www.rushmoorschoolsplus.org
e-Newsletter – December 2015
Welcome to the 47th Rushmoor Schools Plus e-Newsletter with contributions from many different 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 1st February. If you want anything included, please send information by 25th January to Richard Mann .
Tony McGovern (Rushmoor Schools Plus Partnership Manager) 01252 398740 or
RUSHMOOR SCHOOLS PLUS UPDATE
Rushmoor Schools Plus Signposting
This e-Newsletter is one way that Rushmoor Schools Plus connects its schools, families and communities. Each month there are about 7,000 unique visitors to our website www.rushmoorschoolsplus.org, indicating that our signposting service is still the best you can find for local and national information for children and families, local news, what’s on and celebrating good news. Please signpost to it from your own communications, newsletters, websites, etc., so that collectively we can make sure that information reaches the audience it’s intended for.
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Arts Council Supported Grants Scheme for Young People
The West End Centre is delighted to announce that, in partnership with Rushmoor Schools Plus and SoCo Music Project, they are launching a small grants scheme for young people. These grants of up to £1000 will be awarded to young people who aspire to do something creative; hire a venue for their band; buy software to compose music or materials for an art exhibition; or perhaps have a speaker visit their school. Successful applicants will also be assigned a professional creative mentor to help them develop their project. For more information contact Tony McGovern on 01252 398740 or .
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TechStart
TechStart is a not for profit social enterprise which Rushmoor Schools Plus manages. Our aim is to help people bridge the digital divide and get online by offering low cost or free computers, low cost repairs, free information, advice and guidance on employment and training, and work experience opportunities for those seeking employment. We will be grateful if you can promote these services to your colleagues and families.
We are based at Unit 15, The Galleries, Aldershot GU11 1PF and are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Telephone 01252 311660. Email . Website www.techstart.org.uk.
TechStart is holding a pre-Christmas sale with laptops from £115.00, desktop computers from £45.00, monitors from £10.00, keyboards from £5.00 and a mouse from £2.50. We also offer computer repairs from £35.00, free WiFi instore, free use of our IT training suite, and free training and development courses..
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WHAT’S ON IN RUSHMOOR
Princes Hall
Princes Way, Aldershot GU11 1NX. Box office 01252 329155. www.princeshall.com.
To Sunday 3rd January. Cinderella - an action packed panto for all the family. Visit the website for full details of dates, times and ticket prices. http://www.princeshall.com/event/880/cinderella.
Saturday 30th January at 1.00pm and 4.00pm. Sunday 31st January at 10.00am and 1.00pm. Peppa Pig's Surprise. Running time 80 minutes. Tickets £17.00 and £15.00/Child £15.00 and £13.00/Family (4) £60.00. Call the box office or book online via the website.
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Christmas in Rushmoor
Friday 11th December from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Carols in the Gardens at the Princes Gardens Bandstand, Princes Way, Aldershot GU11 1NX. This free service is open to everyone and will feature readings and traditional Christmas carols with children from four Aldershot schools, plus members of the Aldershot Military Wives Choir and a brass band. Tea, coffee and mince pies will also be on offer. For more information visit www.rushmoor.gov.uk/christmas.
Shoppers in Aldershot, North Camp and Farnborough can enjoy free parking in many town centre car parks on Sundays in the build-up to Christmas. All Rushmoor Borough Council-owned car parks in the borough, with the exception of the Union Street East and Union Street West car parks in Farnborough, will be free all day for shoppers on the Sundays before Christmas (13th and 20th December). Free parking will also be available at The Wellington Shopping Centre in Aldershot and in the Princes Mead car park in Farnborough. The concessions will not apply to on-street parking. For full details visit http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/christmasparking.
Both towns have lots going on over the Christmas period with craft and gift stalls, live music and festive performances every weekend. Children can visit Father Christmas in his free grotto at The Wellington Shopping Centre in Aldershot, open every Saturday from 11.00am to 4.00pm (closed 1.30pm to 2.00pm) and Sunday 11.00am to 3.00pm and also on Christmas Eve between 11.00am and 2.00pm. The Princes Mead Shopping Centre in Farnborough also has a free grotto, open every December weekend plus 23rd and 24th December between 11.00am and 3.30pm.
On Saturday 12th December The Westy Choir will be performing for shoppers in Aldershot town centre between 12.00 noon and 2.00pm and on Saturday 19th December the Aldershot Churches Together Choir will be singing between 12.00noon and 2.00pm. The Wellington Shopping Centre is welcoming the Charles Church Band on Saturday 12th December and the YEM Theatre School on Saturday 19th December. The Salvation Army Band will perform in Princes Mead, Farnborough on Saturday 19th December. A free gift-wrapping service is being provided by St Peter's Church at the centre on Saturday 19th December. For more information about Christmas events and activities please visit http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/christmas.
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West End Centre
48 Queen’s Road, Aldershot GU11 3JD. Box office 01252 330040. www.westendcentre.co.uk.
Saturday 12th December from 10.30am to 11.30am. Westy Creature Feature – Elf wish list. An animal handling family workshop for ages 3 +. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. £5.00 per child, adults free.
Forever Young
An opportunity for families to work together and make art with their children. Sessions run from 10.30am to 12.30pm and cost £3.00 per person. Suitable for ages 3 +. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for mess. Saturday 9th January Colourful Clay Plaque. Saturday 6th February Weaving.
Mondays 11th January to 21st March (no class on 15th February) from 4.30pm to 6.00pm. Txtiles. A 10 week term. For ages 10 to 16. £88.00/£66.00. Learn about sewing and how to use a sewing machine. Learn basic techniques and develop your creative skills. Please bring your own sewing machines if it is in good working order or reserve one of theirs at booking.
Westy Youth Theatre
Mondays 11th January to 21st March (no class on 15th February) from 5.00pm to 6.30pm. For 8 to 12 year olds.
A 10 week term. £44.00/£33.00.
Mondays 11th January to 21st March (no class on 15th February) from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. For 14 to 19 year olds.
A 10 week term. £55.00/£41.25.
Tuesdays 12th January to 22nd March (no class on 16th February) from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. For 12 to 14 year olds.
A 10 week term. £55.00/£41.25.
Tuesdays 12th January to 22nd March from 4.00pm to 4.45pm. Let’s Sing in French! For ages 6 to 11. £30.00 (£3.00 per session). Traditional French songs from around the globe along with original compositions by tutor Dominique. Easy-to-learn songs and musical games, getting kids experiencing French in a unique and tuneful way. Parents can visit http://www.mamalisa.com to listen to examples of songs.
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Poppy Appeal Christmas Concert
Saturday 12th December at 7.30pm at The Royal British Legion Club, 51 Cambridge Road East, Farnborough GU14 6QB. With the Farnborough Concert Band of The Royal British Legion. Raffle and table buffets. Tickets £10.00 available behind the bar or call 07767 025 074. All profits to the Poppy Appeal. Members and non-members welcome.
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St. Mark’s CE Primary School, Farnborough
Sunday 13th December School Carol Service at 3.00pm at St. Mark’s Church, Reading Road, Farnborough GU14 6NA. This service is led by the Infant’s nativity and supported by the singing of their Juniors.
The Junior children will also be carol singing in the community. They will be at Sainsbury’s, Farnborough on Tuesday 15th December from 2.30pm to 3.45pm and Asda, Farnborough on Wednesday 16th December from 2.30pm to 3.45pm.
The School’s church, St. Mark’s, are inviting all local families to join them as they prepare for their “Crib Fest” – a display of crib scenes, made out of recycled materials. You too are invited to participate. If you’d like to take part, please contact the church.
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The Sixth Form College Farnborough – Christmas Community Sing-a-long
The Sixth Form College Student Association is holding a Christmas Community Sing-a-long on Wednesday 16th December from 12.00 noon. In attendance will be a wide variety of members from the community, including local schools, care homes and neighbours. They would love to invite any community group they work with to join them at the event. If you are interested in attending please email Katy Marlow on .
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Free Bike Rides
On Saturdays 19th December, 9th and 23rd January, 6th and 20th February, and 5th and 19th March. The rides start at 10.30am from Cove Junior School, Fernhill Road, Cove, Farnborough GU14 9SA. Please book in advance. For more information and bookings contact Susan Keywood on 07717 672 696 or email .
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North Camp Community Grotto Activity and Santa Visit
Saturday 19th December from 11.00am to 3.00pm at 5th Farnborough Scout Group Hut. Access to the hut is located at the back of Peabody Road car park or at 13A High Street, North Camp. Meet Santa and receive a festive goody bag and take part in their decorate a biscuit activity. £4.00 per child. All welcome. Run by 5th Farnborough Scout Group. Website www.5thfarnboroughscoutgroup.co.uk.
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Pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk
Saturday 19th December from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at The Royal British Legion Club, 51 Cambridge Road East, Farnborough GU14 6QB. Adults £7.50, children £5.00. Organised by North Camp Matters Community Association and presented by Chaplins Gold Pantos. Tickets available from Interior Inspirations, 45 Camp Road, Farnborough or Bransons, 75 Camp Road.
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The Church of the Good Shepherd
Sand Hill, Farnborough GU14 8ER. Telephone 01252 375578. Email . Website www.goodshepherdchurch.org.uk.
Christmas Services
Sunday 20th December at 6.30pm. Candle-lit carol service.
Christmas Eve at 3.00pm and 5.00pm. Christingle services for children and their families.
Christmas Day at 10.00am. Holy communion for all the family.
For more details of these and other services at the church you can also visit the website.
Messy Church takes place after school once a month on a Wednesday from 4.30pm to 6.00pm for families with children up to the age of 11. It includes craft, food, music and a short talk. There is a £3.00 contribution per family for food and craft materials. The first dates for 2016 are 20th January and 9th February when there is a pancake party. For details email the Messy Church Coordinator, Margaret, at .
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Connaught Leisure Centre Holiday Playscheme
Monday 21st December to Wednesday 23rd December inclusive. Tongham Road, Aldershot GU12 4AS. Full day 8.15am to 5.30pm £16.00. Part day 8.15am to 3.30pm £14.00. Each day will feature a mix of sports and craft activities with the theme of Christmas. Indoor and outdoor activities will take place dependent on the weather.
Enrolment can be made in person, by e-mail at or by telephone on 01252 344438. In each case a booking form will need to be completed. Website www.connaughtleisurecentre.co.uk.
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Junior Activities at Farnborough Leisure Centre and Aldershot Pools
Farnborough Leisure Centre
Westmead, Farnborough GU14 7LD. Telephone 01252 370411. Website www.farnboroughleisurecentre.co.uk.
Christmas Day Camp for 5 to 12 Year Olds
Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December between 8.30am and 5.30pm. Activities include tenpin bowling, soft play (Adventure Reef), arts and crafts, fun with food, team games and more. 1 day pass £22.00. Sibling 1 day pass £17.00. Only one sibling discount per full paying child. A sibling is a brother or sister. A hot or cold lunch is included in the price. To book pop into Farnborough Leisure Centre or call 01252 370411. Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Family Fun Splash Times
Family Fun Sessions with floats. Call 01252 370411 or visit the website for swimming and fun session times.
Children Under 8 Swim Free
One under 8 free with every full paying adult.
Adventure Reef Soft Play
Their soft play centre has an underwater theme. For children under 12 years. Under 5’s area with a mini ball pond, wavy slide and soft toy fun. Over 5’s area with wavy slides, ball ponds, twisty swings and rope climbs. Height restrictions apply. Socks must be worn and children under 8 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Junior Gym
11 to 16 year olds can use the gym during Junior Gym sessions. Please call 01252 370411 or visit the website for Junior Gym session times. An induction session is required. Junior Gym session £4.50. Induction session £16.00.
Crèche
The fully supervised crèche at Farnborough Leisure Centre is for children aged 8 weeks to 5 years 11 months while you use their facilities. You can also use their Shop & Drop service while you complete your shopping. Please call 01252 370411 or visit the website for the Centre’s Christmas opening times or more information.
Christmas at Farnborough Bowl
Look out for their holiday bowling deals. Visit www.farnboroughbowl.co.uk or call 01252 554046 for more information.
Aldershot Pools
Guildford Road, Aldershot GU12 4BP. Telephone 01252 323482. Website www.aldershotpoolscomplex.co.uk.
Family Fun Splash Times
A Family Fun Session with floats. Call 01252 323482 or visit the website for swimming and fun session times.
Junior Gym
11 to 16 year olds can use the gym during Junior Gym sessions. Please call 01252 323482 or visit the website for Junior Gym session times. An induction session is required. Junior Gym session £4.50. Induction session £16.00.
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Alpine Snowsports – Christmas Holiday Programme
Gallwey Road, Aldershot GU11 2DD. Website www.activenation.org.uk. Email . Terms and conditions apply to all activities. Please call to pre-book on 01252 325889.
Monday 21st December, Wednesday 23rd December and Monday 28th December. 10.15am to 1.15pm. Level 1 ski course. For 8 to 16 year olds. £30.00. Level 1 is for complete beginners. Learn all about the skis and boots plus how to side step up the hill and slide back down it. All equipment is included – just bring some long socks and gloves.