Families TVW Issue 58 March-April 2012

EE FR Thames Valley West March/April 2012

Issue 58 • www.familiestvw.co.uk

YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL! 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 selfemployed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle.

Please call Sara Bains 07795 425 626 www.sarabains.flppro.biz

Easter Fun Dance & Drama Childcare

Call your local Stagecoach to Enrol Bracknell Bracknell North Henley Newbury

01753 664105 0845 0556382 01628 634539 0870 0613526

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Reading East Reading West Wokingham

01932 348844 0844 800 9482 0845 265 7050

For child-led learning – where every child is an individual day care for boys & girls from 3 months • Full to 5 years of age (full and part time places available)

• Term time nursery/pre-school for 3-5 years a great start to your children’s • Giving education, preparing them for when they start in reception at whatever school you choose

in the pre-school benefit from full • Children time qualified teachers during term time in fees: Hot lunches, stationery, • Included swimming, languages (French, Spanish and Mandarin), football coaching, music & movement and pottery (activities are age dependent)

Care Vouchers and Early Years • Child Government funding accepted

flow across a number of spacious • Free rooms to potty train children whenever • Facilities parent and child is ready from as young as 3 months mix • Children with older children during day to day activities

ages are involved in events such as • Allsports day and school productions

Our Lady’s Nursery, The Avenue, Crowthorne RG45 6PB Tel: 01344 773394 www.ourladysprep.co.uk Extended opening hours: 6am – 8pm

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.

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.

Radley College FOUNDATION AWARDS AT

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

11+, 13+ & 16+

Entry is through assessment in December 2012.

Applications close on 1 November 2012.

Sample papers are on the website.

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.

Junior School and Early Years Centre For details: The Registrar, Radley College, Abingdon OX14 2HR Tel: 01235 543174

www.radley.org.uk

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Thames Valley West

• Wednesday 9 May 9.15 - 11.00 am

Senior School • Thursday 10 May 9.00 - 10.30 am For times of Head’s talks and for more information please visit our website. For enquiries contact Admissions on 0118 987 2256 or email admissions@theabbey.co.uk

www.theabbey.co.uk MARCH/APRIL 2012

inthisissue

ISSUE 58 • MAR/APR 2012

Visit us now at www. familiestvw.co.uk

4 News & Views 8 Mother’s Day What mums really want!

10 Easter Holiday Clubs and Workshops 12 Spring Days Out 14 What’s On 16 Competitions 21 Dance & Drama 24 Childcare Feature 24 Childcare Choices

26 Childcare Round-up

28 Get Fit for Spring Some exercise ideas for mums 30 Sleep Problems 31 Sir Steve Redgrave An interview with the great Olympian To advertise: Tel: 0118 954 6893 adverts@familiestvw.co.uk

Editor’s Letter

It’s been a long, grey winter but this issue should bring a little Spring cheer into your life. Turn to our bumper What’s On guide to find heaps of Easter egg hunts and Spring walks plus where to bottle feed baby lambs and lots more seasonal events and activities for all the family. There’s no excuse for bored children over the Easter break either. Our activities guide features enough clubs, workshops and courses to suit even the most discerning; so get them signed up now to beat the holiday blues.

If you’re thinking of going back to work, we’ve got lots of help and tips for you in our childcare feature starting on page 24. Explore the options available and hear from some local providers about what they have to offer.

Now is the perfect time to get fit and lose that baby weight as before you know it the warm weather will have arrived and it’ll be time to hit the beach. We’ve got some great ideas for exercising with, and without, your baby so turn to page 28 to start your ‘get fit’ campaign.

Enjoy Easter! We’ll see you in May with our bumper PARTY issue.

Karen and Jane PS Don’t forget to leave page 8 lying around for someone to find!

Front cover photo by Charlotte Snowden Photography Child and family portraits www.charlottesnowdenphotography.com

Competition Winners from Jan/Feb issue The Harrison Clinic Osteopathic Consultation: Ali Sherlock Bel & The Dragon Family Lunch: Nicola Trust

Don’t miss these great Families offers and competitions

20% OFF Baby Splash swimming lessons – page 4 £5 OFF printer cartridges at Ready2print – page 7 Thames Valley West WIN your own Family Tree print from A Few Words – page 9 Contact us: WIN a Fingerprint Charm from The Little Print Co – page 9 editor@familiestvw.co.uk 2 for 1 at the Reading Climbing Centre – page 10 Second Child Goes FREE to Bucklebury Farm Park – page 13 Designed by: WIN a week at Star Hotshots Multi-Activity Easter camp – page 16 Graphic Resolutions 01438 871600 Child Goes FREE to Wellington Country Park – page 16 Next issue: WIN tickets to Cotswold Wildlife Park – page 16 May/June – Parties!

WIN tickets to LEGOLAND Windsor – page 16 Booking Deadline – 1 April Fam-TVWest_QPL-Ad_SPE2012.qxd:Perform 7/2/12 14:12 5-week Page 1FREE trial for Reading Eggs – back page

Confidence, Communication and Concentration Book your FREE Drama Class today

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes. Our Classes for weekly workshops will do wonders for their 4 – 8s and 8 – social, linguistic and physical development as Visit perform 12s. .o well as being the best fun they’ll have all week. to find your rg.uk nearest venue.

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Thames Valley West

PAGE 3

News & Views ST EDWARD’S SCHOOL PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AGED 4-13

Teaching Today, Forging Tomorrow THE SCHOOL, “ THROUGHOUT WELL-INFORMED, IMAGINATIVE AND VARIED TEACHING SUPPORTS THE PUPILS’ SUCCESSES ACROSS THE CURRICULUM.

Ludo, Cloudy Lemonade and Gas Masks Junior school pupils at LVS Ascot got a taste of life during World

”

- 2010 ISI Inspection report

Call our Registrar to book a private tour or come to one of our Open Mornings.

Check our website for more details.

64 Tilehurst Road, RG30 2JH T: 0118 957 4342 F: 0118 950 3736 www.stedwards.org.uk Families Quarter Page.indd 1

03/10/2011

War II when they took part in a WWII morning. The Year 6 pupils were able to get a taste of wartime food, discover how rations worked, take part in an evacuation drama and try their hand at some of the games popular with children at the time.

The morning was brought to life by a visit from two of the pupil’s grandparents who recalled their own experiences of the war and evacuation, whilst music from the time played in the background.

Find out more about LVS School at www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk

An extra pair of hands Whilst most mums would love to have a nanny, housekeeper, cleaner and personal assistant, the reality is that most cannot afford such luxuries, but with Mummy’s Maid that much needed extra pair of hands is possible.

They provide families with short 16:36 term household help that is affordable, flexible and can be used as and when they need it. Each contract is a minimum of two hours rather than a lengthy, binding contract.

An enhanced CRB, fully vetted individual goes into a client’s home and takes care of cleaning, ironing and general household chores. They

also offer a child care service that can be used when a trusted sitter is needed but no one is around to help out.

Another popular option is a package for new mums and allows them to spend time with their baby, without the worry of household chores. For further information go to www.mummysmaid.co.uk or call 0845 463 0075.

‘OUTSTANDING’ Ofsted, December 2010

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

www.thecedarsschool.co.uk The Cedars is a small Independent School for boys and girls from 4 to 11 years

OPEN MORNING: 9.30 - 12 noon on Thursday 8th March 2012 PAGE 4

Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2012

News & Views New Head for Waverley School Waverley School in Finchampstead has begun the New Year with a new Head Teacher and an excellent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report.

Tammy Howard has taken over as head from Nigel Woolnough who left in December following three years in charge.

The ISI report commends the excellent achievement of pupils, Waverley’s high quality pastoral care and After-School activities.

Waverley offers a very personalised approach to learning, takes boys and girls from 3 months to 11 years and continues to go from strength to strength with growth in pupil numbers and its very successful Scholarship award scheme.

To experience the unique character of Waverley, contact the school on 0118 973 1121 to arrange a personal tour. Further information can be found at www.waverleyschool.co.uk

New Head, Tammy Howard, with some Waverley pupils

Reading hospital offers new treatment for pregnant mums

A diamond of a holiday

The physiotherapy team at Spire Dunedin Hospital in Reading is now offering a new treatment for mums-to-be with pelvic pain, also known as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP).

Symptoms of PGP include pain at the front and or back of the pelvis, pain when walking, climbing stairs or turning over in bed. PGP is common, with up to 20% of women experiencing it at some point during pregnancy or after a difficult delivery, and it can become very debilitating.

Treatment involves some soft tissue release or massage, muscle energy techniques and gentle joint mobilisations. All women are sent home with advice and if appropriate some exercises to help bring the pelvic floor, abdominal and gluteal muscles back ‘online’ to help support the pelvis and spine.

Kerri Cripps, Joint Physiotherapy Manager told us: “The best advice we give women to avoid the pain altogether or minimise it, is to try to stay fit and active before falling pregnant and if able, try to continue to do some sort of exercise throughout the pregnancy to keep all the muscles which support the spine and pelvis toned and strong.”

by Joanna Moorhead Families who take their main break at the extended Diamond Jubilee half-term could save hundreds of pounds – and some holiday companies are wooing them with free child places, making for even better deals. To mark the fact that the Queen has been on the throne for 60 years, the government has announced a special bank holiday on Tuesday June 5, and moved the late May bank holiday to Monday June 4. In areas where half term falls the previous week, this means families can legitimately take an 11-day June holiday, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and better price deals, especially in European resorts.

The Spire Dunedin Physiotherapy team

Costs for an initial consultation start from £86. Find out more at www.spiredunedin.com and www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk

A quality education from start to finish COME AND SEE THE SCHOOL Call us to book your tour with the Head Teacher

A varied and stimulating curriculum Outstanding pastoral care Separate Junior School with modern facilities Small classes where children feel valued and inspired

01344 882770

Email: registrar@lvs.ascot.sch.uk www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk LVS Ascot, London Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 8DR

A Co-educational Independent Day & Boarding School for young people aged 4 - 18 A Co-educational Independent Day & Boarding School for young people aged 4 - 18

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

Thames Valley West

PAGE 5

News & Views Baby Splash Harriet, the Founder of Baby Splash, believes that learning to swim is a very important life skill. Not only is it a great way to have fun and meet new friends; but it could, one day, save your child’s life.

She told us, “Baby Splash is passionate about delivering a course to introduce your baby to the water in a safe, fun and relaxed environment.

We understand that not all parents are confident about bringing their baby swimming for the first time. Our aim is to increase your confidence

Providing short term household services to busy mums without the need for long term contracts Are you a busy mum who would love someone to come in and take care of some of the household chores on a short term basis, allowing you to concentrate on other things?

Well look no further - Mummy’s Maid will provide you with an Extra Pair of Hands that Understand!

Mummy’s Maid offers Short Term Household contracts from as little as 2 hours.

Whatever your needs Mummy’s Maid can help!

so that you enjoy this unique and special experience with your baby.”

Baby Splash aims to teach skills that not only teach your baby how to love the water, but to be confident and respectful of it. Through each stage, babies build their confidence making gentle progress. The Baby Splash program is based on play, word association, popular nursery rhymes and lots of FUN. Baby Splash run swimming lessons in the

Reading area for all ages from babies up to 6 year olds. To find out more visit www.baby-splash.co.uk • When booking remember to quote ‘Families Magazine’ to receive 20% off.

Pilot scheme in Reading proves a big success

Tel: 0845 463 0075 info@mummysmaid.co.uk www.mummysmaid.co.uk

Issue 54 : (D)

by Joanna Moorhead More parents are likely to be recruited to work as volunteers in early years settings such as Sure Start centres after a study showed it saved money and reached more families in need. Under a pilot project in Reading, 17 volunteers trained as peer mentors to support new parents – and an

evaluation found that 120% more families could be reached while at the same time making savings of between 13% and 38%. There have been worries that the project and others like it are driven by the need to sack staff working with families and slash costs – but at a time when more has to be done with less funding, this sounds like it’s a winner.

Sam’s Mile Swim Challenge

55x90_multiple3:Layout 2

29/9/11

For classes of pure MADness, Birthday join MAD Academy Parties too!

Call Trish on 0118 977 0050 or trish.nawacki@madacademy.com

Earley, Woodley, Caversham, Burghfield, Purley & Arborfield

Call Gemma on 01344 305688 & 07435754712 or gemma.hinchliffe@madacademy.com Wokingham, Finchampstead, Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Bracknell, Hook, Camberley & Yateley

Call Emma on 0118 979 2695 or emma.lelliott@madacademy.com Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley & Charvil

Water loving Sam Marriott is going to swim a Mile for Sport Relief! A mile is 66 lengths of a 25m pool. Sam is a Year 6 pupil at Hermitage Primary school. GR Swimming School taught Sam to swim from age 4 and he has progressed to their Academy group. Sam also swims for Newbury District Swimming Club. Swimming, snorkelling, and diving are Sam’s passion and he is busy training four hours a week!

14:22 Page 1 Sam decided to set himself this Mile swim challenge as he saw what the raised funds could do for those less fortunate than himself. Join Families Thames Valley West in sponsoring Sam in his quest at http://my.sportrelief.com/sponsor/sammarriott GR Swimming Schools will award Sam his Mile Swim Certificate and badge once completed and that achievement is something he will really be proud of.

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

Movement • rhythms • songs • instruments • games

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

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Thames Valley West

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 09:09

MARCH/APRIL 2012

News & Views

Wear a Hat Day Did you know: Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other sort of cancer?

Every year 16,000 families in the UK hear the devastating news that someone they love has a brain tumour. Many of those patients will be dead within months, and fewer than 20 per cent will survive the next five years. But it need not be this way.

Fifty years ago less than 20 per cent of childhood leukaemia patients with the most common form of the disease lived more than 5 years – today almost 90 per cent do. That dramatic turnaround in survival rates could be possible with brain tumours, but it will only happen if money is raised for research.

Despite being the most deadly of cancers, brain tumour research receives less than 1 per cent of all the funds raised for cancer research – just 70p in every £100 raised. Now a concerted campaign is underway to raise public awareness and help fund the research that can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Here’s how you can help On 30 March schools, nurseries, businesses and individuals are being encouraged to make a donation in order to wear a silly hat for the day.

Sue Farrington-Smith, Director of Brain Tumour Research, the charity behind the fundraiser told us, “Wear a Hat Day is a fun way of increasing awareness and getting people raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer.”

Why not organise an event around the day and raise even more? Sell Wear A Hat badges and cakes, go on a sponsored run in your hat or run a Best Hat competition. To get you started the charity website has instructions for making your own bespoke hat or, if time is short, a simple paper hat.

Philip Treacy, the celebrity hat designer, is patron to the charity and has designed the image for an exclusive, limited edition badge available to purchase from the website. He told us why wearing a hat is a great way to support the charity: “It immediately creates a statement and it doesn’t matter what the hat is or how much it costs; everybody who gets involved will feel a million dollars on the day, whilst also raising much needed research funds and awareness.”

To get involved, request your fundraising packs or for further background into Brain Tumour Research go to www.braintumourresearch.org

Self-catering in style If you’re looking for a self-catering holiday with facilities around you to keep boredom at bay, look no further than Sandy Balls (www.sandyballs.co.uk) in the New Forest. Located in 120 acres of private estate, it’s perfect for weekends away as well as for longer holidays. You can camp, hire a caravan or stay in more luxurious wooden lodges – fully equipped with BBQs, while some even have their own hot tubs. On site there are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, plus a spa with a range of treatments if you fancy a little me-time, as well as the chance to take part in plenty of daily activities planned for all ages ranging from drawing, cookery and crafts, to exercise classes, bike riding or kayaking. There are also games rooms, playgrounds, and woodland walks. And with a well-stocked shop, pub, and Italian restaurant on site the chef in your family can have a holiday, too – you can even order a takeaway.

There’s also plenty to keep you busy in the area around the resort: venture into the beautiful New Forest for trips to nearby towns like Lyndhurst, Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park, Beaulieu for the National Motor Museum or, if you’re after a little retail therapy, Westquay in nearby Southampton is a shopper’s paradise.

Perfect for: families who like independence but also lots going on

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

Thames Valley West

PAGE 7

Mother’s Day 18 March

by Gabrielle Starkey

What mums really want for Mother’s Day Psst, dads – want to know what mum really wants for Mother’s Day? Here are some ideas to show her how much you care.

A family gathering Mothering Sunday was originally a day-off from Lent, when servants were allowed to travel home to see their mums, and have a slap-up dinner together. Traditional presents were flowers and cakes – and you won’t go too far wrong if you stick to tradition. What mum doesn’t love having the family all around one table, with cake and flowers thrown in? But mum’s not making the feast, or doing the washing up – oh no. Book her favourite restaurant or pub, or make the meal yourself - and make sure you wash up afterwards.

Breakfast in bed Again, a traditional but excellent choice. Try making Jamie Oliver’s ridiculously easy Americanstyle pancakes (1 cup each of flour and milk, plus one large egg: www.jamieoliver.com/recipes) with fruit and maple syrup, add flowers and a pot of tea, and Bob’s your auntie’s live-in lover. Follow up with a family walk – or take the kids off yourself to let her really enjoy that extended lie-in.

Time to herself This is one thing we mums often crave more than anything, so organise her some proper ‘me time’ by booking her a spa day or some beauty treatments.

Halcyon in Twyford offers lots of pampering treatments, contact them on 0118 934 0355, www.halcyon-brw.co.uk Or indulge her hobby (yoga/writing/crafts/cookery) with a weekend course.

If she doesn’t get to see her closest friends enough, maybe you could secretly liaise with them and organise a weekend away? You’ll be rolling in Brownie points after any of these.

Time with you, alone Chances are, since the kids came along, life’s been a little (or a lot) less romantic. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to put this right, with a hotel reservation slipped inside the card and the grandparents on standby for next weekend.

Happy days all round.

Personalised works of art If home is where your woman’s heart is, then a few personal touches to beautify it won’t go far wrong. Book a photographic session for the whole family or find a local service that will create something unique. Try A Few Words, see below, who will produce personalised prints using words that are special to you. What woman

could resist a framed print of her favourite song lyric or film quote as a romantic gesture?

Something really unique With a little planning ahead, you and the kids can present mum with a truly unique and handmade creation. Take your children’s fingerprints or hand or foot casts, and have them made into pictures, keepsakes or jewellery.

Treasure The Memories, see below, will hand carve them into beautiful slate or try The Little Print Co, see below, or The Dinky Fingerprint Co, see right, who both produce personalised gifts and jewellery that any mother would love.

Whatever you decide, we hope every mum has a wonderful Mother’s Day!

TREASURE THE MEMORIES

Your child’s hand or foot prints Hand-carved in beautiful slate.

By MCALISTAIR HOOD stone sculptor Phone 0757 645 1844 Email mcalistairhood@yahoo.com Web http://mcalistairhood.artweb.com

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Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2012

Mother’s Day 18 March

A new book written by the Countess of Carnarvon could prove the ideal gift for all fans of the award-winning TV series. Or how about buying your mum tickets to visit the real ‘Downton Abbey’ – it’s nearer than you might think?

on ti ti pe m Co

For Downton Abbey fans

A FEW WORDS

WIN one of three fabulous Family Tree Prints

With Mother’s Day fast approaching it’s time to start thinking about what gift could possibly do justice to how much your Mum or Mother of your children means to your family. So, how about something personal from the new up and coming Berkshire business, A Few Words? Worth £35, the A4 Family Tree print will be mounted and can be colour matched to suit. The photos are your choice and could even include a beloved family pet!

If you are not the lucky winner, want to order in time for Mother’s Day or see more original & affordable gift ideas visit www.afewwords.co.uk To enter the competition just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions Closing date April 5th.

Highclere Castle

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey

by The Countess of Carnarvon Published by Hodder & Stoughton

Taking prints is easy - Order online, host a print party, book an appointment or visit us at an event.

THE LITTLE PRINT CO

WIN a personalised fingerprint charm

on ti ti pe m Co

Highclere Castle, situated in 1000 acres of parkland near Newbury, is one of the country’s most beautiful Victorian houses. Home to the Carnarvon family, Highclere is probably best known as the setting for the popular BBC series Downton Abbey. Indeed writer Julian Fellowes had Highclere in mind when he penned Downton and much of the history of the house and the Carnarvon family has found its way onto the screen.

A new book, Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey, tells this remarkable true story, one that is even more fascinating than fiction.

In 1894, Lady Almina, the nineteen year old illegitimate daughter of banking tycoon Alfred de Rothschild, married into the Carnarvon family bringing an enormous fortune with her. Lonely and miserable at first, she gradually won over society and her husband with her wit, brave spirit and fabulous dresses. When the First World War came, life at Highclere changed forever and they lost many of the men whose families had worked there for generations. Lady Almina persuaded her husband to allow her to turn Highclere into a hospital for wounded soldiers and personally saw that they received the highest standard of care. She also funded and supported her husband the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s expeditions to Egypt. In 1922 he famously discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen. An exhibition at Highclere celebrates his achievements.

Highclere Castle, grounds and Egyptian exhibition will be open to the public on 1-15 April, selected dates in May and June and on Sunday-Thursdays from 1 July-13 September. Tickets for the house must be pre-booked via the website www.highclerecastle.co.uk

What better way to create an enduring memento than with a unique, hand-crafted keepsake, individually created to capture those special moments which are soon forgotten. Based in Reading, Berkshire, The Little Print Co offers a stunning range of Keepsakes. Win your own stunning memento to remind you of a special day or celebrate an important event. We have a fingerprint necklace worth £55 for a lucky reader to win.

If you are not the lucky winner and would like to organise a beautiful silver keepsake just call 0118 9756382 or visit www.thelittleprintco.co.uk To enter the competition just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions Closing date April 5th.

Moreusideas Visit now at at www.familiestvw.co.uk/mothersday www. familiestvw.co.uk

Thames Valley West

PAGE 9

Easter Activities Performing arts and craft workshops

See our What’s On pages for lots more Easter workshops and activities

Berzerk Easter School

Berzerk Easter School runs at Ufton Court on 10-13 April for ages 7+yrs. Dance, Drama, Singing, Circus Skills, Magic and other specialist master classes with a showcase production in Ufton Court Barn on Friday 13 April at 6pm. £125 if booked before 1 March, £145 after. Full details and booking on www.berzerkproductions.com Dramatix Productions offers an Easter school from 10-13 April at Bradfield Primary School for 7-16yrs which includes acting, singing (theatre style), dance moves, team and self-confidence building and much more! 10-4pm followed by a showcase for parents on Friday 5.30-6pm. £95, sibling discounts.

Email enquiries@ dramatixproductions.co.uk, 07886 918 492, www. dramatixproductions.co.uk Have a Blast! Workshops is

FDA approved, non-allergenic materials.

Experienced, friendly & reliable service.

07505 104 376 www.facesbysarahmaie.co.uk

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

running dance and drama workshops at Emmer Green Youth & Community Centre: Through the Wardrobe Musical Theatre 3-5 Apr 1pm-5pm (5-11yrs); Act a Story: The Three Little Pigs 3 Apr 11-11.45am (4-6yrs); Dance a Story: Theatreland 3 & 5 Apr 10-10.45am (3-5yrs); Urban Dance 4 Apr 10-10.45 am (Reception – Year 2), 11-12pm (Year 3-Year 6); Act a Story: Goldilocks 5 Apr 11-11.45am (4-6yrs). 07986 488 087, info@haveablastworkshops.co.uk, www.haveablastworkshops.co.uk

2-4pm, £12. Preschooler activities also run Tuesday and Thursday mornings during the holidays, £5 for an hour session. Mums can sit and have a coffee and cake whilst their toddler joins in a messy play activity. 0118 327 6717, www.makeanddoworkshops.com

Make&Do Workshops are

running various craft workshops at their shop in Caversham. 3 April Felt purses for 7+yrs, 2-3.45pm, £12; 4 April Easter biscuit decorating for 7+yrs, 2-3.30pm, £15; 5 April Covered notebook for 9+yrs, 2-4pm, £15; 10 April Padded pinboard for 9+yrs, 2-4pm, £20; 11 April Personalised bedroom door hangers for 7+yrs, £12; 12 April Fimo jewellery brooches for 9+yrs,

Make&Do Door hanger

Perform are running a 3-day Alice in Wonderland workshop for 4-8yrs at Wokingham Methodist Hall from 2-4 April, 2.30-4.30pm. 0845 400 1283, www.perform.org.uk South Hill Park in Bracknell has

several workshops running. 26 March Easter Potter’s Wheel learn how to throw a pot on the wheel using air-drying clay. Two separate sessions for ages 6-11 at 10am-12noon & 2-4pm. Book in advance. £15 per session, £13 members.10 & 12 April Art Factory Easter Sessions - spend the morning using clay, collage, drawing and sculpture. Ages 4-11. 10am-12noon. £15 (£13 members). 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk Our What’s On section starting on page 14 has lots more workshops and activities.

Ufton Court, Tue 10- Fri 13 Apr, 7+yrs, £145 Showcase production in Ufton Court Barn 6pm, Fri 13 Apr

Dance, Drama, Singing, Circus Skills, Magic and other specialist master classes!

Full details and booking visit www.berzerkproductions.com

PAGE 10

Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2012

Easter Activities Day camps and holiday clubs

more. Flexible opening hours 7.30am-5.30pm. 0118 987 9538, www.leightonpark.com/enterprises

Meet the animals at Jubilee Jets Holiday Club

Super Camps - Multi-activity camps for

Barracudas Activity Day Camp at The Holt School, Wokingham. 2-5 & 10-13 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

Energy Kidz Holiday Club at White House Preparatory School, Wokingham, The Piggott School, Wargrave and Lambs Lane Primary School, Spencers Wood.

8am-6pm, half days available. For 4-12yrs with Fun Games, Arts & Crafts, Sports, Specialist Activities and Free Choice. From £14.65 per day. 0845 519 4470, www.Energy-Kidz.co.uk

Jubilee Jets Holiday Club at Jubilee Day Nursery, Padworth Common. 2-16 April. For 4 ½-11yrs, with woodland adventures, animal care, quad biking, trampolining, football, team challenges, arts, crafts and more. 8am-6pm. 0118 970 1600, www.jubileejets.co.uk OFSTED registered Star Hotshots Multi Activity Camps for 5-13yrs at Reading Blue Coat School, Sonning and St Piran’s School, Maidenhead from 2-13

Sports camps and activities

April. Staff qualified teachers. Open 8.30am-5.30pm. 0845 301 0450, www.hotshots-sports.co.uk Enter our Star Hotshots competition on page 16

Kings Camp at Queen Anne’s School, Caversham. 2-5 April. For 4-17yrs, with numerous sports, arts and crafts.

9.30am-4pm or 8.15am-5.45pm, flexible days available. 0845 643 5272, www.kingscamps.org

Leighton Park Holiday Scheme, Reading. 2-20 April. For 5–14yrs with archery, arts, crafts, climbing, cycling, fencing, kayaking, swimming, optional Swim Academy, off-site trips and much

Bulmershe Gymnastics Club

The Mad House Holiday Club, Green Park Reading for 3-11yrs. 2-13 April. 8.30am-6pm, with activities in the play structures as well as arts, crafts and more. 0118 975 5455, www.themadhousereading.co.uk Reading Borough Council is running a number of Holiday Playclubs over the

Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in

Lower Earley has a Holiday Club for 5-12yrs. 2-13 April. 8am-6pm or 9.30am-3.30pm. Sports and games, art & crafts, swimming and street dance.

0118 931 2066.

Many other leisure centres are running holiday activities so check them out.

Reading Borough Council Sports & Leisure Centres run various holiday

Active Zone will be running at Henley

Leisure Centre for 5-13yrs from 2-6 & 10-13 April, available for full or half days.

Camps include a mix of swimming, trampolining, gymnastics, archery, team sports, arts & crafts and more. 01491 577 909, www.nexuscommunity.co.uk Bracknell Leisure Centre has loads of sporting activities and swimming courses during the Easter holidays for all ages. 01344 454 203, www. bracknell-forest.gov.uk/blc Bulmershe Gymnastics Club, Woodley has various holiday sessions for walking to 5+yrs between 10am-2.30pm on Tuesdays 3 & 10 April. £6 per hour session, £11 for two hours. 0118 926 3686, admin@bulmershegymnastics.co.uk, www.bulmershegymnastics.co.uk

4-14yrs with over 40 different sports, arts and crafts activities from archery to quad bikes. Also RAW Adventure camps for 8-14yrs offering the chance to learn outdoor survival skills and A Passion for.. workshops on a specific theme. All camps offer optional extended hours (8am-6pm). Cranford House School, Moulsford – Multi-Activity Camp (2-13 April). St. Gabriel’s School, Newbury – Multi-Activity Camp (2-13 April), RAW Adventure Camp (10-13 April), A Passion for Food for 6-16yrs (2-5 April). LVS Ascot – Multi-Activity Camp (2-13 April), A Passion for Invention for 6-16yrs (2-5 April), A Passion for Detective for 6-12 yrs (10-13 April), Junior Sports Leadership Award for 14-16yrs (10-13 April).

Bearwood College, Wokingham – Multi-Activity Camp (2-13 April) and RAW Adventure (9-13 April). 01235 832 222, www.supercamps.co.uk

G.R. Swimming Schools are taking

bookings NOW for April Term courses running at Bracknell, Newbury and Thatcham. Small, friendly classes teaching Beginners from 3½ yrs, Improvers and Deep End Swimmers Stroke Technique.

Intensive Crash Course from 4-8 June, £50 per week. Snorkelling, Diving and Stroke Technique, £60 (includes mask & snorkel to keep). 0845 094 1575, rose@swimlessons.co.uk, www.swimlessons.co.uk John Nike LeisureSport Complex in Bracknell offer multi-activity camps for 8+yrs from 2-13 April. Activities include ice skating, skiing, Cresta run, team sports, sno-tubing and more. 01344 789 000, www.jnlbracknell.co.uk

activities. To find out more pop into any RSL leisure centre for a leaflet or visit www.readingleisure.co.uk Reading Climbing Centre will have children’s sessions running daily throughout the holidays. Little Monkey’s for 5-6yrs, £10 for 1-hour session plus Rock-Its for 7-11yrs, and Hangtime for 11-17yrs, both £15 for a 1½-hour session.

Price includes all equipment and instruction. They also have Family Taster Sessions, where for every full paying adult, 1 child can climb for free. 0118 975 6298, www.readingclimbingcentre.com See 2 for 1 voucher on page 10 Reading FC has various soccer schools for boys and girls aged 5-14yrs, including girls-only and

holidays for rising 5’s –12yrs.

8.30am-5.30pm (shorter sessions available) at Highdown School, Emmer Green; Waterloo Meadows Children’s Centre, Elgar Rd; and St Joseph’s Convent School on Upper Redlands Rd. Action Zones, free drop-in play schemes, will also run at various venues in Reading, 0118 937 2637. Subject to change, check at www.readingplay.co.uk

The Apollo Holiday Care Club, close to Reading town centre. 2-13 April. For 4-11yrs, 8.30am-5.30pm. £16 full day, £8 half day. Childcare vouchers accepted.

Need to bring packed lunch. Activities include cooking, drama, special trips and arts & crafts. 0118 916 8416, www.apolloyouthclub.org.uk

The Holiday Club at Chiltern Edge School in Sonning Common runs from 3-5 April and 10-12 April. For school aged children of 4-16yrs, 8.30am5.30pm. Activities include forest fun, trampolining, creative cookery, arts & crafts, dance & drama, multisports and judo. 0118 972 1500 x449, www.chilternedge.oxon.sch.uk

Top Cats Holiday Activity Club at the Orchard Day Nursery, Caversham.

2-13 April. For 4-8yrs, 8am-6pm. Arts, drama, sports, games, puppetry, cooking, gardening, construction, music, games etc. 0118 947 5797, www.orcharddaynursery.co.uk

goalkeeping courses. Locations include the Dome at the Madejski Stadium, Goals Centre in Woodley, Henwick Playing Fields in Thatcham, Stanlake Meadow in Twyford, Palmer Park and Sherfield-upon-Loddon. 0118 968 1480, www.readingfc.co.uk/ community Sailing courses at the Multi-Activity Centre, Dinton Pastures near Hurst. 5-day courses in Junior Dinghy Sailing and Junior Canoe Activity Week. Book in advance. £160-£180 per week, 25% discount for centre members.

0118 934 4424.

St Crispins Sports Centre, Wokingham is running a Holiday Club with sports, games and arts & crafts for 5-12yrs. 2-13 April. 8am-6pm or 9.30am-3.30pm. 0118 979 1066.

Tennis Camps for 5-15yrs at Caversham, Caversham Park, Wargrave and Slough Tennis Clubs from 2-6 April & 9-13 April. 10am-1pm, 10am-3pm, 8.30am–4.30pm. 0118 947 7885, www.gdtennis.co.uk

Set in fantastic countryside location

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday from 8:00 – 18:00 for children aged 5 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.

For further information please contact Jubilee Jets on:

0118 9701 600 www.jubileejets.co.uk

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

• Feeding lambs • Biking in the woods • Cooking • Circus workshops • Henna tattoos • Trampolining • Games and races • Quad bikes • Or just hangin out with friends School Holiday Fun! Ofsted registered

Find a new term-time activity at www.familiestvw.co.uk/classes

Thames Valley West

PAGE 11

Easter Activities

Spring Days Out Photo © Melastmohican - Fotolia.com

See the lambs being born at Amners Farm After the great success of the last 6 years of lambing days, Amners Farm in Burghfield once again throws open its gates to the public to see

11am-6pm. Entrance costs £6, child £4.50, family (2+2) £20. Please note pregnant women are advised not to attend the Lambing Days and no dogs are allowed. For more information see www.amnersfarm.co.uk

Follow a Cadburys Easter Egg Trail

NTPL/Stuart Cox

Easter Egg hunts seem to be enjoying a bit of a renaissance this year. And let’s face it, what’s not to love about a bunnythemed treasure hunt? Parents get a pleasant walk in the Spring sunshine, children get some fresh air and exercise, and there’s usually some chocolate involved! It’s also a great time of year to get up close to cute baby lambs with farm parks proving a big draw to young animal lovers. We’ve got pages of Spring themed events in our What’s On guide starting on page 14 but here are a few of our favourites. the lambs being born, alongside a variety of farm animals and their offspring. It is very much a ‘hands on’ event with lambs and chicks to hold and piglets to see. Sheep shearing demonstrations will be held throughout the day as well as pony rides, steam train rides and an informative guided tractor and trailer ride around Amners Farm the farm. Refreshments are available to enjoy, whilst children can have a fantastic time in the Straw Play Barn. It is a great day out for all the family. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution will be present and will be showing children and adults how to be safe when visiting the seaside.The farm will be open on 28-29 April and 5-7 May from

The National Trust is again running Easter Egg Trails supported by Cadbury at hundreds of its properties. For a small additional charge, children can follow clues around some of the loveliest parklands around and then claim a chocolate egg as their prize. Local NT properties include Basildon Park which has events running from 31 March-9 April and Greys Court at Rotherfield Greys, near Henley with Easter trails on 4-5 April. Or how about hunting for clues in the beautiful grounds of Cliveden House, near Taplow? Trails run there from 6-9 April and you can also get your face painted. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.co.uk or see our Diary Dates pages.

Make a day of it at Bucklebury Farm Park With farm animals, new baby lambs to bottlefeed, indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor and trailer rides and nature trails there’s plenty to keep the family occupied at Bucklebury Farm Park. This 74-acre farm lies in beautiful Berkshire countryside between Reading and Thatcham.

And between 6-10 April you can also go on an Easter egg hunt. Find out more at www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk

CHILDREN’S SWIMMING LESSONS Bracknell & Thatcham • 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

PAGE 12

Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2012

Easter Activities

Giant Playframe Padded Toddler Area Sports Pitch • Disco • Café Baby & Toddler Classes Holiday Workshops & Events Birthday Parties Laser Tag Parties

Join the Big Egg Hunt If you are planning a trip to London with older children over the Easter period then keep a look out for over 200 fabulous eggs that will be appearing in the capital from now until 8 April. The 2½ foot high fibreglass eggs have been created by famous designers, artists and jewellers such as Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes and form part of Fabergé’s record-breaking Big Egg Hunt. Join the search and journey through the city, picking up clues along the way for a truly original and interactive Easter experience. Collect your map or download your app from www.thebigegghunt.co.uk and get cracking, with a range of clues to suit even the savviest of Sherlocks. Many a special egg lays hidden and with online competitions bringing hunters together, are you up for the challenge? At the end of the hunt, the eggs will be auctioned off with proceeds going to two charities: Action For Children and Elephant Family.

Easter Sunday Hunts Newbury

Northway House, York Rd Newbury RG14 7NF

Tel. 0845 2011268

NEW CAFÉ OPENING SPRING 2012 Rides to feed the deer Adventure Playground Wild Walk & Nature Trail Den building “Be A Farmer” Days Large Picnic Area Feed the Farm Animals PLUS GREAT INDOOR PLAY FOR RAINY DAYS A

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Don’t forget our What’s On section is full of lots more events and activities!

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Have some family fun at Odds Farm Guaranteed to give you the Ahhhh factor, there’s plenty of family fun this Easter at Odds Farm Park. From 31 March-15 April, children can follow the Spring trail around the farm and get a yummy treat, bottle feed lambs and board the daily tractor & trailer rides for a fun tour of the farm (AprilOctober, weather permitting). You can meet the farmers and get extra close to the animals in the ‘Hands-on’ area, in the large undercover animal barns, open all day and with extra hand-washing facilities too. Stroke bunnies, hand feed goats and sheep, meet cheeky pigs and more. Plus, within the new giant indoor Playbarn, you’ll find a massive adventure play area including 4 lane Astra slide, 2 large drop slides, a netted area with zig zag chicanes & tunnels, swinging ropes and much more. With special toddler and under 5’s areas, there’s bags of fun for all ages. Combined with the outdoor play, including the adventure maze, Go-karts, log play areas and crazy golf, and plenty more new baby animals to meet there’s so much to do. Award winning Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For full details, visitors should call 01628 520 188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk

www.eddiecatz.com

Come and share the magic...

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If you’re looking for somewhere to go on Easter Sunday itself then why not head over to South Hill Park in Bracknell? To tie in with their Easter Show, James and the Giant Peach, visitors can explore the grounds and hunt for eggs from 10.15am - the first person to find the giant peach wins a prize!

There will also be Easter Egg workshops running. It’s advisable to pre-book these at a cost of £4.50 which includes entry into the egg hunt. There will be a giant Easter Egg Parade – so bring your own decorated egg or one you’ve made in the workshops – and the Mayor will judge the winner who will receive two tickets for James and the Giant Peach. For more details call 01344 484 123 or visit www.southhillpark.org.uk Wellington Country Park is also expecting a visit from the Easter Bunny on 8 April. Join him for a day of Easter craft activities, competitions and the Wellington Country Park Easter Egg Hunt. And don’t forget our child goes free offer on page 16. 0118 932 6444, www.wellington-country-park.co.uk

Free entr second c y for hild whe n you quo te FM

PRICES H FROM 2 ELD 011

Family Ticket £26.50 Adults £7.95 Children & OAPs £6.95 Disabled with 1 helper £5.25 each Under 2s FREE

*Pay for 1 child and 2nd child gets in free only with this voucher.

Offer valid until 2/11/2012. Visit our website

www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk Tel: 0118 971 4002 Bucklebury Farm Park is open daily from 10am to 6pm and is situated 31/2 miles from the A4 between Reading and Newbury.

Find more ideas at www.familiestvw.co.uk/daysout

Thames Valley West

PAGE 13

What’s On

Compiled by Claire Frew

SL5 RG12 RG42

Football training for under 5s who are nuts about football Get your midfield dynamo enjoying super-skills, fun & exercise CRB checked & FA qualified coaches Training sessions, courses & parties across London

kiddikicks.co.uk 020 7937 7965

NEW! Match Play for Under 8s Kiddikicks_FAM_VW.indd 1

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

Ongoing events Daily from 1 March – FAMILY SPRING TRAIL at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0JA, 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Celebrate spring at Cliveden by picking up their free Family Trail from the Information Centre. Go on an adventure through the gardens to find the clues to complete your trail. Open 10am-5pm, normal admission charges apply.

Every Friday during term time – TODDLER TIME at The Musuem of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading, 0118 378 8660, www.reading.ac.uk/merl Rhymes, songs or craft activities based on objects in the museum collection or garden. 10-11am & 1-2pm. For families with children 2-4yrs. £2, drop in.

We provide a quality indoor market Until 22 April – FIELD WORK: for parents to buy and sell excellent PHOTOGRAPHS OF EAST ANGLIA 16:59 quality nearly new and new baby &22/11/2011 kids at Museum of English Rural Life, items from birth to six years! Great University of Reading, Redlands Road, brands selling at bargain prices! Lots Reading, 0118 378 8660, of toys, books, clothes, buggies, high www.reading.ac.uk/merl chairs and much, much more on offer...

Our markets are currently located in Newbury, Bracknell, Woodley, Spencers Wood, Purley on Thames, Reading, Wokingham and across the Thames Valley. For our market dates and locations see the ‘What’s On’ section of the magazine or visit us at:

www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk • 07881 641614

Justin Partyka has been photographing rural East Anglia for over a decade, exploring the diverse lives of rabbit catchers, reed cutters, and small-scale farmers. Come and view this exhibition during museum opening hours, free admission.

Until 29 April – ROBERT GILMOUR EXHIBITION at Reading Museum, 0118 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org.uk Internationally acclaimed wildlife artist and bird expert Robert Gillmor returns to his native Reading for the first large scale retrospective of his work in 30 years. A full programme of activities for adults and children accompanies the exhibition. Free admission during opening hours.

Weekends and school holidays from 21 January – THE BIG DINOSAUR SHOW at The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell, 01344 354 400, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/lookout Help the herd of Stegosaurus to survive a number of dangerous challenges. Find out what the breath of a T Rex would have smelt like and how much poo the biggest dinosaurs would have made!

Ages 4+. Costs £1.85 in addition to normal entrance fee. Shows at 11am, 12noon, 2pm & 3.15pm, subject to minimum numbers.

March 3-4 March – DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS at Didcot Railway Centre, 01235 817 200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk There are rides behind ‘Thomas’, meet Diesel and the Fat Controller plus a variety of children’s entertainment. £10 adults, £8.50 children, babes in arms free.

Book in advance on 08444 77 1000 or www.ticketweb.co.uk.

10 March – SCIENCE BUSKING in Broad Street, Reading Town Centre, www.reading.ac.uk/merl Join university museum and special collections staff and the British Science Association to see science in action, live in the centre of Reading. Part of Reading Science Week. Drop in between 12noon3pm.

PAGE 14

Thames Valley West

10 March – EARLY SPRING WALK in Mapledurham, www.bbowt.org.uk A leisurely general interest walk of about 3 miles, looking for signs of spring. No stiles, but it might be muddy in places.

Meet in the car park of Mapledurham Playing Fields, off south side of Woodcote Road, Caversham Heights. Contact Alice Ayers 0118 926 7441. Children welcome.

10.30am–12.30pm.

10 March – SPRING STROLL at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Enjoy a gentle stroll around Lily Hill Park to enjoy the early signs of spring. No booking required. 10am-11am.

10 March & 14 April - JUNIOR RANGERS at Dinton Pastures, Hurst Monthly club for children aged 8-12 who are interested in outdoor activities and nature. Activities include canoeing, climbing and wildlife trails. 10am-12noon, £5 a session. Booking essential on 0118 934 2016, countryside@wokingham.gov.uk 11 March – NATIONAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING WEEK: MARVELLOUS MIGRATION at The Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, 01635 874 381, www.naturediscovery.org.uk The aim of National Science and Engineering Week is to show how science relates to everyday life. This year the theme is ‘Our World in Motion’. Pick up a self-led trail from the centre and navigate your way around the lake. Free, drop in event. From 11am.

16 March - LEGOLAND RE-OPENS at Legoland Windsor, 0871 2222 001, www.legoland.co.uk Legoland reopens with the launch of its brand new onsite hotel. New this year is an indoor Star Wars Miniland exhibit, where 1.5 million Lego bricks have been used to recreate 6 classic scenes from Star Wars films, complete with authentic sounds and lighting. Enter our Legoland competition on page 16 16-24 March - HENLEY YOUTH FESTIVAL at various venues around Henley, www.hyf.org.uk A varied programme for under 18s on the theme of ‘Motion’ including performance arts, sports, competitions and workshops, plus the festival gala and Commotion in the Square art event in the streets of Henley. Free bookable workshops for under 5s include Le Club Francais, Story time at the Library, All Aboard crafts and Music, Singing and Movement with lots more to come. For general enquiries email tinajacobs@impactmarketing.biz 17 March – BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET at Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot Road, Bracknell, RG12 9SE, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 40 stallholders selling excellent quality nearly new and new boys & girls items from birth to 6 yrs all under one roof!

2-4pm. £1 entrance, children free.

17-18 and 24-25 March – LAMBING TIME at Rushall Farm, Bradfield, RG7 6DL, www.msreading.org.uk, 0118 961 6107 New born lambs, tractor rides and refreshments. 11am-6pm. Proceeds to local MS Society and John Simonds Trust.

Pregnant women advised not to attend.

17 March, 7 April and 28 April – LITTER BUSTING AND CONSERVATION EVENTS at Savernake Park, Savernake Way, Bracknell, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/takepride Join the site Ranger in cleaning and conserving these wildlife havens. Suitable

MARCH/APRIL 2012

What’s On

Photo courtesy National Trust

LambingDays_AmnersFarm2012_Layout 2 24/01/2012 14:56 Page 1

Lambing Days

at Amners Farm Open 11am to 6pm – 28th & 29th April and 5th, 6th & 7th May 2012

• Lambing and Sheep Shearing Demonstrations • Pets Corner • Pony Rides • • Farm Animals • Falconry • Steam Train Rides • Crafts • Refreshments • • Childrens Straw Play Barn • Tractor & Trailor Rides • Archery • • Tractor Demonstrations • Ferret Racing (28, 29 April & 5 May) •

Adults £6.00 Children £4.50 Family £20.00*

Mother’s Day fun, see below

for all ages. Accompanied children welcome. Refreshments, gloves and tools provided. Dress for the outdoors. 17 March Allsmoor, 7 April Shepherd Meadows, 28 April Farningham Ride.

1-3pm.

17 March – READING SCIENCE WEEK: MEET MOTHER NATURE at Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Rd, Reading, 0118 378 8660, www.reading.ac.uk./merl Come along and meet Mother Nature at MERL! Discover the science of nature, find out about biodiversity and meet local conservation groups. Part of Reading Science Week. Drop in between 2pm-4pm.

17-18 March – MOTHER’S DAY ACTIVITIES at Princess Square, Bracknell Bracknell will be celebrating Mother’s Day with a Spend and Save promotion and the Heart FM Angels will be down with their interactive studio for children to record their own messages for their mums. See www. bracknell.com for more details.

17 March – CAR BOOT SALE at 79th Reading Scout Hall, Armour Hill, Tilehurst Buyers from 11am-1pm. 50p entrance fee. Inside stalls £9, outside stalls £7.

Tables inside can be pre-booked by calling Kate on 07846 833 681.

18 March – MOTHER’S DAY at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire SL6 0JA, 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Celebrate Mothers’ Day at Cliveden by bringing your Mum in for free and treating her to free wine tasting (while stocks last!) Also enjoy the fun trail about the wonderful ladies of Cliveden’s past.

Be sure to arrive early to get the most out of this day. 10am-4pm.

18 March – MOTHER’S DAY at Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, 0118 984 3040, www.nationaltrust.org.uk ‘Pottering About’ will be visiting Basildon Park. Children can make their mums a special plate personalised with their handprint (prices vary depending on item being decorated). 10am-5pm.

18 March – MOTHER’S DAY 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 complimentary posy of flowers. Trains at 10.15, 11.45, 1.30, 3.00 & 4.30.

18 March – MOTHER’S DAY WOLF WALK at UK Wolf Centre, Beenham, Reading, 0118 971 3330, www.ukwct.org.uk Looking for an extra-special gift for an extra-special Mum? How about a wolf walk with Nuka, Tundra and Tala, Mai’s cubs? The event includes a photo opportunity with the wolves and a gift for Mum. £75 for two people. Open to

children aged 12+; £10 per additional child subject to availability. Book in advance.

24 March – WOODLAND QUIZ at Padworth Common Nature Reserve, Reading, www.naturediscovery.org.uk Pick up an answer sheet from the ranger and follow the arrows around the common answering the questions you find on the way. £2.50 per quiz, no need to book. 11am-1pm. Enquiries contact Nature Discovery Centre.

Find us between Junction 11 and 12 south of the M4.

Follow the signs on the day! * Family ticket includes 2 adults and 2 children.

Pregnant women are advised not to attend the lambing days. No dogs allowed. For more information please visit;

www.amnersfarm.co.uk or please call: 01189 833 437 Amners Farm, Burghfield, Reading, Berkshire RG30 3UE

24-25 March - LEGOLAND STAR WARS WEEKEND at Legoland Windsor, 0871 2222 001, www.legoland.co.uk Special themed weekend to celebrate the official opening of the new LEGO Star Wars Miniland Experience. Meet Star Wars characters, Jedi training camp, Star Wars vehicles, Droid building workshops and more. Pre-book tickets to ensure entry and enjoy a 10% discount.

10am-6pm.

24-25 March, 31 March and 1 April – LAMBING WEEKENDS at Earth Trust Centre, Little Wittenham, Oxon, OX14 4QZ, 01865 407792, www.earthtrust.org.uk Lots of fun activities at this nature reserve, including newborn lambs.

10am-4pm. £5 adults, £2 children, £12 family. No need to book.

24 March – EASTER EGG HUNT at the New Cricket Pavillion, Gallowstree Common The day will be full of ‘egg’cellent’ fun including a walk through the woods to collect eggs, art and craft plus many more activities. 2-4pm, £3 per child available in advance from Suzi Primrose on 07769 746 814. See www.kidmoreendpreschool.co.uk for more details.

25 March - WORLD POOH STICKS CHAMPIONSHIP at Days Lock on the River Thames at Little Wittenham, near Didcot, 01491 838 294, www.pooh-sticks.com Come and drop your Pooh Stick over the bridge, plus bouncy castle, welly throwing, hook a duck, roll a penny, hoopla, tombola, book stall and refreshments. 11.30am-3pm. Tickets £2 on the day, team tickets (£8) pre-booked through website. 10 minutes walk from the Earth Trust Centre (see entry above).

25 March – SPRING FAIR AND EASTER EGG HUNT at Wooden Hill School, Staplehurst, Bracknell Petting farm, crafts, games and an egg hunt. 11am-1pm. For more information visit www.woodenhillschoolpta.co.uk 31 March – BABY & CHILDREN’S 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 6 years, plus quality products and services. 2-4pm. Entrance £1, children free.

Theatre listings at www.familiestvw.co.uk/theatre

Thames Valley West

PAGE 15

Great Days Out from COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK

Cotswold Wildlife Park has just had its annual animal count. The Park is home to over 1279 animals from 272 different species and every one has to be accounted for. Over the last year keepers successfully bred 332 individuals from 62 different species, including some very significant births.

Get eye-to-eye with Giraffes, walk amongst Lemurs or picnic next to Rhinos and Zebras. Ride on the train or let the kids let off steam in our adventure playground. Enter our competition to win 4 tickets to the Park to do some counting of your own!

For more information call 01993 823006 or visit www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk To enter just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today. Closing date 10 April.

WELLINGTON COUNTRY PARK

Star Wars and all characters, names and related indicia are © 2012 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. LEGO®, the LEGO logo, the Brick configuration, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO® Group © 2012 The LEGO Group.

STAR HOTSHOTS ACTIVITY CAMP on ti ti pe m Co

er ad er Re Off

Admit One Child Free When accompanied by one Full Paying Adult Valid until 13 June 2012 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.

FTVW www.wellington-country-park.co.uk

Thames Valley West

From March enjoy the UK’s only LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Experience recreating seven of the most famous scenes from the Star Wars saga including a scene from the animated series: Star Wars: The Clone Wars, using around 1.5 million LEGO® bricks.

Plus why not extend your stay at the new Resort Hotel featuring fully themed bedrooms, pirate themed splash pool and the Bricks Family Restaurant.

LEGOLAND is open again for the 2012 season on 16th March and two lucky readers will win four tickets valid for any one day until the end of the season – 5th November.

For more information or to book LEGOLAND® visit www.LEGOLAND.co.uk To enter just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today.

Closing date 10 April.

WIN a week of activities

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).

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

PAGE 16

WIN a trip to LEGOLAND

on ti ti pe m Co

on ti ti pe m Co

WIN a wild family day out

LEGOLAND

Win a week for two children at the Star Hotshots Multi Activity Camps for 5-13 year olds at Reading Blue Coat School this Easter. Their latest OFSTED inspection graded them ‘Outstanding for helping children enjoy and achieve’. So let your children develop their movement and sports skills plus increase their confidence through a range of games and activities this Easter.

For more information call 0845 301 0450 or visit www.star-hotshots.co.uk To enter just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/ competitions today.

Closing date 25 March.

MARCH/APRIL 2012

What’s On Easter Holidays

on activities with local wildlife groups including pond dipping, bushcraft skills, craft activities, wildlife walks and much more. 11am-4pm. Some activities are bookable on the day on first come, first served basis. Free, drop in event; 14 April Signs of Spring at Snelsmore Common - join the ranger for a guided walk around the common to find out what’s been happening over the winter. 10am, £3.50 per person, booking essential; 21 April Family Wildlife Fun: Brilliant Birds - take a look through the telescopes and discover the birds that are migrating to the lake for the summer, plus make a badge of your favourite migrating bird to take home, £1 per child, drop in between 2-4pm.

31 March–9 April – EGG-STATIC FUN at Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, 0118 984 3040, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Win yourself a prize by solving the Easter trail and explore the house looking for the Basildon Bunnies. On Wednesdays during the holidays children can join in with craft activities on a drop in basis. Cadbury will be joining the fun on 8-9 April bringing eggs-tra activities to the property including face painting and giant games. £2 per trail. Open 10am-5pm.

31 March–15 April – EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITES at Wellington Country Park, Riseley, 0118 932 6444, www.wellington-country-park.co.uk 31 March–1 April Circus Skills and Trapeze Workshops; 4 April Dave Crofts Magic Show; 5 April Big Foot the Clown, 6-9 April Baby Big Top Circus; 8 April Easter Sunday - join the Easter Bunny for a day of Easter craft activities, competitions and the Wellington Country Park Easter Egg Hunt; 11-12 April Crazy Bikes - an assortment of unicycles, bicycles and even tricycles for you to try if you dare; 14-15 April Animal Farm Weekend - a chance to meet the animals, listen to interactive talks, join in petting sessions, enter competitions and much more; 14 April Alpaca Workshops - have a go at wool spinning and find out more about these intriguing animals; 15 April Derek Hilton and his Shire Horses - free Shire horse and cart rides. All activities free with normal admission price. Don’t miss our child goes free offer on page 16.

Throughout April – EASTER FAMILY FUN at Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Green, 01628 520 188, www.oddsfarm.co.uk Follow the fun Spring Trail around the farm and win a yummy treat. Spot the new arrivals, bottle feed the lambs, enjoy a tractor and trailer ride plus loads of other great indoor and outdoor activities. The lambs are specially trained to drink from bottles, and children will love to get extra close to them in this hands-on experience.

Try some pond dipping at the Nature Discovery Centre, see 3-21 April

3 April - WILD ONES: EASTER TREASURE HUNT at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Can you solve a series of clues by walking around the park and earn yourself a chocolate prize? £2 for materials. Booking required – prizes only available for those who have pre-booked. 1-3pm.

3 April – MAKE A BUNNY EASTER WORKSHOP at Eddie Catz, Newbury, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Choose, stuff, fluff and adopt your very own cuddly and lovable bunny or bear to take home. Also included are a play at Eddie Catz and lunch.10am-1pm. 4-8yrs (drop off). £20 per child, please book.

3 April – BLUEBELL WALK at Northerams Wood, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 8UF, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Join the ranger for a walk through the woods to see the spring wildflowers and

find out about the wildlife at this ancient woodland site. Suitable for all ages. 9am11am. Booking required.

3-21 April – EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES at The Nature Discovery Centre and other venues, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, 01635 874 381, www.naturediscovery.org.uk All at Nature Discovery Centre unless otherwise specified.

3 April Family Easter Wildlife Fun - an afternoon of crafts, make an Easter treat to take home, £1 per child, drop in event, 2-4pm; 7 April Meet the Ponies at Hosehill Nature Reserve - ranger Sarah will take you on a guided walk around the reserve with an opportunity to meet the ponies that live there, 11am, £3.50 per person, booking essential; 11 April Farms2ewe - hands on encounters with a range of farm animals plus face painting activities. Sessions throughout the day, £4.50 per person, booking essential; 12 April Spring Family Wildlife Day - hands

1 April – COUNTRYSIDE FAMILY RACEDAY at Ascot Racecourse, 0844 346 3000, www.ascot.co.uk Superb jumps racing plus charity race, parade of hounds, sheep dogs and free entertainment including family farm and country shopping. Tickets from £18, Under 18s free.

2-6 April – EASTER FUN in Bracknell town centre There will be a petting zoo and Easter egg hunt. More details to follow at www.bracknell.com

Join the circus at Wellington Country Park, 6-9 April

4 April – TODDLER EASTER FUN MORNING at Eddie Catz, Newbury, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com A morning of Easter fun with games, activities, crafts and egg hunting.

10am-12noon. £6.95 (one child aged 2-4yrs plus one adult) which includes all activities, face painting and lunch for the kids. Please book, limited tickets.

4 April – BEE WILD at Larks Hill, Harvest Ride, Warfield, RG42 2QD, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk A day for all to discover more about bees.

Taste local honey, make a beeswax candle, meet the bee keeper, go on a treasure trail, make a mini-bee garden and bee puppets.

Drop in between 2-5pm, no need to book.

All ages. £3.50 cost for crafts, otherwise free.

4 April – CALIFORNIA EASTER TRAIL at California Country Park, 0118 973 5519 Follow a trail around the park with an easy to follow map, learn more about springtime and answer questions to earn a chocolate treat! Ideal for families and suitable for pushchairs. Pick up an entry form from the café between 1-3pm, £2.50 per child.

4-5 April – EASTER EGG TRAILS at Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley, 01494 755 564, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Come into the garden at Greys Court and get exploring, follow the clues which could lead you to a chocolate prize. 10am-12noon, tickets £1.50. Normal admission prices apply.

4 and 11 April – WILD WEDNESDAYS at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0JA, 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Join Cliveden every Wednesday in the school holidays to get stuck into some fun outdoor adventures, whatever the weather: 4 April Weeds and Seeds - plant your own seeds to take home and take part in a trail; 11 April is Bug Hunting - take part in a bug hunt and help look for the slimiest, creepiest and wiggliest bugs. Both sessions ideal for children aged 4-11. No need to book. Starts 11am. Free with normal admission charge.

Day Out With Thomas Sat/Sun 3/4 March (1000 - 1700) See, and ride behind the famous blue engine Book online at www.ticketweb.co.uk

Enhanced Steamdays

(3 engines in steam) Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon 6/7/8/9 April (1030 - 1630) 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

Theatre listings at www.familiestvw.co.uk/theatre

Thames Valley West

PAGE 17

What’s On

Countryside

Family

raCeday

sunday 1 april st

Family Day

parade of hounds, sheep dogs and much more

Superb JumpS racing and charity race

Free entertainment including family farm and country shopping

Tickets from £18 per person Under 18s Go Free 0844 346 3000 ascot.co.uk

03800270_Countryside_Day_Family_Magazine_Ad_130x180mm_L.indd 1

PAGE 18

Thames Valley West

02/02/2012 16:23 MARCH/APRIL 2012

What’s On 4 April – CHILDREN’S WOLF WALK at UK Wolf Centre, Beenham, Reading, 0118 971 3330, www.ukwct.org.uk Join the wolves for a special children’s walk. £13 per person, ages 6+. No more than two adults per group. 1.30pm. Book in advance.

5 April – EGGSTATIC SPECTACULAR 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 their very own wolfy Easter Egg Hunt. £15 per person, ages 6+. No more than 2 adults per group.

Book in advance.

6-9 April – CADBURY’S EASTER TRAIL at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0JA, 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Take part in an eggstra special Easter Trail,

Easter at the Museum Reading Museum

Town Hall, Reading, 0118 9373400, www.readingmuseum.org.uk Easter Holidays - drop in and enjoy a range of free art and craft activities for all ages on the activity cart.

Workshops include 3 April Felting Eggs – make multi-coloured felt eggs for Easter, ages 5+, 1-hour sessions starting at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm & 2.15pm, £3, drop in; 3 April Victorian Schoolroom Experience - meet a Victorian schoolteacher and re-learn the ‘3Rs’ in a Victorian classroom, ages 5+ and adults, 11am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm, £1, drop in (max 35 places per session); 4 April Make and Take: Become an Easter Bunny – make your own fabulous rabbit ear headdress, for families, drop in 10am-12noon & 1-3pm, 50p; 5 April Whizz Bang Wallop! – create some fun experiments with everyday materials, including cornflour gloop and foaming monsters, ages 7+, 2-hour sessions at 10am–12noon & 1–3pm, £7, booking essential; 10 April Fabulous Fossils – find out more about fossils and create your own from clay and plaster of paris, ages 5+, 1-hour sessions at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm & 2.15pm, £3, drop in; 11 April Make and Take: Beaky Bird Masks – take inspiration from the Gillmor exhibition and make brilliant bird mask to take away, for families, 10am–12noon & 1–3pm, 50p, drop in.

craft, storytelling and Thomas cinema.

Advance tickets £13 adults, £9 child (£2 more on the day).

6-9 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, plus Easter chick hunt.

Join the Easter fun at SHP, see 8 April sponsored by Cadbury. Hunt for clues around the grounds, get your face painted and enjoy a delicious prize at the end.

Family fun, whatever the weather! £2 per child, normal admission charges apply.

Drop in between 11am-4pm.

REME Museum of Technology

Arborfield, 0118 976 3375, www.rememuseum.org.uk Activities suitable for 5-12yrs accompanied by an adult, all free with admission price. No booking required. 25 March–15 April Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Crafts - 11am- 3.30pm; 4 April Eggstravaganza Crafts Workshops - at 11am, 12noon & 2pm. 12 April Mini shelter workshop -11am, 12noon & 2pm.

Museum of English Rural Life

University of Reading, Redlands Road, Reading, 0118 378 8660, www.reading.ac.uk/merl 31 March, 1, 3, 4 & 11–15 April Easter bunny trail - follow the Easter Bunny’s trail around the Museum and find the special Easter eggs with Easter prizes for everyone, £2, drop in; 3 April Cheeky Chickens - make a jolly clucking hen for Easter in this drop-in workshop, for families with children 2+yrs, drop in between 10am-12noon & 1-4pm, £2.

The River and Rowing Museum

Mill Meadows, Henley, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk 31 March–15 April Easter Egg hunt – solve the puzzle to win a mini Easter egg, free with admission, drop in between 10am-5pm; 3 April Who is the Green Man? – workshop about the Green Man where you can make a wonderful print inspired by nature and the John Piper exhibition, ages 7-11, £8.50; 4 April Taylor Tug’s Easter Holiday happening – creative session for under 5s, 11am-12.30pm, £8; 5 April Toads on the Thames – join Mr Toad

Worried about rising cost of childcare?

NO monthly fees The Avg Customer pays back 50% of their debt For a FREE financial health check call now on

01344 862630 Contact our trained advisors, or go on-line & request a call back. Regulated by the Office of Fair Trading

6-9 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

and Froglife for fun activities, arts and crafts and pond-dipping sessions, 10.30am-4pm, free with museum admission but book in advance for ponddipping sessions at 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm on 01491 415605; 10 April Spring Fish – find out about fish as a symbol of spring and make your own clay fish model, ages 7-11, 10.30am-12.30pm, £8.50; 11 April Froggy Fingers – make a finger full of wildlife fingerbobs on a gardening glove and get ready for story showtime, ages 4-7, 10.30am-12.30pm, £8.50; 12 April Wildlife Rocks! – join Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue, meet some of the animals in their care and enjoy fun crafts, free with admission, drop in between 10.30am-4pm with wildlife presentations at 11am & 1.30pm; 13 April If the Thames Could Talk – interactive creative writing workshop, ages 8-11, 10.30am-3pm, £24 plus bring your own lunch and snacks.

Book in advance for all workshops.

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Newland Park, Chalfont St. Giles, Bucks, 01494 871 117, www.coam.org.uk Special themed weekend and holiday activities. 24-25 March Pre-season free open afternoons - 1pm-5pm. Museum fully open from 31 March: 31 March African Drumming – school performance and visitor workshop; 1 April Working Heavy Horse demonstrations; 3 & 10 April Terrific Tuesdays and Holiday Club - fun activities; 6-9 April Medieval Pageant; 21-22 April Best of British Arts and Crafts. Normal museum admission prices apply. Plus all museum buildings open to visitors.

6-9 April – EASTER STEAMINGS at Didcot Railway Centre, 01235 817 200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk Broad gauge Fire Fly locomotive operating.

Travelling Post Office Demonstrations and Radstock Signalbox open to visitors (both Sun 8 and Mon 9 only.)

6-15 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, miniature railway and Thomas DVDs showing. Advance booking recommended. £10 children, £16 adults. Under 2s free.

7 April – EASTER EGG HUNT TRAIL at Caversham Court Gardens, Caversham, 2pm-4pm. The event is free, but donations to Friends of Caversham Court Gardens are welcome. All children to be accompanied by an adult. For more details log on to www.fccg.org.uk 7-9 April – IVOR THE ENGINE at Cholsey & Wallingford Railway, 01491 826 303, www.cholsey-wallingford-railway.com Ride on Ivor and meet Jones the Steam and other favourite characters.

8-14 April - JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk Roald Dahl’s famous story is brought alive this Easter at South Hill Park. James’ happy life comes to a cruel end when his parents are killed and he goes to live with his two horrid aunts. But one day an enormous peach starts to grow in the garden.

Venturing inside he meets some new friends including a spider, a ladybird and a centipede who help him with his plan to try and get to New York. Tickets: £17, Conc. £16, Members £15, Family £46.

8 April – EASTER EGG HUNT, COMPETITION, WORKSHOPS and PARADE at South Hill Park, Ringwood, Bracknell, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk There’s lots going on from10.15am. Hunt for eggs, attend Easter Egg workshops and join in the giant Easter Egg Parade. For more details see page 12.

Easter Fun At Odds Farm Park Odds Farm Park offers so much more this Easter. Follow the Spring Trail from 31 March-15 April & get a Yummy Treat. Plus, Bottle Feed cute, fluffy Lambs!

Combined with the NEW Giant Indoor Playbarn, Bottl e Tractor & Trailer Rides*and plenty Feed more new baby animals to meet, Lamb you’ll be spoilt for choice! s OPEN DAILY 10AM - 5.30PM TEA ROOM & FREE PARKING

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

* April-October (weather permitting)

Theatre listings at www.familiestvw.co.uk/theatre OFP-AM-12-004 118x70.indd 1

PAGE 19 Thames Valley West 31/01/2012 14:37

What’s On 8 April – EASTER SUNDAY EGG HUNT at Highclere Castle, Highclere, Nr Newbury, www.highclerecastle.co.uk Easter egg hunt through the park and gardens. There will also be an Easter bonnet parade and a family fun day with attractions and special appearances by Mr Moo and Harry the Horse, all in aid of Naomi House Children’s Hospice. Admission price to be confirmed.

Castle open as normal. See website for details.

8 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. One egg per child.

8 April – EASTER SUNDAY EGG HUNT at Mapledurham House, Nr Reading, www.mapledurham.co.uk There will be clues around the grounds and an Easter egg prize for all children who complete the hunt. Animal Dramatics will be there too with some cute animals and the tea rooms will be serving cakes and cream teas.

Please book in advance to make sure the Easter Bunny brings enough eggs. Tickets £4 child, £1 adult. Separate charge applies to visit the house and watermill.

9 April – CAR BOOT SALE at St Crispin’s School, London Rd, Wokingham Come and pick up a bargain. 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.

10-11 April – Wildlife on the Move Thames Cruise from Hobbs of Henley Ltd, Station Road, Henley, 01491 572 035, www.hobbs-of-henley.com 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.

11 April – EASTER LASERTAG DISCO EVENING at Eddie Catz, Newbury, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Join the Eddie Catz team for this giant Laser Tag game with disco music, smoke and lights plus some Easter surprises! Parents can drop off or stay and watch the fun. 6-8pm. 6-12yrs. £11 per child to include Laser Tag game, meal, a goody bag and Easter Egg hunt.

11 April – CHILDREN’S WOLFKEEPER DAY at UK Wolf Centre, Beenham, Reading, 0118 971 3330, www.ukwct.org.uk Take over the job of wolf keeper and look after the wolves. Limited spaces so book early. £30 per person (10 years+) Please note there is no wolf contact at this event. 10am-3pm.

13 April – SPRING FAMILY FUN DAY at Eddie Catz, Newbury, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Giant bouncy castle, musical games in the disco room, football games, glitter tattoos, face painting and more plus prizes and balloons. 10am-5pm. Suitable for 3-11yrs but younger siblings welcome. Tickets £7.50 to include admission for 1 child and 1 adult, access to all activities and child’s meal. Free for Eddie Catz Members (food not included) but you must email info@eddiecatz.com to book.

Rest of April 14 and 21 April – DAWN CHORUS at Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0JA, 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Experience Cliveden as it comes to life on a spring morning! Join us for a special guided tour to hear early morning birdsong in a spectacular setting. 5.30am-7.30am. Booking essential on 0844 249 1895. £10 adults, £5 children.

18-19 April – TODDLER DAYS OUT: BUGS AND BEASTIES 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 storytelling. £6.20 per parent and toddler, extra child £1.40 (up to a maximum of three). 10am-4pm.

21 April – BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKET at Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Woodlands Ave, Woodley, RG5 3EU, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 2-4pm. Large selection of nearly new and new goods for boys & girls from birth to 6 yrs all under one roof!

Great brands selling at bargain prices. Entrance £1, children free.

21-22 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.

21 April – FAMILY FUN DAY & CAR BOOT SALE at 79th Reading Scout Hall, Armour Hill, Tilehurst Fun for all ages including a Climbing Wall, Tombola, stalls, BBQ and refreshments. 11am-3pm. Entrance 50p per adult. Inside and Out Car Boot Sale, inside stalls can be prebooked by calling Kate on 07846 833 681. £9 inside table, outside £7.

22 April – ON YOUR BIKE 2012 at Sonning Common School, Grove Rd, RG4 9RJ, www.onyour bikesonningcommon.co.uk, 0118 972 4487 Family bike ride to raise money for the Sue Ryder charity and Sonning Common School. Choose from 6, 12 and 20 mile marshalled routes in the

Chiltern countryside or a supervised playground cycle for 4-7yrs. Entry £5 per person, £7 on the day, £2 for playground cycle. Plus new this year On Your Feet treasure hunts around the village (1 and 3 miles) £3 per person or £1.50 if you are also doing a cycle ride. Rides leave at 10.30am, registration from 9.30am. Entry forms from website. Treasure hunts can be completed any time between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

28 April – BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKET at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane, off Beech Rd, Purley on Thames, Reading RG8 8DR, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 2-4pm. See 21 April entry.

28-29 April and 5-7 May 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, £4.50 child, pregnant women advised not to attend. No dogs.

28-29 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, plus refreshments.

Proceeds to local MS charity.

29 April – WILD ONES: BEGINNERS FISHING at Savernake Park, Bracknell, RG12 0UX, 01344 354 440/1, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Try your hand at fishing with experienced guides. Ages 5+.

Rods, line and bait provided. Adult supervision essential. 10am-12noon & 1-3pm. £2. Booking required.

Nearly New Sales 9 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 10 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.

11 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. 11.15-12.45pm (11am NCT members). To sell contact nearlynewsale@wokingham-nct.org.uk or call 0844 586 870.

17 March – SONNING SCHOOL PTA SECONDHAND PAGODA SALE at Woodley Pagoda, Pedestrian shopping area, Woodley Come and browse a large selection of secondhand books, toys, bric-a-brac, DVDs, CDs and more, plus delicious homemade cakes! From 9am.

17 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. Sellers please call Alison 0118 933 1925 or email alisonhox@googlemail.com 24 March – HENLEY NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at Henley Christ Church Centre, Reading Road, Henley Children’s clothes, toys, maternity wear and equipment. 10.30am (10.15 for members) -12noon.

0844 243 6160, henleyanddistrictnct@hotmail.com 17 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 marlowmaidenhead. nctsale@hotmail.co.uk If you would like details of your production or event to appear in the Out & About pages, please email us at listings@familiestvw.co.uk The deadline for the May/June issue is 1 April.

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.

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

PAGE 20

Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2012

Dance & Drama

The benefits of taking to the stage Dance and drama classes are a great way to meet new friends and have fun! But they also equip children with many valuable life skills. Here we take a closer look at a few of them.

Lord (or lady) of the dance Nearly every little girl goes through a ‘ballerina stage’ and, thanks to Billy Eliot, many little boys now show a keen interest in dance classes too.

Children, by their very nature, love to dance and move about and channelling that natural energy and movement by taking them to dance classes can pay real dividends in later life.

Benefits of dance: • Dance encourages physical expression and creativity through movement.

• Fitness, posture and poise are all greatly improved adding to a child’s selfconfidence.

• The discipline of dance can help to improve co-ordination and concentration and teaches children how to respond to constructive criticism.

• Dancing in an ensemble teaches children to co-operate with others and how to work as a team towards a common goal.

• There are so many different forms, from street dance to Latin, that there is something to suit every child.

• By working in a group students learn about recognising and expressing emotions, following directions and working together.

• Imaginations are stretched through role play and improvisation techniques. Children are able to express themselves physically and verbally.

• Literacy and oral skills are improved and many children develop a life-long love of books and language. Research shows that children who have taken part in regular drama classes have better reading and writing skills.

There are a wide variety of classes to choose from – so why not start by taking a look at the advertisers on these pages? As well as dance and drama, many offer a combination of both.

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you heard about them in Families To advertise call 0118 954 6893 or email adverts@familiestvw.co.uk

Theatrical ambition Drama is not just about creating performers, it’s about building assured individuals who are creative thinkers and good communicators.

The skills that children learn will stand them in good stead throughout their lives.

Benefits of drama: • Children learn how to present themselves professionally and to speak fluently and confidently in public situations.

• Within a safe and fun environment, shy or reserved children are taught useful skills to help them master their fears and boost their confidence.

Costumes by PerformPlay, see www.familiestvw.co.uk/Performplay

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!

xxx www.familiestvw.co.uk/xxx Learn about different dance styles at www.familiestvw.co.uk/dancetypes

Thames Valley West

PAGE 21

Dance & Drama

Class Round-Up Allied Schools of Dance Allied Schools of Dance offer ballet, tap, modern and street jazz classes for children, as well as adult tap and ballet, all with expert tuition in small, friendly classes. An annual Summer School is held for all ages and the school has recently set up the Allied Drama Academy offering drama classes.

Allied has a national reputation for producing well-trained students, with a love of dance. Pupils can participate in medal tests, examinations, festivals and shows. Many former students are currently in full-time training in theatre colleges, and ex-pupils can be found starring in ballet companies and in West End theatres, or teaching at home and abroad. Students are equally successful in scholarships, auditions, competitions and exams, maintaining a 100% pass rate.

Classes are held in Woodley, Wokingham and Bracknell. To sign up for a free trial class call 0118 9671600, email enquiries@livetodance.co.uk or find out more at www.livetodance.co.uk

DANCERCISE VENUES:

HIGH WYCOMBE Guild Hall

SONNING

Pearson Hall & Beech Lodge

READING

Amersham Road Community Centre Emmer Green Youth & Community Centre South Reading Youth & Community Centre The Ground Floor Youth Provision

All Stars Theatre Academy

For more information and for booking a free trial please visit

www.dancercise.biz

or contact 07743 398 844 - 07951 385 850 - dancercise@live.com

All Stars Theatre Academy, established over 45 years ago, can give expert professional tuition to beginners, improvers and experienced performers alike in a variety of styles including Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Gymnastic dance, Street Dance, Drama, Singing and Performing Arts.

Children can start dance classes from 2½ years old and

PAGE 22

Thames Valley West

drama and singing lessons from 5 years. The Academy pride themselves on their excellent standards and 100% exam pass rate. Several children gained over 90% for their examinations this year. Many pupils have gone on to lead successful careers in dance and drama. This year alone many current pupils performed in pantomime over Christmas, 4 students gained scholarships to the British Ballet Organisation and several children were lucky enough to qualify and dance at the All England National Finals in London’s West End. No previous experience is necessary to attend All Stars, just lots of enthusiasm. To find out more call 0118 986 8000 or email info@allstardance.co.uk, www.allstardance.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2012

Dance & Drama Dramatix Productions There’s something for everyone at Dramatix Productions, whether you want to do drama as a hobby, build confidence in a drama workshop, or take it to the next level with LAMDA exams, Dramatix will cater to every child’s needs.

Dramatix run fun and innovative workshops which involve improvisation, mini plays, characterisation, confidence building, teamwork, projection, mime and much more! They also hold 100% pass rate at merit and distinction for their LAMDA (drama) examinations. For ages 4-18. Classes are at Moulsford, Purley and Earley. Why not book a free trial at www.dramatixproductions.co.uk or call Janine Coello on 07886 918 492?

Stagecoach Theatre Arts has been nurturing and developing young potential for 25 years.

Often copied but never equalled Stagecoach has over 600 parttime performing arts schools across the UK and runs in 11 countries worldwide.

At Stagecoach young people aged 4-18 years get to stretch their imaginations and refine musical theatre skills during dynamic and energetic classes.

Sessions last for three hours (90mins for 4-6yr olds) and are spilt into age appropriate groups.

Each group rotates to learn an hour of singing, an hour of dance and an hour of drama.

Class sizes are kept small at 15 per group, giving children and teenagers maximum opportunity to learn and to grow.

Reaching beyond the scope

of normal after-school clubs, Stagecoach is committed to helping children develop in all areas of the performing arts while at the same time introducing them to essential life skills in a friendly, safe and fun environment.

For more information visit www.stagecoach.co.uk

The Talent Stop

JG Dance When you go along to JG Dance, you will be assured of a warm welcome from the qualified, experienced and very caring staff. Pupils are accepted from 2½ to 18 years, from beginners to the more advanced.

Young pupils 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 the main aim is to provide a fulfilling hobby that is FUN! As they progress, and become more technically able, they have the opportunity to perform twice yearly on stage. All prospective pupils are offered a free trial

Stagecoach Theatre Arts

lesson, before committing to enrolment.

Many former pupils have successful careers on the stage, screen and in ballet companies all over the world.

For more information and class details please contact JG Dance on 01491 572 000 or at info@jgdance.co.uk, www.jgdance.co.uk

The Talent Stop offers a range of Performing Arts classes in acting, singing and dancing in Earley, Sandhurst, Sonning Common, Thatcham and Tilehurst. Acting classes cover techniques for stage and TV. Singing classes cover tuning, breathing, rhythm and interpretation for musical theatre and pop.

Dance classes are in Ballet, Tap, Modern-Jazz, Lyrical and Hip Hop ‘n’ Street. All their classes are designed to provide constructive, creative, fun activities for children and teenagers helping them develop communication skills and self confidence. They will suit all abilities from those interested in a career in the Performing Arts to others who just want to have fun!

To find out more visit www.thetalentstop.co.uk or call 0118 962 3379.

The UK’s first rugby specific play programme for young children Weekly play session for children from 2 - 7 years.

A fun, energetic and structured play programme.

For further information please call

0845 313 3255

michele@rugbytots.co.uk

xxx www.familiestvw.co.uk/xxx Learn about different dance styles at www.familiestvw.co.uk/dancetypes

Thames Valley West

PAGE 23

Childcare

Childcare: There’s a lot to think about when you’re weighing up which sort of childcare to go for. Do you want your child looked after at home, or somewhere else; with other children, or one-toone with a carer? You’ll also need to consider what sort of care will dovetail with your working hours; plus (and all-importantly) your budget.

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

m sdenness – Fotolia.co

A childminder: looks after up to six children (three of whom can be under five) in her own home. Childminders can often be flexible about working hours. Expect to pay: between £3 and £8 an hour.

A nanny: looks after your child in your own home, and may live in or live out. You can cut your costs, and give your child a playmate, if you share a nanny with another family with a similaraged child. Expect to pay: between £7 and £10 an hour, plus you’re responsible for your nanny’s tax and NI contributions.

Cutting the Cost Childcare can be expensive but there are ways to get help with the costs: • Nursery Education Grant - all 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early-education a week for 38 weeks of the year. This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday), and can be applied flexibly over a minimum of three days. Free early education places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools and classes, children’s centres, day nurseries, play groups and pre-schools and childminders.

Your child will be eligible for the Nursery Education Grant from the term after their third birthday. If you choose a nursery which costs more than the funding or use the nursery for more hours the grant will be offset against your bill.

• Your employer may provide subsidised onsite childcare, or offer Childcare Vouchers as a portion of your salary. Download a guide at www.childcarevouchers.co.uk or find out more about Childcare Vouchers at www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/ccin.htm Check if your nursery will accept Childcare Vouchers.

• You may be able to recoup some of your childcare costs through the tax credit scheme, depending on the number of hours you work and your household income.

To find out if you are eligible go to www.payingforchildcare.org.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits

PAGE 24

Thames Valley West

MARCH/APRIL 2012

Childcare

your options Fotolia.com

sdenness – Fotolia.com

and sometimes even early-stage reading. Nursery schools give children the opportunity to make friends of the same age. They are often smaller scale with a personal touch, too, but perhaps are not so convenient for working families.

An au pair or mother’s help: au pairs or mother’s helps tend to come from other EU countries, and may or may not live in your house. They’re often not trained, but will need to have some experience of childcare; they look after your children, and may do some housework as well. Expect to pay: between £6 and £8 an hour for a live-out, less if they’re live-in and you’re providing food.

A day nursery: usually open long hours, typically from 7.30am to 6pm, so they can be a good option for working parents. You need to think about how you’ll get your child to and from nursery; also, if you intend having another child soon, remember that having two children at nursery will double (or almost double, if there’s a sibling discount) the costs. Expect to pay: £30-50 a day.

Nursery schools: often more formal in the way they structure sessions. They usually take children from 2½-3 years and provide a grounding for starting school, teaching letters, shapes, numbers

Pre-schools: usually take children from 2½ years, offering short sessions to ‘ease’ your child out of the home and into a more sociable learning environment where they can play, learn and have fun. They offer a varied mix of toys, games, singing, story-time, arts and crafts and usually an outdoor area. Parents are encouraged to be active members of the group and their small-scale settings are less daunting for shy children. They are also excellent value for money as they tend to be not-forprofit and are sometimes staffed by volunteers, with parents staying to help out.

Montessori nurseries: Montessori teaching is based on a method which fosters and guides children’s in-built curiosity for learning. In a Montessori nursery it is the children themselves, who choose from the range of activities offered.

Using sensory materials to provide intellectual, physical and psychological stimuli, Montessori schools aim to develop the child’s whole personality.

Workplace nurseries: much sought-after, workplace nurseries provide full or part-time childcare, but think about the location. If your journey to work is an hour long your toddler may not appreciate the trip home at 6pm and a nursery around the corner from home might be a better idea.

SureStart Children’s Centres: a number of Centres offer affordable, flexible childcare for up to 10 hours a day. Worth considering!

MEADOWBROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL

’Excellence in Education’

• Progressive, child-centred education from tots to 12 years • The best of mainstream & Montessori practice offering a fun, robust approach to learning • Weekly parent & toddler Montessori sessions • Positive Discipline parent workshops

Tel. 01344 890869

www.meadowbrookmontessori.org

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

More Information • Find out about the Early Years Foundation Stage at www.direct.gov.uk/parents Download a list of registered childcarers in your area • For local nurseries and links to Ofsted reports go to www.findmyschool.co.uk • The National Day Nurseries Association provides information for parents.

Search for NDNA member nurseries at www.ndna.org.uk/parents • The Preschool Alliance www.pre-school.org.uk

• SureStart has information about childcare options, tax credits and free nursery places, plus links to the Children’s Information Service www.direct.gov.uk/surestart • OFSTED www.ofsted.gov.uk • For more articles on choosing a nursery, early learning, local nurseries, Montessori education and more visit www.familiestvw.co.uk PS: Remember if you don’t want to read about nurseries in Scotland then remember to log in: this way you’ll only see results in your area!

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

PAGE 25

Childcare

Childcare News & Views Easing your journey through childbirth...

Bump Club for mums-to-be Private Antenatal Classes

An extra pair of hands for the school holidays?

Keeping children of various ages amused during the holidays can be a daunting task for many mothers, especially for those not having relatives near by to help out. Someone to take the children for a walk, watch them while they play in the garden, help at bath time and do the bedtime story, hold the baby, help prepare meals, do the ironing, and be an invaluable help on outings when one pair of hands is just not enough.

Help is at hand! Belaf Language Study Holidays organises an ‘aide-maman’ programme in the summer. This is a ‘work for keep scheme’ for French students – sixth form or university – visiting for 3–5 weeks to do their work experience in England and improve their language skills. Belaf also supplies Au Pairs for working mothers, home stay guests, and organises French exchanges.

Visit the websites www.hostafrenchstudent. co.uk or www.belaf.com and enjoy making new friends from France this summer.

Birth & Postnatal Doula Support Mums & Babes Coffee Morning Contact Karen or Lisa: info@confidentbirthing.co.uk 07810 484772 / 07747 806033 www.confidentbirthing.co.uk

More childcare information at

www.familiestvw.co.uk/childcare

Nursery school cuts ‘hardest’

by Joanna Moorhead Early years education will be a big loser in the coming funding cuts, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies – and nursery schools with higher numbers of children from well-off backgrounds will fare worst of all, the IFS warned. They tell us that funding for nurseries and playgroups will be reduced by a fifth – higher than the reductions in other educational sectors. Not good news for parents with young children, who are likely to see nursery fees rising in the months and years ahead.

SUMMER HOLIDAY ‘AIDE-MAMAN’ SCHEME

French college or university students (17-19 yrs), studying English, who have chosen to come to England for 3-5 weeks for their work experience. This is a ‘live-in/ work for keep’ scheme and is a completely FREE service for mothers at home with young children.

AU PAIRS FOR WORKING MOTHERS Both long-term and also summer holiday placements. Carefully vetted girls and modest placement fees.

HOMESTAY: Take a French child (11 – 16ys) into your family for 2/3 weeks this summer as a paying guest.

Contact Georgia to discuss your requirements: Tel: 07967 484222 www.hostafrenchstudent.co.uk www.belaf.com

PAGE 26

Thames Valley West

The Wendy House Pre-School The Wendy House Pre-school has provided early years education for 2–5 year olds for more than 25 years. Based in Lower Earley, the pre-school prides itself on meeting the needs of all children including those with special educational needs and who have English as an additional language. In 2011, Ofsted rated the setting as ‘good’ with outstanding aspects and recognised the highly qualified and dedicated staff and excellent links with Radstock Primary School. With places now available for September 2012, why not contact them to arrange a visit to see their ‘high quality provision’. Visit their website at www.wendyhousepreschool.org.uk or telephone on 07890 035 523.

MARCH/APRIL 2012

Childcare

Berkshire’s best-kept secret Set in beautiful countryside and housed in its own purpose built facilities, Meadowbrook Montessori School has been delivering robust, child centred education for over 20 years. The school marries the best of Montessori practice, with many aspects of the National Curriculum, thoroughly preparing children for a wide range of secondary schools.

Headteacher Serena Gunn has been at the helm for 15 years and is an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate. High academic standards are achieved through very small class sizes and a personalised learning approach.

The application of Positive Discipline© is also unique, resulting in children achieving high standards in their personal and social behaviour and work ethic.

Meadowbrook can provide a seamless route through the most important years of a child’s education - from parent and toddler sessions through to graduating from the primary department at 11 years.

For further information please telephone 01344 890 869 or see www.meadowbrookmontessori.org

Britain’s leading National Physical Play Programme Classes in Winnersh, Woodley, Wokingham, Finchampstead, Reading

FREE TRIAL sessions available Call Helen on 0118 973 6711 www.tumbletots.com/reading

Not sure about returning to work?

Then the ‘Small and Beautiful Guide to Returning to Work’ may be for you.

These regular courses are run at both The Teepee Day Nursery in Bracknell and its sister nursery The Wigwam in central Reading and consist of 3 sessions that give parents the opportunity to explore the emotional and practical issues involved in going back to work. Topics covered include employment law, affordability, the pros and cons of different types of childcare and practical tips on organising your work routine and how to get the best out of your childcare.

Courses are open to any parent, regardless of their childcare choices, and cost £25, or £10 a session. It is free to those already registered at the nurseries. To find out more call their main office on 0118 979 3918 or visit www.small-beautiful.co.uk

Swimming Lessons for Babies, Toddlers and Children from Birth to 6 Years Old at Various Times and Locations around Reading.

Love the Water Together!

Come and See Why We are Different.

Book Today and Receive 20% OFF When Quoting “Families Magazine”

Treetops Nursery – in the heart of Henley Treetops Nursery is part of Countryside Nurseries, a family owned and family run company, small enough to care personally about all the children and staff, large enough to provide all the necessary safeguards and systems that today’s nurseries must employ.

The nursery is located in Henley town centre which allows for lots of walks to visit nearby amenities. A special feature of the nursery is the multi-level indoor soft play area, but there are also plenty of opportunities for outside play with their indoor/outdoor garden.

Countryside Nurseries has been established since 1991, so they offer you a wealth of experience, caring for children from newborn to 5 years of age. Above all, they ensure that each child feels loved and has fun and that parents are confident leaving their child at nursery. To find out more visit www.countrysidenurseries.co.uk or call 01491 413 336.

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

Thames Valley West

PAGE 27

Health Reg charity no: 1093411

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diagnosed with a

PUT A

each year

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£7 MILLION every year to fight brain tumours

GET INVOLVED – CALL: 01296 733011

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Maintain a happy and healthy smile

At Nine Mile Ride Dental Practice we understand how precious your child’s smile is. Let us help you and your child maintain a healthy, happy smile. We welcome all children up to the age of 18 for NHS treatment. Established for 20 yrs. Ample free onsite parking available.

Dr Syed and Associates, Nine Mile Ride Dental Surgery, 193 Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Berks RG40 4JD, 0118 973 3907 www.ninemiledental.co.uk

Clinic At Brightwell Clinic we treat all types of foot problems including: • Sports Overuse Injuries • Foot Pain • Leg/Knee/hip and low back Pain • Corns

PODIATRY

Susan Sandall and Naomi Green Registered HPC Professionals

www.brightwellclinic.co.uk

• Verrucae • Ingrowing Toe nails • Concerns regarding a childs foot or gait development

Telephone 0118 958 7151 A happy relaxed place to bring your child for treatment 40 Queens Road, Reading RG1 4AU

PAGE 28

Thames Valley West

Shape Up for Spring Are you feeling flabby and unfit? Still carrying that extra baby weight, even though ‘baby’ is now at pre-school? Well now is the perfect time to get out there and do something about it. Whether you’re a new mum or a ‘not so new’ mum it’s never too late to dust off your trainers and get active.

Getting started With a new baby, finding the time to exercise can be difficult. Lack of sleep and breastfeeding can leave you feeling drained of energy, but remember that not only does exercise help your body recover from pregnancy and birth, there’s also some research to show that it can help treat and prevent postnatal depression. Getting back in shape is not something you can rush. It has taken nine months for you to gain your pregnancy weight, so it may take a similar length of time to lose it. It’s also important to remember that if you’ve had a caesarean you should give yourself six weeks to heal before you even think about any exercise.

If you’ve had a normal delivery there are some exercises you can do straight away - the ones you’ll have benefited from doing all through your pregnancy – the pelvic floor! 2-3 weeks later, it’s ok to do some simple abdominal crunches, providing you have been checked out by a doctor. Your abdominal muscles have been stretched during pregnancy and may have split down the middle so it’s important to be examined before exercising.

Exercise with your baby If you’re lacking motivation, why not try a buggy class in the park?

It’s a great way to meet other mums. Buggyfit hold classes all over the area in some lovely locations including South Hill Park in Bracknell, Finchampstead, Henley, Wellington Country Park, Thatcham Nature Reserve, Caversham Riverside and Dinton Pastures. You can also do a buggy work-out on your own or with friends with the Pushy Mothers Buggy Workout Album – just download it from iTunes. With an hour of motivating music plus expert exercise advice for postnatal mums, it’s like have your own Pushy Instructor on your iPod! Some yoga centres offer mother and baby classes where you can do yoga while your baby lies on a mat next to you, (hopefully) gurgling happily. Then it’s baby’s turn, where yoga and music are used to encourage your baby’s development and flexibility.

Or try your local leisure centre.

Bracknell Leisure Centre, for instance, runs regular 6-week ‘Mum-a-baby fitness’ courses and also swimming sessions for mums and babies together.

Join the gym If you’d rather exercise without your baby, then many local gyms offer crèche facilities. We’ve listed a few here, see box on page 29.

Prices and membership deals vary greatly depending on what time of day you visit and the facilities available to you. Many leisure centres offer a pay-as-you go rate enabling you to get started without a big financial commitment.

With your membership you will usually be offered a free session with a personal trainer, who will be able to create a training programme especially for you, so take advantage of this.

Gyms and leisure centres also offer a very wide range of group exercise classes so there is plenty of opportunity to vary your routine if you start getting bored. Try a spin class, box fit, kettlercise, salsa aerobics, pilates, Zumba or how about Spartan training – not one for the faint-hearted!

MARCH/APRIL 2012

Health

Gyms with crèches

A Buggyfit class in action

Out and about If this still isn’t hard-core enough then how about trying the latest fitness trend - a boot camp? These outdoor exercise classes are springing up in parks all over the area.

British Military Fitness, for instance, run classes in Prospect Park, Reading. Sessions constantly challenge the body with a variety of individual exercises, circuits and games designed to improve speed, agility, strength and stamina. Jacky, a mother of three, attends a boot camp in Caversham whilst her children are at school. She told us: “I absolutely love it! It was so tough when I started – I could hardly walk the next day – but I’m quite competitive and thrive on a challenge. Now I feel fitter than I ever have and the variety keeps me going!”

If you think really drastic action is called for, there’s always a residential bootcamp. From luxury, women-only bootcamps to the more military style, if you can leave your family for up to a week you’ll be sure to see the results!

Whatever form of exercise you choose, remember to get checked out by a doctor before you start, don’t push yourself too hard and above all, good luck!

Pulse 8 Health & Fitness Club Nirvana Spa Complex, Mole Rd, Sindlesham, Wokingham, RG41 5DJ Facilities: Gym, Fitness Studio, Ladies Only Gym, Over 100 Exercise Classes every week, Personal Training, Racket Sports, Aqua Studio, Steam Room and Sauna, Café.

Crèche: Mon-Sat mornings.

Ages: 6 weeks-8 years.

Contact: 0118 989 7570, www.pulse8healthclub.com Bracknell Leisure Centre Bagshot Road, Bracknell, RG12 9SE Facilities: Gym, More than 60 group exercise classes a week, Sports Hall, Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, Yoga, Pools, Spa with Steam room, Sauna, Hot Tub, Foot Spa, Whirlpool, Sunbeds.

Crèche: Mon-Fri 9.15am-12.30pm and 1pm-4pm. Ages: 6 weeks-5 years.

Contact: 01344 454 203, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/blc

Virgin Active Health Club - Wokingham 1, The Plaza, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2LD Facilities: Gym, 2 Fitness Studios, Spin studio, Powerplate, Kettlebells, ViPR, TRX, Stretch Zone, Exercise classes, Adult Pool and Spa, Kids Pool, Beauty department, Crèche, Kids club, Café.

Crèche: Mon-Sat 9am-12.30pm.

Opening hours are extended Mon, Thu and Fri from 9am-5pm. Ages: 6 weeks-11 years.

Contact: 01189 120 500, www.virginactive.co.uk/clubs/ wokingham Kennet Leisure Centre Stoney Lane, Thatcham, RG19 4LJ Facilities: Gym, Fitness Studio, Exercise Classes, Badminton, Squash, Tennis, Pool.

Crèche: Mon-Fri 9am-1pm. Ages: 3 months-5 years Contact: 01635 871 112 www.leisurecentre.com

Caversham Health and Fitness Club Archway Road, Caversham, RG4 8AN (above Waitrose) Facilities: Gym, Spin Studio, Exercise Classes (50+ per week), Personal Training, Beauty Therapy, Massage, Squash.

Crèche: CHF Kids Club soft play zone, Mon-Sat 9am-6pm & Crèche for 3 months-9 years Mon-Sat 9am-1pm. Birthday parties. Open to non-members.

Contact: 0118 948 4849 www.clubchf.co.uk The Royal Berkshire Health & Racquets Club Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7PB Facilities: Gym, Studios, 12 Tennis courts (Indoor and Outdoor), Badminton, Squash, Exercise Classes, Training Pool and Kids Pool, Spa, Sauna and Steam Room, Hair and Beauty Salons, Crèche, Restaurant.

Crèche: Mon-Sun 9am-1pm.

Ages: 6 weeks-15 yrs Contact: 01344 382 360 www.virginactive.co.uk

More information Bracknell Leisure Centre: www.bracknell.gov.uk/blc Buggyfit: www.buggyfit.co.uk British Military Fitness: www.britmilfit.com Residential Bootcamps: www.brealybootcamps.co.uk / www.prestigebootcamp.com

Let Hypnotherapy Help You This Time If you want to stick to your New Years’ Resolutions then make an appointment with Louise Carter DHP MAPHP Stop Smoking Weight Issues Confidence Stress and anxiety Habits Fear/Phobias Children’s issues helped too.

Make 2012 your Best Year Yet! Free Initial Consultation Thames Valley Clinic, Caversham and The Rosedale Clinic, Central Reading

0118 9471749 / 07903807510 www.positivethinkinghynotherapy.co.uk

Take care when exercising - www.familiestvw.co.uk/injuryfree

Thames Valley West

PAGE 29

Health

Sleepless nights!

It’s not just babies that suffer from sleep problems For parents sleep deprivation is a way of life, what with night feeds, teething toddlers and bad dreams to be cuddled away. However this grueling period does end and with it the disturbed sleep and early hours waking. Or does it? For some a good night’s sleep remains just a dream.

It’s estimated that around a third of adults have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or wake up too early in the morning. That’s a lot of people walking around feeling tired, irritable and unable to function as well as they should.

There are lots of simple steps that we can take to restore good sleeping patterns. Take a look at our online guide at www.familiestvw.co.uk/sleeptips for some easy lifestyle changes that should help.

However more deep-seated sleep problems may require a different approach. Here Louise Carter tells us how hypnotherapy can help.

• Hypnotherapy is an excellent way of dealing with the problem of insomnia. Whilst sleeping tablets may help in the short term they do not always break the habit or re-teach the subconscious how to naturally sleep again. Hypnotherapy helps to deal with the problem of insomnia where the mind has been conditioned either through stress, anxiety or habit

www.harrisonclinic.co.uk

Osteopathy Physiotherapy Acupuncture Cranial Osteopathy Sports Massage Nutritional Consultancy Homeopathy

to stay awake. Some people have trouble falling off to sleep while for others their problem is staying asleep and once a pattern of experiencing difficulty sleeping has been established this can be a problem in itself as the mind starts to expect a difficult night’s sleep.

• Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to relax the body and to quieten the mind.

Hypnosis is a very natural state of mind and is in fact the relaxed state of mind you are in before you do actually fall asleep, so an excellent entry into sleep! By learning hypnosis you can break the pattern of poor sleep and establish a new automatic behaviour.

Hypnosis also helps to relieve stress and to allow your mind to slow down. In some cases a persons insomnia is caused by other factors like work stress, family problems, anxiety and fear and hypnotherapy would be used to deal with the root cause of these problems so that they are not preventing the natural process of sleep.

Louise runs hypnotherapy clinics in Reading and Caversham. Visit www.positivethinkinghypnotherapy.com or call her on 0118 947 1749.

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MARCH/APRIL 2012

Olympics

One of world’s most famous Olympians, Sir Steve Redgrave, lives locally in Marlow. Claire Winter interviewed him about the 2012 Olympics and his life as an athlete and a dad.

Photo by Tom Hayton

Sir Steve Redgrave more competitiveness in our schools? We live in a very competitive world and I feel sport helps you deal with the success and failure of life and this is something we shouldn’t be hiding away from until you leave school and enter the big wide world.

How can parents encourage their children to do more sport?

Most people find sport through education. But parents should play a big part in encouraging them to get involved outside school, but this is a very big sacrifice for them as well.

How did you get in to rowing?

The head of the English department at my small comprehensive in Marlow asked me if I would like to try the sport. Going out of school during school time always appealed to me.

Being this country’s, and one of the world’s, most successful Olympians is quite an accolade - how have you managed to achieve so much? A lot of fun but hard work, dedication, focus and desire.

What do you think your greatest achievement is? A combination of all the Olympics I competed at, being a consistent winner for nearly 20 years, which stands me out from almost every other Olympian.

It is possible to balance family life with being a competitive athlete? Yes, I managed to balance it but it helped having a very supportive family.

You took part in the cycling race, Race Across America last summer. Are you fully recovered from the accident and how much money did you raise?

Yes I am fully recovered after my accident. We managed to raise about £35,000 for Sport Relief and my fund.

Do you think you are born with the desire to succeed or can you cultivate it? There are so many different factors in achieving something. I am sure it is a combination of both.

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing events are being held at Dorney Lake, near Windsor, do you think that more young people will take up rowing and canoeing because of this?

Yes definitely. After every Olympic games the intake of people taking up the sport increases. I am sure after the home games this will be even greater.

What is your advice to young sports men and women who want to take up sport competitively? I think the main factor is enjoyment. The more you enjoy something the more effort you will put in and the more you will achieve.

You have released a new book Great Olympic Moments, apart from your own, what is your favourite? It is difficult for me to pick out one because all the images mean something to me. Mark Spitz was my first awareness of the Olympic games as a 10 year old, which had a big impact on me, but I love the image of Cathy Freeman sitting on the track straight after her success at the Sydney Games.

She looks like she has just lost and not won and I can empathise with that feeling. So much focus, dedication and sacrifice has gone in to that moment, but no thought has been given to what happens once you cross the line.

Many schools don’t hold competitive sport days, do you think we need to encourage

Sir Steve has just published an Olympic themed book, Great Olympic Moments.

Complete with stunning, specially selected photographs, Sir Steve Redgrave recounts his favourite Olympic stories and reveals what it is that makes these moments truly great. All the stars of past and present are in the book.

Also included are some of the more infamous moments of Olympic history, including Black Power 1968, the Munich hostage crisis of 1972, Mary Decker Slaney’s clash with Zola Budd in LA 1984 and Ben Johnson’s disqualification at Seoul 1988, to name but a few.

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