Seasons - NorthHantsMum

NHM Readers Recommend: Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

Posted by juliet on 24th May 2018 in Family, Health, New Parents, NHM Readers, Shopping, Summer 0 Comment

An NHM Reader recently asked “I’m looking for a sunscreen recommendation. It needs to be suitable for the face, sensitive skin. Ideally non greasy, non clogging and not full of chemicals. I don’t like it to feel sticky or slimy and if there is such a thing as a matt one that would be amazing. What do you use on your faces ladies?”

Thank you to the NHM Community for all your responses, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers recommend sunscreen for sensitive skin

Wendy said “General rule for Sun cream, the ones that are nice to put on are not nice for children’s skin. Mineral ones are better for sensitive skin and you need to patch test each year as skin changes. Also factor 30 is better for sensitive skin, offers almost the same protection but doesn’t clog the skin up the way 50 does.”

Childs Farm Suncream:

Emma said “I use the new Childs Farm suncream on my baby and I tested it myself and it’s brilliant. All natural ingredients, approved for use of sensitive skin & eczema sufferers and as a bonus is made in Sherborne St. John so it’s a local business!

https://www.childsfarm.com/products/50-spf-sun-cream-fragrance-free-125ml

Jo asked “How many stars does it have with regards to uva and uvb protection?”

Emma replied “Jo, just went on their Facebook page and found this in the comments…

“Childs Farm: Hi Rachel, sunburn is caused by UVB rays, so the level of UVA protection won’t defend against sunburn. However UVA 3* is a high level and meets the EU requirements on sun protection. The SPF reading shows you the level of protection against UVB rays. Our sun care range is SPF 50+, however in testing it came out as SPF 71 – this is very high protection against UVB rays, which are the cause of sun burn. We hope that helps”

“Childs Farm: Hi Lisa, the UVA star rating system was developed by Boots, it is not an EU requirement to have a UVA star rating. Our UVA star rating according to the Boots system is 3 which a good level of protection and meets the EU requirements for UVA protection – this is displayed on the back of the packaging as a symbol with UVA printed in a circle. As far as we know, all sunscreens that are suitable for sensitive and also eczema-prone skin have achieved a 3* rating, as it is has not been possible to achieve a 5* rating using ingredients that are suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Hope that helps””

Vicky asked “Emma, can I ask if the Child’s Farm was greasy on looking / feeling at all on your face? I used a Piz Buin one specifically for the face on Saturday and within a couple of hours my eyes felt like they were on fire!!”

Emma replied “Vicky, I haven’t found it greasy. It sinks in really quickly and feels more like a moisturiser than a suncream to me. But I think it’s one of those things – everyone’s skin is different”

Herbalife nutrition:

Leah said “I work with herbalife nutrition and we have a big skincare range. Within this range is spf30 cream. I use this on all of us, incl the kids. It smells nice, is not greasy & kind to sensitive skin”

Sunsense:

Colleen said “We’ve used Sunsense in the past. Very good and non-greasy, and the roller-ball is great for application. However, it’s quite pricey so we’re trying the Aldi Extra Sensitive one, no reactions so far but am keeping a close eye.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sunsense-Ultra-SPF50-Sunscreen-500/dp/B000LNG1J0/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1525784899&sr=1-1&keywords=sun%2Bsense&th=1

They seem to have updated the packaging since we bought it – now indicates that it has 5* UVA, which I was never sure about.”

Neals Yard

Zoe said “Neals yard do a nice one. It takes a little while to absorb but doesn’t irritate my skin or slip into my eyes.”

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/corp/area/shop-online/category/sun-care/product/0761/wild-rose-moisturising-spf-30-50ml/

Christa replied “I use this one too, like Zoe, It’s lovely and light, Organic and smells beautiful.”

Soltan – Boots

Rachael said “Soltan from boots it’s 5 star for uva protection and really nice to wear”

Libby said “We use boots soltan once because it provides 8 hours of protection so covers the school day. It is thick but it needs to last!”

Wendy replied “And it doesn’t sting sensitive skin”

Ruza “So my understanding is from a dermatology perspective factor 30 is the maximum you should be using. Factor 50 does not allow the skin to breathe, clogs up pores, it can cause the skin to overheat and doesn’t allow for any natural skin defense to occur. I use boots factor 30 once (kids) for myself as well as my son. I can wear it on the face, but my son really doesn’t like it, so he has a big wide-brimmed hat, that shields the face.”

Ultrasun:

Sarah said “We use Ultrasun as my daughter has eczema and can’t use suncream with perfume/chemicals in and the Ultrasun is ideal for sensitive skin. It is not greasy at all, but is a bit pricey at about £20 for 100ml but is worth it.

https://www.ultrasun.com/en-GB/shop/body-sensitive-skin/product/family-spf-30-2/100

Charlotte relied “We use this!”

The Green People:

Alison said “I use the Green People suncream on the kids and they have a great adults face suncream spf30 which is brilliant and doesn’t feel greasy at all. Not the cheapest tho ….”

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Sitting With Jane Art Trail revealed – Basingstoke’s Unique Celebration of Jane Austen’s Life on her 200th Anniversary

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on 9th July 2017 in Basingstoke, Events, Family, Free, Hampshire, North Hampshire, Outings, Picnic's, Summer, Things to Do 0 Comment

I keep seeing what my family is now calling the “Jane chairs” all over Basingstoke but wasn’t exactly sure what was going on with them.

So I was really pleased when a local Marketing company contacted me to ask me to share what it’s all about with the lovely NHM Community.

The trail maps are available in print in places such as The Willis Museum or available for download on www.sittingwithjane.com

Sitting With Jane

‘Sitting With Jane’ is a public art trail in Basingstoke, Hampshire that opens on 17 June. The trail is made up of 24 ‘BookBenches’, each designed with a Jane Austen theme to celebrate Jane Austen’s birthplace and home for 25 years of her life, 200 years after she died.

Each BookBench acts as a 3D canvas – making the finished piece, not only a work of art, but an attractive piece of street furniture that will be accessible for all to see and sit on, to contemplate the artist, Jane Austen or the scene and landscape where it is located. It forms part of a worldwide celebration of Jane Austen’s life, and the ‘Jane Austen 200 – A life in Hampshire’. Sitting With Jane is being organised by not-for-profit company Destination Basingstoke, with headline sponsor, Festival Place.

The BookBenches have been designed and painted by a range of artists and are being installed in locations around Basingstoke and Deane borough as well as in Alton, Chawton and at Winchester Cathedral. The trail will take people on a voyage of discovery of original pieces art and locations that played a part in the Jane Austen story. There is free access for all whether they are Jane Austen or art enthusiasts or just want a free family day out.

A free to download app is now available to guide people around the trail, and a trail map is available at local outlets.

“This is the culmination of months of work and it is very exciting to see not only all the artists’ work, which is spectacular, but to see the BookBenches installed into places that showcase the Basingstoke area’s heritage, past and present”, said Felicity Edwards from Destination Basingstoke.

“We are really excited to see Sitting With Jane coming to life for everybody to enjoy this summer. It’s such a creative and inclusive way to celebrate this important anniversary, and the artists have clearly been inspired by the Jane Austen story and its connections with Basingstoke. Following the trail the grand auction of BookBenches offers the chance to own a unique piece of art while helping Ark Cancer Centre Charity raise valuable funds.”, added Sally-Ann Wilkinson, Director of Wild in Art.

The ‘Wild in Art’ event, is delivered by Destination Basingstoke as part of their work to showcase the quality of life in the Basingstoke area, this project is in association with Festival Place. The project is funded entirely by sponsorship and all of the BookBenches will be auctioned with proceeds to charity on 15 September.

Ark Cancer Centre Charity trustee Merv Rees said: “Ark Cancer Centre Charity is proud to be the charity partner for Sitting With Jane, and a successful auction of the BookBenches is a key part of the event and our 2017 fundraising campaign.

“The charity will receive 75 per cent of the proceeds raised from the auction of the BookBenches on Friday, September 15, and all of that money will help to fund the much-needed local cancer treatment centre. By looking after, as well as enjoying, the BookBenches, members of the public will be helping to ensure that the best sale price can be achieved for each one at the auction, and the largest possible sum is raised for the charity, so thank you in advance for your support.”

More information about the companies and charities involved

Destination Basingstoke: Destination Basingstoke is an independent, not-for-profit company working with businesses and other partners to promote Basingstoke and the surrounding area for its quality of life and quality of business.

The idea for Sitting With Jane has been developed by Destination Basingstoke as a creative way to encourage visitors to explore in and around Basingstoke to enjoy everything the area has to offer from the superb countryside, great leisure and cultural offer as well as appreciate the wealth of local history and heritage – and especially the area’s strong connection with Jane Austen. The project forms part of the ‘Jane Austen 200 – A Life in Hampshire’ project led by the Hampshire Cultural Trust. The project is entirely funded by sponsorship with Festival Place the headline sponsor. Destination Basingstoke will not receive any of the income from the charity auction.

Ark Cancer Centre Charity is the charity partner of the Sitting With Jane event, and is raising £5million towards a unique local cancer treatment centre that will be built in the Basingstoke area.

The success of Ark Cancer Centre Charity’s £5m appeal will ensure a range of support services and complementary therapies are available alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments in a calm and uplifting environment.

The new centre is largely being funded by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT). It is earmarked for a location in the Basingstoke and Deane area, and if the preferred site near to Junction 7 of the M3 is approved, it will be easily accessible to everyone in the HHFT region.

The charity auction will take place on Friday 15^th September – 75% of the proceeds will be received by Ark Cancer Centre Charity and 25% will be received by Wild in Art.

Wild in Art:

Wild in Art is one of the leading creative producers of spectacular, mass-appeal public art events, which connect businesses, artists and communities through the power of creativity and innovation. Since 2008 Wild in Art has animated cities across the world including Sydney, Melbourne, Cape Town and São Paulo and created trails for the London 2012 Olympics, the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Historic Royal Palaces and Aardman Animations.

Wild in Art events have:

Attracted over 7 million additional visitors to host cities across the UK and worldwide
Contributed over £1.2m to local creative communities
Enabled over £10m to be raised for charitable causes
Engaged over 100,000 young people in creative programmes

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Review 2016: Chineham Splash Park

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on 9th August 2016 in Basingstoke, Family, NorthHantsMum Community, Outings, Picnic's, Reviews, Reviews of Days Out, Spring, Summer, Swimming, Things to Do 3 Comments

Thank you very much to one of the NHM Writers, Karen, for this fab review!

Thank you also to Michelle for the pictures!

About

Chineham Splash Park is a new, free water activity open between 10:00 and 19:00 until september. It is situated in Chineham park and also boasts a large field with a half pipe and outdoor trail gym.

When we attended we arrived before 10:00 and the park was already filling up with excited children and parents with picnic blankets.

Once 10:00 finally came around someone pressed the activation button and it was only moments before all the shrieking children were soaking wet and running around in the water jets.

Facilities and Food

There has also been a portacabin toilet that was added to the splash park in the past week. However, the park unfortunately lacks any other facilities but the Popley Spotlight centre are happy for people to pop in and use the toilets and they also sell refreshments. Bare in mind that is a 5 minute walk away so if there’s only one adult in your group you’ll probably end up packing away your things.

You might want flipflops or sandals for wet children to wear as well as extra towels or clothes to put on over wet swimming costumes for the trips to the toilets. Don’t forget your swimming costumes, towels and swim nappies as well as sun protection.

The area has several picnic benches but they are unshaded in the morning so bring a picnic rug or blanket and head under the trees.

Parking

There are around 20 parking spaces at the park and others in residential streets a bit further away

Tips

Our top tips are to consider bringing the buggy (or a shopping trolley) to load everything in for trips to the toilet, don’t forget your own potty to avoid a few and arrive early before it fills up.

Older excited children might be a bit daunting for the little ones so bring a towel for yourself so you can encourage them in (and cool off) and a carrier if you have a baby.

If the water isn’t working, don’t leave, the council advise that if its been on constantly for a long time sometimes the reservoir will need 30 minutes to refill.

Rating

We enjoyed the splash park so it scores a 5/5 from the Johnson family.

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Holiday Clubs in North Hampshire

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on 26th June 2016 in After School Clubs, Basingstoke, North Hampshire, Parents, Summer Holidays 0 Comment

Thank you very much to Shona for putting this post together!

Holiday Clubs in North Hampshire

Koosa Kids – from 4 years to 13 years

Koosa Kids offers holiday activities in various place. Locally there is Alton, Tadley and Fleet. There are over 350 activities including; drama, water play, cricket, football and Go Karts. Children are grouped by age and will be allocated a Coach and Assistant Coach. There are Paediatric First Aiders around at all times. Koosa kids accept childcare vouchers. If you book 2 children a 3rd goes free.

Prices: Days start from £19.75 per day and you get an 8% discount if you book a whole week.

Session times: Open from 8.15am to 6pm daily.

Koosa Kids

TGZ Holiday Club – from 4 years to 12 years

Based at Farnborough Grange Nursery and Community Infant School this holiday club includes a wide range of activities such as arts, sports and games.

Price: £10 per session (8.30am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 5.30pm), £15 per short day (10am-4pm) or £20 per longer day (8.30am – 5.30pm)

To book please email: Claire Dixon

Premier Performing Arts Creative Holiday Camps – 5 years to 16 years

This club is at the Vyne School. It gives children the opportunity to be creative, perform and make new friends. All staff are DBS checked and experienced performing arts coaches. The fun filled workshops are themed and enable children to have an unforgettable dance and drama experience. At the end of the workshop, come and see how they have developed! Week 1: Meet the BFG, Week 2: The Lion King Week 3: Olympic Super Hero Training Camp, Week 4: Introducing… the Pop Icons!

Prices: £20 per day (special 15% discount if booked by 2 weeks in advance. To become a Premier member (FREE) go to the book online link below and you then can get sibling discounts and other discounts.

Session times: Sessions are 9am to 3.30pm but can book extended time (8.30am-5pm) for only £5 which includes a healthy snack.

For more information call 01953499040.

Book online

To book with Childcare Vouchers email using this link requesting the form.

Premier Sport ‘Inspire to Engage’ Holiday Sports Camp – From 4 years to 13 years

This club is at the Vyne School. It gives children the opportunity to experience a varied range of sports in a safe and enriching environment. All staff are DBS checked. The days are designed to have a healthy sporting experience with other children their age.There will be lots of games and activities including fencing, archery, lacrosse, dodgeball, football, tennis and many more. There are 4-5 different sports per day

Prices: (£17 if booked more than 2 weeks in advance). 9am – 12.30pm is £12 per day (£10.20 if booked more than 2 weeks in advance) and 8.30am – 5pm is £25 per day (£21.25 if booked more than 2 weeks in advance). To become a Premier member (FREE) go to the book online link below and you then can get sibling discounts and other discounts.

For more information call 01953499040.

Book online

SCL – Club Energy & Soccer Schools – 4 years to 12 years

SCL has been running holiday activities for more than 10 years and have been awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for their holiday activities at Easter. They run across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and the London Boroughs. For 4-5 year olds, their days will be like they are at nursery; activities will be set out to cover the EYFS 7 areas of learning with a key worker for each child. Within Club energy these are the plans: For 6-8 year olds there is an activity programme where children can improve their social skills, team building and individuality. For 9-12 year olds there will be a wide range of activities to challenge and motivate them. There is also the Soccer Schools which provide: 4-5 year olds with an introduction to football through fun and imaginative games and practices. 6-8 year olds with a focus on player development through enjoyable drills and sessions. 9-12 year olds with skill specific drills and tactical awareness.

Prices: Standard day (9.45am – 4pm) £22 per day or £88 per week. Extended day (8.,30am – 5.30pm) £25 per day or £100 per week. There is a 25% sibling discount and they also accept childcare

vouchers.

For more information call 03456445747

SCL – Education through sport

Fun House – 4 years to 14 years

Fun House runs a Holiday Club from their location at Daneshill Industrial Estate. They were awarded a ‘Good’ from Ofsted. They provide a well planned and organised play environment which allows children to explore, experiment and make decisions for themselves.

Prices: Long days are charged at £25 per child per day or £105 per week. Short days are charged at £19.50 per child per day. There is a £3.50 per child per day charge for lunch. They do accept childcare vouchers.

Sessions: A full day is from 8am – 6pm. A short day is 9am – 3.30pm

Fun House

Cornerstone Holiday Club – 6 years to 11 years

Cornerstone offer a Holiday Club during school holidays which is held in a private contained room at Playdays Play Centre. For more information send an email. You can also have a look at their facebook page.

For more information call 01256818118

Spotlight Centre – 5 years to 16 years

Spotlight is a charity working with over 600 children every week during term time providing fun activities. They run a holiday club where all staff are DBS checked which includes art and crafts, games, sports, dance and drama plus much more.

For more information call 01256325420

Spotlight Centre

ISIS Holiday Club

ISIS run an after school club during term time and offer a Holiday Club during all the holidays. They have a big outdoor space and a park very close by which they use for outdoor games. Indoors they provide arts and crafts, games, computers, a reading area and a quiet area. There is also a place for children to complete their homework.

Prices: £25 per full day which includes all activities, mid morning and afternoon snacks. £3.50 per hour for a minimum of 5 hours.

For more information call 07516828567 or 07516209578

ISIS Afterschool and Holiday Club

Willowdene Funky Monkey Holiday Club – Pre-school children

Funky Monkey is the pre-school holiday club. Children have access to a broad range of activities and resources including games, craft, cooking, reading, construction and role play plus many more. There are also opportunities for outings to the park and on nature walks.

Prices: £5.90 per hour for 2 year olds and £5.60 per hour for children aged 3+. Breakfast served between 7.30am and 8.30am for a charge of £1. Lunch served between 11.30am and 12.30pm for £2.50. Tea is served between 4pm and 5pm for £2.50.

Sessions: from 7.30am to 6pm.

Funky Monkey Holiday Club

Willowdene Club Holiday Club – Reception age +

Willowdene Club Holiday Club offers children a wide range of activities including free areas for reading, writing, role play and computing as well as activities such as arts and crafts, cookery and games.

Prices: £2.70 per hour for school aged children. Breakfast served between 7.30am and 8.15am for a charge of £1. Lunch served between 11.30am and 12.30pm for £2.50. Tea is served between 4pm and 5pm for £2.50.

Sessions: from 7.30am to 6pm.

Willowdene Club Holiday Club

Tetra Brazil – from 5 years to 15 years

Tetra Brazil works from Sherfield Park Community Centre during the summer holidays. They provide players with an authentic Brazilian based coaching for football based on techniques and tactics used by some of the world’s best players. Tetra Brazil has 5 phases (age groups) however for holiday clubs they only operate phases 2 -4. Phase 2 (5-7 year olds) focus on ball familiarity and developing a passion for the game. Phase 3 (8-11 year olds) focus on technical proficiency in a competitive environment. Phase 4 (12 – 15 year olds) learn team tactics, performing under pressure and understanding good match preparation.

Prices: Half days cost £7.50 per session and full days cost £15 per day. For Monday – Friday half days £30 and Monday – Friday full days £60.

Session times: Half day is 9am – 12pm and a full day is 9am – 3pm. You can also book a full week of half days or full days

For more information please call 03302233613

Tetra Brazil

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NorthHantsMum Summer Break 2016

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on 11th June 2016 in NorthHantsMum, Summer 0 Comment

Ever since I started NorthHantsMum I’ve taken break during the summer holidays.

I’m planning to do the same this summer too (21st July to 5th September 2016), especially as this is Miss NHM’s first summer holiday.

I will still be working and Miss NHM will be going to “holiday club” for a couple of days a week but I still want to spend as much time as I can with her, so that she gets a proper break too.

I also have a number of administrative tasks for NHM that need to be done in the back ground and rather than have to panic about whether a post is scheduled for the following day, I need to use that energy to focus on these tasks.

Therefore, if you have ANY events or classes that are still running during the summer or if you have any posts you would like me to publish during the summer holidays, please let me know ASAP so that I can get them scheduled early.

Please email me at NorthHantsMum@gmail.com with the details and ensure that any pictures are in .jpeg format.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

Roll on Summer 😀

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NHM Readers Top Tips for Keeping Cool

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on 28th May 2016 in Mum "Top Tips", NHM Readers, Summer 0 Comment

YAY! It’s Half Term!!! Whoop Whoop!!

So, on the off chance the weather is lovely during half term I thought I’d post up the responses that I asked for last year on on my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook, for top tips for staying cool with little ones in the heat.

Thank you very much to everyone who responded and thank you to Shona for putting this together!

NHM Readers Top Tips for Keeping Cool

Louise said:

Gazebo, paddling pool and lots of water and ice pops!!!

Lisa said:

Be still like crocodiles as much as possible! LOTS of water. Keep all windows shut to keep coolness in. Run cold water over wrists for 1 minute to cool down. Hats and lots of shade when outside.

Lisa B said:

Hang around lolly freezers – make sure children take ages to choose

Hayley said:

Sun shade, lots of water and paddling pool.

What are your suggestions for keeping cool in the hot weather?

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NHM Readers Favourite Beaches

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on 2nd August 2015 in Outings, Summer, Swimming 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook what their recommendations for beaches within an hours drive of North Hampshire were and why they would recommend them. (Thank you very much to everyone who responded!)

This is what they came back with, in no particular order!

NHM Readers Favourite Beaches

1. West Wittering

Liane said: West Wittering! Super flat with fab sand dunes

Louise: West Wittering. My kids have loved this beach from such a young age. Does not cost a fortune as you don’t have all the funfairs and shops there. Beautiful day out that encourages children to use there imagination

West Wittering

2. Lepe Country Park

Wendy: Votes for both Lepe (ideal for all year round, we go every Christmas and Easter) and Southbourne.

Kate: Lepe near Hythe this side of the New Forest. Country Park area above it, cafe and sand! You do pay to park.

Lepe Country Park

3. Alum Chine, Bournemouth

Kelly: Alum Chine paddling pool, park, toilets, cafe and landtrain into Bournemouth

Louise @ NHM: Alum Chine is one of our favourite beaches.

Alum Chine

4. Mudeford

Alison: Mudeford. Playground, Sandy beach and grass area , can also take a little boat over the water to a lovely sheltered beach perfect for little ones to paddle

Gloria: Mudeford near so less time in the car more time on the nice quiet sandy beach

Mudeford

5. Frensham Pond

Su: Frensham Pond, sandy lakeside beach, shallow perfect for paddling, no waves, cafe, toilets and parking and closer than the coast

Review: Frensham Common

6. Cotswold Water Park beach

Claire: Cotswold water park beach.

Cotswold Water Park beach

7. Royal Victoria Country Park

Claire: The Royal Victoria Country Park at Netley, no sandy beach as such – play area, small train and nice for little ones! Place to eat or picnic.

Wendy: Also Victoria royal country park has a little bit of beach for kids who think they want the beach but would actually prefer the park or a train.

8. Southbourne nr Bournemouth

Carley: Southbourne nr Bournemouth…fab sand, looks, a few ice cream shops and cable car for the journey back up the cliff… Love it there!

Southbourne nr Bournemouth

9. Sandbanks in Poole

Jason: Sandbanks; all good, but all a little more than an hour

Emma; Sandbanks in Poole although a bit more than an hour. Lovely long sandy beach, play area, cafe, clean toilets and also up one end for families with dogs – dogs allowed all year round

Sandbanks

10. Weymouth

Danielle: Weymouth beach is great for kids bit more than a hours drive though.

Jason: Weymouth, Swanage (added benefit of being able to ‘Park and Ride’ on a Steam Train) but all a little more than an hour

Weymouth Beach

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12 Free Activities over the summer holidays

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on 19th July 2015 in Summer Holidays 0 Comment

I will keep adding to this list as I think of them. Feel free to add your suggestions too! Thanks!

12 Free Activities over the summer holidays

1. Hug a tree in Basing Wood, Basingstoke

2. Play on the wooden structures in Micheldever Wood, near Micheldever

3. Explore Farleigh Mount, Winchester

4. Spend a few hours going up and down the slide at Basing Lime Pits, Basingstoke

5. Splash in the water park at California Country Park, Finchampstead

6. Go fishing at Eastrop Park

7. Go paddling at the tiny beach at Fleet Pond

8. Sleep under the stars (in the garden)

9. Make some daisy chains

10. Visit your local library

11. Print off the latest Nature Detectives activity

12. Go paddling at the “beach” in Frensham Ponds

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NHM’s Summer Holiday 2015…

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on 16th July 2015 in Summer Holidays 0 Comment

I’m planning to step back from NHM a little bit over the summer holidays.

The last 12 months have been awesome but hard work because I now get a lot more requests for posts that I used too! (I’m not moaning, just saying :-D).

So I need a bit of a break.

I will still publish the regular Monday “Things to do” post and the Wednesday “Guest Post” but I’m going to see how it pans out for the rest of the week.

In the meantime, I have lots of posts in my “floating posts” list in Todoist (and half drafted in Evernote) and I would like to get lots of them finished and ready for you!

I also need some time to get the new NorthHantsMum website ready, clean up the site and get things in order, ready for September.

If you have any events, new classes, etc. that you would like to be publicised over the Summer Holidays or for September please can you email me atNorthHantsMum@gmail.com with at least THREE weeks notice so I have time to get everything scheduled.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding!

Yay for Summer holidays 😀

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Paddling Pools/Splash Pools in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on 1st July 2015 in Outings, Seasons, Summer, Swimming 0 Comment

It’s tooooo hot today, so if you are looking for somewhere to take the children and cool off, this post might help.

Don’t forget to keep covered, even when you are in the water in the sun!

If you are looking for local Lido’s in Hampshire, check out my post from a few years ago which has a list of local Lido’s and their details.

Also, check out Chineham Splash Park which opened in 2016.

Hampshire

Eastrop Park

Eastrop Park has a paddling pool that is VERY popular in the warmer weather.

There are two car parks and the first one always gets very busy, very quickly.

If you walk into town, there is also a splash area on the way, although I’m always a bit dubious about the quality of the water here.

Fleet Pond, near Farnborough, also has a very small beach.

Gosport Splash Park

Gosport Splash Park was refurbished a few years ago and it looks brilliant!

It’s open from 10am till 7pm from March to October.

Berkshire

Wellington Country Park, Berkshire

A new splash Zone opened at Wellington Country Park in May 2016.

It’s suitable for all ages up to 8 years old.

California Country Park, Finchampstead

California Country Park, Berkshire, has a fenced off paddling pool.

A NHM Secret Reviewer did a Review of California Country Park in 2014 so if you need more details about the Country Park, check out this post.

Beale Park, Berkshire

Beale Park has a paddling pool which is open from Easter Weekend.

There is an entry fee to pay to get into Beale Park.

Surrey

Frensham Ponds

Frensham Pond is a natural area which has a proper beach.

A NHM Secret Reviewer very recently reviewed Frensham Common which provides details about the area.