nd listing above.
The Joys of SpringManor Farm Country Park, Bursledon As Sunday 4th listing above.
Easter WeekendButser Ancient Farm As Friday 2nd listing above.
World at WarFort Nelson, Fareham As Saturday 4th listing above.
Normans and CrusadersArundel CastleAs Saturday 3rd listing above.
Easter Chocolate Eggstravaganza Weekend Robin Hill, DownendAs Sunday 4th listing above.
Easter Off er Chessell Pottery Barns, nr CalbourneAs Friday 2nd listing above.
TUESDAY 6thMedieval Copper JewelleryMaking Space, Leigh Park, 10am-12 noon, £6.50023 9247 2491, makingspace.orgWeave and make patterns with copper wire to create a medieval style bangle or pendant.
Chitty Chitty Bang BangMayfl ower Theatre, Southampton023 8071 1811, mayfl ower.org.ukTh e most fantasmagorical stage musical!
Easter Clowning School 11-16 yrsAshcroft Arts Centre, Fareham, 10am-3pm, £60 (4 days)01329 223 100, ashcroft.org.uk4-day workshop begins with performance from the company and fi nishes with a performance from you!
Girls and Boys Come out to Play HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukLearn about and play with Victorian-style toys and board games and make your own to take home.
Commando Fit Royal Marines Museum, Southsea023 9281 9385, royalmarinesmuseum.co.ukTest your body and mind against the commando gym tests and an assault course.
Plant Hunter Tours Exbury Gardens023 8089 9422, exbury.co.ukJoin 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 DaysFort Nelson, Fareham, 10am-5pmroyalarmouries.orgA variety of activities designed especially with children in mind.
Day Out With Thomas Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.
WEDNESDAY 7thFree Family Craft SessionsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 11am-3pm023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukPaint and decorate delicate eggs.
Dragon Eggs National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukGet inspired by Naomi Novik’s exciting Temeraire books where dragons fi ght alongside Nelson’s Navy to make a special dragon ‘Easter’ egg to take home.
Hatch Egg – Hatch!Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve, 10:30am-12 noon, £2.50 suggested donation01489 570 240 to bookA session of craft s and activities related to birds, nests and eggs.
Wonderful Easter WednesdaysWeald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, 11am-4pm01243 811 348, wealddown.co.ukHands-on activities, craft s and games.
Drawing on the Past Newtown Old Town Hall, 2-4pmnationaltrust.org.ukHelp 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.
THURSDAY 8thDragon PuppetsMaking Space, Leigh Park, 10am-12 noon, £6.50023 9247 2491, makingspace.orgDesign 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-12:30pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukWhat is a fi d? 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 2-4pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukMake your own mini-globe complete with ships and sea creatures.
SATURDAY 10thMy Mother Told Me Not To Stare Ages 8+Nuffi eld Theatre, Southampton023 8067 1771, nuffi eldtheatre.co.ukA deliciously dark operetta for curious children and their grown ups.
Magical Tales with The Tale TellersThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10:30am023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukTales that are full of magic and magical creatures.
Spinning a Yarn Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 10am-4pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukHave a go at Tudor craft s with demos by the Portchester Spinners.
Day Out With Thomas Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.
Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury GardensAs Saturday 20th listing above.
SUNDAY 11thRoyal Marines Museum Garden Party Royal Marines Museum
Royal Marines Museum, Southsea023 9281 9385, royalmarinesmuseum.co.ukTraditional garden party, games and watch the Fort Cumberland Guard bring history to life with a bang!
Spinning a Yarn Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 10th listing above.
Day Out With Thomas Watercress Line As Friday 2nd listing above.
Primrose and Camellia Walks Exbury GardensAs Saturday 20th listing above.
Visit hampshiretopattractions.co.uk for more information and discount vouchers.
MONDAY 12thEaster Artweek: the Shadow Puppet’s Apprentice Jubilee Stores, Newport, 10am-2:30pm, £1501983 822 490, quayarts.orgUsing 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, 3pm023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukDid 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 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukLittle movers make a dance version of this favourite story to show friends and family at 3pm.
Puppet Theatre 8-12 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukMake 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 ArmsMaking Space, Leigh Park, 10am-12 noon, £6.50023 9247 2491, makingspace.orgDesign and paint your own heraldic crest to hang on your wall at home.
Easter Clowning School 11-16 yrsAshcroft Arts Centre, FarehamAs Tuesday 6th listing above.
TUESDAY 13thLittle Red Hen 3-7 yrsNuffi eld Theatre, Southampton023 8067 1771, nuffi eldtheatre.co.ukAn adaptation of the nursery favourite featuring a host of animal puppets, songs and comic routines.
A Little PrincessAshcroft Arts Centre, Fareham, 2:30pm01329 223 100, ashcroft.org.ukTh e story of a parentless girl resisting hunger and cruelty at the hands of her headmistress.
Fairy Wings and Wand 5-7 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukMake a beautiful pair of glittering fairy wings and a sparkling magic wand.
www.familiessolenteast.co.uk 14 Families Solent East March/April 2010
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.
Cartoon Story Board 8-12 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukWrite your own story or illustrate one of your favourite tales in this cartooning workshop.
Let’s Paint Everything, Everywhere! 8-13 yrsAspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, 11am-3pm, £30 (3 days)023 9277 8080 to book, aspex.org.ukWork alongside an artist creating work inspired by the gallery’s exhibition programme.
Easter Artweek: Garden Squares Jubilee Stores, Newport, 10am-2:30pm, £1501983 822 490, quayarts.orgUsing fabric, paper and seeds make miniature decorative gardens ready to sew and grow.
Girls and Boys Come out to Play HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic DockyardAs Tuesday 6th listing above.
Commando Fit Royal Marines Museum, SouthseaAs Tuesday 6th listing above.
Fort Fun DaysFort Nelson, FarehamAs Tuesday 6th listing above.
WEDNESDAY 14thEaster Artweek: Eggheads Jubilee Stores, Newport, 10am-2:30pm, £1501983 822 490, quayarts.orgMake your own special decorated eggs inspired by nature’s patterns and folk decoration.
Free Family Craft SessionsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 11am-3pm023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukBe inspired by the Watermill automata ‘Waterscape’ to make your own mini moving object.
Medieval Costumes and PropsMaking Space, Leigh Park, 10am-12 noon, £6.50023 9247 2491, makingspace.orgGet inspired by fair maidens and brave knights and design and make your own props and costumes.
Goldilocks Puppet Theatre 5-7 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukMake a mini puppet theatre and your own Goldilocks and three bears.
Urban Hip Hop Dance 8-12 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukChoreograph your own urban stories using hip hop dance.
Magic Means 5-11 yrsSustainability Centre, East Meon, 1-3pm, £701730 823 166 to book, sustainability-centre.orgWeird and wonderful hats, clay wizard heads, map sticks and mobiles.
Easter Island National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukLearn the secrets of Easter Island and about Captain Cook and his voyages.
Do We Need a Theory of Gravity? Ages 11+ Do We Need a Theory of Gravity?
Intech Science Centre, nr Winchester, 6:30pm, £6/£501962 891 925 to book, intech-uk.comWhy can’t we fi nd the dark matter? Could it all be a mirage?
Little Red Hen 3-7 yrsNuffi eld Theatre, SouthamptonAs Tuesday 13th listing above.
Commando Fit Royal Marines Museum, SouthseaAs Tuesday 6th listing above.
Wonderful Easter WednesdaysWeald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton As Wednesday 7th listing above.
THURSDAY 15thEaster Artweek: Jewellery Workshop 9-12 yrs Jubilee Stores, Newport, 10am-2:30pm, £35 (2 days)01983 822 490, quayarts.org2-day, hands-on, creative workshop on working with copper and silver.
Pirates of the Caribbean 5-7 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukCreate a swashbuckling drama and perform for friends and family at 3pm.
Magical Mystery Towers 8-12 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukConstruct your own special tower with SCAT.
Seafari National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukLearn about life under the ocean waves and create a sea creature to take home.
All Hands on Deck HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic DockyardAs Thursday 8th listing above.
Little Red Hen 3-7 yrsNuffi eld Theatre, SouthamptonAs Tuesday 13th listing above.
Girls and Boys Come out to Play HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic DockyardAs Tuesday 6th listing above.
Commando Fit Royal Marines Museum, SouthseaAs Tuesday 6th listing above.
Fort Fun DaysFort Nelson, FarehamAs Tuesday 6th listing above.
FRIDAY 16thThe 3rd Annual Portsmouth Youth Variety ShowNew Theatre Royal, Portsmouth023 9264 9000, newtheatreroyal.comOpportunity for Portsmouth’s young performers to showcase their skills.
My Fairytale 5-7 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukWrite and draw your own fairytale and bind into a special book with gems and sparkles.
Circus Skills and Magic 8-12 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 10am-3pm, £12.50023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukLearn circus skills and a magic trick to amaze your friends and family.
Clay CastlesMaking Space, Leigh Park, 10am-12 noon, £6.50023 9247 2491, makingspace.orgMake your own haunted castle out of air-dry clay to take home and paint.
Space Stories Intech Science Centre, nr Winchester01962 863 791, intech-uk.comStoryteller, Michael O’Leary, tells space stories in the Planetarium.
Chichester Farmers’ MarketEast Street and North Street
Little Red Hen 3-7 yrsNuffi eld Theatre, SouthamptonAs Tuesday 13th listing above.
SATURDAY 17thCircus!Quay Arts, Newport, 12-3pm, FREE01983 822 490, quayarts.orgFree family drop-in on a circus theme.
Pepys Show Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-4:30pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukMeet Pepys and his long-suff ering 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 2-4pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukDiscover the living and working conditions of a Victorian sailor through hands-on activities, role-play and guided exploration of the ship.
Cow Pow WowLongmoor Inclosure, meet at Liss Forest Road car park, 11am-1pm, suggested donation £201256 381 190 to bookJoin the Grazing Project Offi cer 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 yrsNuffi eld Theatre, SouthamptonAs Tuesday 13th listing above.
Space Stories Intech Science Centre, nr WinchesterAs Friday 16th listing above.
SUNDAY 18th‘Bustival’ – a Cavalcade of Vintage Vehicles Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet01983 885 923, iwsteamrailway.co.ukA festival of old and new buses.
Pepys Show Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 17th listing above.
Ship Shape HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As Saturday 17th listing above.
Telephone 023 9232 5005 March/April 2010 Families Solent East 15
BACK TO SCHOOL…
MONDAY 19thJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatKings Theatre, Southsea023 9282 8282, kings-southsea.comA superb retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph and his eleven brothers, with many unforgettable songs.
TUESDAY 20thA Seed in Need under 5sSwanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve, 10:30am-12 noon, suggested donation £2.5001489 570 240 to bookSeed related activities plus plant your own sunfl ower to take home.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatKings Theatre, SouthseaAs Monday 19th listing above.
WEDNESDAY 21stPeppa Pig’s Party Ages 2+Theatre Royal, Winchester01962 840 440, theatre-royal-winchester.co.ukTh e popular children’s TV show is recreated live on stage with beautifully true-to-life puppets.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatKings Theatre, SouthseaAs Monday 19th listing above.
SATURDAY 24thJezO’s Magic and Laughter Show 4-10 yrsNuffi eld Theatre, Southampton023 8067 1771, nuffi eldtheatre.co.ukMagic, laughter, excitement and comedy.
Tortoise Taught Us 7-107 yrsThe Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, 1:30pm023 9247 2700, thespring.co.ukAft ernoon of humorous poetry reading by children’s writer, Ernest Yelf.
Meet the Navigator Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 11am-12 noon and 2-4pm023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.ukFind out how the Mary Rose navigator steered his course.
St George’s Weekend Watercress Line 01962 733 810 to book, watercressline.co.ukTrains, Morris dancing, classic cars, fancy dress, picnics and real ale for the grown ups.
Spring Garden Show Robin Hill, Downend01983 527 352, robin-hill.comBack 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 DreamcoatKings Theatre, SouthseaAs Monday 19th listing above.
SUNDAY 25thChris and Pui: Show Me Show MeFerneham Hall, Fareham01329 231 942, fernehamhall.co.ukCBeebies’ favourite double act is coming to town.
Meet the Navigator Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic DockyardAs Saturday 24th listing above.
St George’s Weekend Watercress Line As Saturday 24th listing above.
Spring Garden Show Robin Hill, DownendAs Saturday 24th listing above.
Visit hampshiretopattractions.co.uk for more information and discount vouchers.
Fratton 023 9275 6104Park Lodge, 28 Clarkes Road, Fratton • 7:30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
Little Learners Day Care
• Age from 3 months to 8 years • Learning through play the
Highscope way!• OFSTED registered with
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for preschool children
• Discounts• Preschool funding•Qualified caring staff• Ample car parking• Holiday leave• New spacious under 2s room
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:
l Provide professional and flexible care in their own home
l Are inspected and regulated by Ofsted
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
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.
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. Th eir 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.’
Th e youngest member of the class four year old Oscar Shortman, proved her point…
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, ‘Th e 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 ‘Th e 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.’
The class looked different on my fi rst day,I was turning my head aroundLooking at everything in the classroom.And it had a new white board.And class rulesHanging by a light-blue ribbon from the ceiling.
16 Families Solent East March/April 2010 www.familiessolenteast.co.uk
PhotographyA studio with a diff erence
Jason Baker got his � rst camera when he was just eight years old. He pursued his hobby and went on to become the young-est person at that time to be accepted on a photography de-gree course at Swansea. After 12 years working for other pho-
tographic studios, he decided it was time to set up on his own. Vision Photography’s premises in New Road, Portsmouth were
e� ectively 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 � xture 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 di� erent 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 excel-lent 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 � nd out more visit visionphotostudio.com or call 023 9262 0140.
Say Cheese!When I told my children that we were going to spend a Saturday after-noon 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 terri� ed 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 di� erent 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 � nd the con� dence to relax and begin to enjoy the experience. Most noticeable was the fact that within around 45 seconds, Harry was taking his shoes o� , 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.
Meg “Jason was really friendly. I was quite shy
at the beginning but at
the end I didn’t want
the shoot to stop.”
Harry“I was pretty worried
but I felt lonely so I
joined in and it felt
really relaxing.”
Katie“Brilliant!”
Telephone 023 9232 5005 March/April 2010 Families Solent East 17
www.familiessolenteast.co.uk 18 Families Solent East March/April 2010
Aloe Vera: The Miracle PlantLiz Bourne swaps her water-based daily beauty regime
for something a little more sophisticated!
I have to admit to not having a particularly punishing beauty regime. I am flummoxed by shelves of products such as toners, refreshing toners (what’s wrong with a splash of water?) and deep-cleansing age-defying sag-resistant lotion. I promise you that I do wash reg-ularly and use moisturiser twice a day. Other than that, though, I
simply don’t have the time or inclination.So when I had the opportunity to trial some Aloe Vera products from
local distributor and team leader for Forever Living, Hesione Waugh, I was worried whether or not I was her target audience. But over the course of a week, myself, my family and my friends tried a few
Aloe Vera-based products and were pleasantly surprised by the results!
Monday This morning I took my usual shower and tried out the Aloe-Jojoba Shampoo (£13.43 for 296ml) and the Aloe-Jojoba Conditioning Rinse (£13.43 for 296ml). Both promise soft, shiny and manageable hair and contain no nasty chemicals, making them perfect for those with skin conditions. My initial reaction was
that they felt less lathery than my usual, reason-ably priced products, but my hair did smell nice.
Tuesday I passed some Aloe Heat Lotion (£11.64 for 118ml) on to my valiant magazine distributor, Lisa, who had slipped on some ice and pulled her hamstring badly. ‘It worked wonders’, she said. ‘It heats up just like deep heat and once massaged in does help the pain. My husband has been doing a lot of spinning classes at work and his legs were hurting so he has used it too and thinks it’s great! I like the idea that it’s just like deep heat but without the harsh stuff.’
Wednesday Another friend has fallen off her bike whilst cycling to work in the snow. Her shoulders took the brunt of the fall and the resulting ache has caused some discomfort. I handed her a tube of Relaxation Massage Lotion (£19.54 for 192ml). This contains aloe vera, essential oils, white tea and fruit extracts. ‘Although it felt nice, and didn’t irritate my eczema, I did find the pong a bit overpowering – I’m just not used to putting something on quite so fragrant!’
Thursday I have been using the shampoo and conditioner every day this week. I have warmed to it more and more, but I think that at that price, although pleasant, it doesn’t make a significant difference to the way my hair looks. Maybe given my less than thorough beauty regime, I’m just not in the market for products in that price range.
Friday I have also been trying the Forever Bright Toothgel (£5.45 for 130g). This is a gentle, non-fluoride gel containing aloe vera and bee propolis. I found it a particularly pleasant change to the usual minty toothpaste. It was non-abrasive and left my teeth feeling really fresh and clean. The children also tried it but thought it looked like alien bogies! Despite this, they had to admit that it was actually quite nice!
Saturday My feet have never been the most attractive part of me so I was delighted when Hesione recommended the Aloe Propolis Crème (£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 it. It is a creamy blend of aloe vera, bee propolis, chamomile and comfrey that is excellent to soothe irritated skin on any part of your body. It also leaves a protective barrier making it ideal for dry skin like mine.
Sunday This was the day my daughter and I were looking forward to! We locked ourselves away in my bedroom with the Sonya range of skincare, a face mask and a sachet of Forever Aloe2Go.
Starting with the Aloe Purifying Cleanser (£25.54 for 177ml), this gentle product cleanses with aloe and fruit extracts. We both thought it was gentle and left our skin feeling soft and smelling good.
We then moved on to the Aloe Deep-Cleansing Exfoliator (£19.16 for 118ml). Again, this did make our skin feel good, but we didn’t have the time or inclination to massage it on our faces for the whole 2-3 minutes.
We moved on to the Forever Marine Mask (£17.45 for 113g) which promised a deep cleanse, while balancing the skin’s texture with natural sea minerals. This too felt gentle on our sensitive skins.
Whilst this was drying on our faces, we each tried a bit of the Aloe2Go gel drink. No doubt it is highly efficacious for something, but neither of us could palate it! In fact, we had to eat two custard creams each to take away the taste – not very benefi-cial for our health!
Topping it all off with a dash of Aloe Moisturizing Lotion (£11.64 for 118ml), we certainly felt very pampered, and our skin was glowing from some proper treatment at last!
All in all, it was a great experience and I would recommend the use of these products. They are all natural, sourced from plants untainted by
herbicides and pesticides, and come with a 60 day money-back guarantee.
If you are looking to run a busi-ness from home, working with a successful international company, call Hesione Waugh on 01329 232 084 to find out how.
Aloe Vera FactsAlso known as ‘the Miracle Plant’,
‘Silent Healer’ or ‘Burn Plant’It has been used for 4,000 years
It is a succulent, resembles a cactus, but related to onions,
garlic and asparagusIts leaves contains at least
75 known ingredients including vitamins, minerals,
enzymes and amino acids.
March/April 2010 Families Solent East 19
Business opportunitiesForever Living, 01329 232 084. Call Hesione Waugh for details of how to build a successful business around family life.
Usborne Books, 01329 662 998, www.usborneonline.org/lizacheshire. Build an exciting and profi table business selling Usborne Books.
Wikaniko Eco-Friendly Business www.wikanikolifestyle.co.uk, 01271 867 022 (Caroline). Household and natural beauty products; £48 start-up; internet access required.
Clubs & classesMelody Tots Music Group, 023 9235 5584, [email protected], Wed mornings for 3 months to 4 years in Rowlands Castle.
mucky-pups.com, 0779 9293280. Where kids have messy fun and we clean up! Term time classes, holiday clubs, parties.
Health & wellbeingI Feel Good Weightloss Eff ective Products, Guidance & Support. Call Sarah or text ‘SLIMMER’ to 07773 795374.
HolidaysAppuldurcombe 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
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 fi llers, 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.
Scott Lymath Photography, lymath-images.co.uk. Modern images taken around Portsmouth. Wedding and event services.
Vision Photography, 023 9262 0140, visionphotostudio.com. Family friendly studio.
ShoppingHiscock Gallery, 023 9282 5330, 11 Stanley St, Southsea. Art and craft supplies; specialists in framing and fi ne art printing.
TuitionFirst Class Learning, 01329 310 634, www.fi rstclasslearning.co.uk. Maths and English tuition.
Kip McGrath Portsmouth, 023 9275 5923, www.kipmcgrath.co.uk. Professional tuition in Maths and English for children aged 6-16 years.
Advertise in our directory from
as little as £4.50 per month.
A range of options available to suit all
budgets. Minimum booking of one year.
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as little as £4.50 per month. Advertise in our directory from
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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 fl u 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 fi rst detected a year ago and declared a pandemic last June. Symptoms are similar to seasonal fl u 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 effi cient 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 eff ects. 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 off er immunity, but children will need two doses of the Celvapan, while those able to have Pandemrix only need one dose.
Where can I fi nd out more information?Take a look at www.direct.gov.uk/swinefl u.
Join the Families ForumWhat’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/swinefl u.
Swine Flu Jab Are you vaccinating your under 5?
Paultons Family Theme Park, on the edge of the New Forest, off ers a great value day out with over 50 diff erent 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 fl ume. 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.
