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Issue 2 November/December 2012

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Dorset IN THIS ISSUE: Win a ÂŁ200 Shopping Spree Christmas Gift Guide Win Family Skating Tickets Christmas Shows & Events

Families Dorset 1 The really useful localwww.familiesdorset.co.uk magazine for parents with young children

November - December 2012

Registered charity:1093411

WEAR A HAT DAY Thursday 28 th March

2013

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November - December 2012

Welcome! Hello and welcome to the second issue of Families Dorset Magazine. In the run up to Christmas it can be an extremely busy time for all. With this in mind we have tried to help by offering some useful Christmas pages which includes gift ideas, Christmas shows and markets plus our essential Whatâ€™s On guide.

Front cover image - F & F at Tesco

We also have some interesting articles about winter nutrition, times tables and support if you have a left-handed child. We hope you enjoy reading our Christmas issue!

Families Dorset Editor: Sarah Carr Tel : 07876 761 623 Email: editor@familiesdorset.co.uk www.familiesdorset.co.uk Next issue: January/ February 2013 Booking deadline: 1st December 2012 Copy deadline: 7th December 2012 24,000 readers per issue Printed by Cedar Group

Families Dorset would like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas!

Sarah x

Sarah Carr, Editor

Contents News & Information

Supporting your left-handed child

How to learn the times tables

Nutrition tips to boost your energy this winter

Christmas Shows

Christmas Markets

Whatâ€™s On Guide

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

November - December 2012

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News & Views Interactive play at The Good Play Café The Good Play Café in Southbourne opened in April this year. It offers children aged 5 years and younger, parents and carers an enjoyable and interactive play environment with a four metre high soft play frame as well as a separate play area for younger children. The café on Seabourne Road offers a selection of teas, milkshakes, homemade cakes, healthy lunches, snacks, free wifi and magazines. Under 8’s are allowed to use the play frame at weekends, during school holidays and from 3pm during term time. The café offers a variety of birthday party packages, which are available throughout the week and at weekends. There is parking on the forecourt for up to 3 cars, and on surrounding residential roads as well as a public car park on Parkwood Road, which is approx 3 minutes walk away-timed with a 2 year old in a buggy! Visit www.thegoodplaycafe.co.uk for details and follow the café on Facebook ’The Good Play Café ‘to keep up-to-date with events and special offers. The Good Play Café, 128/130 Seabourne Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH5 2HZ Email: hello@thegoodplaycafe.co.uk Opening Times Monday - Thursday: 0930 – 1730, Friday: 0930 – 1600, Saturday: 0930 – 1700, Sunday: Closed (for parties)

Family run baby and children’s wear boutique

Little Pickles Market win Mumsclub Award Little Pickles hard work and determination has certainly paid off recently as both Jessmaine (Little Pickles Market Owner) and Selina (Dorset Organiser) made it in to the Mumsclub Top 100 Business Mums Award. 100's of business mums from across the UK were nominated so to make into the Top 100 is a fantastic achievement. With 2 Organisers already running in Bournemouth and Poole and a third Organiser just about to join the team watch out Dorset for more of their award winning markets! For further information visit www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk

GET A FREE HOT DRINK

WITH EVERY PLAY AND ON PRODUCTION OF THIS AD

01202 425577

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SOUTHBOURNE, BOURNEMOUTH BH5 2HZ Offer expires 31st January 2013

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Belle Enfants are independent children’s boutiques in Christchurch and Lymington offering design led clothing, toys, gifts and accessories for boys and girls from birth to 10 years. Professional shoe fitting service for children is now available in their BRAND NEW Shoe Department at their Lymington Store. They offer brands such as Start-Rite, Pediped, Sketchers, FLY London and many more. Receive a FREE pair of Jiglz wellies with every new pair of school shoes fitted during the Christmas Holidays (subject to stock availability) 3-4 High Street, LYMINGTON • 01590 677309 1a Castle Street, CHRISTCHURCH • 01202 474004 Shop Online at www.belleenfants.co.uk

There's a new bus in town! Putting excitement back into the average bus journey, whilst encouraging children to use public transport, Billy the Bus, is the first in a series of children’s books from Dorset Author, Trevor Hawes. In his first adventure, old but reliable Routemaster ‘Billy The Bus’ rescues a stranded school party from a broken down modern bus and takes them on ‘The Great Tour of London’. Beautifully illustrated by Heather Murray, and filled with educational facts and fab illustrations, ‘Billy’ features alongside Arty, Decker, Timmy and Bendy on a journey around London’s top historical tourist spots, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. For further information visit www.billythebus.co.uk If you have news to tell our readers then get in touch, we would love to hear from you! Send your news and images to editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

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November - December 2012

News & Views Brain Tumour Research – Wear A Hat Day Thursday 28th March 2013 Join the fun on March 28th and help fund the fight against brain tumours.‘Wear a Hat Day’ is a fun way of increasing awareness and getting people raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer. It’s a day every year that we ask people to wear a hat to raise awareness and funds for vital research into brain tumours. A day when we encourage people to make donations in order to wear a hat to school, at work, at social events or even at home. From sponsored silences to charity runs and school bake sales, educational facilities around the country are being encouraged to raise money in any way they can. Sue Farrington-Smith, Director of Brain Tumour Research, comments: “Brain tumour research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK yet this deadly disease kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer so please get involved on March 28th 2013”. Register your interest today sarah@braintumourresearch.org

Build a bear workshop

Family painting at The Clay Studio The Clay Studio in the centre of Christchurch is a great place for all the family. Painting pottery is very relaxing and does not require any artistic skill. All that is required is patience and enthusiasm. The Clay Studio has around 200 different items that can be painted. The friendly staff will offer advice to enable you to achieve the best results. Items are glazed and fired, usually ready for collection within four days or they can post them to you. Painted pottery makes a unique, personal present or a memento of a particular event. Pieces to paint range from plates, mugs, bowls and items that can be used every day to vases, money boxes, house plaques and seasonal ornaments. You can also create special pieces such as clocks, Baby’s First Christmas baubles, painted baby hand and footprints and more. Their First Impressions options included baby hand and foot prints in clay or outprints in plaster. The Clay Studio has become very popular for parties such as children’s birthday parties, hen parties and family parties where everyone paints together.

What makes build a bear unique? It’s the experience! The colourful and highly visible stores offers a fantastic bear making experience for children! You will be met by a friendly member of staff who will show you their range of over 30 bears – from classic teddies to dogs, rabbits and Hello Kitty – ranging in price from £9 to £20. With their chosen empty bear, your child moves onto the stuffing machine where they pick a small fabric heart which they are asked to rub on their arm and head to give it strength and brains, before kissing it and making a wish. After your child has given his new bear a bath and brushed its fur he moves to the dressing area where it can be adorned in a huge range of outfits, from dresses to superhero costumes. They go on to create a birth certificate for their new friend before receiving a cardboard house to carry the bear home in. The workshop also run a safe interactive website bearville.com and free apps where your child can play games and go on quests with their online character. The company says their mission is to bring the bear to life, and that really is what they do. To find out more about the workshop or for information on children’s parties visit: www.buildabear.co.uk or visit the Bournemouth store - 36/38 Commercial Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5LP or the Southampton store - West Quay shopping centre.

There is a Studio Fee for all painters of £4.50 adult, £3.50 child under 16 or £14 for a family of four. The price of individual bisque items ranges from £5 to £45. It is not necessary to book although this is advised for groups of six or more. They also have a wide range of food & beverages in their café including many items sourced locally. For further information visit www.theclaystudio.co.uk

WIN! A Family Painting Voucher for The Clay Studio. Families Dorset have three vouchers which covers the cost of painting for two adults and two children at The Clay Studio. To enter visit www.familiesdorset.co.uk/competitions Closing date: 10th December 2012 November - December 2012

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Supporting your left-handed child By Sarah Butters 1 in 10 children are left handed, but many fail to get the support they need in the early years of their education. Experts say teachers aren’t given the proper training and schools don’t have the right resources. Sarah Butters is mum to a left handed daughter. She takes a look at some of the most common problems faced by left handers and some tips for helping them out. MESSY HANDWRITING If you have a child who is left handed, chances are they haven’t been taught to write. Most are simply allowed to use their left hand. As the right handed parent of a left handed child I admit to having that same attitude. I now know that I was completely wrong. Left handers push the pen across the page, whereas their right handed friends will pull. This can lead to smudging and untidy work which in turn leads to anxiety on the part of the child. At an early stage a left handed child should be encouraged to master the correct handwriting position and paper placement to avoid problems as the writing assignments increase.

The paper should be rotated to 45 degrees with the hand and wrist below the writing. Any pen needs to be held in a strong 3 point grip. In Early Years this can be supported with a triangular bodied pencil or a moulded grip around a regular pencil. If your child can get into good habits from the start of their school life, they will avoid problems

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when they graduate to a fountain pen and longer writing assignments. HOOK GRIP Some left handers use a hooked grip to avoid the problem of smudging, and angle the pen in the same way a right hander would. This causes more problems than it solves. The hook grip becomes more uncomfortable the more you write. It leads to an overtight grip and aching hands which in turn lead to messy handwriting. The wrist should always be below the writing line. If your child is developing a hook grip, consider introducing a sloped surface to resolve the problem. ELBOW COLLISION At some point your child will have to share a desk and if they’re left handed this can be a problem. “I always end up banging elbows” explains my 9 year old daughter. “That makes my writing messy.” You child should always be placed at the left hand side of a shared desk or next to another left hander. This gives them plenty of space to get their paper positioned correctly and avoid knocking elbows with a right handed neighbour. WHITE BOARDS They’re a teacher’s best friend but a left handers worst nightmare. White boards and chalk boards are a great learning tool in the modern classroom - pupils can get rid of mistakes easily without using endless pieces of paper. However, if you’re left handed you can end up erasing as you write. Good grip and placement of the board gives left handers half a chance. However if your child isn’t completing white board work quickly or neatly enough, it may not be their fault. I remember being hugely concerned when I discovered that my daughter had completed a Reception assignment using mirror writing. She had begun her words on the right hand side of the page and written from right to left. It’s common

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in left handed children and when you think about it, it makes sense. If they are sat next to a right hander, they are simply mirroring their work. Encourage them to start on the left hand side of the page by placing a coloured star in the margin as a reminder. COMPUTERS Most ICT rooms are set up with the computer mice on the right hand side of the keyboard. This gives left handed children an automatic disadvantage because they either need to move the mouse or attempt or use their right hand. Don’t presume the teacher knows your child is left handed. Be sure to let all the staff involved with your child know they’re a left hander and will need a different workstation set up. THE ‘RIGHT’ EQUIPMENT Many left handed children learn the basics with the wrong equipment. Give a left handed child some right handed scissors and they’ll find the blade is upside down and so they can’t see the line they are cutting. It means the child has less control and think if themselves as messy. This can be a real problem in the Early Years. Check your school has left handed scissors to offer your child. Ambidextrous scissors don’t exist – trust me! As the progress to writing, shiny barreled pens are to be avoided. Make sure whatever pen you choose has a good grip so it’s easy to hold even when hands get hot and tired. Left handed fountain pens are available from www. anythingleft-handed.co.uk. They’re worth the investment for older children as the have an angled nib. LACK OF UNDERSTANDING As a right hander, I never appreciated the challenges faced by my daughter. Until she mastered left handed writing, she was labeled untidy in her written work and lost enthusiasm for putting pen to paper. It wasn’t until I began researching this piece that I realise how November - December 2012

Book Corner much of her attitude is linked to the hand she writes with. The bad news is she’s had a more challenging time than her right handed pals. The good news is she’s in good company. Barack Obama, Leonardo Da Vinci and Bill Gates are all lefties. Now that’s not a bad club to be in! YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Keith Milsom campaigns for better support of left handed children in our schools and offers some advice about what to expect from your child’s school. “Despite decades of campaigning and a string of promises from government ministers and teacher training authorities, there is still virtually no guidance provided to teachers on helping left-handed children and no process for identifying left-handers in schools. Make sure you talk to your child’s teacher to make sure they know that he/she is left-handed and may need assistance and advice. Ask your child’s teacher to talk YOU through the support they’re going to give it so you can be sure they really understand. If you’re concerned, refer them to the teacher guidance sheets available from www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk. The school should have left-handed scissors available and pens that will help lefthanders write in the correct style. If children are left to their own devices it is very unlikely they will find writing and cutting out easy. Apart from the practical difficulties this can mean they are working more slowly than the rest of the class and lose some of confidence - especially if the teacher tells them off for “not doing it right”. Lefthanders can end up underperforming at school and having difficulty with written exams as a result of a lack of informed guidance at an early stage. It’s important parents keep the pressure on schools to support their left handed children.” USEFUL RESOURCES www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk has some great left handed guidance sheets for parents and teachers. It’s also a super source of left handed equipment. www.lefthandedchildren.org another great website with some top tips for parents looking to support their left handed child.

November - December 2012

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 wordsearches, 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. For further information visit www.edontheweb.com.

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS Cudweed in Outer Space by Marcus Sedgwick (Orion £4.99)

ED SAYS:

‘Cudweed persuades his father to let him buy a spaceship kit that he sees in a comic found in the attic of the castle where he lives. After managing to assemble the spaceship, Cudweed and his pet monkey Fellah set off on an exciting adventure into outer space. When the spaceship is hit by a missile they see the Thrillons waving. But are they waving in friendship or in anger? And will the two adventurers get back to the castle in time for cakes and scones? ‘This is a super book for young readers to enjoy on their own or reading together. It is a great story with fantastic colour illustrations throughout.’

The Snow Bear

by Holly Webb (Stripes Publishing £7.99)

ED SAYS: ‘With only days

to go until Christmas, snow starts to fall. Sara is staying with her grandfather and after his tales of life in the Arctic they decide to build an igloo and a small snow bear in the garden. Sara is thrilled – but in the middle of the night it all looks very different. Sara and the young bear set out on a journey to find the bear’s mother. But will Sara find her way home in time for Christmas? ‘This is an exciting winter adventure with its snowy setting and delightful characters. It is a lovely story that will captivate boys and girls alike.’

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FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS How To Build An Abominable Snowman by Dominic Barker (Orchard Books £4.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Max and

Molly are horrified at the idea of living on their parents’ emergency stock of baked beans if they are snowed in. They set out to find a way of getting a snowplough to clear their road and the only answer seems to be a visit from an abominable snowman. In this wintery Guide To Trouble, Max and Molly show us how to deal not only with problems in the snow but also with troublesome grown-ups. ‘Here is another hilarious tale about the Pesker twins. It is brilliantly written by this fantastic author who has an amazing insight into children’s curiosity and logic!’

The Terrible Thing that Happened to Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne (Doubleday £10.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Barnaby

Brocket is a very unusual boy. He defies the laws of gravity – and floats. His parents try to take steps to keep him firmly on the ground but, at the end of their tether, they decide to release Barnaby. At first he is horrified – but when he floats towards a rather special hot air balloon a new, magical life begins for Barnaby. ‘This imaginative tale is beautifully written and the colourful characters are very entertaining. How lovely to read about someone discovering that, even in extraordinary circumstances, there is nothing better than just being yourself.’ Families Dorset

How to learn the times tables By Elizabeth Dolton Learning the times tables is an important skill that is the foundation for all maths. With an extensive maths curriculum, and the latest stipulation being that children should master their tables up to 12x12 by the age of nine, teachers need parents help in getting children to learn the basic facts. Finding a pain-free method of learning times tables is not easy, but these tips and techniques you should help make major progress. Start with explaining the concept

Further ways to help them memorise

If your child understands that multiplication is repeated addition, they will have an easier time learning them.

Your aim now is to recite memorized facts quickly and in any order.

Using objects such as crayons, illustrate a simple times table such as 3 X 2. Make two groups of three crayons, then count the crayons. Continue until they understand that multiplication is just adding a series of numbers, 6 x 4 means 6 added together 4 times (6 + 6 + 6 + 6). Create a number line from 0 to 100. Show them the pattern to working out each multiple, i.e. the three times table answers are every third number. End by encouraging them to write out the times tables on paper, using addition, up to 12.

Show them the tricks of the trade Now they need to start learning the facts, rather than by counting. Learn the tricks of the trade first, e.g. any number times by 10 is the number with a zero on the end, e.g. 10 x 5 = 50. They are all listed on www.mathsisfun.com/ tables.html

If your child is a visual learner, purchase or make flashcards. Write the problem, like 4 x 9, on the front, and the answer, 36, on the back. Buy or create a times table poster and display key facts. Times tables raps and music CDs are great for an auditory learner. Chant the times tables as multiples 0, 5, 10, 15, etc. and also as sentences 1×5=5, 2×5=10, etc. Say difficult times tables in a funny voice, a squeak or a whisper. Use helpful rhymes to remember really tricky ones, e.g. 8 x 8 = 64 becomes “He ate and he ate and he sticks in the door, eight times eight is sixty-four”. For a kinaesthetic approach, add actions. Children can clap, stamp or jump on the difficult fact. Play ‘Knock, Knock’ – knock your fists twice on the floor, then put out the number of fingers of a times tables. The winner is the first to say the answer.

Games to reinforce the multiplication facts After your child has a basic knowledge of the tables, games will help instil the recollection of correct facts quickly. Multiplication Bingo, Hoo Ha!, Know Your Times Tables and Math Whiz are great board games. There are a whole host of multiplication computer games – multiplication.com, Learn-timestables.com, themathsfactor. com, mathsisfun.com, maths-games.org,

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and computer apps such as Squeebles, Ghost Blasters, Multiple Wipeout. Another idea is to print off worksheets from Multiplication.com or Enchanted Learning, math.about.com

Keep it fun Hallelujah! Your continued energy and enthusiasm is very important – go at their pace and always praise their efforts. Aim to reward your children with every bit of progress made; it doesn’t have to be material things, just a bit of fun together. Take breaks often, relax, give lots of ‘high fives’, and real compliments.

And keep it up! After memorising times tables, it can be all too easy to forget them! Don’t give up too soon. It can take six or seven weeks until the facts are truly automatic. Practice quick-fire drilling. There are numbers everywhere, so multiply the digits in number plates or in recipes. Print out a times table square and keep a record of the tables your child knows well, so you know which ones you need to focus on. Whichever method you choose, there is never a truly pain-free answer because real fluency requires real practice over weeks and months. That said, it is important for your child to have a secure knowledge of the times tables with instant recall - their future maths skills depend on it. So take the challenge, make it happen, and enjoy it!

November - December 2012

Nutrition tips to boost your energy this winter Nutritional Therapist Penny Crowther explains how the right nutrition can increase energy and wellbeing. Family life is demanding at the best of times, even more so during the weeks leading up to Christmas. For all mums (and dads), this is a good time of year to get in top shape. The onset of colder weather, reduced daylight, exposure to cold and flu bugs, not to mention preChristmas stress, mean added pressure on the immune system and increased vulnerability to fatigue and colds.

• •

The myth of the balanced diet

Controlling your blood sugar and hormones with the right foods

Many people forget that how they feel both physically and emotionally and their resistance to stress, can be strongly influenced by their diet. Being advised to eat a “balanced diet” is not helpful because it is vague. In this article I am going to give you some specific dietary tips to help start you on the way to better energy.

Balance your blood sugar The first place to start is with your blood sugar levels. When you eat carbohydrates such as bread, pasta or sweet foods, they will be broken down into glucose which can be absorbed by the body and converted into energy. Ensuring that there is just the right amount of glucose in the blood at any one time is a delicate balancing act carried out by hormones. The presence of one or more of the symptoms below can suggest imbalanced blood sugar levels. • • • •

Cravings for sweet foods, chocolate, bread, pasta or alcohol. Feeling dizzy, shaky, faint, lightheaded, irritable or angry if you don’t eat for more than a few hours. The need for coffee, tea or cola during the day to keep you going. Frequent mood swings for no apparent reason.

November - December 2012

• • • •

Attacks of sweating. Difficulty getting going in the morning. Energy slumps or drowsiness during the day. Hard to shift weight around the waist. A low stress threshold PCOS & hormone imbalance

The food you eat will have a profound effect on your blood sugar levels and therefore your stress levels and physical and mental wellbeing. Eat slow release (complex) carbohydrates which provide constant balanced energy. Examples are wholegrains, fruit, vegetables. However, you don’t need grain foods i.e. bread, pasta, cereal at each meal. Insulin will turn excess carbohydrate of any kind into fat around the middle. Grains are a relatively recent addition to the diet in evolutionary terms. In particular, we tend to eat too much wheat which contains a particular type of gluten that is difficult for many people to digest. Eat a little protein with each meal. This slows down the rate of sugar release further. Examples are fish, chicken, eggs and cheese from animal sources and lentils, beans, tofu and chickpeas from vegetarian sources. A mix of both animal and vegetarian protein is ideal to obtain fibre and avoid constipation. Eat a healthy snack mid afternoon if there is a gap of more than 4-5 hours between lunch and evening meal. For example, dried fruit, seeds and nuts or an oatcake with cottage cheese or hummus. Always eat breakfast but it doesn’t have

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to be as soon as you get up if you don’t feel hungry then. Reduce stimulants such as tea, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes. These act as stressors which impact on blood sugar. If you do indulge, don’t do so on an empty stomach. Minimise sweet foods. Do not add sugar to any food or drink.

Other factors to consider Deficiency of vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin” which is especially important in the winter for maintaining mood and resistance to colds and flu. Low or borderline iron levels will make you feel sluggish. Vitamin B12 is needed for iron metabolism so lack of iron and B12 often go together. B12 is difficult to absorb and needs to be taken as a lozenge – a general B complex vitamin supplement won’t do the trick. Eat enough good fat i.e. omega 3 and 6 (from oily fish, nuts and seeds or take a fish oil supplement if you don’t like these foods). Lack of these fats causes dry skin, low mood and low energy. Take a test to check your essential fatty acid status. Food intolerances. Wheat, yeast and cow’s milk are common ones. A blood test is the best way to do this and can be arranged by a nutritional therapist. Food intolerances are different from allergies in that they have a delayed onset and can produce diverse symptoms including general fatigue. There are many factors to consider according to each individual case and for best results consult a nutritional therapist. © Penny Crowther DN Med mBANT NTCC Nutrition programmes for children & adults. Tel: 01202 296763 www.nutritionistbournemouth.co.uk Families Dorset

Christmas Gift Guide

All I want for Christmas... Gift Ideas A hug is for life, not just for Christmas Pillow Pets are the new original cuddly toys made of soft chenille but with a clever twist. When the hidden strap is released underneath, the character transforms into a soft pillow, making the Pillow Pet a perfect travelling companion and all round snuggly friend. The range includes a monkey, penguin, panda, puppy, unicorn, pig, ladybird, bee, lamb, cow, and last but not least butterfly. It’s a pet that is not just for Christmas! RRP £19.99 and available from www.pillowpets.co.uk

Baby dribble bibs go festive this Christmas! With prices starting at under £2 for baby bibs, personalised items from £4 and playsuits from £7, these are quality products at very affordable prices, making them the ideal Christmas present. Funky Giraffe sell a wide selection of funky baby clothes including dribble bibs, bandana bibs, rompers, hats and burp clothes. For more information visit www.Funkygiraffebibs.co.uk

TUMTUM Festive Dinner Set Christmas dinner is the most important part of Christmas day, therefore your little one needs a festive dining set! This lovely wintery range of dining products from award- winning children’s brand TUMTUM is the perfect present! This Tiny set has been specially made to make dining easier from ages 1 – 3 years and comes ready gift- wrapped and just waiting to be popped under the tree! RRP: £25.00 Stockists: www.tumtumtots.com , John Lewis

Happy Hopperz This is the perfect present to get your little one hoppin’ around the Christmas tree this year – Rudolf the Red Reindeer from HappyHopperz is a fantastic take on the retro space-hopper with ears & horns for children to grip on to and feet to steady the bounce, plus they’re great at improving balance, strength and confidence! RRP: £21.99 Stockists: www.happyhopperz.co.uk

Cottage Kitchen There is only one thing set to be on children’s wish lists this Christmas! Packed full of fun features and made with sturdy premium FSC® certified timber, the new collection of beautiful and colourful kitchens from Active Play Specialist Company Plum®, is set to be a favourite this Christmas. This collection is designed to make role play fun and let imaginations run wild. RRPs range from £49.99 to £169.99. For more information log on to: www.plumproducts.com

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November - December 2012

Christmas Gift Guide

5 Second Rule The festive season is the perfect time of year to stay in and play some family games. 5 Second Rule (age 8+ RRP £19.99) is fastpaced, it should be easy to name 3 breeds of dog – but can you do it under the pressure of 5 seconds twisting down and with the other players staring, waiting for you to get flustered? Stockists include; Argos, Toys ‘R’ Us, WH Smith, Amazon, Tesco

Pointless This year's best-seller is Pointless (age 10+ RRP £19.99) based on the hit BBC1 game-show hosted by Alexander Armstrong - the game where you have to fight your natural instincts and try to score the lowest number of points by guessing the least popular answers to general knowledge questions. Stockists include; Argos, Toys ‘R’ Us, WH Smith, Amazon, Tesco.

Win a £200 Shopping Spree in time for Christmas with Polarn O. Pyret! New clothes make any occasion extra special. The Polarn O. Pyret Christmas collection for newborn to age 12 years is now in stores and online. As always, the clothes are geared towards children not just looking good, but feeling comfortable too. Cosy cotton PJ’s that will last until next Christmas Eve, a new party dress that can handle spills, or an extra cute outfit for Christmas Day. Enjoy the occasion PO.P style whatever you are planning for the holidays. FREE! Gift wrapping is always available at Polarn O. Pyret stores. For your chance to win enter your details at www.polarnopyret.co.uk/win by 10th of December. Terms and conditions apply. Winner will be notified via email on 11th December.

Celebrate Christmas with Tractor Ted This Christmas Tractor Ted has lots of new products and ideas to delight and inspire two to six year old tractor fans. Tractor Ted in Tractorland teaches children from two to six years old about farming and countryside activities such as where good food comes from, the seasons and how to care for animals through DVDs, books, toys and live events. Launched in 2005 by mother of three Alexandra Heard and local farmer David Horler, Tractor Ted has sold more than 600,000 DVDs and 60,000 books and the fan club has more than 20,000 members. Tractor Ted is available from farm shops and country stores nationwide or from www.tractorland.co.uk November - December 2012

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What’s On

Christmas Shows 2012

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.

Local Shows BOURNEMOUTH - THE PAVILION THEATRE Westover Road, Bournemouth BH1 2BU 0844 576 3000 www.bic.co.uk DANCING INTO CHRISTMAS 25 November This year over 200 talented young dancers drawn from 8 affiliated dance academies in Dorset look forward to entertaining you with their annual dance spectacular. Tickets from £10.00 & £12.00 THE BOURNEMOUTH YOUTH THEATRE CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE 1 December Students from the Bournemouth Youth Theatre will be once again taking to the stage for another night of show stopping song and dance routines. £14.50, under 18’s £11.50 SLEEPING BEAUTY 8 December – 6 January A traditional family favourite story with a great cast. Age 6+, from £15 LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE’S CENTRE FOR THE ARTS Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG 0844 406 8666 www.lighthousepoole.co.uk 7 December - 6 January ALADDIN from £14.50 /discounts available Poole’s favourite family pantomime is jam-packed with music and dance, fun and laughter, bravery and love, a magic lamp, a wicked uncle, an incredible genie and, of course, the dream that Aladdin will marry his very own beautiful princess. A fantastic spectacle for all the family to enjoy.

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SNOW PLAY 1 – 24 December When Mr Green comes back from his Christmas holidays he finds that Mr White has moved into his house and covered everything in snow. All Mr White wants to do is sleep and have fun but Mr Green can’t stand the snow. Who gets to stay, and who has to go away? Make a giant snowman, have a super snowball fight and help us to bring back the Spring in this highly interactive smash-hit London production £7.50 / £27.00 Family Ticket / £7.00 schools / discounts available (Age 3+)

BLOOMSBURY THEATRE 15 Gordon Street WC1H 0AH 020 7388 8822 www.thebloomsbury.com 12-22 and 27-29 December and 7-19 January TOM’S MIDNIGHT GARDEN When the grandfather clock in the hallway chimes thirteen, Tom is transported to a secret garden from the past. Birmingham Stage Company’s production from the book by Philippa Pearce. Age 4+, £14.50-£19.50

WEYMOUTH PAVILION COMPLEX The Esplanade, Weymouth, DT4 8ED www.weymouthpantos.com JACK AND THE BEANSTALK 15 December - 6 January A brand new production of Jack and the Beanstalk featuring a fantastic live band, stunning sets and costumes, and an all star cast this show promises to be a giant of a pantomime. Tickets from £12

LONDON COLISEUM St. Martin’s Lane, Charing Cross WC2N 4ES 0871 911 0200 www.ballet.org.uk 9-19 January THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Kenneth MacMillan’s production of the popular classic is the perfect way to bring some sparkle into your New Year. £10-£67

MAYFLOWER THEATRE SOUTHAMPTON Empire Lane, Southampton SO15 1AP 023 8071 1811 www.mayflower.org.uk 22 December – 19 January JACK AND THE BEANSTALK A spectacular family pantomime which features an all-star cast and unmissable 3D special effects. Age 5+ from £8

London Shows AMBASSADORS THEATRE West Street WC2H 9ND 08448 112334 www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk 5-24 December LITTLE CHARLEY BEAR’S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE Little Charley Bear from CBeebies appears live on stage for the first time in a magical Christmas adventure. Age 7+, £5-£15

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LYRIC HAMMERSMITH Lyric Square, King Street W6 0QL 020 8741 6850 www.lyric.co.uk 24 November – 5 January CINDERELLA Pantomime returns to the Lyric Hammersmith this Christmas with Cinderella, directed by Sean Holmes. 30 November – 5 January FATHER CHRISTMAS The first ever stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ favourite, in the Lyric Studio. Under 6yrs

November - December 2012

What’s On

Christmas Markets

LYRIC THEATRE 29 Shaftesbury Avenue W1D 7ES 0844 482 9674 nimaxtheatres.com/ lyric-theatre / roomonthebroomlive.co.uk 21 November – 13 January ROOM ON THE BROOM Spellbinding family show flies into the West End for an unforgettable adventure, from the creators of The Gruffalo. Age 3-8, £12.50-£15.50 O2 ARENA Peninsula Square, Greenwich SE10 0DX 020 8463 2000 www.theo2.co.uk 7 December – 5 January ALADDIN – A WISH COME TRUE A spin on the Aladdin story in a specially-built theatre in the O2’s forecourt. Lily Savage stars in London’s biggest panto. £19.50-£49.50 POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 17 Oct – 16 February TOO MANY PENGUINS? How many penguins are too many penguins? Polar bear thinks one is more than enough, thank you very much! 1-4yrs, £8-£10 23 November – 16 February THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS When Mole abandons spring-cleaning for the delights of the riverbank, he has no idea of the adventures that lie ahead. A delightful adaptation with songs. Age 5-11, £11-£16 ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Covent Garden WC2E 9DD 020 7304 4000 www.roh.org.uk 10 December - 16 January THE NUTCRACKER A young girl receives an enchanted nutcracker that leads her on a wonderful adventure in this Christmas classic. Stunning choreography and Tchaikovsky’s score combine in one of the best-loved of all ballets. 5yrs+, £5-£110 November - December 2012

Bournemouth Christmas Festival

15 November - 1 January www.bournemouth.co.uk Chesnuts roasting, Christmas parades, carousels and carols - the heart of Bournemouth is to be made into a winter wonderland by the sea when Santa comes to town this year. Centre stage will be a village of twinkling Alpine Chalets offering a variety of Yuletide gifts, snowy decorations and treats, while a welcoming Alpine bar complete with comical animatronics will ensure every shopper slips effortlessly into the festive spirit with glasses of warming Gluhwein and Continental lager.

Weymouth Christmas Sparkle 13 December

www.weymouthchristmassparkle.co.uk

A Christmas shopping and entertainment evening. The event will have a traditional Christmas theme, with a hog roast and doughnuts, and with stalls selling Christmas fayre and other goodies.

Southampton Christmas Market

17 November – 23 December www.visit-southampton.co.uk The Southampton Christmas Market returns to bring a touch of Continental Christmas Festive Cheer. You can find the Christmas Market in the Above Bar shopping area outside the main entrance to West Quay Shopping Centre. There are fun fair rides for children, entertainment in the precinct, plus back again The Southampton Christmas Ice Rink beside the Bargate monument.

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WIN! A family ice skating ticket To enter visit www.familiesdorset.co.uk/ competitions Closing date 30th November 2012

Ice Skating at Winchester Cathedral

22 November – 23 December www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk The open-air ice rink is surrounded by the Christmas Market and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Ice skating sessions last for 1 hour. Free skate hire is included. Tickets:£9.50 adult, £7.50 concessions, £5 children aged 4-7, £30 family (2 adults + 2 children).

Winchester Cathedral

22 November – 23 December www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk Attracting over 250,000 visitors every year, the Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe, renowned for its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance.

Salisbury Christmas Market

29 November – 16 December www.visitwiltshire.co.uk An exciting new Christmas Market featuring 55 delightful little wooden chalets all beautifully decorated and prettily arranged. Visitors can expect to find lots of tasteful, inspiring, high quality gifts and festive goods including arts and crafts, with a strong emphasis on products coming from Britain and Europe. Families Dorset

What’s On

Out & About ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

01305 871130 Christmas Table Decorating Workshop 6th December 10:30am – 12.30pm ADVENTURE WONDERLAND www.adventurewonderland.co.uk 01202 483444 Wild Christmas Wonderland (please check website for dates) This year there’s even more festive fun at Adventure Wonderland. The whole place goes winter wild with masses of Christmas decorations, festive fare and everything that makes for a wonderful treat for all the family. BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE www.bic.co.uk 0844 576 3000 Royal Marines Christmas Spectacular 22nd November The world famous Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines will end this special Diamond Jubilee year with a military music spectacular featuring festive music, military marches, big band hits and popular showstoppers. Beauty and The Beast On Ice 10th - 13th January Romance, tragedy, drama and magic as Beauty Belle falls in love with the Beast and breaks the spell on the cursed Prince... The Russian Ice Stars deliver a dazzling interpretation of this

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enchanting story loved by all ages, a treat for the whole family. BOURNEMOUTH TOWN CENTRE www.bournemouth.co.uk 0845 0511700 Christmas Lights Switch On 25th November Entertainment starting at 3.00pm, with the switch on at 5.00pm. CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL & SWITCH-ON www.visitchristchurch.info

01202 495127 1st December 10.00am -7.00pm A fun packed day with loads of entertainment throughout Christchurch town centre plus late night shopping until 7.00pm - a great opportunity to stock up on those Christmas gifts and have fun at the same time. COMPTON ACRES www.comptonacres.co.uk 01202 700778 Breakfast with Father Christmas 9.00am - 10.30am every Saturday morning in December including Christmas Eve. Tickets range from £12 - £15 and includes a full English Breakfast and Christmas present. Visit Father Christmas in his Grotto 11.30am - 3.00pm every Saturday in December and get a lovely present.

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.

CORFE CASTLE www.nationaltrust.org/ corfe-castle 01929 481294 Winter Solstice 21st December Experience the rare opportunity to watch the sun rise on the shortest day of the year from the castle ruins. Castle opens 7.15am 9.00am. Cost £10 to include a voucher for a hot drink and a breakfast bap in the Tea Rooms, which will be open from 8am. Christmas at Corfe Castle 22nd December – 6th January The village of Corfe Castle is a magical place at Christmas. Take in the festive atmosphere at the castle, enjoy a hot chocolate by the log fire in the tea rooms, and browse the range of local gifts the our shop. FARMER PALMER’S www.farmerpalmers.co.uk 01202 622022 Santa visits Farmer Palmer’s 1st - 23rd December (Saturdays & Sundays) Santa meets the children in his new grotto and after a chat finds them a present. On Sundays Christmas dinners are available in the restaurant. Carol Services 9th & 16th December A traditional afternoon of hymns around the tree with the Winton Salvation Army Band. Approx 3pm start.

KINGSTON LACY www.nationaltrust.org/ kingston-lacy Christmas at Kingston Lacy 1st – 16th December 11.00am – 3.00pm See the entrance and servants halls decorated for Christmas, visit Father Christmas and view the special exhibition. Free entry to ground floor of the house Children’s Christmas Crafts 15th – 16th December 12.00pm – 3.30pm Drop in and make some decorations for Christmas and Christmas trees, using traditional skills and materials. LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE’S CENTRE FOR THE ARTS www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

0844 406 8666 A Christmas Carol 11th – 12th December 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Mike Maran tells the Dicken’s classic story – ‘a mesmeric storyteller’ (The Stage) and Norman Chalmers plays the music on concertina, tin whistle and thumb piano.

To advertise in our January/February issue call 07876 761623 or email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

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November - December 2012

What’s On

Out & About LITTLE PICKLES MARKET www.littlepicklesmarkets. co.uk

Sunday 18th November 10.00am - 11.30am Ashdown Leisure Centre, Adastral Road, Canford Heath, BH17 8RE Free taster session from Wiggle Waggle

Sunday 2nd December 10.00am - 12.00pm Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, BH7 7DX Little Pickle’s biggest nearly new sale and Christmas Special! Meet Santa and Mother Christmas, enjoy the soft play area, festive crafts and FREE face painting all under one roof! MOORS VALLEY COUNTRY PARK www.moors-valley.co.uk 01425 471415 Santa Special at Moors Valley Railway 9th & 16th December Take a trip through the park on the Moors Valley steam train, then, on your return to the station visit Santa in his grotto. Children and adults will receive a special gift as well as some festive refreshments. PAVILION DANCE SOUTH WEST www.paviliondance.org.uk 01202 203630 Boing! by Travelling Light Theatre Company and Bristol Old Vic 3rd & 4th January 11.30am & 3.00pm A Christmas show with a difference for ages 3+ that features acrobatics, breakdance and comedy by November - December 2012

one of the UK’s leading b-boy companies, Champloo Dance Company. £5 per person, babes in arms free

POOLE QUAY www.pooletourism.com Christmas on Poole Quay 2nd December Poole Quay will be buzzing with the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. POOLE TOWN CENTRE www.pooletourism.com Santa’s Parade 18th November Presented by Dolphin Shopping Centre Event starts at 10.00am Santa arrives at Poole Quay by RNLI Lifeboat - where he will then meet & greet children along the Quayside before getting into his sleigh carriage to lead a procession up Old Orchard, the High Street, into Falkland Square and then into the Dolphin Shopping Centre to take up residence in his special grotto where he will be everyday until Christmas Eve. There will be an abundance of entertainment for the whole family.

SWANAGE RAILWAY www.swanagerailway.co.uk

Santa Specials 1st - 24th December The event offers Christmas Fun for the whole family with the opportunity to meet Santa visiting the Swanage Railway during December each year.

THE GOOD PLAY CAFÉ www.thegoodplaycafe.co.uk

01202 425577 22nd – 24th December Interactive play for the under 8’s with a free Christmas present for the first 20 children through the door, they have a face painter booked each morning for 3 hours offering free face painting to customers. There is also a free prize draw and a Christmas colouring competition.

Traditional Christmas Concert 19th December 6.00pm – 9.00pm A heart warming and traditional celebration of Christmas, hear Christmas classics and sing along. A fun family evening this Christmas Time. UPTON HOUSE AND GARDENS www.nationaltrust.org/ upton-house Christmas Market 1st – 2nd December 12.00pm – 4.00pm Get into the festive spirit, wander round the Christmas Market with a glass of mulled wine and find the perfect presents and cards for your friends and family. Visit Father Christmas 1st – 23rd December 12.00pm – 4.00pm Visit Father Christmas and take part in Christmas craft activities

THE TANK MUSEUM www.tankmuseum.org

01929 405096 Wartime Christmas Festival & Craft Fayre 1st – 2nd December 10.00am – 5.00pm Take a step back in time to experience a Wartime Christmas and browse our festive trade stalls.

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November - December 2012