Families Thames Valley West May-June 2018

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Thames Valley West

IN THIS ISSUE

Kids Party Special!

Perfect Party Ideas Local Party Directory Mind Map your child’s Party!

PLUS Does Gender Matter?

Beautiful Berkshire Bluebells Summer Camps & Classes Independent School Open Days

Issue 95 May/June 2018

RECRUITING NOW

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle,

please call Diana Page 01235 533362 07747 086518

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2 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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...endless ideas for families of young children in Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire Families® Thames Valley West • Issue 95 • MAY/JUNE 2018 Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

In This Issue...

4-6 7 11

News and Views Does Gender Matter?

Independent School Open Days

Don’t Miss these great offers • Child goes FREE at The Look Out Discovery Centre – see p10

Hello from the Editor

• Two week trial at Stagecoach – see ad below • FREE trial class at Perform – see front cover • FREE trial class at Monkey Music – see p.29 • FREE trial class at diddi dance – see p.29

13 14 17

Are you carrying the Mental Load for your family?

Summer Camps preview – book early to get the best deals!

Party Special – Mind Map your Child’s Party

18

Ideas for Fabulous Children’s Parties!

20

Local Party Directory

• FREE trial of new parenting app Kandoo – see p.6 • Try a FREE Busylizzy class – see p.29 Advertise with us!

If you’re reading this, so are your customers! We can help you reach over 45,000 parents in Reading, Bracknell, Henley, Wokingham, Newbury, Thatcham, Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Twyford and West Berkshire towns & villages. Call us on 01235 751 888 or email editor@familiestvw.co.uk for more information

The Families Team Editor: Lucy Heather

22 24 28

Beautiful Bluebells and Where to Spot Them What’s On over May/June and Half Term Clubs and Classes

Designed by: Ridgeway Press Ltd, 01256 300 420 www.ridgewaypress.co.uk Next Issue: July/Aug: – Summer Holiday Special! Summer Camps & Classes plus the biggest What’s On Guide to keep the kids entertained in the school holidays.

Advertising deadline: Book by 1st June.

To advertise here please ring

01235 751 980

If you’re planning a children’s party in the next few months you won’t want to miss our Party Guide, starting on p.17. If the thought of all that planning and preparation leaves you anxious, read our guide on how to use ‘mind mapping’ strategies to plan the perfect party. There’s lots of ideas for party themes on p.18-19, plus we’ve picked the best local party venues and suppliers in our Party Directory on p.20.

With summer just around the corner, you might want to get your childcare sorted nice and early. Many of the local summer camps and classes offer ‘early bird’ discounts and are also booking for May half term – see p. 14 for more details. If you’re looking for a new school in September, there are Open Days at many of the independent schools this term – see p.11.

Finally, our What’s On Guide starting on p.24 is absolutely packed with ideas on places to go with the kids, including over May half term – so there’s no excuse to hear the words ‘I’m bored!’

Lucy

See you in July!

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Thames Valley West

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Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 01235 751 980

Families Thames Valley West • 3

News & Views Challenging Vocabulary Market leaders Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards are pleased to announce a new addition to their range.

The grammar school 11+ entrance exam is constantly evolving, with advanced vocabulary increasingly appearing in the exam, particularly in comprehension passages. This new Level 3 pack draws on feedback from a wide range of tutors and teachers about commonly confused or misunderstood words, and on the latest 11+ materials, to help students keep pace with the changes and excel in the exam.

This extension pack includes: • unusual and old-fashioned words, such as ambivalent, trifling, tirade . . .

• complex homophones like complacent/complaisant, elicit/illicit . . .

• commonly confused words such as trait/trite, perpetuate/perpetrate . . .

The cards are designed to build on the existing packs, which encourage children to develop a rich bank of vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms and compound words. Each card shows a target word with a child-friendly definition and a list of synonyms. A sprinkling of idioms have been added where appropriate, as another way to help tricky words “stick”.

Available as an individual pack or as part of a set.

For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

Mental Health Issues Starting Early One in 10 children aged five to 16 - or three in every classroom - have a diagnosable mental health problem and 75% of mental illness starts before the age of 18 according to statistics.

Place2Be, a national charity providing emotional support to children, advises that it's never too early or too late to start thinking about your child's mental health.

Some simple actions you can take at any age to help promote positive mental health include: • Carving out time to be with your child oneto-one. Put other worries to one side and actively listen to them and their feelings.

• Enjoying a quiet activity together can make it easier to talk to your child and can encourage your child to open up naturally.

• Taking a step back from today's busy lives and enjoy some dedicated time listening and playing with your child.

• Creative activities such as art and craft can encourage bonding with your child.

• Providing a stable and consistent environment, with clear boundaries helps children feel secure and better able to learn about and cope with the world around them.

• Be kind to yourself and look after your own mental health. This will have the most beneficial impact of all on the wellbeing of your child.

For more information and advice, visit www.place2be.org.uk

It’s National Mills Weekend 2018!

On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May, National Mills Weekend takes place across the UK, with more than 300 windmills and watermills opening their doors to the public. This annual festival of our milling heritage is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to explore their local mills.

Participating mills include many not normally open to the public, with a range of special events and family-friendly activities.

Until the advent of the steam engine, wind and watermills provided the only source of power for many different processes - from making flour, paper and cloth to hammering metal and extracting oils. You can explore mills that produced, or still produce these products, some restored to working order, some derelict, some still working commercially.

To find a mill open in your local area, visit www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk

4 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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News & Views Decay Rates Drop and Children Lead Adults

‘Grannannying’ is the Word The trend of grandparents providing vital, day-to-day support to their grandchildren known as ‘grannannying’ is more widespread than you may have thought according to a new YouGov poll for Age UK.

many grandparents play in reducing the financial burden of childcare, over half of grandparents said their help had enabled their own child/children to work more to support their family.

Two-fifths (40%) of the nation’s grandparents over the age of 50 – 5 million – have provided regular childcare for their grandchildren, according to the survey. The vast majority did so once a week but a fifth provided support 4 to 6 times a week.

But it’s not all one way. Nearly all grandparents (88%) said they enjoyed the time spent with their grandchildren and half felt it kept them physical and mentally active.

For more information about the survey, visit www.ageuk.co.uk

Revealing the pivotal role that

More than three quarters of children aged 11 children now have no tooth decay. This percentage has increased from 59% a decade ago according to recent figures from the National Dental Inspection Program (NDIP).

NHS dental registrations in Scotland also show children are more likely than adults to visit an NHS dentist in the last two years.

However, oral health disorders are the most common reason for elective hospital admission of children in Scotland, accounting for over 10,000 episodes per year, according to the NDIP.

they come through. It’s never too early to start caring for your baby’s teeth.

Childsmile recommends registering a baby with a dentist soon after birth and taking them to the dentist for their first visit by the time they are six months old. From then on, parents should take their child to the dental practice every six months, or as advised.

For more information, visit www.child-smile.org.uk

According to the national Childsmile programme it is important to protect your child’s first teeth against decay so that adult teeth have a chance to develop before

The Coolest Way to Lose Fat In the last issue we met mum-ofthree, Claire, who decided it was time to tackle her mummy tummy with CoolSculpting. In this issue we take a closer look at the World’s number one non-surgical fat freezing treatment…

Around 15 years ago, scientists at Harvard University found that eating ice-lollies could cause dimples in the cheeks. And so, the idea that cold could target fat cells without damaging the skin or other surrounding tissue came to light, and from there, following 10 years of scientific development, the fatfreezing treatment that is called CoolSculpting was born.

With over five million treatments carried out worldwide, CoolSculpting has become the number one permanent, nonsurgical fat removal treatment in the World. It is the only FDA-cleared Cryolipolysis® (the science bit) treatment that effectively removes diet- and exercise-resistant fat, and is clinically proven to work. familiesonline.co.uk

The CoolSculpting procedure works by delivering controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin while leaving the skin itself unaffected. The treated fat cells are cooled to -10 degrees centigrade, resulting in them being permanently destroyed. Over the next few weeks, the body naturally processes the destroyed fat cells and excretes them through the normal body processes, leaving you with a slimmer more shapely body.

Because CoolSculpting permanently removes stubborn fat and reshapes the body, it’s ideal for the tummy, love handles, waist, inner and outer thighs, bingo wings, back fat, and even small areas like chin, knees and the area around your bra.

If you’re interested in finding out more about CoolSculpting, get in touch with Aspire Clinic: 0118 931 3575 or info@aspireclinic.com.

In the next issue, Claire will be sharing the results of her CoolSculpting.

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 01235 751 980

Families Thames Valley West • 5

News & Views Out of School Activities Improve Educational Attainment A study by researchers from NatCen Social Research at Newcastle University has found that children who take part in organised sports and after school clubs can improve primary school academic performance and social skills.

The study of 6,400 children in England found that those who took part in organised sports and physical activities at the ages of 5, 7 and 11 were almost one and a half times more likely to reach a higher than expected level in their Key Stage 2 (KS2) maths test at the age of 11.

According to the Lead Investigator, Emily Tanner

of NatCen said “Results showed that sports clubs were positively associated with attainment outcomes at age 11, even when accounting for prior attainment at age 7.”

The research also found that disadvantaged children who attended after-school clubs developed better social, emotional and behavioural skills than those, also from similar social circumstances, who did not.

For more information, visit www.ucl.ac.uk

New App for Parents Offers Extra Help A new web app has been launched aimed at giving parents and working people an ‘extra pair of hands’ when they need it.

Kandoo Network is a mobile web app that brings parents and working people who need jobs done together with young people who have the time to help and need some extra money.

From waiting for a delivery or walking the dog to helping to set up a children’s party, a parent’s “to do” list for the family is

endless.

Kandoo may offer the solution by connecting parents with an extra pair of hands via reliable teenagers and students who have received recommendations from jobs done for existing subscribers.

A free 60 day trial is available with Promo Code KANDOOTRIAL08 More information visit www.kandoonetwork.co.uk

Protect Kids from #FOMO with #JOMO

Information evening on Auditory Processing Disorder Tue 8th May & Tue 12th June

45 Market Place, Henley on Thames RG9 2AA Book your complimentary place on alice@hearandnowauditory.com • 43% of children with learning difficulties and 25% of people with Dyslexia ALSO had an Auditory Processing Disorder APD. • APD commonly coexists with sensory conditions such as ADD, ADAD, Autism spectrum disorder, Dyspraxia and hypersensitive hearing.

• Improving Auditory Processing of sound and its meaning, through BERARD AIT sound therapy, can significantly help improve Auditory Processing.

• Clinically supervised, intensive and highly successful programmes, conducted by Berard practitioner Veronica van Nierop B.Sc; D.C; N.E.T; A.R.T; Find out if AIT could benefit you at your child with a free 15minute chat.

www.hearandnowauditory.com

6 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Parents are urged to protect their children from the negative health effects of social media by helping them discover the ‘Joys of Missing Out’ #JOMO. According to Dr Georgia Henderson, a clinical psychologist working with young people at the Priory Hospital in London, social media is endlessly demanding, leading to toxic feelings of inadequacy amongst young people. #JOMO is the opposite of #FOMO, where young people constantly check their smartphones because of the ‘Fear of Missing Out’ on conversations or social events.

The ‘what and why’ of #JOMO: • “When we turn off – we have to reconnect to the real world.”

• People are at their most intelligent, productive and calm when they can slow their thoughts down and use mindfulness.

• There is increasing pressure on

young people to be more mature than they are ready for in relationships as a result of social media, so why not pause and step away?

• Parents modelling good boundaries around their own ability to shut off technology is the best way to show that being with your kids is enough.

• Self-esteem. Young people who spend a lot of time on social media are more likely to rely on external approval and physical attractiveness, rather than their internal attributes and worth.

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How Much Does Gender Matter?

By Dr Lucy Maddox

We are expert at training our children to be boys and girls. In fact, we’d have to work hard to get better at this!

F

rom the moment a baby is conceived, its sex is determined and it will be exposed to an entirely different menu of hormonal influences, both in utero and beyond. It’s the balance of different hormones androgens (male hormones) and oestrogens and progesterones (female hormones) - which result in the differentiation of physical characteristics and genitalia between boys and girls.

Some people also use these sex differences to explain differences in behaviour. However, research suggests that the impact of sex differences on behaviour is massively exaggerated. Whilst it is tempting to attribute differences in behaviour between girls and boys to their biology, there is not good evidence to back this up. Christia Spears Brown, Professor at the University of Kentucky, studies sex differences. She says “Of course, behavioural differences do exist.

Boys, as infants, are a little more active and a little more impulsive than girls and throw a ball with greater velocity and power. In childhood, boys have better body image than girls, and more confidence in their maths ability (although they don’t differ in actual maths ability). However, these differences may well be due to socialisation - to boys being encouraged to practise ballthrowing more and to girls picking up a message that “girls aren’t good at maths.”

If there aren’t major behavioural differences between boys and girls, then why do we think there are?

We all have a natural tendency to see things that back up our existing beliefs: a confirmation bias. This makes it easy for us to see differences as related to biological sex, when they might just be individual differences in personality.

Importantly, society tends to train children from a very early age to

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tending to value affiliative traits which enhance the ability to get on with others. The effects of these roots, laid down so very early on, probably in the messages boys and girls have been given, arguably manifest in typical adult male and female styles of interaction at work and in relationships.

What can we do to help free children from gender constraints?

Professor Spears Brown thinks that there are three main things: Make gender less relevant to everyday life, (e.g. no need to say “hello boys and girls” - just say “hello everyone”).

Correct children and other adults when they fall into the trap of gender stereotypes, (e.g. how often do we praise girls for looking nice and praise boys for being strong?)

Focus on buying children toys that foster the traits we want to encourage, rather than buying toys that are supposed to be for a particular sex.

behave in different ways depending on their biological sex. From birth, children are surrounded by messages from advertising, film and television and clothes and toys.

There may well be differences in the way boys and girls behave, but they are often very likely to be influenced by what they have experienced as they grow.

Recognition of biological sex happens early. Even by the age of 1 year, children begin to have the ability to distinguish between male and female faces if there are

gender-related cues. By age 3, girls and boys have a sense of their own gender identity. Between 3 and 6 years old, children develop the idea of gender constancy - the idea that someone’s biological sex doesn’t change and that you can’t be both a girl and a boy.

Stereotypes about gender also form early: ideas about expected clothes, play and behaviour are already around before children reach age 6 years. One study showed boys tending to prefer assertive character traits and girls

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 01235 751 980

It’s well worth thinking about our own ideas about gender, the scripts we have been given by our families and by society around us about what is “boy behaviour” and “girl behaviour.” If we can hold up our inherited beliefs to the light then there is some hope of us being able to challenge or champion them, to allow for curiosity about other cultures, families and ways of being. This might also create more space for our children to be able to do, say, feel and be what they are, whatever their biology.

For more on gender and other child development topics, Dr Lucy Maddox’s book “Blueprint: How Our Childhood Makes Us Who We Are” is available from Amazon at £14.99

Families Thames Valley West • 7

The Berkshire grammar schools are extremely well regarded.

Places are offered to pupils who ‘pass’ the 11+. The Berkshire CEM 11+ test comprises of verbal reasoning, numeracy (maths) and non-verbal reasoning topics.

Susan Daughtrey Education has operated extremely successful 11+ Courses in Buckinghamshire for over 25 years. The 11+ Courses for students in Years 4 and 5 have now been running for three years in Earley.

The 11+ Foundation Courses start in January and run until the October half-term. Then the Year 5 Preparation Course begins and continues up to the 11+ tests in September. The courses comprise of weekly tuition during term time and follow a technique-focused approach. Homework is set weekly to practice and consolidate the techniques taught in the lesson.

Susan Daughtrey Education has also developed and designed CEM-style mock exams to replicate, as far as possible, your child’s most likely experience on the day of their 11+ test. This includes the type and standard of difficulty of the questions, the timing of the individual sections, the layout of the test papers and the administration, where we broadcast our own pre-recorded test instructions. This experience has been created with the benefit of feedback from hundreds of past CEM candidates.

For more information please visit www.susandaughtreyeducation.com

To Advertise here call: 01235 751980 Thames Valley West

8 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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Education

STEM: Helping Children with the Fundamentals of Education By Christopher Cederskog It’s not easy being a parent. You want to do the best for your children, but sometimes it’s hard to work out what the best actually is. Education is one of those areas where advice is constantly changing.

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f you are interested in helping your kids with the fundamentals of education there is an acronym which you should become aware of: STEM. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and it is fast becoming the core of the British and global education system. There is hardly a career which does not involve some element of STEM, from farming to neurosurgery, and it also plays

a part in a many everyday activities. This is why it’s important our children can understand its key tenets.

As a parent, then, what can you do to help form the STEM of your child’s tree of knowledge?

I have always believed that learning should be fun and the popular perception is that the subjects of STEM are anything but. However,

science, engineering and technology are particularly well-suited to play and mathematics can be applied to virtually any day-to-day situation. It’s just a matter of identifying the right opportunities.

The next time you’re baking pastry together, let your child measure out the ingredients and ask them questions: what does ‘half fat to flour’ mean? Let them work out, according to that rule, how much flour is needed if you’re using 100 grams of fat. Get them to count out how many pastry cases were made from that ratio, then work out how much more pastry it would take to double the number of cases, or how many pies each family member will get based on the current number. Talk about the ingredients, what they are and where they’ve come from.

The next time your child falls, take the chance to talk to them about gravity and discuss why they fell downwards rather than upwards! If they’ve grazed their knees, once the tears have stopped, chat a bit about biology – why is blood red, why do scabs form, how do cuts heal? If you don’t know the answers yourself, call on Doctor Google – he’s always there to help.

When you’re out with your children, encourage scientific observations: when walking to the park, talk about why the leaves are green or why they fall in autumn. See if your children can spot any mini-beasts and set them the challenge of learning about them when they get home. And when at home, help bring out your child’s inner-engineer by encouraging them to put those endless MegaBlocks and LEGO bricks to work.

Every activity can be a learning opportunity without a child needing to identify it as such.

Your job as a parent is to try to find ways to make the learning opportunity fun.

While I’m not saying that all education should be done by stealth, I am an advocate of learning through play. The lessons I most strongly remember from my childhood are those that were learned while I was having fun: the Van de Graaff generator sparking as much imagination as electricity; the recreation of the witches’ scene in Macbeth making Shakespeare seem relevant and interesting; the days in the garden, learning where food actually comes from and that there is a point to worms.

Children were born to learn and their brains are busy absorbing information from the second they leave the womb. If you can make your lessons fun, informal and an integral part of everyday life, then your little ones will learn by osmosis and you can sit back in the happy glow of a good job, well done.

Christopher Cederskog is MD of Wonder Workshop which teaches children coding through robotics and enables them to master critical thinking, problem solving, cause and effect, communication, and collaboration. For more information, visit www.makewonder.com

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Families Thames Valley West • 9

St Joseph’s College Music Centre opened by Cecilia McDowall One of Britain’s leading composers, Cecilia McDowall, was guest of honour at the opening of a new Music Centre at St Joseph’s College in central Reading.

The new Music Centre includes music classrooms, a suite of practice rooms and a music technology room. Each room has a new Yamaha piano – a total of fourteen were delivered to the school last week, with the College becoming a Yamaha school.

Headmaster Andrew Colpus said: “I am delighted that our Music Centre is now officially open. Music has always been at the heart of St Joseph’s life and credit for this must go to the commitment and dedication of the music staff, who have developed a love and enthusiasm for music in so many

New Times Table Test for Year 4 Pupils

students, past and present. The quality of music produced by our pupils is outstanding, and we now have a facility that meets the requirements of their talents and hard work. We are very proud to be able to offer all our pupils this wonderful new facility, which will allow us to develop the learning of music throughout the College, and to continue to celebrate our school’s passion for music.”

As part of the opening ceremony, visitors were given a tour of the new Music Centre, which was blessed by Fr John O’Shea. Following this, Prep and Senior School pupils played to invited guests alongside violinist Antonia Kesel, who is a former pupil.

Antonia played “Strange violin, are you following me”, a piece composed by Cecilia McDowall.

Also attending the event were governors and staff from St Joseph’s College. Chair of Governors Chris Murray said: “As governors we have been keen to enhance and develop the College facilities over the last few years and the next stage of this has been the building of the Music Centre. I hope this new facility will enhance the already high standard and quality of music in the College.”

The government has announced plans to have all Year 4 pupils sit a compulsory times table test.

The test will be tried out in a sample of schools with it being made available on a voluntary basis to all schools across England from June 2019. It will become mandatory in June 2020.

The test has been described by the Government as a 5 minute “on-screen check” which is designed to help ensure children know the multiplication tables up

to 12 off by heart and has been designed to avoid causing additional stress for children and teachers.

The Government has also said results from the check will not be published at school-level, and will not be used by Ofsted and others to force changes in schools.

Some teachers’ unions have expressed strong concerns about the introduction of another test being an unnecessary additional burden on schools.

The Look Out Discovery Centre

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10 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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Independent School Open Days Summer Term 2018 BRACKNELL AND ASCOT OUR LADY’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL AND DAY NURSERY, Crowthorne (Catholic day school, co-ed, 3mths-11yrs), 01344 773 394, www.olps.co.uk OPEN MORNINGS 22 & 23 June 9am-12pm

LVS ASCOT (co-ed day and boarding, 4-18yrs), 01344 882 770, www.lvs.ascot-sch.uk Junior School OPEN MORNING 9 May 9am12pm LAMBROOK SCHOOL (co-ed day & boarding 3-13yrs), 01344 882 717, www.lambrookschool.co.uk OPEN DAY 12 May 9.30am-12.30pm

THE MARIST SCHOOLS, Ascot (independent Catholic girls school, 21/2 – 18yrs), 01344 624 291, www.themaristschools.com PREP OPEN MORNING 4 May 9.15-11.15am SENIOR OPEN MORNING 10 May 9.15-11.15am

OXFORDSHIRE MOULSFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL (independent boys day & boarding school 413yrs) 01491 651 438, www.moulsford.com OPEN MORNING Fri 11 May 10am-12pm or 1pm-3pm

READING READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL (independent boys day school 11-18yrs), 0118 944 1005, www.rbcsc.org.uk SCHOOL TOUR DAY 3 May familiesonline.co.uk

LEIGHTON PARK SCHOOL (independent co-ed day and boarding 11-18yrs), 0118 987 9600, www.leightonpark.com OPEN MORNINGS 22 May & 19 Jun 10.30am12.30pm ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE (independent co-ed day school 3-18yrs), 0118 966 1000, www.sjcr.org.uk SENIOR OPEN MORNING 12 June 10.30am-12pm EARLY YEARS OPEN MORNING 12 June 9.30am-11am

QUEEN ANNE’S CAVERSHAM (independent girl’s day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 918 7300, www.qas.org.uk OPEN MORNINGS 12 May and 8 June 9.30am

SOUTH OF READING CROSFIELDS SCHOOL (independent co-ed day school 3-13yrs), 0118 987 1810, www.crosfields.com OPEN MORNING 17 May 9am. Children are welcome to visit the school with their parents and there is a crèche facility for younger children.

WEST BERKSHIRE THE CEDARS SCHOOL (independent co-ed day school 4-11yrs), 0118 971 4251, www.thecedarschool.co.uk OPEN MORNINGS 17 May & 21 Jun 9.30am-12pm

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ST ANDREWS PANGBOURNE (independent coed day and boarding school 3-13yrs), 0118 974 4276, www.standrewspangbourne.co.uk OPEN MORNING 11 May, 9am and OPEN EVENING 21 Jun 5.45pm BROCKHURST & MARLSTON HOUSE SCHOOL, (independent boys (Brockhurst) and girls (Marlston House) day and boarding prep school 3-13), 01635 200 293, www.brockmarl.org.uk OPEN MORNING 19 May 10.30am-12pm

ELSTREE SCHOOL, (boarding & day school for girls 3-8yrs and boys 3-13yrs), 0118 971 3302, www.elstreeschool.org.uk OPEN MORNING 12 May 10am-12pm

WOKINGHAM LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL (independent co-ed day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 978 4175, www.luckleyhouseschool.org OPEN EVENING 7 Jun 6pm.

REDDAM HOUSE SCHOOL (independent co-ed day & boarding school 3-18yrs), 0118 974 8300, www.reddamhouse.org.uk OPEN MORNING 12 May 9.30am, presentation at 10am, tours of the school 10.30am.

HOLME GRANGE SCHOOL (independent co-ed day school 3-16yrs), 0118 978 1566, www.holmegrange.org Eaton Grange TASTER DAY 26 Jun for current Year 5 pupils considering joining Year 7 or Year 9 in September 2018. 8.35am.

Families Thames Valley West • 11

12 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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endlessly from birthday presents to school workshops to sports days. Preparation is key for my husband and I. Getting the school uniform ready the night before, for example, and synching our schedules to support one another. I feel lucky that I have a flexible job as a blogger and vlogger, which enables me to survive and thrive at work and at home something I write about in detail, in my new book Mumboss, which is due out in May.” Meanwhile, parenting author Tanith Carey, points out that financial pressures on families are increasing. “The number of families who now need both a mum and a dad to work to keep up with the cost of living in the UK has hit a record high - at more than 30 per cent - with 2.25 million women back in work by the time their children are four.

Are You Carrying the Mental Load for your Family?

By Claire Winter

Many women and some men are feeling the pressure of having a job and managing their family. Often it is women who feel like they are carrying the bulk of the mental load associated with managing work and home life. Women report spending, on average, 13 hours on housework and 23 hours looking after children compared to just 8 to 10 hours for men.

T

his idea was captured by the French illustrator, Emma. The cartoon started trending last year and is called ‘You Should've Asked.’ It argues that in traditional home dynamics, the woman is seen as the household’s project manager. This is illustrated by a typical scene of a woman trying to cook dinner while looking after her baby, as her husband chats to their guest. When it all goes wrong he says “you should’ve asked!”

I showed my husband the cartoon and he felt it was one sided. The burden of paying for our mortgage lies with him. He says the mental load of being financially responsible for a family can take its toll too.

Whilst I understand his point of view, when my twins were babies I went back to work so I could have a rest! My head right now is full of lists and tasks that involve running my own business, the house and caring for three children. It sometimes leaves me feeling seriously overwhelmed and under-appreciated. familiesonline.co.uk

Many working mothers were told it was possible to have it all. However, they then find out ‘having it all’ means ‘doing it all’.

The problem is that while men, can cross off a neat to-do list of chores in their minds, many mums work just as long hours - but also end up doing the emotional heavy lifting of parenting.

There's never a time when you are not thinking about your children, and their needs and together with the inevitable demands of a job, the load sometimes can sometimes feel overwhelming - particularly as fewer of us have extended families on hand to take some of the weight.”

Tanith says research has shown that women are twice as likely to suffer from stress as men.

“Olivia Remes, who led recent Cambridge University research into the area points out in the past women were more likely to stay at home and be responsible for the family. Now, they are more likely to hold down a job, while also bringing up children and after elderly or disabled never looking relatives.”

My husband and I discussed how I felt and we have created a virtual list of things that needs to get done on trello.com. It gives us a shared sense of responsibility and has actually “There's created a bit of domestic a time when harmony!

She explains that is why she you are not Blogger and Influencer Honest wrote Mum Hacks. “I want to Mum (www.honestmum.com), thinking about help women reduce the to-do Vicki Psarias, thinks being able list and mental load that can your children” take to compromise is vital. “Juggling the fun out of parenting, and work and family commitments is an which make it feel like you are on a on-going struggle and the best way to treadmill.” Tanith’s book, Mum Hacks: deal with it is by being organised, kind to Time-saving tips to calm the chaos of family yourself and by compromising. My husband life is published by White Ladder and is and I share the load equally here. I try and available on Amazon. make assemblies and school activities, where possible, but I don't beat myself up if I can't Society and employers need to catch up with because of work commitments. You must the way parents want to work and manage remind yourself that you are doing your best.” their lives. Flexible working arrangements are vital for both men and women, so they can The mental load is real though and I make share the mental load equally. huge to-do lists and worry about everything Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 01235 751 980

Families Thames Valley West • 13

The long summer holiday break is a great opportunity for children to take part in organised activities, play schemes, workshops or day camps either within their local area on a daily or weekly basis or, increasingly, attend an American-style residential summer Camp.

Here’s our guide to some of the options available, together with some advice on how to choose the right summer activity for your child.

Summer Holiday Camps and Courses Guide Residential Camps These are independent holidays for unaccompanied children aged from 7 years and above. Children are supervised round the clock in a secure residential environment

such as a boarding school. Group leaders usually take care of children’s pastoral and welfare needs whilst Instructors provide a programme of activities. Camps can offer specialist courses or a

multi-activity programme. Unlike American summer camps, which due to longer school breaks and less holiday leave for working parents often provide a homefrom-home experience, residential camps in the UK usually involve just a 7-day break. However, if your budget can be stretched there are a large number of residential camps operating throughout Europe and North America which can offer your child additional cultural and linguist experiences.

Multi-Activity Day Camps These are non-residential full-day camps running in your local area.

They are for unaccompanied children from 3 years and above which usually run from Monday to Friday, offering a varied programme of sports or creative activities throughout the day. Typically multi-activity day camps involve 4 to 6 activities per day, with each activity session lasting between 1 and 1 ½ hours. Often the sessions focus on ‘tasters’ or introductions

14 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

to a range of activities such as performing arts and outdoor adventure.

Generally, children can attend for as many days as they wish, with a price discount for a full week’s attendance. Day camp arrival and departure times vary but the day usually starts between 9am and 10am and ends between 4 and 5pm. Many camps offer early drop off and late pick up options.

Sports/Activity Courses or Workshops Specialising in a specific sport or activity such as performing arts or art and craft, these courses are usually for children of 7 years and above. They generally operate for 2 to 3 hours per day, running for just one day or as a progressive course over 4 to 5 days. Sports courses are often led by qualified instructors/coaches or by local authority sports/leisure centres, specialist swim centres or riding schools. National governing body awards can sometimes be

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How safe will your child be?

Most summer camps and courses are regulated by various independent bodies, or in some instances by government inspectorates such as Ofsted which monitors safety standards.

Levels of inspection vary according to the type of course or camp.

Day camps and play schemes offering full day care programmes for children under the age of 8 are legally required to register with their local authority. Registered providers are subject to inspection by government inspectorates such as Ofsted.

Sports/activity Courses will not generally be registered with the local authority unless they provide tuition for under 8s.

Horse riding centres are legally required to register with their local authority though.

By Andrew Campbell achieved. Performing arts workshops tend to be run by performing arts schools who also offer term time classes for children.

Holiday Play Schemes These offer non-residential full or part-day supervised childcare for unaccompanied children from age 3 and above but are usually run by voluntary organisations or local authorities. Activities at play schemes may be specific, such as sports or art and craft, or involve a range of different activities. Many play schemes run off-site trips to attractions such as museums or parks. In the main, they are provided for children living in the catchment area of the venue.

See our local Summer Camps listing feature on page 16

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Adventure activities run by any commercial organisation providing specific adventure activities (certain watersports, climbing, trekking and caving activities) are legally required to obtain a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). This body inspects and monitors safety standards. Information on these inspections is available to the public from the AALA. www.hse.gov.uk/aala

emergency procedures. For more information, visit www.thebapa.org.uk

Residential Camps are not subject to legal registration unless they operate specific adventure activities or provide courses for under 8's. Providers who are members of the British Activity Providers Association (BAPA) are subject to an independent inspection scheme covering site safety, activity standards, staff qualifications and training, health and safety and

Staff Qualifications You may also want to check on staff qualifications. Most sports governing bodies have an official coaching scheme for instructors or leaders at various levels. It is a good idea to ask for further information on staff qualifications if the organisation does not explain its policy in its promotional material or on its website.

Police Checks All registered day camps and plays schemes are required to get checks on specific staff. In England and Wales this is done via the Disclosure and Barring Service, and in Scotland via Disclosure Scotland. It is worth checking with the provider to see what their policy is in this area.

Will I be able to use Childcare Vouchers or claim Tax Credits?

You may be able to claim tax credits to help pay for your child's summer activities. If you pay for them to attend and if the activity provider is registered and regulated then you can claim as you would for an after-school club or childminder.

Parents enrolled in the Childcare Voucher scheme can also use their vouchers to subsidise the cost of summer childcare options including camps and courses. However, the provider must be registered and be prepared to accept vouchers. To check what help you could get with childcare costs, visit www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator

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Families Thames Valley West • 15

ULTIMATE ACTIVITY CAMPS

Get Summer Sorted!

It’s never too early to get sorted for the long summer holidays, so here’s a sneak preview of some of the best summer holiday camps and courses around. Most are also booking for May half term: SHIPLAKE COLLEGE is running Summer Rowing Camps in Henley on Thames from 30 Jul-3 Aug and 6 Aug-10 Aug. Benefit from expert tuition and excellent facilities in the stunning Oxfordshire countryside on a week long summer training camp for novice and improving rowers. Headed up by Shiplake College Director of Rowing and current Junior GB coach David Currie, the courses are open to girls and boys from any school aged 13-18. The week-long camps offer expert coaching and comprehensive tuition to ensure all participants are able to significantly develop their skills and techniques. Daily sessions will run from 10am and on the Friday of each week there will be races in the afternoon. This is a great opportunity for the rowers to demonstrate the excellent progress they have made over the week. For residential campers there will be a programme of evening events after dinner, such as local trips, barbeques and pool parties. For more information and booking visit www.shiplake.org.uk/rowingcamps

APOLLO YOUTH CLUB at the Mapp Community Centre in Reading has been running holiday activities for children for over 25 years. Their aim is to provide high quality care for children regardless of their colour, religious or social background. They offer a full childcare facility for 4-11 years. Children are supervised at all times by experienced workers and enjoy a wide range of activities that take into account their needs, age and special requirements. Activities range from cooking, drama, special trips and arts & crafts. 0118 9168 416 / 0118 9168 417 / www.apolloyouthclub.org.uk

a professional theatre! 10.15am-1pm for 3.5-5yrs, 10am-3.30pm for 6-17 years. £105 for 3-5 yrs (£100 for Steppin Out students) or £135 for 6-17yrs (£130 for Steppin Out students). Call Shelley on 07970 034 488 or visit www.steppinoutstars.co.uk to book your place.

JUBILEE JETS & JUBILEE CADETS WOODLAND HOLIDAY CLUB in the beautiful location of Padworth, offer a range of flexible holiday sessions to suit your needs during May half term and the summer holidays. Jubilee Jets Holiday club for 5-11 offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor fun activities including quad biking, trips to the woods, arts & crafts, cooking and lots more. Or try Jubilee Cadets for a woodland holiday club for 5-11 yrs with plenty of adventures in a wonderful woodland setting. Book online using childcare vouchers or credit/debit card. www.jubileejets.co.uk / www.jubileecadets.co.uk STAGECOACH WOKINGHAM have junior and senior summer workshops at St Crispin’s School, Wokingham. ‘Get Ya Hair Up’ for ages 4-6 from 30 Jul – 3 Aug. In just 5 days see what your child’s imagination will achieve. Along with an expert team of teachers you will put on a show to an invited audience which is fully costumed and professionally lit. All children will participate in singing, dancing and drama classes in a fun and engaging way. Make friends and create

STEPPIN’ OUT STARS OF TOMORROW STEPPIN OUT STARS OF TOMORROW is running 5 days of dance, drama and singing, based on the hit musical ‘The Greatest Showman’ at The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Wokingham for 3.5-17 years, from 30 July-3 August. Perform and rehearse in

theatre along the way. Early booking advised. 9am-12pm, Standard £115, Sibling £95. Senior Workshop: ‘Bugsy Malone’ from 30 Jul-3 Aug, 9.30am4pm. A fully packed out week of singing, dancing and acting for ages 6-18. An opportunity for students to make friends,

16 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

be creative, imaginative and active in a safe environment working towards a performance on the last day which will blow your socks off! Cost includes all costumes and a fully professional show to an invited audience. Standard £155, Sibling £125. www.stagecoach.co.uk/wokingham PERFORM are running a five day course this summer for ages 7-12 at Wokingham Methodist Church, based on ‘The Greatest Show on Earth.’ Dance, sing and join in the fun, rehearse and perform a specially written show combining uplifting songs, dazzling dancing and a heart-warming story. 6-10 August, 10am-3pm. 020 7255 9120, www.perform.org.uk/summerfun ULTIMATE ACTIVITY CAMPS run activity based holiday day camps during half term and the summer holidays for 4-14 years at Reading Blue Coats School, Cranford House, LVS Ascot, St Andrew’s, St Gabriel’s and Luckley House. An exciting range of sport, art, creative and games activities are on offer from swimming to fencing to art and initiative games. Staff are experienced in looking after children and provide the highest levels of welfare and enjoyment. MonFri 9.30am-4.30pm with extended days available from 8am-6pm. Book by 12 June to receive 20% off a week (£184) or £5 off a day (£41). www.ultimateactivity.co.uk SUPERCAMPS multi activity camps are ideal for children aged 3-14 yrs who want to try a wide range of activities.

Camps run over May half term and summer holidays at The Abbey School in Reading, Trinity College Newbury, Reddam House in Wokingham, Sherfield School in Sherfield on Loddon and Radley College, Abingdon. Summer Holiday camps also at The Oratory Preparatory School in Woodcote.

Choose from A RAW adventure camp, with outdoor survival activities, multisports, cookery skills and LEGO play.

Camp core hours are 9am-5pm with extended hours 8-9am and 5-6pm available for a small additional charge.

01235 467 300 or book online at www.supercamps.co.uk GR SWIMMING SCHOOLS provide a high standard of swimming teaching in a safe environment for children of all abilities, from the age of 3 to 14 years, at four locations across Compton, Newbury/Thatcham, Woodcote and Pangbourne. The emphasis is on giving children confidence in the water and

having fun as well as learning to swim.

GR’s ever popular intensive summer crash course runs from 23rd-27th July and offer daily lessons for beginners, stroke improvers and snorkelling & diving at Brockhurst & Marlston House School and The Oratory School. £60 For more information visit www.swimlessons.co.uk or call (01635) 201410 or email: rose@swimlessons.co.uk GO BEANIES run Ofsted registered multi activity day camps in the beautiful surroundings of Beale Park in Lower Basildon, Wellington Country Park, Longridge near Marlow and Finkley Down Farm near Andover. Activity day camps provide safe, fun and exciting experiences to keep your child entertained all holiday. ‘Beanies’ are encouraged to tell camp leaders what they would really like to do that day. £35 per day or £160 for the week. 8.30am5.15pm Monday to Friday. Call 0118 996 2678 or book online at www.gobeanies.org ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE HOLIDAY CLUB in Reading runs for every full week of half term and school holiday. They are open from 8am-6pm every day, with half day sessions also available. Places available for St Joseph’s pupils and nonpupils. Early Years Holiday Club for ages 3-Reception is based at the school’s dedicated Early Years Centre, complete with age appropriate resources and toys.

Outside there is a secure all-weather garden with a variety of outdoor play equipment. Year 1-6 Holiday Club offers a wide range of exciting activities planned to enhance new skills, encourage inclusion, team work and strategic thinking. Multi-sports, cooking, arts & crafts, and swimming are just some of the activities on offer. Early Bird day rate: £28.15 or £15.55 for ½ day.

Book online at www.sjcr.org.uk/413/information/holida yclub or call 0118 966 1000 THE COMMERCIAL ARTS TRAINING ACADEMY (CATA) are running two workshops this summer at The Rivers Ibis Club in Reading from 13-17 Aug. A week long workshop for ages 8-18 will include vocal recording, songwriting, modelling, acting for TV and dancing and also a workshop from the hugely successful hit Broadway show ‘Dear Evan Hansen.’ Daily from 10am to 4pm with a showcase for friends and family on the final day, £95 for the week. ‘Teeny Bopper’ workshop for ages 3-7 includes a professional photoshoot with a free headshot, plus a performance for friends and family on the final day. 9.30am12.30pm, £50 for the week. Payment in instalments is possible. For more details contact Kat on 07768 990 238 or email catcademyuk@gmail.com

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Mind Map a Childrens’ Party!

By Tony Buzan Who doesn’t enjoy a good party? Planning the party, however, can be quite another matter – especially a children’s party, for which expectations have rocketed in recent years. Here’s a suggestion for approaching party planning in a completely different way.

I’ve created a Mind Map to show how to plan a children’s birthday party with a superhero theme, but you can, of course, use any theme you like – or, alternatively, leave out the children, if you wish!

the small gifts that the children get to take home.

You will need: • A large sheet of plain white paper

What is a Mind Map?

• A selection of coloured pens or pencils

A Mind Map is a powerful thinking and planning tool that can help you get to grips with any topic. At its simplest, it is a diagram with branches radiating out from a central image, each branch carrying a single word or a picture that summarises an aspect of the topic. The branches then expand into sub-branches, as you delve further into each aspect. Mind Maps have symbols, images and colours and can be really bold, bright and inspiring.

The branches of a kids’ party Mind Map could explore the same core logistics as an adult party: once you’ve set the date, you need to choose a theme (if you want one) and a venue, setting considerations such as cost, space and transport against each other. Then draw up your guest list and plan the entertainment, the food and drinks and the decorations, exploring these on the main branches and sub-branches of your Mind Map. If the party is going to include any special features, such as games, swimming or a magician, include these in your Mind Map too.

You could also use one of the branches to explore how your party will reflect the theme, perhaps through costumes, decorations and

• A brain • An open mind • Imagination

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Step 1 Place the sheet of paper in front of you in landscape format (i.e. horizontally). Next, use at least three different colours to draw an image in the very centre of the paper that represents the party (in this example, it’s a superhero figure). This central image will activate your imagination and trigger associations in your thoughts, so make sure it’s positive and inspiring. You can also have a word at the centre; if so, make it multi-dimensional and brightly coloured.

Step 2 Now choose the first aspect to explore. Pick a colour and draw a thick branch coming away from the central image, like the bough of a tree. Let the branch curve organically, as this will be visually engaging and therefore more interesting to the brain, making you more likely to memorise the information on the branch.

Shade in the branch. Label the branch with a single word in capital letters. For a kids’ party Mind Map, you might label this first branch VENUE or FOOD or DECORATIONS.

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Alternatively, instead of writing a word, you might decide just to draw a powerful image.

Step 3 Send out secondary-level shoots from the main branch. Then draw third-level branches that spread out from these secondary-level shoots. Write keywords on all the branches or draw symbols, or a combination of both. Give each symbol its own branch. There’s no need to rush: leave some of the branches empty at first, as this will naturally inspire your brain to fill them in.

Step 4 Pick another colour and create your next main branch, working around the central image.

(Many beginners find it easiest to work clockwise around the centre, but do whatever suits you best.) As before, draw secondary and third-level branches from this new branch and label them. Keep adding main branches until you have about five or six of them to work with.

Step 5 Now you have your main branches, move freely around your Mind Map, leaping from branch to branch, filling in any gaps and adding new sub-branches as ideas and associations occur to you.

Step 6 If you wish, add arrows, curving lines and links between your main branches to reinforce the connections you have found between them.

When you have completed your Mind Map, you can use it as a list ticking off each of the branches once you’ve completed the task.

When the party’s over, it’s useful to keep it to refer back to in future years!

Tony Buzan’s is the writer of Tony Buzan’s Mind Map Mastery: The Complete Guide to Learning and Using the Most Powerful Thinking Tool in the Universe, available from most bookstores priced £14.99.

Families Thames Valley West • 17

Be on Trend with Your Child’s Party in 2018!

By Claire Winter

Photo: Megan Elle Photography, Styling & Entertainment: Fable & Moon Events.

Children’s parties are always a hot topic of conversation in most households across the country. Who to invite? What theme? Which location? We’ve talked to party specialists and planners to find out the top party ideas for 2018, so you don’t have to.

Unusual Themes Think of a party with a twist. Top party organiser Fable & Moon (www.fableandmoon.com) says “Children’s parties are becoming even more sophisticated in 2018! Unicorns and Mermaids are still going strong but expect a fresh twist on the theme.

Also expect to see wedding trends making their way into children’s parties, particularly celestial (moons and stars) and all things holographic.

Think, oversized disco balls and lots and lots of sparkle!”

Chocolate Parties Most kids love chocolate; it’s messy, fun and creative. What’s not to love? Hire a chocolatier to come to your house and teach your children to make some fantastic chocs. Alternatively

hire some moulds and melt dark, milk and white chocolate so they can make their own.

The chocolate is hot so this option is probably not suitable for very small children. The Chocolate Party People (www.thechocolatepartypeople.co.uk) offers a Build a Bar, Chocolate Pizzeria and Truffle Making package for kids. An extra bonus is they get to take away their chocolates instead of a party bag.

Unicorns are Still Cool Kids are still going unicorn crazy. Harriet Jones, founder of online boutique store Rockahula Kids (www.rockahulakids.com) says “2018 has to be the year that the unicorn trend and theme takes centre stage at children's birthday parties. Over the last few months, we have

18 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

seen an incredible increase in demand for unicorn-themed accessories for party favours, whether it be hair clips, charms, necklaces or hairbands. Coupled with unicorns, we have noticed more interest in our rainbow themed accessories for party bags such as clips, rings, and bracelets which go hand-in-hand with the mythical creature." A kitsch, rainbow unicorn party sounds like just the ticket!

Glamping Belltent and glamping parties are going to be really popular especially during the summer months. Set up tents with themes like cowboys, intergalactic, or botanical. You can hire companies to put them up in the garden and if you haven’t got a garden – set up the tents in the house. Older children can have a

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Top Tips for a Budget Party Timing If you hold a party between 3pm and 5pm, you can provide party snacks or treats instead of a meal. Try fruit kebabs that you dip in melted chocolate for a fun treat. Hiring a chocolate fountain could also be a fun way to end the party. Just warn the parents not to dress their kids in their best party clothes! Older children would probably prefer a pizza delivery.

Try E-invites Photo: www.belltentexperience.com

Create your own digital invitations to email to guests. You can also use the free option at www.paperlesspost.com and pay a small amount using various other websites, like www.mini-epic.com.

Founder of the business Jonathan says “Our digital invitations can be created and sent in just a few minutes, with no paper or postage involved, which not only saves you time and money but also saves some trees! But what's proving really popular is the ability to download your Mini-Epic invitation to share via WhatsApp."

Look for Bargains Your pound shop can be a treasure trove of party napkins and decorations. Buy plain paper bags and get the children to personalise them. You could also make cupcakes and get the kids to decorate them. Party favours and entertainment all at the same time!

Themed Parties Choose a theme like pirates, Alice in Wonderland or teddies for the younger kids and base all the games make all the games centred on your chosen theme. Decorations can be homemade – get the whole family involved. Pinterest is a great place to get inspiration. sleepover whilst the youngsters can go home. Andrew Pearce, co-owner of the belltentexperience.com says “we have seen a huge increase in bookings for children’s parties. Bell tents are fun and versatile. You can set them up indoors, or outside and kids love them. Sleeping in a tent is magical whatever age you are!”

Get Me Out of Here Escape rooms are a great choice for older children. You get locked in a room and have to work out how to get out. It’s a great team-building experience and no mess in your house! Many escape rooms have themes you could even get guests to dress up to match it! You need to check what the age range is and whether you need adult supervision. Try www.escapereading.co.uk

01628 821145

07721 422554

Bringing all the fun of the farm to your school, Home, Private Party, Family Funday or Fete, also providing beneficial therapeutic/sensory sessions for visits to Nursing Homes or Special Needs Activities.

Call Pete to discuss your requirements, and obtain prices e: farm@basilandcrew.co.uk • www.basilandcrew.co.uk

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Share Split the cost by sharing the party with a classmate whose birthday is at a similar time. Just make sure you agree who is doing what!

Don’t Forget to Say Thanks Take a group photo of all the kids at the party and print it off at Boots or use an online site. Get your kids to write a thank you note on the back with a Sharpie or gold pen. A great momento and thank you all at once!

you Do total e H? hav BOS H S I SQU

Fun party games with meaning

Call Pete on 07721 422554 or 01628 821145

e:squishbosh@basilandcrew.co.uk • www.basilandcrew.co.uk

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Families Thames Valley West • 19

PARTY ENTERTAINMENT ARROW ENTERTAINMENT – offer the Tick Tock Show for 4-8 yrs, a mini-disco with games, competitions, balloon modelling and magic, pre-teen discos for 9-12 yrs and a teenage disco. Wedding specialists and other adult functions covered too. 01344 776 013, www.arrowentertainment.co.uk CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENTS – offer anything from a half hour magic show to a full party/event with teddy bear’s picnics, funfair themed parties, adventure play and much more. 07836 605 032, www.pozmagic.co.uk CTP PARTY (Children’s Themed Parties) – the best entertainers and characters for your children’s birthday parties and events. Choose from a wide range of themes including Pirates, Princesses, Fairies, Disco & Pop, Army, Sporty, Animal Fun and Jedi Training. All entertainers are CRB checked, young and lively and ready to entertain at your party! 07557 531 904, www.ctpparty.co.uk CIRCUS SCENE – street entertainment, fetes, fun-days, circus workshops for schools a speciality. 0118 976 1702, www.circus-scene.co.uk DEE GEES PARTIES (formerly Danny’s discos) offer party entertainment for children of all ages, from fancy dress discos with party games for toddlers, up to cool discos for older children. Very flexible and can vary theme to suit the individual child. 0118 946 4236 / 07765 222 848 / www.deegeesparties.co.uk FIONNAGHAL – traditional storyteller will enthral children of around 9+ years with traditional tales chosen according to the child’s particular interests. Story telling usually lasts around an hour. 0118 986 4131, www.fionnnaghal.co.uk FIZZICAL DISCO – specialise in fun-packed, energetic and entertaining disco parties suitable for ages 5-teens.

Children can celebrate their birthday keeping fit and having lots of fun with fully qualified coaches.

07881 561 042, www.fizzicaldisco.co.uk FROGGLE PARTIES – offers amazing children’s parties with a huge range of party options from hilarious children’s entertainers and magicians to funky kid’s discos, themed parties, clowns, bubble parties, facepainting, science parties and much more. 08450 504 509, www.froggleparties.com PERFECT PRINCESS PARTIES – Frozen parties a speciality! Magical princess parties from 0-8 yrs old.

Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Elsa & Anna, Sofia the First. Parties at your home or venue of your choice. 07545 950 245, www.perfectprincessparties.co.uk JESTER GIGGLES – children’s magician featuring singing, party games, balloon modelling, magic and mayhem! Covering Berkshire, Oxon, Bucks, Surrey, Hants. 07854 045 640, www.jestergiggles.com ROLY’S MAGIC SHOW – entertaining children for over 30 years. Offering magic shows, music & dancing, bubble machine, balloon modelling, face-painting.

07958 560 991, magicroly@gmail.com

PINKY’S PARTIES – entertainment for children of all ages. Seriously fun and interactive entertainment including magic shows, party games, balloons, facepainting and a very cute rabbit! 01494 479 027, www.pinkysparties.co.uk POP UP PLAY VILLAGE is for children who love to role play! The play village features a supermarket, hospital, vets, baby nursery, café, art studio and in some locations outdoor explorers for children to learn more about nature. Pop Up Play Village is a great option for your child’s next birthday party. Different party packages available including the full package with catering. www.popupplayvillage.co.uk UNCLE CHARLEY – ‘The clown without make up’ – 25 years’ experience as a full time professional children’s entertainer. Crazy mixture of magic, fun games, Punch & Judy, puppets, balloon modelling and mini-disco with lights. 0118 988 2839, www.unclecharley.co.uk

PARTY VENUES MONKTON BARN – a beautifully converted barn near Marlow, available for special events such as wedding receptions, birthday parties and christenings. Monkton Barn and meadows is available for exclusive use. 01494 523 162, www.monktonbarn.co.uk THE LOOKOUT DISCOVERY CENTRE – in Bracknell holds parties for 5-12 years which include a special visit from Eric the Owl, an ‘explainer’ accompanying the children around the hands-on science and nature exhibition, free invitations to post or download, a 10% discount card to use in the gift shop, up to four adults admitted free, a cold buffet and ready-made party bag option. From £7.60 per child (self-catering), £12.25 (catered). Minimum 10 children. 01344 354 400, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre COBBS PLAY BARN - situated just outside Hungerford, offers parties in a bespoke wooden indoor play barn along with a themed party room. Parties on offer include den building, animal games and foraging treasure hunts, as well as Arty Crafty, Pottery Painting, Puppet and Model Making and Sewing Parties. 01488 686 880, www.cobbsplaybarn.co.uk KIDS ‘N’ ACTION – the only Party Centre in the UK to offer 8 different themed party rooms! Also offering Laser Parties, dedicated group party zone for up to 200 people, exclusive private hire available. Large selection of kids themed costumes. 2 hour parties include fun on the play frames and a party meal in themed party room.

Dedicated party host, invitations, thank you cards, party throne, hot and cold menu. Unlimited juice and water.

Cake ceremony. 1 free return pass per party. 0118 968 0983, www.kids-n-action.com EDDIE CATZ NEWBURY – offer fun parties starting at £13.50 per child with use of the play equipment and sports pitch, a meal and drinks, party bags, your own party host and a visit from Eddie Catz himself. Also available are Laser Tag parties for 6-14 years with

20 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

exclusive use of the venue transformed with disco lights and music. Plus Make a Bear parties for 3+ years to stuff and fluff their very own deluxe bear, choosing from a variety of furry friends. Extras include face-painting, cakes, adult platters and balloons. 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com THE MAD HOUSE PLAY AND PARTY WORLD READING – various party packages available, whether the children just want maximum fun on the play equipment or want to combine with some magic, traditional games, football, dancing or drama activities. Birthday child goes free and gets a free return pass. Unlimited squash and water. Reserved table in play area for adults, dedicated party host. Choice of hot or cold buffet with ice cream.

Invites and sweetie bag. From £10.45 per child. 0118 975 5455, www.themadhousereading.co.uk ACTIVE TOTS – soft play barn especially for 0-3’s, just off the A33 between Reading and Basingstoke, offers a mini party at £8.50 per child and an active party for £10.50 per child. Exclusive barn use costs £285 for up to 20 children. Optional extras include messy play and pass the parcel. 01256 880 220, www.activetots.org JAKES@TRI-LAKES - Jake’s Playworld in Sandhurst have a variety of party packages for children up to 11 years which can include time on the play frame, traditional party games and animal handling sessions (age restrictions and maximum numbers vary depending on party type). 01252 871 007, www.jakesplayworld.com BEALE PARK – parties include entry into the park for the whole day to enjoy the animals, beautiful gardens and play areas including the ‘Pirate Island’ adventure playground, plus 2 hours exclusive use of the Peacock Party Room, party food and drinks, invites and a birthday card. £130 for 10 children and 2 adults. 0118 976 7480 www.bealepark.co.uk WELLINGTON COUNTRY PARK – offers you the ability to design your own birthday party packages for children up to the age of 8. Held in the party room within the park grounds, you can have use of the room for up to 2 hours, a hot or cold food platter, unlimited squash, themed party tableware as well as a Wellington present for the birthday child. After the party is over you and your guests have the opportunity to remain in the park for the rest of the day at no extra charge. £19.95 per child (minimum 12 children). 0118 932 6444, www.wellington-country-park.co.uk KRAZY PLAY DAYS – large soft play and party centre in Reading. Set packages and tailored options available.

Parties last for 2 hours. 1 hour 15 mins of play followed by 45 mins in themed party room with host. Unlimited free squash, hot or cold buffet. Unlimited ice cream with sprinkles & sweetie party bags. Exclusive hire available for up to 45 children. Toddler parties during term time.

From £12.95 per child. 0118 942 6171, www.krazyplaydays.co.uk WHOOSH PLAYCENTRE – in Bracknell. Play in the 3 tier frame followed by hot food, party games and music in the themed party room. www.whooshplaycentre.com

PARTY SUPPLIERS PARTY PIECES – a one stop shop offering everything you’ll need for the perfect kids party, including the latest themed tableware, decorations, party bags, games and activities. www.partypieces.co.uk FUN N FROLIC – party store in Reading, stocking everything to make any party or celebration a huge success. Costumes, accessories, balloons, party goods and fireworks. 0118 950 8597, www.funnfrolic.co.uk AS IF BY MAGIC – based in Ascot. Children and adult’s fancy dress costumes, jokes and novelties, masks and wigs, party goods and tableware, make up and balloons.

Order online and collect in store. 01344 885 585, www.asifbymagicparty.co.uk LITTLE CHERRY – have a wonderful range of ecofriendly party supplies, including hand made cotton party bags, affordable wooden toys and biodegradable tableware. www.littlecherry.co.uk STRETCHED 4U – based in Reading, offer limousine parties with 8 and 14-16 seat stretch limousines available. www.stretched-4-u.co.uk FAIR AND FETE – fairground themed party supplies for

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Party Directory

Odds Farm Park

hire. Includes the Unrideable Horse, Flying Turtle Roller Scooters, Bouncy Castle, Hoopla Game with prizes, Coconut Shy. Extras can include candy floss machine, face-painting, clown, Punch & Judy. www.fairandfete.co.uk BIG BOUNCE BOUNCY CASTLES – a large range of bouncy castles available. Also soft play & ball pool obstacle course, diddicars, mascots, giant garden games.

Free local delivery and collection from Newbury, Reading and surrounding areas. Safety mats supplied. www.bigbouncebouncycastles.co.uk 07957 278 980 BIG ON BOUNCING – bouncy castles, slides, go-karts, body zorbs, sumo suits, soft play for adults and children to be used all year round, indoors and outdoors. www.bigonbouncing.co.uk, 01628 410 736 KIDS CRAFTY KITS – a range of craft projects to help keep little hands busy. Simple, attractive kits for use at children’s parties. www.kidscraftykits.co.uk, 0118 969 9709 INNOVENTS – bouncy castle and games hire throughout Berkshire. Peppa Pig castle, princess castle, teddy bear castle, bouncy castle with slide, bouncy assault course. www.innovents.co.uk, 01344 774 874.

MUSIC, DANCE & DRAMA PARTIES PERFORM PARTIES – Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s energetic leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter to create fun-filled, action-packed parties. Call 020 7255 9120 or visit www.performparties.co.uk DIDDI DANCE – Reading and Wokingham. An hour of activities including dancing, games, action songs, hoops, dance ribbons, bubbles, balloons and bells. Sessions are totally interactive, getting all the children up and dancing. 1 year old party includes 30 minutes of action songs and tactile noisy props and bubbles. 2 year old party includes 45 minutes of dancing, games, actions, songs, props, ribbons and hoops. 3 years and above includes a 1 hour party with dancing, games and action songs. www.diddidance.com, 07719 878 789 MONKEY MUSIC parties are great fun for children and babies of all ages and work really well for a mixed age group. Each party is individually tailored to suit each separate occasion and always includes the birthday child’s favourite Monkey Music songs. 01635 860 959 / www.monkeymusic.co.uk BERZERK PRODUCTIONS – offer highly motivational drama parties for 5+ years. A choice of creative and fun themes such as drama, dance, musical theatre, mask work and specific themes based on your child’s favourite shows, an end performance for friends and family and much more. 07976 652 742 / www.berzerkproductions.com STAGEABILITY – offers a whole range of themed parties and supply everything you need for the entertainment: prizes, music and certificates, so you can relax and enjoy the party. Popular parties include Superhero Academy, Spy School and Knight Academy, as well as Dance Parties with music and choreography, games and competitions. £160 for a 2 hour party for up to 20 children. www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk, 0118 933 3791 STEPPIN’ OUT STARS OF TOMORROW will cater the perfect party for children of all ages. Whether it’s a pirate or princess theme you are looking for, they have something for everyone! Call Shelley on 07970 034 488 or email: shelley@steppinoutstars.co.uk

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ARTS, CRAFT AND COOKING PARTIES KITCHEN CAPERS – cooking parties for kids. A fun and unique way to celebrate your little chef’s big day.

Packages to suit children aged 4+. Parties last 2 hours and ingredients, utensils, hats, aprons, prizes, recipe cards, party bags and thank-you cards are provided.

Choose from a selection of menu options prior to the party. The dishes the children cook provide a good party tea. www.kitchencapers.co.uk THE KILN CAFÉ – in Henley, offers pottery painting parties that are enjoyable for all ages. Prices include choice of ceramics, use of paint brushes and stamps, glazing and firing of your items. www.kiln-café.co.uk, 01491 414 254 POTTERY PALS – kids can have a fantastic time painting with their friends and have a unique hand painted item to take home as a memento. Two themed party rooms: The Castle Room (24 people) and The Fairy Room (12 people). 0118 979 4006, www.potterypals.co.uk CRAFTY COOKS – offer children’s cooking parties for ages 3+. Up to 20 children per party (more can be negotiated). Create a pizza or other savoury dish, with a small additional cost for making and/or decorating cupcakes. Parties are tailor-made to suit the family and the party child. 0118 9762 872, www.craftycooks.co.uk CREATION STATION – Arty Party – a craft making party to entertain and inspire. Tailored around your child.

Children are encouraged to create at least two original art pieces to take home and all include painting, modelling, making, sculpting and crafting. Music, dancing and games. Invites and party bags provided too.

Ages 1-11yrs. 0844 854 9100, www.thecreationstation.co.uk

SPORTS AND ACTIVITY PARTIES BULMERSHE GYMNASTICS CLUB – offers party fun at their purpose-built gymnastics facility in Woodley. Invite up to 25 guests for an hour in the gym with two qualified coaches supervising the children while they play, followed by 30 minutes for food, drink and birthday cake. www.bulmershegymnastics.co.uk DINTON ACTIVITY CENTRE – offers parties by the lake – an exciting and adventurous way to celebrate for children and teenagers. Sessions are packed with games and challenges, with basic tuition to get you started.

Junior Rangers Party for ages 4+- perfect for younger adventurers with pond-dipping, wilderness skills, mini beast safari. £158 for up to 20 children. Active Adventure Party for ages 6+ with climbing, bushcraft and archery. £200 for up to 10 children. Watersports Party for ages 8+ with climbing, canoeing, sailing, raft building, stand-up paddleboarding. £200 for up to 10 children. www.dinton-pastures.co.uk, 0118 974 6343 DOWNSHIRE GOLF COMPLEX offers children’s golf parties throughout the year, with 90 minutes with a PGA golf professional and 30 mins for food. 01344 303 030, www.everyoneactive.com/centre/downshire-golfcomplex RED KANGAROO – indoor trampoline park in Reading offers a bounce-tastic party for kids. Tots Parties for under 5’s and Bounce Parties for over 4’s include a 1 hour bounce, a pair of Red Kangaroo socks for each child, party host, 30 minutes use of themed party room, reserved table in café area with jugs of water, pizza, crisps and squash, downloadable party invites. From £14.95 (off peak) to £20.95 (peak). 0333 344 0933, www.redkangaroo.co.uk

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CORAL REEF WATERWORLD – enjoy all the excitement of the Coral Pools with pirate ship, waterslides, a party table in the restaurant, guaranteed entry and time slot.

Parties from £12.50 per child. Exclusive use for up to 75 children £525.00. www.everyoneactive.com READING CLIMBING CENTRE – offers children’s parties from age 5+ in a fun, active and unusual way to celebrate a birthday. Hot and cold food can be provided and there are different packages available for different age groups. 0118 975 6298 / www.readingclimbingcentre.com WOKINGHAM FAMILY GOLF – offers FootGolf parties on its purpose built 9 hole FootGolf course and its 24 hole Jurassic Mini Golf course. Parties include exclusive use of the marquee and 5-a-side football pitch with Samba goals for two hours. Parties are able to bring their own food. 0118 979 5657 / www.wokinghamfamilygolf.co.uk

PARTY ANIMALS BASIL AND CREW – bring a mini mobile farm to your home or venue, complete with fencing, hutches and an assortment of animals such as goats, sheep rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, chickens and Shetland ponies for your party. Enjoy pet handling, feeding and grooming.

They also offer educational and fun school visits either full farm or ‘3 billy goat gruff’ day, nursing homes, special needs, fetes and fun days. 01628 821 145 / 07721 522 554, www.basilandcrew.co.uk BUCKLEBURY FARM PARK – parties include entry to the park for the day, a party host, use of a decorated party venue for 2 hours, free squash and a personal tractor ride to feed the deer. Party in rustic Crunchy’s Cabin, Bucklebury Birthday Bus or a woodland TiPi (May-Sept).

Hot or cold food can be provided, bring a picnic or eat in Woody’s Café. Themed parties available including Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Ultimate Farming and Bushcraft parties.

0118 971 4002, www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk ODDS FARM PARK – everybody loves an Odds Farm Park party! Odds Farm party packages have everything you need and much, much more. For just £19.95 per child, a children’s party at Odds Farm includes all day farm entry and exclusive, private hire of a stylishly themed party room for 2½ hours, including fabulous party food and party bags, and complete with a docking station for your own music, animal masks, downloadable party invitations and animal feed for the goats and sheep. All you need to bring are the children and the cake. Plus, enjoy FREE admission for 1 Adult for every Child’s place book and complimentary tea and coffee for the grown-ups. Odds Farm Park also offer a 2 hour After School Party package which is available from 3.30pm Monday to Friday during South Bucks Term Time for just £13.95 per child. Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For more information including full party terms and conditions and to book visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk FARMS2EWE - will bring along your favourites from their large collection of domestic and farmyard animals.

The team will visit your party with a selection of tiny chicks, goats with their babies, friendly sheep, cheeky miniature ponies or donkeys, ducks, guinea pigs, dogs and many more to cuddle and groom. They also offer ‘Pony Mad’ parties – a grooming, handling and turnout competition on miniature Shetland ponies, with rosettes to be won. Facepainting, bubble machine and farmyard music. 01635 579 878 / 07780 654 348 / www.farms2ewe.co.uk

Families Thames Valley West • 21

Days Out

Beautiful Bluebells

Spring may have been a little late in arriving this year, but its arrival will be heralded by spectacular bluebell displays all around the Thames Valley.

bluebells. There are regular guided walks around the reserve. Visit bbowt.org.uk for more information Moor Copse Nature Reserve Moor Copse has an unusual variety of habitats alongside the River Pang where you might be lucky enough to hear a water vole plop into the river. Take the woodland walk to enjoy the bluebells and then stroll through the hay meadow where in June and July you can see a colourful mosaic of wild flowers. Find Moor Copse on the A340 at Tidmarsh between Pangbourne and Theale. Visit bbowt.org.uk for more details.

he bluebell has been voted Britain’s favourite flower, and it’s easy to see why when you visit woodland carpeted by these lovely flowers. Their distinctive sweet scent and intense blue colour is truly magical.

T

Nature Detectives website: www.naturedetectives.org.uk. There are lots of spotter pages to help you identify trees, flowers and animals, ideas for outdoor play and much more!

Around half the world’s bluebell woods can be found here in the UK and their appearance from late April to early May attracts nature lovers from around the world.

Here are a few of the best bluebell walks in the area:

We are lucky to have some of the best bluebell woods here in West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire, so why not take the opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy a family walk in the countryside. Before you go, why not print out some activity sheets for children from the

Warburg Nature Reserve This magical reserve nestles in the Chilterns near Bix, between Nettlebed and Henley. Pop into the Visitor Centre to pick up the Wildlife Detectives Trail Pack and head off into the reserve for a wonderful time discovering birds, butterflies and spring flowers such as primroses, wood anemones and carpets of

22 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Bowdown Woods Nature Reserve Voted one of the 10 Best Bluebell Walks in the UK by The Independent, Bowdown Woods are situated on the edge of Greenham Common, near Newbury. From the car park follow the

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signed trails for circular walks through the woods, explore the old bomb site (only wildlife there now!) and if you’re very quiet you may see deer stepping between the trees. Look out for adders and other reptiles basking in the spring sunshine on fallen trees – they may hear you before you see them and all you’ll notice is a gentle rustle in the undergrowth.

Tinkers, Jocks and Temple Copse These beautiful hazel coppice woodlands are bursting with bluebells. A circular walk can be enjoyed through them with surfaced paths.

The best place for car parking is Jocks Lane Recreation Ground, off Binfield Road in Bracknell. So why not make a day of it with a picnic and a play in the Recreation Ground after your walk?

Whitegrove Copse, Sage Walk This ancient woodland can be found to the

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north of Bracknell, off Harvest Ride in Warfield.

Its surfaced paths are great for pushchairs.

There’s no formal car park so use Larks Hill car park, off Harvest Ride and walk 10 minutes along Harvest Ride to access the site.

Popes Meadow Popes Meadow has both open parkland, good access by car and bus and a small woodland copse full of bluebells. It’s a Green Flag Award winning site and has a disabled access route (not through the bluebells though), picnic areas, orienteering and a small play park. Find it in Binfield, off St Marks Road, RG42 4AY. Cliveden near Maidenhead Throughout these National Trust woodlands you’ll find a liberal sprinkling of delicate bluebells but for the most intense sea of hazy blue, head to the family play trail and fitness trail area. Look out for cowslips, snowy wood

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anemones and dog violets too. There are three woodland walks to download from the National Trust website: nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Basildon Park Situated between Pangbourne and Streatley, Basildon Park has 400 acres of countryside to explore bordering the house and gardens.

Nationaltrust.org.uk/basildonpark Ashridge Estate If you want to travel further afield, one of the most famous and popular displays of bluebells can be seen on the Ashridge Estate, situated 3 miles north of the A41 between Tring and Berkhamstead. You’ll find 2000 acres of atmospheric mature woodland with lots of trails to explore and wonderful displays from late April, especially in Dockey Wood.

Nationaltrust.org.uk/Ashridge-estate

Families Thames Valley West • 23

What’s On - May-June 2018 LOCAL ATTRACTIONS BEALE PARK Lower Basildon, Reading, RG8 9NW, 0844 826 1761, www.bealepark.co.uk 26 May-3 Jun LOVE YOUR ZOO WEEK HALF TERM TRAIL In celebration of ‘Love Your Zoo Week’ there will be a special trail at the park. All you have to do is complete the trail, hand it into the park’s gift shop and you will get a sticker in return (while stocks last). 10am-5pm. 50p. Normal park admission charges apply.

30 May LOVE YOUR ZOO WEEK – MEET THE BUGS Animal keepers are giving visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some of the residents that live in the park’s newest area, ‘Berties Bugs and Beasts’. So, if you would like to experience the amazing world of giant insects, meet a snake, stroke a Giant African Snail or get close to a tarantula, then pop along to the park from 1.30pm-3.30pm – you’re guaranteed to have a bugtastic time!

Encounter is free but normal park admission charges apply.

30 May LOVE YOUR ZOO WEEK – BUILD A BUTTERFLY FEEDER Calling all wannabee conservationists! Butterfly feeders attract and feed butterflies and will also provide you with a great amount of enjoyment as your garden becomes a haven for colourful insects. Construct your own feeding station to take home. The feeders are a great way to encourage your children to venture out and to teach them about the different species we have in the UK. A worksheet will also be available for participants to be a part of a nationwide survey to record the different varieties they find in their garden.

This activity costs £5 per feeder to build and is a great way to get involved as you assist, develop and help to maintain vital butterfly habitats. To take part, meet at 10.30am in the Outdoor Classroom. Normal park admission charges apply.

THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW, 01344 354 400, www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre There are over 90 hands-on science activities for children of all ages to enjoy at The Look Out Discovery Centre. You can launch a hydrogen rocket, play with boats in the indoor stream or build a house with your friends. Activities and exhibits are organised in ‘zones’ which correspond with what your child may be learning about in school: Forces & Movement, Body & Perception, Light & Colour, Woodland & Water, and Build It where you can use the rubble chute, wheelbarrows, design a house or drive the dumper truck. Open daily from 10am-5pm.

5 May-18 Jul THE SLIME SHOW. Why are slugs and snails so slimy? Can you really cut, bounce or stretch slime? All very repulsive! Shows run throughout the day on weekends and school holidays. Suitable for children aged 3+yrs who can sit down for ½ an hour.

WELLINGTON COUNTRY PARK Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading, RG7 1SP, 0118 9326 444, www.wellington-countrypark.co.uk 5-7 May THE BIG INFLATABLE TAKEOVER Join in the fun as inflatables take over Wellington Country Park, allowing the children to bounce away the bank holiday.

With bouncy castles, a ball pond, obstacle courses and a bungee run! 10.30am4.30pm.

26-27 May SHIRE HORSE AND CART RIDES The favourite friendly giants are back in the park taking you on trips to and from the animal farm from 11am-3.30pm (stops at 4pm). Join the queue on the main green from 11am and take a trip to the animal farm to visit the farmyard friends.

28 May-1 Jun NATURE ACTIVITY WEEK Explore the outdoors and get creative during May half-term. Go on an adventure with a nature booklet, get stuck in with nature crafts, find out what lives in Wellington’s lake with pond wildlife workshops and look at some unusual minibeasts with the Zoolab team.

2-3 Jun SHIRE HORSE AND CART RIDES The favourite friendly giants are back in the park taking you on trips to and from the animal farm from 11am-3.30pm (stops at 4pm). Join the queue on the main green from 11am and take a trip to the animal farm to visit the farmyard friends.

NATIONAL TRUST

CLIVEDEN Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL1 8NS, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ cliveden May-June SKIPPERED RIVER CRUISES Various dates throughout May & June, enjoy a 45 minute river cruise down Cliveden’s Thames stretch. Adults £11.50, Children £6.

28 & 29 May THE BIG TREE CLIMB Two highly skilled and friendly instructors will help all ages reach new heights in a fantastic tree at Cliveden. They will teach you how to enter a tree’s canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst being securely attached in a harness at all times.

Once at the top of the tree you will gain an experience which can’t be found on the ground, and if you’re feeling brave, take a branch walk before being lowered back down. Booking essential: 0800 055 6760.

All tickets £20

GREY’S COURT Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4PG, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court 20 May-24 Jun THE BIG TREE CLIMB Two highly skilled and friendly instructors will help all ages reach new heights in a fantastic tree in Greys Court. They will teach you how to enter a tree’s canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst being securely attached in a harness at all times. Once at the top of the tree you will gain an experience which can’t be found on the ground, and if you’re feeling brave, take a branch walk before being lowered back down. Booking essential: 0800 055 6760.

All tickets £20

THE VYNE Vyne Road, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, RG24 9HL, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne Daily THE LOST TAPESTRIES On this family trail, help recover and fit together jigsaw pieces of oriental tapestries hidden in nooks and crannies across the grounds. Pick up your trail sheet at reception. 10am-5pm Daily TUDOR SECRETS SELF-GUIDED TOUR At the site visited by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in 1535, pick up your selfguided tour at the visitor reception and uncover secrets contained in The Vyne’s surviving Tudor features.

ONGOING EVENTS

Weekly BIG SCREAM CLUB, TODDLER TIME AND KIDS CLUBS at The Regal

24 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Picturehouse, Boroma Way, Henley, RG9 2BZ, 0871 902 5738, www.picturehouses.com Big Scream Club runs on Fridays at 11am exclusively for parents with babies under 1 year so you can catch the latest film releases. Toddler Time on Tuesdays at 11am offers special 30 minute shows designed to introduce little ones to the big screen followed by fun activities. For the older ones there’s Kids Club every Saturday showing a classic film at 11am plus prescreening activities.

Weekly TALES FOR TOTS – STORYTIME FOR THE UNDER 5’S at Reading Museum, The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH, 0118 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org Enjoy a story using objects from the museum’s collection. Every Wednesday at 10.30am-11.30am in the Green Space or Window Gallery. Just drop in. Free.

Weekly FAMILY ACTIVITY TASTER SESSIONS at Dinton Activity Centre, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Sandford Lane, Reading, RG10 0SU, www.dintonpastures.co.uk Give it a go – taster sessions give everyone a chance to try something new at an affordable price. From £20 per person or £36 for two people. Booking essential.

Weekly RHYME & SHINE at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com Suitable for parents with babies 2 and under.

A relaxed singing session with a range of songs, rhymes and rhythms in a fun and relaxed environment. Singing with your child is a great way to encourage their language development, whilst actions help develop motor skills. Meet other parents too! Price includes a hot drink from the Corn Exchange Kitchen & Bar. 10.15-11am. £3.50 per session. Also on 5/12/19/26 Jun. Weekly FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS at The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, www.merl.reading.ac.uk A weekly outdoor session for the under 3’s in the fantastic urban garden at MERL. Discover the benefits of outdoor learning led by Charlotte, a local teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader. Join in outdoor activities inspired by the themes and collections in the museum. Enjoy outdoor play and explore the natural environment. Each session involves story-telling, craft activities and singing. £3 per child (includes a snack and a drink). Children and adults must dress for the weather (there are a small number of children’s wellies and waterproofs to borrow if necessary). 10am-11.30am.

Monthly NATURE EXPLORERS at The Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 3FU, 01635 874 381, www.bbowt.org.uk 19 May and 16 Jun. On the third Saturday of every month, this hands-on wildlife club for 5-8 years follows a different theme each month. Enjoy hands-on wildlife activities, craft, stories and child-led play, plus cook snacks on a camp fire. Book for one session or a series of 6. Come prepared to get muddy and be outside whatever the weather. £4 per child. Accompanying adult free.

Monthly NATURE TOTS at The Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 3FU, 01635 874 381, www.bbowt.org.uk

15th May and 16th June, a monthly parent and toddler group with a difference. A great opportunity each month for you and your pre-school child to have fun in natural surroundings. Each session includes activities such as bug-hunting, mudpainting and mask-making. Tea, biscuits and mud provided! Booking essential and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Please dress for the weather. £5.

Monthly NATURE TOTS DIDCOT at Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre nr. Didcot, OX14 4TE, www.bbowt.org.uk 16-18 May and 13-15 Jun. An opportunity each month for you and your pre-school little one to interact with and learn from nature. Come along for an outdoor nature play, games, stories and craft on the wild and wonderful nature reserve. Booking essential. Dress for the weather. 9.30am11.30am. £5.

MAY

1 May NATURE EXPLORERS – HOME EDUCATION at The Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 3FU, 01635 874 381, www.bbowt.org.uk Join the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) on the first Tuesday of the month for a hands-on wildlife club for home-educated children.

Each month follows a different theme with wildlife activities, craft stories and child-led play. Ages 5-8 yrs, £5, book online.

3 May BLAZES BUDDIES at West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS, 01635 519 562, www.westberkshireheritage.org/westberkshire-museum Join Blaze the museum dragon and listen to a short action poem about him, followed by other activities including a simple craft linked to the treasure Blaze has found that day. Age range 2-5 years, 11am-11.30am.

Free.

3 May HANDS ON AT HENLEY LIBRARY, Ravenscroft Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2DH, 01865 815 278 Springtime celebrations! Join the River & Rowing Museum for themed object handling, fun craft and stories for all the family. Free.

5 May FORAGING AND CAMP FIRE COOKERY at The Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 3FU, 01635 874 381, www.bbowt.org.uk A morning of finding free wild food (foraging), followed by cooking tasty and nutritious recipes over a camp fire. No need to bring lunch! Suitable for ages 12+.

Booking essential. Please dress for the weather and be prepared to be outdoors for the whole session. £15.

5 May MASTER BUILDERS CLUB – JURASSIC WORLD LEGO BUILDING WORKSHOP at Kidmore End War Memorial Hall, Reades Lane, Sonning Common, RG4 9LL, www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk Do you love LEGO? Calling all young designers, engineers and inventors – Master Builders Club needs you! A two-hour Jurassic World themed workshop with Lego building challenges. Master Builders Club workshops follow a different theme each session and after setting the scene with a short story, the Master Builders will

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What’s On complete a number of build challenges.

Master Builders Club aims to inspire children to be original in their designs and share their ideas. At the end of the session, the Master Builders are presented with a themed badge to keep and collect. 12.30pm-2.30pm. £15.

5-7 May LEGO STAR WARS DAYS at Legoland Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY, 0871 222 2001, www.legoland.co.uk Star Wars fans can enjoy a galaxy of Lego Starwars themed activities, featuring the spectacular Lego Star Wars Miniland model display which brings to life iconic Star Wars scenes in over 1.5 million Lego bricks. The epic finale sees a gargantuan 500,000 Lego brick Death Star featuring 16 Alliance ships swooping in to destroy it. Admission included in entry price but pre-booking online is strongly advised.

5-7 May STEAM DAYS at Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NJ, 01235 817 200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk View the collection of locomotives, coaches, wagons and buildings and enjoy the various facilities and exhibits. In addition you will be able to ride in coaches from the 1930’s behind Great Western steam locomotives or in the steam Railmotor Diesel Railcar. There are two running lines: The Main Line and The Branch Line with trains normally running on either or both. Ride as many times as you like with no extra charge.

5, 6 & 7 May LAMBING AT AMNERS FARM, Burghfield, 0118 983 3437, www.amnersfarm.co.uk Visit a working farm and see the lambing operation in full swing. Last year around 275 lambs were born! In addition to the

lambs, there will be day-old chicks to handle and piglets to see, as well as a range of rural activities such as pony rides, archery, ferret racing, tractor & trailer rides, falconry and sheep shearing. Ride on the Amnerfield Minature Railway, visit Pets Corner or play and do craft in the straw playbarn. 11am-6pm (last entry 5pm), Adults £6 advance/£7.50 on the gate, Children £4.50 advance, £5 on the gate.

5 & 6 May DEAR ZOO at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982 and has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide. This timeless family favourite will delight audiences as it unfolds with engaging puppets, catchy music and lots of audience interaction. 5th May at 1pm & 3.30pm, 6th May at 11am & 2pm. Tickets £15, Family Ticket £54, Schools £10.

6-7 May CURTAIN UP! LIGHT THE LIGHTS! at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk Join Allied Schools of Dance for their biannual performance showcasing their many talented students on a musical journey of song and dance. A trip to the theatre is always great entertainment and this show promises a visit to the chocolate factory with Charlie, the Emerald City, a trip to Paris on Broadway and much more. Sun 6 May 5.30pm, Mon 7 May 1pm & 6pm. £17.50, Conc & Members £14.50.

7 May BRADFIELD MAYFAYRE at Village Hall Playing Fields, Bradfield Southend,

Reading, RG7 6EY, www.bradfieldmayfayre.co.uk An afternoon of entertainment and family fun. Plate smashing, coconut shy, tossing the bale, WI tea and cakes, BBQ and hog roast. 12.30pm-5pm. Adults £3, Children 50p.

7 May WOKINGHAM MAYFAYRE at Wokingham Town Centre, www.wokinghamlions.org.uk Organised by Wokingham Lions Club, the annual Mayfayre takes place on Bank Holiday Monday. Believed to be the largest street fair in the south of England, attracting more than 20,000 people on the day. Free admission. 10am-5pm.

11 May FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS at The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, www.merl.reading.ac.uk A weekly outdoor session for the under 3’s in the fantastic urban garden at MERL. Discover the benefits of outdoor learning led by Charlotte, a local teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader. Join in outdoor activities inspired by the themes and collections in the museum. Enjoy outdoor play and explore the natural environment. Each session involves story-telling, craft activities and singing. £3 per child (includes a snack and a drink). Children and adults must dress for the weather (there are a small number of children’s wellies and waterproofs to borrow if necessary). 10am-11.30am.

12 & 13 May HERITAGE DIESEL DAYS at Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NJ, 01235 817 200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Ride on board the only operational GWR Diesel Railcar behind the 1960’s Western Region Diesel no. D9516.

12 May DOGS DON’T DO BALLET at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk Based on the award-winning children’s book by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie, this fabulous feel-good show features music, songs, handcrafted puppets and Biff, the ballet-dancing dog! Biff is not like other dogs. He doesn’t do dog stuff like weeing on lampposts, or scratching his fleas, or drinking out of the toilet. Biff likes moonlight and music and walking on his tiptoes. You see, Biff doesn’t think he’s a dog. He thinks he’s a ballerina! 2pm.

Tickets £12.

13 May SPRING CHICKENS SEASONAL FAMILY FUN at The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, www.merl.reading.ac.uk Family fun on the theme of poultry, with music, games and activities. Meet the MERL chickens and their friends. Speak to the poultry keepers and enjoy races and games, stories, trails and activities, plus live music from The Newtowners. Try your hand at some weaving with artist Julie Roberts and enjoy hot and cold drinks, traditional ales and ciders. Bring a picnic! Adults £4, children free but require a ticket. Booking recommended to avoid disappointment.

11am-4pm.

19 May KALEIDOSCOPE at Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 2BP, 01491 575 698, www.kentontheatre.co.uk continued on page 26

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Families Thames Valley West • 25

What’s On Presented by the Alison Jayne School of Dance, Kaleidoscope is a colourful show for all the family, featuring local children performing ballet, tap and modern dance to a selection of music. Students aged 2-18 will be demonstrating their skills. 2pm. Tickets £16, Children £11.

20 May BIG FISH LITTLE FISH at The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com Family fun for the post-rave generation of parents.

Helping parents be responsibly irresponsible since 2013, The Heavenly Jukebox DJs will be joined by Huw ‘Bunf’ Bunford from Super Furry Animals, spinning club classics and BFLF anthems. Multi-sensory dance floor with glitter cannons, bubbles, giant balloons and parachute dance finale. Child-led craft station with giant colouring mural and Play-doh table. Play area with mats and tunnels, and chill-out space with mats and soft play ball pools.

Licensed bar, free transfers and glow-sticks. Optional but encouraged fancy dress ‘Back to the Old Skool, Glitter and Neon.’ Recommended for families with children 8yrs and under. Adults £12.50, children £8.50. Pre-walking infants free but must have a ticket. Max 3 adults to one child. No adult-only tickets. 2pm.

22 May-15 Jul LEANDER ROWING CLUB: THE FIRST 200 YEARS at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Lane, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk In 1818 six gentlemen climbed into a boat called ‘The Leander’ – the rest is history! Leander Rowing Club began 200 years ago outside a boat builder’s yard opposite the houses of parliament. Now idyllically located by Henley Bridge, the club boasts an impressive 123 Olympic and 3 Paralympic medals. This exhibition examines Leander Rowing Club’s rich history and the performance athletes who have made this the most successful rowing club in the world.

26 May TWYFORD WILDLIFE SAFARI meet at The Duke of Wellington pub, 27 High Street, Twyford, RG10 9AG, www.bbowt.org.uk Organised by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), wildlife safaris leave every ½ hour from the Duke of Wellington pub on Twyford High Street. You will explore the Loddon Nature Reserve on a wildlife trail dotted with fun activities tailored for families with children aged 5-11. Booking required. £4 per child. Adults free.

25-28 May SUNSHINE MUSIC FESTIVAL at Padworth Hall, Padworth Lane, RG7 4HS, 0335 777 919, www.sunshinemusicfest.co.uk A family music festival featuring a host of famous 80’s artists including Katrina (ex Katrina & the Waves), Dr & The Medics, Dave Finnegan’s Commitments and top UK tributes for Little Mix, Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, Take That, Duran Duran, Coldplay as well as sensational covers band Murdoch’s Crazy Eyes. Plenty of entertainment for kids with fairground, face-painting, entertainers and film shows, full bar service, VIP tents and camping option available.

26 May SONNING REGATTA, Sonning on Thames, Berkshire, www.sonningfestival.co.uk A fun, family day out on the banks of the River Thames

including optional participation for ages 7+ in the boat races. With lots to do for all ages including a bouncy castle, entertainer and face painting for the children as well as a BBQ, beer and Pimms tent and shopping stalls for the adults, bring a picnic and cheer on the rowers! Entrance is free, if you wish to participate please fill out entrance forms on their website for registration, £3 for children and £6 for adults. Oxfordshire side Bank of the River Thames opposite Blue Coat school in Sonning.

27 May TWYFORD COLOUR RUN at King George’s Field, Twyford, www.twyfest.co.uk A fun run for all the family where you will come out covered in different colours! It doesn’t matter how fast you go – no-one will be timing you. Come and get blasted in colour along a choice of 1km, 2km or 3km route around King George’s Field in Twyford. You can walk, run or sprint – it’s up to you! Arrive at 10am for an 11am start.

Bring your family and friends for a fun morning and help support your local youth centre. £5.

27 May AROUND THE BOUNDARY FAMILY FESTIVAL at Gallowstree Common, RG4 9BU, www.aroundtheboundary.com A festival of music, food, drinks and fun for all the family, raising money for local charities. Featuring music from DJ Yoda, One Step Behind (Masters of Madness), food from Pizza Pilgrims, The Bowler Meatballs and Nomad Bakery, drinks from West Berkshire Brewery, Mr Hobbs Gin and Jesseco Prosecco. Plus loads of children’s entertainment including Big Tree Climbing, drumming sessions, space and rocket workshops, face-painting, circus skills and much more. 11am-11pm. Tickets from £20, available from the website. Kids 0-4 FREE, 5-16 £7.50 27-28 May MEET & GREET PAW PATROL at 4-Kingdoms, Newbury Road, Headley, RG19 8JY, 01635 269 678, www.4-kingdoms.co.uk Paw Patrol are coming to 4 Kingdoms where they will be making regular appearances throughout the day. 27 May – Skye & Marshall, 28 May – Marshall & Chase, 29 May – Rubble & Marshall.

28 May ANIMALPHABET at South Hill Park Art Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk This musical family adventure returns on a brand new UK tour. High-energy actors, colourful puppets, amazing characters and fantastic songs combine to create AnimAlphabet The Musical. Joyful, fast-paced and bursting with a soundtrack of witty songs by Al and Sam of the platinum selling band The Hoosiers. AnimAlphabet will delight, excite and entertain all the family. 11am & 2.30pm, £11.50, Family £42.

28 May-1 Jun MAKE AND DO HALF TERM HOLIDAY CLUB at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com Join Make and Do Holiday Club for a world of creative fun that will keep boredom at bay all day long. Day long creative sessions in a dedicated workshop space, The Learning Centre. Participants can take part in all sorts of creative activities, led by an expert team, from arts and crafts to drama, dance and movement, as well as a chance to relax and watch a film. Suitable for ages 4-8. £25 per day or £80 for 4 day week.

26 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

29-31 May SPRING ARTS AND HERITAGE HOLIDAY WORKSHOP at The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660, www.merl.reading.ac.uk Join Jelly Artists this May half term and get your Discover Arts Award! A fun, creative holiday club that will use the exhibitions in the museum as a starting point to explore different artistic techniques and processes. All children who take part will earn a Discover Arts Award, a nationally recognised qualification, and will be presented with a certificate. Every day the children will work with an artist to create different pieces of art and record their work in their sketchbooks. The sessions will help the children explore the exhibits in the MERL and will encourage them to look at the museum in a completely different way. This is a small group activity with no more than 10 children.

Sessions are aimed at children aged 7-11. All materials are included in the price. Children need to bring lunch, snacks and water. £9.30am-3.30pm. £85 per child. Booking essential.

29 May TOAD’S TRAVELS at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Lane, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk We all love Mr Toad! Create a banner showing his adventures with his friends using all sorts of paint and collage. 10.30am-12.30pm. Age range 4-7 yrs, £8.50. Prebooking essential, book online or call 01491 415 600.

29 May MEDIEVAL MONK SCHOOL at Reading Museum, The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH, 0118 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org Meet the museum’s favourite monk Brother Atwater, who joins them from the 12th Century Reading Abbey to recruit some novice monks. Is your handwriting neat enough?

Can you keep a vow of silence? Take part in these interactive sessions and learn what life was like almost 1000 years ago! 1 hour sessions at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm and 2.15pm. Age guide 6+, £5. Please note this event takes place at Abbey Gateway and there is no wheelchair or pushchair access.

30 May MASTER BUILDERS CLUB – HARRY POTTER LEGO BUILDING WORKSHOP at Kidmore End War Memorial Hall, Reades Lane, Sonning Common, RG4 9LL, www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk Do you love LEGO? Calling all young designers, engineers and inventors – Master Builders Club needs you! A twohour Harry Potter themed workshop with Lego building challenges. Master Builders Club workshops follow a different theme each session and after setting the scene with a short story, the Master Builders will complete a number of build challenges. Master Builders Club aims to inspire children to be original in their designs and share their ideas. At the end of the session, the Master Builders are presented with a themed badge to keep and collect.

10am-12pm. £15.

30 May ROSIE’S GROW SHOW at Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, nr. Didcot, OX14 4TE, www.bbowt.org.uk Have you ever wriggled with a giant worm, seen comedy compost created before your very eyes, or sung along with a singing carrot? Well, it’s all here in Rosie’s Grow Show!

Enjoy the outdoor puppet show then create your own puppet in a puppet-making workshop and create a gift for local wildlife. This joyful, interactive puppet performance features shadow puppets, catchy songs and a puppet garden that grows before your very eyes. Suitable for 27yrs. 10am-12pm. Booking essential. £4.

30 May LINKING THE LANDSCAPE – TREE TREK at Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, RG14 2DR, 01635 279 279, www.bbowt.org.uk Enjoy a Tree Trek in the grounds of Shaw House, Newbury.

Explore the wonderful gardens and the amazing trees, then join in tree-mendous twig and leaf crafts. Inside Shaw House, there will be ‘wild craft’ activities to have a go at.

Suitable for all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in between 10.30am and 3.30pm. £2 per child.

30 May WEAVING WONDERS at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Lane, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk Create a colourful woven hanging artwork full of texture and pattern, inspired by the Museum’s collection.

10.30am-12.30pm. Age range 7-11 yrs, £8.50. Pre-booking essential, book online or call 01491 415 600.

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31 May SHAPES AND SCULPTURES at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Lane, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk Be inspired by the work of Barbara Hepworth to create your own artworks. Help to make a giant sculpture from recycled materials and make a mini masterpiece to keep with weaving and collage. Add your creations to the museum’s pop-up gallery and then take them home for your own mini-museum. 10.30am-4pm. Free with admission.

31 May RPO NOISY KIDS at The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com Join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a fun-filled family concert featuring bite-sized pieces of classical music, inspired by the sea and beyond. The perfect half term treat! Includes music from Zimmer – Pirates of the Caribbean, Wood – Fantasia on British Sea Songs and Williams – Jaws. Adults £11, children £9, family ticket £32.

11.30am.

31 May MEDIEVAL GINGERBREAD at Reading Museum, The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH, 0118 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org Make no-cook gingerbread in these fun hands-on sessions. This recipe is different from our modern gingerbread and contains honey and spices that only the wealthy could have afforded. 1 hour sessions at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm and 2.15pm. Age Guide 5+, £5. Please note this event takes place at Abbey Gateway and there is no wheelchair or pushchair access.

31 May & 1 Jun CHILDREN’S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP at Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, nr Didcot, OX14 4TE (31 May) and The Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, RG19 3FU (1 Jun), www.bbowt.org.uk Bring your digital camera, learn from an expert and practice your wildlife photography skills. Learn how to take a great photograph with the expert guidance of wildlife photographer Iain Green. The course will start inside with an introduction to wildlife photography, camera settings and how to vary the composition of your photos with impact and creativity. 10am-12pm. £25.

31 May-3 Jun ALICE IN WONDERLAND at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk Join Alice and her ‘mad’ friends in a wonderful new adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, from Berkshire Arts Academy (BARTA). Will Alice find her way home? What made the Red Queen ‘frumious?’ How mad is the Mad Hatter? All your favourite characters and more in this colourful, fun half term theatre treat for all the family. 31 May-2 Jun at 2pm & 7pm, Sun 3 Jun at 11am & 3pm. £18.50, Family £62.00

JUNE

1 Jun SHIMMERING SHELLS at The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Lane, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF, www.rrm.co.uk Use Modroc and modelling skills to make a beautiful sculpture inspired by shells and then arrange it on a special plinth. 10.30am-12.30pm. Age range 7-11 yrs. £8.50, prebooking essential, book online or call 01491 415 600 2 Jun SIDNEY’S SHED at The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, RG20 8AE, 01635 46044, www.watermill.org.uk Presented by Rhubarb Theatre Company. Maisie’s on the run and she thinks she’s found the perfect place – Sidney’s shed. But this is no ordinary shed, and Sidney Waffles is no ordinary gardener…the potty flower potter has made some unusual improvements to his allotment. Sidney has created the world’s first time travelling shed! Join Sidney and the bravest little girl in Windy-on-the-Hill on their time

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travelling journey to dig up the past and weed out the bullies! 10.30am. Suitable for 7-105yrs. Tickets £7 and £6.50.

2 Jun NICK COPE FAMILY MUSIC at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com Enjoy a morning of interactive fun with songs about everything from counting to how plants grow. Nick has established a very strong following of little people and their parents from all over the world and the parents love the songs as much as the children! Suitable for ages 8 and under. 10.30am. All tickets £4.

2 Jun CREATION STATION FAMILY FUN WORKSHOP at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com Fantastic arts and crafts classes perfect for the whole family to spend quality time together. Get creative both individually and as part of team, this session gives you a chance to see how awesome your children are in a different environment! Suitable for ages 18 months-11 yrs.

10.30am-11.30am.

2 & 3 Jun DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE at The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this interactive new show for all the family.

Grab your compass and join the intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing and remarkably life-like dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures including a T-Rex, Triceratops and Stegosaurus. Meet the dinosaurs face to face after the show. Ages 3+. Tickets £15, Groups of 10+ £12. 2 Jun at 1.30pm & 4pm, 3 Jun at 11am & 2pm.

5/12/19/26 Jun RHYME & SHINE at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com Suitable for parents with babies 2 and under. A relaxed singing session with a range of songs, rhymes and rhythms in a fun and relaxed environment. Singing with your child is a great way to encourage their language development, whilst actions help develop motor skills. Meet other parents too! Price includes a hot drink from the Corn Exchange Kitchen & Bar. 10.15-11am. £3.50 per session.

7 Jun HANDS ON AT HENLEY LIBRARY, Ravenscroft Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2DH, 01865 815 278 Giddy up! Join the River & Rowing Museum for themed object handling, fun craft and stories for all the family. Free.

8 Jun NIGHT TIME SAFARI at Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, nr. Didcot, OX14 4TE, www.bbowt.org.uk Discover what amazing animals come out at night at the Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre. Learn to use bat detectors to hear bats hunting overhead, lamps to spot newts and frogs in the ponds, help the nature reserve team check the small mammal traps and have a look at a moth trap to see how they are monitored and surveyed. Suitable for ages 7pm. 8pm-10.30pm. Booking essential. £6 per person.

16 Jun READING ABBEY REVEALED at The Abbey Ruins, Reading. www.readingmuseum.org Celebrate the re-opening of the Abbey Ruins. Alongside ‘Water Fest,’ the festival will take over the Abbey Quarter with activities and entertainment for all ages. Visit an historic encampment and speak to re-enactors, have a go at a variety of historical crafts, explore the newly restored ruins, enjoy performances by local artists and indulge in Reading’s best street food. The festival takes place across Reading Museum, Forbury Gardens, The Abbey Gateway and the Abbey Ruins as well as alongside the River Kennet.

16 Jun MASTER BUILDERS CLUB – FATHER’S DAY LEGO BUILDING WORKSHOP at Kidmore End War Memorial Hall, Reades Lane, Sonning Common, RG4 9LL, www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk Master Builders Club are celebrating Father’s Day and the super hero in your child’s life with this fun LEGO workshop.

There will be plenty of LEGO activities to entertain brick building fans big and small. A wonderful session for Master Builders to share their club with a loved one and provide an opportunity for the grown ups to show off their LEGO building skills. Ticket price £15 per child – grown up builder goes free! 3pm-5pm.

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15-17 Jun WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD at The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.com Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow! Little do they know, the ladybird has a plan of her own! Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this hit musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monk’s colourful family adventure. Direct from the West End with live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs. Age Guide 3+. 15 Jun 2pm, 16 and 17 Jun 11am & 2pm. £12.50, Schools & Groups of 10+ £10.00.

16-17 Jun STONOR FOOD FESTIVAL, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 6HF, 01491 638 587 A great way to celebrate Father’s Day. Delicious food and drinks will be available to taste and buy and the gardens, house and wonderwoods play park will be open. 10am4pm.

23 Jun MASTER BUILDERS CLUB – JURASSIC WORLD LEGO BUILDING WORKSHOP at Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Vicarage Road, Henley-onThames, RG9 1HT, www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk Do you love LEGO? Calling all young designers, engineers and inventors – Master Builders Club needs you! A twohour Jurassic World themed workshop with Lego building challenges. Master Builders Club workshops follow a different theme each session and after setting the scene with a short story, the Master Builders will complete a number of build challenges. Master Builders Club aims to inspire children to be original in their designs and share their ideas. At the end of the session, the Master Builders are presented with a themed badge to keep and collect.

1pm-3pm. £15.

30 Jun MASTER BUILDERS CLUB – JURASSIC WORLD LEGO BUILDING WORKSHOP at Dorchester on Thames Village Hall, 7 Queen Strete, Dorchester, Wallingford, OX10 7HR, www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk Do you love LEGO? Calling all young designers, engineers and inventors – Master Builders Club needs you! A twohour Jurassic World themed workshop with Lego building challenges. Master Builders Club workshops follow a different theme each session and after setting the scene with a short story, the Master Builders will complete a number of build challenges. Master Builders Club aims to inspire children to be original in their designs and share their ideas. At the end of the session, the Master Builders are presented with a themed badge to keep and collect.

2pm-4pm. £15.

30 Jun MISCHIEF AND MYSTERY IN MOOMIN VALLEY at South Street Arts Centre, 21 South Street, Reading, RG1 4QU, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com Open a book and discover a world where anything is possible. Be sure to pack your imagination and join in an unforgettable journey to Moomin Valley Where everyone is welcome, nature thrives and adventures are plentiful.

Magical puppetry, an ingenious set, original music and interactive play will delight young audiences aged 4-7 yrs and encourage them to immerse themselves in a unique story-telling experience. Adults £10, children £9. 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm.

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Clubs and Classes Directory Regular Clubs, Classes and Out of school activities give your child a chance to shine and for you to have fun together, and there really is plenty of variety to choose from, as we’ve discovered. Here are a few of our favourites, for babies, toddlers and school aged children! For more clubs and classes in your area, check out familiesonline.co.uk Developmental Classes

(See also our Music & Movement section)

Master Builders Club – LEGO workshops for children. Weekend and school holiday workshops, birthday parties and primary school events are a LEGO lover’s paradise, designed to provide children with an exciting and captivating experience.

Fun workshops start with a short story which sets the theme and building challenges. Then the creativity begins as the Master Builders have access to 1000’s of LEGO bricks sorted into colour, size and shape. If you are passionate about providing engaging and stimulating play opportunities that nurture your child’s mind, then Master Builders Club is for you. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk

GR Swimming Schools – children’s swimming lessons from 3yrs in Newbury, Thatcham, Woodcote. Beginners, improvers and club level swimmers. Also holiday crash courses in swimming, diving and snorkelling. Structured lessons, ASA Award Scheme. 01635 201 410, www.swimlessons.co.uk

Arts and Crafts

Artspiration School of Drawing and Painting: Offering fun, imaginative and instructional lessons in drawing and painting to school-aged children in Maidenhead, Wokingham and Reading. Artspiration will inspire, motivate, guide and give your budding artists the skills required to express themselves better visually.

01628 634 418, www.artspiration.co.uk Taylor Tug’s Under 5’s Club – creative activity sessions for parents to enjoy with their children. Led by a trained teacher, sessions include craft, stories and song. Most Wednesdays in term time at The River and Rowing Museum, Henley, 01491 514 605, www.rrm.co.uk

Music and Movement Baby College – fun, multi-sensory baby/child development classes from birth to 3yrs in Reading, Woodley, Lower Earley, Finchampstead & Wokingham.

Vanessa@babycollege.co.uk / 0118 987 664 / 0776 6688 120

Gym, Sport and Swimming

Bulmershe Gymnastics Club – based at a purpose built gym in Woodley, run gymnastics classes for all ages including Leap Frogs for walkers to 5 years lead by qualified coaches. www.bulmershegymnastics.co.uk Baby Splash – Swimming lessons for babies, toddlers and children from birth to 6 years. It doesn’t matter at what age your little ones join or whether they are beginners or advanced – they’ll be made to feel welcome in the water.

Fully trained and experienced teachers.

Classes across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey. 0118 996 8958, info@babysplash.co.uk, www.baby-splash.co.uk

Monkey Music – fun music classes from 3months-4yrs with action songs and rhymes, music and movement, percussion instruments and musical games. Classes in Newbury, Thatcham, Mortimer, Henley and Upper Basildon. 01635 860 959, www.monkeymusic.co.uk diddi dance - funky pre-school dance classes for girls and boys. Award winning, high energy sessions explore 16 different styles set to original, age-appropriate music. Classes improve gross motor skills, rhythm, coordination, confidence, creativity and social skills with dancing games, fun exercises, action songs and a host of props. Lessons are aligned to the EYFS and are structured yet relaxed.

Nursery workshops and parties too! Free trial available. Classes run every day throughout Reading & Wokingham. Call Andrea on 07719 87 87 89, or email andrea.bickford@diddidance.com

28 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Musical Bumps – outstanding music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children, which follow the EYFS principle of holistic learning through play. Classes also incorporate the Kodaly principles of music teaching which have recently made headlines for their positive impact on school and pupil performance. Classes in Caversham, Emmer Green and Henley. 07813 319 4040, vicki.joyce@musicalbumps.com, www.musicalbumps.com Berkshire School of Music – offers musical instrument lessons and music theory lessons from the school in Caversham, Reading. Holiday and Weekend Music Workshops for ages 6-16.

07831 861 332, enquiries@berkshireschoolofmusic.co.uk, www.berkshireschoolofmusic.co.uk

Dance & Drama

Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow – Fun, energetic classes for 3½ to 18yrs. Dance, drama and singing, tap, street dance, pop styles, musical theatre. Regular classes in Wargrave, Wokingham and Woodley, plus summer classes.

Call Shelley on 07970 034 488, or email shelley@steppinoutstars.co.uk, www.steppinoutstars.co.uk Stagecoach Theatre Arts School: Dance, drama and singing classes for 4-18 years that build confidence and teach skills. Early Years classes for 4-6 years designed to introduce young children to the performing arts. Local branches in Wokingham, Henley, Reading, Bracknell, Marlow and Newbury. www.stagecoach.co.uk Perform – Weekly drama, dance and singing classes. Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer noobligation FREE trial sessions.

Venues: Newbury, Pangbourne, Twyford, Caversham, Wokingham, Henley and Crowthorne. Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try Berzerk Productions: LAMDA examination classes, unique Drama Factory workshops, musical theatre and production opportunities for 6-19 years in Tilehurst, Woodley, Spencers Wood, Caversham, Reading, Pangbourne and Woodcote. Trial class free. 07863 734 830, www.berzerkproductions.com StageAbility after-school drama classes for kids who love to ACT! Pangbourne, Burghfield, Tilehurst, Earley and Wokingham. High-energy classes mean that students never get bored, can't wait to get to class and develop confidence, creativity and focus. Pay-As-YouGo option for infants. www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk, jackie@berkshire.stageability.co.uk M: 07721 565898, T: 0118 933 3791 JG Dance and Theatre College – beginner classes from 21/2 years in ballet, jazz, tap, limbering, drama and singing. Twice yearly theatre performances. Free trial session available.

Classes held in Marlow, Bourne End, Twyford, Caversham, Woodley, Tilehurst, Henley and Basingstoke. 01491 572 000, www.jgdance.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Busylizzy Camberley & Sandhurst Opening In May Join now to get 50% off the joining fee and a goody bag worth £140!

Busylizzy is an award-winning family membership club offering prenatal, postnatal and baby classes. Say ‘goodbye’ to rigid termly classes and ‘hello’ to choice, flexibility and general awesomeness. It’s simple to get started and a handy app allows you to book, cancel, reschedule and enjoy classes on your terms.

From 10th May Busylizzy Camberley and Sandhurst will offer 8 weekly classes from gentle pregnancy exercise through to a range of Mummy & Me fitness classes, Pilates, Buggy Fitness

and Bootcamp, alongside a variety of fun, nurturing and supportive baby classes. With three different membership options there is a package to suit all budgets and levels of usage.

Members can enjoy any combination of classes each week and classes run all year round. Babies and siblings are welcome to all classes and as a family club mummies, daddies and grandparents are all welcome! To try a class for free email: camberley@busylizzy.co.uk or call 01276 585 155

email: membership@bulmershegymnastics.co.uk

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01235 751 980

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familiesonline.co.uk

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 01235 751 980

Families Thames Valley West • 29

Why I love being a Families Magazine editor...

T

en years ago I was a high-flying and ambitious PR executive, commuting daily from Reading to my job in London and enjoying all the excitement and financial rewards that corporate life entails.

All that changed in 2009 when my first beautiful daughter Millie came into the world.

Suddenly my life that had previously revolved around team meetings and showbiz parties became all about scheduling feeding and sleeping and meetings at Rhymetime. I recognise and applaud many women’s decision to accept the challenges and rewards of being a stay at home mum. But for me, whilst I loved the change of pace and the unbridled joy that being a mum brings, I still yearned for that part of my old life where I went to work and gained stimulation and recognition from being “Lucy” and not just “Millie’s Mum”.

However, there was no way I could go back to my old work life. Working a twelve hour day and adding on a two hour commute wasn’t something I even wanted to contemplate.

Enter Families Magazine. Just as you have probably picked up this copy at your local playcentre, or from your child’s nursery or preschool, I became a regular reader of the magazine through taking Millie to her weekly

Baby College class in Reading. In 2014, after five years of being Millie’s mum full time, I noticed that my local Families Magazine – Thames Valley West – was for sale. I took over as owner and editor in March 2015 and it has been one of the most rewarding, challenging and happy periods of my working life so far.

Would you like to work from home and have a successful career whilst bringing up your children?

Being a Families Magazine owner and editor offers fantastic flexibility and rewards. You’re your own boss and have the responsibility of owning and running your own business, but with a supportive head office (Families Magazines have been going for 25 years!), and 36 fellow editors around the country who all have young children of their own. The Families network supports editors to set up and run their own magazines, with training provided on everything from setting up an accounting system to writing editorial and running a social media campaign. Crucially, alongside the financial and emotional benefits, being a Families Magazine editor has given me the flexibility to be around for my daughters so that I never miss a school play or parent’s evening, and the scheduling of the six printed issues a year enables me to work less during the school holidays (I don’t know of another job that enables you to take most of August off!)

Due to a geographical move out of the area and setting up a completely different business with my husband, I’m now reluctantly preparing to hand over the reins to a new owner who can take the magazine to even greater success. If you would be interested in this opportunity and would like to chat further about the rewards and flexibility of being your own boss, do feel free to call on 01235 751 980 or email me: editor@familiestvw.co.uk Best wishes,

Lucy

Thames Valley West

Families Thames Valley West Magazine is for sale.

Part of a successful national franchise of more than 36 magazines, Families Thames Valley West is the region’s best-loved parenting magazine.

You could have the chance to be at the helm of your own print business, and be a part of a highly successful and supportive network of fellow editors who are all working mums.

Please call Lucy on 07789 485 372 or email editor@familiestvw.co.uk to find out more!

30 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Thames Valley West is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Thames Valley West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Thames Valley West. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.