News

The Ellen MacArthur Trust is a charity based on the IOW working with young people between 8 and 24, helping to rebuild their confidence after treatment for cancer and leukaemia. Established in 2003 by world-renowned yachtswoman and IOW resident Dame Ellen MacArthur, the Trust now welcomes young people from hospitals all over the country to participate in short sailing trips, initially around the IOW. These young people have often spent long periods of their childhood in hospital, missing out on school and isolated from their peer group. The trips give them a chance to regain their independence and take control of their lives again, meeting others who understand what they’ve been through. We aim to rebuild the confidence lost during treatment, and simply have fun, with sailing being the perfect catalyst. The young people sleep and eat on board, and are encouraged to participate in all aspects of crew life, from helming the yacht, to washing up, with the emphasis on teamwork. The sailing is mixed with shore-based activities and the Trust is supported by local businesses and organizations including UKSA, Liz Earle, Plaza Ice Creams, Yarmouth Lifeboat, Red Funnel and Solent Yacht Club, helping to make sure all the young people have a great time. They can then return each year, to sailing regattas, a residential dinghy week in Essex, or for longer cruising. In 2009 we sailed Round Britain, with 74 young people crewing on one of 16 separate legs. Trust crews sailed under London’s famous Tower Bridge, were welcomed into Belfast by the Lady Mayor, and saw dolphins and whales. The yacht returned to Cowes in September at the end of a truly inspirational voyage! To find out more about the work of the Trust or how to support us, please visit www.ellenmacarthurtrust.org

PJ ‘s Theatre School at the Voice In A Million event at the O2 arena. Paula Johnson from PJ ‘s Theatre School said ‘All I can say is that it was an amazing experience to be part of a 4,900 voice choir to an audience of over 8,000 and to be part of the largest mass choir in the world ! The event was hosted by Nicky Campbell, Rick Wakeman, Sinetta , and various others,details of this event can be found on the web sitewww.voiceinamillion.com PJ’s have been invited back next year to form an 8,000 voice choir and we are hoping that other schools from the island will also get involved.Contact them via email: voiceinamillion@classic-media- group.com or call the Head Office on01932 592016 to find out how you can get involved.

Caterpillar Music Start A New Saturday Morning Class In Ryde The long awaited Saturday morning Caterpillar Music class finally opens on the 8th of May at The Park Centre, High Park Road, Ryde, PO33 1BP. This new class will allow many working parents the opportunity to come along to this very popular Pre-School activity and see how their children can benefit from attending a Caterpillar Music class. Maggie, who runs all the classes Islandwide, and who has again been nominated for two National Awards for Best Local Activity for the Under 5’s and Most Outstanding Activity Leader says “Further to enquiries from parents about a Saturday class, I am delighted to be able to start this new class in Ryde as I know many working parents are not always able to bring their children to one of the regular classes held during the week. The Saturday class will mean that even more children can enjoy the fun we have every week and learn at the same time.” A Free Trial Class is available for everyone but places are limited so please reserve your place now. Caterpillar Music classes are suitable for all Under 5’s and full details can be found at www.caterpillarmusic.com/iow or you can contact Maggie on 01983-617778

Easter Artweek at Quay Arts!www.quayarts.org Box Office 01983 822490 The Easter Artweek @ Jubilee Stores is jam-packed with exciting activities for children to keep them busy all week long! Ages 8yrs + except where otherwise stated. The week kicks off with The Shadow Puppets’s Apprentice with artist Jo Hummel-Newell on Monday 12 April between 10am and 12:30pm. On Tuesday, 13 April from 10am to 2:30pm children can come along to Garden Squares with Sallie Kneebone. Using fabric, paper and seeds we will make miniature decorative gardens ready to sew and grow. No wellies required! Cost: £15 Eggheads on Wed, 14 Apr (10am – 2:30pm) £15 with Tim Johnson give children the chance to make their own specially decorated eggs inspired by nature’s patterns and folk decoration. Jewellery Workshop (age 9 – 12yrs) with Union of Opposites. This hand-on workshop is a great chance to be creative using copper and silver. Learn traditional techniques and have lots of fun too! FREE Family Drop-In Workshop Circus! All ages @ Quay Arts Sat 17 Apr, 12 = 3pm Free Family drop-in workshop is on a circus theme, before the afternoon chidlren’s theatre show: Lighter than Ai

YMCA Winchester House Nursery YMCA Isle of Wight are set to open a brand new 56 place nursery at Winchester House this Spring. The nursery will take children aged 6 weeks to 5 years giving locals a reliable childcare option with a difference. YMCA Nurseries are known for their unique ethos which involves a play based learning approach whist making the most of the 3 large play rooms and self contained outdoor play area. The day-to-day programme will include trips to the beach, visiting local attractions and a healthy breakfast, mid-morning snack, a hot lunch and afternoon tea. For more information contact info@ymca-fg.org or 01983 862441

MAYVILLE’S CHARITY EVENT RAISES HUNDREDS FOR HAITI APPEAL It was a sight that would have made Augutus Gloop, from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory explode with excitement. Children and staff at Mayville High School in Southsea dug deep in their pockets, not that they needed much tempting, for a Haiti Cake Sale, which raised £260 for the Earthquake Appeal. Later at lunchtime pupils and staff emptied the change from their lunch money, and any loose pennies into a Haiti fundraising bucket. The sum total of the day came to a staggering £408.19 which will now be sent to help people in the earthquake zone.

MAKE MUM’S DAY This Mothering Sunday (Sunday 14th March) the National Trust want to make mum’s day so are offering free admission at the Needles Old Battery, to all mums accompanied by one or more of their children. Then after mum has looked around she can enjoy a free slice of home-made Victoria sandwich cake in the tea room. To qualify for these treats, mums must be accompanied by one or more of their children which will make it a real family day out. Make the most of this opportunity to see round this historic building, follow the solider trail, see the new display in the Cartridge Store showing how it would have looked in 1880 and get as close as possible to the Needles Rocks via the twisty tunnel. And there is even have a pushchair and wheelchair viewing platform for those who can’t manage (or don’t fancy) the spiral staircase. If you arrive between 12 noon and 2pm you will also have chance to meet a rocket-man at the Needles New Battery. So whatever your age or interest, there will be something for everyone this Mother’s Day at the Needles Old Battery & New Battery. OPENING TIMES Needles Old Battery: 13 March to 31 October, daily 10.30am – 5pm (last admission 4.30pm) Admission charges apply (National Trust members free). Needles New Battery 13 March to 31 October, Tues, Sat & Sun (and other days where possible) 11am – 4pm Free admission

Quay Arts proudly present a great Kid’s Show, Lighter than Air, delightful for the whole family. Enter the strange and bizarre universe of a wild balloon tamer where surreal and stupid things happen. Combining circus and comedy, performer and clown Danny Schlesinger creates an utterly joyous experience loaded with participation, surprises and laughs. Danny Schlesinger’s original sketches and comic silliness are perfect for the whole family certain to tickle everyone’s sides. Using daft physical comedy and playful interaction Lighter than Air leaves audiences as charmed and buoyed as any of Danny’s inflatable creations. Warning! Features load balloon pops! Why not come along a little earlier to enjoy the FREE Family Drop-in, Circus! on Saturday, 17 April 12 – 3pm based on this show.Date: Saturday, 17th Apr Location: The Anthony Minghella Theatre Performance Starts: 3pm Tickets: £6 (suitable for everyone 3 yrs+) Bookings: Box Office 01983 822490 or www.quayarts.org

Off Peak? Travel to the mainland for lots to do with all the family. Travel for less at Weekends with Hovertravel.From £6.00 per Adult from Ryde ,From £4.50 per Child from Ryde Terms & Conditions apply: Off Peak offer available any time at weekends up to 31st March. Prices stated here are the lowest prices available and may vary during the period of the offer. Day Return only. Non-refundable. Offer not to be used in conjuction with any other offer, discount or concession. check outwww.hovertravel.com for the lowest fares available.

The multi-award winning Seaview Wildlife Encounter hold their annual ' Great Mystery Wildlife Quiz Trail' over the Easter weekend from the 2nd April - 5th April (inclusive). This is the Park's biggest event of the year and is hugely popular with children and adults! Visitors collect their FREE entry form at the entrance reception and hunt for all the fun, educational wildlife clues hidden around the park whilst still following the popular 'hands-on' progamme of exciting events with informative keeper presentations. Each child receives a delicious creamy easter egg if they have found all the answers and the star prize is a giant easter basket full of goodies!

Newport Junior Squash & Racketball Club. Kids....Want to play squash?? The all new Newport Junior Squash & Racketball Club has been formed through a partnership between the IWC Sports Unit, Carisbrooke Extended Schools and qualified squash coach Fleur Orchard.All juniors aged between 5 to 13 are welcome, no experience or equipment is required, just plenty of enthusiasm! The club will be held every Saturday morning at Carisbrooke Squash Courts (Carisbrooke Sports Centre), starting from the 27 February. There are 3 different sessions available, dependent on age and ability, the 1st session is 9:15 to 10am, the 2nd 10 to 11am and the final session between 11am to 12pm. The cost is just £3 per child!Children must be registered before attending. Please contact Carol Ward on (01983) 550025 or email carolward@carisbrookehighschool.co.uk