Free taster sessions available with spaces on Monday 11th and Monday 18th March, 10.30am in Overton Community Centre
Baby Mindful classes are an amazing opportunity for parent and baby to connect and spend time getting to know each other in a calm supportive environment. It’s so easy to be caught in a whirlwind of being busy, and Baby Mindful is an opportunity to leave the to-do list and worries behind, and focus on your baby, and also your needs too – Time to just “be” rather than “do”.
You will also learn tools to help you manage the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood (and indeed life!), that will remain valuable throughout your journey as a parent – the ability to respond rather than react to situations, and be the calm your baby seeks.
The classes follow a different theme each week and offer a range of activities to support the natural development of your baby, using activities that will gently stimulate and calm them and support their cognitive, communicative, social, emotional and physical development.
Each class has seven sections with different activities in each – Move, Play, Stretch, Feel, Breathe, Believe and Relax – with benefits for both your baby and you.
Weekly classes will be starting in Overton after Easter, with some taster sessions coming soon. I can also visit your home for 1:1 or family sessions, or for a session with your own group of friends, such as a NCT group.
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Local dad Simon Shlomo Kahn, professionally known as SK Shlomo, grew up in Buckinghamshire and now lives in Hook with his wife and two young children.
His breathtaking vocal skills gained him early recognition as a world record breaking beatboxer and world looping champion, and he has worked with superstar fans like Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, Rudimental and Bjork.
“Beatboxing is the art of creating unbelievably rich music using nothing but your voice” says Shlomo. “Beatboxers can create the sound of a full orchestra or electronic track – the drums, the keyboards, the basslines, all performed using nothing but a mouth and a mic.
“It’s an amazingly empowering way for people from all walks of life to express themselves and I love teaching people how simple it is to make vocal rhythms”
SK Shlomo is bringing his family theatre show “Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids” to Basingstoke Anvil this Easter on April 16th, where everyone young and old can become one of his superstar sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music.
“Hook is a great place for families. We’ve made lots of lovely friends here on the school and nursery run who keep asking me to bring my kids show to a local theatre so we are finally doing it! The Anvil is a great venue and I’m really excited to share my love of music with the next generation of music makers. My own boys are excited they can finally come to a show too but I know the parents will have just as much fun!”
Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids is currently on tour and is at Basingstoke Anvil on April 16th 2019 Find out more: skshlomo.com/kids Book tickets now: anvilarts.org.uk or Box Office: 01256 844244
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In December 2018, a NHM Reader asked: “I’m trying to introduce my son and daughter to really good music, especially the classic tracks (not classical) from the last 50 years. What specific tracks would you recommend?”
Thank you for all your responses, they are listed below in no particular order. All opinions are the readers own and are not that of NHM.
NHM Readers Recommend: Classic Music Tracks Suitable for Children
Holly said, “Queen!”
Matthew said, “Acdc just get out classic rock and 80’s etc there are loads but just play them in car that’s what we do and kids love them.”
Natashia said, “Bee Gees/ Fleetwood Mac / Roxette / Bryan Adams / ABBA ……that’s just pop……or depending on their age they may prefer rock….otherwise ACDC, Crash Test Dummies, The Doors…list goes on …”
Emma said, “I love a bit of rolling stones! Though don’t listen to the lyrics too much so couldn’t say how appropriate they are.”
Hayley said, “Requested in our house: Levellers – One way, Beautiful Day, Angels. (They’re one of our favourite bands, we’ve taken the kids to the Beautiful Days festival for the last few years – they love it) Most songs by Bryan Adams. Guns’n Roses – Sweet child of mine. Rolling Stones – Sympathy for the Devil, Paint it black. Aerosmith – Pink, Crazy. Most songs by the Beatles. Bon Jovi – Livin’ on a prayer, Always. Blue Oyster Cult – Don’t fear the reaper. Madness – Our house, One step beyond. Specials – Ghost Town Fleetwood Mac – The Chain, Landslide. The girls also like a bit of Metallica, Rob Zombie, Oasis, Coldplay & Pearl Jam too.”
Melrose Hall said, “Love the Levellers, been a fan since 92! Saw them last week in Bristol as part of their 30th anniversary tour, just as brilliant as ever.”
Cerys said, “My teenage boys are huge Stones fans. We took them to see them live in Southampton earlier this year and they loved it… My 15 year old is sick of Queen! He likes 2 door cinema club, the Killers, the Gorillaz, 21 Pilots, Jimmy Hendrix, and all sorts of people I’ve never heard of.”
Kym said, “Michael Jackson, Beatles.”
Cat said, “My boys’ current favourites: Nickelback rockstar and MJ bad. We have Amazon prime music and I often ask varied playlists: classic rock, 80s rock, disco, 90s etc…”
Wendy said, “Radio 2!”
Allison said, “Don’t forget the Sergeant Pepper album – that’s a real classic with a mass of musical styles and instruments.”
Laura-Leigh said, “Fleetwood mac The eagles Abba The carpenters The beatles The beach boys Queen Eva cassidy Simon and Garfunkel”
Genni said, “The jam, blur, oasis, pulp, nirvana, the list goes on…”
Wendy said, “Just buy now 100, see what they like on it and go from there. My kids love the Smiths. The ministry compilations are also pretty good for trying out different types of music and kids love songs they know from films.”
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Amy said, “Fiona Wells Yoga…can highly recommend Fiona if she’s still running pregnancy classes.”
Wendy said, “I’d second Fiona”
Lisa said,”…Fiona too.”
Nickie said, “I went to Fiona to but that was 10 years ago. She was fab!”
NCT
Lottie said, “I did the NCT one in both my pregnancies and really enjoyed it.”
Elisa said, “I attended (NCT) these 5 years ago. Very good back then”
Anne-Marie said, “Nct at Brookvale on a Tuesday evening was lovely.”
Charlie said, “…I loved these classes and only just stopped going with my now 9 month old. Libby is fantastic.”
Taryn said, “NCT at brookvale is really great!”
Gemma said, ” I’d also recommend Fiona. Her classes were great and I came away with a great group of friends too.”
Hayley said, “Libby Ruth runs both pregnancy and postnatal yoga. You can take it at your own pace, which meant I actually went to class on my due date!!”
Libby Ruth replied, “Thank you so much for all the lovely comments for nct pregnancy yoga! We love running these classes. Do email me for more information yfp@basingstokenct.org.uk”
Helen said, “NCT at brookvale with Libby.”
Cerys said, “There’s a new NCT Yoga for Pregnancy class just started in Overton in Sunday evenings too, 6.00-7.30pm at Overton Community Centre.”
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In November 2018, a NHM Reader asked: “Hi, I am trying to find a dance class for my little girl who is 2, I’m struggling as most seem to start at 3, do you know of any?”
Thank you for all your responses, they are listed below in no particular order.
Please bear in mind that listings may change in subsequent years, but hopefully they will still be a good base point for your own research.
NHM Readers Recommend: Dance classes for two-year-olds
Jo said, ” I would highly recommend Lisa Beaumont ballet class on a Friday. My little girl started there and is 2 year 4 months. It’s a parent and baby class so parent does it alongside.”
Hayley said, “I second Lisa Beaumont School of Ballet too.”
Lottie said, “Another vote for Lisa Beaumont here too! Marnie has just turned 3 and started back in April and loves it!!!!”
Marion said, “A fourth vote for Lisa Beaumont. She’s very good. I danced professionally for a while in my youth (and still teach Zumba now) and I’m really flipping picky about who teaches my kids to dance. I recommend her highly.”
Tracey said, “I’ve just been to Lisa’ Beaumont’s class in Cliddesden painting pottery presents with everyone and they all have such a lovely time at the class and there were 2 year olds dancing too!”
Sarah said, “The Lynden School of Dance & Gymnastics take them from 2 and a half and have a parent and toddler class before this. They’ve been great for both my girls”
Lindsey said, “Footsteps Dance School – my daughter and nieces have been there since they were 2 and half and Kelly who teaches the class is just fantastic. Would highly recommend.”
Angela said, “MG school of dance at Popley fields community centre are a local dance school catering for all ages and abilities. We run classes in Modern, Tap, Ballet and Acro We have places on our Saturday classes offering the First lesson free.”
*Please note, in December 2018, MG School of Dance changed hands and became Poppies School of Dance*
Kimberley said, ” Basingstoke Tappers is a good one.”
Basingstoke Tappers replied, “Performing Arts Tots from 18 months ….Also Classes for all aged children & Adults…“
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If you’re going a bit stir crazy in the house and can’t face taking everyone out in the snow again because it means tonnes of coats, socks, boots, etc. that you need to dry after (no, just me? :-D), these are some historical posts from NHM that might be useful today.
Older children will also find some of these fun, as sensory activities don’t have an age limit.
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In July 2018, a NHM Reader asked: “I was wondering if you know of any local crash swimming courses for children?”
Thank you for all your responses, please be aware that listings may change over time but this should still be helpful as a basis for your own research. All opinions are the readers own and are not that of NHM.
Joanna said, “The sports centre do crash courses.”
Sarah said, “Bluefins at Cranbourne.”
Becky said, “My daughter has just done a crash course at the Sports Centre and she really enjoyed it.”
Karen said, “I recommend the Sports centre too.”
Andrea said, “We go to Bluefins at Cranbourne.”
Amanda said, “Aquadrome and tadley pool both do intensive courses, so five days a week for one week at a time. They learn faster as there’s no gap to forget things. Highly recommend.”
Ruth said, “We did it for our eldest, age 7? over a half term and he hasn’t looked back – Joanne is brilliant.” (Sports centre)
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In August 2018, an NHM reader asked: “Are there support groups or meet ups for babies with additional needs and epilepsy in the area.”
Thank you for all your responses, please be aware that listings may change over time but this should still be helpful as a basis for your own research. All opinions are the readers own and are not that of NHM.
Support groups for babies with additional needs and epilepsy 2018
Wendy said, “May be worth asking Spotlight UK if they know of any others.”
Louise said, “New epilepsy group starting 28th August please do come along for a coffee and chat”
Clare said, “Yes! Lovely bunch of people supported by amazing staff Tree tots at the Firvale centre in Rooksdown.
Every Wednesday 10-12. Term time
It’s free. Sensory room can be accessed.
Aimed at 0-5yrs but some mums come by selves whilst children at nursery etc. Happy to answer any questions or meet you outside on 1st time trying it.”
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In November 2018, a NHM Reader asked: “I have recently had my 5 week old daughter diagnosed with moderate hearing loss and will be having hearing aids. I just wondered if there were any groups or organisations In the area for parents with children who have hearing loss!”
Thank you for all your responses, they are listed below in no particular order.
Please bear in mind that listings may change in subsequent years, but hopefully they will still be a good base point for your own research.
NHM Readers Recommend: Groups for Children with Hearing Loss
Amanda said, “Chloe and Sophie’s special ears will be able to help – look them up, they are an amazing charity not far from Basingstoke.”
Luan said, “She could join the Basingstoke Voice group too as there may be advice for support on there.”
Rebecca said, “My son was diagnosed with a moderate hearing impairment at 6 weeks. He is 8 yrs old now and has had hearing aids since he was 6 months. My other son also has a hearing impairment and went through grommets and now has hearing aids. Happy to chat to this lady if she wants to message me.”
Sarah said, “There is a local group called the North Hampshire deaf children’s society. They have a Facebook page. There is also a toddler group run at park view infants by the specialist teachers for the deaf.”
Georgina said, “If she’s on instagram, Lucieandthebump has a son who is profoundly deaf and wears cochlear implants and their story may be of help.”
Tina said, “I am a mum to an almost 5 year old daughter whom was born deaf and been wearing hearing aids since she was about 10/14 days old. There is a toddler group think it run monthly at Park View the teachers of the deaf run it.”
Samantha said, “My baby boy is 12 weeks and has been diagnosed with same condition he got his hearing aids last weekend so in the same boat as this reader, happy to be put in touch.”
Sarah said, “…the North Hampshire deaf children’s society and the toddler group at Park View were brilliant. Thankfully my sons hearing problems were due to glue ear and sorted by grommets but the year he wrote hearing aids I found both groups useful.”
Victoria said, “My daughter (almost three years) has one sided hearing. There is a wonderful group that is run by specialist teacher advisors for Hearing Impairment. It’s called- “Early years stay and play sessions” and they run once a month from Park View…”
Rebecca said, “Welcome to the emotional, scary but wonderful world of a child with a hearing loss. I second what Victoria said… The stay and play run at Park View is great. And North Hampshire Deaf children Society are a wonderful welcoming group. She’ll have a teacher of the deaf soon who will be able to give her lots of advice soon too.”
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Helping out with NHM articles that past couple of years I have gained quite a lot of knowledge about local Santa and Christmas experiences and this year I finally got to experience the stuff of local Christmas legend, the Basingstoke Canal Santa Cruise.
About
Each year, in late September/early October the Basingstoke Canal visitor centre opens up early to take bookings for their Santa Cruises.
Tickets go fast and bookings can only be made in person or by phone so be prepared to spend a lot of time pressing redial.
One friend did decide to drive there one year to guarantee her spot by booking it in person, but I persevered with the phone and finally got through at around 11am on the first day of booking.
Their advice is to have a few dates in mind, especially if you want an evening or weekend, and also have the names and ages of children attending ready.
In 2018 the evening experiences cost £15.50 per person, weekend day times were £15 and weekday day time were £12. In December 2018 they ran six cruises a day and all but two cruises were sold out.
Fast forward to a very cold night in mid-December when I arrived at the centre in Mychett, with my four year old and almost eight year old and waited outside for our boat.
The area outside the centre had been dressed with Christmas lights and we were greeted by a giant inflatable Santa.
Facilities whilst waiting were basic, access to toilets and a bench to sit on inside an area normally used for changing, so dress for the weather and don’t leave your car too early.
We boarded the last boat of the day at 7pm. There are twelve people per cruise, including adults, our cruise had five children on board. After boarding the boat our guide asked the children to look out for Christmas lights and let her know when they saw them.
We cruised up the canal for about 10 mins, when we arrived at our jetty and got off the boat everyone was given a torch.
The guide then asked the children to look out for the red tinsel which would guide them to Santa, we followed the red tinsel through the dark woods until we found Santa’s grotto.
Santa’s grotto was a yurt, beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Inside we all sat on hay bales as we waited for Santa to wake up, once he did he chatted with us all as a group first before looking up names in his book and chatting individually to each child for a few minutes.
He adjusted his chat accordingly to the age and personality of the child and afterwards we sang a few songs, he then gave out gifts to each child, which already had their names on.
We were in the yurt for about 20 minutes. After we said goodbye to Santa we used our torches to find the silver tinsel that would guide us back out of the woods and back on to our boat where we opened our gifts, good quality, age appropriate books.
We then cruised back to the centre where we did some colouring whilst enjoying mince pies or chocolate bars and hot drinks, all included in the price. We left the centre at around 8.20pm.
Rating out of 5
We do a few Santa and Christmas experiences each year and this was a really lovely event, unlike anything we had done before and perfect for restoring the magic for my doubting older son.
The boat and the canal centre are practical rather than luxury but the uniqueness of the occasion and the enthusiasm of the guides and Santa, really made this feel special. None of the children became bored, with each activity taking the right amount of time.
All the food was branded with allergy information easily available but it would be fine to take your own if you needed to.
The experience was really good value for money and suitable for all ages, although I think older children would really prefer the after dark cruises.
Highly recommended.
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