Gary Cheeseman's blog

2012-02-02T08:08:00.002Z

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

2012-02-02T08:06:00.002Z

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

2012-02-02T08:04:00.003Z

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.

2012-01-31T11:12:00.002Z

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.

2012-01-26T22:11:00.004Z

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

2012-01-26T21:52:00.002Z

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

2012-01-26T21:38:00.008Z

Caterpillar Music offers learning in a fun and relaxed atmosphere where we allow every child to progress at their own pace. All our classes are carefully structured so that all Under 5's can partake in every activity and classes run at an appropriate pace in order to hold the attention of all the children. Our songs are exciting and fun and are accompanied by a wide selection of captivating puppets and exciting instruments - the puppets are incorporated into all of our songs and we are able to teach rhythm through use of our instruments. Caterpillar Music classes are varied week by week in order to stimulate and entertain yet all songs are repeated regulary throughout the term to maintain learning. EVERYONE is entitled to a FREE Trial Class !! Siblings are HALF-PRICE and if you have twins, then one twin is FREE Currently, we are also offering the following Special Offers:- Class are FREE for 0-3 month olds and HALF-PRICE for 3-6 month olds Call for more information 01983 617778 http://www.caterpillarmusic.com/class-leaders/160-maggie-carberry Caterpillar Music IOW have been nominated for not just one but two National Awards !! Nominated for "Most Outstanding Activity Leader for Under 5's (South region)" And also have been nominated for "Best Local Activity for Under 5's"

2012-01-26T14:32:00.001Z

STREET DANCE CLASSES All ages and abilities welcome. Come and learn some funky moves and tricks to the latest tunes. Street Dance is a form of dancing that has many different styles. Its requires lots of energy and creativity and is a great way to stay in shape and keep healthy. We have just launched our Funky T's, street Dance party class for toddlers. Let them burn of some of that never ending energy while having great fun. All Classes are held @ The Dance Studio, Sandown (next to the rugby club) All enquiries please call Michelle on 07825650408 or email: info@spotlightboutique.co.uk http://www.spotlightboutique.co.uk/Classes.html

2012-01-24T15:24:00.003Z

Mum and Baby Yoga ... This class allows both mums and infants to exercise together and is suitable for babies from three months to around eleven months (mobile) Yoga experience is not necessary. Baby Yoga is a natural progression of baby massage. The yoga allows your baby the freedom to stretch, relax and have fun in a safe setting. In these special classes we combine postnatal yoga exercises for the mothers with baby yoga to ensure that both mothers and babies enjoy their yoga experience. The classes will contain a mix of dynamic exercises, special holds and relaxation techniques. The postnatal yoga focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and re-building core strength whilst the Baby Yoga, through a combination of song, movement and yoga postures, provides an enjoyable physical experience for the mothers and babies. Enjoy tea and biscuits over baby chat with other new mums after the class. For more information and class times call 01983 840994 or http://www.yogaandtaichi.co.uk/classes.htm

2012-01-19T16:21:00.002Z

Rhythm Time provides three fun music courses which are specifically written for different age groups, babies, toddlers and preschool age children. If your child has benefited from sessions funded by your local Childrens Centre and you want to know more then please contact us. We run private sessions in Newport, Binstead, and Gurnard. The team provide a variety of instruments for children to experience, sessions are fantastic for confidence, social skills, speech, memory, singing and general wellbeing. www.rhythmtime.net call 07950 501763

2012-01-19T16:17:00.002Z

The Isle of Wight Karate and Self Defence club offers a wide range of classes for boys and girls. Our beginner classes are designed to teach children simple discipline and karate skills. Our weekly junior beginner classes (from 6 years old) are held every Tuesday 6-7pm and Saturday 10-11am or (from 13 years old) every Tuesday 7-8pm and Thursday 8-9pm at the Fitness Factory in Newport. Alternatively, we also run classes on a Wednesday at the West Wight Sports Centre in Freshwater between 7-8pm in the evening. In order for beginners to try our classes we offer the first session for FREE. Please email Mark at Sensei@onwight.net for a free trail voucher or for more details, please visit our website www.isleofwightkarate.co.uk. Join us on Facebook and please don’t forget to tell your friends and family www.facebook.com/IsleofWightKarate. We look forward to seeing you soon!

2012-01-17T22:23:00.003Z

Emmy Award-Winning Costumes from ‘the Tudors’ to go back on display at the Mary Rose Museum Friday 13th January to 15th April 2012 At the Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard The Mary Rose Trust is delighted to again be able to display some of the costumes, which were worn during the final season of the Emmy Award-winning series ‘The Tudors’ starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers. The costumes are on display during the museum opening hours which is daily from 10.00am – 4.30pm. For more information please go to www.historicdockyard.co.uk or call the Mary Rose Museum office 02392 812931. The costumes will go on display in the Mary Rose Museum from Friday 13th January until Sunday 15th April 2012. Entry can be gained with a ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The nine costumes on display will be those that were worn by Jonathan Rhys Meyers as King Henry VIII, Joss Stone as Anne of Cleves, Joely Richardson as Catherine Parr, Maria Doyle Kennedy as Catherine of Aragon, Natalie Dormer as Anne Boleyn, Annabelle Wallis as Jane Seymour and Tamzin Merchant as Catherine Howard. They were on show in 2010 at the Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition in the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Museum & Galleries, Los Angeles. They came to the UK for the first time in 2011 where they went on display at the Mary Rose Museum before moving onto the Royal Armouries in Leeds to appear in an outstanding exhibition.

2012-01-17T22:19:00.000Z

Act 1 Drama School – ‘Drama bringing ideas to life’At Act 1 Drama School we run classes on a Saturday morning for children between 4 to 12 years of age. Act 1 aims to help children express their individuality through drama. Having fun is vital. All the classes begin with drama games structured to release spontaneity and discover creativity. For children with or without drama experience For the younger ones Classes are small enough to provide individual attention for every child. We aim to encourage play; to freely invent and explore the exciting imaginary worlds and themes of stories. Dress up; explore characterisation, learn the skills of role play and improvisation as we act out the stories. Each term ends with an open session for parents to see the work that has been explored. Previous stories explored include: Pinocchio, The Magic Finger, The Tin Soldier, Portside Starboard Pirate ship. And Roald Dahl’s poems e.g The Crocodile. For the older children We encourage the children to be spontaneous, trust their instincts, and most importantly to work for each other. The classes involve theatre games, role play, improvisation, characterisation, devising, exploring language, text and learning scripts. Each term ends with an open session for parents to see the work that has been explored.Previous material explored include: Roald Dahl’s rhymes e.g The shark and Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker Pirate Blackbeard. Harry Potter The lion the witch and the wardrobe Short character monologues The Witches by Roald Dahl Classes Act 1 Saturday 4- 6 years 9.30 – 10.30am Act 2 Saturdays 7 – 12 years 10.45 – 12.15pm Act 3 Saturdays 13 – 15 years 12.30 – 2.00pm Venue Milton Village Community Hall 182 Milton Road Southsea Hants PO4 8PR Join us for a free taster class For more information or to book call 0239 2298402 or go to www.act1dramaschool.co.uk

2012-01-10T22:08:00.003Z

ZUMBATOMIC KIDS GET FIT, ROCK OUT AND HAVE A BLAST. Zumbatomic® classes are high-energy fitness-parties that offer real results. Packed with specially choreographed routines and the latest music, like hip-hop, reggaeton and cumbia, Zumbatomic classes increase focus and self-confidence, boost metabolism and improve coordination. More than just a great reason to head to the gym, Zumbatomic classes make getting fit a fun family experience too. Join Tiffany to have a funfilled half hour class either at :- Sandown Youth centre ( youth club ) Mondays 3.30-4pm 4-4.30pm Or at St John’s church ( the Beverley community hall) Thursdays 3.15-3.45pm 3.45-4.14pm Adult zumba classes and ‘mens only’ classes available call for details Contact Tiffany on 07810544577 tiffwightzumba@hotmail.co.uk Zumbatomic parties can also arranged

2011-12-01T11:54:00.002Z

AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust Program manager Paul Topping has been successfully running his soccer schools and camps on the Island for the past year. In this time he and his group of qualified coaches have, and continue to work with with hundreds of Island children, improving football skills and increasing enjoyment of the game. With sessions running Island wide on every day of the week Paul offers a wide range of opportunities for children to get involved. If your son or daughter would like to be a part of this fun football community then please contact Paul on 07514801968/paul.topping@afcb-iow.co.uk or visit www.afcb-iow.co.uk for further info.

2011-11-21T20:04:00.002Z

Pamela’s Swimming School is a friendly, well established swimming school with an excellent reputation for delivering high quality lessons that see children gain in confidence and ability. Class sizes are small, typically between 4 and 6 children, and lessons run for half an hour. All teachers are experienced and fully qualified to ASA Level 2. One to one lessons for children and adults are also available - please enquire. All swimmers progress by ability rather than age and the approach is one that mixes teaching with fun activities, particularly among the younger pupils. We are an Amateur Swimming Association school and pupils are encouraged by gaining the Amateur Swimming Association’s National Plan awards. We teach all four strokes, personal survival and a wide range of water skills from non-swimmer to advanced. We offer lessons after school on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the UKSA pool in Cowes. Please enquire about session times.For more information and to talk through your child’s swimming needs, please contact Pamela Ainslie on 01983 294014 or 07732 641125. References and testimonials are available on request.

2011-11-17T22:28:00.003Z

Bodster Equine Assisted Learning Centre a new business based at Aldermoor farm, Upton Road, Ryde. There is no riding involved but learners have experiences with horses, such as grooming, leading and taking part in team building exercises along with exercises such as choosing a horse to say hello to which allows learners to think about how they make choices. Bodster has received funding from Aiming High to offer subsidised courses as a short break for youngsters with complex needs. Bodster has also received funding from the Community Adult Learning to offer courses for learners 19+ with poor literacy and numeracy to achieve an NOCN qualification. For more details and to join a session please contact Jo Boddington on joandgi@googlemail.com

2011-10-05T19:24:00.001+01:00

Wightliving the island’s exciting new discount website offers you the very best handpicked offers with massive savings. How do you save money in 10 seconds? Well, here’s how: register your email address for free at www.wightliving.co.uk. You’ll find something for everyone with Wightliving from discounted places to stay to fabulous eating out, family entertainment, beauty, fitness, leisure, sports and more. You can also buy any of the voucher deals as gifts, all at bargain prices. So you get real value for money each week. And it's not too good to be true. Everyone benefits from these discounts – you enjoy big savings while local business reap the benefits. How does it work? All you have to do is register your email address for free. We then keep you regularly updated with new offers. But be quick to grab a deal. Our offers have limited availability, so you must act fast to take advantage of our great discounted deals. Just decide on how many vouchers you want to buy then it's a click away to purchase. It couldn’t be easier. We also help take you through every step of the way. So why not treat yourself to a bargain and sign up to Wightliving, the island’s premier discount website. Remember to spread the savings by spreading the word too, even if it’s a tweet or just a natter.

2011-03-23T10:31:00.002Z

AT MAYVILLE WE KNOW EDUCATION ISN’T AN EXACT SCIENCE While parents and teachers are bombarded everyday with the latest research to help their children learn, we at Mayville rely on a system that has been getting results for more than a decade. Do girls and boys learn better in different temperatures, maybe, but what we do know without a doubt is that teaching them separately in the core subjects works for pupils, parents and teachers. Year 1 teacher Helen Tudgay says, “Without stereotyping, boys and girls learn completely differently. All lessons are tailored to reflect the interests of each gender, boys are engaged in more practical activities, and small class sizes mean we can meet the individual needs of each child.” Mayville sets high standards in all areas, academic, creative, physical and social and the school prides itself on offering a broad based curriculum. While we wont be insisting girls put on another jumper or boys wear a short sleeve t-shirt we will continue to do what we do best, look at each child on their own merits, continue looking at HOW children learn and educating separately but together. To take a look around the school or for more information go to www.mayvillehighschool.com

2010-08-11T08:51:00.003+01:00

Looking for a fun family day out? Visit Portchester Castle in Hampshire, South East England. It provides the perfect setting for a relaxed, fun, historic day out! The castle’s commanding location has made it a major factor in the Solent's defences for hundreds of years. The most impressive and best-preserved of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts, Portchester Castle was originally built in the late 3rd century. An exhibition in the keep interprets the history of the castle and Portchester village, and displays finds excavated on site. The inclusive audio tour explains life in the castle over the centuries.www.english-heritage.org.uk

2010-07-19T08:16:00.001+01:00

Take the ultimate undersea safari at the award-winning Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth where there’s a world of underwater adventure just waiting to be discovered. Explore the drama of the British coast, the underwater gardens of the Mediterranean and the dazzling beauty of a spectacular coral reef. Over 40 living displays reveal the sheer variety of life in the deep; from tropical sharks and lobsters to seahorses and tropical fish. At the Aquarium’s heart is a giant ocean tank where an underwater walkthrough tunnel offers incredibly close encounters with the stunning beauty of a tropical coral reef – home to hundreds of colourful fish in all shapes and sizes. Other displays are home to everything from giant octopus, poison dart frogs and monitor lizards to giant carp, turtles and terrapins. Don’t miss Blue Reef’s resident family of Asian short clawed otters in their spacious heated indoor holt and the extensive outdoor area with great sea views! As well as innovative displays, informative daily talks and feeding demonstrations, there's an ever-changing programme of special events and exhibitions throughout the year from Pirates Weekends to Shark Week – check out www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk for full details.

2010-05-20T12:51:00.003+01:00

Hovertravel offer a year round passenger service across the Solent from Ryde on the Isle of Wight to Southsea in Portsmouth, with a crossing every 30 minutes and a journey which takes just under 10 minutes. If you’re travelling from the Island for a great day out, the D-Day Museum, Pyramids Centre Fun Pools and the Blue Reef Aquarium are a short walk from the terminal in Southsea. Hovertravel offer special discounted combined tickets, which include a Hovercraft Day Return and entrance to either Blue Reef Aquarium (Adult £14.80, Child £8.00 all in price) or the Pyramids Fun Pools (Adult £11.50, Child £6.40 all in price). There is also a ‘Hoverbus’ service, which connects you with the Hard Interchange for Gunwharf Quays or the Historic Dockyards; and to Portsmouth City Centre and Station.Call to book 01983 811000 or www.hovertravel.co.uk

2010-05-12T07:52:00.003+01:00

Children discovering nature at their own pace Naturezones is run at a ten acre site consisting of wildflower meadows and native woodland at Blackwater. It is a great venue for children to become Nature Detectives. The Wildlife Education Centre was set up by Angela Hewitt and her husband three years ago with the help of Heritage Lottery funding. Numerous activities include: Tuesday Holiday Club, for 6 – 12 year olds. This includes Hide building, treasure hunts, art and craft. They offer Birthday Parties during the school holidays which include a healthy eating picnic and nature discovery activities - the parents provide the birthday cake. Parents can either stay and join in the fun or leave them in capable hands for two and a half hours. Naturezones latest project is The Green Girls Saturday Club – giving nature a helping hand. This club is for 8 – 12 year olds and is held the last Saturday of every month. The Green Girls will take part in Forest School type activities, nature investigation, help with the Meadow Makers project and even the odd excursion to other nature reserves on the Island. Naturezones supports the national curriculum in natural sciences (particularly in the understanding of wildlife habitats), geography, art and craft and social skills in all of its activities. As well as offering one free school visit for up to 30 children until July 2011. They also support the Diploma course for higher education students with work experience and citizenship skills. There is something for parents too, with their volunteer programme and workshops. For more info go to www.naturezones.org.uk We also apologise for the inconvenience caused by publishing the wrong email address in the Top 10 Things to do in the Easter Issue the website address again is www.naturezones.org.uk

2010-04-08T18:30:00.002+01:00

Hovertravel Great Value Family Ticket is BACK !! Due to popular demand Hovertravel have reinstated their popular 'Family Day Return Fare’. The Family ticket allows for up to 2 adults and up to 3 children, to travel on a day return for just £25.00. Hovertravel are also offering a bigger variety of Combination Travel & Attraction tickets than they ever have before, to attract visitors to the Island. Attractions such as Blackgang Chine, Robin Hill, Amazon World, Seaview Wildlife are just some of the attractions on sale via Hovertravel. The popular Daytrips by Hovertravel has been distributed across the South of England. The Isle of Wight community can also take advantage of the £25.00 Day Return ticket, offering the fastest and most exciting route to the mainland for a great day out at Southsea or Portsmouth, for attractions such as the Spinnaker, Blue Reef Aquarium or Pyramid Centre Splash Pools. Alternatively travel further a field by taking the popular Hoverbus from Southsea Terminal to connect with Portsmouth Harbour, or Portsmouth & Southsea train Stations to destinations such as Beaulieu, Bournemouth, Brighton or London. Enjoy Great Days out starting with an exciting flight by Hovercraft. Visit www.hovertravel.com

Creating new radi8.co.uk

2010-01-13T23:29:00.001Z

The new radi8.co.uk website is being created.