Families Thames Valley West Issue 52 March-April 2011

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March/April 2011 Issue 52 www.familiestvw.co.uk

Childcare • Dance • Days Out • Easter

Our Lady’s Preparatory School

White House Preparatory School Independent Day School with Nursery For ages 21/2 to 11

Open Mornings

Friday 25th and Saturday 26th March 9.30am-12.00pm

• Nursery, Pre-prep & Preparatory • Providing traditional Catholic education (all denominations and faiths welcome) independent education at • Outstanding affordable prices • Excellent record of children gaining entry into their first choice of senior school • After school tuition groups including examination preparation

• • • • • • • •

Excellent academic results Small classes guaranteed Confident and articulate children Children achieve their personal best Caring, happy and supportive environment Breakfast and after school clubs Affordable education; bursaries available Co-educational through to Year 2

OPEN MORNINGS 9.30am – noon Thursday 9th June 2011 • Saturday 8th Oct 2011 Wednesday 12th Oct 2011 w www.whitehouse.wokingham.sch.uk t 0118 978 5151 e office@whitehouse.wokingham.sch.uk White House Preparatory School, Finchampstead Road, Wokingham, RG40 3HD

‘OUTSTANDING’ Ofsted, December 2010

Our Lady’s Preparatory School The Avenue, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6PB Tel: 01344 773394

www.ourladysprep.co.uk

ewery nths 10 NNursge 3 moept 20

a

www.thecedarsschool.co.uk

S

m d fro ne pe O

Cut the worry of school fees

Church Road, Aldermaston, Reading RG7 4LR Tel: 0118 971 4251 email: enquiries@thecedarsschool.co.uk

The Cedars is a small Independent School for boys and girls from 4 to 11 years

with Waverley

OPEN MORNINGS - on Wednesday 16th March and Friday 1st April from 9.30 - 12 oclock

Waverley School has been providing first-class education for boys and girls in Berkshire aged 3 – 11 for over sixty years.

BearwoodFamMag_Jan(87x85)_BearwoodFamMag_Jan(87x85) 21/01/2011

From September 2010 we’re going to be making some first-class offers, too.

Wokingham

BEARWOOD COLLEGE Open Days

SChoLARShIp oppoRTunITIES* (Years 3 – 6) Save around £3000 every year

FEE REDuCTIonS* (Reception – Year 3)

Up to 10% off annual fees Wed 9th March * Subject to terms and conditions

VISIT

PEN DAY Saturday 21 May 2011, 10am - 1pm O (Alternatively please contact us to organise a time that suits you) CALL Any time during the school day on 0118 973 1121 MAIL waverley@cfbt.com CLICK www.waverleyschool.co.uk A CfBT school ADDRESS Waverley Way, Finchampstead, RG40 4YD

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Thames Valley West

Sat 14th May Please call to confirm your attendance

Nursery • Pre-Prep • Prep • Senior • Sixth Form Independent day / boarding co-education from 0-18 0118 974 8300 www.bearwoodcollege.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2011

inthisissue ISSUE 52 • MAR/APR 2011

Visit us now at www. familiestvw.co.uk

4 News & Views 8 Mother’s Day 10 Easter Camps

& Holiday Clubs 12 Museum &

Library Activities 13 What’s On

Diary Dates and Family Theatre

20 Walks in the

Thames Valley

Bowdown Nature Reserve

21 Childcare Feature

21 Childcare News 24 Nurseries in a nutshell 26 The cost of paid work

27 A day out in

London 28 Dance Feature

Adult dance classes, plus local dance news

Next issue: May/June

PARTIES! Editorial and booking deadline: 1 April To advertise in Families, call 0118 954 6893 or email adverts@familiestvw.co.uk To have copies of Families delivered FREE to your nursery, school, club or group, please email editor@familiestvw.co.uk Designed by Graphic Resolutions 01438 871 600. Printed by Warners Midlands PLC 01778 391 000, www.warners.co.uk. Copyright Families Thames Valley West February 2011.

Families Thames Valley West is part of a group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West London. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Editor’s Letter

We’re celebrating mothers in this issue of Families, with some great suggestions for Mothering Sunday days out. And if you’re a mother in need of some ‘me’ time, turn to our dance feature on page 28. We take a look at classes for grown-ups from Zumba to ballroom, so get out your dancing shoes and kick up those heels!

Our children seem to be on holiday for most of April, what with Easter, the Royal Wedding and May Day falling so close together. To help you find childcare, and to make the most of your time off, we’ve got pages of camps and activities to keep the children happy, plus lots of ideas for family days out. And don’t miss our money-saving offers, see below.

Childcare has been in the news recently. The rising cost of nurseries and the changes to government help with funding are making life tough for working parents. Find out more in our childcare feature starting on page 21.

We’ll be back in May with our bumper PARTY issue.

Have a great Easter!

Karen and Jane Competition Winners from Jan/Feb issue The Hexagon tickets to Joseph: Fiona Pitman Harrison Clinic Nutrition Consultation: Amanda Sumner

Don’t miss these great Families offers and competitions WIN a pamper evening for 2 to Nirvana Spa – page 8 Child Goes FREE to Odds Farm Park – page 14 Child Goes FREE to The Look Out Discovery Centre – page 14 Child Goes FREE to Bucklebury Farm Park – page 14 Child Goes FREE to Wellington Country Park – page 14 WIN tickets to Paultons Park – page 15 SAVE 20% on Polarn O. Pyret children’s clothing – page 27 Plus exclusive online competitions at www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions including the chance to win a trip to LEGOLAND and tickets to see ‘Thomas & Friends Live on Stage’ at The Hexagon.

Front cover photo features clothes by Polarn O. Pyret.

Fleece Jackets from £35, Coats from £39.

Save 20% by using our voucher on page 27.

B U I L D C O N F I D E N C E • B O O S T C O N C E N T R AT I O N • M A K E N E W F R I E N D S • H AV E F U N

FREE Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes. Our weekly workshops will work wonders for their confidence, concentration and social skills as well as giving them the best fun they’ll have all week.

Book your child’s FREE class today. Call 0845 400 1283 or visit perform.org.uk

perform.org.uk

Visit us now at www. familiestvw.co.uk

0845 400 1283 Thames Valley West

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News & Views Visit online at www.familiestvw.co.uk Maternity leave for men?

Find out more at www.familiestvw.co.uk/ maternityleave Get the children making Easter chocolate nests. Recipe at www.familiestvw.co.uk/ easternests Language and literacy. Learn how important music can be in their development at www.familiestvw.co.uk/ musicmatters

garden design - makeovers new borders - planting plans smaller gardens a speciality FREE CONSULTATION Carolynn Hughes - HNC garden design Fiona Hill - RHS Horticulture level 2

0118 934 4784 www.hillandhughes.co.uk

making the most of your garden space

2011 Berkshire Baby & Toddler Show Bracknell & Wokingham NCT (National Childbirth Trust) are hosting the 2011 Berkshire Baby & Toddler Show on Sunday 10 April at the Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell. The event is for parents and parents-to-be to find out about numerous products and services all under one roof. NCT workshops will be running and delegates can learn more about subjects such as childbirth, parenting, relaxation and first aid. Meanwhile, the FREE under 5s Kidzone will keep youngsters busy!

Proceeds from the event will be used to train a peer breastfeeding counsellor for the Bracknell & Wokingham area; who will provide invaluable help to many more parents. www.tinyurl.com/berksbabytoddlershow2011

Travelling this Easter?

A new website has been set up to address every conceivable need of parents when traveling with little ones. From travel cots with canopies to sunshades and travel backpacks, www.contentandcalm.com is packed full of products to help your little ones remain content and calm when on the move. Content and Calm was born when founder Solvej Biddle realised there were very few products on the market designed to make traveling easy and stress-free for her and her children. Now, with the help of some of the products on the site, you can make traveling a breeze and, if you are going on holiday this Easter,

check out the site’s top tips for traveling with babies and for ensuring a restful night’s sleep – for all of you! I particularly like the award-winning TrayKit – an all-in-one kid’s carry-on backpack and play-tray solution. The pack can strap to train and plane tray tables as well as hang from the seat in front in a car to provide an extendable play surface with raised sides to give kids their own play space. No more toys on the floor! Pack the bag with familiar toys, pop in a few new ones and it can make the perfect holiday travel accessory. The TrayKit is available in Pink Polka Dot or Blue Camouflage for £24.99. www.contentandcalm.com

Fun for all at Super Camps Super Camps know a thing or two about keeping children happy and entertained over the holidays. For 14 years they’ve been running Multi-Activity Camps, packed with sports, arts and craft activities for children aged 4-14 years. Local camps are located at LVS Ascot; St Gabriel’s School, Newbury; Bearwood College, Winnersh; and Cranford House, Moulsford. They offer something for all tastes from motor quads, climbing, and swimming to archery, plus a new art programme for 2011. Places can be booked by the day or week.

Specialised camps and courses are also running at selected venues, geared towards children who would prefer to focus on a particular activity such as outdoor adventure, tennis, football, hockey and swimming.

Prices start from £139 per week with free extended hours (8am–6pm). Early booking discounts are available and childcare vouchers are accepted.

Visit www.supercamps.co.uk for more details, or turn to page 10 for details of Easter camps.

Mobile Children’s School Shoe Shop...

Let us take the stress out of shopping for school shoes.

A wide range of Bouncy Castles, Slides, Soft Play, Go Karts and Sumo Suits for hire 364 days a year! For Indoor and Outdoor use.

• Home fitting service • In-school visits • Quality range of width fitted shoes from trusted brands • Professionally trained shoe fitters • Customer loyalty scheme (25% discount on every 3rd pair) • Schools revenue share scheme (fund raising) Call 07771 392534 to book your visit now Email: info.shoes2you@gmail.com

www.bigonbouncing.co.uk 01628 410736/07926 751243

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Thames Valley West

Visit:

www.school-shoes-2-you.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2011

News & Views A very Scandinavian experience

by Helli Roberts We recently got back in touch with nature and stayed in a log cabin in the ancient Forest of Dean. There are miles of trails to explore through England’s largest oak woodland and along the banks of the river Wye it is an outstandingly beautiful location. The children were persuaded to get active collecting haycorns as we ‘hunted’ for wild boar. Unsurprisingly ‘Piglet’ proved elusive but we returned muddy and happy to ease aching muscles in our outside hot tub. It was sheer bliss to lie in steaming water gazing up through the tree canopy whilst sipping a glass of wine. A very Scandinavian experience. The cabin was cosy and well equipped with children’s games and DVD player. If you need more entertainment you can enlist the help of the forest rangers to build a survival shelter, discover mini beasts and learn orienteering. Forest Holidays also have cabins in Cornwall, Yorkshire and Scotland - we shall definitely be returning, 0845 130 8223, www.forestholidays.co.uk

Postnatal help While becoming a parent for the first (or second!) time can be very exciting, many of us also find it an immense challenge. With concerns over everything from breastfeeding to broken sleep, parents often need somebody to talk to, and this spring the NCT has set up a new Postnatal Line for all parents. “New parents often feel they are getting everything wrong, while everyone else has the right answer,” says Juliet Pollard, NCT Postnatal Leader. “At NCT, we think there is no right answer.” Staffed by qualified NCT advisors, the Postnatal Line offers support and information to new parents on everything from sleeping to feeding, establishing baby routines and body image after birth. The helpline number is 0300 330 0773 and is open 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday, with calls charged at local rates. For more information go to www.nct.org.uk

Spring may be (just about) here…

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…but it can still be a little chilly. Every child loves cuddling up to a hot water bottle as well as their favourite teddy and now, thanks to wheatybags.co.uk, you can have them both rolled into one. Wheaty Bags cost from just £9.95 and can simply be popped into the microwave to warm them up. New for 2011 are the Wild Warmers – giraffes, leopards, zebras and tigers made of soft fur and filled with natural wheat and seeds that heat up safely, or check out their Cozy Cushions which couple as winter warming pillows. Visit www. wheatybags.co.uk for a great range of goodies.

Viewuswww.familiestvw.co.uk Visit now at www. familiestvw.co.uk for the latest news

Thames Valley West

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News & Views Are you looking for work that will fit around the children?

If you enjoy music and would love to work with babies and young children then Monkey Music would like to hear from you. They require someone with a strong singing voice and a sound

musical background to join their team in the Reading and Wokingham area. You need to be a car owner and to have lots of energy and enthusiasm! To find out more please call 01635 868 584, email cecilia. kourani@monkeymusic.co.uk or visit www.monkeymusic.co.uk Or how about an iFashionDesign franchise? Be your own boss running a business providing fashion design workshops and parties for young designers. Workshops are fun and creative and get youngsters making friends and developing confidence. Full support and training is available, giving you the knowledge to either run workshops yourself, or to recruit and manage others to do so. For more details phone 07980 706 574, email info@ifashiondesign.co.uk or visit www.ifashiondesign.co.uk

Clubs & Classes News Children 3-6yrs

1st

with mummy or daddy session FREE in Wokingham Call Liz on 07759 812016 alouetteclub@yahoo.com

55x90_multiple:Layout 2

6/10/10

Jo Jingles provide fun and educational music, singing and movement classes for babies and young children. A new class has just started for 3-5 year olds on Fridays 1.45pm–2.30pm at Carnation Hall, Chavey Down Road, Winkfield Row, RG42 7PA. For more information phone Jackie on 01344 484 473 or email jo.jingles@btopenworld.com

For further details phone 0118 987 9538, email activities@leightonpark.com or visit www.leightonpark.com/enterprises Special Offer: Receive a free day at the Leighton Park Holiday Scheme when booking a Swim School place. The Holiday Scheme details are on page 10.

Leighton Park Swim School teaches children from 3½ yrs, levels 1–12, in a calm relaxed atmosphere. Their term time courses cost £6 per 30 minute class, and run on Tuesdays and Sundays with ASA level 1 and 2 teachers.

During the holidays a Swim Academy the opportunity for 15:23 Pageprovides 1 children to work in small, skill specific classes on weaker areas of their swimming, e.g. kicking or backstroke.

These classes contain no more than 4 children.

For classes of pure MADness, join MAD Academy Call Trish on 0118 977 0050

Earley, Woodley, Caversham, Tilehurst, Calcot, Burghfield, Purley & Arborfield

Call Vicki on 0118 973 4507

Wokingham, Finchampstead, Crowthorne, Bracknell, Sandhurst, Hook, Camberley & Yateley Birthday

Call Emma on 0118 979 2695 Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley & Charvil

Parties too!

Movement • rhythms • songs • instruments • games

madacademy.com Music And Dance and a whole lot of fun!

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Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2011

News & Views Yummy mummies -to-be Things are looking up for mums-to-be with two new maternity ranges launching online in recent months.

Mama Jeanius is a new maternity jeans brand, set up by Katie Powell following her own experience of shopping for jeans whilst pregnant. The first collection offers three unique styles available in a range of cuts and colours. The jeans have been designed to adapt for the whole pregnancy and the post partum months, and grow with you whilst remaining supremely comfortable and stylish. And retailing at £55, they are designer jeans without the price tag, www.MamaJeanius.com And Boden, the purveyors of bright and breezy family clothes, have added a maternity range full of pretty and practical tops, dresses, trousers and leggings. Have a look at www.boden.co.uk for their ruffley tops and gorgeous maxi dresses.

A unique shoe service for parents We all know what a chore it can be, dragging the children into town to get their shoes checked and fitted. Local business, Shoes-2-You, aims to make life easier for busy parents by bringing its mobile school shoe shop to you, either at your child’s school or at home.

Owner Jacquie Stevenson is a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters and is passionate about the health and welfare of children’s feet. She told us, “While children’s feet are growing, they need to wear shoes that fit properly and offer the right support. For busy parents, the temptation is to shop online for their shoes which may mean shoes don’t fit properly and cause harm. We will give parents easier access to shoe fitters who are trained to ensure the right fit each time.”

The service has already proved very popular. Schools are normally visited once a term, at a convenient time for parents. The home fitting service is especially popular during the school holidays.

The quality shoe range has been carefully selected so that all shapes, widths and sizes of feet can be catered for. There is a generous customer loyalty scheme, giving 25% off every third pair of shoes purchased, and subscribing schools also receive a share of the profits from sales.

To try Shoes-2-You for size call 07771 392 534 or email info.shoes2you@gmail.com to book your visit.

An Outstanding School The Cedars School, situated in the pretty village of Aldermaston, is an independent school for boys and girls from 4 to 11 years. In its Ofsted inspection, in December, it was recognized that the school ‘provided an outstanding quality of education’ where the children ‘made outstanding progress’.

ICT, modern foreign languages, music, a wide range of sports, art and design technology all form an integral part of the curriculum that is regarded as ‘outstanding’ and prepares children well for the next stage in their lives.

There is a very friendly, welcoming atmosphere in the school and you will receive a warm welcome if you wish to visit the school in action and see for yourself the excellent standards of teaching and welfare. Regular Open Mornings are held, or if you prefer please call to arrange a visit at a more convenient time.

To learn more visit www.thecedarsschool.co.uk, call Jane O’Halloran on 0118 971 4251 or email enquiries@thecedarsschool.co.uk

YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL! Rugbytots®

is a weekly play session for children between the ages of two and seven.

Separated into three age groups, Rugbytots® combines the multiple skills used in rugby with a fun, energetic and structured play programme designed to enhance your child’s social and physical skills.

Whether the next step for your child is mini-rugby or ballet, Rugbytots® aims to provide the foundations which will enable them to progress with confidence.

All Rugbytots® classes are fully insured and will be run by an RFU qualified lead coach who is trained in paediatric first aid and has been CRB checked.

For further information please call

0845 313 3255

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, healthcare, marketing, recruitment or a self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle.

Please call JAYNE DAVEY 01491 671293

michele@rugbytots.co.uk • www.rugbytots.co.uk

Viewuswww.familiestvw.co.uk Visit now at www. familiestvw.co.uk for the latest news

Thames Valley West

PAGE 7

Mother’s Day 3 April

Celebrate Not just a modern invention courtesy of a card company, Mothering Sunday stretches back into history as a way of thanking our mums for all that they do for us.

D Be your own boss!

Rewarding and creative franchises available

Excellent earning potential, great work/life balance, and fantastic support.

Join us and start creating a fun and fulfilling future that fits around the family.

Parties • Holiday workshops • Term time workshops

Enquire now!

ating back to the 17th century, Mothering Sunday is always held on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Historians believe it originates from the Christian practice of going to worship at your ‘mother’ church once a year (rather than the nearest parish church). Domestic servants in service and apprentices were given the day off and after attending church also got to visit their mother and family. The children often gave their mother hand picked flowers and treats of cakes.

Nowadays, Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day is mainly used to show your appreciation for your mum, but some churches do still focus on Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as the traditional concept of the ‘mother’ church.

Celebrating motherhood, of course, is nothing new. In prehistoric tribes, the Mother Goddess was worshipped as the giver of life; the Ancient Greeks paid tribute to Rhea (Mother of the Gods); in Ancient Egypt the Goddess Isis was known as the Queen of Heaven who ruled over motherhood; and in Rome, it was Hera the jealous wife of Zeus who was the Mother Goddess.

Most festivals celebrating the mother in early history were in the springtime and also celebrated the rebirth of the land and the beginning of the most fertile time of the year. These festivities honoured the goddess in all women.

Did you know?

Mothering Sunday falls on April 3 this year. It will be the single biggest flower-sending occasion in the year

Here are some ideas for ways to really treat your mum this year:

Enquiries: 07980 706574 info@ifashiondesign.co.uk

Take a ride in a horse and carriage www.ifashiondesign.co.uk

on ti ti pe m Co

NIRVANA SPA

WIN an Evening Spa Experience at NIRVANA SPA

Treat her like royalty for the day with a horse drawn carriage ride in Windsor Great Park. The rides start and finish on the Obelisk Lawn. For more information call 07811 543 019 or to book email info@ascotcarriages.co.uk Mums can also enjoy free entry to neighbouring Savill Garden, where they can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and kids can let off steam in the adventure playground, before finishing off the day with tea in the cafe. Normal admission to The Savill Garden: adults £8.50, children under 6 free, children 6-16 £3.75, family £21. Find out more at www.theroyallandscape.co.uk

Enjoy an Evening Spa Experience, which includes a floatation experience for two, at Nirvana Spa. The UK’s award-winning spa welcomes you to the ultimate experience of peace and tranquility with treatments that have been specifically selected to restore and relax. The spa is home to six pure, natural pools with water clean enough to drink. Minerals and salts selected from the Dead Sea in the floatation therapy pool offer you the perfect floating experience. For more information visit www.nirvanaspa.co.uk To enter the Nirvana Spa competition just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today. Closing date April 10.

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Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2011

Motherhood

Mother’s Day 3 April

Making her feel extra special this Mother’s Day If you want to make your mum feel special on Mother’s Day, why not treat her to a pampering facial or a stressrelieving massage at Halcyon? Their focus for March and April is antiageing and they have a range of discounted facials on offer to suit all skin types, as well as introductory offers on their new microdermabrasion and signature facials. Why not have a luxurious manicure or pedicure together, then take some time out to catch up in the relaxation room? For more information, call 0118 934 0355 or visit their website at www.halcyon-brw.co.uk

Mother’s Day Fruit Smoothies

by Crafty Chefs Why not treat your Mum to a lovely fruit smoothie this Mother’s Day. Ingredients: 1 banana

6 strawberries

150g natural yogurt

Blow your budget at the Ritz For a truly memorable experience why not treat your Mum to tea at the Ritz. At £40 a head it certainly isn’t cheap, but you’re paying for the history, glamour and glitz of this world-famous institution, as much as the choice of 17 teas, the smoked salmon sandwiches and the scones with Cornish clotted cream. It’s too late to book for the actual day, reservations usually need to be made several months ahead, but it will certainly give your Mum something to look forward to, and an excuse for a new outfit! Reserve a table by calling 020 7300 2345 or online at www.theritzlondon.com

Enjoy the gardens at Cliveden Make your mum’s day by taking her to the beautiful Grade 1 listed gardens of the Cliveden estate, near Maidenhead. Once the exclusive haunt of the rich and famous, these sumptuous gardens are especially beautiful at this time of year. Thousands of daffodils, primroses and cowslips create a mass of gold and yellow colour on the stable bank and pavilion area.

Accompanied mums get free entry on their special day. Normal admission to Cliveden Gardens: adults £8.15, child £4.05, family £20.45. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01628 605 069 to find out more.

What you need to do: You may need an adult to help you with the chopping.

1. Peel the banana and cut into slices. Wash the strawberries and then cut off the stalks and cut in half.

2. Put the sliced fruit into a jug or blender and add the yogurt.

3. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth.

4. Pour into a glass. Add a strawberry to the side for decoration and serve to your lovely Mummy!

Variations It’s great to experiment with different combinations.

Why not try using mixed berries. Or you could swap the yogurt for apple juice and add mango.

Crafty Chefs run fantastic cooking parties. They will also come and run cookery sessions and workshops in your school, nursery or Children’s Centre. For more information please call 01344 485 261 or visit www.craftychefs.co.uk

Helping You Look and Feel Your Best An extensive range of treatments to help busy mums look and feel their best: Facials n Manicures n Pedicures n Acrylic/gel nails Spray tanning n Waxing n Electrolysis Anti-ageing n Anti-cellulite n Body wraps Pregnancy/new mother n Make-up Pamper days n Anti-stress massage Aromatherapy n Hot stone therapy Life coaching n Reflexology n Reiki Acupuncture n Nutrition n Hypnotherapy

To find out more, call: 0118 934 0355 or visit: www.halcyon-brw.co.uk 55 High Street, Twyford, Berkshire, RG10 9AJ

families ad_new.indd 1

We also offer a range of grooming and relaxation treatments for men and treatments for teenagers. Please contact us for details.

05/02/2010 Family at www.familiestvw.co.uk/daysout Visit us days now out at www. familiestvw.co.uk

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Thames Valley West

PAGE 9

Easter Activities for eek rship t i e Vis 3 a w emb .7 M £1 nual An th i w

CHILDREN'S EDUTAINMENT CENTRE

Playframe • Toddler Area • Sports Pitch Video Games • Pre-School & Baby Classes Birthday Parties • Café • Free WiFi EVENING LASER TAG PARTIES

Berzerk Easter Academy Masterclass, see Drama, arts and crafts

Day camps and holiday clubs

Northway House, York Road, Newbury RG14 7NF

Tel 0845 2011268 www.eddiecatz.com

Super Camps – Cranford House

Easter Event!

The Animal Man Experience with Nick Spellman 13th April from 3-4pm Book via the Eddie Catz website

School, Moulsford – Multi-Activity Camp (11-21 April), Mad About Tennis (11-15 April). St. Gabriel’s School, Newbury – Multi-Activity Camp (11-21 April), RAW Adventure Camp (11-15 April). LVS Ascot – Multi-Activity Camp (11-21 April), Mad About Swimming and Mad About Football (11-15 April).

Bearwood College, Wokingham – Multi-Activity Camp (11-21 April). MultiActivity Camps for 4-14yrs; Mad About Sports and RAW Adventure for 8-14yrs.

9.20am–4.30pm with optional extended hours (8am-6pm). 01235 832 222, www.supercamps.co.uk

Barracudas Activity Day Camp

at The Holt School, Wokingham. 11-15 & 18-21 April. For 4½-16yrs, offering a wide range of sports, arts, crafts and other activities. 8.30am-5.30pm with 8am-6pm extended day available. 0845 123 5299, www.barracudas.co.uk

Leighton Park Holiday Scheme, Reading. 7-21 April. For

CHILDREN’S SWIMMING LESSONS Bracknell & Thatcham

Kings Camp at Queen Anne’s

• Non-swimmers & Improvers from 3 1/2 years • Snorkelling & Diving • Advanced & Club level swimmers • 6 children per class • Teachers CRB checked • Term & Holiday courses available

( local rate ) rose@swimlessons.co.uk │ www.swimlessons.co.uk

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Thames Valley West

5–14yrs with archery, arts, crafts, climbing, cycling, fencing, kayaking, swimming, off-site trips and much more.

Flexible opening hours 7.30am-5.30pm weekdays. 0118 987 9538, www. leightonpark.com/enterprises School, Caversham. 11-15 April. For 4-17yrs, with numerous sports, arts, crafts and soccer school. 9.30am-4pm or 8.15am-5.45pm, flexible days available. 0845 643 5272, www.kingscamps.org

KOOSA Kids at Birch Hill School,

Bracknell, Meadow Vale School, Bracknell and Ascot Heath Junior School, Ascot. 11-21 April. For 4-13yrs with multi activity, sport, arts and crafts, drama, adventure. 8.15am-6pm. 0845 094 2322, www.koosakids.co.uk

The Holiday Club at Chiltern Edge School in Sonning Common

runs from 11-15 April. Activities include film-making, forest fun, creative cookery, arts & crafts, dance & drama, multisports and judo. Contact Brenda McNulty on 0118 972 1500 x449 or email bmcnulty@chilternedge.oxon.sch.uk

Jubilee Jets Holiday Club at Jubilee Day Nursery, Padworth Common.

11-21 & 26 April. For 4½-11yrs, with woodland adventures, animal care, quad biking, trampolining, football, team challenges, arts, crafts and more.

8am-6pm. 0118 970 1600, www.jubileejets.co.uk Star Hotshots Multi Activity Camps for 5-13yrs at Reading Blue Coat School, Sonning and St Piran’s School, Maidenhead from 11-21 April.

Free swimming lessons, go-karts, kayaking, rock climbing and lots of fun and games. 8.30am-5.30pm. 0845 301 0450, www.hotshots-sports.co.uk

Reading Borough Council is running a number of Holiday Playclubs.

11-21 April. For rising 5’s –12yrs.

8.30am-1pm and 1-5.30pm at Highdown School, Emmer Green; Waterloo Meadows Children’s Centre, Elgar Rd; St Michael’s Church Hall on Routh Lane, Tilehurst; and St Joseph’s Convent School on Upper Redlands Rd. 0118 939 0637. Action Zones, free drop-in play schemes, will also run at various venues in Reading, 0118 937 2635, www.readingplay.co.uk

The Apollo Holiday Care Club, close to Reading town centre. 11-21 April. For 4-11yrs, 8.30am-5.30pm. £16 full day, £8 half day. Activities include cooking, drama, special trips and arts & crafts. 0118 916 8416, www.apolloyouthclub.org.uk

The Mad House Holiday Club, Green Park Reading for 3-11yrs. 11-21 April. 8.30am-6pm, with activities in the play structures as well as arts, crafts and more. 0118 975 5455, www.themadhousereading.co.uk Norcot Easter Holiday Play Club at Norcot Early Years Centre, Tilehurst, RG30 6UB. 11-21 April.

8am-6pm, depending on demand.

Norcot is an inclusive holiday club for children aged 3yrs-6yrs 11 months old.

Fun activities and care for all children, whatever their needs, 0118 937 5618, email outreach.norcot@reading.gov.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2011

Easter Activities

Sports camps and activities Bulmershe Gymnastics Club,

Woodley has holiday sessions for walking to 5+yrs from 10am-2.30pm on Tuesdays 12 and 19 April. £6 per hour session, £11 for two hours. 0118 926 3686, www.bulmershegymnastics.co.uk

Easter Tennis Camps for 5-15yrs at Caversham, Caversham Park and Wargrave Tennis Clubs from 11-15 & 18-21 April.

10am-1pm, 10am-3pm. 0118 375 8324, www.gdtennis.co.uk Reading FC has various soccer schools for boys and girls aged 5-14yrs, including girls-only and goalkeeping courses.

Locations include the Dome at the Madejski Stadium, Thatcham, Palmer Park, Woodley, Embrook School, Tilehurst and Wallingford.

0118 968 1480, www.readingfc.co.uk

John Nike LeisureSport Complex

in Bracknell offer multi-activity camps for 8-12yrs over the holidays. Activities include ice skating, skiing, team sports, snotubing and more. 01344 789 000, www.jnlbracknell.co.uk

Rivermead Leisure Centre is

running Kool Crew, a holiday play scheme for over 8’s, 9am-5pm, £16 per day, £75 per week. Also drop-in sessions at The Zone, 10-11am and 11-12noon daily, £3.50 per hour. 0118 901 5000, www.gll.org

Loddon Valley Leisure Centre Sports Camp, Lower Earley for 5-12yrs.

11-21 April. 8am-6pm or 9.30am-3.30pm.

Choice of football, street dance, multi-sports and multi-activity camps. 0118 931 2066.

St Crispins Sports Centre, Wokingham is running a choice of football, multi-sports or multi-activity camps for 5-12yrs. 11-21 April. 8am-6pm or 9.30am-3.30pm. 0118 977 2466.

South Hill Park, Bracknell has

the school holidays with a variety of sports and activities on offer. Pop into any RSL leisure centre for a leaflet or visit www.reading.gov.uk/skoot

The Creation Station, award winning art and craft workshops for 1-11yrs. 8 & 15 April, 10-10.50am, at Birch Hill Community Centre, Bracknell. 13 & 20 April at Windsor Methodist Church, Windsor.

0845 303 9448, carly@ thecreationstation.co.uk, www.thecreationstation.co.uk

MO’s Dance & Drama School

Be Active will be running at Henley

Tara’s Academy, based in

Foxys Fun Weeks for 3-6yrs and Club 7-11 for 7-11yrs. 11-21 April. 8am-4pm or half-days. Also taster sessions in trampolining or gymnastics for 4-16yrs, 3.30-6pm. 01344 776 211, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Leisure Centre has loads

of sporting activities and swimming courses during the Easter holidays for all ages.

01344 454203, www.bracknell-forest. gov.uk/be

Reading Borough Council Sports & Leisure Centres run Skoot during

Photo courtesy of Supercamps

Drama, arts and crafts The Berzerk Easter Academy Masterclass offers four days of

Edgbarrow Sports Centre has

Leisure Centre for 4-12yrs, probably 6-16 April, with full and half day camps including football, swimming, arts & crafts, games and more. 01491 577 909, www.nexuscommunity.co.uk

Jubilee Jets Holiday Club

For further information please contact: Jubilee Jets on 0118 9701 600

intensive training in acting, musical theatre and audition preparation in the stunning setting of Ufton Court for ages 6+ and 11+. Acting, singing and dance techniques taught by professionals working in the performing arts. 07863 734 830, www.berzerkproductions.com

Charvil and Twyford, will be running a two-day wartime themed drama workshop for 5-16yrs over the Easter holidays. 0118 934 3920, www.drama-academyberks.co.uk

several activities. 3 & 11-19 April – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, rehearse and then star in the show over the Easter holidays, 7-16yrs, £87, siblings half-price; 21 April Art Factory – spend the morning using clay, collage, drawing and sculpture, 6-12yrs, 10am-12noon, £15.50, members £13.50. Workshops for 11-16yrs include Claymation, film making, animation and game world. 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk is running various workshops in Caversham.18-20 April – Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Musical Theatre, 5-11yrs, 2-5pm; 14 & 21 April – The Nutcracker Ballet, 3-5yrs, 2-2.45pm; 14 April – Street Dance, 5-7yrs at 3-3.45pm & 8-11yrs at 4-5pm. 0845 206 2291, readingdance@aol.com, www.mosdanceanddrama.co.uk

Set in fantastic countryside location

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday from 8:00 – 18:00 for children aged 4½ to 11 years. Full and half day sessions available. Supervised by a fun team of qualified staff Jubilee Jets is a great out-door adventure holiday club where the best childhood memories are made.

www.jubileejets.co.uk

Photo courtesy of Supercamps

Many local leisure centres and sports clubs are running holiday camps and activities.

Here are a few you might like to try.

• • • • • • • • •

Feeding lambs Biking in the woods Cooking Circus workshops Henna tattoos Trampolining Games and races Quad bikes Or just hanging out with friends

School Holiday Fun!

Paddock View, Rectory Rd, Padworth Common, Berks, RG7 4JD

Ofsted registered

There’s a Star in everyone...

What Easter Fun are you having this year? Maybe it’s time to try something different and

go Berzerk!

B.E.A.M (Berzerk Easter Cloud Busting in Academy Masterclass) association with The Ufton Court, nr Reading National Theatre, Oakwood 4 day course, 18-25 April Centre, 2-4 March After School Drama & LAMDA Classes Locations across Berkshire & Oxfordshire

www.berzerkproductions.com

Find children’s clubs and classes at www.familiestvw.co.uk/classes

07863 734830

Thames Valley West

PAGE 11

What’s On

Easter Fun at our Museums & Libraries www.readinglibraries.org.uk 11 April Palmer Park Library (0118 901 5106) - make your own Spring hat, 10-11am, 5+yrs, must book. 12 April Southcote Library (0118 901 5109) make an Easter picture, 2.30-3.30pm, 6+yrs, must book. 12 April Tilehurst Library (0118 901 5112) - Woolly Lambs, a craft activity for 6-11yrs, 3-4pm. 14 April Caversham Library (0118 901 5103) – Spring crafts for 5+yrs, 2.15-3.15pm. 15 April Central Library (0118 937 3449) - Easter cards, crafts for up to 10yrs, 10.30-11.15am.

15 April Whitley Library (0118 901 5115) – Foam Fun, crafts for up to 9yrs, 10.30-11.30am. 15 April Battle Library (0118 901 5100) – Easter cards for 5-8yrs, 2-3pm. 18 April Palmer Park Library – make a dinosaur, 5+yrs, must book. 19 April Southcote Library – Scratch windmills, 6+yrs, 2.303.30pm, must book. 19 April Tilehurst Library – Humpty Dumpty, crafts for 6-11yrs, 3-4pm. 21 April Caversham Library – Easter Eggstravaganza, crafts for 5+yrs, 2.15-3.15pm.

The Wilde Community Theatre Company presents

By CS Lewis Dramatised by Adrian Mitchell Music by Shaun Davey

Wilde Theatre Wed 20 – Thu 21 April 7pm Fri 22 – Sun 24 April 2 & 7pm Mon 25 April 2pm Wed – Thu shows £15.50, Conc £14.50, Members £13.50, Family £39 All other shows £16.50, Conc £15.50, Members £14.50, Family £42

Box Office 01344 484123 www.southhillpark.org.uk South Hill Park · Ringmead · Bracknell · Berks RG12 7PA

Lambing Days at � Amners Farm 2011 2011 � �

Lambing and Sheep Shearing Demonstration Pets Corner ~ Pony Rides ~ Farm Animals Falconry ~ Childrens Straw Play Barn � Steam Train Rides ~ Ferret Racing(30th April only) � � Tractor Demonstrations ~ Tractor & Trailor Rides Model�Aircraft Flying Display � Vintage Threshing Demonstrations � � ~ Refreshments Crafts Pregnant women are advised not to enter the Lambing area. No dogs allowed.

Open 23rd, 24th & 25th April and �30th April, 1st & 2nd May �

�

Adults £6.00 Children £4.00

11am to 6pm

Find us between Junction 11 and 12 south of the M4... ... follow the Sheep signs on the day!

For more information visit

www.amnersfarm.co.uk or please call: 0118 9833 437

Amners Farm Burghfield Reading Berkshire RG30 3UE

PAGE 12

Thames Valley West

Easter Holidays – Reading Museum, Town Hall, Reading,

0118 937 3400, www. readingmuseum.org.uk Various activities will be running. Please contact the museum for more details.

11-20 April – Wokingham Libraries, www.wokingham.gov.

uk/libraries Shiny Knights, Moody Monsters & Marvellous Maidens – drop-in craft activities, £1 charge. 11 April at Wokingham Library 10.30-11.30am & Twyford Library 2.15-3.15pm; 12 April Spencers Wood Library 3-4pm & Lower Earley Library 2.30-3.30pm; 13 April Winnersh Library 10.3011.30am; 18 April Maiden Erlegh Library 2.15-3.15pm; 19 April Woodley Library 10-11am; 20 April Wargrave Library 10.30-11.30am.

Maths Workshops – run by Explore Learning at Lower Earley Library, £1 charge, must book. 12 April Telling the time for 5-9yrs, 10.30-11.30am; Times tables for 9-12yrs, 11.30am-12.30pm.

The Gruffalo – meet the Gruffalo, with stories and crafts, for families with children under 8yrs, £2 charge, must book. 14 April Wokingham Library 9.45-10.30am, 11-11.45am and Finchampstead Library 2-2.45pm; 15 April Lower Earley Library 9.4510.30am, 11-11.45am and Woodley Library 2-2.45pm.

Sense-ational Saturday Storytime multi-sensory stories for children with learning disabilities to enjoy with their families, must book. 16 April at Woodley Library 11am.

Bunny Bunny Catkins – with illustrator Cathy MacLennan. For families with children under 8yrs, £3 per child, must book. 19 April Twyford Library 10.45am-12noon and Spencers Wood Library 2.45-4pm.

3-29 April – REME Museum of Technology, Arborfield, 0118 976 3375, www.rememuseum.org.uk Activities suitable for 5-12yrs accompanied by an adult, and are all free with admission price. No booking required. 3-29 April Easter Egg Hunt – join the hunt for chocolate eggs. 8-26 April Easter Crafts - craft based activities with an Easter theme. 12 April Eats, Shoots, Leaves – an insight into army life, 11am-3.30pm. 17 April Blitz Day. 12-19 April – Museum of English Rural Life,

University of Reading, Redlands Rd, Reading, 0118 378 8660, www.reading.ac.uk/merl

Join the Easter Bunny Trail Why not visit MERL over the holidays, there is free admission and plenty going on for families. Try the popular rat and gnome trails, plus MERL bingo, make and take activities or follow the Easter bunny trail to find the Easter eggs – prizes for everyone. £2 for the trail, no need to book.

12-20 April – The River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk 12 April Pum Pum Drum – examine the Henley Town Drum, make your own drums, 4-7yrs, £8.50, must book; 13 April Taylor Tug’s Easter Happening – paint, sing, create and discover, 18 mths-5 yrs, £8, must book; 14 April Spring in the Willows - Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue visit with some rescued animals, plus fun, games and activities, drop in, 10.30am-4pm, free with admission; 19 April Pom Pom Chick Chick – make cute chicks and learn about baby birds, 4-7yrs, £8.50, must book; 20 April Fun with Modroc – create models using Modroc, 7-11yrs, £8.50, must book; 20 April Boat Trips on the Alaska – 45 minute trips on this historic passenger steamer, £10 adults, £6 conc., booking advised; 21 April Victorian Fun & Games, 2-4.30pm, free with admission.

Get crafty

MARCH/APRIL 2011

The River and Rowing Museum

11-21 April – Free craft events at

Reading Libraries,

What’s On

Diary Dates by Claire Frew

We take great care in compiling these listings but please always contact the venue in advance to check details are correct.

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with the ‘Mad March Day’, fun and games for all the family.

Turn to page 14 for a free child entry voucher to Wellington Country Park.

21 March–2 April - HENLEY YOUTH FESTIVAL at various venues around Henley, www.hyf.org.uk A varied programme for under 18s on the theme of Fantasy and Fairytale including performance arts, sports, competitions and workshops, plus the festival gala. For general enquiries email helenmc.hyf@googlemail.com

March Every Sunday – SUPER SUNDAYS at Reading Museum, 0118 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org.uk Special family activities in the afternoons.

First and fifth Sunday of the month crafts, second Victorian classroom experience, third a tour of Reading and fourth a chance to get hands-on with real objects from the collection.

Until 19 April – LAND LADIES EXHIBITION – WOMEN IN FARMING IN ENGLAND 1900-1945 at Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, 0118 378 8660, www.reading.ac.uk/merl Women have always worked in farming but their contribution has often been hidden from history. This exhibition tells their story – from women farmers and college-trained ladies, to farmers’ wives and casual field hands who planted, picked and packed the produce of the land.

Weekends and during school holidays – THE BRAIN DRAIN SHOW at The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell, 01344 354 400, www.bracknell-forest. gov.uk/lookout The show that investigates how the human brain works, including memory, imagination, and optical illusions. Participants will have to think fast, as their reactions are tested in special brain games. £1.85 plus normal admission, various show times.

Turn to page 14 for a free child voucher to The Look Out Discovery Centre.

5 March - SAVERNAKE SPRUCE UP! at Savernake Park, Savernake Way, Bracknell, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Litter pickers to the ready! Join the park Ranger in a Spring clean up of this wildlife haven. Suitable for all ages. Refreshments, gloves and tools will be provided.

10am-12noon. No booking required.

Now where did that Easter bunny go….?

Mr Toad celebrates National Science and Engineering Week by filling his trolley with lots of activities on the theme of communication. 10am-5pm. Free with museum admission, drop in any time.

12 March – CRAFTY CHEFS COOKING WORKSHOP at Binfield Memorial Hall, Binfield, www.craftychefs.co.uk Four-week cooking course for children aged 5-10 yrs, making a different dish each week to take home. Must book in advance.

12 March – SCIENCE BUSKING in Broad Street, Reading Town Centre, www.reading.ac.uk/merl Celebrate Reading Science Week with MERL museum staff and the British Science Association. See science in action with lots of fizzing, whizzing, banging and clanging right before your eyes! Drop in between 12noon-3pm.

12 March – SPRING CRAFT MAKING WORKSHOPS at Beechwood Primary School, Ambleside Close, Woodley.

Bring the family and make Mother and Father’s Day and Easter themed crafts and See the fizzy fountain at the Science Busking event in Reading

5-6 March – DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS at Didcot Railway Centre, 01235 817 200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk There are rides behind ‘Thomas’ and ‘Duck’ and lots of other entertainment for children including magic shows, balloon model makers, clowns and barrel organ music. £10 adults, £8.50 children, babes in arms free. Book in advance on 08444 77 1000.

gifts. £5 per family or £1.50 per child.

11am-2pm. Refreshments available, bring a packed lunch. For enquiries email mrskerrifrench@aol.com 12-13 March – STARS IN YOUR SKIES at Dinton Pastures, Hurst, 0118 934 2016 A chance to view what’s in the skies with members of the Reading Astronomical Society and their telescopes. Free, turn up from 7.30pm until late, weather permitting. Suitable for all, pushchair accessible. Details on 0118 986 4032.

12-13 and 19-20 March – LAMBING TIME at Rushall Farm, Bradfield, RG7 6DL, 0118 961 6107, www.msreading.org.uk New born lambs, tractor rides and refreshments. 11am-6pm. Proceeds to local MS Society and Bradfield Primary Project. £5 adults, £2 children, pregnant women advised not to attend.

18-19 March – SPRING HAS SPRUNG WALKS at Greys Court, nr Henley, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Join the Greys Court Gardeners, as they take a walk through the garden, highlighting the spring flowers and the year ahead in this stunning garden.

Followed by a warming soup lunch in the Cromwellian Tearoom. 10.30am-12.30pm. £12.50 (including lunch). Book in advance on 0844 249 1895.

20 March – SCIENCE OF MOTHER NATURE at Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Rd, Reading, 0118 378 8660, www.reading.ac.uk./merl Come and discover the science of nature at MERL and find out all about biodiversity.

Lots of fun for all the family! Drop in between 12noon-4pm.

11-20 March – PROFESSOR TOAD’S TROLLEY at The River and Rowing Museum, Henley, 01491 415 605, www.rrm.co.uk

20 March – MAD MARCH DAY at Wellington Country Park, Riseley, 0118 932 6444, www.wellingtoncountry-park.co.uk 1 OFP-AM-11-05 118x70_ART.pdf 28/01/2011

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26 March – EARLY SPRING WALK IN THE LOWER LODDON VALLEY near Twyford, www.bbowt.org.uk A pleasant 4.5 mile walk through Ruscombe, Stanlake Park, Whistley Green and the Loddon Reserve. No dogs please.

10am-12.30pm. Children welcome. Meet in the lane alongside St James Church, Ruscombe. Free. Information from Alice Ayers 0118 9267441.

26 March – SPRING STROLL at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Enjoy the highlights of spring at the park on a Ranger-guided walk. Suitable for all ages. No booking required. 2pm-3pm.

26-27 March & 2-25 April – ACTIVITIES at the Chiltern open Air Museum, Newland Park, Chalfont St. Giles, Bucks, 01494 871 117, www.coam.org.uk Special themed historical activities. 26-27 March – pre-season special weekend 1940s soldiers; museum fully open from 2 April with 2-3 April A Mother’s Work (Mothering Sunday Weekend Special); 9-10 April Meet the Early Victorians; 16-17 April Best of British Crafts and Farm Lambing Weekend; 22-25 April Medieval Knights and Pageantry.

Normal museum admission prices apply.

Plus all museum buildings open to visitors.

27 March – EASTER EGG HUNT at Kidmore End Church of England Primary School Come and hunt for eggs between 11am-1pm. £3 per child, adults free.

Tickets available from Adele Hawkes on 0771 289 0291 or Gemma Malaperiman on 0787 981 0238.

27 March - WORLD POOH STICKS CHAMPIONSHIP at Days Lock on the River Thames at Little Wittenham, near Didcot, 01491 838 294, www.pooh-sticks.com Members of the public pay to compete and drop their Pooh Stick over a bridge.

Children can also bring along their sick teddies to be mended by a ‘Teddiatrician’.

Starts 11am. Tickets £2 or £6 family, available on the day. Team tickets (£10) can be prebooked through the website.

14:19

Easter Fun at Odds Farm Odds Farm Park offers so much more this Easter. From 9-25 April follow the Spring Trail & get a Yummy Treat.

Plus, get closer in the ‘all weather’ Animal Hands On Area, Bottle Feed Lambs, board fun Tractor Cute & Trailer Rides† and, NEW for 2011, have fun Baby in the super Indoor Sandpit.

OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM TEA ROOM & FREE PARKING

Lamb s

T:01628 520188 NR BEACONSFIELD, HP10 0LX (M40, J2)

† Apr-Oct (Weather Permitting)

Find us more activities at www.familiestvw.co.uk/libraries Visit nowlibrary at www. familiestvw.co.uk

Thames Valley West

PAGE 13

Great Days Out with WELLINGTON COUNTRY PARK

ODDS FARM PARK

Outdoor family fun at Wellington Country Park.

Enjoy the adventure play area, toddler's area, sandpits, slides, miniature railway (£1 extra), crazy golf, nature trails, animal farm and petting barn.

Look out for fun events all year round … and dogs welcome (on a lead).

At Odds Farm Park you’ll find heaps of Easter fun.

From 9 until 25 April, follow the Spring Trail around the farm and win a Yummy Treat. Plus, with plenty of cute Lambs to Bottle Feed and the return of Tractor & Trailer Rides, there’s so much to do!

For more information call 01628 520 188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk

For more information call 0118 932 6444 or visit www.wellingtoncountry-park.co.uk

When accompanied by a Full Paying Adult Valid until 2 May 2011

When accompanied by one Full Paying Adult Valid until 1 May 2011 Not valid with any other offer.

Voucher must be redeemed to obtain the discount.

Only original voucher accepted.

NOT VALID for bank holidays, special ticketed events or camping.

Only one child free per voucher per full paying adult.

www.wellington-country-park.co.uk

Enjoy a great day out in the beautiful Berkshire countryside close to the picturesque village of Bucklebury. Children can get very close to the animals, feed them, and there is also a "Pat a Pet" area for younger visitors.

For more information call 0118 971 4002 or visit www.buckleburyfarm park.co.uk

www.oddsfarm.co.uk

FAM TVW

LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE The Look Out Discovery Centre is a fantastic place to discover, experience and enjoy hands-on science and nature. Educational, fun and suitable for all the family, including plenty to do for toddlers.

For more information call 01344 354400 or visit www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/be

Admit One Child Free When accompanied by a Full Paying Adult

er ad er Re Off

er ad er Re Off

Admit One Child Free When accompanied by a Full Paying Adult Valid until 30 April 2011

Valid until 30 April 2011

Not valid with any other discount offer.

Voucher must be redeemed to obtain the discount Only original voucher accepted.

Only one child free per voucher per full paying adult.

Not valid with any other discount offer.

Voucher must be redeemed to obtain the discount Only original voucher accepted.

Only one child free per voucher per full paying adult.

www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk

PAGE 14

Not valid with any other offer.

Voucher must be redeemed by 02/05/11 to obtain discount.

Only original voucher accepted.

Only one child free per voucher per full paying adult.

FAM TVW

BUCKLEBURY FARM PARK

er ad er Re Off

er ad er Re Off

Admit One Child Free

Admit One Child Free

Thames Valley West

FAM TVW

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

FAM TVW

MARCH/APRIL 2011

What’s On April

solving the Easter trail, join in craft activities, and hunt for Basildon bunnies in the house. £2 per trail plus normal admission. 10am-5pm. 24-25 April Cadbury will be joining the fun bringing eggs-tra activities to the property.

1-3 April- LEGOLAND 15th BIRTHDAY at Legoland Windsor, 0871 2222 001, www.legoland.co.uk Legoland reopens for the 2011 season with a building competition and entertainment to celebrate its 15th birthday. Exclusive opening days for Annual passholders only on 26 and 27 March.

Visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/ competitions to enter our competition to win LEGOLAND tickets.

10 April – BERKSHIRE BABY SHOW at the Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell, www.tinyurl.com/ berksbabytoddlershow2011 Organised by the Bracknell and Wokingham branches of the NCT. A fantastic variety of goods and services for pregnancy, birth and parenting, including workshops, children’s arts and crafts activities, a crèche, stalls and exhibits.

Open to all. Entry £3 on the door or £2 in advance (no entry fee is due for workshop delegates). For advanced entry bookings, please contact Rebecca on 844 243 6058 or email berksbabyshow@yahoo.co.uk

2 April – DANCE CLASS TASTER DAY at South Hill Park, Ringwood, Bracknell, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk A variety of short dance and fitness workshops. A great chance to try something new. For further details turn to page 30.

2-3 April – OPEN DAYS AND LAMBING WEEKEND at Berkshire College of Agriculture, Burchetts Green, 0800 0711 666, www.bca.ac.uk See the lambs, watch demonstrations, animals, crafts and displays plus many other activities for all the family. 10am-4pm.

12 April – Wildlife on the Move Thames Cruise leaving from Hobbs of Henley Ltd, Station Road, Henley, 01491 572 035 Join the Chilterns Conservation Board and Hobbs of Henley for a voyage of discovery with an expert guide to spot hidden natural treasures between Henley and Hambleden.

3-4.15pm. Adults £8, seniors £6.50, children £5, advanced booking available.

3 April – SPRING FAIR AND EXTRAVAGANZA at Wooden Hill School, Staplehurst, Bracknell Petting farm, crafts, games and an egg hunt. 11am-1pm. For more information visit www.woodenhillschoolpta.co.uk 3 April – ON YOUR BIKE 2011 at Sonning Common, www. onyourbikesonningcommon.co.uk, 0118 972 4487.

Family bike ride to raise money for the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust. Three routes: 5½ miles, 12 miles and 20 miles, plus a supervised playground cycle for 4-7yrs and a 2½mile health walk.

Entry £5 per person, £7 on the day, £2 for playground cycle, £3 health walk. Open to all. Races leave at 10.30am, registration from 9.30am. Entry forms from website.

3 April – MOTHER’S DAY at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, 01296 655 720, www.bucksrailcentre.org.uk Treat Mum to roast dinner in the licensed restaurant, then ride on one of the historic steam trains. Advance booking.

3 April – MOTHER’S DAY SPECIALS at Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor, 01844 353 535, www.chinnorrailway.co.uk Mums travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger and receive a free posy of flowers.

3 April – MOTHER’S DAY at Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, 0118 984 3040, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Children are invited to make a hand-made present for their mum at a special craft session. 10am-5pm, free with admission.

9-25 April – EASTER FAMILY FUN at Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Green,

12 April – WILD ONES: WAKING FROM HIBERNATION at Jocks Lane, Bracknell, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Discover which animals are waking from their long winter sleep. Make and take home clay hedgehogs, willow butterflies and painted stone ladybirds. 10am-12noon.

For 5-11yrs. £3.50. Booking required.

Meet the Animal Man at Eddie Catz, 13 April

01628 520 188, www.oddsfarm.co.uk Follow the fun Spring Trail around the farm and win a yummy treat. Spot the new arrivals, feed the lambs, enjoy a tractor and trailer ride plus loads of other great indoor and outdoor activities.

Turn to page 14 for a free child entry voucher to Odds Farm Park.

9 April – WILDLIFE ON THE MOVE at Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor, 01844 353 535, www.chinnorrailway.co.uk Journey on the Icknield Line and discover the local wildlife. Commentary en route given by the Chiltern Conservation Board. Train times: 10.30am, 12noon, 1.30pm & 3pm.

9 April – PEPPA PIG WORLD OPENS at Paultons Park, Ower, nr Romsey, Hants, www.paultonspark.co.uk This popular theme park opens an entire world devoted to Peppa Pig with seven magical rides, animated attractions, Muddy Puddles water play area, Daddy Pig’s Big Tummy Café, indoor and outdoor play areas and a Peppa-themed toy shop.

Paultons Park itself is open daily from 1 April and contains around 60 additional rides and attractions.

See below for details of how to win tickets to Peppa Pig World.

9-10 April – AFTER DARK STAR WARS LASER SHOW at Legoland Windsor, 0871 2222 001, www.legoland.co.uk Legoland will be open until 9pm so you can learn your Jedi skills and then enjoy a spectacular laser show after dark with a Star Wars theme.

Visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/ competitions to enter our competition to win LEGOLAND tickets.

9-25 April – EGG-CELLENT EASTER at Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, 0118 984 3040, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Every day except Tuesdays. Win a prize by

12 April–2 May– EASTER AND BANK HOLIDAY ACTIVITES at Wellington Country Park, Riseley, 0118 932 6444, www.wellington-country-park.co.uk 12 April Big Foot the Clown; 13 April Dave Croft Magic Show; 14-17 April Baby Big Top Circus; 21-22 April Circus Skills and Trapeze Workshops; 23 April Dragons’ Day – celebrate St George’s Day; 24 Easter Sunday – join the Easter bunny for Easter crafts, competitions and an Easter egg hunt; 25 April Easter crafts; 29 April The Royal Wedding; 30 April–2 May Crazy Bikes and Inflatables Weekend – an assortment of various inflatables, unicycles, bicycles and tricycles to try. Plus all the usual activities, play areas, farm etc.

Turn to page 14 for a free child entry voucher to Wellington Country Park.

13 April – THE ANIMAL MAN EXPERIENCE at Eddie Catz, Newbury, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Children will interact and learn about live animals ranging from birds of prey, invertebrates, reptiles through to a variety of mammals. 3-4pm. £8.50 per child, £1 per adult, bookable online.

WIN tickets to PEPPA PIG WORLD

on ti ti pe m Co

PEPPA PIG WORLD AT PAULTONS PARK

Win one of 4 family tickets (2 adults and 2 children under 12) to visit the fabulous new Peppa Pig World, only at Paultons Park. Explore nearly 3 acres of fully themed fun, with 7 new and exciting rides including Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight, Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, George’s Dinosaur Adventure, Grandpa’s Little Train and ride in a ‘cloud’ around Windy Castle! With huge indoor and outdoor play areas, superb animated and themed attractions, a new café and the largest (and only!) dedicated Peppa Pig shop in the world, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience! Opening on Saturday 9th April 2011.

If you are not a lucky winner and would like to find out more about Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park just visit www.peppapigworld.co.uk or call 02380 8144455.

To enter the Peppa Pig World competition just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today.

Closing date April 14.

Discover more thingsfamiliestvw.co.uk to do - www.familiestvw.co.uk/whatson Visit us now at www.

Thames Valley West

PAGE 15

G KI O D FR S EE !

What’s On

Countryside Alliance Raceday Sunday 10th April 2011 Family Day with superb Jumps racing, a family farm, falconry display, a parade of hounds, terrier racing, quad biking, shopping and much more.

Tickets from £17 Fine dining packages from £95 (includes Premier Admission Ticket)

To book, call 0870 727 1234 or visit ascot.co.uk

300 YEARS OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS RACECOURSE

03800W93_CADAY_FamiliesSurreyWest 180x130.indd 1

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Thames Valley West

17/01/2011 11:32 MARCH/APRIL 2011

What’s On 13 April – WILD ONES: FIRELIGHT FUN at Ambarrow Court, Wokingham Rd, Sandhurst, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk The ultimate outdoor experience. Gather around the glow of a camp fire by night; enjoy songs, games, food, drink and maybe a tale or two about Ambarrow in bygone days. Suitable for all ages. Bring a folding chair or seating. £1 per person for refreshments. 7.30-9pm. Booking required.

13-21 April – EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES at The Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, 01635 874 381, www.naturediscovery.org.uk 13 April Crazy Crafts for Easter 11am-4.30pm, free drop in; 14 April Recycled Arts Workshop - make a bookmark, £1.50 each, drop in; 19 April Spring Family Wildlife Day - family event with lots of activities for children of all ages to explore and learn about wildlife.

Join an Earthwalk, go pond dipping, try out smart phone Wildlife Keys, get close to bugs, make a flower and lots more, 11am-4pm, free drop in; 21 April Pet Wise Zoo - various sessions, £4.50 per person, must book.

16-25 April – DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS at Mid Hants Railway (Watercress Line), The Railway Station, Alresford, 01962 733 810, www.watercressline.co.uk Ride with Thomas, Henry, Toad, Daisy and Diesel, meet The Fat Controller and others, plus magic shows, bouncy slides, face painting and Thomas DVDs showing.

Advance booking recommended. £10 children, £16 adults. Under 2s free.

19 April – FAMILY FUN DAY at The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, 01635 46044, www.watermill.org.uk A fun-filled morning of activities including drama games, mask painting and dressing up. Must be booked in advance. For 4+yrs. £4, adults free.

19 April – WILD ONES: LITTLE GREEN FINGERS at Westmorland Park, Warfield, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Sprout edible seeds, make green hairy monster, plant a growing picture, discover how to grow potatoes and make a recycled flower pot. 2pm-4pm. For 5-11yrs. £3.50.

Booking required.

20 April – WILD ONES: EASTER TREASURE HUNT at Lily Hill Park, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk A trail of clues to follow – you may even win a prize! £2 per person. 2pm-4pm. Prebook. Best suited for 5-11yrs.

20 April – EASTER TRAIL at Dinton Pastures, Hurst, 0118 934 2016 An Easter trail around the park, learn

about wildlife and enjoy ranger-led activities plus be rewarded with a chocolate treat. Suitable for pushchairs.

Pick up entrance form between 1-3pm at café garden. £2.50 per child.

20 April – EGGSTATIC WOLF WALK & EASTER EGG HUNT at UK Wolf Centre, Beenham, Reading, 0118 971 3330,www.ukwct.org.uk Join the wolves for a walk this Easter and decorate some eggs for a very ‘wolfy’ Easter Egg Hunt. 11am-1pm. £15 per person. Ages 6+yrs.

20-21 April – EASTER EGG TRAILS at Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley, 01494 755 564, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Come to Greys Court and into the garden, find the clues and follow the trail to lead to your prize. Sponsored by Cadbury. 10am-12pm, tickets £1.50.

No booking required.

22-25 April – DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, 01296 655 720, www.bucksrailcentre.org.uk Take a ride behind Thomas and meet the Fat Controller, plus children’s magic show, Punch and Judy, miniature railway, arts and craft, storytelling and Thomas cinema.

22-25 April – EASTER SPECIALS at Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor, 01844 353 535, www.chinnorrailway.co.uk Easter eggs for children and hot cross buns for adults, as well as Easter chick hunt.

22-25 April – EASTER STEAMINGS at Didcot Railway Centre, 01235 817 200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk Broad gauge Fire Fly locomotive operating.

23-25 April LAMBING DAYS at Amners Farm, Burghfield, 0118 983 3437, www.amnersfarm.co.uk See lambs being born and have a very ‘hands on’ experience with lots of farm animals and their offspring. Sheep shearing demonstrations, pony rides, falconry, steam train rides, Straw Play Barn, tractor and trailer rides, crafts, refreshments and lots more fun. 11am-6pm. £6 adults, £4 child.

23-25 April – IVOR THE ENGINE at Cholsey & Wallingford Railway, 01491 826 303, www.cholsey-wallingfordrailway.com Ride on Ivor and meet Jones the Steam and other favourite characters.

24 April – EASTER SUNDAY EGG HUNT at California Country Park, 0118 973 5519.

Hunt for eggs round the park from 12noon. Find an egg, bring it into the café and see if you are a lucky winner. Cost £1 per child. In aid of the Princes Trust.

25 April – CAR BOOT SALE at St Crispin’s School, London Rd, Wokingham Proceeds to St Crispin’s PTA. 9am-12noon.

Set up from 8am. Buyers £2 entrance before 9am, 50p after 9am. Sellers cars £7, vans £9. No need to book.

28-29 April – TODDLER DAYS OUT: WOODLAND ANIMALS at The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell, 01344 354 400, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be Extra activities just for toddlers, alongside the normal exhibition. Make and take activities, play dough, face or hand painting and story telling. £6.20 per parent and toddler, extra child £1.40. 10am-4pm.

Turn to page 14 for a free child voucher to The Look Out Discovery Centre.

5 March – NEARLY NEW SALE at Mortimer St John’s Infant School, West End Rd, Mortimer Nearly new clothes, toys, books and equipment for babies and young children. 10-11.30am. £1 entrance.

To sell call Alison on 0118 933 1925 or email alisonhox@googlemail.com 12 March - BINFIELD TODDLER GROUP’S NEARLY NEW SALE at Binfield CE Primary School, Benetfeld Rd, Binfield For a huge range of toys, children’s clothes, maternity wear and equipment. 2.30-4pm.

Admission £1. Cash purchases only.

12 March – BABY & TODDLER MARKET at Main concourse, Newbury Race course, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk New and pre-loved clothes ranging from maternity wear to children’s clothing, newborn to around 8 years, plus quality products and services. 10am-12.30pm.

Entrance £1.

28-30 April – GUIDED BLUEBELL WALKS at Greys Court, nr Henley, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Guided walks through the beech woodlands. 10am–12noon, booking essential on 0844 249 1895, £9.

12 March – HENLEY NCT’S NEARLY NEW SALE at Henley Christ Church Centre, Reading Rd, Henley Children’s clothes, toys, maternity wear and equipment. 10.30am-12noon (10.15am with NCT card). 0844 243 6160.

29 April – PRINCE & PRINCESSES PARTY at Eddie Catz, Newbury, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Celebrate the Royal wedding day dressed as your favourite princess and enjoy face painting, activities and a live broadcast of the Royal Wedding.

19 March – BABY & TODDLER MARKET at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane, off Beech Rd, Purley on Thames, Reading RG8 8DR, www. babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 2-4pm. Entrance £1. See 12 March entry.

30 April-2 May LAMBING DAYS at Amners Farm, Burghfield, 0118 983 3437, www.amnersfarm.co.uk See 23-25 April entry for details.

23-24 April – WALLY HUNT at Legoland Windsor, 0871 2222 001, www.legoland.co.uk Join in an Easter hunt and find as many Wallys as you can hiding among the rides and attractions over the Easter weekend.

Visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/ competitions to enter our competition to win LEGOLAND tickets.

23-24 April - BLUEBELL WALKS at Rushall Farm, Bradfield, RG7 6DL, 0118 961 6107, www.msreading.org.uk Enjoy the beautiful bluebells and see new born lambs. Refreshments. 11am-6pm.

Proceeds to local MS charity.

Nearly New Sales 4 March – WOODCOTE WINDMILL SALE at Woodcote Village Hall Nearly new sale of children’s toys, games, nursery equipment and clothes. 8am-2pm.

25p entrance. To sell call 01491 681 449 or email bpenniall@globalnet.co.uk

27 March - WOKINGHAM & DISTRICT NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, Wokingham Good quality children’s clothes, maternity clothes, books, toys, and baby equipment.

Nearly new condition. Entry £1.

11am-12.45pm. To sell contact nearlynewsale@wokingham-nct.org.uk or call 0844 586 870. Large items can be advertised on www.nct.org.uk/wokingham 2 April – MAIDENHEAD AND MARLOW NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at Great Marlow School, Bobmore Lane, Marlow A great selection of toys, books, games, DVDs, baby and children’s clothing, maternity wear and equipment such as prams, cots and highchairs. £1 on the door. No pushchairs in hall. 1.30-3.30pm (1.15pm with NCT card). Details or to sell contact monicaNCT@gmail.com

Lambing Days at Amners Farm

16 April – BABY & TODDLER MARKET at Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Woodlands Ave, Woodley, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 2-4pm. Entrance £1. See 12 March entry.

Day Out With Thomas Saturday/Sunday 5/6 March (0930 - 1700) See and ride behind the famous blue engine.

Steamdays

Saturday/Sunday 2/3, Wednesday 13, Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday 22/23/24/25 (Easter), and Saturday 30 April.

(Plus Sunday/Monday 1/2 May).

Entrance at Didcot Parkway rail station.

Signed from M4 (junc 13) & A34

Recreating the golden age of the Great Western Railway Registered Charity No 272616

Discover more thingsfamiliestvw.co.uk to do - www.familiestvw.co.uk/whatson Visit us now at www.

Thames Valley West

PAGE 17

What’s On Berkshire

Baby & Toddler Show 2011

10th April 2011 10am - 4.30pm

Admission £3 (£2 in advance)

telephone 0844 243 6058 THE parenting event for Berkshire; a chance to sample and buy a variety of goods & services, to find information on pregnancy, birth & babies. Run by the NCT, the national parenting charity with all event proceeds going to projects supporting local families.

NCT workshops with FREE Crèche Baby product exhibitors

Berkshire

science centre | planetarium

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exhibit

scien n o s d n a h K’s with the U largest capacity m u planetari

FREE 3D Ultrasound scanning UNDER 5’S KIDZONE!

Coppid Beech Hotel Bracknell, RG12 8TF

http://tinyurl.com/berksbabytoddlershow2011 Sponsored by:

01962 863791 www.intech-uk.com Telegraph Way, Morn Hill, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HZ Open everyday 10am - 4pm (M3 exits 9 or 10, A31 Alresford)

• From 3½ yrs

• Membership scheme

• Archery

• Experienced ASA teachers

• Open from 5am - 10pm

• Circus Skills

• Small classes

• Family swims

• Laser Quest

• Term time & holiday classes

• Private hire

• Multi Sports

• NPLQ courses

• Swimming

• Prices from £6 per class

• Prices from £10 per month

• Prices from £7 per head

• Kayaking

Please contact us or visit our website for further details

Leighton Park School activities@leightonpark.com

0118 987 9538 www.leightonpark.com/activities

Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road, Reading, RG2 7DE

PAGE 18

Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2011

What’s On Please always check before setting out in case details have changed since going to press.

The Hexagon Queen’s Walk, Reading RG1 7UA. Box Office: 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com 2-6 March – PETER PAN ON ICE The tale of the boy who never grew up is performed by the world renowned Russian Ice Stars. Various times and prices.

FamilyTheatre The Anvil

Follow Mole’s travels at South Hill Park & Norden Farm

Churchill Way, Basingstoke RG21 7QR. Box Office: 01256 844 244, www.anvilarts.org.uk 12-13 March – CHINESE STATE CIRCUS Entertainment for all the family from the world’s leading Chinese acrobats. Their new show, Mulan, is based on the legend of one of China’s greatest heroines. Tickets from £12, child £3 off.

26 March – NOISY KIDS – ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA A lively and exhilarating family concert, full of musical stomping, rumbles and growls.

Zany presenter Tim Steiner leads this accessible introduction to classical music, guiding all ages through the weird and wonderful world of creatures, great and small. Tickets £8, child £6, family £22.

5-6 April – G*MANIA Stars from reality TV shows such as X Factor and Pop Idol perform a concert of songs inspired by the popular TV show Glee. Tickets £22.50, £25.

27 March – WOKINGHAM CHILDREN’S CONCERT Tickets available on 07769 777 955.

14 April – THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS Join Paul and Barry Chuckle in their latest hilarious adventure set in Pigsnorts School of Magic, where the evil Lord Fonterall is plotting to take over the school. Featuring ghosts, ghouls and spectacular magic in this brand new show. Tickets £12.50.

30-31 March - SCIENCE MUSEUM LIVE ON TOUR

Central Studio Queen Mary’s College, Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke. Box Office: 01256 418 318, www.centralstudio.co.uk

Experience spectacular science, dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments as London’s world famous Science Museum takes to the stage for the first time ever with a spectacular live show to blow your mind and challenge your brain. Ages 7+. Tickets £12.50, group and school discounts.

2-3 April – THOMAS & FRIENDS LIVE ON STAGE A circus comes to town in this fun filled family show featuring Thomas and all his friends. This new musical adventure is packed with audience sing-a-longs, high energy dancing and thrilling adventures.

Tickets £15, child £13, family £50.

Visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/ competitions to enter our competition to win tickets to Thomas & Friends Live on Stage.

South Street 21 South Street, Reading RG1 4QU. Box Office: 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com 27 March – LITTLE RED ROBIN HOOD A merry mix up in the forest involving glove puppets, false teeth and a frying pan. Why is Robin Hood wearing girls’ clothes and what is lurking behind the trees? Two classic tales woven into one fast and funny family show. Ages 4+.

Tickets £7.

10 April – GREATEST BUBBLE SHOW ON EARTH Spinning flying saucer bubbles, square bubbles filled with fog and bubble chains that look like centipedes. With lots of audience participation. Tickets £7.

South Hill Park Ringmead, Bracknell RG12 7PA. Box office: 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk 20 March – THE MOLE WHO KNEW IT WAS NONE OF HIS BUSINESS A magical, musical adaptation of the popular children’s picture-book. Follow Mole’s travels as he meets a variety of outlandish and amusing characters along the way. Ages 4+. Tickets £10.50, child £7.50, family £29.

22-23 March – PETER PAN – THE BRITISH MUSICAL An amateur production telling the magical story of Peter Pan. The Lost Boys, Tinker Bell, Indians, Pirates and of course Captain Hook all appear in this enchanting adaptation. Tickets £12, conc. £10.

26 March – THE MOUSEHOLE CAT Inspired by an old folk legend the story tells of the Cornish village of Mousehole where a fisherman and his cat brave a terrible storm to save the village. This charming tale is brought to life with carved wooden puppets, coloured shadows, live music and a beautiful set. Ages 4-7.

Tickets £10.50, child £5.50.

13 April – THE SELFISH GIANT Set in a magnificent steel sculpted garden, the story of the giant who has built a wall to keep children out is told using beautifully crafted puppets and a musical soundtrack.

For 3+yrs. Tickets £10.50, child £5.50.

20-25 April – THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE When Lucy walks through a Wardrobe into the enchanted land of Narnia, four children find themselves in an adventure more exciting and dangerous, than they could have possibly imagined. An amateur production of CS Lewis’ classic tale.

Tickets from £13.50, family £39.

The Corn Exchange Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 01635 522 733, www.cornexchangenew.com 26 March - THE WORM THAT SQUIRMED Indonesian rod puppets tell of a squirmy

worm that causes chaos wherever he goes.

Using little spoken language, this visual feast of farce is packed full of humour, a fabulous musical score and live sound effects. Ages 5+. Tickets £8, conc. £6.

12-16 April – BEAUTY & THE BEAST Newbury Operatic Society present Disney’s tale of love triumphing over evil with award-winning songs and a full live orchestra. Tickets £15, conc. £12.

Norden Farm Altwood Rd, Maidenhead. 01628 788 997, www.nordenfarm.org 26 March – LITTLE RED ROBIN HOOD See show details see South Street entry.

Ages 4+. Tickets £6.50, family £22.

12 April - THE UGLY DUCKLING A musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the little duckling forced to leave the farmyard and enter a cold, lonely world. Set on the banks of a magical river, the show uses puppets and a delightful new musical score. Ages 3+.

Tickets £6.50, family £22.

15 April - THE FROG PRINCE .… and other Peculiar Stories from Terry Jones’ Fairy Tales. A magical and witty adaptation of the famous froggy tale as told by Shakera, the storytelling apprentice. Objects are transformed into characters, combined with masks, shadows and physical performance. Ages 5+. Tickets £6.50, family £22.

17 April - THE AMAZING BUBBLE SHOW Louis returns with a new show featuring gigantic bubbles, people inside bubbles, edible bubbles, square bubbles, bubble colours and spinning bubbles. Laugh, love and learn about the world of Bubble-Ology! Ages 3+. Tickets £6.50, family £22.

20 April - THE MOLE WHO KNEW IT WAS NONE OF HIS BUSINESS See show details see South Hill Park entry.

Ages 4+. Tickets £6.50, family £22.

Discover more thingsfamiliestvw.co.uk to do - www.familiestvw.co.uk/whatson Visit us now at www.

SATURDAY LIVE SHOWS Special shows for children at 11am (unless otherwise stated). Tickets £7.15, child £4.60.

5 March - Theo the Mouse’s Musical Madness.

2 April - 11am and 12noon From Here To There. For 18 months-4yrs.

30 April - Flyaway Katie. For 2-7yrs.

The Wycombe Swan High Wycombe, 01494 512 000, www.wycombeswan.co.uk 12 March – ANDY & MIKE’S BIG BOX OF BANANAS CBeebies presenters Andy Day and Mike James star in a slapstick comedy show about a magical and mysterious box.

Unable to open it, the boys take you on an exciting journey to find out what’s inside.

You’ll meet confused pirates, musical sea life and extravagant all-singing, all-dancing air stewards. Ages 4-11. Tickets from £10.50, child £9.50.

The Camberley Theatre Knoll Rd, Camberley, 01276 707 600, www.camberleytheatre.biz 23-24 April – THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Based on the much-loved picture book by Judith Kerr packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos.

Tickets £10.

Haymarket Theatre Wote Street, Basingstoke RG21 7NW. Box Office: 01256 844244, www.anvilarts.org.uk 19-21 April – THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD The Gruffalo’s Child - with attitude! Just how brave is she? Find out for yourselves by joining her in a magical, musical adaptation of this award-winning sequel. Tickets £10.

If you would like details of your production or event to appear in the Out & About pages, please give us a ring on 0118 954 6893 or email us at listings@ familiestvw.co.uk The deadline for the May/June issue is 1 April.

Thames Valley West

PAGE 19

Walks in the Thames Valley

Blue carpets

After a long dark winter, now is the time to celebrate the arrival of spring!

Woodlands are stunning at this time of year so why not take the family for a spring walk through a local woodland nature reserve? Katty Baird, BBOWT volunteer and mother of three, shares one of her favourites, full of colourful spring flowers and noisy bird song.

Where to go Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust’s (BBOWT) Bowdown Woods Nature Reserve near Newbury, is a fantastic woodland for families. The reserve is really a cluster of three woods, each with its own character and well-signposted wildlife walks of about a mile. The walks are all linked so you can choose a longer walk if you wish.

Bowdown Wood is great for children who love scrambling around – and this is where you’ll see

What to see Woodland blooms Glossy yellow lesser celandine, pale yellow primroses and delicate white wood anemone are some of the earliest woodland flowers you’ll see in March. In more open areas, look for the early purple orchid. When these unusual flowers are just open they smell honey sweet, but this soon changes to a strong aroma of tom-cat’s urine - a device which may inform visiting insects that the flower is already pollinated!

Why not join BBOWT? Your support makes all the difference for wildlife. Members receive a beautiful book about the Trust’s 80 nature reserves and a regular magazine. Families also receive a lively children’s magazine with news, facts, stickers, puzzles and competitions.

From late April, a dense carpet of bluebells turn Bowdown’s woodland floor into a sea of blue.

This is a wonderful sight and fills the woodland with a heady scent for several weeks. Please take only photos - it’s tempting to pick some flowers because there are so many, but it’s actually against the law.

Birdlife

Tony House, www.seeing.org.uk

Rob Appleby

carpets of bluebells from late April onwards.

The ‘Bomb Site’, where nature is reclaiming wartime structures, has flat surfaces so it’s easy to walk around with a push-chair.

Baynes Wood has a few short steep slopes and steps, but it’s worth the extra effort because this is where you’ll see fluffy silver catkins on willows and bright yellow marsh marigolds near the streams. Look out for deer tracks in the mud – you may even catch sight of one of these elusive animals treading gently through the woodland.

Access is easy, with car parking off Bury’s Bank Road, Greenham. Download a reserve map with walking routes from www.bbowt.org.uk (click ‘reserves’ on tab at top, then select Bowdown).

For the best chance of seeing birds, stop for a while in a clearing. Look for groups of cheeping blue tits as they swoop methodically through tree Great spotted woodpecker branches looking for food.

And you’re bound to hear the drumming of the great spotted woodpecker. This black and white bird with a bright red rump hammers its beak against trees (usually hollow ones) to attract potential mates.

Find out more BBOWT is the only voluntary organisation in the region concerned with all aspects of nature conservation. With over 80 reserves across the region, there should be one near you! Events are run throughout the year, many suitable for families with young children. Our Diary Dates section, on page 13, contains details of forthcoming events. Visit www.bbowt.org.uk or call 01865 775 476.

WIN tickets to LEGOLAND and ’Thomas and Friends‘ at THE HEXAGON To enter just visit www. familiestvw.co.uk/ competitions today

PAGE 20

Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2011

Childcare Childcare Round-up Henley Nannies One of the longest established nanny agencies in the area, Henley Nannies has been helping local families find the perfect nanny, mother’s help, housekeeper or babysitter for nearly 25 years. Owner Jackie Thomas told us, “We take the time to meet most candidates and thoroughly check references and qualifications. We only introduce candidates who we feel would suit each particular position, thereby eliminating time-wasting on both sides.” Advice is given throughout the process, from what to ask at interview through to tax and NI issues, with support continuing after the placement commences to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Contact Henley Nannies on 0118 984 3035 or email jackie@henleynannies.co.uk

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery

Wise Owls Crèche re-opens for business Calling all Henley parents! You may be aware that the crèche at LA Fitness, in Newtown Road, closed down last year.

The good news is that a well-established local childcare provider has taken over the premises and re-opened it as the Wise Owls Creche, offering sessions for children aged 3 months to 5 years.

Currently open mornings only, it is hoped that hours can soon be extended. Tanya of Wise Owls told us “We can only operate if we are used, so we really need parents to support and use us. Then we can support them in having some time for themselves, something we feel is important for everyone.”

The warm and friendly staff are fully qualified and the facility is open to all, not just gym members or users. Pop in or visit www.wiseowlsclub.co.uk to find out more.

Boost your future earnings A new report claims that having a good nursery teacher can increase your earning capacity in later years by as much as £10,000. Researchers have found that pupils with an excellent nursery education went on to earn more than their peers from similar backgrounds whose early-years teaching was less effective. The study also showed that pupils who learnt more at this early stage were more likely to go on to university than their peers, and less likely to become single parents. Chris Davis, of the National Primary Headteachers’ Association, added, “The influence of early years on a child’s long-term education is crucial.

The better the experience of the child pre-five, the better value you will get from them post- five.”

A new look Waverley School For over 60 years Waverley School, based in Finchampstead, has been providing first class education for boys and girls aged 3–11 years. Now, with the opening of their exquisite new nursery last term, the school can provide places for children from three months.

Scholarship opportunities are available for older siblings, in Years 3–6, saving approx £3000 a year (subject to terms & conditions). Means testing will also be applied so this could mean even greater savings! Annual fees have also been cut by up to 10% for Reception to Year 3.

An Open Morning is being held on 21 May from 10am–1pm. Visits can be arranged at other times by calling 0118 973 1121.

Ac o

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Lit

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery in Sonning, near Reading is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year.

Since opening its doors the nursery has achieved a reputation for providing a loving, safe and learning environment that is second to none. They told us, “This year we will be creating yet more learning environments both inside and out so that all our children get to reach their full potential during these very important early years. If you would like to see what makes us so special then please contact our Nursery Manager, Sarah, to book a visit.

We look forward to seeing you soon”.

For more details phone 0118 969 5545, email sarah@monkeypuzzlereading.co.uk or visit www.monkeypuzzlereading.co.uk

(Colleton) Pre-School

... watch y our child grow in confidence

and skills

Set in the grounds of The Colleton School, Twyford, Little Acorns provides a happy, stimulating and creative Pre-school environment for your child to learn and develop in. We also offer: • Integrated care and education from 8.45am - 3:15 pm, term time • Admission for children from 2½ - 5 years old • Individual care and attention made possible by a high ratio of adults to children • Accredited by the Pre-school learning alliance and Wokingham Investors in children • Vacancies from September 2011 • Organic fruit and vegetables served free for snack time • Opportunities for you and your family to be directly involved in the activities of the group and in your own child’s progress

To arrange a visit or for more information please contact Rachel Blackwell on 0118 932 1629.

Email: manager.littleacorns@weyfs.org.uk www.littleacorns-twyford.co.uk ABC Building, Colleton Drive Twyford, Berks RG10 0AX Registered charity no. 1075323

Find local nurseries at www.familiestvw.co.uk/nurseries

Elite Childcare Agency specialise in recruiting and placement of Nannies and Babysitters for families across Berkshire and South Oxfordshire.

• Nannies (full and part-time) • Babysitters • Mobile Creches • Au-Pairs

0118 901 8747 Jenny@elitechildcareagency.co.uk www.elitechildcareagency.co.uk

Thames Valley West

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Childcare Childcare Round-up

Jubilee Day Nursery

Henley Nannies

Established 1988

Supplying Nannies, Mothers Helps, Housekeepers, Couples & Babysitters Covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire & Surrey Tel: Jackie 0118 9843035

Email: jackie@henleynannies.co.uk Web: www.henleynannies.co.uk

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Spring is in the air at Jubilee Day Nursery! The children are enjoying spending more time playing outdoors, helping to prepare and plant seeds and bulbs in the sensory garden and deciding what to grow in the large vegetable patch. There’s big excitement in the animal paddocks with the arrival of new lambs, calves, chicks and ducklings for everyone to enjoy, along with the spring flowers in the nursery grounds and bluebell woodlands. With caring staff always on hand to extend and encourage the children’s play and learning, toddlers and pre-school children have the space to run freely and safely, discovering the natural world around them. 0118 970 1600, www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk

Record demand for nannies Tinies, the UK’s largest nanny agency, has reported a record rise in the demand for nannies, with enquiries in January double those recorded in the same month last year.

Many mums seem to be returning to work, sometimes earlier than planned, in order to boost household incomes stretched

by VAT rises and the increasing cost of food, fuel and utilities.

Some mums are looking to return to work having been out of the job market for a few years. Others are looking to switch from using a nursery to using a nanny, to make use of more flexible working hours, particularly as they can use their childcare vouchers to offset a nanny’s salary.

Jane Sims, the branch owner of Tinies Berkshire Nannies told us: “Since the beginning of 2010, we have seen the market pick up again with requests for childcare, after the recession in 2008/2009. We thought last year was busy, but this year looks as if it is going to be even more so. We have seen an increase in demand for all of our services – permanent nannies, temp nannies, babysitting and emergency childcare.”

For more information on Tinies, go to www.tinies.com or call 0118 958 9646/0118 958 9647.

New parents urged to seize childcare tax benefits New parents who pay higher-rate tax risk losing a significant amount of tax relief if they wait until after 6 April to join their employer’s childcare voucher scheme.

Government changes to be introduced then will mean that higher-rate taxpayers stand to lose around half of the current annual relief offered if they have not already joined a scheme. Employees already part of a scheme will not see their relief affected by the changes. Vouchers can be used for any form of registered or approved childcare including nurseries, nannies, pre-schools, after-school and holiday schemes.

Currently, higher rate tax payers can make annual tax savings of £1172 on childcare but those who join after this date can expect to see their annual saving reduced to only £597, according to Baker Tilly, the accountancy and business advisory network.

MARCH/APRIL 2011

Childcare Childcare Round-up

Little Acorns Pre-school Little Acorns Pre-school is located in its own recently-built wooden log cabin within the grounds of the Colleton Primary School in Twyford. There’s lots of fun to be had in their new outside play area which includes a gardening area, outdoor classroom with a large sunken sand pit, a bark area with wooden ship and climbing frame and a quiet garden under the trees. And the covered deck area means that children can play outside in all weathers, a great facility on rainy days!

A visit is recommended to see the pre-school, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, in action and to join the waiting list for September. Email manager.littleacorns@weyfs.org.uk or ring 0118 932 1629.

Top Tips for Hiring a Nanny

by Jenny Bohan of Elite Childcare Agency 1. Using an agency: The way an agency recruits its nannies is far more important than a dazzling website. Don’t be afraid to ask about the agency’s recruitment process or even pose as a potential candidate and see how you are received by the agency.

Does their actual recruitment process match their written policy? If you’re not happy then don’t be afraid to change agencies.

2. Allow time to find the perfect nanny: Finding the right candidate takes time, so allow up to 3 months. Many agencies will inundate you with CV’s, of which many may be unsuitable. Write a clear job description and stick to it, checking each candidate against your requirements.

3. Interviewing a nanny: Interview a candidate with your partner or friend and compare notes afterwards as you will pick up on different things. Beforehand read through their CV and highlight areas of concern or points that need clarifying. Have written questions prepared so that if you get chatting or feel nervous you will have a clear format to follow. Take notes.

4. Checking references: Agencies should have already checked the candidate’s references. However, don’t be afraid to call previous employers to find out more.

5. Checking qualifications/visas: Ask to see original certificates and ensure that you know what was involved in gaining the qualification. Check foreign qualifications by searching online or contact UK NARIC. Check passport and visa to ensure that the nanny is entitled to work in the UK. If you are unsure of their visa restrictions contact the UK Border Agency for free advice.

6. Play date: Invite your 2 best candidates to spend time with your children to see how they get along. Try and involve the nanny in a daily routine task, such as helping to prepare lunch or the school run. Take note of the nanny’s initiative and level of involvement.

7. Contracts: Make sure you draw up a contract of employment between yourself and the successful candidate, which you both sign. In the contract outline salary details, holiday and sick pay, hours of work and responsibilities, use of car and details of trial period.

Elite Childcare Agency provides nannies across Berkshire and Oxfordshire. To find out more call 0118 901 8747 or visit www.elitechildcareagency.co.uk

You name it We label it!

Lunchboxes • Water Bottles Books • Uniforms • Footwear

T: 01635 298326 www.easy2name.com

Children’s Party Planners www.popinparties.co.uk

• Bear Making Parties • Fabric Painting Parties • Theme Parties Visit our website for current prices. or call us on 07764 849828 or e-mail: popinparties@tiscali.co.uk ad 55x40.ai 18/10/2010 10:05:44

Yoga

For Pregnancy Mondays 6.30pm to 7.45pm Lower Earley Resource centre

079 799 828 39

astangadeb@yahoo.co.uk www.yoga-centre.com Sima’s parties are structured, energetic, fun & set to music Sima’s Action Kids parties for under 6’s Sima’s Dance parties for under 11’s Sima’s Disco-bop & karaoke parties for under 11’s

Call Sima on 07956 993 439 www.simasactionkids.com

MUSIC WITH MUMMY A fun introduction to music in small, friendly classes designed for children from birth to 3 yrs

0-1 yr JOLLY BABIES 1-3 yrs MUSIC WITH MUMMY For classes in Wokingham & Woodley call Clare O’Shea on 0118 903 4808 or visit www.musicwithmummy.co.uk For classes in Bracknell call Clare Klesel on 01344 451988 or visit www.musicwithmummybracknell.co.uk

Find local nurseries at www.familiestvw.co.uk/nurseries

Thames Valley West

PAGE 23

Childcare Conveyancing Solicitor I have my office based at home. I deal with all types of Conveyancing; sale, purchase, remortgage, etc.

I choose to have a small practice where I handle everything myself. I offer a personal touch with flexible contact hours. Clients feel at ease coming to my office where children can play with the toys.

Call me, Rachael Matthews, on

01494 758573

or email: Rachael@rmatthewssolicitor.co.uk www.rmatthewssolicitor.co.uk

Call me for a quote or visit our website and use our online quote facility.

Nurseries

www.roomseven.co.uk

Nurseries come in all shapes and sizes. Those with the best reputation tend to be hot property, so start looking well ahead of time and join a waiting list if necessary.

Your local Family Information Service can supply a list of registered childcarers, including nurseries but also childminders and nanny agencies. See box, below, for FIS contact details. Or try our advertisers; they are here because they want you to know about them. Robina Cowan takes a look at your nursery options.

Daycare nurseries We provide a quality indoor market for parents to buy and sell pre-loved baby and children’s products.

Our markets also host a selection of unique local businesses.

Our markets are located in Lower Earley, Newbury, Reading and across the Thames Valley. Dates & locations can be found in the ‘Out & About’ section of this magazine or by contacting us at:

www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk • 07881 641614

• A useful option for working parents, day nurseries are typically open from 8am to early evening and children can stay for all or part of the day • Some parents feel uneasy about leaving their baby in sole care, no matter how well-qualified that person is. It’s reassuring to know that nursery staff can safely take breaks, and that you are covered if a member of staff is off sick • Consistency - your child can stay in the same environment from the day you go back to work until they start school • Social environment - children who attend nursery find it easier to settle into school routines when they join reception classes.

The cons: Some parents feel uncomfortable because playtime, naps and meals are at more or less set times. Also you’ll need backup care when your child is unwell or if you’re late to collect.

Nursery classes in schools • A first step into school, although a school nursery place does not automatically guarantee a place in reception • Convenient if you are already dropping siblings at the school • Stimulation - some children are ready for school earlier than others and readily take to structured, educational play • Age-specific activities are geared to the school children they are becoming rather than the babies they used to be.

The cons: Sessions tend to be just three hours which is not practical for many families. Fulltime places are few and far between.

Family Information Service The FIS can provide free advice on all aspects of childcare plus details of local registered childcare providers. Here are our local FIS details.

Located on a beautiful, rural setting, Jubilee Day Nursery offers outstanding childcare to children aged 3 mths to 5 yrs.

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances children’s learning experiences.

Jubilee Day Nursery has designed and developed a stunning outdoor environment to ensure all the principals of the Early Years Foundation Stage are encompassed.

info@jubileedaynursery.co.uk

0118 9701600

www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk Paddock View, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, RG7 4JD

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Thames Valley West

Bracknell Forest, Reading and West Berkshire Phone: 0800 328 9148 Website: www.childrensinfo.org Email: enquiries@familyresourcecentreuk.org Wokingham Borough Phone: 0118 935 2255 Website: www.wokingham.gov.uk/fis Email: fis@wokinghm.gov.uk Oxfordshire Phone: 08452 26 26 36 Website: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/parents Email: fis.enquiries@oxfordshire.gov.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2011

Childcare

in a Nutshell Pre-schools and playgroups • The Preschool Learning Alliance is one of the largest providers of quality childcare in England, offering a wide choice of settings from preschools and baby and toddler groups to full daycare places in nurseries and children’s centres • PLA settings are managed by experienced and qualified managers who lead teams of nursery workers and support staff, training them to meet children’s individual needs Parents are encouraged to be

active members, so you can be more involved in your child’s care • Small scale settings are less daunting for shy children.

The cons: Tend to be community operations so don’t expect glamorous premises. You may need additional care if you work fulltime although wrap around hours are available in some settings.

Private nursery schools • Stimulation - by two and a half most children benefit

Help with the costs Nursery fees very greatly, depending on location, demand and what is offered, but can be from around £100 to over £200 a week.

1. Local authorities receive government funding so they can offer 15 hours a week of early years education to all three and four year-olds from the term after their third birthday. If you choose a nursery which costs more than the funding or need more hours, you top up the difference.

2. Child tax credits and working tax credits are available to help with childcare costs. From April 2011, the ‘child’ element of the child tax credit will be increased for families earning up to £16,190 a year with an above-inflation increase. At the same time though, families earning over £41,400 will no longer be eligible for the full tax credit.

3. Some employers offer childcare vouchers which staff can opt to receive instead of part of their salary, thereby reducing their income tax and national insurance contributions. NB see page 22 for details of why you need to sign up before April 6.

Choosing a Nursery

by Anna Taylor West, Development Manager at Countryside Nurseries

from some kind of preschool environment. They learn without knowing it while using letters, shapes and numbers, looking at books and expressing themselves through making things, drawing and singing • Peer group - the opportunity to make friends of the same age • Might be more flexible on the availability of hours or days you need to fit in with your work schedule • Often smaller scale with a personal touch, and the nursery head is usually involved in the running of the school.

The cons: Some offer wrap-around care but are generally open only for school hours so you will need someone to pick up and collect if you are at work.

There are many things to consider when choosing a nursery for your child. Most of our parents come via word of mouth, which is the best recommendation you can get. Here are a few tips to help.

1. First impressions are important but consider how it feels rather than how it looks.

2. Make sure the Manager has a good knowledge of the nursery and that she has given you enough time.

3. If you take your child with you, see how the staff respond to your child.

Do they say hello and try and engage them in an activity while you are talking?

4. Do look at the range of different settings. Do you want a small nursery or a nursery that’s part of a larger group? Each has its pros and cons.

5. Lastly, write down your questions before a viewing. However, don’t be afraid to go back and ask some more if you need to.

To find out more about Treetops Nursery in Henley please call 01491 413 336 or visit www.countrysidenurseries.co.uk

Do you feel ready for change?

Is something still holding you back?

Hypnotherapy can help with stress, anxiety, confidence, phobias, giving up smoking, weight-loss and many other areas.

For more information about what’s involved and to book a Free Initial Consultation call Catherine Evans Dip Hyp CS on 07811 907911

Treetops Nursery 5 Centenary Park, Station Road, Henley on Thames RG9 1DS

We believe that every child is a unique individual, full of potential and continually evolving. Therefore our overriding childcare philosophy is to provide a warm, safe and happy environment, in which each child receives stimulation correctly levelled at his/her own particular age and stage of development.

Over 19 years’ experience in complete childcare and education Town centre location Excellent home cooked food Open 7.45am-6pm. 51 weeks a year Light and spacious rooms

Multi-level indoor soft play gym ; unique indoor/outdoor all-weather play area and an outside area To see what we can offer you and your child, contact Sarah to arrange a visit on 01491 413336

www.countrysidenurseries.co.uk

Find local nurseries at www.familiestvw.co.uk/nurseries

Thames Valley West

PAGE 25

Childcare

the cost of paid work Having a job when your children are young just got more expensive.

Joanna Moorhead explains why.

W

hy so? Well, from April cuts to state-funded help with childcare announced in last year’s comprehensive spending review start to kick in: and what they’ll mean is a cut in income of up to £1,300 a year to some families, according to the think tank Resolution Foundation.

Chancellor George Osborne announced last year that the percentage of childcare costs recoverable through the working tax credit system would be reduced from 80% to 70%. But, says the Resolution Foundation, many families are still unaware of the changes – and, says its chief executive Gavin Kelly, those on middle-to-low incomes are the ones likely to find the losses hardest to bear.

“Many parents find support with childcare costs absolutely essential to staying in work, and the big worry is that some will now find that work doesn’t pay,” he says. And he points out that, coming after recent rises in travel costs, the cuts come at a time when families are feeling the pinch very hard indeed.

After all, life is hard enough when you’ve got small children; if the money you’re bringing in is making a big material difference to your family, then it’s worth it. But if the proportion of that income spent on travel, lunches and childcare becomes too high, then many mothers start to think: what’s the point of carrying on working? You might as well reduce the stress in your own life and increase the amount of time you spend with your children, and quit work.

In the UK childcare costs already eat up a huge proportion of a PAGE 26

Thames Valley West

family’s income – 33%, compared with 4% in Belgium and 11% in France. And many campaigners argue that failing to invest in childcare, and so reducing this proportion, is failing the long-term economic future of the country.

After all, working mothers are extremely valuable to the economy: they’re paying into their pensions, they’re learning new skills, they’re keeping their confidence up, and even if they only tread water while their children are young, they’re keeping connected with the world of work in a way that will make it much easier to up a gear when their children are at school.

From the government’s point of view, of course, the changes to working tax credit are all part of a cuts package that has to affect everyone in the land. This month’s changes to the childcare element of the credit will save £270m next year, rising to £385m by 2014-15.

The policy is one of several deficit reduction measures which will hit families, including an end to the £250 child trust fund for new babies, and the cutting of child benefit from 2013 to families where one parent is a higher-rate taxpayer.

What’s especially unfair is that, if women leave the workplace when their children are tiny, they often find their working choices hugely reduced when they try to return to work several years down the line.

And given that we’re being encouraged to anticipate living longer, and working for longer, that makes no sense.

More information Daycare Trust: www.daycaretrust.org.uk Working Families: www.workingfamilies.org.uk Childcare tax credits: www.direct.gov.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2011

Days Out

• Take your own food and drink and break up the day with a relaxing picnic in one of the many beautiful parks. Or why not print off restaurant discount vouchers from www.moneysavingexpert.com before you go? Many chains, such as Pizza Express and Café Rouge, offer 2for1 deals.

• Let the train take the strain. Travel with another family and you can make massive savings using Group Save tickets, available on most off-peak trains. Up to 4 people can travel together for the price of 2 adults. Extra children cost only £1 each and Under 5’s travel free. So a Reading-London day return (including free travel on buses and tubes) would cost each family of four only £22.50.

Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk/groupsave for more details.

• National Rail has a Days Out Guide scheme for train passengers offering 2for1 tickets to loads of attractions, including the London Eye and the London Aquarium. Visit www.daysoutguide.co.uk to download your vouchers.

• Or redeem your Tesco or Nectar points to receive entrance vouchers to top attractions and for restaurants.

• If you have buggies and lots of paraphernalia in tow find out which tube stations have lifts at www.tfl.gov.uk/ gettingaround where you can download a step-free map.

• Enjoy the journey and, above all, don’t try to cram too much in. When they’re little, just travelling on trains, buses and tubes can be excitement enough without paying through the nose for expensive attractions. Better to leave them wanting more than to end up with over-tired, fractious children.

A Day in London This is an ideal time to visit our capital city, with plenty of places to duck into if those April showers threaten. Here are a few of our favourites.

South Kensington museums. Enjoy the best free day out in London. The Science, Natural History and V&A museums offer endless entertainment but they do get very busy, particularly the dinosaur exhibition and the hands-on science galleries. There are indoor picnic areas; and a lovely inner courtyard at the V&A, the John Madejski Garden (you may recognise the benefactor!). Visit the museum websites to find out what special events and activities are running and to plan your day with downloadable maps and trails, www.sciencemuseum. org.uk, www.nhm.ac.uk, www.vam.ac.uk The South Bank area. Go for a stroll along the river, take a boat ride, enjoy the street artists and admire the spectacular views of Big Ben. If your budget allows take a trip on the London Eye (family online ticket £45.60, www.londoneye.com) You can see up to 25 miles on a clear day, but little ones will probably enjoy watching the Waterloo trains, just below, a whole lot more! Or if the queues are too long keep on going to the London Aquarium (family online ticket £54, www.visitsealife.com), home to an enormous array of all things fishy! Nearby you’ll also find the Imperial Warm Museum (free admission) and the Florence Nightingale Museum (family ticket £16). Visit www.southbanklondon.com for details of these and lots more to do in this area.

Lots more days out at www.familiestvw.co.uk/daysout

Covent Garden. You’ll find plenty of street entertainers and lots of interesting shops here, plus the beautiful Royal Opera House. Beware of the cobbles though if you have a buggy. Park dad and the kids on a bench to people watch while you get some retail therapy! Home to the very child-friendly London Transport Museum where you can delve into 200 years of London’s transport and social history, with displays of buses, trams, trolleybuses and Tube trains plus interactive displays and KidZones. Special events and extra activities are held during school holidays. Admission is £13 for adults, free for children, 020 7565 7298, www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Kew Gardens. OK not quite central London, but well worth a visit. Lakes, pavilions, gigantic glasshouses full of tropical plants, children’s trails, a

©Britainonview / Chris Coe

It pays to plan ahead

giant badger sett to explore; there is plenty here to keep the whole family entertained for the day. The treetop walkway climbs 18 metres high and gives an exciting birds-eye view of the gardens.

Treehouse Towers offers outdoor adventure with zip wires, scramble nets and giant swings or, indoors, the interactive Climbers and Creepers play zone gives 3-9 yr olds the chance to climb, jump or hang on giant plants. Visit www.kew.org for a useful parents guide to visiting. Admission is £13.90 for adults, children free.

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Dance

Strictly for the Strictly Come Dancing and the myriad of other dance shows on our screens have given many of us a taste for sequins and Latin rhythms. So how about giving it a go yourself? Dance can lift your spirits and emotions, as well as providing a great physical work-out. You can dance your way through disappointment or revitalise your routine, but best of all dance can make you happy! And don’t worry if you have two left feet and the ungainliness of a wildebeest. There’s a dance style out there to suit everyone.

Dancing as a release Biodanza means ‘The dance of life’ and has a spiritual almost transcendent element to it.

Developed by Chilean Rolando Toro, it is a research-based system of natural movements, dance, Latin rhythms and expression. Intriguingly, all is done without talking. Talking brings you back into consciousness and removes the instinctive element. You work with yourself, your partners and the group through body language to achieve harmony. Although classes are structured there are no steps to learn and you don’t need to bring a partner. The aim is to ‘give the mind a rest’ and to evoke a sense of joy and well-being. Lan Anh told us “Biodanza offers me the space and time each week to take a breath, relax and lose my worries, reminding me what I love about life. It works as both a mental and physical release and as a result I leave feeling lighter, with a sense of freedom, and more accepting of myself and of others.”

Regular monthly Sunday workshops are run

by BiodanzaHerts at Binfield, near Bracknell, www.biodanza-herts.co.uk, 01582 765 471.

Dancing to be comfortable in yourself and your body

sitting on an exercise bike but can burn up just as many calories. Belly dancing can also improve your self-esteem and self-confidence as Rachel says, “it is a human instinct to be creative and belly dancing is one way of expressing your creativity through dance”. For more information go to www.rachelbellydancer.com or call 07858 480 814.

Rachel is a full-time professional bellydancer and an experienced, fully qualified teacher with classes running in Crowthorne, Twyford, Maidenhead and Windsor. She believes that the appeal of bellydancing lies in “the allure of something that is different from traditional western dance forms” and also “the challenge of making your body move differently from normal with undulations and lifting and dipping your hips”. She is also keen to point out that her classes are very much a social occasion, where you can forge new friendships and network.

Belly dancing is a dance form that celebrates all that is feminine, enhancing the natural curve of a woman’s body. It’s also a great form of exercise; toning the arms, strengthening core muscles and improving flexibility. It certainly beats

Dancing because you always wanted to Of course for many of us with daughters, our first brush with formal dance classes is the local ballet school. Who can resist the gauzy skirts and the delights of that first show? And here I put my hands up. My daughter took ballet as soon as she was old enough, partly because of my frustrated ambitions. (Happily, she loved it.)

And I am not the only frustrated ballerina.

More and more dance schools are offering ballet for adults. Allied Schools of Dance offer evening classes in Woodley or you could try Dance Reality who offer a Ballet Basics course, perfect for beginners, in their purpose-built dance studios in Tilehurst.

Ballet is great for improving flexibility and posture, particularly for those of us who have spent years carrying children around on one hip.

And the focus and concentration it requires can cause stress and everyday problems to just ‘melt away’, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Dancing to the Brazilian beat

Maani Vadgama

With help from Kate Birch & Phoebe Winter

But if ballet is not for you, then why not try the cardio dance craze that is Zumba. Denise, who attends classes at Rivermead Leisure Centre, told us “It’s wild – you will come out with such a smile on your face!”

Classes of this energetic combination of Latin rhythms and easy moves are popping up all

KEEP ON DANCING!

DANCIA INTERNATIONAL, 36-38 PROSPECT STREET, CAVERSHAM, READING, RG 4 8 JL MON-FRI 10AM - 5.30 PM SAT 9.30 AM – 5 PM TEL: 0118 9478123 WWW.DANCIA.CO.UK/READING

W ITH S HOES A ND D ANCEWEAR F ROM D ANCIA I NTERNATIONAL

BERKSHIRE’S PREMIER DANCE SHOP! PAGE 28

Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2011

Grown-ups over the place and such is the demand you’ll need to book early. Artemis Studios, in Bracknell town centre, is offering a free trial at one of its new Zumba classes which are run by Allied Schools of Dance. Nikki from Artemis told us “No dance experience is needed – it’s a fun and fresh fusion of many styles and burns up to 1000 calories an hour! We have people of all shapes and sizes, mums and dads in the class, and the teacher is happy to spend a little extra time before class with new people to take the edge of any nerves.”

Going all Strictly

Sapphire tappers

Dancing for the fun of it

Contact details Sapphire School of Dance Tap and Ballroom/Latin dance (for couples) in Caversham. 0118 947 0623, www.thetalentstop.co.uk Dancercise Tap and Zumba in Sonning and Jazz in Reading. 07951 385 850, dancercise@live.com, www.dancercise.biz Artemis Studios Zumba classes in Bracknell town centre.

01344 429 403, www.artemis-studios.co.uk Allied Schools of Dance Tap and Jazz in Wokingham, Ballet in Woodley, Zumba at Artemis Studios, (see above), 0118 967 1600, www.livetodance.co.uk Dance Reality Street Dance, Jazz/West End Dance, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Tap, Contemporary, Commercial Jazz and Zumba. 0118 942 1896, www.dancerealitystudios.co.uk

Dance

Or why not go all Gene Kelly and try tap?

Sapphire School of Dance offer tap classes in Caversham and Dancercise have classes in Sonning. Valentina from Dancercise told us “Tap is one of the most enjoyable and rhythmic forms of dance providing great exercise and great fun.

Dancercise’s unique style is a thrilling mix of tap technique and fun dance routines using upbeat music from past and present. Tappers will enjoy hopping, flapping and listening to the magical sounds of taps, while developing musicality and a sense of rhythm, and improving fitness and co-ordination.”

Or what about street dance?

Dance Reality run adult classes in Tilehurst along with a whole host of other dance styles for adults. Their street dance crews regularly compete and perform at events. They also offer a GCSE in dance.

But for those inconsolable with the end of the Strictly Come Dancing series, the only choice is ballroom. True Strictly addicts can head, with their partners, to Sapphire School of Dance classes in Caversham, where beginners or the more advanced will be made most welcome.

In the end, however, dancing does not have to be about fake tan and sparkly make-up. It doesn’t even have to be something you do in a class or have any talent at. So kick off your shoes (or strap on your heels), put the music on and dance!

Those with medical concerns should always check with their GP before attempting any kind of dance class.

Find us a dance forfamiliestvw.co.uk your child at www.familiestvw.co.uk/danceclasses Visit now atclass www.

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What’s New Get a taste for dance Get down to South Hill Park, in Bracknell, on 2 April to sample a variety of dance and fitness workshops. Half hour taster sessions are being offered throughout the day in a wide range of activities, for all ages from babies to the over 80’s. Classes run from 10am and include zumba, ballet, yoga, pilates, tai-chi, new mum and pregnancy yoga, tango, ballroom, baby sensory and much more. Workshops cost £2 when booked in advance or £3 on the day if spaces are available. Email lena.dee@ southhillpark.org.uk for a timetable, www. southhillpark.org.uk

Are you musical, with a desire to teach babies & young children?

Jeannine Greville Dance Academies ®

Monkey Music is looking for a dynamic teacher to join our team in the Reading & Wokingham area. You will need a strong singing voice and a sound musical background. You must be a car owner & in excellent health.

For further information, please call: 01635 868584 or Email: cecilia.kourani@monkeymusic.co.uk

www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Qualified, experienced and very caring staff ensure a warm welcome at the Jeannine Greville Dance Academies for all abilities from 2½ to 18 years. Younger ones receive tuition in three styles of dance - ballet, tap and jazz - all included in one price, and held on the same day. They learn how to develop confidence, stimulate their imagination and improve their posture and co-ordination, but above all have FUN! As they progress, and become more technically able, they have the opportunity to perform twice yearly on stage. Many have gone on to have successful careers on the stage, screen and in ballet companies all over the world.

All prospective pupils are offered a free trial lesson. For more information and class details please call 01491 572 000 or email info@ jgdance.co.uk

The Reading Dance Showcase If you’re a ‘Strictly’ or ‘Dancing on Ice’ fan then you’ll love a visit to the Reading Dance Showcase.

This sparkling event, organised by Dancia International, the pink dancewear shop in Caversham, takes place on 22 May at the Rivermead Leisure Complex. Over 30 styles of dance will be showcased by local dance schools, clubs and primary schools, with all profits being donated to Reading Area Charities.

Dancia owner, Jude Chapman, told us “We have been inundated with requests from dance schools wanting to participate, and this year the audience will be able to enjoy up to 50 performances of such diverse dance styles as Ballet, Salsa, Tap, Tango, Hip Hop, Ceroc, Flamenco, Charleston, Scottish, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Latin and Zumba. Anyone looking for a dance school for their child, or wanting to take up a new dance style themselves, will be able to speak to the teachers at their exhibition tables and find all the information they need. They will also be able to take advantage of free taster classes throughout the day. It’s always a great family day out.”

For more information and to watch a video of last year’s Showcase, visit www.dancia.co.uk/ showcase

The Dancia team

Reading and surroundings story Imagination takes you everywhere...

drama

play

6 months – 7 years

Baby Story Play

Dipping their tiny toes into the world of stories, words and sounds, babies and toddlers delight in a multi-sensory blend of storytelling, puppets, bubbles and music.

Early Years Drama Growing in age and poise, children are inspired by each week’s magical tale to share their own ideas and feelings as they creatively explore the characters, scenery and sounds together.

Family Story Play An engaging blend of our two class formats – perfect for siblings, childminders and children’s centres. rec@debutots.co.uk 0118 9472698 www.debutots.co.uk Local venues Nurseries Schools Children’s Centres Parties

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MARCH/APRIL 2011

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Jo Jingles is Here!

Fun Music, Singing & Movement Classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years Develop your child’s • Social Skills • Confidence • Co-ordination • Language • Listening Skills • Imagination

Razz expands in Wokingham Razzamataz Theatre School has proved so popular since its opening last September that extra classes have had to be added to keep up with demand.

The School, based in Wokingham, now has almost 100 students and has been voted ‘Top Theatre School’ in the area. Razz offers training in dance, drama and singing for 4-18 year olds together with exciting opportunities to perform. You may have seen Razz students out and about recently, performing at the Wokingham and Woodley carnivals; and coming up in June is their first full production, to be staged at the Hilton Hotel in Wokingham. The Ruby Slippers merges The Wizard of Oz, Wicked and The Wiz with a Razz funky edge of street and pop. The Razz team just can’t wait to get out and show what they can do!

To find out more contact Shelley on 0118 979 1814 or 07970 034 488 or visit www.razzamataz.co.uk

Perform on stage at the Windsor Globe The Windsor Globe will be returning to Alexandra Gardens in Windsor again this summer, and they are looking for 40 children to take part! This year the outdoor festival will feature Alan Bennett’s musical adaptation of ‘Wind in the Willows’. Children are invited to join in a week long workshop over the May half term followed by six Sunday rehearsals, all to be held at Artemis Studios in Bracknell. The cost to take part is ÂŁ80 per child (ÂŁ60 for siblings), which includes the holiday course, additional rehearsals, all costumes and a cast tee shirt. The children will then perform with real actors in the Windsor Globe for two weeks from 23 July to 7 August. For more details contact Artemis Studios on 01344 429 403 or visit www.windsorglobe.co.uk

Dance Reality From their studios in Tilehurst, Dance Reality run a wide-range of classes for all ages from 2½ years to adult.

Sessions include ballet, tap, street, musical theatre, ballroom, contemporary, singing, drama and stage school. Take a look at their website for details of current class discounts. Call 0118 9421 896 for more information or visit www. dancerealitystudios.co.uk

For details on classes in: Winkfield Row, Forest Park & Bracknell Call Jackie on 01344 484473 www.jojingles.com/ascot

Henley-on-Thames, Twyford, Windsor, Maidenhead & Burnham Call Andreas on 05603 258601 www.jojingles.com/windsor

For young people aged 6-18 years of age

1 hour Dance

1 hour Drama

1 hour Singing

The company that loves to perform Classes for 6-9 Years, 9-12 Years, 13-18 Years In Bracknell at Bullbrook Community Centre, Bullbrook Row, RG12 2NL EVERY Saturday between 10am-1pm During School Term Time (incl. half term) On 0118 3481251 to book a free trial, phone Louise Open to all abilities - no audition necessary PATRONS: SIR DEREK JACOBI KBE, KATE WILLIAMS, ALFRED MOLINA, FRANCES DE LA TOUR, CATHERINE TATE

www.theatretrain.co.uk

Classifieds

Advertise here from only ÂŁ20+VAT. Call 0118 954 6893.

Miranda Make Up Artistry Enhance your natural beauty!

Bridal make up • Occasion/party make up Personal make up lesson • Make over and photoshoot

T: 07760 299 755 or E: makeup@mirandamakeup.com www.mirandamakeup.com

Find us a dance forfamiliestvw.co.uk your child at www.familiestvw.co.uk/danceclasses Visit now atclass www.

Thames Valley West

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The Abbey School

The independent day school in Reading for girls aged 3–18

Radley College is an independent boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18.

The Foundation Award at 11+, 13+ and 16+ are for boys currently in state education with academic potential and interest in music, art, drama or sport.

Radley College FOUNDATION AWARDS AT

11+, 13+ & 16+

The award provides financial support of up to 100% of full fees for two initial years at preparatory school and then for a further five years at Radley.

Entry is through assessment in English and Maths on 3 December 2011.

Applications close on 1 November 2011.

Experience the buzz of The Abbey Come to an open event where our girls will show you around and tell you why they love their school.

For dates of our open events and for more information please visit our website. For enquiries contact the Registrar, Mrs Jackie Miles, on 0118 987 2256 or email registrar@theabbey.co.uk

www.theabbey.co.uk

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Thames Valley West

Sample papers are on the website.

For details: The Registrar, Radley College, Abingdon OX14 2HR Tel: 01235 543174

www.radley.org.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2011