Theatre Review - Easter Holiday Special

Review from the Regent Centre Christchurch

After the success of the Christmas shows, The Glad Rag Production Company have created a brand new show to welcome the holiday season, filled with song, dance and laughter.
The story is based on the Sunny Hills Holiday Park and the team of yellow coats that provide the entertainment.

The cast are there to greet you in their yellow coats as you walk into the theatre, and it feels like you have stepped into a holiday camp for the evening. We were dazzled by the lavish costumes designed and created by Sue Simmerling. The stunning costumes really stand out, particularly in the disco scene.

Charlie Barrington 'Bobby' was a particular favourite of my 7yr old daughter. She was delighted that he stopped to speak to her after the show.
The dancers are excellent and it is obvious how much work they have put in to their routines, even the youngest little girl didn't put a step out of time.
Fabulous vocalists and a stand out performance from Philip 'Fudge' Coyle who plays Troy Del Marr, the cast perform nostalgic songs to big band ballads with ease.

The show has something everyone will enjoy and you can see it at the Regent Centre, Christchurch

Sat 19 April  2.30 and 7.30pm
Sun 20 April 2.30 and 7.30pm

Please note: We were given complimentary tickets to review this show

Children's Disco Party - Review

This week my daughter attended a birthday party with a brilliant entertainer, so we thought we would offer a review.

Simon Western offers several different party options; a disco, puppet show or Count Backwards magic show.

This party was a disco for a five year old.

I found Simon friendly to both parents and children and for the whole hour he was very involved and the games were fast moving. The usual party games were included as well as an interesting hat game based on musical chairs, but instead of chairs, using hats placed on their heads. This was much more suited to a larger number of children and they all seemed to enjoy it.

The birthday girl was made to feel special, the older children were given special tasks and the younger ones enjoyed the bubbles and foam. Parents had the option to join in but weren't pressured into doing so.

My daughter is very shy and chose to watch the fun to begin with, but she did join in eventually and was thrilled to win a sweet for dancing. There was no pressure for those who wished to watch instead of join in, but plenty of prizes and fun for those that did. Simon managed the games very well, the children didn't seem to mind if they didn't win as the next game kept them occupied.

We would recommend Simon and his Disco Party, here are his details if you would like to contact him:

Tel:01202 469885/07957214314
Email: simon@punchentertainments.co.uk
Website: www.punchentertainments.co.uk

Please note: This is a free review and the entertainer was unaware he was being reviewed.

Dorset Libraries Get Online

This summer Dorset County Council should have free internet access for all.

The council are scrapping the current charges and offering the improved digital service across it's branches. This means more people will be able to access the benefits of the worldwide web, from paying bills to learning new skills, libraries will now be able to offer a richer experience for free.

Free Wi-fi access will be available for those people with their own mobile devices. For anyone who requires assistance, there will be friendly staff on hand to help, especially for anyone who hasn't used the internet before.

Many of the libraries offer activites for children. Take a look at your local library here http://goo.gl/H8iLxS

Christchurch - Not so sleepy

BBC3’s Invasion of the Job Snatchers portrays Christchurch as a sleepy town.

Christchurch is the home town for my family, and while the programme focused on one third of the residents, the town has a lot to offer families.

The town's harbour, beaches, nature reserves and historically important buildings have made Christchurch a popular tourist destination attracting some 1.5 million visitors a year.

Things we love about Christchurch.

 

Christchurch Quay and Splash Park

Walk along the Quay and feed the swans and ducks and you find yourself at the popular Splash Park. It is great fun for children and includes a paddling pool. The Splash Park is open from 9am to 7pm daily between May and October.

 

 

 

 

 

Next to the Splash Park is a large grassy area ideal for picnics and a playground. Car parking is available at Mayors Mead car park where charges apply.

 

Avon Beach

 

Avon Beach is great for families with young children. It is easily accessible and has great facilities:  Shop, Water Sports Rental, Beach Huts, Fish and Chip Cabin and Takeaway Coffee Hut.

There are toilets situated next to the shop.

 

Gundimore promenade links the beach to Mudeford Quay where you can take a ferry trip to Mudeford Sandbank.

 



 

 

 

To find the Avon Beach car park using a sat nav use this postcode: BH23 4AN

 

Red House Museum

 

A charming Georgian building, built as a workhouse in 1764, now filled with a rich variety of displays and a regular and varied exhibitions programme. Admission is free.

The museum holds regular events for a small charge.

 

 

The Bygones Gallery

 

Step into a bygone age and experience the charm and harsh reality of life in the workhouse when children worked from dawn to dusk making watch parts.

 

 



Public car parking 50 metres away.

 

Open 

Tuesday to Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Admission Free
Closed Good Friday

For more ideas and local events don't forget to check our listings at Mumsnet Local Dorset

 

 

Sad Loss Of Life

I was saddened yesterday to hear of the sudden death of Peaches Geldof. At the young age of just 25 years and leaving behind two very young children.

What shocks and saddens me more, is to read online that people are selling signed pictures of her on eBay just hours after her death was announced. Words fail me...

My thoughts are with the family at this awful time.

A Jewel in Christchurch

Today we went for a lovely walk to Stanpit Marsh, the lovely Nature Reserve situated in Christchurch. It is a beautiful area for peaceful walks in idyllic surroundings.

The new Information Centre is worth a visit. You will find lots of information about the wildlife and they often provide activities to involve children.

The local horses were hiding today but we did see swans and ducks on our walk. The recent bad weather damaged one of the bridges but we were impressed to find a new bridge in it's place.