Summer fun at Poole Park Funday

A spectacular family Funday is being held in Poole’s much-loved Victorian park on Thursday 4 August.

Local residents are invited to join in the fun from 10am to 3pm by the cricket pitch as Poole Park takes centre stage with a host of activities for all the family to enjoy. The fun packed day, which is supporting the £2.7 million bid for Heritage Lottery Funding, includes lots of free activities with everything from ferret racing and circus skills workshops to sports and under 5’s soft play. Bouncy castles, climbing wall and face painting will also be available for a small charge.

This will also be the final opportunity for visitors to have their say on the proposed plans for the park, particularly around the play areas. This feedback will help shape the final designs of the park before they are revealed later this year.

Martin Whitchurch, Project Manager, Borough of Poole, said: “This event is not only a great way to spend some fun family time together in a beautiful setting, but marks the end of the public consultation on the proposed plans for the park. So it is important that park users and visitors are given this final opportunity to help shape our bid to secure £2.7 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.”

Councillor John Rampton, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Parks and Open Spaces, Borough of Poole, said: “Poole Park is a wonderful facility which everyone can enjoy and we are really excited about the plans for its future. It's also a great example of people working together to help secure vital funds to preserve and enhance this popular and historic park.”

Recommended places to Breastfeed in Dorset

Looking for a nice quiet place to feed your baby? We have some recommendations from mums who have tried them.

If you know of a great place then please let us know dorset@mumsnetlocal.com

Bournemouth and Poole

Beales Bournemouth - Local mum said "I'm a big advocate of public breastfeeding but I also very much respect if a mum would like a bit of privacy, which is why I was thrilled to find Beales in Bournemouth have a baby changing room with a little side room with a comfy chair, its very quiet, I was in there ages changing both children and no one else came in, its on the 4th floor, I'll be remembering this spot when I come to Bournemouth!"

 

Also recommended are John Lewis in Branksome , Dingles in Bournemouth and Castlepoint.

 

In Parkstone Waitrose café is popular with breastfeeding mums and Greggs are very happy for mums to come in and feed.

 





Competition - Once upon a Princess at Regent Centre Christchurch

Be our guest! Once Upon A Princess stars all your favourite storybook Princesses, live on stage! Get ready to 'Wish Upon A Star' and 'Let It Go' as the princesses perform some of the most popular movie musical songs in this sing-a-long celebration!

Produced by OCD Productions UK in association with Enchanted Parties. The ultimate pop princess party is at The Regent Centre Christchurch on Thursday 31st March at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets £10 each.

We have four tickets to giveaway for the 6pm show. To enter just email your details stating the word 'princess' to dorset@mumsnetlocal.com.

Entrants must be over 18 yrs old. The competition closes 23rd March 9pm.
The winner will be notified by email and a response is required within 72 hours or we reserve the right to choose another winner.

 

Buy tickets here

 

Great Value Season Passes at Farmer Palmers!

Keeping the children entertained can be a difficult and expensive task especially when the weather is bad. One way around this is to purchase season passes at local attractions, they offer great value for money and mean you can visit for just a few hours if the weather changes later in the day.

 

If you are near the Poole area we recommend Farmer Palmers farm park. It's ideal for children 0-8 years and their parents/carers, although worth noting our 9yr old still enjoys it with her younger sister. With a season pass every visit can be a different experience, there are lots of animals to look at and children can bottle feed the lambs or goats, hold a guinea pig and even watch the pig racing which is lots of fun.

Entrance fees to soft play areas can be expensive, buying a season pass gives you unlimited entry. At Farmer Palmers there are several play areas and bouncy castles both indoor and outdoor, ideal for mums meeting for coffee while the little ones play. We have always found the café to stock lovely food and there is a picnic area just outside for warmer weather. Really worthwhile having passes while the children are at toddler age with something different to do each time, look at the animals, ride on the toy tractors and arrive back home worn out for an afternoon nap!

One of the outdoor play areas has a water feature which is very popular so pop swim things and a towel in your bag for warmer days. The play area is also in sand so a bucket and spade will come in handy too!

The woodland walk is always worth doing and the children love finding the areas for them along the way.  Take a look

The older children (and the dads) love the go karts which are situated next to the bouncy castle keeping all ages entertained and in sight. Great for an after school or weekend treat!

Our favourite part of the park is the deer safari. Ride the tractor trailer to the deer enclosure and hand feed a deer. (small charge applies)

There are lots more attractions including the Maize maze, milking demonstrations and more.
Season passes at Farmer Palmers are £40 for adults and children over 3, £19 for 2yr olds, disabled/carers/senior citizens £35. This is for 12 months equivalent to less than 90p a week!

 

Find out more about Farmer Palmers Here

Poole Library Launches Code Club

Children in Poole can learn all about computer programming at a new Code Club available at Poole Central Library

As part of its Digital and Learning Offer, Poole Central Library launches Code Club on Wednesday 27 January, joining the nationwide network of free volunteer-led coding clubs for children aged 9-11.

Code Club will show children how to program by encouraging them to make computer games, animations and websites in a fun and engaging way. Children are invited to come along to the first session at 4.30-5.30pm on the day.

Code Club goes beyond knowing how to use technology to how it works and how to build it too.  Children will also develop their problem solving and logical thinking skills.

Mohan Iyengar, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Libraries, Borough of Poole, said: "We’re in a digital age and it’s terrific that our children have the chance to get hands-on with coding. Code Clubs are an exciting new venture, and just a part of the Learning and Digital Offer in our library service.”

Code Clubs support the Government's STEM programme (science, technology, engineering & maths) by increasing young people’s STEM skills in order to provide employers with skills needed for a 21st century workforce. This helps to ensure the UK’s position as a leader of science based research and development.

Code Club will be held at Poole Central Library on Wednesdays 4.30 – 5.30pm during term time. Places are free, but you do need to book. To book a place visit any Poole Library or phone 01202 262449 or email libraries@poole.gov.uk. More information about Code Club can be found at: www.codeclub.org.uk

South Coast's Largest Indoor Ice Rink in Bournemouth

Ice skating is back at Bournemouth International Centre this winter! The Rock Ice Rink is the South Coast’s biggest indoor seasonal ice rink and is open until Sunday 21 February 2016.

 

As a fun all-weather activity, it’s perfect for kids and adults alike. Even the youngest children can have a go using the Ice Skating penguins with their parents in the Kids area separate from the main rink.

Tickets to skate are £8.00 including the skate hire with family tickets and group (10+) concessions also available. Standard sessions are 90 minutes (including getting skates on and off) from 4pm daily during term times and 11am in the holidays with an additional late session on Saturday evenings.

Fire on Ice DJ nights are back too!
Thursday 17 December 2015, Thursday 21 January 2016 and Sunday 14 February 2016.
Hosted by Fire radio enjoy an extended skate session with a live DJ 7.15pm – 10.15pm
(Skate times will be 7.30pm-10pm) £9.00

 

Buy tickets

Free parking for Christmas shoppers

Free parking and the return of the popular Park and Ride service will make Christmas shopping even easier in Poole this festive season.

Residents and visitors shopping in Poole can enjoy free parking in all town centre car parks, courtesy of Borough of Poole, on the run-up to Christmas:

* every Sunday between 10am and 6pm from Sunday 22 November until Sunday 20 December 2015.
* Thursday nights between 6pm and 9pm from Thursday 26 November until Thursday 17 December.

In addition there will be free parking on Monday evening, 21 December between 6pm and 9pm to help shoppers buy any last minute Christmas presents.

People shopping in Broadstone, Ashley Road, Penn Hill, Ashley Cross and Canford Cliffs can also benefit from free parking in district car parks from noon until 6pm on the three Saturdays before Christmas - 5, 12 and 19 December.

Alternatively, for those who want to beat the rush and miss the queues, the council's Park and Ride service will be running from Creekmoor every Saturday from 28 November until Christmas.

Damory Buses will be providing super low floor buses making it even easier for wheelchair users and parents with buggies to get onboard.

The service will leave the Creekmoor Park and Ride site every 15 minutes from 8am until 6pm on 28 November, 5, 12 and 19 December.

The short 10 minute trip to town costs just £1.50 for an adult return, and accompanied children can travel for just 50 pence return. Holders of an English National bus pass can use the service free of charge.

The service drops passengers within easy reach of the shops at the entrance to Falkland Square, where they can then board the bus back to Creekmoor every 15 minutes from 8.15am until 6.15pm.

Councillor Ian Potter, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transportation, Borough of Poole, said: "Despite significant pressures on council budgets we are delighted to be able to offer people who shop in Poole these opportunities. Poole's shopping centres are busy and vibrant all year but the atmosphere around Christmas time is fantastic. We are sure shoppers and businesses will welcome the benefits that this offer provides."

Ed Wills, Operations Director, Go South Coast, added: "We are delighted to be working once again with the Borough of Poole to help deliver Christmas shoppers hassle free into Poole this Christmas. The Park and Ride site has proven to be extremely popular over the years and we hope this year will be the most successful ever."

For more information please visit www.boroughofpoole.com/christmasandnewyear.

Win! Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs tickets

 

 

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE

SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER 2015 – SUNDAY 3 JANUARY 2016

 

 

Heigh Ho, Heigh ho, it's off to the panto we go! On Thursday 24 September 2015, the cast of Bournemouth Pavilion's much anticipated panto donned their costumes for the first time to kick off the season in style.

 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is Bournemouth Pavilion's 2015/2016 Pantomime and the cast is undoubtedly the fairest of them all. Eastenders pair Gillian Wright and Matt Lapinskas will be playing The Wicked Queen and The Prince respectively, while kids favourite Milkshake! Presenter Olivia Birchenough plays Snow White.

 

The show also stars Quinn Patrick as pantomime dame, Nursie and Noel Brodie is back by popular demand as Muddles.

 

With spells on Coronation Street, Casualty and most famously as Eastenders' Jean Slater, Gillian Wright is no stranger to the stage and screen. In December 2011, she played the Fairy Godmother in the pantomime Dick Whittington and His Cat at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, starring alongside Jonathan Wilkes and over Christmas 2013, she appeared as (a different) Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage.

 

Matt Lapinskas is best known for his character Anthony Moon on Eastenders. Between 2011 and 2012, Matt racked up appearances in over 100 episodes before leaving The Square in May 2012. After leaving Eastenders, Matt was revealed as one of 12 celebrities taking part in the eighth series of Dancing on Ice where he went on to finish runner up to Olympic Gymnast Beth Tweddle.

 

This year we are proud to announce that our pantomime is sponsored by Hot Rocks Restaurant and Bar! To celebrate this; when you buy your panto tickets, Hot Rocks are also giving you a voucher for 'Kids Eat For £1' when purchasing one adult meal. And to top it off, for each kids meal purchased, that £1 is donated to Julia's House.

 

Join us between 5 December 2015 and 3 January 2016, for what promises to be another brilliant pantomime at Bournemouth Pavilion, with close to 10,000 tickets sold already, this year's pantomime is looking busier and better than ever.

 

Buy Tickets

We have 2 Family tickets to giveaway for Tuesday 8th December at 7pm...

 To enter please email dorset@mumsnetlocal.com stating why you would like to win.
We would also love it if you would visit our Facebook page!

Open to UK residents over 18's only.  Competition closes 30th November. Winner will be picked at random and notified by email within 72 hours, we reserve the right to choose another winner if we receive no response.

Win! Christmas Spectacular 2015 at the Regent in Christchurch

 

This year the Glad Rag Production Company will be entertaining everyone when their magical Christmas treat opens on stage at the Regent on Saturday 19 December 2.30pm and 7.30pm.  Bookings are already under way for this seasonal favourite but there are plenty of shows to choose from with a run that includes further 7.30pm shows from Sunday 20 – Thursday 24 December and more Matinees at 2.30pm on Sunday 20, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 December.  So, if you want to join Benji and Bruce, those fun-loving polar bears, for another show stopping, all singing and all dancing adventure with Santa, Rudolph and Mrs Claus, then early booking for this Christmas Cracker of a family show is essential!

Book here

 

We have 2 tickets to giveaway for Tuesday 22nd December 7.30pm, just send us an email stating why you would like to win. dorset@mumsnetlocal.com

We would also love it if you would visit our Facebook page!


 Open to UK residents over 18's only.   Competition closes 15th December. Winner will be picked at random and notified by email within 72 hours, we reserve the right to choose another winner if we receive no response.

Greenwood Grange

 

Welcome to Greenwood Grange, an idyllic setting of seventeen holiday cottages. With fantastic onsite facilities such as our Double tennis courts, indoor heated pool, sauna and games room there is plenty to do for the whole family.

We are fortunate enough to have picked up a few awards for our eco friendly properties sustaining the original features and charm. We have also won a Gold Award in the Dorset Tourism Awards 2014 which we are very proud of and work hard to keep our award winning standards.

Located on the outskirts of Dorchester beside Thomas Hardy’s cottage, we provide relaxing getaways for the whole family. Our cottages range for families from two to twelve, which each cottage beautifully decorated with vintage country features. You don’t have to worry about packing everything and the kitchen sink as they all equipped ready and waiting for you. Our prices include all bills and uses of our facilities (small fee for the sauna) making it a hassle free break.

We know that packing for the whole family can be a stressful and time consuming aspect so we have taken care of for you. For young children we can provide bed guards, high chairs, cots and toys all you have to do is ask and we can provide.

Due to our location we have great walks right on our doorstep and pubs for that special evening out in close distance too.

We are very much pet friendly and have dedicated cottages for them too, as well as the dog exercise area. Our grounds are extensive and are contained so you don’t have to worry about your little one taking a wander as we are a fully secure site. Baby and pet sitters are also available should you want a night off for yourselves.

Our outdoor play area can provide hours of endless fun neighbouring our creative yurt with a fully stocked soft play area. Should you wish, we can arrange tennis and swimming lessons as well as caterers so you don’t have to worry about cooking!

The indoor swimming pool is an all year round attraction, with the bonus of large roman steps perfect for little ones getting to grips the water.  The games room is very well equipped with a pool table, billiards, table tennis, table football and a Nintendo Wii.

Our ethos is great holidays for the whole family, should you have a request we will do our very best to accommodate where possible ensuring the Greenwood Experience provides life long memories.

 

To call and speak to a holiday advisor please call: 01305 268874 or e-mail us: info@greenwoodgrange.co.uk –

 

We have an exclusive offer for you! Check it out here

 

Free Family Fun Day at Upton Country Park

Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Allan Turner-Ward is the host of a free Family Fun Day being held at Upton Country Park, Poole, this Saturday (12^th) from 10am to 5pm.

The event is being organised by Barclays to raise money for Julia’s House. Families can watch Barclays teams compete in a number of wacky challenges including human table football, sumo wrestling and a Segway relay.

There will also be children’s entertainment including face painting, golf, crafts, pets’ corner and an inflatable obstacle course, plus live entertainment, food and a bar. More information at juliashouse.org.

 

WIN!! Roller Coast Roller Rink - Summer Holidays

 

 

Get your skates on for the rockin’, rollin’ Roller Coast Roller Rink, returning in the Summer Holidays. Fun for all the family whatever the weather, zoom around the rink to all the latest chart topping hits.

The Heart FM Angels will be flying in on Friday 14 and 21 August for all to enjoy. Face painting and prize giveaways will be available across all sessions on these days, so roll on down and get in on the action.

Resident DJ, Disco Dave will be bringing the party to the Over 18 DJ nights on Saturday 8, Saturday 15 and Saturday 22 August. 8 - 11pm, £6 per person. 

Roller Rink Party Packages

Roller Coast is the perfect venue for kid’s birthday parties with a package available including a Roller Coast session followed by main course and never ending soft drink at Hot Rocks. Better still, one adult per six children in the party package skate for free!

 

Further Information

Ticket Prices

£5.00 – £6.00

 

 

During busy sessions it is advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to the session time to allow for queues at the Ticket Office.

Under 12’s must be accompanied by an adult on the rink (1 adult may accompany up to 3 under 12’s). No under 4’s allowed on the rink.

Session times stated include getting skates on and off. Session times may vary.

 

BOOK HERE

We have a family ticket to giveaway - NOW CLOSED

 

 

Quomps Splashpark - Christchurch

Quomps Splashpark - Christchurch

 

 

 

The splashpark is situated on Christchurch Quay and is open daily from 9am-7pm . There is a carpark next to the splashpark - Mayors Mead car park BH23 1NY 

 

Charges for 2015 are 1 April - 31 October 2015 and March 2016

 

2 hours	£2
4 hours	£3.30
12 hours	£6

If you don't have much to carry then there is also parking  5/10 minute walk away at Willow Way car park BH23 1NU  which is cheaper.

2 hours	£1
4 hours	£1.90
12 hours	£4

There are toilets nearby and a refreshments stand selling drinks and icecreams. The splashpark is enclosed by fencing and has a small paddling pool and many water features.

 

Outside the splashpark is a children's play park and lots of grass for picnics.





http://local.mumsnet.com/dorset/parks-playgrounds/176425-the-quomps-play-area-and-splash-park

 

Review - Grease at Bournemouth Pavilion

 

Talented local company BBLOC present the blockbuster smash hit Grease this summer at Bournemouth Pavilion.

We went to see this show on it's opening night, it's the third time I have seen the stage show but it was first time for my 17yr old daughter who is also a Grease fan and loves the movie.
I had previously explained to her that this is an amateur production as stated on the Pavilion website.

Everyone who loves Grease the movie will already be familiar with the hit songs from this show and the cast carried them off brilliantly. We were surprised to find Paul from the popular shoe shop Mathews in Christchurch playing Kenickie and a fabulous job he did too!

Rizzo, Danny and Sandy were just a few of the other characters with outstanding voices and very realistic to the movie, although the whole cast were amazing.
We were very impressed with the dance routines, singing and quality of the acting and this certainly did not come across as an amateur performance.

Brilliant set designs although a little slow to change at times, they were worth the wait.
The first night was dress up night and there were lots of pink ladies in the audience which added to the atmosphere.

We recommend this summer sizzler which will appeal to every Grease fan young and old.

The show is on at Bournemouth Pavilion from 21 – 25 July 2015, under 14's must be accompanied by an adult.

You can buy tickets here

Mini Steam on the Quay

Mini Steam on the Quay

Celebrate the sights, sounds and smells of the age of steam when mini traction engines come to Poole Quay.
The glorious age of steam will be returning to Poole on Saturday 16 May as a festival of mini steam engines take over Poole Quay.
Now in its fifth year, Poole’s Mini Steam on the Quay will see some of the most beautiful and detailed mini steam and traction engines, some which have featured on the Discovery Channel, on display and running from 10am-5pm.
Featuring unique mini steam engines, there will be everything to keep steam enthusiasts young and old happy. Organised by local enthusiast Richard Harvey, the event will include the chance to ride on the special engines.
With face painting on site it's a great day out for the whole family.

Running festival fun for all the family

Families and runners of all abilities are encouraged to head to Poole Park for the 2015 Poole Festival of Running.

Organised by Borough of Poole and Poole Runners, the event is taking place on Sunday 7 June and welcomes everyone, from first time runners and children to elite athletes.

The races include a 5km and 10km for adults and over 15s and a series of races for 8-14s and an under 8s fun run. There will also be entertainment for all ages. There are medals, prizes and trophies to be won, with all races time chipped.

Kevin McErlane, Head of Culture and Community Learning, Borough of Poole, said: “Borough of Poole is pleased to be supporting this great event. Festival of Running is a great family day out. Even if you aren’t running you can still enjoy the many attractions, children’s activities and additional entertainment in the park.”

Poole Festival of Running supports Poole Hospital Charity with money going to the Dorset Cancer Centre.

Places are filling up fast and entry is limited. To enter online and for more information go to:  www.poolerunners.com . Visit facebook  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Poole-Festival-of-Running/296500140462202?fref=ts

Join The Gruffalo’s Child trail at Moors valley

 

Families are invited into the deep dark wood this autumn and winter to find The Gruffalo’s Child, who has followed The Gruffalo out of his comfortable cave for a trail adventure at Moors Valley.

From 3 October 2014 until 22 February 2015, self-led Gruffalo’s Child activity trails will be in place at Moors Valley near Ringwood, and 23 other Forestry Commission forests across England, continuing the nationwide celebrations of the 10^th anniversary of the book’s publication.

While following the trail route, families can take part in activities based on their favourite book’s characters.  The trail will lead them through the forest using activity boards to help them discover nature and woods at a time of the year when forests are at their most beautiful and the animals are preparing for winter.

In addition, there will be activity packs available for £2, which will include a foraging bag, a fun-packed activity leaflet, a colouring-in sheet and a special Gruffalo's Child sticker. These special packs will encourage children to learn more about the behaviour of animals in autumn and how they search for food, create shelters and prepare for the cold winter months.

For more information go to www.moors-valley.co.uk or call the Rangers on 01425 470721.

  

The Clay Studio

 

 

 

 

Last week we were invited to visit The Clay Studio and ceramic café in Christchurch.  The Clay Studio is situated on the corner of the Fountain roundabout and has it's own dedicated parking bays.

We were surprised by how much space they have, downstairs is a dedicated room used for children's parties where they are able to supply their own food. They also hold  mother and baby days and are very accommodating of parents with pushchairs. There is a baby change area and they are happy for mums to breastfeed their baby.

The girls painted a mug each and were able to choose their own colours and make a design of their choice and it was a welcome change in pace from the busy theme parks and endless car journeys. There are lots of items to choose from and we were impressed to watch a family paint in silence, mum dad and little girl were all quietly painting their own pieces and engrossed in their own work.

The Clay Studio offers much more then you realise, popular as a venue for a hen party yet somewhere relaxing to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by. You don't have to paint, it's a café in it's own right offering a range of food and drinks and seating both inside and out.

Something I wish I had done with my own babies is the first impressions clay imprints, the child's hand and footprints placed onto clay for a keepsake. This is a also a great place to make your own unique gift or holiday souvenir. Take a look at the website to see what else they do.

 

 

 

Here are the finished mugs after being glazed.

 

See what else you can paint at The Clay Studio

 

The Clay Studio

The Fountain

1 High Street

Christchurch

Dorset BH23 1AE

 

Tel: 01202 475000

.