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Back to school so now were working on Easter Family Things To Do and have a great competition lined up in our spring issue...... so watch this space !!!!We have a Bump and Baby Feature online coming up so if you wish your company to be added just send us an email to info@thefamilydirectory.co.uk we have 15 free spaces. So book your space now.
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The Owl & Monkey Haven is open and all year round and we really hope you will be able to pop along and join in the fun. Our monkeys absolutely love their fruit and veg, be it bananas, watermelons, broccoli or grapes! but the recent cold weather has slowed down the growth of our home-grown crops and left us reliant on supermarket produce. So if you've got any spare fruit and veg at home, bring it into the Owl & Monkey Haven. Thanks to everyone who has supported us with our Martin & Lulu Appeal. All your donations so far are bringing Martin one step closer to meeting the primate of his dreams! For more information on news, offers and future events at the Haven, please visit our website: www.owlandmonkeyhaven.co.uk
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Pirate Cove is the new themed play area to open in 2012 at Blackgang Chine. The continuing appeal of the Cowboy town has encouraged the creative team at the park to develop this new Caribbean port quay-side, complete with two full-sized ships inviting all would-be pirates to do battle! A new refreshment trading shack, a buccaneer shoot-out game and other themed activities have all been added to finish the picture.
On April Fools Day, we are holding some whacky fun competitions and games to celebrate St. Stupids Day so come along and join us in making fools of ourselves!!
Blackgang's Fairy Festival will be held over the May day bank holiday weekend, on the 6th and 7th May. Live green-wood music, wizards, magic spells, fairies, elves and even belly dancing fairies will be appearing!
The Queen's diamond Jubilee will be celebrated in style on the 3rd, 4th & 5th June with a 3 day Pirate Party, complete with sword fighting, live music & lots of competitions.
Blackgang and Robin Hill open on Friday 30th March and are open daily from 10a.m. http://www.blackgangchine.com/
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'The Needles Park at Alum Bay ' open this all year round so why not pop long to The Island’s most famous landmark attraction as it has so much more to enjoy than the stunning views.You will find some great walks on the west side of the Island you can park free at The Needles Park walk across the chalk downs and visits Tennyson Monument and carry on to Freshwater Bay. Or walk to the Needles Old Battery a Victorian fort built in 1862 and use in both world war. Then you can walk back to the Needles park for a nice warm cup of tea or coffee and cake at 'The Pantry' which cater for all the family.
Alum Bay Glass is also open over the 1/2 term holidays you will be able to see what the local craftsmen have been making from vases, bowls and a wide range of ornaments. To check out what's on at The Needles Park go to the ‘what’s on’ page on their website www.theneedles.co.uk for all up to date events and information or call on 0871 720 0022.
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Why not have at day out in Portsmouth and Southsea and travel with Hovertravel. Hovertravel provides the fastest Isle of Wight ferry service across the Solent and is the world's longest running and only commercial hovercraft operator in Europe. Our passenger ferry service takes you directly to the shore at Southsea or Ryde in just 10 minutes. Easy onward travel connections are available with our Hoverbus to Portsmouth, bus and train connections at Ryde plus large car parks at both terminals. Hovertravel - The 10 minute ferry link to the Isle Of Wight. For days out and for bookings go to http://www.hovertravel.co.uk/travel-guides/portsmouth-and-southsea/index.php
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Robin Hill’s re-opening for 2012 on Friday 30th March… with a Hoot…as we introduce a new Owl Show!
Great news, spring is almost here...and it’s nearly time to open the Robin Hill gates for the 2012 season. That all happens on Friday 30th March 2012 just in time for the Easter holidays. We have been busy working all winter to improve the park and to create some fabulous new things!
We know how much you love our falconry displays...so we’ve gone a step further and introduced an extra one that’s just about owls!..Steve Hain and his team will be presenting the new 40 minute show at 1.15pm everyday in our new woodland bowl, a 300 seater, tree-lined auditorium just a stone’s throw from our squirrel tower.
There will be some new extra special evening events happening later in the year as we create Robin Hill’s “Electric Woods”...Where we will lighting the woodland paths, pond and tree’s with beautiful lights to create a stunning new visitor experience... Watch out for details coming soon!
And with Easter just around the corner we are glad to announce that our popular Chocolate Extravaganza will be back on Easter Sunday and Monday this year with our infamous Easter Egg Dash, with loads of tokens to find to swap for eggs of all sizes both days at noon. Chocolate fanatics will also love our Chocolate Marquee, full of chocolate fun and games for all the family! These include “Guess the Brand” and “Guess the Flavour” competitions, with lots more chocolate and Easter eggs to be won.
For local Island residents the best value of all comes from joining our Membership scheme, which allows unlimited visits to both Robin Hill & Blackgang Chine all season long and includes over £50 worth of vouchers to redeem through the season. Over 1200 people joined last year... which proves how popular the scheme is for frequent loyal visitors! For more information go to http://gardenshow.robin-hill.com/ or http://www.robin-hill.com/index.php
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One of the main tourist attractions on the top of your list could be, Carisbrooke Castle. It is best known as the place where King Charles I was imprisoned. You can still play bowls on the very green Charles used. For a castle that has lived through more than 800 years of service, including resisting a siege by the French and seeing off the Spanish Armada, it's also wonderfully well preserved. There are all the ingredients here for a great value family day out in the Isle of Wight. Children will love dressing up as Norman soldiers or Civil War troopers, and meeting the castle's famous donkeys, while for the grown-ups, the new Edwardian style Princess Beatrice Garden is a joy to explore. For more information about opening time click here http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/carisbrooke-castle/
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Party Time - Birthday parties can be hard work so if you need any help read our party feature for some ideas.Help you plan the perfect party for children's birthday, find entertainers venues and lots more !!!Treat your kids to a fun-filled party with the party specialists, childrens entertainers, discos & more!Please don't forget to mention you read the party feature online with The Family Directory
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Abigail's Kitchen Children's cupcake parties!
We are now offering an all inclusive party pack, perfect for your child's special day.
No mess, no fuss, no venue to find, no party bags to worry about or food to make and best of all no tidying up afterwards!
Our party includes everything you need to have a fab, fun, and most importantly, stress and mess free birthday party for your child.
Parties are held at our shop (so no tidying up) and last for approx 2 hours for 6 children.
The party package includes:
All the ingredients and equipment for each child to bake and decorate 6 delicious cupcakes from scratch.
Gift boxes and personalised gift bags for your guests to take their creations home with them.
Tea-party food including sandwiches, sausages rolls, cakes and drinks.
Giant cupcake birthday cake decorated to your requirements.
A small gift for the birthday child.To book call 07779 486688 or www.abigailskitchen.co.uk
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Fishing Party Fish at well-stocked lakes in a peaceful rural setting in the heart of the rolling South Wight countryside.Your children’s fishing party starts with a safety briefing and
includes fishing tuition with qualified, experienced coaches,
plus certificate and a half price voucher for a day fishing
ticket at Nettlecombe Farm. Optional extras include fishingthemed
party bags, trophies and prizes for catch of the day.
Once the kids have enjoyed fishing they
are free to explore the farm and meet
the animals including reindeer, alpacas,
donkeys, rabbits and emu.There are also play areas and football
pitches where children can play before
having birthday tea and cake in the newlyrenovated
activity barn.
All we ask is that you respect the countryside
code, our animals and the environment
and most importantly...Contact
Nettlecombe Farm, Whitwell,
Nr. Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 2AF
Tel: (01983) 730783
www.nettlecombefarm.co.uk
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PONY PARTIES
Here at Hill farm stables we offer the best fun at one of our pony parties. Meet the ponies, mount up, then you and your friends can enjoy your very own pony party, leaders are available to look after you and all abilities are welcome even those who have not ridden before.
Mums and Dads are encouraged to watch and cheer you on, though they do not have to stay. Filming your special day and then watching it later can be great fun maybe while you enjoy your party tea (not provided) in the sunshine on the lawn or on a cloudy day, in the kids room.
All you need to wear are long trousers, wellies or boots, long sleeves and scrunchie or hair band.
So why not give me a call and we can have a chat, I can answer any questions you may have and if you are ready I can check your chosen date for availibity.
07748253899 or 01983 752502 ask for Jayne
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Cinderockers Party Room have been providing Themed Children’s Parties for small groups since 2010. The focus has always been to provide a fun, exciting and memorable occasion for children of all ages along with their selected guests in a room dedicated for that purpose. The Party Room, set in the heart of Wootton Bridge with ample free parking, provides a safe, secure and private location and boasts a small stage, disco lighting, music selections, party costumes, smoke machine and bubbles to add to the party atmosphere and wow factor… Have fun with make-overs, face paint, nail painting and art, costume changes, games, dancing, karaoke and great disco atmosphere, take some time out to pose for some great photo memories… All our parties cater for you individually, and are of two hour duration with cocktail fountain, buffet food and photos by Rob Clarke Photography. A photo CD with video and original photos are a must have inclusion to the package. A visit to the Room is advised (Please book in advance) Don’t delay, secure today. To check availability of the date and time of your choice and secure a booking with a small deposit contact Rob on 248424 www.cinderockerspartyroom.co.uk
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This is an party experience that you will remember forever !
Fun Fashion Shoot Birthday Parties - A fantastic experience for a teenager to have a fun fashion shoot at their home or hired venue. Invite their friends along to celebrate a birthday, prom night or any other occasion. At the photo shoot party guests can dress up in their favourite clothes and be a Fashion Star, Rock Chick , Party Divas it's up to you.The shoot lasts about a 2 hours and will generally include a change of clothes, party dress and informal casual like jeans and t shirt. Bring along props such as hats, scarves, shoes, sunglasses, anything that brings a bit of individuality and makes the session even more fun.
This is an ideal present for your birthday with great photographs to keep forever. Book a space now! 01983 615466 or www.thewightstudio.co.uk
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Come and join our ‘cheeky Monkey’s’ at the Owl and Monkey Haven and we will host you a birthday party to remember. Bespoke party packages to suit your child and exclusive hire of the ‘Wise Owl’ Lodge makes a party at the Haven a great birthday venue.
Parties include a warm welcome, guided tour, keeper talk, choice of activities/arts and crafts, visit from our mascot monkey, picnic box and goodie bags. As a lasting memento of your child’s special day the birthday girl/boy receives a bronze adoption of their favourite animal. All this for just £12.50 per child subject to a minimum booking of eight children.
Please contact Miranda Ley on 01983 530885 for more information on how to make a booking.
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Bedazzled Parties provide stunning themed children’s parties and events. Whether you require one hour of entertainment at home, an afternoon party at a venue of your choice, or a large scale public event, find out how our professional team can make your special day truly Bedazzling! We offer a wide range of party themes including perfect princesses, fantastic fairies, stunning superheros, potty pirates, crazy cowboys, disco divas and much, much more! All of our entertainers are trained in-house and to the highest degree. Our children’s shows are unique, energetic, contemporary and tailored to suit your individual requirements. Our exacting standards, passion and years of experience mean that when you book with Bedazzled Parties, you do so in complete confidence. We love what we do and we would love to help create a magical birthday memory, that you and your family can treasure forever.
If you require any further information, please feel free to call us on 01983562019/ 07890665113.
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A Caterpillar Music Birthday Party is full of fun activities where your little one and their friends will love meeting all the animal puppets, along with plenty of movement, singing and music making.
Parties are suitable for all Under 5's but even older siblings, parents and grandparents simply can't resist joining in the fun.
A combination of action songs, movement, captivating puppets and exciting instruments will make for a very memorable day for your little one.
I will come along to your home or chosen venue and provide one hour of music, movement along with puppets and instruments for every child to use. I will also provide a pass the parcel game and lots of fun bubbles.
Caterpillar Music Birthday Parties are currently available on Saturdays and Sundays subject to availability - it is advisable to book well in advance of your chosen date to avoid disappointment.
For further information, please call Maggie on 01983-617778
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Wightcakes offer beautifully handcrafted cakes for all occasions-from cup to celebration,we take pride in all we do and offer lots of variation in flavours,colour and decor.Our motto is any excuse for a cake,why not give us a call to discuss your needs or visit our website www.wightcakes.co.uk. to see some of our work
We cater for everyone.including celebrities.
We also offer cupcake parties for more information call Jo 01983 565123 Wightcakes
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Hi, this is Lori from Chocoholics - you may have been to one of my chocolate parties.
Did you know that since May 2011 we have also been selling retro sweets?
From foam shrimps to dolly mixtures, jelly babies to bon bons, we have a large range of sweets just perfect for parties, at very competitive prices.
For example, our lovely milk bottles come in a 500g bag for just £3.50.
You can buy the sweets in bags, or for an extra special event why not hire my candy buffet, chocolate buffet, sweetie platters or chocolate platters?
I can set up an impressive display of vintage glassware brimming with sweeties, complete with metal scoops, candy stripe paper bags and colourful bunting - much cheaper than you think and often cheaper than traditional individual favours (although we do those too!).
Each display is bespoke to your exact requirements, depending on the type of event, amount of people, and budget.
My Celebrations catalogue is bursting with ideas for party tables, from luxury cupcake-style Belgian chocolates to colourful organza bags, heart lollies, mini sweetie buckets and scatter chocs - in dozens of colours.
For children's parties I can provide going-home presents such as paper bags full of sweets, or even come and set up a sweet shop for the kids to raid before going home!
Chocoholics recently celebrated its 25th anniversary of providing quality and attractive products at competitive prices. They are a family-run business and I have been their Isle of Wight distributor for over three years.
To find out more, give me a call on 856764, email me on littleclan@talktalk.net or follow me on facebook at my page "Lori's Chocolates for Chocoholics".
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CHARACTER HIRE IOW is a great way to make your child's party truly special. Get a friend or family member to dress up as your child's favourite character for their party.Image the smilies and photos you will get. We do a number of different characters and we be added more all the time. Character Hire IOW is just £25.00 for the next day return or £40 for two characters hire for the same party so if you have Minnie and Micky Mouse or Iggle Piggle and Upsy Daisy Visit our facebook page CHARACTERHIREIOW or call 07776049752 for more information to book website coming soon.
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CLUBS AND CLASSES AROUND THE ISLE OF WIGHT.
There are plenty of child friendly clubs and classes for children on the Island. Getting involved in a club or class can be great fun for kids, as well as offering an opportunity to learn a new skill or improve on an old one. We have lots on offer and to book in is only a call away and many clubs and classes have a free taster day. So give them a call today. The next feature is Parties and then 1/2 term.Whenever you use the directory or read a feature please mention you read the information from The Family Directory website or our magazine. We love hearing your news and ideas so please do tell us info@thefamilydirectory.co.uk
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Since 1992, Theatretrain has pursued two aims with a passion: To provide high quality training for young people in the performing arts and to offer first-class opportunities to perform in local and national theatres. We hold weekly classes in comfortable, well equipped facilities, teaching a wide range of skills in acting, singing and dancing, tailored to 6-9, 9-12 and 13-18 year olds. Through a specially created curriculum, our classes develop an understanding of how theatre works – the importance of storytelling, sound, movement and character. We make exciting and challenging theatre by working as a group. And of course many of these skills are important life skills. The quality of our teaching staff is important to us. They are chosen for their experience and enthusiasm so that they inspire our pupils. Most of our teachers are or have been performers and with the centre manager create the buzz of activity and enthusiasm that is the Theatretrain style. Theatretrain hold classes on a Saturday morning in Ryde between 10.00 and 1pm. Telephone 248844 or www.theatretrain.co.uk
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Little monkeys gym is a new class set up in Newport for babies of crawling age to children 4 and a half years old. Louise a nursery nurse and parent of 2 boys decided to set up the physical fun class so that babies and children could get more involved with gym activities. Babies and children will get to use the equipment to develop their balancing and coordination skills. Children will learn to slide, roll, jump balance and climb safely, there will also be time for some musical movement and play with hoops, balls and beanbags! The class is set up with slides, tunnels, a ball pool, trampoline and balancing equipment which is arranged in a assault course for the babies and children to explore. The class is a great way for babies, children and parents to socialise and make friends at the same time. Classes are split into 2 different ages, crawlers -2 years, 2 years - 4 and a half years. Classes are currently running on Wednesday mornings in Newport, but are soon to expand to offer wednesday afternoons and possibly another day. Classes need to be pre booked and can be booked by contacting Louise on 528352.
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PJ’s Theatre School – www.pjstheatreschool.co.uk – tel: 01983611791
Performing Arts for children in RYDE + NEWPORT, Singing, Dance & Drama, Ballet, Tap, Modern/Hip Hop, Tiny Tots & Parent/Toddler dance. Exams & Awards, local & west end shows, carnivals/displays & Panto. Learn with working professionals - Qualified Fellow with the U.K.A. - Matrons IOW Council for child Ents - Members of C.D.E.T. - fully CRB.PJ's run various WORKSHOPS including dance classes & Glee like days (Musical theatre sessions where the children get the oppotunity to record their own CD) at venues around the Island for Extended School services.
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Water Babies who have been awarded 5 national awards for their teaching and lessons are delighted that more and more babies on the Isle of Wight are swimming in the Water Babies programme.
Not only are our Instructors the most highly trained swimming teachers they are also the epitome of calm and know how to have fun in the water. Jo Hobbs the one and only brilliant Isle of Wight Water Babies Instructor qualified in September and has completed over 150 hours of training and assessments and just loves her job.
Jo Says
“I was that impressed with the lessons that I have taken both my children Imogen and Joshua to the mainland for their Water Babies lessons for the last 4 years. I am now extremely excited to have become the first Isle of Wight Water Babies instructor”
With over 50 Water Babies already learning to swim in Cowes and Freshwater Jo is over the moon to be able to, in true Water Babies style “teach all of the parents to teach their babies to swim”. Come and join the fun with the UK’s leading baby swim school. New classes will start on Isle Of Wight.
Week beginning 20th February Monday West Wight 10.30
Thursday UKSA Cowes 12.00
Saturday UKSA Cowes 10.00
Babies to be under 1 year of age on the beginners course. A course is for 10 weeks.
Please check out our website on www.waterbabies.co.uk or call us on 01983 717005
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TinyTalk!
TinyTalk Baby Signing classes,have been running on the Island for over 4 years with Emily Pritchard running it for two of those years. Mummy to Daisy aged 6 and Poppy aged 3, Emily first realised the benefits of Baby Signing while living in Nottingham after having her first baby. "I just loved the TinyTalk class structure of learning everyday Baby Signs (based on British Sign Language) through singing everyday nursery rhymes and songs with the second half of the class being social time with toys for the babies and a cuppa and biscuits for the Mums - a lovely time to get to know people while the babies play!" she added "how amazing is it to be able to communicate with a child who is not able to communicate through speaking yet but you can still share thoughts and feelings with them? Just a fantastic opportunity not to be missed!" Contact Emily on 07900 803521 or emilyp@tinytalk.co.uk
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