e-Newsletter – October 2011
Welcome to the 22nd Rushmoor Schools Plus e-Newsletterwith contributions from manydifferent schools and organisations working to support our children, young people and families. As ever, we suggest you select the bits of information that are relevant to your own organisation, and disseminate these to the people you work with.
The next Rushmoor Schools Plus e-Newsletter will be available in the week beginning 5thDecember2011. If you want anything included, please send information by 2nd December to Richard Mann
Tony McGovern (Rushmoor Schools Plus Partnership Manager)
EXTENDED SERVICES UPDATE
Rushmoor Schools Plus Website
The Rushmoor Schools Plus website is available at The site signposts to local and national information for children and families, points to local news and what’s on stories, contains a photo gallery and a database of local out of school hours activities providers.It also has a Practitioner Resource Area.If you would like anything added to the website, for example an event, please email . We would be particularly interested to receive “good news” stories and photographs for the Latest News section on the home page.
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Rushmoor Directory – Facilities and Services for Families
The Rushmoor Directory of Facilities and Services for Families, produced by Rushmoor Schools Plus with Caroline Keith, is now available. Copies are available for your school or organisation by contacting Tony McGovern, . It can also be accessed through the home page of the Rushmoor Schools Plus website.
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Visit Rushmoor Schools Plus on Facebook
Rushmoor Schools Plus now has a Facebook page to complement its existing website. Anyone using Facebook can search Rushmoor Schools Plus to find the page. It is updated regularly with news and photographs about the partnership’s work, plus information about what’s going on across the Rushmoor community. If you would like to promote your news and events via the Schools Plus Facebook ‘Wall’ then please email details to
Please also ‘Like’ the page as this is the best way to spread its coverage across the borough.
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Welcome to the Rock and Pop Foundation
The Rock and Pop Foundation is newly established in the centre of Aldershot and aims to help musicians to successfully map their route into the complex world of the music industry. Their support will include innovative music programmes and a network for information, advice, jobs, education, industry links and more. The driving force of the Foundation is Steven Sammut who is also the founder of Scamps Music, one of the largest independent music schools in the UK. His education programmes have helped over 20,000 students learn to play an instrument and Scamps Musiccurrently teaches over 3,000 children a week. Steven also uses his expertise to deliver team building courses within the business sector though his company Corporate Music Development.
The Rock and Pop Foundation, Central Administrations, Suite1, Wesley Chambers, Queen’s Road, AldershotGU11 3JD. Telephone 0844 879 3305. .
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WHAT’S ON!
Farnborough Grange Infant School – Half Term Playscheme
Farnborough Grange Nursery and Infant Community School, Moor Road, Farnborough GU14 8HW.
The playscheme is running from Monday 24th to Friday 28th October from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Playscheme fees:- 8.30am to 11.30am £6.00; 8.30am to 12.30pm £8.00; 1.30pm to 4.30pm £6.00; 1.30pm to 5.30pm £8.00; all day £15.00. If your child is staying all day they will require a packed lunch. Payment is required at the time of booking.
For more information and to book a place contact 0759 231 0246 or 01252 541879 9.00am to 3.00pm.
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The Wavell-Cody Holiday Playscheme
The Rushmoor Borough Councilrun playscheme is for 4 – 11 year olds and was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in its recent inspection. The playscheme runs every school holiday, except Christmas. Arts, crafts, music, reading and jungle gym. Sessions run from 8.30am to 4.30pm (£15.00) or to 5.30pm (£16.00).
The Autumn half-term playscheme runs from Monday 24th – Friday 28th Octoberat the Wavell School campus, Lynchford Road, Farnborough GU14 6BH. To book, call 01252 317603 after 12.00 noon Monday –Friday.
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Brightlight Theatre Company
The new local amateur theatre company Brightlight present their first production, a comedy called “Curtain Call”, from Wednesday 26th to Saturday 29thOctoberat the Wavell School campus. For details of how to book visit
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A New Badminton Clubat Farnborough 6th Form College
A new Youth Badminton Club started at Farnborough 6th Form College Sports Hall in October. The club runs on Tuesdays. 6.00pm-7.00pm for 14-16 year olds. 7.00pm-8.00pm for 16-19 year olds.
All abilities are welcome and rackets and shuttles are provided. Sessions are led by a qualified coach and cost £2.00 a session or £12.00 for 8 sessions. They include training and games and prizes.
For more details email call Ally on 01252 688244 between 8.30am and 4.30pm.
A Rushmoor corporate badminton ladder has also just been launched. The aim of the ladder is to offer competition to employees from the Rushmoor area whilst promoting health and wellbeing within both the community and workforce and encouraging closer ties between local businesses. This new badminton ladder will offer participants a fun, social badminton opportunity in a friendly environment. For further information please contact Martin Sterio or call 01252 398763.
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Princes Hall
Princes Hall, Princes Way, Aldershot GU11 1NX. Box office 01252 329155.
Saturday AM Cinema. Tickets for Saturday films cost £6.00 / Screen Pass and Friends £5.00, and can be booked in advance online or from the box office. With every child ticket purchased for any of the kids films, you will receive a free adult ticket and a free ice cream.Saturday 15th October at 11.00am - Kung Fu Panda 2. PG. Running time 91 minutes. Saturday 5th November at 11.00am - Rio. U. Running time 96 minutes.
Saturday 22nd October. Bob the Builder. 1.00pm and 3.00pm. £14.00. Child £12.00. Family £46.00.
Monday 24thOctober.Play in a Day Drama Workshop. 10.00am – 4.00pm. 7-11 years. £14.00.Bring a packed lunch.
Wednesday 26th October. Craft Workshop. 10.00am – 4.00pm. 4-7 years. £15.00.Wear messy clothes and bring a packed lunch.
Saturday 5th November. Rushmoor Fireworks Spectacular. Manor Park, Aldershot. Fireworks, funfair and live entertainment. Gates open 5.30pm, children’s display 6.45pm and main display at 8.00pm. In advance adult £5.00, child (under 16) £2.00, OAP £3.50. On the gate adult £6.00, child £3.00. Tickets from the Princes Hall box office on 01252 329155 or from
Thursday 10th November. Rushmoor’s Got Talent: The Final. Come and support your school's acts. 7.00pm. Tickets £3.50 from Farnborough Police Station or by calling the Princes Hall box office.
Friday 11th November.SNAP disco. 7.00pm – 11.00pm.Top DJs and chart acts. 11-16 years. Tickets must be purchased in advance. £6.00 (£5.00 if purchased at least one week in advance).
Saturday 19th November. Aldershot Christmas Lights Switch On Event. Starting at 2.30pm. An afternoon of free fun and entertainment in Aldershot town centre with live music, a visit from Father Christmas and the unveiling of the town’s Christmas lights.Contact 01252 327671 for more information.
Sunday 20th November.Chris and Pui – Roadshow 2011. 11.00am and 2.00pm. CBeebies’ favourite double-act. £12.00 / Child £10.00.******************************
West End Centre
Queen’s Road, Aldershot GU113JD. Box office 01252 330040.
WEC concessionary prices apply to the children of those in full-time education and those in receipt of any state benefit – excluding child benefit. Proof of entitlement may be asked for.
Half term activities - limited spaces, booking essential.
Monday 24th October. Birds Eye View. 10.30am - 12.30pm. 8 - 12 years. £6.00. Create imaginative and unusual artwork.
Friday 28th October. Harrowing Halloween. 10.30am - 12.30pm. 8 - 12 years. £6.00. Create your very own Halloween or party bunting. All materials provided.
Friday 28th October.Forever Young Pottery Madness. 2.00pm - 4.00pm. 3+ years. £4.00. Something for the whole family to enjoy together.
Friday 28th October.Inspiring You Pottery Express. 11.00am - 1.00pm. 0-19 years. £3.00. Aimed at disabled young people and their families.Make charming objects out of clay.
NEW! Bean Bag Film Club. A new club for disabled young people from 0 - 19 and their families. A relaxed atmosphere where you can lounge on bean bags and watch family friendly films.2.00pm. £3.00 per person.
Friday 28th OctoberMama Mia (Sing-a-long).
2nd November (x 6 weeks).NEW! Play with Clay. Have fun with clay through a series of exciting projects. Please note: this workshop is for young people with disabilities and their families. Although very limited, additional care assistance will be on offer. 5.30pm –6.30pm. £12.00.
3rd November (x 6 weeks).Little Sew-and-Sews (12 places). Ages 8 – 12.Learn more about textiles and sewing. 4.30pm – 6.00pm. £45.00. Concessions £36.00.
Forever Young Family Saturdays. 10.30am – 12.30pm. £4 per adult and £4 per child, (concessionary price £3 per adult and £3 per child). A fantastic opportunity for families to work together and create something amazing to take home with them. Materials provided. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Dress for mess!
Saturday 5th November. House of Clay - build a magical, miniature house candle holder.
Wednesday 16th November. 8.00pm. Little Bulb Theatre – “Operation Greenfield”. £10.00and £8.00. Suitable for ages 11+. The confusing, awkward and beautifully naïve time of adolescence.
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RHL Street Dance Classes
Street Dance is now one of the most popular forms of dance and provides a cool, fun way to keep fit. RHL’s classes are open to everyone aged 11 – 16 and are held at Wavell School, Farnborough on Mondays from 6.00pm – 7.00pm and at Connaught School, Aldershot on Tuesdays from 5.15pm – 6.15pm. Prices start at £3.00 per week and you can try your first class for free. Advance booking is required. For more information and to book a place, call RHL on 01252 362660, find them on Facebook or visit their website at
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Sportivate Sessions
Street Dance - a fun mix of funky dance moves for everyone. Easy to follow steps, no experience required. For 14 to 25 year olds. Every Monday to 5th December (apart from 17th October). 5.30pm – 6.30pm. £2 a session. The Main Hall, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Sand Hill, Farnborough GU14 8ER.
StreetBasketball - come and improve your skills for thechance to play in a basketball festival.For 14 to 25 year olds. All abilities welcome. Ben, a professional coach,will be on hand to help you improve your game. Every Tuesday to 6th December (apart from half term, 25th October) 6.00pm – 7.00pm. £2.00 a session. Sports Hall 1, Farnborough 6th Form College, Prospect Avenue, Farnborough GU14 8JX.
StreetGames Central League Football - want to get back into football, or improve your skills? For 16 to 20 year olds. Led by Marc, a professional football coach. Have the chance to play on an AstroTurf pitch, improve your game and play in a tournament. All abilities welcome. Every Wednesday to 7th December (apart from 9th November). 6.00pm – 7.00pm. £2.00 a session. The Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre, Farnborough 6th Form College, Prospect Avenue, Farnborough GU14 8JX.
Contact Debbie Wall at Rushmoor Borough Council on 01252 398745 for more information.
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PAG’s Music Arts Dance Drama (MADD) Club - Autumn 2011
Thanks to grants from Hampshire County Council and continued local support MADD is still going strong. It is for 5-18 year olds who have special needs. Siblings within the age band can also be included. At each session experienced tutors lead with the support of volunteers and a representative from PAG visits the club regularly. All have been CRB checked.
The cost for each child is £8.00 per half term. PAG want to make sure the experience is the best it can be for your son/daughter and places are limited, so please ring before coming along. Parents/carers are required to stay, in the comfortable area provided. To come and give it a try or for any other enquiries contact Ann on 01252 837112.
Until December the workshop calendar is Mondays 5.30pm – 6.30 pm, Singing and music group at the West End Centre, Aldershot; Tuesdays 5.30pm – 6.30pm, MADD drama at the Princes Hall, Aldershot; Thursdays 5.30pm – 6.15pm and 6.15pm – 7.00pm MADD dance at the West End Centre, Aldershot.
There is also a half term PAG Family Fun Day for special needs children and their siblings at the West End Centre, Aldershot on Tuesday 25th October. Dance, drama and singing workshops from 10.00am to 12.30pm. Children's Entertainer from 1.15pm to 3.15pm. Special performance by the PAG MADD group from 3.00pm to 3.30pm showcasing the Music, Arts, Dance and Drama groups. These details are provisional so pleasecontact Ann on 01252 837112 for more details.
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Events at Aldershot and Farnborough Libraries
Our libraries are regularly worth a visit for free internet access,DVDs,PlayStationgames and books.Well equipped rooms are available to hire during and outside of opening hours at both Farnborough and Aldershot Library and Learning Centres. For Farnborough Library contact 01252 516458 and for Aldershot Library 01252 322560.
Events at Farnborough Library and in the Learning and Community ZonePrior booking for all courses and workshops is essential.
Date/time / Enquiry and booking line for events at Farnborough Library: 01252 516458.
Every Tuesday 10.30–11.00am / Storytime. Stories, songs and rhymes for children aged 2-5 years accompanied by an adult.
Every Thursday
2.15 – 2.45pm / Baby Rhymetime. Songs and rhymes for you and babies aged 0-2 years.
Friday 28th October
11.00am and 2.00pm / Travels with Granddad. “Are you sitting comfortably?” Come and meet Granddad, eccentric traveller and storyteller extraordinaire. Suitable for children aged 3 +. £1.00 per child.Prior booking essential.
Thursday 24th November / Farnborough Library and Learning Centre will be closed all day.
Monday 12th December
9.45am / Christmas Mini Movers. Come along to this festive Christmas Mini Movers. Suitable for children aged 2-5 years. £4.00 per child. Prior booking essential. A five week course starts on Monday 8th January 2012, £20.00.
Monday 12th December
10.45am / Christmas Movement with ‘Mummy’ to help with the festive spirit. Suitable for babies from 3months to walking. £4.00 per child. Prior booking essential. A five week course starts on Monday 8th January 2012, £20.00.
Events at Aldershot Library and Learning Centre
Prior booking for all courses and workshops essential. Concessions available on selected courses.
Date/time / Enquiry and booking line for events at Aldershot Library: 01252 322560.
Every Thursday
10.30am / Toddlertime. Fun, free session of music, songs and stories for ages 2-5 and their parents/carers.
Every Friday
11.15am – 11.45am / Baby Rhymetime. Songs and rhymes with your baby.
Monday 17th October
10.00am / Family Arts and Crafts Workshop. Come and try craft activities that are fun and will help children learn. Free.
Saturday 19th November
10.00am – 3.00pm / Christmas Craft Fayre. Your children can write a letter to Santa while you browse stalls selling a variety of art and craft items and you can enjoy coffee and mince pies when you've finished. Free entry. Vendors can book a place, cost £5.00 per table, by calling at the library or by telephone.
Sunday 27th November
11.00am – 1.00pm / Games for Children. Come and play board games and Sudoku. Bring your favourite games to share with others.Free.
The 2011 brochure for Aldershot Library and Learning Centre contains a great range of courses and regular events such as employment preparation, computers, leisure, craft and exercise. There are also specialist courses on signing for people who are deaf, numeracy, ESOL and citizenship.
In addition, a range of course discounts is now available. All employment preparation courses are free regardless of circumstances. Those in receipt of a means tested benefit only pay 50p per learning hour on most other courses.
People who are over 60 get a 25% discount on course fees. For further information on courses, phone Aldershot Library on 01252 322560 or see the library website:
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Mayfield and Grange Housing Drop-in
Friday 21st October 12.00 noon–4.00pm at The Prospect Centre, Farnborough.
Do you have any questions about housing? Help and advice is available on rent arrears, fire safety, overcrowding, disrepair and maintenance, and alterations to help you stay in your home longer. Come and have a chat about your housing options.
Who will be there?Rushmoor Borough Council’s housing team, Hampshire Fire Service,First Wessex Housing Association, Thames Valley Housing Associationand the Citizens Advice Bureau.For more information, please contact Suzannah Hellicar,Housing Options Manager at Rushmoor Borough Council,on 01252 398641 or email
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Autism Friendly Cinema Screenings
Over 3000 people supported Autism Friendly Film Screenings at Odeon cinemas in August and the screenings will now be held monthly at cinemas around the UK. The next films will be Johnny English Reborn and Arthur Christmas. For details about your nearest cinema screening go to
When the films are being screened the lights will be on low, the volume will be turned down, there will be no trailers at the beginning of the film, you’ll be able to take your own food and drinks and you’ll be able to move around the cinema if you like. For booking of tickets for October screenings please go to
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Charity Family Fun Day
Sunday 30th October from 12.00 noon to 6.00pm at Farnborough Football Club, Cherrywood Road, Farnborough GU14 8UD. Fun fair with rides and amusements for all ages; auction including a signed Manchester United pennant, signed football shirts and pantomime tickets; raffle; face painting; and food, refreshments and a bar.In aid of Meningitis UK and The Meningitis Trust.
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SCL Holiday Activities
SCL's holiday courses offer fun for children and peace of mind for parents during the school holidays.Children aged 4-12 can enjoy action-packed days, with the emphasis on fun and enjoyment in a safe and supervised environment.
SCL runClub Energy and Soccer Camps. Their OFSTED registered Club Energy childcare provision includes a combination of sport and creativity in one course. Activities include multi-sports, outdoor adventure games, indoor party games, arts and crafts, disco dancing, face paints, cookery, movies and munchies. The FA Charter Standard Soccer Camps provide expert coaching from SCL’s team of FA-qualified coaches.
Both activities run from 10.00am until 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, with the option of an extended day from 8.30am to 5.30pm. This offers working parents greater flexibility with drop-off and collection times. The venues are:Saint Augustine’s Primary School, Frimley; Frensham Heights School, Farnham; and Velmead Junior School, Fleet.