Families Solent West Issue 29 July-Aug 2012

FREEJuly/ August 2012 | Issue 29

SOLENT WEST

Also in this issue:• Summer activities for the family to enjoy

• Lighting the way to London 2012 – The Olympic Torch Relay in Hampshire

DICK AND DOM LIVE

AT CAMP BESTIVALWIN A FAMILY TICKET

FOR THE WHOLE WEEKEND

2 Families Solent West July – August 2012

Home-School Tutoring UK (est. 1984)

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

Initial consultation is free and without obligationPlease contact the Area Advisor for Hampshire

(West & Central)Mrs Alex Murray-Twinn, BA (Hons) PGCE, NPQH

e: [email protected]: 02380 275573

www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk

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

3July – August 2012 Families Solent West

Copyright: Families Solent West, July/ August 2012.Data Protection: if you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition offering prizes in Families Solent West, we may supply your details to the company offering the samples or prizes. If you would prefer us NOT to do so please state this clearly on your entry.Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners own risk and whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent West nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Families Groups: Families Solent West is part of a group established in 1990, headed by Families South West. All magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

SOLENT WEST

Contents4 – 5 News &

Information All the latest local

news.

6 Lighting the way to London 2012

The Torch Relay in Hampshire.

8 Summer Activities Places to visit in

Hampshire this summer.

14 Interview with Dick & Dom

Win a family ticket to Camp Bestival.

16 What’s on Guide Your guide to

what’s on this July & August.

22 Book Reviews Ed’s Reading

Room.

23 Competitions Win tickets to family

attractions and more.

Cover image courtesy of Get Involved Ltd for Camp Bestival.

Editor: Rebecca CarrFamilies Solent West0808 108 [email protected] issue: September/ October 2012Booking deadline: 1 August 2012Copy deadline: 6 August 201240,000 reader per issueDesign: Matobo DesignPrinted by Cedar Groupwww.familiessolentwest.co.uk

@familiessolentw

like us on facebook

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Winchester is fi rst choice for unique children’s drama schoolLondon based Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Workshops started a class in January 2000 with 3 children. They now have 3,500 children attending their workshops across London and have chosen Winchester as their new destination and are opening in September 2012.Perform is a new type of children’s drama school. They use a unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention by their experienced actor/teachers. They work exclusively with 8-12 year old children and their focus is entirely on The 4 C’s. Confidence, Communication, Co-ordination and Concentration. They don’t send children to auditions or castings, but focus on helping children develop their social skills whilst having the best fun of the week. They are also centrally run as opposed to being a franchised business.Principal Lucy Quick says “We are incredibly excited about opening in Winchester from September. It’s an amazingly creative area, and we have already found some fantastic local people to lead the workshops.”Classes in Winchester will be on Saturdays at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Upper Brook Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8DQ at 2pm.All children are invited to a Free Trial Session.Please call 0845 400 4000 or visit www.perform.org.uk

News and Information

Don’t forget to say you saw these companies advertised in Families

Solent West magazineContact us to reserve your space

0808 108 0917

Fleet Tutors: Holiday Revision to Go!Boost your 11+, GCSE or A- results with intensive, small group courses in various subjects. Our students experience fast paced and focused progress with the vast majority achieving an increase of at least 1 grade.

Students share the invaluable resource of an expert subject tutor and the benefit of having questions answered immediately, yet course fees are considerably less than most one-to-one sessions. Summer 2012 courses will be held in West London and Farnborough, Hampshire.

Fleet Tutors: Live Online Tuition!Fleet Tutors offers a Live Online Tutoring service delivered by the highest performing tutors across the country with established track records of tutoring online. The service is “gimmick free” and enables students anywhere in the world to have access to the UK’s leading private tutors, bringing the British education system and the National Curriculum to students anywhere.For information and bookings call 0845 644 5452 or email [email protected]

Canine Capers at Theatre Royal with Hairy MaclaryCharacters and

stories from the popular children’s

picture books about the mischievous dog Hairy Maclary

are brought to life at Theatre Royal Winchester in Hairy Maclary and Friends on Tues 24 July at 1.30pm and 3.30pm. With original songs and music, a group of talented actors bring these lovable characters to life in a captivating show that is the perfect introduction to drama for children aged 3+ and their families. Hairy Maclary goes out for a walk one day and is joined by a motley canine crew as he sniffs at the smells and snoops at all the doors in town. However, the four-legged gang get a nasty surprise when they bump into the town’s scariest moggy, Scarface Claw.In author Linley Dodd’s much-loved books, rhyming verse and beautiful illustrations combine to create simple stories that captivate and entertain young children. Hairy and his friends embark upon adventures in which their doggy natures cause all kinds of calamities and the production is a perfect page-to -stage transformation.Tickets: £10.00, Concs. £8.00, Friends: £7.50. For further information or to book tickets, please call the box office on 01962 840440 or book online at www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

Bouncy Castles for types of partiesBlue Gecko Events provide high quality and safe UK made bouncy castles and inflatables for parties, fetes, weddings and family fun days.

Whether it is a children’s Under the Sea bouncy castle, a Pirate’s Mega Slide or a colourful toddler ball pond, we cater for everyone and for every occasion!Blue Gecko Events and Bouncy Castle Hire covers all of Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire and we offer multi-day discounts andintroductory discounts!Contact: Rayna Paull on 07563 458926 or email: [email protected] or visit www.bluegeckoevents.com.


Online literacy resources – Reading Eggs and Reading EggspressChildren love working and playing on the computer and the

Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress programs are all about bringing out the best in each child using unique worlds of

interactive reading and writing activities. Developed by a team of educational teachers, writers and developers, they focus on a core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words using skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success, supporting what children learn at school.Reading Eggs includes 120 literacy lessons that take a child from foundation stage through to the end of key stage 1. In addition to the lessons there is Reading Eggs World which caters for children who already know the basics of reading but who still have much to learn about reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension. The Reading Eggspress program enables children to explore a complete world with a wide variety of both learning and fun experiences. The range of activities motivates to return regularly to complete lessons, compete against others, earn more rewards and improve their skills. Progress within the Reading Eggspress program is measured by the completion of targets. Both the Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress programs have a comprehensive reporting system that tracks progress so that students and their parents can clearly see each child’s achievements.Using promotional code UKS24SLW you can trial the programs for free for an extended period of 5 weeks. Simply visit www.readingeggs.co.uk, register your email address and once your account has been set up you can enter the code on your parent dashboard. Happy Eggsploring!

News and Information

●● Excellent quality cartoon lookalike mascots for hire

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Cartoon Cartoon Mascot HireMascot Hire

[email protected]@cartoonmascothire.co.ukwww.cartoonmascothire.co.ukwww.cartoonmascothire.co.uk

Like to work from home round your family?Pocket money or

full time business?Please email Alex on

[email protected] a free, no obligation

information pack

Summer reading challengeLibraries across the UK are gearing up to introduce children to an imagination paradise that will keep them reading throughout the school

summer holidays. Story Lab, the 2012 Summer Reading Challenge™ run by The Reading Agency, an independent charity, aims to inspire children to read in their holidays. With incentives and rewards, plus a certificate or medal if they complete the Challenge, children can sign up at your local library from the end of June. “Pop down to your local library and find out more about what’s happening,” says Anne Sarrag, Summer Reading Challenge director, “and help your children discover a love of stories whilst they develop their reading skills over the summer holidays.” An interactive Story Lab website www.story-lab.org.uk launches this month, enabling children to talk about their favourite books, or follow the Summer Reading Challenge at www.facebook.com/#!/SummerReadingChallengeUK.

Earlybirds Pre-School Offering a warm, caring & stimulating environment

where children can feel secure & happy, & so develop & learn. Excellent links with Newtown

Soberton Infant School; Local to Wickham, Boarhunt, Southwick, Droxford & Denmead;

Small Groups; High staff ratios.Morning / Afternoon & All Day sessions available for children from 2y 9m – 5y.

Earlybirds Pre-School, Newtown Soberton Infant School, Church Road, Newtown,

Fareham, PO17 6LJ. Telephone: 01329 833161.

Swimming at New Forest Health and Leisure CentresDid you know that each of the New Forest Health and Leisure Centres is home to a indoor 25m main pool, plus a learner pool*. The pools open daily from

early in the morning offering swimming to early risers. Day time and evening sessions offer; lane swimming, public sessions, adults only sessions, parent and child swimming and 50+ sessions. At the weekend and during holiday times fun sessions for the younger ones with inflatable’s, floats, waterwheels and waterwalkerz are also on offer.Our pools are also home to the New Forest Swim Academy which provides a programme of swimming lessons for all ages at all centres. Lessons follow the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) National Plan for Teaching Swimming and pupils start from just 3 months old right up to adult lessons. The centres can also meet the needs for private swimming lessons, usually on a one to one or small group basis.So make a splash... and find out more about swimming at your local centre.Visit: www.newforest.gov.uk/leisure or call: 0845 659 0845* exception of New Milton


London 2012

It’s time to welcome the Olympic Torch in Hampshire. For the first time in Olympic history, Britain is the first country to hold a torch relay completely within the UK.

The Olympic Torch Relay is a fantastic spectacular, a chance to celebrate your community and showcase it to the world – so don’t miss out! The Torch Relay is well underway and is due to be in Hampshire in July so line the streets and welcome the Torch Relay as it passes through our community.

Lighting the

way to London

Schools from Hampshire to form a Guard of Honour at the start of the Athletes’ ParadeGet Set network schools from Hampshire will form a Guard of Honour to line the route as athletes make their way through the Olympic Park into the Olympic Stadium, for the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on 27 July.

The Guard of Honour schools have been selected through the reward and recognition programme of the Get Set network, the official London 2012 education programme. They have demonstrated a commitment to living the Olympic and Paralympic Values and incorporating them into their school lives and curriculum.

The lucky schools that have been picked and will make up 2,000 Guards include: Sholing Technology College, The Connaught School, Bassett Green Primary School and Sholing Technology College.

Further detailsFurther detailswww.southampton.gov.uk/london2012

www.newforest.gov.ukwww.winchester2012.co.uk

Evening

CelebrationSaturday 14 July

Mayflower Park – Southampton

The Olympic Flame will arrive from the Isle of Wight at 5.30pm on Red Funnel’s flagship car ferry the Red Eagle, where it will receive a spectacular welcome.

As the Isle of Wight torchbearer exits the ferry with a convoy of London 2012 vehicles, the Olympic Flame will embark on a city tour where it will pass the iconic Bargate, Tudor House Museum and a lap of St Mary’s Stadium. The Torch will finish its journey around Southampton in Mayflower Park.

Entertainment will begin at 5pm at Mayflower Park with a whole range of activities including live music and dancing from presenting partners Lloyds TSB, Coca Cola and Samsung. You can also see a special performance by UK rapper Wretch 32 as well as the arrival of the Olympic Torch and the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron.

Wednesday 11 July Wednesday 11 July Basingstoke – WinchesterBasingstoke – Winchester

Saturday 14 July Saturday 14 July New Forest – Isle of Wight – New Forest – Isle of Wight – SouthamptonSouthampton

Sunday 15 July Sunday 15 July Southampton – Southampton Airport – FarehamSouthampton – Southampton Airport – Fareham

When will the torch come through Hampshire?


After years of effort, dedication and anticipation, it’s nearly here! The London 2012 Games marks a defining moment for athletes of Team GB and Paralympics GB – a chance to show the world what they can do on home soil.

London 2012 will be remembered for years to come and it’s not just London that will be buzzing this summer. There are all kinds of activities for the family to enjoy together. Whether you make a trip to London, continue to follow the Olympic Flame, catch the action at a host of venues outside of London, or watch the action on big screens across the UK, there is a lot to do and see this summer.

London 2012 for freeIf you were not lucky enough to get Olympic or Paralympic tickets, you can still see some of the worlds top athletes in action this summer. Some of the best open-air action is free to enjoy without tickets. Events like the marathon and road races offer the chance to see world-class athletes in peak performances against the magnificent backdrop of the London skyline.

London 2012 outside of LondonThere’s much more to London 2012 than events in London. You’ll also be able to watch a piece of the action everywhere from Cardiff to Glasgow and Manchester to Weymouth. Plus, Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire is home to the Paralympic Games and will host a Paralympic Torch Relay event on 28th August.

London 2012 on the big screenIf you can’t make it to any of the regional venues, why not head to your local live site. Live Sites are big screens located in every UK nation and region. They are great places to enjoy the best live action – as well as plenty more entertainment. Why not take the family along and enjoy a picnic.

Where is your local live screen?Winchester CathedralBring a Picnic and watch the Olympics and Paralympics LIVE on a giant screen outside Winchester Cathedral. During the games the screen will be on every day in the Cathedral Outer Close from 10am until the end of the day’s events.The Olympics and screen will run from the 27 July – 12 August and then during the Paralympics from the 29 August – 9 September.

London 2012 FestivalThe London 2012 Festival is the biggest festival the UK has ever seen and features 12,000 events and performances at over 900 venues featuring artists from across the world coming together in celebration of the Games. The Festival started in June and runs through to the 9th September when the Paralympic Games end and the Games are handed over to Rio. The Festival is all about getting involved – so why not bring the kids along. There are many events you can attend that are family friendly and in every corner of the UK. Visit: www. London2012.com/festival for a full list of events you can enjoy.

London 2012 Join InCelebrate the Games at home with friends, family and neighbours; here are some hints and tips to make your event memorable:Opening Night inThe world will be watching the UK as the Opening Ceremonies announce the start of London 2012. Get in on the action and host your own VIP screening for friends, family and neighbours. Why not make it a night to remember and get everyone you know to come down to your village hall or community centre. Super SaturdayOn Saturday 4 August a massive 25 gold medals will be awarded at the London 2012 Olympic Games. What better way to celebrate the gold rush than getting your whole community fired up with a sizzling BBQ?If you would like to organise one of these events sign up to be a Local Leader. You’ll get celebration tools to help plan your event and access to exclusive competitions. To become a London 2012 Local Leader visit www.london2012.com/localleadersWhatever you do this summer, make sure you celebrate the greatest sporting event in the world and enjoy a summer like no other. Visit www.london2012.com/join-in for more details.

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The London 2012 Games: a summer spectacular

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Key dates27th July

The Opening Ceremony28th July

The Olympic Games begin12th August

The Closing Ceremony24th – 29th August

The Paralympic Torch Relay29th August The Paralympic Games begin


Summer Activities

Out and about this summerExploring Hampshire’s top attractions

Come to Beaulieu this summer and join the Victorian house party in Palace House with music in the Lower Drawing Room and family games outside on the lawns. See Veteran and Vintage cars motoring around the grounds, and watch the Victorian cyclist on his Penny Farthing.See our exciting exhibition, BOND IN MOTION, with 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films or view the museum’s collection of over 250 vehicles, from Land Speed Record Breakers to F1 racers, and take a ride on ‘Wheels’, a journey through 100 years of motoring history. Don’t miss

On Screen Cars, new for 2012, displaying car stars of the TV and film world, including Mr Bean’s lime green Mini, Harry Potter’s ‘flying’ Ford Anglia and the DeLorean from Back To The Future, and enter the ‘World of Top Gear’ to see genuine cars from the presenters’ most ambitious challenges on the BBC show.Beaulieu is open daily from 10am to 6pm. www.beaulieu.co.uk

This summer, why not visit some of our local attractions and enjoy some great family days out. The New Forest is home to the National Motor Museum or explore 200 acres of beautiful gardens at Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway; visit Peppa Pig World at Paultons Theme Park with over 60 family rides. Winchester is a spectacular Cathedral City and is home to Intech Science Centre, the Watercress Line and Planetarium and located just outside is Marwell Wildlife or why not visit SeaCity Museum and Tudor House and Garden in Southampton. Our neighbouring city of Portsmouth also offers plenty for families to enjoy. Experience the oceans a the Blue Reef Aquarium, glide to the top of Spinnaker Tower, go onboard HMS Alliance, a WW2 submarine at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum or discover the history of the Royal Marines at the Royal Marines Museum in Southsea. Whatever you do this summer, you’ll find many adventures waiting for you.


BLUE REEF AquariumPortsmouth’s award-winning Blue Reef Aquarium is a great place for visitors of all ages to find out more about the wonders of the deep - whatever the weather.Whether you‘re dodging the showers or escaping the heat, Blue Reef’s innovative displays,

informative talks and feeding demonstrations will keep the family fully entertained.At the aquarium’s heart is the giant ocean tank where an underwater tunnel offers incredibly close encounters with puffer fish, triggerfish and hundreds of vibrant tropical fish amid the beauty of a recreated coral reef.Over 50 other living displays reveal the sheer variety of life in the deep, from tropical sharks and stingrays to giant lobsters, elegant seahorses and playful otters.Don’t forget your towel and a bucket and spade to make the most of the aquarium’s outdoor Blue Reef Beach Club and Splash Play.Overlooking the bustling Solent the club boasts its very own 50-tonne sandy beach and rockpool sandpit alongside a splash play area.Open daily from 10am Last admission 5pm Cost: Adult £9.75, child (3-14) £7.50, Family (2+2) £32.50www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/portsmouth.htm

Intech Science Centre & Planetarium

The South’s best hands-on interactive science and technology centre and the UK’s largest capacity digital Planetarium! Featuring 100 interactive exhibits demonstrating science and technology of the world around us in an engaging and exciting way. To run alongside this year’s Games, Intech have an exhibition - the ‘Science of Sport’ - find out about how muscles work, the winning skill of concentration, how to bend a shot like Beckham and how satellites will beam the images of the Olympics around the world. You don’t have to be a super-athlete to take part. There are lots of different activities to get involved in, with race simulators, an activity wall and spin machine, high-speed cameras to time you and predict your track speed, as well as a special headbandto test your powers of concentration. Test your balance - canyou stay on a board balancing on a ball, are you a natural surfer? Open: 10 – 5pm dailyCost: Adult £9, child (3 – 16) £6.50 – extra £ 2.20 per person for the planetarium.www.intech-uk.com

All information is correct at the time of going to print, please check with the attraction for dates, costs

and opening times before visiting.


Summer Activities

Marwell Wildlife Park The only Zoological park in Hampshire, Marwell has a huge diversity of wildlife from Lemurs to Leopards. As well as the Australia Bush Walk, Savannah tracks, Tropical World, African Valley, and Encounter Village, The brand new Penguin cove is now open with a picnic and play area at the back of the exhibit. The park also has two large play areas. The Giraffes are a must see and you can pick up the free tractor train at several points around the park if their legs, of yours, get tired. Cost: adult £18, child (3-16) £14, family (2+2) £60 (price includes an optional small donation)

www.marwell.org.uk

Your ticket to the Dockyard is an annual pass which includes unlimited entry to HMS Warrior, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Action Stations which has a mixture of physical challenges, simulators and technological experiments, 27 exciting activities in the InterAction and one of the largest climbing towers in Europe! Your ticket also includes one visit to the HMSVictory, The Mary Rose Story and a Harbour Tour.Open: daily 10am - 5pm Cost: Adult £21.50, Child £15.80, child under 7 FREEwww.historicdockyard.co.uk

Paultons is home to the world’s first and UK exclusive Peppa Pig World! This amazing land let’s youngsters discover Peppa’s World in nearly 3 acres of fully themed fun! There are 7 fabulous rides including Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight, Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, Grandpa’s Little Train, George’s Dinosaur Adventure and you can even ride in a ‘cloud’ around Windy Castle! Peppa Pig World features a huge indoor play area, Georges Spaceship Playzone and superb animated themed attractions including a chance to visit Peppa and her family

in their house! Peppa Pig World is also home to Daddy Pig’s Big Tummy café and Peppa’s Toy Shop, the largest (and only!) dedicated Peppa Pig shop in the World!New for 2012 is the awesome new volcano-themed ride – MAGMA! Dare to enter the caverns of molten rock and discover the Jurassic secret entombed below. When MAGMA erupts, guests will rise and spin out from the volcanic smoke, 25 metres in to the clear sky above, only to face a stomach churning plunge back to the fiery heart of the mountain below!Open daily from 10am – 5:30pm. Cost: adult/child over 1 metre £21, family (2+2) £80, child under 1 metre is FREEwww.paultonspark.co.uk

Spinnaker Tower

The Spinnaker Tower is inviting its visitors to Aim High this summer in a series of weekly special competitions and challenges, ranging from video game victories to tarantula holding triumphsTo launch the summer holiday activities, the Spinnaker Tower will be hosting the Wii Olympics, with eager gamers encouraged to compete for the top scoring spot. The sporty theme continues as visitors are invited to step up to the challenge of a virtual stair climb! Complete the equivalent of our 560 stair challenge on the breath-taking view deck with stepper gym equipment, surrounded by the stunning panoramic views, 100 metres above Portsmouth Harbour.The Spinnaker Tower is open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm (7pm Sun – Thurs.during August)Cost: adult £8.25, child (3-15) £6.15www.spinnakertower.co.uk

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Southampton’s latest must-visit attraction is the long-awaited SeaCity Museum, which tells the story of the people of Southampton through the ages, their fascinating lives and the city’s historic connection with the sea. Titanic the LegendThe most famous ship in the world, the RMS Titanic set sail from Southampton on 10 April 2012. Five days later on 15th April she struck and ice burg and sank in the Atlantic Ocean. The exhibition tells the story of the residents of Southampton who lost their lives in this tragic event. Explore the 1:25 scale interactive model of the ship and find out what it was like to work onboard. You will have the opportunity to have a go at steering the ship, load the coal in the boiler room and learn about Morse code and the message that were sent that fateful night and experience the ‘disaster room’ where the temperature falls whilst listening to survivors stories. Open daily from 10am – 5pm. Cost: family ticket £25 (2 adults & 3 children).www.seacitymuseum.co.uk

Summer ActivitiesTudor House & Garden

Tudor House first opened its doors as a public museum in 1912. To celebrate we will turn back the clocks 100 years. Entrance will be just 6p per person as it once was when it first opened it doors, Meet costumed Edwardian staff, experience an Edwardian school lesson, try object handling, dress up in replica costumes and have your photograph taken in our Edwardian photo booth. Join us on 29 July for our birthday celebration at this iconic and historic building right in the heart of Southampton.Tudor House is open daily from 10am – 5pm. Cost: £4.75 adults, children 5 – 16 £3.75, children under 5 free. www.tudorhouseandgarden.com

Happy Birthday

Tudor House – visit for

just 6p


Watercress LineThomas and Friends return to the Watercress Line for more family fun this summer! See Toad, Diesel, Bulgy, Trevor and of course Thomas the Tank Engine. Unlimited travel on the day of your visit, giving great value for money. FREE car parking at Ropley station and FREE children’s entertainment! FREE activity sheets, stickers, Engineers certificate, and Mega Bloks giveaway packs! Bouncy castle slide and FREE rides with Thomas, Diesel and Toad at Ropley station. Join the big trains and travel the full length of the line as much as you like! Join us from 18-27th August.Book your tickets in advance at www.watercressline.co.uk

FREE EVENTSSummer of bestselling children’s authors at Submarine MuseumEvery Thursday throughout the school holidays, families can meet bestselling children’s authors at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport. The Submarine Children’s Book Fest runs from 26 July through to 23 August and features children’s authors Nick Arnold (Horrible Science), Ian Whybrow (Harry and the Dinosaurs) and John Dougherty (Zeus on the Loose). Each week, families can meet the authors, get crafty and interactive and hear stories that have made millions of children laugh and wonder. Families can also find out just how smelly submariners were, the ghastly food they ate and how sub loos could turn into poo fountains at the new family exhibition Horrible Science of Submarines, written by the author of the Horrible Science books, Nick Arnold and illustrated by Tony De Saulles. The exhibition and family events are free with a valid museum ticket. The exhibition is open everyday. Visit www.submarine-museum.co.uk

Holiday fun at Exbury Shady walks, waterside picnics and seasonal colour combine to make Exbury Gardens the perfect place for a summer’s day out. And this year, children under 16 years are welcome into the Gardens free of charge*! There are optional extras for children including a Garden trail with free seeds for all who complete its tricky questions; steam train rides and buggy trips.The summer months at Exbury bring riverside walks and the chance to picnic next to ponds full of giant carp and golden orfe, while dragonflies swoop overhead, or enjoy cream teas and ice cream in the Tennis Court Tea Gardens. Summer visitors to Exbury can choose usual Gardens admission or take advantage of the great-value Exbury Experience ticket. Costing £14.50 for adults, the ticket combines entrance to the Gardens, a ride on the Steam Railway, Buggy Tour, and discount vouchers for the Gift Shop, Plant Centre and Restaurant. www.exbury.co.uk 023 8089 1203* Children aged U16 must be accompanied by an adult. Usual fees apply to railway, buggy and for ticketed events.


How did you become involved with Camp Bestival?Dick: The first time we did it was last summer and the hosting of the main stage, it was a great experience and we loved the interaction with the crowd and children. Dom: On a Saturday they have acts that are aimed towards children like Mr. Tumble and so they wanted to link it all together and thought of us and we were very happy about that.

Camp Bestival is a fantastic event for both adults and children – why do you think it is such a success?Dick: It is one of a kind and there isn’t really anything else like it that targets the family audience other than Camp Bestival. It is a unique event and as well as the children’s element to the festival it also has a lot for the parents so they can let go a bit too. Dom: The mixture of adults and kids works well and the kids were up until midnight and loving it and it is probably not often they get to do that. It all works so well.

What can we expect this see from Dick and Dom this year at Camp Bestival?Dick: We’ve been brushing up on a new skill for the act – the ukulele! We’ve been working on a few Ukulele type songs like Christmas Carols just to give it a bit of a Christmas feel!Dom: It will be similar to last year like big crowd games, competitions and one of the things we do try to do is to make the person right at the back feel as included as the person right at the front of the stage.

There are lots of fantastic acts this year but who are you most looking forward to seeing?Dick: The Happy Mondays – I am a big fan and I have never actually seen them live so I am really looking forward to seeing them and the Rizzle Kicks! Dom: I’m looking forward to our set the most!

What do you guys fi nd funny and what makes you laugh?Dick: we really like old school stuff like the Two Ronnie’s or Vic and BobDom: Us!Dick: Yeah, but mostly the old comedies like the Carry on films. I like the old school sense of humor.

You’re currently on our screens with Dick and Dom Go Wild – What is your favourite animal and why?Dick: A pugDom: A Pig

What is the scariest animal you have worked with?Dick: A PugDom: A Pig

What’s next for Dick and Dom?Dick: We’re working on a new show called Hoopla, which we are filming in Devon this summer, at Dingles Fairground Heritage Museum. Dom: It is a fairground, circus type of act. It includes all the same production crew as Dick and Dom in da Bungalow and includes all the usual unpredictable content.

Camp Bestival

CBBC stars Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood host Camp Bestival’s family event this year at Lulworth Castle, Dorset this year. Here they talk to Rebecca Carr, Editor of Families Solent West about what we can expect from them at Camp Bestival.

Adult day tickets cost £60 per day, age 11-14, £30 per day and age 10 and under day tickets are free (but you

must obtain a ticket). Weekend camping tickets cost: Adults £185, ages 15 – 17 £110, age 11 – 14 £95 and ages 10

and under FREE. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Stop PressLimited number of day tickets

released! These and full weekend tickets are now available.

Ticketline: www.ticketline.co.uk/camp-bestival or

Tel: 0844 888 4410

Dick & Dom

Host Camp Bestival

Dick & Dom

Host Camp Bestival



A large section of the site is devoted to the little ones with the Upper Kid’s Garden on the Castle’s back lawn particularly suited to giving your very young bambinos plenty of space to cavort to their hearts’ content. Activities here include the a Kids Big Top, Kids Theatre Workshop, a Bouncy Castle, a separate Toddlers’ Area and the pioneering Breastival Mother and Baby Temple.

SPEND A MAGICAL DAY ATVoted the Best UK Family Festival in 2009 and 2010, Camp Bestival returns to Lulworth Castle in Dorset on Thursday 26th July to Tuesday 29 July. As well as an amazing line up of music with acts including; Rizzle Kicks, Happy Mondays, Hot Chic, Adam Ant, Rolf Harris, Kool & the Gang, Camp Bestival is about more than music with entertainment from children’s favourites Dick and Dom, Mr Tumble, Shrek the Musical, Fantastic Mr Fox and Wooky Hole Circus. There is an array of entertainment for all the family including a silly sports day to coincide with the Olympics and you can even watch the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Games on the screen in the Big Top tent.

For your chance to win a family ticket (2 adult and 2 children) for

the full weekend at Camp Bestival, simply enter online at www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/

competitions but hurry, the closing date for entries is 20 July.

The winner will be notified by 21 July. Only one entry per household.

No cash alternative is offered.

WIN! A family ticket to Camp

BestivalThe Lower Kids Garden, meanwhile, is packed full of entertainment for slightly older children including the English National Ballet tent, Insect Circus and Museum and the Little Big Top. Children’s fun certainly isn’t restricted to the Kids Garden either, with fun and games spread throughout the site. You’ll find live performances by Mr Tumble, The Gruffalo, Dick & Dom, Shrek The Musical and more happening on our main stage amongst all our live music acts, and the Freestyle Sports Park and Rob da Bank’s Music Club for older kids are over in the Magic Meadow area of the site near the Big Top and Bollywood music arenas.

Please visit www.campbestival.net for more information


Where you see this symbol please visit... www.hampshiretopattractions.co.uk for more information and discount vouchers.

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

Until 22 JulyArtlook Exhibition, Five Arrows GalleryExbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.ukA diverse exhibition encompassing landscapes, still life, figurative and abstract in various media, including watercolour, acrylics, pen, pencil and pastel.

Sun 8th July Madding Crowd & Garden FeteManor Farm and Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm01489 78705510am - 5pm. The intriguing story of William Cobbett unfolds before your eyes. Meet costumed characters, enjoy live music, take part in traditional children’s games, and stock up on homemade cakes & preserves at our produce tables. Price: Normal farm admission charge (additional charge for face painting)

11 JulyOlympic Torch RelayWinchesterVisit www.hants.gov.uk/2012 for full details

14 JulyOlympic Torch Relay Mayflower Park, Southampton www.southampton.gov.uk/london2012

Sat 14th JulyThe Big Day OutRoyal Victoria Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/rvcp02380 455157A day of family fun and activities as Hampshire welcomes the Olympic torch. The Heritage Visitor Centre will also be open, with tower tours running throughout the day. Visit our website for up-to-date information.

15 JulyAlton Bus Rally One of the South’s largest bus rallies. Hundreds of vintage buses can be found at this event at Anstey Park in Alton, including a fantastic lineup of the famous and iconic London Routemaster double-deckers. Free bus rides are available with services connecting to the Watercress Line which will be running an increased service for this event.Entry to rally site is FREE. More information can be found on the railways website www.watercressline.co.uk

Little Pickles MarketsLyndhurst Community Centre www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk10.30am – 12 noon. Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

Little Pickles MarketWest Totton Community Centre, Hazel Farm Rd, West Totton SO40 8WUwww.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk10 – 11.30am. Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

19 July Bear Hunt Royal Victoria Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/rvcp02380 45515711am-12pm or 2-3pm. Join Eddie the Explorer on his hunt for bears in this story adventure. Price: £3 per child

21 July Bee & Honey WeekendManor Farm and Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm01489 78705510am – 5pm. Honey bee displays and demonstrations presented by Fareham & District Bee Keepers Association. Try your hand at rolling a beeswax candle, taste delicious local

honey and see an active bee hive close-up. Price: Normal farm admission charges& Sun 22 July

21 July Summer funMarwell Wildlifewww.marwell.org.ukFollow Marwell’s Zoolympic trail, enjoy the new penguin talk and feed at Penguin Cove and marvel at their 40th anniversary sculptures.To 2 Sept

21 July Baby and Children’s MarketRegents Park Community College Main Hall, King Edward Avenue, Shirley, Southampton SO16 4GW www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk2.30pm to 4.30pm. A large selection of stalls selling excellent quality pre loved and new items for boys and girls aged from birth to six years. Entrance: Adults: £1, Free for Kids. Refreshments. Parking is free. For further information or book a stall Call Kirsten on 07580 410594

Summer fun at Basing House Basing House, www.basinghouse.org.uk 0845 6035635 11am - 4pm. Try our wildlife themed trail around the site. The Basing House Tudor tunnel is open on selected days, please see website or call us for details. Included in normal entry price. *Closed Fridays.To 2 Sept

23 July Summer Holiday Fun on the FarmManor Farm and Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm01489 787055Victorian school lessons, hands on farmyard walks, Meet the Animals, cow milking, children’s arts and crafts, and face painting (weekdays 2pm - 4pm). Plus, enjoy the daily themed activities: Mon – Washdays, Tues – Punch & Judy (August only), Wed – Farmhouse making & baking, Thurs – Household duties, Fri & Sat – Storytelling, Sun – Farmhouse making & baking. Price: Normal farm admissionTo 2 Sept

24th July The Great Animal Olympics TrailRoyal Victoria Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/rvcp02380 455157Which animal is the fastest runner and which is the highest jumper? Find the answers on our self-guided trail and win a prize. Available 10am-4pm from the shop. Price: £1.50 per trailTo 2 Sept

26 July The Gruffalo Manor Farm and Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm01489 78705510.30am, 12.30pm or 2.30pm. The Gruffalo comes to life in a guided woodland walk, learning about exciting local wildlife. The Gruffalo © 1999 - Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, London, UK.Price: £2.50 per person

Camp BestivalLulworth Castle, Dorsetwww.campbestival.net

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See page 6 for

details

Exbury Gardens

What's OnWhat's On

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See page 15 for details

and to win a family

ticket

Marwell Wildlife

Camp Bestival


What’s On

Discover ourExciting Tree HouseWobbly BridgesSecret BrookSculpture Trail

Plus Midweek Summer ActivitiesIndoor and Outdoor CraftsPond DippingBushcraft

And Evenings to RememberFamily Summer’s End Picnic with Fireworks – 1 September Book NowSee website for detailsThere is a charge for Summer Activities and some are bookable in advance.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane, Ampfi eld, Romsey, SO51 OQA

Registered Charity: 274737

* Free entry to the Gardens for U16’s when accompanied by a fee paying adult

Under 16’s go free*


What’s On

27 JulyThe Knot so Secret Garden (4-11 years) Tudor House Two sessions 10.30am–12:30pm OR 1.30 –3.30pm / FREE WFL Pre-bookThe best kept secret in town is Tudor House’s beautiful city garden. Listen to an extract from the superb story The Secret Garden then try our mini-herb trail. End the session by creating your own miniature knot garden to take home and grow! Please call 023 8083 4536 to book.

29 JulyHappy Birthday – Tudor House 100 years today! Tudor House & Gardenwww.southampton.gov.uk10am – 5pm / 6p entrance fee. Tudor house first opened its doors as a public museum in 1912. To celebrate we will turn back the clocks 100 years. Entrance will be the 1912 price of just 6p per person! Meet costumed Edwardian staff, experience an Edwardian school lesson, try object handling, dress up in replica costumes and have your photo taken in our Edwardian photo booth. Free tours of the house will be available at, 10am, 11am, 12noon, 2pm, and 3pm (pre-booking essential).Please call 023 8083 4536 to book.

31 JulyT-Rexing: Dinosaur Sculptures (8 -12 years) SeaCity Museum www.seacitymuyseum.co.uk10.30am - 3pm / £15 Pre-book only. Join an artist Ali Eales for the day and learn how to design and create a dinosaur sculpture from wire. Please call 023 8083 4536 to book.

Throughout AugustLook Twice Artists Exhibition, Five Arrows Gallery Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.ukA delightful display by local artists with many pieces for sale. The show will be manned with a number of demonstrations taking place.

1 August A Pirate’s Life For MeRoyal Victoria Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/rvcp02380 45515711am-3pm. Follow the swash-buckling trail to find the treasure, make your own pirate boat to put on the pond, then enjoy a pond dip to find the creatures that lurk beneath. Price: £5 per child

2 August Brilliant Bird Boxes Manor Farm and Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm01489 78705511am. Build a cosy home for the birds in your garden and see if you can spot some of our feathered friends in the Country Park. Suitable for ages 5+. Price: £4 per person (includes materials)

6 AugustMagical Mystery Through History (8-12 years)Tudor House www.southampton.gov.uk10.30am –3.30 pm / £16 Pre-book. Join professional magician Marcus Bailey as he dazzles you with his illusions. Learn all the tricks of the trade so you can impress your friends and family. Create your own stage character to perform your magic at the end of the day. Call 023 8083 4536 to book.

8 August Murder Mystery Royal Victoria Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/rvcp02380 45515711am-3pm. Solve the clues to discover what happened to Cyril the Squirrel. Price: £5 per child

9 AugustMighty Mice Manor Farm and Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm01489 78705511am. Meet the mighty mice of our Country Park. Join us on a mouse hunt through the woods and make your own mousey friend. Price: £2.50 per person

Tudor House


What’s On11 August

Baby and Children’s MarketThe Romsey School, Main Hall, Greatbridge, Romsey SO51 8ZB www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk2pm to 4pm. A large selection of stalls selling excellent quality pre loved and new items for boys and girls aged from birth to six years. Entrance: Adults: £1, Kids: Free. Refreshments are served in the cafe. Parking is free. For further information or to book a stall call Kirsten on 07580 410594.

15 August Big Bug HuntRoyal Victoria Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/rvcp02380 45515711am-3pm. Hunt for the creepy crawlies lurking in the park.Price: £5 per child

16 August Fab Crabs! Manor Farm and Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm01489 78705511am. Fish for crabs off the jetty and discover more about these curious creatures. Equipment will be provided. Suitable for ages 5+. Price: £2.50 per person

18 AugustDay Out with Thomas Watercress Line www.watercressline.co.uk Did you miss Thomas & Friends at Easter or simply wanted to see them all again? Good news, Thomas & Friends return to the Watercress Line for more family fun! Unlimited travel on the day of your visit, giving great value for money. Book your tickets in advance at www.watercressline.co.uk or call Reservations on 01962 733810To 27 August

19 AugustWar time Hampshire, Milestones Museumwww.milestones-museum.com 0845 6035635 11am - 4.45pm. Join us for a 1940s themed event at Milestones. See re-enactors in 1940s costume, costumed interpreters historical presentations, listen to the Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society singing 40s songs, experience the 1940s sweet shop and more!

19 August A Victorian “Whodunnit?” at Manor FarmManor Farm and Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm01489 78705510am – 5pm. Become a young detective, solve the case and enter your answer for a mystery prize. Not everything you see and hear from the characters you meet will be quite what you might think! Presented by Pedlars & Petticoats. Price: Normal farm admission charge

21 AugustGrand Designs (8 -12 years)City Art Gallery www.southampton.gov.uk10.30am – 3.30pm / £15 Pre-book Please call 023 8083 4536. Become an architect for the day! Imagine you could design your own house – what would you create? Go wild with your designs and make a magnificent model to take home. Check out our Architecture and Construction exhibition in the gallery for inspiration.

22 August Olympic AdventureRoyal Victoria Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/rvcp02380 45515711am-3pm. Make an Olympic torch and test your fitness at our very own Olympic event.Price: £5 per child

23 August Slithery Snakes Manor Farm and Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm01489 78705511am. Uncover the secret lives of snakes and slow worms at our Country Park. Join us on a reptile ramble then make your own snaky craft to take home. Price: £2.50 per person

Milestones Museum


What’s On25 August

Chapterhouse open-air theatre production,Romeo and Juliet, Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway www.exbury.co.ukPerformance commences 7.30pm; gates open 6.30pm. Shakespeare’s unforgettable tale of romance and passion tours comes to Exbury Gardens. Join family and friends to picnic under the stars and enjoy this wonderful new production, alive with magnificent costumes and original music.

25 August Batty About Bats Royal Victoria Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/rvcp02380 4551578pm. Join our local expert to hunt for bats, celebrating European Bat Weekend. Meet outside the Nightingale Shop.Price: £5 per person

28 AugustSuperhero for a Day! (8 -12 years)SeaCity Museumwww.seacitymuseum.co.uk10.30am – 3pm / £15 Pre-book. Please call 023 8083 4536. Become a superhero for a day! Join artist Alex Hoare to create your own historical superhero, design and construct your outfit and accessories. Then make your own cartoon poster with your photograph.

29 August Marine ExplorerRoyal Victoria Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/rvcp02380 45515711am-3pm. Search for sea life on a Seashore Safari and make crafts from the shells you find. Price: £5 per child

30 August Busy Bees & Beautiful Butterflies Manor Farm and Country Parkwww.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm01489 78705511am. Hunt for our buzzing and fluttering friends in the sunny Country Park then make your own bee hotel to take home. Suitable for ages 5+. Price: £4 per person (includes materials)

To advertise in the next issue of Families Solent West call 0808 108 0917

Manor Farm



FOR AGES 5-7 YEARSPaddington Races Ahead by Michael Bond (HarperCollins £10.99)ED SAYS: ‘Paddington Bear finds himself in the midst of all sorts of

misunderstandings as he tries to see the importance of oysters when travelling on a London bus and attempts to take up an offer with a personal trainer. And Paddington is to star in a film – as a famous Peruvian athlete. Thank goodness for the certainty of Mrs Bird and her home-made marmalade and elevenses each day with Mr Gruber! ‘This is a brand new book about an old favourite character by the wonderful Michael Bond. Paddington continues to delight children and grown-ups alike with his madcap adventures.’

Guinea Pigs Online by Jennifer Gray and Amanda Swift (Quercus Books £4.99)ED SAYS: ‘Fuzzy and Coco are two very different characters. Fuzzy adores cooking and computers

whereas Coco loves being pampered and living a life of luxury. Fuzzy sees an ad by a glamorous chef – Guinea Pigs Wanted – and is keen to follow it up but Coco realises things aren’t always what they seem. When Fuzzy goes missing, Coco has to go online and find Fuzzy. Can Fuzzy be tracked down before he ends up on Scarlet Cleaver’s menu? ‘Here is a laugh-out-loud adventure about these fantastic crazy characters. Boys and girls alike will enjoy this exciting book with its super illustrations.’

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers –

and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my

Summer book selection for you to enjoy. The books are

all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com.

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Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including word searches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories. There are also lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum. Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months.

FOR AGES 7 YEARS +Dinosaur Olympics by Jeanne Willis (Piccadilly Press £5.99)ED SAYS: ‘The stegosauruses are throwing a party for Uncle Loops’ 190th birthday – a great

excuse for a celebration but also an opportunity for the Downtown Dinosaurs to gatecrash their fun. It seems as if the proceedings will descend into a dinosaur battle but perhaps the dino-mayor can establish peace with the idea of the Dinosaur Olympics. Much hilarity ensues while the dinosaurs attempt to get into shape for the games.‘This very funny story is the latest action-packed adventure from this fantastic author. It is complemented by wonderful illustrations throughout.’

Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough (Random House Children’s Books £6.99)ED SAYS: ‘Beware of Long Lankin… Cora and her younger sister Mimi

are sent to stay with their Aunt Ida who offers them a rather cold welcome. Their arrival has awoken an evil that has lurked around for years. Cora and Mimi find friendship from people in the village but they would dearly love to go back to London to their former life. They hear eerie voices and see mysterious warnings – but can Cora protect her sister from such an ancient evil?‘Inspired by a haunting ballad, this book is descriptive and atmospheric, chilling and thought-provoking. It is brilliantly written and grips the reader from beginning to end.’

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

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Book Reviews


Competitions

Reader Survey

Paultons Park

Beaulieu

Tudor House & GardenTu

Seacity Museum

Simply enter online at www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/

competitionsThe closing date for entries is 3 August.

Only one entry per household. A family ticket includes 2 x adults and 2 x children. Winners will be chosen

at random and no cash alternative is offered. Full terms and conditions are available on our website.

WIN a great family

day out this summer

has 10 family tickets to give away for you to enjoy

at some of Hampshire’s best attractions including

Beaulieu, Paultons Park,

SeaCity Museum and Tudor House & Garden

Win an Aquabeat MP3 player with New Metanium Everyday

Exercising with your baby can be a great way to get and stay in shape, and listening to music can be just the motivator you need to get out there every day. New Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment is giving away 2 colourful Aquabeat MP3 players (RRP around £70) which can store 1000 of your favourite tracks. It’s waterproof so you can even use it while swimming.3 runners up will receive a specially designed purple Metanium

changing bag (RRP £30) – ideal for all those on-the-go baby essentials. Winners and runners up will also receive a tube of Metanium Everyday. Metanium Everyday RRP £2-99 for 40g and £5-49 for 80g is available from Boots, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, leading pharmacies and at www.boots.com Visit: www.metanium.co.uk to join the Metanium Baby & Toddler Club To enter this competition visit: www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/competitions

hchan iging bbag ((RRRRPP £30

Families Solent West is part of the Families Magazine Group – which over 21 year has grown to over 40 titles across the country. We’d like to know what you think of our magazine.Go to www.surverymonkey.com/s/7JSTGQB to complete the survey and you will be entered into a draw to win one of five fantastic family games bundles worth £100. The closing date for completing the survey is 31st August.


Documents

Families Solent West Issue 29 July-Aug 2012