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May Half Term and Spring Activities in Dorset

 

 

There’s really no excuse for the kids to get bored this May, June and July as there’s a truly wonderful line up of events taking place week after week for families in Devon. 

Fill those longer, warmer days with engaging hobbies, fun activities, healthy eating, holiday planning and exciting half-term events…

 

Westival is back for 2023

West Moors BIG EVENT is back. WESTIVAL, on Saturday 8th July 12-4pm on Fryer Field, West Moors, BH22 0LL, is free entry. There is so much for the family to do.
Bring a picnic, enjoy the live music, sample the various cuisines and drinks, join in on the activities. WIN Up to 30 amazing raffle prizes for just 50p per ticket. Greet and Walk the Alpacas, support the ferrets by picking a winner, browse the 50 stalls and over 100 cars on show.

Call 01202 861044 or 07776 175387 for further details OR visit the website www.westmoors-tc.gov.uk

 

Perform opens a new school in Bournemouth

Popular drama school, Perform, has opened in Bournemouth and are offering every child a free trial class.

Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform weekly classes focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes for all abilities are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine. What’s more, you can join at any point during the term.

Perform Area Partner, Sam Love, told Primary Times "We're delighted to open in Bournemouth. Their classes are held in a lovely church hall at St Augustin's Church; close to most of the local schools, there's free and easy parking and it's only a short distance to the town centre. Parents will be able to wait in the waiting area and have a peek at their child in action!”

This term, 4-7s have set sail on an adventure with the Mermaids & Pirates whilst 7-12s enjoy a laugh-out-loud adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in The Dream.

St Augustin's Church Hall, 32 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6NU.

Classes every Tuesday: 4-5pm for 4-7s and 5.05pm-6.05pm for 7-12s. 

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a free class.

 

Free sunflower seeds for every child at Otter Garden Centres

Otter Garden Centres is giving children the chance to grow their own sunflowers this year - and the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Parents and grandparents can collect the seeds from any of the company’s seven branches in the South West and South of England.

Otter Garden Centres MD, Jacqui Taylor says “Everybody loves sunflowers, they’re easy to grow, lovely to look at, and provide food for birds and insects – bees are especially fond of the pollen.

“This is a wonderful way to encourage the younger generation to take an interest in plants, wildlife and the environment.”

To claim the free seeds, parents or grandparents simply need to visit the garden centre website and fill in a form. An e-voucher will then be sent containing full information on how to collect the seeds instore. Each packet will contain around 15 sunflower seeds and free advice will be provided on planting to ensure healthy, tall sunflowers.

Later in the year, participants will be asked to upload photos of their tallest sunflower if they would like to enter the prize competition. The winners will be able to collect their prizes from their nearest store.

Find out more at www.ottergardencentres.com/freesunflower

Lots to see and do at Monkey World

Take your little monkeys along to meet their primate cousins at Monkey World- Ape Rescue Centre this summer! With over 250 rescued monkeys & apes to see, and three adventure playgrounds, there’s plenty to keep everyone amused. Check out the website to see upcoming events & promotions, including the Go Nuts Bank Holiday Bonanzas- any child who takes a present of unopened, unsalted nuts for the primates receives a free badge over the bank holiday weekends! Book online for 10% off entry at www.monkeyworld.org

 

 

Fun, inclusive climbing for all with RockReef’s New SEND Session

RockReef on Bournemouth Pier has introduced a new SEND session on Thursday afternoons during term time from 4pm-5:30pm.

Some children and young people may require more help to learn and develop than children and young people of the same age. If this is the case, they may be classed as having special educational needs or disability (SEND) so they can get extra support.

RockReef has introduced this new session to offer a safe environment for these individuals to express themselves during a closed/protected session, enjoying the quieter and less hectic environment as experienced during a typical busy trading day.

Find out more at www.rockreef.co.uk/send-sessions-blog

 

Swanage Carnival is back!

Go and join Swanage Carnival 2023 which runs from Saturday 29th July to Saturday 5th August.
Every day is packed with fun filled events and entertainment for all ages, with lots of BRAND NEW events including an air display, live entertainers, music, fireworks, sporting events and not forgetting the Carnival procession which has the theme of ‘Under the Sea ” for this year’s headline event.

Full details of all the events will be available in our Carnival Programme available from July 2023

Find out more at www.swanagecarnival.com

 

ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY FOOD & CRAFT FAIR SATURDAY 27th & SUNDAY 28th MAY

Go and meet the fluffy cygnets plus enjoy a weekend of food and crafts at the Abbotsbury Swannery.

This late May Bank Holiday weekend includes Dorset Food & Drink stalls, Darrell Wakelam children’s art and craft workshop and Sharandy’s Birds of Prey. Plus, plenty of Swan themed prints, photography and gifts. Live Music, Swan Maze, Pedal Go-Karts and Bale mountain. Reduced entry over this weekend for adults so a great time to use the voucher too!

Find out more at www.abbotsburytickets.co.uk/tickets

 

 

Planning a summer festival, family staycation or European road trip?

Do it in style with a Volkswagen camper van from Breeze Campers!

Choose from the compact but versatile Caddy California to the classic California Ocean 6.1, and the home-from-home Grand California 600.

With no mileage limit and easy access from South Coast pick up points to ferry ports and the Channel Tunnel, you could be embarking on your family adventure shortly after collecting your van!

Breeze Campers is currently offering 10% off all first-time bookings.

Visit www.breezecampers.co.uk  for more information, to check availability and to book.

 

Lots of fun to be had at Splashdown Poole

Splashdown Poole is the South’s favourite all action waterpark based at Tower Park, Poole. May Day Bank Holiday sees the outside rides open for the first time this year, with them remaining open until the end of the October Half Term. With something for everyone at Splashdown Poole, why not come for a splash, it’s flumin’ good fun!

Online booking essential, for more information, opening times and book visit - www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk

 

 

 

Enjoy a staycation at The Manor Resort

The Manor Resort offers breaks that are designed to provide a fun family holiday destination, without the luxury price tag. With our stunning location in the Devon countryside, they provide a variety of activities and facilities for all ages. From swimming pools and tennis courts to adventure golf and waterslides, there's something for everyone.

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be pleased to know that all their breaks are FULL BOARD, so include all meals during your stay, plus most of their activities are also included at no extra cost. Don't delay, book your next family adventure today!

Find out more at www.manorandasburyresorts.co.uk

 

May half term fun with Cub Club in Blandford Forum

Cub Club is held right in the heart of the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery in Blandford Forum on dates during the school holidays and what a line up they have for May Half Term!

• Tuesday 30th May – Little Gizmos (10am to 12pm). Suitable for all ages.
• Wednesday 31st May – Bugfest (10am to 12pm). Suitable for all ages.
• Thursday 1st June – Houseworks Dorset Art Workshop (10am and 11:15am). Suitable for all ages and they are SEN trained.
• Friday 2nd June – Wizards Workshop(2pm to 4pm). Suitable for all ages.
• Saturday 3rd June – Mad4Animals (10am toddler show and 1:30pm family show). Suitable for all ages

To complete your visit, make sure you pop into the Brewery Tap, which is located in the maltings of our old brewery. There  you’ll discover a great food menu featuring everything from brunch and lunch to more hearty dishes in an evening.

Head over to their website: https://www.hall-woodhousebrewerytap.co.uk/ or check out their socials (Facebook: BreweryTapHW. Instagram: @brewery.tap.blandford

Grab your tickets now by heading over to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cub-club-tickets-619180845577

 

MEMORIES MADE IN MAY

Half term happiness awaits you at Adventure Wonderland!

We are thrilled to announce a special offer, exclusive to Primary Times readers. Enjoy 25% off standard admission during the half term holidays! Simply cut out the coupon on the back of this edition and present it at the main entrance for 25% off entry tickets. (See coupon for T&Cs).

There is so much to enjoy this half term (27th May to 4th June 2023) including all your favourite rides and attractions! Make a splash on Jungle Falls log flume or ride the waves of the Ghostly Galleon. Fly high on the Flying Elephants and get in a spin on the Turbo Teacups!

Your ticket also includes the huge indoor play centre, ‘Wild Thing!’, ‘Alice at the Movies’ crazy golf, Pony World animal area and the Alice in Wonderland Maze! Take your seats for showtime in The Theatre with family performances of ‘Tik Tok Time’ with Alice, the Queen of Hearts and Mr Rabbit!

If that’s not enough, Bluey will be visiting Adventure Wonderland on Thursday 1st June and making appearances throughout the day. Early booking is highly recommended for this fantastic all-inclusive character day event.

Book your adventure now! Check the website for all the info.

Visit www.adventurewonderland.co.uk

Wide variety of courses at Bryanston

Whether it’s following the lead of England’s lionesses in football and Sky Brown in skateboarding, dancing on the West End stage or learning more about contemporary DJ techniques, Bryanston is holding a wide range of special training courses during the Summer holidays to help local children fulfil their dreams. As well as sports including equestrian, cricket, hockey, football and skateboarding, there are also courses on art, dancing and DJ techniques.

Book your place now at www.bryanston.co.uk

 

May half term at The Tank Museum

Get ready for a furrtastic May Half Term at The Tank Museum’s Tank Zoo, with animal-themed activities all week. Visitors can meet alpacas from Longthorns Farm, assistance dogs from Helpful Hounds, and learn how animals supported the war effort on tours and trails. See explosive live tank displays every weekday and get in the arena yourself with vehicle rides (£4pp). PLUS crafts, facepainting, soft-play and more at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction. Book online to save 10%. All tickets include an Annual Pass.

Find out more at www.tankmuseum.org

 

Lots to see and do at Wimborne Model Town

Explore the miniature world of historic Wimborne in the 1950s. Peek through the windows of the hotel, see the goods for sale in the shop windows, and listen out for the telephone and flushing toilets! There’s even a wedding in the Minster. Enjoy the scents, textures and beauty of their sensory garden, and make music on their outdoor Instruments.

The Wareham Bears are always up to mischief. Drive a train in the Model Railway, discover “Life Before Lego” and wonder at the Beryl Dade Dolls’ House Collection. Play a game of Crazy Golf!

Special!  Your entry ticket gives you unlimited visits for a whole year!

Visit www.wimborne-modeltown.com

 

Holiday Clubs at Poole Forest School

Don't miss out on Poole Forest School’s extremely popular Ofsted registered Forest School holiday clubs. Learn to use tools, cook on the fire, build shelters, nature crafts and much more!  All activities are outside and Forest Schools are proven to improve mental and physical health.  The School is open every holiday including half terms and led by experienced Forest School Leaders

Sessions are suitable for ages 5 to 11 years and you can choose from a 9 to 1pm slot or 9am to 3pm.

This half term participants can take part in a campfire masterclass every day where they can learn campfire cooking including the Forest School’s famous chocolate cake on an open fire.

Book online at  www.pooleforestschool.com

 

 

 

Empowering Progress at Conexus Tuition Southbourne 

Is your child feeling anxious, stressed or like they’re not ‘keeping up’ at school?

At Conexus, they know how to turn it around and have the subject knowledge, the experience, and the patience to help your child feel at ease with their learning.

Confidence is key - and through small group sessions that are tailored to your child's needs, they can give your child the support they need to believe in themselves again.

Get in touch to see how they can help.

Contact them on Rachel@conexustuition.co.uk or 07871841571