Southampton - Family

On Saturday 26 May 2012 the most spectacular event will take place at HMS COLLINGWOOD, Fareham, Hampshire when the establishment opens it gates for the annual Open Day featuring the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) Field Gun Competition.

The Field Gun competition will feature 22 crews from across the UK and Gibraltar competing for the coveted Brickwoods Trophy. The competition is fast and furious and requires 18-man teams to run, dismantle, reassemble and fire the gun in the shortest possible time, traditionally in heats of 6 crews at a time. Strength, stamina, and team work are essential in this challenge, and the crews begin the physical training this month, training with the guns in April.

During the Open Day there will be attractions, entertainment and displays designed to capture the imagination of everyone from 8 to 80. Attractions will include displays from the Royal Navy Raiders Parachute Display team, the Royal Marines Band Collingwood plus extensive recruitment zone with helicopters and much more. There will also be a Ship Open to Visitors area where you will be wowed with some of the training equipment used by today’s Navy. Plus experience Royal Navy training first hand in the Bridge Simulator which will allow you to simulate taking a ship into harbour, and if you are brave enough you could take on the High Ropes Challenge!

There will be an extensive KIDZ Area with FREE FUN FAIR!, bouncy castle and children’s entertainers. There will also be a vast selection of commercial and charity stands, and all in aid of naval and local charities.
As an exclusive offer to you there will be FREE BUSES running to and from the event from Fareham Train Station and Gosport Ferry stopping at various places en route.

Gates open at 0930; discounted tickets are available from Gosport and Fareham News offices and Tourist Information or on the gate.

Deep in the forest, by the banks of a great river, lived a large crocodile. He was a very selfish crocodile and he wouldn't share this river with any of the other creatures. He thought it was HIS river! So, the animals stayed away.

But, one day there was a terrible scream, - the crocodile had a toothache. Nobody dared to help him, until a brave little mouse appeared, and found a clever way to solve this snappy dilemma.

This is a funny, heart-warming tale with a very happy ending which reminds us all that the smallest act of kindness often has the greatest impact.

Our storytellers use song, music and a host of handcrafted puppets, to bring this watery adventure to life. This is a must-see for 3-7 year olds, their grown-up's, and of course, anybody with a pet crocodile.

If you came to see.... 'The Owl Who was Afraid of the Dark' you will love this. Bigger, brighter and better!