Families Thames Valley West Issue 66 July – August 2013

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Thames Valley West July/August 2013

Try before you buy!

Issue 66 www.familiestvw.co.uk

01628 660 893

www.justoutdoortoys.co.uk BIGGEST Display in the Thames Valley (just 5 mins from M4 J7) Abbey Rose Nursery, Nashdom Lane, Burnham SL1 8NJ

RECRUITING NOW Successful Ô Business MumÕ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

Summer Special

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

please call Sara Bains 07795 425 626

Call your local Stagecoach to Enrol Henley Bracknell North Newbury Maidenhead

01494 533203 0845 0556382 0870 0613526 0118 9423038

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Reading East Reading West Wokingham

01932 348844 0844 800 9482 0845 265 7050

Meadowbrook Montessori School Very small class sizes offer a personalised journey with high academic standards delivered through an innovative but robust marriage of Montessori practice and the National Curriculum.

We develop each child’s personal and social behaviour through our unique application of Positive DisciplineŠ.

Educating boys & girls from 18 months to 12 years old for over 20 years.

Beginning with Parent and Toddler sessions, we support your child through to comprehensive preparation for secondary school.

Fully accredited Montessori Teacher Training College offering part-time courses.

Meadowbrook Montessori School & Teacher Training College Malt Hill Warfield Berkshire RG42 6JQ T: 01344 890869 www.meadowbrookmontessori.org

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Thames Valley West

JULY/AUGUST 2013

inthisissue ISSUE 66 • JUL/AUG 2013

Visit us now at www. familiestvw.co.uk

4 7 8 10 13 14 17 22 23 29 30

News & Views Gardening Education News Animal Magic Offers & Competitions What’s On at Local Museums Diary Dates Wild Weather Summer Activities Computer Games Family Travel

To advertise: Tel: 0118 954 6893 adverts@familiestvw.co.uk

Editor’s Letter It’s hard to believe that a whole year has passed since last summer’s frenzy of flag-waving celebration. What are we all to do with no Jubilee festivities or London 2012 to enjoy? Well fear not, we have come up with a magazine packed with ideas to keep you busy over the coming months.

There’s a special feature on the benefits of a trip to the zoo or farm park, and we don’t just mean the ice-creams! Included are details of some perfect places for getting down amongst the animals this summer.

Busy parents should turn to page 23 for our bumper activity guide. As well as full-time childcare in the form of camps and holiday clubs, you’ll find all manner of sporty, theatrical, crafty and fun courses and workshops to keep children of all ages happy over the holidays.

If the weather turns nasty, why not try some of the allweather activities featured on page 22, they’re perfect for making the most of those rainy days. Or pop along to one of the activities detailed in our Museum article.

Travelling can be stressful with children, so in the days before your summer holiday why not take a look at page 30 which has some top tips for making that long journey a little easier. There’s also an amusing article by author Ben Hatch about his travels, and travails, around France with his family.

We’ll be back in September - enjoy the break!

Karen and Jane

Contact us: editor@familiestvw.co.uk Designed by: Graphic Resolutions 01438 871600 Next issue: July/August – Schools/Clubs & Classes Booking Deadline – 1 August

Our front cover photograph is courtesy of www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Don’t miss these great Families offers and competitions 10% OFF Labels4kids – page 6 WIN tickets to Odds Farm Park – page 13 WIN tickets to Manydown Maize Maze – page 13 WIN tickets to the Regal Picturehouse – page 13 2 for 1 OFFER at Kids ‘n’ action Playcentre – page 13 Child goes FREE* to Look Out Discovery Centre – page 14 Discount voucher for Manydown Maze – page 19 10% OFF Perform summer workshops – page 26 25% OFF with Explore Learning in July – page 32 WIN an ‘Off to School’ set from Easy2Name – page 32 * with full paying adult

Thames Valley West

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News & Views Holidays at Waverley The summer holidays are nearly upon us and caring for your children needn’t be a chore.

Waverley Holiday Club provides a fun, stimulating and caring environment for children from 3 to 11 years. With its varied weekly programme children can enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities in the purpose built Annex. From 15 July to 3 September flexible sessions are available to suit your needs; they include snacks and a cooked lunch. Further details are available from www.waverleyschool.co.uk or by calling 0118 973 1121.

Fun French classes for 3-6 year olds in Wokingham

Meadowbrook Montessori School

Parent & Toddler Sessions Weekly 2 hour sessions with specifically designed activities T: 01344 890869 www.meadowbrookmontessori.org Warfield, Berkshire

Research has shown that children have a natural ability to learn languages much more easily at a young age. They are able to pick up the sounds and store them in the brain in a way which is lost as they get older.

To make the most of this window of opportunity Alouette has designed a learning programme for 3 to 6 year olds where French is taught with stimulating and engaging activities.

Classes are taught in a fun, relaxed atmosphere using a progressive method. Accompanying adults are welcome to join in.

Alouette teacher, Liz Lavender, is a wellqualified language expert with many years of experience in education. Originally from Paris, she speaks with a native tongue and children learn and reproduce authentic sounds, gradually acquiring the French language with great ease.

Sessions are held on Tuesdays from 4.305.15pm and Saturdays from 11-11.45am at St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road, Wokingham, RG41 1EH. Each session costs £6.50 payable termly. Sibling discount available.

For more information, please call Liz on 07759 812 016 email: alouetteclub@yahoo.com or visit www.alouette-french.com

Alouette teacher Liz Lavender

New £500,000 play area for Dinton Pastures A multi-sensory play area for children of all ages and abilities is being created at Dinton Pastures, near Hurst, as the final part of Wokingham Borough Council’s enhancement scheme at the country park. Work will start in September and should be finished in time for spring. In addition to the new play area, visitors to the park can now enjoy golf, sailing, boat hire, climbing, walking, and upgraded facilities at the Dragonfly Cafe; as well as being able to observe wildlife.

Baby Sensations Baby Sensations is a small independent Berkshire company offering Baby Massage classes and Sensory sessions.

For more details find us on facebook or visit www.babysensations.co.uk

0118 935 3759 or 07738 566 646 E-mail info@babysensations.co.uk

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Thames Valley West

JULY/AUGUST 2013

News & Views Join the adventure with Tilda’s NEW range for kids

CBeebies star opens a Performing Arts School in Reading An exciting new Performing Arts School has opened in central Reading. Shine is the vision of actress and writer Nicole Davis, best known as one of the original Presenters on CBeebies. The Saturday morning classes take place at Kendrick School with three hours of singing, acting and street dance for children aged 4 to 12 years.

As well as writing and performing, Nicole has 15 years of experience working with children, facilitating drama sessions in schools and youth clubs. She is passionate about creating a safe environment for children to learn how to express themselves in a creative, effective and positive way.

To book your free trial lesson call 07912 289 777, email nicole@shineperformingarts.co.uk or go online to www.shineperformingarts.co.uk

50 Things to do There’s nothing quite like fresh air, exercise and family time, and you can’t beat the fun you can have in the Great Outdoors.

However, sometimes convincing your kids can be a bit of a struggle, so the National Trust have updated their 50 Things To Do

National Trust

Nicole Davis

of being made using only the finest quality ingredients containing ‘1 of your 5-a-day’. It’s a nutritious alternative to other starchy carbohydrates that children need for energy.

The new range also caters for fussy eaters as each pouch contains a blend of hidden vegetable puree as well as small pieces to help boost your youngster’s vegetable intake!

Tilda and its new Tilli the elephant character will be helping busy mums to feed their hungry hoards with the launch of its delicious new rice and veggies range – Tilda Kids.

Travelling far and wide, Tilli’s range is full of goodness providing 1 of your 5-a-day with a selection of the best natural ingredients to make four tasty child-friendly rice and vegetable meal accompaniments, sure to help busy mums keep their little ones happy and satisfied during mealtimes.

Kids can choose from familiar classic flavour varieties such as Cheese & Tomato, Sunshine Vegetable, Sweet Vegetable & Wholegrain and Mild & Sweet Curry.

Available in 125g pouches each meal has been specially developed to cater for a child’s taste pallet and growing appetite.

They can be eaten on their own or as an accompaniment to all their favourites - meat or fish.

Ideal for kids who are weaned and happily eating solids, each pouch takes only 40 seconds to cook in the microwave, is full of goodness and carries the Tilda reassurance

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to improve your child’s skills, develop their confidence and inspire a passion for learning.

Contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

Henley-on-Thames 0118 9866 911 Reading West 0118 9484 281 Tadley 0118 9701 684 Thatcham 0118 9713 985 Twyford 0185 3544 968

Before You’re 11¾ to encourage kids to get mucky, discover their wild side and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

Check out the website, www.50things. org.uk, where you can interact with your very own virtual Outdoors Explorer - keep track of activities, earn rewards, get top tips for each adventure, unlock cool games, earn badges, collect certificates and discover some secret challenges. Camp out in the wild, build a den, go star gazing, hunt for fossils, set up a snail race, explore a cave and much, much more To help get you started, many National Trust properties have organised ‘50 things’ events over the summer. Have a look at our What’s On pages for further details.

Making Music Magic!

For babies & pre-schoolers

Improve your child’s study skills

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

kumon.co.uk

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

Bracknell, Wokingham & Crowthorne Contact Liz 07985 935662, liz@hartbeeps.com Henley Contact Anna 07887 571375, anna@hartbeeps.com

www.hartbeeps.com

Thames Valley West

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News & Views Pregnancy News...

week by week. There are daily tips and actions such as what to eat and what to avoid, an organiser to keep track of appointments, important phone numbers and shopping lists, and even ideas for baby names. The app is available for free with an optional in-app upgrade from the App Store on iPad. Bump Club is a new weekly show on BBC Radio 5 Live aimed at new and soon-to-be parents. Edith Bowman and Colin Murray front the hour-long show at 11am on Sundays. Tune in to hear the latest news on pregnancy and parenthood, celebrity interviews and a selection of Bump Club parents in the run-up to their big day.

Pilates Classes at the Swan

A new iPad app, Pregnancy week to week, allows expectant parents to track the progress and growth of their baby and get access to important information and straightforward advice to help them prepare. It features full size, high quality images for every week of the pregnancy along with size guides so you can experience the weight and length of your baby

Are you an Alpha Mum? Nearly one in 10 British mothers can be classified as ‘Alpha Mums’, according to a YouGov SixthSense report.

You are an Alpha Mum if you: - have an above average drive to succeed in every aspect of your life and are career-focused saying ‘my work is a career not a job’; - are significantly more likely than other mothers to watch what you eat, to exercise regularly and to say ‘I make sure I always look good’; - have high expectations of your children to achieve.

They have at least one, but more likely three, out-ofschool activities; - socialise more than most, linked to the fact that you have enough money to spend on your own leisure pursuits.

If you don’t recognise yourself, fear not, you are part of the not-so-perfect ninety per cent majority. And, as TV presenter and home guru Kirstie Allsopp candidly acknowledged, behind every Alpha Mum is an army of backup staff who do the ironing, clean the house and mind the children. It was time someone busted the Superwoman myth!

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Pilates classes for pregnant mums are being held in the pleasant surroundings of the Swan Hotel in Streatley. The Tuesday evening sessions are run by Jules Woodall, a local mum of three and an experienced midwife. They are tailor-made for pregnancy, and include exercises for posture, back care, pelvic floor and relaxation. Aspects of labour and beyond are also addressed. At the end of each session there is an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any pregnancy concerns.

Alternatively, this time can be used to just have a chat and enjoy a homemade flapjack! No prior Pilates experience is necessary, so if you’re looking for a gentle antenatal exercise class, which is fun, healthy and informative, as well as the chance to meet other local mums, please contact Jules Woodall on 01491 875545 or email juliet_white@hotmail.com

Labels4kids Whether your child is off to camp this summer or starting nursery or school in September, it’s important that their possessions are labelled because, let’s face it, kids lose stuff!

Labels4kids sells a wide range of high-quality labels to sew or stick on to just about anything and they have recently revamped their website making it easier for parents to find the products that they want.

Labels4kids founder Ann-Maree Morrison was recently invited to join a new EU E-Commerce taskforce set up by No.10 Downing Street and the Department of Business Innovation and Skills, so she knows what it takes to create a site that is clear and easy to use.

Why not void that August panic and order your labels now. Families readers can get a 10% discount on the new site by entering the code families at the checkout.

See the full range and order at www.labels4kids.com/fam

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Gardening

© Arkady Chubykin - Fotolia.com

How to get the kids to grow things Gardening doesn’t require a huge garden or allotment; in fact, it can actually be beneficial to start out with smaller spaces such as a window box or a restricted area. Just ensure that the allocated area gets enough sunlight and start with a small, manageable project.

Start with margarine tubs, yoghurt pots, and any other small containers you might find lying around the house. Instead of fancy trays with separate sections, you’ll find just as much use in empty egg cartons. A lollypop stick can make a great plant label and can be used when dipping out seedlings. And what about a water pistol instead of a watering can.

Who would have thought watering the plants could be so much fun!

There is so much for children to learn. Explain to younger children that the seeds have popped underground and covered up to sleep, helping them understand that they need to be gentle with them and treat them with care. Make sure they know to water regularly and then sit back and watch things grow.

You don’t have to be green fingered yourself, gardening opens up a whole host of great experiments and different ways of looking at things, almost like having your own laboratory in your kitchen. A good idea to show how plants need time to grow, lots of sunshine and water is to grow three separate pots of cress. Place one in sunlight with plenty of water, one in a dark cupboard with plenty of water, and one in sunlight with no water. The difference will be there to see.

Inspire their senses We all have a particular fondness for plants which stimulate our senses and children are no different; point out plants with soft leaves and bright flowers, aromatic herbs, scented flowers, grasses and leaves that rustle when blown, etc. These can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs and requirements.

Plants attract wildlife, which can be hugely exciting. Wildflowers attract bees and butterflies, and watch out for the insects. All of them have a purpose in the garden, for example hedgehogs and toads eat the slugs and snails, and worms create holes in the soil.

Kids will eat anything they have grown themselves and sheer pride will lend a flavour never to be forgotten. They will realise that whenever they eat yummy fruit and vegetables that someone had to grow them and that we can all grow our own fresh foods.

Prepare for mess! Gardening isn’t a clean business but its lots of fun and easy enough for children to get to grips with. So peel your children away from the TV and explore the garden - touch the flowers, feel the leaves, and look for bugs. In time they will want to take care of the plants they have learned to love and really gain pleasure along the way.

We do recommend: The Family Kitchen Garden by Karen Liebreich, Jutta Wagner and Annette Wendland (14 May 2009)

© barneyboogles - Fotolia.com

Show your child the magic of Mother Nature

Good plants to get you started Sunflowers - a tiny seed with a big impact. See who grows the tallest.

Cress egg heads – plant on damp cotton wool in an eggshell.

Lettuce – quick to grow and great to eat, plant a variety of types.

Peas – they don’t need a lot of space and, once they get going, they grow voraciously. Freshly picked peas are in a different league to the frozen kind.

Potatoes – plant in a bucket or similar container.

Create a theme – grow a tomato, courgette, basil and oregano plant, then use the products to make delicious pizza!

Personal injury solicitors Specialist Baby & Toddler Swimming Classes Aqua-Natal Yoga Classes Come out of your shell and learn to swim the Turtle Tots Way! Contact us for more information: Bracknell/Bagshot: 07823 885328/01628 785236 jodi.oconnor@turtletots.com Reading: 07450 153879/01753 783677 heather.harper@turtletots.com www.turtletots.com

Specialising in a wide range of accidents and injuries, we have been helping accident victims for well over 30 years.

Members of all the relevant specialist panels including the Law Society, Headway and the Spinal Injuries Association.

We hope it never happens to you, but if you do have an accident, call Kim Smerdon Freephone 0800 884 0719 Email advice@claims-personalinjury.com www.boyesturnerclaims.com Let us show you that it really is true ... not all law firms are the same.

Families Mag TVwest Mar 2013v2.indd 1 Visit us www.familiestvw.co.uk for the latest news Visit now at www. familiestvw.co.uk

06/02/2013 12:42:49 PAGE 7 Thames Valley West

Education News

What’s New...

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

Junior School and Nursery Open Morning •• Friday 27 September, 9.15am - 11.00am Senior School Open Evening • Tuesday 24 September 5.30pm - 8.30pm 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

WHERE AWE AND WONDER ARE PART OF THE CURRICULUM Open a World of Possibility!

We strive to develop confidence, provide opportunity and realise potential in every child Delivering a creative experience, sporting prowess and academic excellence

Award-winning tuition – 25% off when you join in July Explore Learning centres provide Maths and English tuition to 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities, and also run special courses in 11+ exam preparation. The centres are open 7 days a week, and are Ofsted registered, meaning that families can use Childcare Vouchers to pay for membership. Children attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis, meaning that Explore tuition fits easily into busy family life.

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme tailored to meet their needs, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum. This combination of benefits has led to the company being named Supplementary Education Provider of the Year at the prestigious Education Investor Awards for the past 2 years running.

July is the most popular time of the year for families to join Explore Learning, as parents across the country look for an engaging way to keep their children’s brains active over the long summer break. Also, families joining in July will receive 25% off their first full month of tuition at participating centres, so now is a great time to join if you haven’t already!

Explore Learning has centres across the UK, so book your free trial session to find out how your family can benefit! To book, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk or call the Reading centre on 01189 424 002.

Maths made easy

Small Class sizes with focused tuition Excellent record of awards and scholarships into secondary schools & entry into grammar school at 11 & 13 Extended day and holiday care throughout the year School Transport available Awards and Scholarships available in Years 7 & 8 Entry at 3, 4, 7 and 11 From our outstanding recently extended nursery to the invaluable final two years in Y7 & 8 come and talk to us about how your child would benefit from an educational experience at Holme Grange School

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Thames Valley West

Homework can be hard work at the best of times.

So why not put the maths sheets to one side and make learning fun with this Numbers Stick On & Play T-Shirt? Arrange the pouch of machinewashable numbers and mathematical signs to the shirts’ revolutionary Velcro strip and you’ll have a mathematician on your hands in no time - and without any tantrums at the kitchen table! The unisex t-shirt comes in colours red, navy, white & black, both long and short sleeved and sizes 3-7 years. Available from www.littlepunklondon.com

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Education News Reading free schools get Government approval

Join the Summer Reading Challenge at a library near you There are plenty of spine-tingling surprises waiting for you at your local library!

From 13 July, children aged 4-11 can register at their library for Creepy House, this year’s Reading Challenge. They will get a Creepy fold out poster and a set of stickers (including some smelly scratch and sniff ones) and a glow in the dark wrist band on their second visit. To receive a certificate and a medal for completing the Challenge, children need to read 6 books and collect all 6 stickers – a great way to encourage children to maintain their reading skills over the holidays.

For more information pop into your local library or visit www.creepyhouse.org.uk for fun things to do and a brilliant ‘book sorter’ which allows children to search for books that will suit their age and tastes.

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Reg. Charity no. 277077

Parents in Caversham and West Reading are celebrating after bids for two new local free schools have been given the go-ahead by the Government. The Heights Primary School in Caversham and the West Reading Education Network (WREN) Secondary School are amongst over 100 such schools recently approved by the Department for Education.

WREN hopes to develop the former Elvian School site, with plans for the new school to open in September 2014. It will take 168 children a year, eventually catering for 1200 pupils.

The Heights Primary School will have a 2-form entry with 25 children in a class. A search is currently underway to find a suitable site for the school.

To find out more about the new schools visit www.theheightsprimary.co.uk and www.wrenschool.org

Open MORNINGS Tuesday 17 September 9.30-11am Thursday 17 October 9.30-11am Thursday 21 November 9.30-11am NEW for 2013 - St Joseph’s now offers year round Holiday Care for all pupils from age 3.

To reserve a place at an Open Morning please call the Registrar on 0118 984 6918 or email prep@sjcr.org.uk. We look forward to seeing you.

www.sjcr.org.uk

Our Lady’s

Preparatory School & Day Nursery ~where every child can thrive~

We are an independent, co-educational setting for children aged 3 months – 11 years. All our children are nurtured and encouraged to learn and develop in a warm, caring and happy environment and to grow into self assured and confident young people.

Pre-Prep and Prep School Reception – Year 6, Transparent inclusive fee structure of just £500 per month.

Onsite teacher-led wrap around care available 51 weeks at no extra cost.

Summer-born children at a disadvantage The parents of children with birthdays in the summer months know only too well that their children can struggle at school when compared with their September–born classmates, particularly in the early years. And a new study by London University’s Institute of Education bears this out.

Researchers found that children who are young for their year are at a disadvantage and are more likely to be put into the lowest sets, if their classes are streamed. The study reveals that by the age of seven, some 30% of summer-born children were in the lowest set compared with just 10% of those with September birthdays. Researchers also claimed that grouping children into lower sets at a young age can damage their self-confidence, harm their development and restrict academic opportunities, suggesting that the practice should be left for secondary school.

The study comes after the Institute of Fiscal Studies last year published research showing that children with summer birthdays are more likely to underachieve at school and miss out on places at top universities.

Small class sizes of no more than 20 children.

Specialist teachers for 3 languages (French, Spanish, Mandarin),Forest School, Swimming, Cookery, Music and Football.

Nursery and Pre-School Children from 3 months to 5 years on a full or part-time basis, operating from 8am until 6pm, 51 weeks of the year.

Activities include: Forest School, Jo Jingles, 3 languages, Crafts, Story time and messy play, whilst incorporating Early Years Foundation learning goals.

Places available in Years 2 & 3 in September

Open Days We do have a number of Open Days throughout the year, however parents are welcome to arrange an appointment to view the school at any time.

Moreusnews schools at www.familiestvw.co.uk/education Visit now on at www. familiestvw.co.uk

E: office@olps.co.uk

www.ourladysprep.co.uk

01344 773394 The Avenue, Crowthorne, Berks RG45 6PB

Thames Valley West

PAGE 9

Days Out

Animal Magic A trip to the local zoo or farm park is fun for all the family, but there are lots of other benefits to be gained from your visit.

With help from Liz Bourne we take a look at just a few of them.

Research shows that stroking and petting animals creates a hormonal response in humans that can help fight depression. Levels of serotonin, a hormone critical to psychological well-being, are seen to rise dramatically after interaction with animals. Stress levels, and even blood pressure, can be reduced. Children also get great enjoyment from the playful nature of animals and the love and unconditional affection they can bestow. Farm parks and zoos have special petting areas where children can get hands-on, although if your child is hoping to stroke a tiger they might be disappointed!

Helping to develop empathy and responsibility Many farm parks and zoos allow children to take part in caring for the animals, whether it’s bottle feeding lambs or ‘mucking out’ the sheep. This is a great way to learn about taking responsibility for another being and to get little ones to think about the needs of others. Children can learn about behaviour and how to respect the needs of others, for instance by observing when an animal has had enough petting and needs some peace and quiet.

Learning where food comes from Nowadays, the link between food production and what is available at the meat counter at the supermarket is not always apparent. Indeed, at a local activity farm, one small child asked if the ear tag on the lamb was a barcode for the supermarket! Watching, or taking part, in experiences such as milking is a great way for children to make the connection between what they put on their cereal in the morning and the cows that produced it.

Photo coourtesy Imp Kids

Animals are good for you, it’s official

Broadening horizons Seeing a giraffe, a lion, or even a golden-rumped elephant shrew up close can be a breathtaking experience. Zoos are a great opportunity to see for real animals that even in the wild would be elusive and/or dangerous. These closeup encounters can help foster and reinforce a child’s love of nature and help to connect them with the wider world outside their immediate environment

Raising awareness Many zoos and animal parks are heavily involved in the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats and by visiting you are supporting this work financially. Through talks and demonstration on subjects such as poaching, they raise awareness and can send an important conservation message to children and adults alike. Breeding programmes can help to prevent endangered species becoming extinct.

Whatever sense of environmental fervour and deep empathy you are trying to foster within your children when you take them to a farm or zoo, no one can take away from a child the sense of sheer joy and disgust in equal measure when an animal poos right in front of them. And that can be all it takes to make a great day out!

Character Visits At Odds Farm!

Great News! Every Wednesday during the Summer Holidays you can see a different character at Odds Farm Park – from Peppa Pig (31/07 & 04/09) to Ben & Holly, Mike the Knight and more!

Plus, win a Medal in the Sheep Racing* Park Farm he explore the Giant Indoor Playbarn T f O and meet plenty of Furry Friends!

2013!

Year OPEN DAILY 10AM - 5.30PM TEA ROOM & FREE PARKING

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

www.peppapig.com © ABD Ltd/Ent. One UK Ltd 2003.

Character will be appearing at intervals on their event date. No extra cost to see the characters. *Weather permitting

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Thames Valley West

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Days Out Why not try?...

Odds Farm Park Wooburn Green, High Wycombe, HP10 0LX, 01628 520 188 www.oddsfarm.co.uk Voted ‘Farm Park of the Year 2013’, Odds Farm delivers an action-packed day out for younger children. There are lots of furry friends to meet in the large undercover barns and a full hands-on animal activity programme to enjoy. Depending on the time of year, you can watch demonstrations of milking and sheep shearing; help collect the eggs and bottle feed lambs and goats; see the pigs being fed; and enjoy a tractor and trailer ride.

There are plenty of ways for children to let off steam in the outdoor play areas with their sand pits and diggers, go-karts, log play areas and crazy golf. If the weather takes a turn for the worst, retreat to the giant indoor playbarn which features special Toddler and Under 5’s areas, a 4-lane Astra slide and a very scary vertical drop slide!

Open: daily 10am-5.30pm.

Admission: £9.95, child £8.95 (weekdays in term time), £11.95, child £10.95 (weekends & school holidays), under 2s free.

Summer events: Sheep racing takes place until Oct over the specially 49029 BP Generic Ad 130x87.indd built mini race track with jumps and bends and eager sheep with miniature jockeys; guess the winning sheep and take home a medal.

Character Visits every Wednesday during the holidays, with a different favourite appearing each week at intervals between 11am-4pm: 31 July Peppa Pig, 7 Aug Scooby-Doo, 14 Aug Ben & Holly, 21 Aug Mike the Knight, 28 Aug Fireman Sam, 4 Sept Peppa Pig. A new Maize Maze will open in August, weather permitting.

1

09/05/2013 12:25

• Win tickets to Odds Farm Park, see page 13.

Bucklebury Farm Park Bucklebury, Reading, RG7 6RR, 0118 971 4002 www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk Bucklebury is a 77-acre working farm, situated in the picturesque Pang Valley.

Over the years it has become a popular attraction that helps both children and adults learn more about the countryside and where their food comes from. As well as the usual farm and pet animals, the Park boasts a fine deer herd which can be visited on the regular free tractor and trailer rides. Little ones can pat-apet and feed the animals, and don’t miss the wild boars who are real characters!

Keen young farmers can experience life on the farm with pre-bookable farmer-led activities that include feeding the chickens and collecting eggs, pony and donkey grooming, bathing the pigs, walking the goats, feeding the llamas and doing the mucking out!

There are nature trails and a wild walk to enjoy as well as a large outdoor play area which includes a play castle, zip wire, go-karts, sand pit and pedal tractors. Great fun for all ages is the large, very bouncy pillow, guaranteed to wear out even the most energetic of children (and adults).

Open: daily from 9.30am (until 23 Dec).

Admission: £8.95, child £7.95, family £30.

Summer events: Don’t miss the Teddy Bear’s Picnic being held on 8 Aug in aid of Helen & Douglas House hospice for children. Bring your favourite teddy, go on a bear hunt and spot some famous bears.

Discover Forgotten Metro-Land Saturday/Sunday 3, 4 August and Wednesday 7 August 2013 London Transport Museum and Buckinghamshire Railway Centre present family days out in early August. Set in the beautiful Vale of Aylesbury, the special open days will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the London Underground and a forgotten part of what was once known as Metroland.

Family fun activities include rides in vintage carriages pulled by real steam trains, miniature railway rides, The Runaway Train storytelling sessions and make-and-take craft workshops.

Children can also climb on board the red travelling Night Mail carriage which was used by the Post Office to sort and deliver post, and explore the old Quainton Road station and Museum.

Family tickets, early-bird discount, and group discounts available. Free car parking and free vintage bus service from Aylesbury Vale Parkway station on 3 and 4 August. Booking: www.ltmuseum.co.uk or phone 0207 565 7298.

More ideas for days out at www.familiestvw.co.uk/daysout

Thames Valley West

PAGE 11

Days Out Beale Park Wildlife Park & Gardens Lower Basildon, Reading, RG8 9NW, 0844 826 1761 www.bealepark.co.uk The pretty riverside setting and abundance of play equipment makes this Park a great day out for families with younger children.

There is a large sandpit, adventure playground and paddling pool, always popular on a sunny day. And for wannabe pirates, a fantastic new adventure playground, Pirate Island, opened this year complete with a 47 foot wooden adventure ship, fort, sand pit, cannons, challenging walkways, slides, rope nets and a mini climbing wall.

Little ones will love the Little Tykes area, with its slides, ride ons and little houses, and the miniature train ride that covers much of the park. Beale Park is home to a diverse range of animals.

Favourites include the playful meerkats, lemurs, wallabies, raccoons, monkeys and just about all the inhabitants of the Park’s popular Pet’s Corner. Older children can take part in Junior Keeper Experience sessions helping behind the scenes with the care of favourite animals. The Park is committed to the conservation of rare and endangered species and is involved in several breeding initiatives as well as supporting wildlife groups.

Pond dipping at Beale Park

Open: daily from 10am (until 14 Nov).

Admission: £9.50, child £7.50, under 2s free, family (2+2) £29. Low season (from 1 Oct) £6.50, child £4.50, family £20. Season tickets also available.

Summer events: A variety of additional activities are on offer over the summer including Pond Dipping, Archery Sessions, Butterfly Feeder and Bug Hotel Workshops and Junior Keeper Sessions. Additional charges apply. Visit the website for details.

Marwell Zoo

Or how about…

Thompsons Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, Hants, SO21 1JH www.marwell.org.uk Marwell plays an important role in the conservation of endangered species and just by visiting you will be helping to support its many projects. The animals here include many exotic and endangered species, and they all enjoy plenty of space with large enclosures in which to wander. Junior Keeper experiences are available for older children, perfect for a special birthday treat.

Highlights of any visit to Marwell are the beautiful snow leopards and the Siberian tigers, pictured. Visitors can also enjoy the impressive sight of giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and ostrich roaming wild in the African Valley, and then take a steamy trip to the rainforest in Tropical World, which is filled with exotic plants and wildlife.

Always fun to watch are the underwater antics of the Humbolt penguins of Penguin Cove, and bird-lovers will enjoy the new walkthough aviary that allows even closer access to the zoo’s wide range of exotic birds. Children can then run wild

Longleat Safari Park www.longleat.co.uk

in one of the three play areas, while you take a well-earned rest!

Open: daily from 10am.

Admission (incl. optional donation): £18, child £14, under 3s free, family (2+2) £60.

Discounts in low season, from 4 Nov, and online.

A bit of a drive away but well worth it for the host of attractions you will find on offer. Visitors can take a jungle cruise and spy the gorilla colony on their very own island; get lost in the maze (there’s 1¾ miles of paths inside); enjoy the splendour of Longleat House; and visit the new Penguin Colony and Stingray Bay, both opening in July.

In the big game park it’s the humans who are in the cages, or rather inside their cars, as they drive through the animal enclosures spotting those famous lions as well as cheetahs, rhinos and wolves. But it’s the very naughty monkeys who are the stars of the show. Beware though, they will do their best to pull whatever they can off the outside of your car!

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 12

Thames Valley West

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Great Time Out from

From Peppa Pig to Mike the Knight, Ben & Holly and more, every Wednesday during the Summer Holidays you can meet a different character at the Park+ and we have 2 sets of entry tickets for 2 adults and 2 children to give away!

Plus…it’s back! Sheep Racing* is an event not to be missed. With a specially built mini race track including jumps and bends and eager sheep with miniature jockeys plus a medal for guessing the winning sheep!

For more information call 01628 520 188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk To enter just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today. Closing date 5 August. + See website for more details.

Characters will be appearing at intervals on each day. * (Until October, Weather Permitting)

WIN an amazing family day out

The Regal Picturehouse Cinema in Henley is set to entertain all ages this summer.

Check out the latest films for the whole family plus some great classics. For mums and babies there’s the opportunity to see a new release at the BIG SCREAM each Friday at 11am. TODDLER TIME runs every Tuesday at 11am for the under 5’s and on Saturdays and Tuesdays (school holidays only) at 11am KID’S CLUB offers primary school age children a classic children’s film from just £1. Enter today to win a family ticket (5 tickets).* For more information and booking call 0871 902 5738 or visit www.picturehouses.co.uk To enter just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today.

Closing date 5 August.

KIDS’N’ACTION PLAY AND PARTY CENTRE Visit Kids’n’Action, where children up to 16 years old can explore the soft adventure park and imaginative role play rooms. Impress your friends in the sports arena or with your Xbox Kinect skills, or even celebrate your birthday in one of their 8 themed party rooms!

For more information call 0118 952 6949 or visit www.kids-n-action.com er ad Re

Admit 2 children for the price of 1

er ff O

Find your way out of the maize maze in time to enjoy all the adventure play and adorable animals that you’ll find at Manydown Family Fun. There’s plenty to do with the NEW Tractor Tyre Mountain and Human Rabbit Warren. Enjoy a ride on the Tractor and Trailer, inflatable fun, trampolines, Go-Karts and Mini Tractors. And if the kids still have some energy left, they can climb Mega Bale Mountain! The Maize Maze is open from 13 July-8 September. We have 4 admission tickets for you to win.

For more information call 01256 220398 or visit www.manydownfamilyfun.co.uk To enter just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today.

Closing date 5 August.

Manydown Maize Maze, Scrapps Hill Farm, 550 Worting Road, Basingstoke, RG23 8PU

WIN a trip to the Cinema

*Restrictions apply

N O TI TI PE M CO

MANYDOwN MAIzE MAzE

REGAL PICTUREHOUSE CINEMA

N O TI TI PE M CO

WIN a family fun day out

N O TI TI PE M CO

ODDS FARM PARK

Valid until 3 September 2013 Not valid with any other discount offer.

Lowest child admission price free.

Not valid with any other offer.

Voucher must be redeemed to obtain the discount.

Only original voucher accepted. NOT VALID for Bank holidays.

www.kids-n-action.com

FAM TVW

Thames Valley West

PAGE 13

What’s On

Summer

Be Amazed...

The Look Out Discovery Centre

If you think of museums as reverential, hushed places where children are not welcome you couldn’t be more wrong. Museums have moved with the times and dusted themselves down, literally in some cases, to become really family-friendly places to visit. They are keen to attract young visitors and run lots of activities to get them involved and enthused by what they see.

So if the weather turns nasty, why not take the opportunity to check out some of these Families favourites and join in some of their summer activities.

A great family day out whatever the weather!

Bring this advert to get

1 FREE child with 1 full paying adult Valid until 31/8/13.

Subject to terms and conditions.

!

New! Bunoilwd oIt pen n

Hands-On Science Fu

The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW Tel: 01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

Families

SUMMER StEaMdayS

all weekends through to 1 September Wednesdays 24 July to 28 august, plus Bank Holiday Monday 26 august

Reading Museum Town Hall, Blagrave St, Reading, RG1 1QH, 0118 937 3400 www.readingmuseum.org.uk

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

Farmyard fun!

Miller's Ark comes to MERL! • Thu 15 August • 12-4pm, drop-in • £1 per person (Under 1's free)

Meet sheep & goats, pigs, geese, ducks & colourful rare-breed chickens in the MERL garden!

PAGE 14

Thames Valley West

Find out about more family events & activities at MERL this summer 0118 378 8660 merlevents@reading.ac.uk www.reading.ac.uk/merl

Situated in a fine Gothic building in the centre of town, there is a wide range of eclectic treasures to discover here from a copy of the Bayeux tapestry and a gallery full of Huntley & Palmer biscuit tins to Roman artefacts dug up at Silchester and the current John Tweed sculpture exhibition. It’s very child-friendly with trails, activity backpacks, worksheets, picture bingo and handling bags.

Admission: Free.

Open: Tues-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Closed Mon (except Bank Holidays and half terms).

Summer Activities: Activity Cart will offer a range of free art and craft activities for all ages throughout the holidays.

Dinosaur Modelling 1 Aug - make your own dinosaur inspired by the models in the Loans Collection, unaccompanied 7+yrs, £7, 2-hour sessions at 10am & 1pm, please book.

Drop-in sessions (for accompanied children, no need to book): • 31 July Life of a Hungry Caterpillar - model your own mini caterpillar, chrysalis and flapping butterfly, 50p, 10am-12noon & 1-3pm; • 6 Aug Roman Mosaics - print your own Roman-style mosaic, 5+yrs, £3, 1 hour sessions at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm & 2.15pm; • 14 Aug Pharaoh Masks - create your own fantastic pharaoh mask, 50p, 10am12noon & 1-3pm; • 20 Aug Robot Junk Modelling - build your favourite robot character to take away, 5+yrs, £3, 1 hour sessions at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm & 2.15pm.

JULY/AUGUST 2013

What’s On

at the Museum The Museum of English Rural Life Redlands Rd, Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660 www.reading.ac.uk/merl MERL tells the story of food, farming and the countryside over the last 200 years, revealing the massive changes that have taken place during this time. It’s run by the University and houses a collection of objects and archives of international importance, but it also welcomes families with open arms. In fact, last year it was voted one of the best familyfriendly museums in the UK. You’ll find baby change facilities, a visitor room (where you can eat your packed lunch) and a lovely garden with picnic tables, traditional games and plenty of space for letting off steam.

Children can follow the rat trail, dress up as Victorian farmers or make a brass rubbing. Regular family activities include weekly Toddler Time sessions and free monthly family tours, plus a wide range of holiday activities.

Admission: Free.

Open: Tues-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 2pm-4.30pm.

Summer activities: (All activities are for families to do together).

Family Tours 13, 30 July & 20 Aug - fun, interactive 30-minute tours of the museum hearing stories about what it was once like to live and work in the countryside, for all ages, 11.30am & 2.30pm (no 11.30am tour on 13 July), free, drop in.

Craft Workshops (£3, please book): • 16 Aug Bread and butter - grind corn using quern stones, make dough and shape it into traditional plaited loaves and hedgehog rolls to take home and bake. Then make some tasty butter to eat with it, 2+yrs, 10am-12noon & 1.30-3.30pm; • 27 Aug Creative with corn - make corn dollies with artist, Caroline Rackham, 7+yrs; • 29 Aug Go potty! - learn to throw your own pot on a wheel, 4+yrs, £3 per pot (+ £4 if you’d like your pot glazed and fired).

Brass rubbing at MERL

Drop-in activities (no need to book): • 26 July Teddy bears’ picnic - bring along your teddy and a picnic and have fun in the MERL garden, 12noon-2pm, free; • 1 Aug Super spinning - learn how to spin using a drop spindle in this fun workshop, 7+yrs, 10am-12noon & 1.30-4pm, £3; • 7 Aug Felted fingers - learn how to make felt from wool and shape it into a finger puppet, 6+yrs, 10am-12noon & 1.30-4pm, £3; • 15 Aug Farmyard fun with Miller’s Ark - meet sheep and goats, pigs, geese, ducks and colourful chickens, back in the MERL garden by popular demand, 12noon-4pm, £1 per person (under 1s free); • 23 Aug Toddler Time in the garden - songs and fun, 2-5yrs, 10-11am & 1-2pm, £2.

REME Museum of Technology Isaac Newton Rd, Arborfield, RG2 9NJ, 0118 976 3375 www.rememuseum.org.uk This museum houses a collection of military items associated with the REME history such as uniforms, weapons, communication equipment and medals. It includes a large hangar devoted just to vehicles including tanks, motorbikes, trucks and a helicopter. It’s wellthought out for children with plenty to do including hands-on activities, dressing up, fun facts and quizzes as well as the special events shown below. The assault course is a big favourite when it’s running, but do take a change of clothes!

On parade at REME

Admission: £5 adult, £4 child, under 5s free, family (2+3) £15.

Open: Sun-Fri, closed Sat. Summer Activities: Summer Treasure Hunt from 21 July-8 Sept you can hunt for hidden treasure in the museum, then enter the free prize draw to win the contents of the treasure chest.

Mini Assault Course on 31 July survive Sir’s Mini Assault Course and water jump, 11am-3.30 pm.

Workshops will also be running on the dates below at 11am, 12 pm & 2 pm. Booking is available but is not required.

• 23-24 July Flight Workshop planes, helicopters and parachutes; • 8-9 Aug Camouflage Workshop - see how it works, how it’s changed over the years and what it is like to wear; • 26-27 Aug Mini Shelters Workshop - can you build a shelter in only 15 minutes?

The River & Rowing Museum Mill Meadows, Henley, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk Three galleries dedicated to rowing, rivers and the history of Henley housed in an award-winning building of oak and glass. Children can dress up in replica regatta costume or have a go at rowing in an interactive racing experience. The riverside museum is also home to a Wind in the Willows exhibition, which brings to life this much-loved story using 3D models, lighting and music. Ratty’s Refuge, a water vole friendly garden is located in the grounds. Backpacks are available to borrow and there is an activity trolley full of colouring, crafts and trails for all ages.

Admission: £8.50, child £6.50, under 3s free, family (of 4) £26. Tickets allow re-entry for 12 months.

Open: Daily 10am-5.30pm.

Summer Activities: Swan Upping Family Day 8 Aug - visit the swan-upping exhibition and enjoy swan-themed crafts, bird spotting and a boat trip, 10.30am–4pm, free with admission.

Explore Space 15 Aug - join Science Oxford for a show about the solar system for 8+yrs, plus activities and prizes for best space-themed outfits, 10.30am-3.30pm, free with admission.

Toad’s Summer Fete 22 Aug - join Mr Toad for fun and games including lucky dip, tombola, badge-making and more, 10.30am–4pm, free with admission.

Workshops (crafts inspired by items from the museum, must be booked): 1 Aug Make a mini powered Motor Boat - for 9–13yrs, £15; 6 Aug Teddies in Togas - make a teddy in a toga to take home, 4-7yrs, £8.50; 7, 14, 21 Aug Taylor Tugs Holiday Happenings - make, sing and play, 18 months-5yrs, £8.50; 13 Aug Fairytale on the Thames - learn about Dick Whittington, who has his own tribute in Henley, make your own cat from card and a spotty hanky to carry your special things, 4-7yrs, £8.50; 14 Aug Terrific Thames Tees - create a unique t-shirt inspired by the Museum’s exhibitions then print it onto a t-shirt, 7–11yrs, £8.50; 20 Aug Here be Dragons - make a dragon-design clay tile using the skill of scraffitto, 7-11yrs, £8.50; 21 Aug Pool of London - make a panorama of a port using clay models, plaster casts and cardboard, 7-11yrs £8.50.

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

Thames Valley West

PAGE 15

What’s On A little further afield…

Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery Church Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2QP, 01296 331 441 www.buckscc.gov.uk/museum www.buckscc.gov.uk/museu Step into the magical world of Roald Dahl in this exciting hands-on gallery with lots of exhibits inspired by Dahl’s stories – go inside the Giant Peach, see the Twits’ upside-down room and dress up in Victorian school clothes under the watchful eye of Miss Trunchball. You can even crawl along Fantastic Mr Fox’s burrow and take a ride in the Great Glass Elevator. Visits last an hour and are by limited timed tickets so it may be advisable to book. Why not combine your visit with a trip to the next-door Bucks County Museum? It has free entry and will be running lots of family craft activities throughout the holidays.

Admission: £6, child £3, under 3s free, family £17.50.

Open: Saturdays until 3 Nov, plus Mon-Sat from 20 July-5 Sept 10am–5pm.

The Pitt Rivers Museum Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PP, 01865 270 927 www.prm.ox.ac.uk

Enter the wonderful world of Roald Dahl

One of Oxford’s most popular attractions, this museum is famous for its period atmosphere and outstanding collections from many cultures around the world, past and present. The Times described it as ‘like the attic of some mad Victorian collector’, when awarding it 11th place in its recent list of best museums in the world. More suitable for older children and those with vivid imaginations, make sure you don’t miss the collection of shrunken heads! On Sunday afternoons there are free drop-in activities for accompanied 5+yrs with crafts, trails, sorting boxes and more. Various events run over the summer holidays including a seaside trail and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays you can borrow a backpack full of activities and become a family of museum explorers.

Admission: Free Open: Mon 12-4.30pm, Tues-Sun & Bank Holiday Mon 10am-4.30pm.

PAGE 16

Thames Valley West

JULY/AUGUST 2013

What’s On

Please check event details before leaving home.

What’s On at...

Wellington Country Park

Odiham Rd, Riseley, RG7 1SP, 0118 932 6444, www.wellington-country-park.co.uk Alongside all the usual attractions of the Park there are lots of special events running over the school holidays, all free with admission.

27-28 July Fairy and Pixie Party - enjoy games, wand making and a magical tea party.

30 July, 6, 13, 20 & 28 Aug Shire Horse & Cart Rides - take a trip to the Animal farm on a cart pulled by these beautiful creatures.

31 July Teddy Bears Picnic - bring your favourite Teddy for a tea party, magical fun, Punch and Judy Show, face painting, bouncy castle and lots more.

2-4 Aug Superhero School - dress up as your favourite superhero and take part in the challenges of Superhero School.

9-11 Aug Character Visits - meet one of your favourite TV characters at regular intervals throughout the day: on 9 Aug Peppa Pig, 10 Aug Mike the Knight & 11 Aug Fireman Sam. 16-18 Aug Wild West Weekend - a weekend of action packed activities with a Wild West theme.

Inflatables Weekend

art out of rubbish, finger puppets on 13 July, paper boats on 2 Aug and keyrings and bracelets on 16 Aug, drop in between 11am-4pm, £1 per item.

14 July Trails & Treasures - families can make a pirate hat, then follow a trail around the lake answering wildlife questions to get clues until you find the buried treasure, 2-4pm, £1 per child, drop in.

6 & 15 Aug Bird of Prey Day - Ray Prior and his wide selection of beautiful birds will provide an entertaining, educational and awe-inspiring show, various sessions, £4.50 per person, must book.

7, 9, 20, 28 Aug & 3 Sept Animal Experiences with Martin Rapley get up close and learn about wildlife in these hands on sessions. 7 Aug Big Bugs, 9 Aug Reptile Show, 20 Aug Reptiles & Amphibians, 28 Aug Small Mammals, 3 Sept Blowing up Bugs. Various sessions each day, £4.50 per person, must book.

13 Aug Animal Tales – storytelling day for pre-school children and their families. Bring along a teddy and join in the fun, various sessions, £4.50 per person, must book.

23 & 30 Aug Let’s Go Batty – take a guided walk with bat detectors and torches around the lake and find out about the many bats in the area, 8pm, £4.50, must book.

Also see website for walks at the Nature Discovery centre and other countryside venues in West Berkshire.

The Look Out Discovery Centre

24-26 Aug Inflatables Weekend - enjoy a host of free inflatables including a mega slide, assault course, bouncy castle and more.

30 Aug-1 Sept Pirate Weekend - ahoy me hearties, pirates have invaded the Park so prepare to ‘walk the plank’ and ‘pop the cannon’.

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW, 01344 354 400, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ thelookoutdiscoverycentre Enjoy more than 90 interactive handson science and nature activities, from the hot air balloon and challenging puzzles to creating circuits or designing at the Squirtual Reality exhibit. New for 2013 is Build It! Become a

Courses and Pay as You Go activities available for kids of all ages

Swimming, Dancing, Trampolining and much much more . . .

Bracknell Leisure Centre Bagshot Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 9SE

Tel: 01344 454203 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Didcot Railway Centre 01235 817 200, www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk There will be Summer Steamdays every weekend in July and Aug plus every Wednesday from 24 July and Monday 26 Aug. Alongside the usual attractions of the Centre you can take a ride in coaches pulled by a Great Western steam locomotive, watch the turntable being used and enjoy watching the trains running the line.

INTECH Science Centre and Planetarium 01962 863791, www.intech-uk.com This interactive hands-on science and technology centre near Winchester will fascinate all ages. An added bonus is its planetarium, which has the largest capacity in the UK and runs regular shows. Special events, including live science shows, will be running over the school holidays, check the website for details. These include Falconry displays every Friday.

The Nature Discovery Centre Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, RG19 3FU, 01635 874 381, www.naturediscovery.org.uk 13 July, 2 & 16 Aug Recycled arts workshops – make amazing works of

Build It! member of the construction crew by building the unfinished house recently described as “awesome!”

The Party Science Show runs at weekends and school holidays until 1 Sept. Learn how to make fun party decorations including balloon kebabs and paper chains, listen to special party music, enjoy fun party tricks, see the birthday cake with a difference and much more. This interactive show is suitable for 3+yrs and costs £1.85 plus normal entrance fee.

5-6 Sept Toddler Days: Pirates & Fairies - special themed activities for toddlers with face or hand painting, play dough, storytelling and make-and-take activities. Prize if you dress up. £6.50 for adult and toddler, £1.50 for extra toddler, includes entrance to the hands on science and nature exhibition. 10am-4pm.

• Free child ticket offer for the Discovery Centre, see page 14.

Turn to pages 14-16 for museum listings

Thames Valley West

PAGE 17

What’s On Manydown Maize Maze Scrapps Hill Farm, 550 Worting Rd, Basingstoke, RG23 8PU, 01256 220 398, www.manydownfamilyfun.co.uk As well as the themed maze there are lots of other fun activities included in the entrance price. Inflatable fun, a mega bale mountain, go-karts and mini tractors, adventure play, a giant sandpit, tractor rides and a farmyard walk with lots of animals to spot and handle.

Perfect for spending a summer afternoon with younger children. Refreshments include premium burgers and hot dogs plus a well-stocked farm shop. Open (weather permitting) from 13 July till 8 Sept. 10am-5pm.

• Manydown Maze discount ticket offer on page 19, win tickets on page 13.

Basildon Park Lower Basildon, RG8 9NR, 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/basildonpark Giant Ball Run - a series of handmade challenges made out of natural materials can be found in the grounds until 30 Sept. A ball run kit costs £3. Normal admission charges apply. 10am-5pm.

28 July Sherlock Holmes - Holmes and Watson tackle their most fiendish case yet in this inventive and funny outdoor show for all ages featuring live music and audience interaction. Book tickets from £7.50. Plus a Top Secret garden trail, £2 or free with theatre admission.

Every Wed from 31 July-28 Aug 50 Things - families can take part in a different activity from the National Trust’s 50 Things to do before you’re 11¾ challenge. Events must be booked. 31

July Fly a Kite - kite-making and flying for 8+yrs, 10.30am-12.30pm, £18. 7 Aug Climb a Tree - climbing, zip wire and leap of faith for all ages, from £6. 14 Aug Bug Hunt - £2 per child. 21 Aug Build a Den - £2 per child, no need to book, 11am-1pm & 2-4pm. 28 Aug Animal Tracking - discover what’s lurking in the woods, £2. NB Normal admission charges apply for all events.

Cliveden Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0JA, 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Pick up a Summer Family Trail from the Information Centre and go on an adventure through the gardens to find the clues to complete your trail. Free with admission.

Wild Wednesdays - drop-in activities over the school holidays for accompanied 4-11yr-olds, 11am-3pm, additional £2 per child.

2-4 Aug Open Air Concerts - featuring a range of tribute bands, plus fireworks each night,Tickets: £27 in advance, £32 on gate.

6-7 Aug Babe the Sheep Pig - open air adaptation of Dick King-Smith’s popular tale. Tickets: £13, child £10, under 3s free, please book.

Regal Picturehouse Cinema Henley, RG9 2BZ, 0871 902 5738, www.picturehouses.co.uk The Regal Picturehouse will run their Kids’ Club on Saturdays and Tuesdays throughout the summer holidays at 11am. View a classic children’s film for £1 per person for Kids’ Club members.

Non-members £3. Membership £4 per person per year.

E K A B , CRAFT

Diary Dates July 3-7 July – HENLEY REGATTA in Henley, www.hrr.co.uk More than 200 races of an international standard take place cheered on by spectators dressed up in their finery, enjoying picnics and champagne. The most famous regatta in the world and a highlight of the sporting and social season.

5 July – TREASURE ISLAND at Mapledurham House, RG4 7TR, 0118 972 3350, www.mapledurham.co.uk Watch an outdoor musical production of this swashbuckling favourite whilst enjoying a picnic on the lawns. Suitable for all ages. Gates open 5pm, performance at 6pm. Tickets: £7, child £5, family £20. An optional workshop for 5-10yrs runs before the show at 4.30pm for an extra £2.50 per child.

6 July – SUMMER FETE at St Neot’s School, Eversley, Hook, RG27 0PN, www.st-neots-prep.co.uk Everyone welcome. 12noon-4pm.

6 July – OXFORD ROAD FUN DAY at Kensington Park, Kensington Rd, Reading, 0118 931 7239 An afternoon of fun, activities and entertainment. 12noon-4pm.

6 July – FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL in Bracknell town centre, www.bracknell.com Enjoy food stalls and demonstrations from celebrity chefs, plus entertainment and workshops for all the family. 10am-4pm.

6 July – SEASIDE SUMMER FETE

sPenD TIMe wITH THe FaMILy anD enJoy More THan JusT GreaT racInG. THere’s soMeTHInG For eVeryone wITH craFT anD bakInG DeMonsTraTIons, wo r k s H o P s a n D Fa n Ta s T I c c o M P e T I T I o n s . *see online for entry details

racecoursenewbury.co.uk 01635 40015 twitter.com/newburyraces facebook.com/NewburyRacecourse twitter.com/racesnewbury facebook.com/NewburyRacecourse facebook.com/TheRacecourseNewbury

405960_Cake_Bake_Race_Press_V2.indd 1

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Thames Valley West

6 July – MORTIMER FUN DAY at Mortimer Fairground, Mortimer, RG7 3SW, www.mortimervillage.org.uk A great day out for all the family with stalls, competitions, tug-of-war, dog show, music, displays, food and drink. Free entry.

7 July – PINEWOOD FESTIVAL at Pinewood Centre, Old Wokingham Rd, Wokingham RG40 3AQ, www.pinewoodfestival.org.uk Family fun and entertainment including competitions, stalls, steam train rides, animal farm, classic vehicles, face painting, ferret racing and live displays by Pinewood’s clubs and societies. 12noon4pm. Free entry.

10-14 July – HENLEY FESTIVAL at Henley Business School’s Greenlands site, Henley, 01491 843 404, www.henley-festival.co.uk Classical music and contemporary stars such as the Beach Boys, Jamie Cullum, Madness and Paloma Faith plus comedy, fine dining, brass band and much more.

On 13 July, Down by the Riverside, offers an opportunity to see the Festival’s visual arts programme free of charge.

Wander through the galleries between 11.30am and 2pm and enjoy the Roving Eccentrica. The Henley Festival Family Concert will perform a programme of cinema music from 1-2pm, advance tickets cost £5, child £3.

Y A D E & RAC

s u n Day 4 au G u s T

.com/newburyraces

at The Coombes CE Primary School, School Rd, Arborfield, RG2 9NX Stalls, plants, penalty shootout, face painting, refreshments, tug-of-war, bouncy castle and lots more. 11am-2pm.

KIDS GO FREE

RACING INSPIRED CRAFT AND BAKING COMPET ITIONS FOR ADULTS AND CHILD REN. BRING ALONG YOUR OW N CREATIONS*

12/06/2013 12:23 JULY/AUGUST 2013

What’s On 12-14 July – FLOWER FESTIVAL at All Saints Church Wokingham, www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk A vibrant display of flowers and 12 colourful new vestment robes depicting the seasons of the Church. Children’s activities, including treasure trails, and refreshments. The tower will be open Sat afternoon to learn about the bells and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Wokingham. Fri/ Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm.

13-14 July – BASTILLE WEEKEND in Forbury Gardens, Reading, www.bastilledayreading.co.uk Forbury Gardens will be transformed for a family weekend celebrating the friendship and cultural ties between the UK and France. Fun includes a French market, sports, games, a French theatre and cooking demonstrations plus, it is hoped, an appearance by a French celebrity. Free entrance from 10am.

13 July – CAVERSHAM CHURCH FETE in Caversham Court Gardens, Caversham, Reading Set in beautiful grounds, the highlight of this traditional summer fete will be a flypast by aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight. Starts at 1.45pm.

14 July – NEWBURY CARNIVAL in central Newbury & Victoria Park, www.newburycarnival.co.uk Enjoy the Carnival Parade through the town centre and a fete and funfair being held in Victoria Park from 12-6pm which includes a fly-past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The theme this year is Travels in Time – Past, Present and Future.

13-14 July – CAVERSHAM FESTIVAL at Christchurch Meadows, Caversham, Reading, www.cavershamfestival.co.uk A free family-friendly festival organised

by Readipop with three stages of live music, bar and food stalls, craft and gifts stalls, a children’s area with creative fun, a tea and cake tent, drum and dance workshops for all ages, Sunday samba parade, boat rides and more.

13-14 July – WOODCOTE RALLY in Woodcote, RG8 0QY, www. woodcoterally.org.uk Festival of steam, vintage and veteran transport with entertainment, crafts, trade stands, children’s entertainment and a traditional fun fair. Saturday night entertainment includes hot air balloons, a fire show, live music and CAMRA’s famous Festival of Ale. This year it also features the Woodcote Air Show with displays by aircraft such as the Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane. Tickets: £10, child £5, family £25, online discounts. Gates open 10am.

17-18 July – OPEN AIR THEATRE at Mapledurham House, RG4 7TR, 0118 972 3350, www.mapledurham.co.uk Picnic on the lawns and enjoy the show.

Gates open at 6pm, performance 7pm.

Tickets: £13.50, child £9, family £40, gazebo hire available. 17 July Twelfth Night - Shakespeare’s comic tale of shipwrecks, sea storms and mistaken identity; 18 July The Hound of the Baskerville - an evening of theatre, mystery and suspense.

19-21 July – PENN FESTIVAL in Penn, Bucks, HP7 0PS, www.pennfestival.co.uk Family-friendly music festival meets village fete, all in a beautiful setting. Acts include Black Box, D:Ream, The Selecter, Nick Heyward, The Beat and more. Plus free circus workshops and creative activities in the kid’s zone, disco, street entertainers and more. Tickets: day £29, weekend £54, under 12s free. Camping available.

20 July – GORING & STREATLEY REGATTA at Streatley Farm, just above Cleeve Lock, www.goringgapbc.org.uk Alongside the rowing races on the river there will be plenty of land-based activities for all the family including a fun fair, classic cars, a performance arena, live music and beer and craft tents. Races are for all abilities from complete novices to experienced rowers and for adults and children. Beginners are given training prior to the event.

20-21 July – MARVELLOUS FESTIVALS at Wellington Country Park, Odiham Rd, Riseley, RG7 1SP, 0118 977 4350, www.marvellousfestivals.com Two days of live music, food, drink and fireworks plus lots of children’s activities in the Big Kids’ Village and Funfair. Tribute bands will play the music of Queen, Adele, Blondie, Paul Weller, Take That, Bob Marley, T Rex, Pink Floyd and lots more plus special guest star Gareth Gates.

20-21 July – THAMES TRADITIONAL BOAT RALLY at Fawley Meadows, Henley, 01932 888 415, www.tradboatrally.com A huge variety of traditional boats, plus crafts and trade stands, live jazz band, beer tent, Sat eve boat parade, children’s activities and entertainment, cruises, refreshments, vintage cars and bikes. Go dressed up in Edwardian or Victorian costume to add to the atmosphere. Advance tickets available online. Camping available.

20 July & 3 Aug – SILCHESTER ROMAN TOWN OPEN DAY at Silchester, 0118 378 6255, www.silchester.rdg.ac.uk Join the archaeologists from Reading University to discover what a real dig is like, with expert tours, talks, demonstrations and a range of children’s activities, typically including a mini excavation, dressing up, finds handling and planning. Suitable for all ages. Free event.

21 July – SUMMER FAIR at Shaw House, Church Rd, Newbury, RG14 2DR, 01635 279 279, www.shawhouse.org.uk Craft stalls, garden games, cake competitions and more.

21 July – FAMILY BUSHCRAFT ADVENTURE DAY at Padworth Common, Rectory Rd, Padworth, 01635 874 381, www.naturediscovery.org.uk Spend time with the rangers learning how to build a basic shelter, make a campfire and cook some lunch. Suitable for accompanied children aged 8+yrs.

10am-3pm. £8 per child, please book.

24 July – FAMILY HERITAGE WALK around Wokingham, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Find out about the story of James ‘Sooty’ Seaward, from child chimney sweep to town councillor and probable inspiration for Tom in The Water Babies.

11am. Suitable for families with children 6-12yrs, call library on 0118 978 1368 to book.

24-27 July – FESTIVAL OF BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY at Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, University of Reading, 0118 378 6990, www.reading.ac.uk/ure All events for accompanied children aged 6+yrs, 2-4pm, £3 contributions for materials, please book. 24 July Mummies - discover the secrets of mummification and make your own mummy complete with bandages and coffin case; 25 & 27 July Make a Pot – learn about Greek pots, have fun exploring the Museum and make a pot of your own from modrock (on 25th) or paint a pot (27th).

MANYDOWN FAMILY FUN

MAIZE MAZE

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Mega enjo

A family fun day out

Open daily 13 July - 8th September 2013 th

Piggy-tastic Maize Maze!

Find your way out of our pig shaped maze plus a full day of family fun...

NEW Tractor Tyre Mountain

Turn to pages 10-12 for farm park events

MANYDOWN FAMILY FUN

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Activities and events subject to change without notice. Maize growth dependent on weather.

* SA

Open daily 10am - 5.30pm

Meet our

animals Find us next to: Manydown Farm Shop on the B3400 Scrapps Hill Farm, 550 Worting Road, Basingstoke RG23 8PU Tel: 01256 220398 www.manydownfamilyfun.co.uk

MAIZE MAZE

day out A family fun

£5

All fun activities included in the entrance price

Inflatable Fun

UP

Adventure Play Tractor & Trailer Ride NEW Human Rabbit Warren Animal Handling Area Mega Bale Mountain Mini Tractors Giant Sandpit Trampolines Bouncy Castle Arts & Crafts Go-Karts Inflatable Slide Adorable Farmyard Animals Refreshments Free Car Parking

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* Save £1.25 off a child or adult day ticket, for up to 4 admissions with this voucher.

Terms & Conditions: 1. This voucher entitles the holder to £1.25 off a child or adult admission price, for up to 4 admissions per voucher. 2. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 3. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer, family entrance ticket, voucher or promotion.

4. A maximum of four adult or child admissions per voucher in one transaction. 5. This voucher must be presented at the time of use. 6. There is no alternative offer or cash alternative. 7. Photocopies, downloads from electronic versions of publications, forged or defaced vouchers are not accepted.

8. This voucher is only valid 13th July – 8th September 2013. 9. Events subject to change without notice.

Code: FTVW/S/13

www.manydownfamilyfun.co.uk

Thames Valley West

PAGE 19

What’s On August

25 July – POETRY SHOWS & WORKSHOPS at various Wokingham Libraries, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Dinos, Dragons and Other Beastie Poems with James Carter for families with children 6-12yrs. £3.50 per person or £12 for family of 4, please book.

Wokingham Library (0118 978 1368) 10.30-11.30am; Lower Earley (0118 969 0304) 1-2pm; and Woodley (0118 969 0304) 3-4pm. Hey Little Bug Poetry Show for under 7s at Wokingham Library, 9.45-10.15am, £2 per person or £6 for family of 4, please book.

25 July – TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC in Forbury Gardens, Reading, 0118 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org.uk Calling all bears! Bring your owners along and make some fun crafts in the sun.

10am-12noon & 1-3pm, 50p, drop in. (If weather is bad this event will be held in Reading Museum).

27 July – PAWS IN THE PARK at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell, RG12 2RX, 01344 354 441, www.bracknell-forest.gov. uk/parksandcountryside Enjoy a day out for all the family with canine activities including demonstrations, product displays, fun competitions, veterinary advice and more. Free entry, dogs on leads welcome. 11am-4pm.

27 July – NAOMI HOUSE FUN DAY at The Vyne, Vyne Rd, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, RG24 9HL, 01256 883 858, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne Help raise vital funds for Naomi House with this family fun day and discover The Vyne through riddles and rings. All Naomi House trails £4. Normal admission applies.

11am-5pm.

PAGE 20

Thames Valley West

Every Wednesday in Aug – FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS at Shaw House, Church Rd, Newbury RG14 2DR, 01635 279 279, www.shawhouse.org.uk Activities with a School Days theme for accompanied children, £1 additional charge. 10am-3.30pm.

2 Aug – BABE THE SHEEP PIG at Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley, RG9 4PG, 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greyscourt Open air adaptation of Dick King-Smith’s popular children’s tale about Babe the pig who uses politeness to herd sheep and who must win the county sheep dog trials to save his life. Gates open 5.30pm, performance 6.30- 8.30pm. Tickets: £15, child £9, please book.

Paws in the Park, 27 July 30 July, 6, 13, 20 & 27 Aug – WILDLIFE WATCHING RIVERBOAT TRIP from Hobbs of Henley boatyard, Station Rd, Henley, RG9 1AZ, 01491 572035, www.hobbs-of-henley.com Join the Chilterns Conservation Board and Hobbs of Henley for a voyage of discovery on the Hibernia to spot the hidden natural treasures between Henley and Hambleden.

3pm-4.15pm. Tickets: £8.50, child £5.

Advance booking available.

31 July-11 Aug – JAM THEATRE SHOWS at The Jam Theatre Studios, Marlow, www.jamtheatre.co.uk Jam Theatre, Marlow’s professional theatre company has two theatre shows this summer for the whole family to enjoy.

Spots and Stripes and Red Riding Hood and the 7 Dwarfs. Visit the website for more information and to buy tickets.

2 Aug – BIG TODDLE at Jubilee Day Nursery, Padworth, 0118 970 1600 A nursery rhyme and fairy tale themed adventure through fields and private woodland in aid of Barnardo’s.

10am-12noon. To register visit www. jubileedaynursery.co.uk before 26 July.

3-4 & 7 Aug – LONDON TRANSPORT TUBE 150 EVENT at Bucks Railways Centre, Quainton, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 4BY, 0207 565 7298, www.ltmuseum.co.uk These special open days celebrate the 150th anniversary of the London Underground, of which the Quainton Road station was once a part. Lots of family fun and steam train rides. For more details see page 11.

4 Aug – FAMILY FUN DAY at The Racecourse Newbury, RG14 7NZ, 01635 40015, www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk Craft, Bake and Race Day. Alongside the horse racing, families can enjoy a range of

craft and baking competitions, workshops and demonstrations with pony rides and a Kids Zone. Gates open 12 noon, last race 4.55pm. Tickets from £16, under 18s free.

6 Aug – ORIENTEERING OPEN EVENT at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell, RG12 2RX, 01344 354 441, www.bracknell-forest. gov.uk/parksandcountryside Enjoy a taste of orienteering on the permanent course set up at Lily Hill Park.

Test your physical and mental fitness by reading maps, finding points and solving the puzzle. Turn up anytime between 1pm3pm. Suitable for all.

6, 8 & 15 Aug – SPECIAL EVENTS at Whitley Library, Reading, RG2 7PX, 0118 901 5115, www.readinglibraries.org.uk For 6-10yrs (under 8s must be accompanied). Free but please book.

6 Aug PJ & Onesie Party - listen to some creepy tales, take part in some creepy activities and enjoy a hot chocolate and a biscuit. 6-7pm.

8 Aug Jacqueline Wilson event - take part in crafts and activities and listen to Jacqueline Wilson stories, refreshments provided. 2.30-4pm.

15 Aug Horrid Henry event - take part in crafts and activities and listen to Horrid Henry stories, refreshments provided. 2.30–4pm.

7 Aug – PRINCESS & PIRATE SUMMER PARTY at Eddie Catz Newbury, RG14 7NF, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Pirate Pete and Princess Pip will provide a fun filled three hour adventure with ice breaker games, role play, improvisation, singing, dancing and a craft activity plus a short performance to parents at the end. £22 to include lunch, refreshments and a free play in the playcentre. 10am-1pm.

Suitable for 4-8yrs.

JULY/AUGUST 2013

What’s On Photo of different location

8 Aug – HULLABALOO in Broad Street, Reading, www.livingreading.co.uk/hullabaloo Reading town centre hosts a day of family entertainment. Most of the activities are free and local stores will join in with offers and in-store activities. 11am-4pm. Visit website for further details.

Enjoy a Princess Tea Party, 11 Aug

19 Aug – STORYTELLIING SESSION at Wokingham Library, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Visit by illustrator Cathy MacLennan and an interactive storytelling session with her book Spooky, Spooky, Spooky. Part of the Art in Library exhibition. Free session.

11am. Please book on 0118 978 1368.

8 Aug – SUMMER TREASURE TRAIL at Dinton Pastures Country Park, nr Hurst, 0118 974 6343, www.wokingham.gov.uk/events Pick up an entry form from the café between 1-3pm and follow the clues to win a treat, 5-12yrs, £3 per child.

20 Aug – CREATURES OF THE NIGHT at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell, RG12 2RX, 01344 354 441, www.bracknell-forest. gov.uk/parksandcountryside Bring a torch and join the search for the bats and moths emerging as the sun sets.

8-9.30pm. Suitable for all.

9 Aug – SUMMER OF FUN DAY at Westmorland Park, Warfield, RG42 3QP, 01344 354 441, www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/parksandcountryside Free activities for young people including a climbing wall, bouncy castle, birds of prey and farm animals. 11am-3pm.

9-11 Aug – RETRO FESTIVAL at White Waltham Airfield, White Waltham, Maidenhead, SL6 3NJ, www.retrofestival.co.uk Live music, classic car displays, flying displays, retro market, funfair, roller rink, children’s activities and more.

10 Aug – DUBAI DUTY FREE SHERGAR CUP & LIVE CONCERT at Ascot Racecourse, SL5 7JX, 0870 727 1234, www.ascot.co.uk Four teams of top jockeys battle against each other in a thrilling six-race showdown plus an array of free activities to keep the whole family entertained, from fairground rides to urban display workshops (mostly aimed at over 10s). Gates open 11am, last race 3.50pm. Advance adult prices from £24.30, under 18s free.

10-18 Aug – DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS at Watercress Line, Alresford, Hants, 01962 733810 www.watercressline.co.uk Ride behind trains pulled by Thomas and friends and meet the Fat Controller plus magic show, miniature railway, refreshments, face painting and bouncy slide. Tickets: £16, child (2-16yrs) £10, family £48.

11 Aug – MOTHER & DAUGHTER’S PRINCESS TEA PARTY at Newbury Manor Hotel, London Rd, Newbury, RG14 2BY A gorgeous Mother and Daughter’s Princess Tea Party to be held at this stunning hotel situated on the banks of the rivers Kennet and Lambourne. 2 time slots available: 11am-1pm or 2-4pm.

Limited spaces. To book call 07974 158 433 or email lea@pinkteaparties.com 11 Aug – FAMILY FUN DAY at Windsor Racecourse, 01753 498 400, www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk Alongside the racing, there will be lots of

entertainers and free arts and crafts activities for 1-11yrs. 11am-4pm. £2 entry, children free.

free activities for children throughout the day and the chance to meet Rastamouse.

Under 18s free when accompanied by an adult.

14 Aug – SUMMER OF FUN DAY at South Hill Park North Lake, off Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 354 441, www.bracknell-forest. gov.uk/parksandcountryside See 9 Aug entry for details.

14 Aug – WIND IN THE WILLOWS at Mapledurham House, RG4 7TR, 0118 972 3350, www.mapledurham.co.uk Join Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad in this family show that contains music, song and dance and features a woodland parade during the interval that everyone can join.

Gates open 12noon, performance 1pm.

Tickets £13, child £9, family £38.

15 & 22 Aug – BAT WALK & TALK at Dinton Pastures Country Park, nr Hurst, 0118 974 6343, www.wokingham.gov.uk/events Spend an evening detecting live bats, for all ages. 8pm, £5, please book.

16-18 Aug – OPEN AIR CINEMA at Elms Field, Wokingham, RG40 2LD, www.wokinghamfestival.co.uk Free open air showings of a family friendly blockbuster. Screening starts around 8.45pm. Bring a picnic, enjoy family entertainment as well as the film and buy some popcorn. TBC please check website.

17 Aug – READING BABY & TODDLER SHOW at the Penta Hotel, Oxford Rd, Reading, RG1 7RH, www.babyevents.co.uk Local and national companies showing the latest products and services plus children’s

23-25 Aug – WOKINGHAM FESTIVAL at Elms Field, Wokingham, RG40 2LD, 0118 978 8801 www. wokinghamfestival.co.uk Three family friendly festivals in one – food and drink, beer and music. Friday evening there is live music, specialist beers and food. On Saturday and Sunday sample fine food and drink in the exhibitor marquee, watch a demo or just chill in the restaurant marquee while the children are kept happy in Children’s Corner. Plus live music both evenings.

Online tickets from £3.75.

26 Aug – TILEHURST FESTIVAL at Prospect Park, Liebenrood Rd, Reading, RG30 2ND, www. tilehurstfest.co.uk Entertainment for all the family with fairground, live local bands, beer pavilion, army machinery for kids of all ages to play on, food stalls, arts and crafts, games, sideshows, picnic area, kids entertainers, face painting and the Reading Chilli Cook-off.

26 Aug – OPEN DAY at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading, RG7 5NT, 0118 971 3330, www.ukwolf.org See the wolves and photograph them from the viewing platform, plus hug-aHusky, dog agility displays, animal roadshow, birds of prey, nature trail, archery, pond dipping, face-painting, bouncy castle and more. Refreshments and picnic areas available. 11am-5pm.

Advance tickets: £8 (£10 on gate), child £5, under 3s free, family £24 (£30 on gate). Sorry, no dogs allowed on site.

28 Aug – SUMMER OF FUN DAY at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground, Bracknell, RG12 2BH, 01344 354 441, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ parksandcountryside See 9 Aug entry for details.

28 Aug – FORBURY FUN: BUG MASKS in Forbury Gardens, Reading, 0118 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org.uk

Make some bright and beautiful bug masks. 10am-12noon & 1-3pm, 50p, drop in. (If weather is bad this event will be held in Reading Museum).

30 Aug – FAMILY FUN DAY at Eddie Catz Newbury, RG14 7NF, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Musical games in the disco room, football games, glitter tattoos and more with prizes and balloons. Recommended for 3-11yrs, but younger siblings are welcome.

10am-5pm. Tickets: £7.50 for 1 child and 1 adult, all activities and a child’s meal and drink. Free entry and activities for Eddie Catz members but email info@eddiecatz. com to book.

31 Aug-1 Sept – BERKSHIRE MOTOR SHOW at White House Lane, Spencers Wood, Reading, RG7 1HS, www.berkshire4x4show.co.uk Raising funds for the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Fun fair, Monster Truck rides, arena displays, stalls, hog roast, beer tent, animals, 4 x 4 clubs, classic vehicles, quad bikes and more. Day tickets £8, child £2.

1 Sept – ROTHERFIELD GREYS VILLAGE FETE at Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley, RG9 4PG Held in the beautiful surroundings of Greys Court this annual event has lots of traditional stalls and activities. 1-4.30pm.

Entrance £2, child £1, admission to the house £1 per person, all proceeds to the village hall and church.

7 Sept – A DAY FOR GRACE at Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane, Barkham, Wokingham, RG40 4PL, www. ayearforgrace.com/events/ A fun afternoon for all the family to raise funds for SSNAP (Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents). There will be a BBQ, licensed bar, bouncy castle, fire engine, entertainment for the kids, a small selection of stalls and a raffle. 12.30-4pm.

Nearly New Sales 6 July – BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKET at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane, off Beech Rd, Purley on Thames, RG8 8DR, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Large selection of quality nearly new and new goods for boys and girls from birth to 8yrs all under one roof. Great brands selling at bargain prices. 2-4pm. £1 entry, children free.

20 July – BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKET in Main Sports Hall, Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Woodlands Ave, Woodley, RG5 3EU, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk As above. 2-4pm.

27 July – BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKET in Sports Hall, FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North, Finchampstead, RG40 4ES, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk As above. 2-4pm.

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Turn to pages 14-16 for museum listings

Thames Valley West

PAGE 21

Outdoor Activities

All-weather fun Apparently it’s all down to the jet stream, but whatever the cause the distinctly ‘un-summery’ weather we’ve been having in recent years is really not much fun when you have bored children stuck at home. But don’t let the rain and wind put you off venturing out. In fact, embrace it and have some fun with these all-weather activities, taken from The Wild Weather Book. And before you know it the sun will be peaking its head out from behind the clouds – well, we can but hope!

Make a water run This fun challenge is a bit like making a marble run. Can you keep water flowing along an obstacle course without losing any on the way?

• You will need a collection of empty plastic bottles and containers, funnels and pouring cups, metal cans (beware of sharp edges) or even some old plastic guttering or water pipes – anything that can be made into a channel for water to flow down.

• Find some muddy puddles and push a few forked sticks into the mud. Cut bottles in half lengthways and fix them together by pushing them into cans. Make channels at different heights, checking that water can flow from one to the other.

• Pour puddle water down your run to see how well it works. If it starts to rain heavily, see if the rainwater rushes down your run.

• How far can you get the water to flow? Can you race little sticks or other natural materials down the run?

• Have a water run competition. Each team makes their own water run and puts a large container at the bottom to collect the water. The winning team is the one that collects the most water in the shortest time.

Make a wind sock These colourful plastic-bag wind socks can show you where the wind is coming from and how strong it is. They’re also fun to take running with you in the wind.

• Cut the bottom and the top off a plastic bottle or an ice-cream container to make a cylinder about 15cm/6in long.

• Pierce a hole in each side of one end of the cylinder and thread a long piece of wool or string through the holes to make a handle.

• Cut a large plastic bag or bin liner into a long tube-like shape, or perhaps cut out a more interesting shape, such as a fish or a snake. Tape together any loose edges on the long sides, but leave a hole at each end so that the wind can blow all the way through.

• Using staples or tape, attach one open end of the tube around the prepared plastic cylinder.

• Stick on bits of colourful plastic bag and add long streamers to decorate. Let the wind fill up your wind sock and bring it to life.

PAGE 22

Thames Valley West

Rain stencils These rain shadows of natural materials won’t last long, so have a camera ready to take a picture before they disappear. You’ll need to prepare before it starts raining.

• Collect leaves of different shapes and sizes.

Find a space on a patio or some paving, or put some sand in a tray and level the surface.

• Arrange leaves or other natural materials into a pattern or a picture in your chosen space. If it’s windy, put stones on the leaves so that they won’t blow away.

• Wait for a rain shower. Once it stops, pick up the leaves to reveal your stencil patterns. See if people can guess what natural materials you used by looking at the patterns.

There are loads more ideas of things to do outdoors in rain, wind and even snow in The Wild Weather Book by local authors Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield (Frances Lincoln, £9.99), which is also available as an ebook across Kindle and Apple platforms.

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Summer Activities

Happy Days!

School’s (nearly) out for summer so here’s our essential guide to making the coming weeks a fun-packed time. We’ve included day camps and play schemes, plus sports and outdoor activities, performing arts courses and craft workshops. As ever, we couldn’t fit everything into the magazine, so go online to www.familiestvw.co.uk/summeractivities to find lots more! And when you call, don’t forget to say that you saw the activity in Families.

Perform

Day Camps and Holiday Clubs Beenham Wolves Holiday Club opens at Beenham Primary School from 25 July–9 Aug for 4-11yrs, 8.30am-5.30pm.

Themed weeks with a variety of activities including off-site visits. £21 per day, £11 half day. 0118 971 3397.

Join an Energy Kidz, Ofsted registered Holiday Club for an action packed school holiday. Energy Kidz will revolutionise your child’s school holiday, helping to ensure every moment is an enjoyable one. Fantastic action packed days of fun filled activities for children aged 4-12 years old. Running in: Crowthorne, Windsor, Spencers Wood, Wargrave/Twyford, Slough, Winnersh, Wokingham and Caversham. Call 0845 519 4470, email info@energy-kidz.co.uk or visit www.Energy-Kidz.co.uk to book your child a place.

2Wild in Goring Heath, nr Pangbourne

run Wild Days packed with fun, games and learning activities in the beautiful beech woods throughout the summer.

Play fantastic games, camouflage yourself, explore nature, build a woodland hideout and have lunch around the campfire. For 5+yrs from £36 per day. 0118 326 8322, www.2wild.co.uk

KOOSA Kids offer affordable,

Star Hotshots Sports Camps

Multi activity Sports camps for 4-10yrs and Alternative Sports camps for 1114yrs. 15 July-31 Aug at Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning, St Joseph’s College, Reading, St. Piran’s School, Maidenhead and Newbury College, Newbury. Qualified PE teachers run fun sporting activities. Camp is open 8am-6pm with age group activities from 9.30am-4.30pm. £26 per day, £14 half day, early booking and weekly discounts. 0845 301 0450, www.star-hotshots.co.uk

Apollo Holiday Care Club in the MAPP Community Centre, Reading, RG1 2TD from 24 July-23 Aug for 4-11yrs.

Activities incl. dance & drama workshops, arts, crafts and off-site trips.

8.30am-5.30pm. £16 per day, £8 half day.

Children need to bring their own packed lunch. 0118 916 8416/7.

Ofsted approved childcare throughout the summer holidays. With over 350 activities on offer for 4-13 year olds, your child is sure to have a fun packed day with KOOSA Kids! Birch Hill Primary School, Bracknell 29 July-30 Aug and Waingels College, Woodley 22 July-30 Aug. Standard Day 10am4pm, Extended Days from 8.15am6pm. Fantastic low prices from £18.25 with 8% discount when booking full week, 3rd child goes free. 0845 0942 322, info@koosakids.co.uk, www.koosakids.co.uk

Arborfield Garrison Holiday Club runs for 4 weeks in August, 9am-4pm.

Held at Poperinghe Pre-School for ages 3-5yrs, 0118 976 2427, and at AWS Community Complex for 5-11yrs, dates to be confirmed. 0118 976 3276, www.poperinghe.co.uk

Bojangles Holiday Club is running at Cygnets of Henley, Valley Road School in Henley from 23 July-2 Sept for 4-12yrs, 8am-6pm. Arts, crafts, field games, choreographed dance sessions, themed days and lots more. 01491 414 434, nurserymanager@btconnect.com Camp Mohawk is a day centre for children with special needs, particularly autism, set in beautiful woodland near Wargrave. Open to families from 20 July-4 Sept, Tues-Sun, 10am (11am on Sun)4pm, it features a swimming pool with beach type approaches, sensory garden, soft play room, adventure playground and multi-sensory suite. Activities incl. arts, crafts and circus skills. Family Membership allows unlimited use for as little as £1 per month, group charges vary. Specific family days, events and closures will be posted on the website, 0118 940 4045, www. campmohawk.org.uk

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We're having a Ball!

Teddy Tennis

For details and availability call:

for 2½-6 year olds Ascot Bracknell Datchet Egham

Maidenhead Staines Virginia Water Windsor

Holiday camps available

t: 0845 643 1173 e: doug@teddytennis.com www.teddytennis.com

0118 328 23 21 (Little Kickers Reading & Wokingham)

or email the team at nempson@littlekickers.co.uk Classes in Winnersh, Woodley, Reading, Tilehurst, Caversham, Wokingham & Crowthorne. Classes run throughout the week and weekends, mornings and afternoons.

01628 526 584 (Little Kickers Maidenhead) or email Ben at bevans@littlekickers.co.uk Classes in Maidenhead, Bourne End, Marlow & Henley-onThames. Classes run during the week and weekends, mornings and afternoons.

Approved football training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years

www.littlekickers.co.uk

Find our full directory at www.familiestvw.co.uk/summeractivities

Thames Valley West

PAGE 23

Summer Activities Pla

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Cotswold Sports Centre in

Kennet Leisure Centre in Thatcham is running camps with Sports Xtra, 6 weeks of mixed Activity Camps for 5-12yrs from 25 July.

Activities include Dance, Sports, Spy, Adventure, Detective, Futsal, Martial Arts. www.sports-xtra.com

The Funzone Holiday Club

runs from 22 July-30 Aug MondayFriday from 8pm-6pm for children aged 6-12. Activities are run by Ofsted registered coaches, lunch and drinks are also provided. For more information, please call 0118 952 6949 or visit www.kids-n-action.com

Tilehurst is running camps for 5-12yrs with Sports Xtra, 6 weeks of Mixed Activity Camps starting 25 July. Activities include Dance, Sports, Spy, Adventure, Detective, Futsal and Martial Arts. ÂŁ25 per day. www.sports-xtra.com

at Mrs Blands Infant School in Burghfield Common runs from 25 July-23 AugPage & 2-3 Sept 13:16 1 for 5-11yrs, 8am-6pm. ÂŁ18 per day, ÂŁ10 half day. 0118 983 2779.

Greyfriars Holiday Club in

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 & Twyford

Movement • rhythms • songs • instruments • games

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

central Reading runs all school holidays for children 3-8yrs, 22 July-4 Sept, 8am-6pm. Activities include arts, crafts, games, treasure hunts, cinema and museum trips and visits to local parks. ÂŁ35 per day (incl. meals and all activities), shorter sessions and weekly discounts available. 0118 958 9558, www.greyfriarsnursery.co.uk

Henley Outdoor Play Scheme

will run at Trinity Church of England School in Vicarage Road, Henley from 29 July-2 Aug, 9am-12.55pm for 5-12yrs. Swingboats, inflatables, beauty room, woodwork, cookery, arts and crafts, needlework, zorbs, judo, climbing wall, go karts, ukelele workshop. ÂŁ15 per session. www.hopshenley.co.uk

John Nike Leisuresport Complex has Multi-Activity camps

for 8-13yrs and Ski (8-15yrs) and Snowboard (9-15yrs) camps on the 24-26 July, 29 July-2 Aug, 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30 Aug. Ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, broomball, team sports, sno-tubing, Cresta Run and more.

Camps from ÂŁ32 per day. 01344 789 000, www.jnlbracknell.co.uk

Jubilee Jets is a fun outdoor-

based holiday club for children aged 5-11yrs, open 8am-6pm which runs every school holiday including summer from 25 July-3 Sept. Located on School Road, Padworth Common a wide variety of fun activities are offered including quad biking, animal care, trampolining, woodland adventures, arts, crafts, biking and much much more. Booking forms and prices are available to download from website. 0118 970 1600, www.jubileejets.co.uk

PAGE 24

Thames Valley West

Kids’n’Action Holiday Club

King’s Camps at Queen Anne’s

School, Caversham. Flexible dates from 24 July-23 Aug for 4-17 yrs.

Inspiring multi-activity camps with specialist football, cricket and dance coaching available. 0845 643 5272, www.kingscamps.org

Mill Meadows Nursery are

running a holiday club from 22 July30 Aug in Henley for 1-6yrs, various sessions available between 8.30am6pm. 01491 577 423, www.millmeadowsnursery.co.uk

Northcroft Recreation Centre

in Newbury is running Sports Camps over the school holidays for 5-12yrs, 8.30am-5.30pm, ÂŁ25 per day, ÂŁ100 for 5 days. 01635 31199, www.leisurecentre.com

Oxford Active is running a Summer Camp at Holme Grange School, Wokingham from 15 July-31 Aug for 3-14yrs, 8.30am-5.30pm. Sports, arts, crafts, drama and dance. 01865 594 325, www.oxfordactive.co.uk

Rivermead Leisure Complex

has their Holiday Playscheme running from 29 July-16 Aug and 27-30 Aug for 8-15yrs, 8.30am-6pm, with a range of activities from badminton, squash and swimming to arts and crafts, football and laser tag. ÂŁ17 per day. Special Offer: only ÂŁ14 per day if booked before 7 July. Plus Holiday Playscheme drop-in sessions for 5-15yrs. 10-11am & 11-12noon, at ÂŁ3.65 per session. 0118 901 5000, www.better.org.uk

Super Camps Multi-Activity Camps are ideal for children aged 4-14yrs who want to try a wide variety of activities.

Camps run all summer at: • Bearwood College near Wokingham; • LVS School Ascot;

• Trinity School just outside Newbury; • St Neot’s Prep School, Eversley; • and Sherfield School between Reading and Basingstoke.

A RAW Adventure Camp, with outdoor survival activities for 7-14yrs, will also run at Bearwood College from 12-23 Aug, St Neot’s School from 26-30 Aug and Sherfield School.

Plus week-long A Passion For‌ workshops for 6-16yrs at Bearwood (Arts & Crafts and Invention), Trinity School (Come Dine with Us and Creative Confectionery) and St Neot’s School (Come Dine with Us and Arts & Crafts).

Camp core hours are 9am-5pm with extended hours 8-9am and 5-6pm available for a small additional charge. 01235 832 222 or book online www.supercamps.co.uk

WASPS Holiday Club at Warfield Primary School will be open from 24 July-16 Aug for 4-11yrs, 8.45am-6pm. ÂŁ21 per day, ÂŁ12.50 half day. 01344 304 460.

Waverley Holiday Club in

Finchampstead runs from 15 July-3 Sept, 8am-6pm. Themed weeks with arts, crafts, cooking, sports, dance, music and more. 07557 379591/0118 973 1121, www.waverleyschool.co.uk

The Wayz Day Camps Activity Scheme in Harmans Water,

Bracknell will run from 29 July-23 Aug from 8.30am-5pm, for 8-13yrs.

01344 483 596/ 07928 816 186, email gareth.mepham@ berkshireyouth.co.uk, www.thewayzyouth.co.uk

Willink Leisure Centre, in Burghfield Common, is running Camp Adventure from 23 July–4 Sept for 5-12yrs, 8am-6pm. Activities include football, swimming, tennis, arts, crafts and much more, prices start from £15 per day. 0118 983 4845, www.leisurecentre.com Woodcote Holiday Club, at the

Cabin Pre-School in the grounds of Woodcote Primary School, runs from 23 July–16 Aug, 9am-3pm for 2½-7yrs. 8.30am start available.

Indoor and outdoor activities, arts and crafts plus bring your own bike. ÂŁ22.50 per day, shorter sessions available. 01491 682 300 to prebook or 01491 680 854 to book on the day, www.thecabinpreschool.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Summer Activities

Sports courses and outdoor activities Reading Football Club Community Trust is running a

wide range of soccer schools for 5-14yrs over the summer holidays including goalkeeping and girlsonly courses. Locations include the Madejski Academy training centre, Palmer Park in Reading, Henwick Thatcham, Sherfield on Loddon, Zebon Copse Community Centre Church Crookham and Goals Centre in Woodley. Website has full list and a booking form. 0118 968 1480, www.readingfc.co.uk/community

Bracknell Leisure Centre has lots of

activities throughout the Summer Holidays including Fun Sessions for under 4’s, football, trampolining, dance, gymnastics and badminton. Swimming courses include parent and toddler classes, synchronised swimming and stroke-specific clinics. Dive in this Summer! 01344 454 203, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Parks are running Wild Ones

activities. At Sandhurst Memorial Park on 1 Aug have a minibeast adventure, hunt for bugs and then create your own wallpaper snails, egg box bugs and wiggly worms, 2-4pm. £3.50. At Lily Hill Park on 13 Aug learn about trees and plants and have a go at campfire cookery, 1pm–3pm, 6+yrs, £2. 15 Aug at Westmoreland Park, Warfield make your own windmills, frisbees, streamers and flying fish then enjoy them outside, 2-4pm, 5-11yrs, £3.50. All events must be booked. 01344 354 441, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ parksandcountryside

Bulmershe Gymnastics Club, in

Bushcraft Adventure Days are being held on 1, 8 & 22 Aug in Greenham Common woods for 8-14yrs. Build a basic shelter, learn about campfires and cook your own lunch, 10am-3pm, £15 per child, please book. 01635 874 381, www.naturediscovery.org.uk Dinton Activity Centre, situated in Sandford Lane near Hurst, runs Wild Days during the holidays for 8-16yrs with sailing, rock-climbing, map reading, bush craft, shelter making, raft building, island adventures, wildlife paddles, water splash regatta day and more.

Book for a day or a week. Also available are sailing and kayaking courses for 8+yrs and boat hire. 0118 974 6343, www.wokingham.gov.uk/mac Dinton Pastures Country Park near

Hurst has Ranger-led pond dipping sessions for accompanied children on 25, 30 July, 7, 13 & 15 Aug. Discover some amazing underwater creatures. 5+yrs, 11am & 2pm, £5, please book. 0118 974 6343, www.wokingham.gov.uk/events

Downshire Golf Complex at

Easthampstead Park, Wokingham has golf camps for 8-14yrs on various dates throughout the summer, 10am-4pm. £30 per day (includes lunch and refreshments).

01344 302 030, www.bracknell-forest. gov.uk/downshiretuition

Elite Soccer School is running football,

multi-sports and street dance courses at various locations across Caversham and Reading over the summer holidays. Different coaching topic each day, fun games and mini matches, medals and prizes to be won, boys and girls, 4-12yrs discounts for siblings and early booking. 07769 701 209, www.readingelitesoccer.com

G.R. Swimming Schools is running an intensive swimming course from 29 July-2 Aug at Brockhurst School,

Hermitage, Thatcham. The small, friendly classes teach beginners and improvers from 3½yrs and cost £50 for the week.

For more able swimmers, snorkelling and diving course incl. stroke technique are available for £60 which includes a mask and snorkel to keep). 0845 094 1575, www.swimlessons.co.uk

Reading Rockets summer camps are

JEMA Swim School. Learn to swim

have free swimming sessions for children with a Your Reading Passport during weekdays in the school holidays. NB Arthur Hill Pool is currently closed. They will also be running various fun sessions for all ages. Pick up a brochure at any of the RSL centres or see www.readingleisure.co.uk

and stroke imp from 3yrs, ASA badge scheme. Parent/Toddler/Baby, Adult at St. Mary’s School, South Ascot and Dukes Covert, Bagshot. ASA qualified teachers 20yrs experience. Chris Shepherd 01784 455 205, 07702 412 090, email: cshep66@hotmail.co.uk

Little Kickers are continuing classes throughout the summer and also running holiday course programs in July and Aug for ages 3-7yrs. Camps run for 4 hours a day and are a great way for children to burn off energy, learn new skills, meet new friends and have fun keeping healthy.

Reading, Wokingham & Winnersh area 0118 328 2321, Henley, Maidenhead, Bourne End and Marlow area 01628 526 584, www.littlekickers.co.uk

Pinewood Gymnastics Club will be providing fun gymnastics activities and courses for children. From activity day camps to specific skill workshops, they have everything needed to keep your children entertained and active during the holiday. Contact the gym for further details on 01344 773237 or www.pinewoodgymnastics.co.uk

Reading Borough Council's Reading Play service is running Holiday clubs from 29 July-30 Aug at Highdown School, Emmer Green and Hamilton Road, Reading; and from 24 July-4 Sept at Waterloo Meadows Children’s Centre, Reading. Full childcare for 4-12yrs. 0118 937 2637, www.readingplay.co.uk

Woodley, is running classes every Tuesday from 23 July-27 Aug for children from walking upwards. See website for details and booking form. 0118 926 3686, www.bulmershegymnastics.co.uk

Bulmershe Leisure Centre in Woodley will be running intensive swimming courses for beginners and improvers in the school holidays. Min age 5yrs, £21.20 with Woodley Recreation Card, £23 without. Also intensive trampolining lessons for beginners and improvers and football camp. Racket attack-badminton, table tennis and short tennis sessions for £1 per child per hour.

Children can swim for £1 during the holidays, weekdays 9am-3pm. 0118 926 8733, www.woodley.gov.uk

being held at John Madejski Academy in South Reading. MiniBallers Camp for 5–7yrs runs 25-26 July, 10am-12noon, £20. Junior Camp for 8–16yrs from 30 July-2 Aug, 10am-3pm, £80. 0118 926 3040, www.reading-rockets.com

Reading Sport and Leisure Centres

South Oxon and Vale District Councils are running a range of sporting

activities including archery for 8-14yrs at Abbey Rugby Club in Emmer Green; hockey for 6-12yrs at Henley Hockey Club; horse riding for 5-16yrs at Checkendon; kayaking for 9-16yrs at Henley Canoe Club; and fencing, martial arts and table tennis at Henley Leisure Centre. To check details and book visit www.southoxon.gov.uk/sport

Teddy Tennis run tennis courses for 2½-6yrs during the main school holidays in various Berkshire locations including Bracknell, Ascot and Maidenhead. Book a week’s course or just a single lesson and enjoy a combination of music, pictures and teddy bear stories that provides a fun way to get active and learn to play tennis. 0845 643 1173, www.teddytennis.com Theale Green Recreation Centre

has football summer courses for 8-14yrs, 5 Aug Tues/Wed/Thurs, 12 Aug Tues/Wed/ Thurs, 19 Aug Tues/Wed/Thurs. £20 per day or £55 for three days. 0118 932 3725, www.leisurecentre.com

West Berkshire Pond Dipping on 7 July at Hosehill Lake Nature Reserve, Station Rd, Theale, 10am & 11.30am, and on 31 July at Snelsmore Common, Wantage Rd, Thatcham, 10am & 2pm.

Discover the wildlife that lives in water.

Both sessions £3.50, please book. 01635 874 381, www.naturediscovery.org.uk Wokingham Active Kids’ Multisports camps run from 22 July-30 Aug

Get in the swim at Bracknell Leisure Centre

at St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, Wokingham and Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Lower Earley for 5-12yrs, flexible hours between 8am-6pm. Activities include football, swimming, dance, tennis, trampolining, cricket, judo, touch rugby and basketball.

A buddy can be provided for children with additional needs. Sports academies are also being held at Cantley Park, Wokingham for tennis, football, cricket, BMX racing and netball at various times over the holidays for 5-12yrs. 0118 974 3728, www.wokingham.gov.uk/sports

Action packed days of fun filled activities for children aged 4-11 yeards old, all delivered within a safe and supervised environment at the following schools: Hatch Ride School - Crowthorne Lambs Lane - Spencers Wood The Piggott School - Wargrave Hilltop First School - Windsor The Coombes School - Arborfield St Paul's Junior - Wokingham Emmer Green Primary - nr Caversham Running 8am-8pm

www.Energy-Kidz.co.uk 0845 519 4470 info@energy-kidz.co.uk

Find our full directory at www.familiestvw.co.uk/summeractivities

Thames Valley West

PAGE 25

Summer Activities

Performing arts 1, 2 Step Dance Academy’s Summer Dance Course. An action

packed week including a variety of dance styles, learning dance routines, exploring musical theatre with WEST END performer/guest teacher, t-shirt painting, choreography, hair and makeup sessions, prop making and much more. Monday 29 July-Friday 2 Aug at The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham. Open to students aged 6 years and over regardless of ability.

For further information and enrolment form contact Michelle on: 0118 962 7144, onetwostepdanceacademy@ hotmail.co.uk

Artemis Studios Performing Arts SUMMER SCHOOLS! Held

in their own private studios, Bracknell, Berkshire. 29 July-2 August. Ages 4-17 (three groups). Artemis are Ofsted registered and accept childcare vouchers. 4-11year olds will work on Musical Theatre - looking at Alice in Wonderland. Older students (12-17yrs) will make a film. High teacher to pupil ratio. Maximum of 15 children in each group. From £150 per person, discounts available. 01344 429 403, www.artemis-studios.co.uk

Jam Theatre, Marlow’s professional theatre company are running a CREATIVE WEEK of workshops 27-31 August full of fun half and full day activities for kids aged 7-15yrs. Plus TWO THEATRE SHOWS for the whole family to enjoy. “SPOTS & STRIPES” and “RED RIDING HOOD AND THE 7 DWARFS” 31 July-11 August. Taught by top industry professionals, all details can be found on the website www.jamtheatre.co.uk, 01628 483 808, or pop into Jam Theatre Studios, 45A West Street Marlow.

Stagecoach Wokingham has

a summer workshop on 19-23 Aug in the beautiful setting of Bearwood College. Work with industry professionals to develop skills in the performing arts and to produce West End Kidz, a show filled with West End favourites such as Matilda, Shrek and Oliver. Fully costumed performance on the final day in a professional theatre! £110 (siblings £90) for 4-6yrs, 9am-12pm; £150 (siblings £120) for 7-18yrs, 9.30am-4pm. Also now recruiting for new Saturday classes.

0118 371 2998, www.stagecoach. co.uk/wokingham

All Stars Theatre Academy Summer School runs from 19-23 Aug, 9.30am-

Dramatix Productions Summer Schools! Dramatix Performance

Course at Cranford House School from Tuesday 13th-Friday 16th August, 10am-4pm. Street dance, musical theatre, drama, singing technique, with a showcase at 5.30pm on last day. Ages 6-16. £110. Dramatix Dance Course at Cranford House on Monday 19th August-Thursday 22nd Aug, 10am-4pm with a dance show on the last day at 5.30pm. Age 6-16. £110. Or attend both for £205! Sibling discounts available. 07886 918 492, enquiries@ dramatixproductions.co.uk

3pm, at Burghfield Sports & Social Club for 4+yrs. Optional breakfast club from 8.30am.

The course includes ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, tap, Zumbatomic, drama, musical theatre, singing and more plus a show for parents at the end. 0118 986 8000, www.allstardance.co.uk

Berzerk Productions is running an

exciting Summer School from 29 July2 Aug, 10am-4pm, at The Oakwood Centre, Woodley. Their classic Show in a Week will see children from 8+yrs work towards a theatrical production on the last day including singing, drama, makeup, costumes and so much more. Limited places so please book early. gemma@

berzerkproductions.com, on line booking at www.berzerkproductions.com - or give them a call on 07863 734 830.

HQ from 26-30 Aug. Learn all about the voice and how to get the best out of it, £198. 07881 638 783, www.sota.uk.com

Enchanted Players Theatre Company has Street Dance for 5-12yrs

Sima’s Action Kids is running fun action-packed interactive singing, dancing and games sessions at Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidnehead, for under 7s on 30 July & 6 Aug, 11.15am-12noon. £4.75 per session, £7 for 2 siblings. Places limited, book at Magnet on 01628 685 333.

Contact Sima on 07956 993 439 or info@ simasactionkids.com

on 16 Aug in Twyford, 10am-4pm, £25, siblings 20% off. Also Shakespeare’s Play In 3 Days at URC Hall, Twyford from 26-28 Aug, 9am-3pm, for 4-9yrs & 10-16yrs, £80, 2nd child 20% off. 07950 298720, www.enchantedplayers.co.uk

Hartbeeps is running music and sensory

courses for babies and toddlers in Bracknell, Wokingham, and Henley. For more information, email liz@hartbeeps.com or call 07985 935 662. www.hartbeeps.com

MAD Academy are running high energy

themed summer music and dance courses for babies and children aged 3 mths-5yrs.

Movement, dancing, musical instruments, balls, parachutes, rhythms and lots of music, dance and imagination for parent and child to enjoy together. Themed workshops at: Lady of Peace Church, Earley on Friday mornings from 26 July-16 Aug, 4-week course £22, 0118 977 0050. Summer workshops also available at: Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Henley on 5 & 12 Aug; The Village Hall, Charvil on 2, 9 & 16 Aug; and The Sea Cadet HQ, Marlow on 12 & 19 Aug, 0118 979 2695. www.madacademy.com

Perform have a 5-day Summer Experience course in Wokingham for 4-8yrs based on the story of Aladdin and combining live original music, dance, colourful costumes and improvisation into a colourful mini performance on the final day. 12-16 Aug, 2.30-4.30pm. 0845 400 1283, www.perform.org.uk • 10% discount if you quote Families TVW when booking Razzamataz Theatre Schools

present I Dreamed a Dream- based on Les Mis. Meet a West end star from the show plus a week of acting, singing, street dance, musical theatre, drama and costume making at Waingels College, Woodley, on 5-9 Aug. 10am-3.30pm for 6-16yrs and 10.15am-1pm for 4-5yrs.

Includes free show and costumes. Prices start from £85 for the week. 01189 791 814/ 07970 034488

School of the Arts (SOTA) are

running Screen School, 3-days of intensive screen acting and auditioning tuition, at Reading Girl’s School from 22-24 Aug for 9-18yrs. Included in the £180 fee is a day with a leading casting director/agent. Also, Sing, Sing, Sing, a 5-day vocal tuition course for 8-18yrs held at SOTA’s Reading

All Stars Summer School 19th to 23rd August 2013

Drama, Singing, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Zumbatomic classes plus lots more!

Free performance on Friday afternoon for parents Age 4yrs upwards from 9.30am to 3pm (breakfast club available)

For further details contact Louise on 01189 868000 email: info@allstardance.co.uk www.allstardance.co.uk PAGE 26

Thames Valley West

StageAbility Stage School is running Summer Theatre Schools in Burghfield, Tilehurst and Wokingham from 5-9 Aug with a theatre performance on 10 Aug. Act, sing and dance your way through Stronger Together, a High School-based musical written specially for children, featuring wellknown pop songs. Suitable for 5-16yrs, beginners welcome. £95 per week, 10% sibling discount. 0118 933 3791, www.berkshire.stageability.co.uk Stagecoach Theatre Arts have summer workshops offering training in performance arts such as dance, drama, voice and singing and working towards a final day performance. All courses offer sibling discounts. For more information visit www.stagecoach.co.uk • Stagecoach Newbury (0870 061 3526) has Show Them How It’s Done! at The Clere School, Burghclere on 29 July-2 Aug for 8-16yrs, 10am-4pm (8pm on Fri), £130/sibling £105.

• Stagecoach Henley (01494 533 203) is running Learn a Musical in a Week for 6-16yrs, £150, and Early Toes Activity Week for 4-6yrs, £85, both run 29 July-2 Aug at Valley Road School, Henley.

• Stagecoach Wokingham (0118 371 2998) has West End Kidz, workshops that are being held in the stunning setting of Bearwood College on 19-23 Aug for 4-6yrs, £110, and 6-18yrs, £150.

• Stagecoach Bracknell North (0845 055 6382) is running workshops in Brownlow Memorial Hall, Newell Green from 29 July-2 Aug. StageWorks Summer Dance & Drama Workshops for 5+yrs, 10am–3pm, £20 per day, £37.50 for two days, £56.25 for three days at The Studio, Henley on 23-25 July. Also Disco Divas Club morning on 26 July at 9.30-10.30am for 3-5yrs and 10-11.30am for 6-8yrs, only £4 per child.

Call 01491 877205 or email enquiries@stageworks.org.uk, www.stageworks.org.uk

Fun summer holiday camp for children aged 4-12 years Arts & Crafts, field games, choreographed dance sessions, themed days and other exciting recreational activities to keep your child busy and entertained throughout their school break. The holiday club is open daily during all school holidays from 8am – 6pm.

Summer Club 2012 will run from Tuesday 23rd July – Monday 2nd September Contact Christine for more details on (01491) 414434, email: nurserymanager@btconnect.com Cygnets of Henley, Valley Road School, Valley Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1RR

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Summer Activities

READING

BRACKNELL

CAVERSHAM

FREE SAMPLE SESSION

Experience a brilliant training in performing arts delivered by professional performers and coaches, learning skills, techniques and working towards shows, productions & showcases.

SOTA SEEDS: 3-4 yrs

A fantastic introduction SOTA SAPPHIRES: 5-6 yrs to performing arts.

SOTA SCHOOL: 7-16 yrs

3x hrs of dance, singing & acting masterclasses

We also offer ISTD Modern, Tap & Ballet & LAMDA Acting Exams gaining pupils valuable UCAS points.

OUTSTANDING DANCE, SINGING & DRAMA TRAINING

Tel: 07833 221135 Email: enrol@sota.uk.com

Book online: www.sota.uk.com

Mad Academy

Dance, Drama, Singing Classes, Street Jazz, LAMDA Exams, Adult Tap, Ladies Dance, Just Dance, Holiday Workshops, Personal Training and Boot Camps for Ages 4 – 84+ We rehearse for LIVE PERFORMANCES at Professional Working Theatres/Presentations/Festivals/Carnivals/Charity Events all year round...!

Summer Workshops 23-26th July ‘StageWorks is one of the leading performing arts schools in the local area’ Schools in Henley, Caversham, Cookham & Benson’ Call 01491 877205 for your FREE trial or email enquiries@stageworks.org.uk

www.stageworks.org.uk

Find our full directory at www.familiestvw.co.uk/summeractivities

Thames Valley West

PAGE 27

Summer Activities

Arts and crafts Britain’s leading National Physical Play Programme

There are lots more craft sessions listed on our Museum pages.

INTRODUCTORY OFFERS AVAILABLE Classes in Reading, Wokingham, Winnersh, Woodley & Finchampstead

Call Helen on 0118 9736711 www.tumbletots.com/reading Classes in Bracknell, Ascot & Yateley

Call Jo on 07801 700812 www.tumbletots.com/BracknellForest Classes in Marlow, Henley, Maidenhead & Bourne End

Call Alison on 01494 880063 www.tumbletots.com/marlow

Paint your own pottery at the Kiln Ceramic Cafe in Henley.

Throughout the summer we are introducing new Decopatch and Paint’n’Take sessions, using acrylics, glitters and special papers, as well as our ever popular pottery painting.

Always popular with baby prints, birthday parties, wedding plates, unique gifts to make, and something for everyone! (Booking advised). 01491 414 254, www.kiln-cafe.co.uk

Eddie Catz Playcentre in Newbury has a Build a Bear Workshop on 14 Aug for 4-8yrs. Choose, stuff, fluff and adopt a cuddly teddy, bunny or doggy and make a special T-shirt, 10am-1pm, £15 which includes lunch and a play in Eddie Catz after the workshop, please book. 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com

You name it We label it!

Lunchboxes • Water Bottles Books • Uniforms • Footwear

T: 01635 298326 www.easy2name.com

PAGE 28

Thames Valley West

Turn to the back cover to win labels from Easy2Name

Reading Libraries (www. readinglibraries.org.uk) are running free weekly drop in craft sessions. No need to book unless stated.

• Caversham Library every Thursday from 25 July-29 Aug (incl.), 2.15-3.15pm; • Southcote Library every Thursday from 25 July-29 Aug for 6+yrs, 10.3011.30am, all sessions must be booked, 0118 901 5109; • Reading Central Library every Friday from 26 July-30 Aug, for under 9s, 10.3011.30am; • Whitley Library every Friday from 26 July-30 Aug, for under 9s, 10.3011.30am, all sessions must be booked, 0118 901 5115; • Palmer Park Library every Monday from 29 July-2 Sept, for 5+yrs, 10-11am, all sessions must be booked, 0118 901 5106; • Tilehurst Library every Tuesday from 30 July-3 Sept, for 5+yrs, 3pm-4pm; • Battle Library every Friday from 2 Aug-6

Sept, all ages welcome, 3-4pm.

The River & Rowing Museum in Henley has a 4-day Discover Art! course running on 31 July, 2, 7 & 9 Aug. 10am3.30pm. Learn different techniques, use a variety of media, explore the Museum and have fun. 7-11yrs, £125.50 to include all tuition, materials, light refreshments and award certificate. 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk South Hill Park has an Arts Factory workshop on 25 July for 4-11yrs using clay, collage, drawing and sculpture, 10am12noon, £18/Members £17. Creative with Clay workshops run on 25 July and 12-13 Aug for 7-12yrs, £17/£18 for 1-day and £34/£36 for 2-day course. 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk Wokingham Libraries are running

various story and craft sessions for £1 per child between 5-15 Aug. Little Explorer Time for under 6s, drop in and hear some spidery tales and make a spider to take home: • 5 Aug Twyford 2-2.45pm, Arborfield 2.45-3.30pm & Maiden Erlegh 3.30-4.15pm; • 7 Aug Wargrave 10-10.45am; • 8 Aug Woodley 11-11.45am & Lower Earley 1.45-2.30pm; • 9 Aug Wokingham 10-10.45am; • 14 Aug Finchampstead 10-10.45am & Winnersh 3.15-4pm; • 15 Aug Spencers Wood 10.45-11.30am.

Creepy House Stories & Crafts for under 13s, listen to creepy stories and make your own creepy house or creature, please book unless stated as drop in: • 5 Aug Arborfield (drop in) 2.15-2.45pm; • 7 Aug Finchampstead (0118 908 8176) 10-11am & Winnersh (0118 979 7519) 2-3pm; • 8 Aug Spencers Wood (drop in) 10.3011.30am & Maiden Erlegh (0118 966 6630) 2.30-3.30pm; • 12 Aug Twyford (drop in) 2-3pm; • 15 Aug Woodley (0118 969 0304) 10.30-11.30am & Lower Earley (0118 969 0304) 2-3pm; • 16 Aug Wokingham (drop in) 10.3011.30am & Wargrave (drop in) 2.153.15pm.

Get Arty for under 13s at Wokingham Library on 8 Aug, drop in between 2-4pm and make some mysterious crafts. www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Computer Games

How to help your children play safely Do you worry that your child spends too long on their games console? Research has shown that some video games can have a negative impact on children’s behaviour, such as increased aggression. However screens are increasingly turning into electronic babysitters, with young people in the UK spending more time plugged in than ever. We spoke to leading national charity Care for the Family who have come up with some ideas to help parents manage their children’s access to computer and video games.

Five top tips for parents:

1 Watch your kids while they play Mum Liz says: “I was shocked when I watched my son playing a fighting game. If he failed to clear a level he would get really angry. If I wanted to talk to him he would be very irritable and rude. I used to watch for those signs frustration, aggression, rudeness - and if I felt a game was just too much for him, I’d encourage him to take time out.”

2 Use the guidance you’re given All games sold in the UK include age ratings and most also have indicators of content on the cover.

In addition, there are several magazines and websites which review games.

If your kids are serious gamers, then they may already buy magazines regularly - take a few minutes to flick through one and familiarise yourself with this world. Insist that you vet any games before they are bought - and try to make sure you see any games they borrow from friends before they start playing them. Talk to the parents of your child’s friends to see if you can agree a consistent approach.

3 Set time limits on playing games Agree time limits in advance according to the age of your child. Dad Jon says: “The longer children play the lower their concentration span is so a positive way to set time limits is to explain that to your kids. If they are stuck on a level, it might be worth them taking ‘time out’ to return to their challenge with a fresh

mind. When they get back to the game after a break, they’ll be surprised how quickly they can overcome the obstacles which have been frustrating them.”

4 Play the games with your kids Make it an activity you can do together. Dad Matt says: “Playing games with my children is a great way to monitor what’s out there. It wouldn’t be fair to say ‘that’s unsuitable’ when I have no idea what the game is about or involves.

I also find it a great way to bond, especially with the vast host of multiplayer games on the market. We often have our own family ‘team’ that looks out for each other and works together. It’s fun to have something in common.”

5 Channel their game-playing positively “As our boys enjoy sport, I try to encourage them to play some of the sporting games when there’s rarely an issue over content”, says mum Kate.

If you’re feeling exasperated about the amount of time your kids are spending playing games, remember that the computer games industry is big business. Encourage your kids, if they really love gaming, to get into the techie programming side of things. They could even pursue a career reviewing games in magazines, or create games themselves. Who knows - your kids may be the next big thing in computer games!

For further information visit www.careforthefamily.org.uk or call 029 2081 0800.

www.harrisonclinic.co.uk

Osteopathy Physiotherapy Acupuncture Cranial Osteopathy Sports Massage Nutritional Consultancy

Exceptional care in a friendly, relaxed environment 0118 976 2253

Bridge Farm, Farley Farms, Reading Road, Arborfield,Reading, RG2 9HT

More about parenting issues at www.familiestvw.co.uk/parenting

Thames Valley West

PAGE 29

Travel

Road to Rouen Ben Hatch, best-selling author of Are We Nearly There Yet?, is back – and this time he and his family are travelling in France. Here he tells us how it went…

Ben, Dinah, Phoebe and Charlie on the Cirque du Garvarnie walk in the France Pyrenees

When I took my family – Dinah, Phoebe, three, and Charlie, one – on an 8000 mile drive round the UK to write a guidebook about family-friendly attractions my daughter was almost blown up taking a nature wee in a field of live ordnance in Otterburn. I also wrote our Astra off in Wales and I spent time in a Leeds hospital with a kidney stone.

Afterwards Dinah swore never again, but then she decided she wanted to retrain as a French teacher and I saw my opportunity. Suggesting a France guidebook, I persuaded her it’d be good for the kids – they’d return food sophisticates and be able to go on to run the Arts Council in later life after all the museums we’d visit.

We started in Normandy, followed the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border, skirted along the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean and took in Provence, before coming up through the Alps and snaking home via Disneyland Paris. We slept in chalets, hotels, tents, caravans, a chateau and even the car. Though what I probably should have done beforehand was work out just how large France was. The moment I realised the mileage was too

PAGE 30

much was when I looked into the rear-view mirror and saw Charlie, now four, playing Temple Run on my phone – with his nose – while Phoebe was so bored she was trying to touch her own eyeball.

We’d sold them on the amazing attractions.

But the French have a funny idea about what an attraction is. They have a theme park in Angers called Terra Botanica dedicated not to pirates or Disney characters, but to vegetables. Only the French would spent £70 million attempting to entertain children… with ingredients!

Also, in France child friendliness doesn’t exist.

Basically kids are seen as just slightly smaller adults.

At Château Chenonceau in the Loire Valley this sign wasn’t atypical: ‘Visitors, it’s forbidden to move around noisily, to run, push, climb or shout.

It’s forbidden to sit or lean against furniture, touch objects, touch flowers, make things dirty, spit and draw graffiti. It’s forbidden to relieve oneself. Or to change young children anywhere other than the toilets. It’s forbidden to climb up trees, bring balls on to the site and walk on the lawns. It’s forbidden to upset the circulation of visitors. Mobile phones must

be switched off. Failure to adhere to the rules will lead to expulsion from the domain. Thank you for your cooperation. This place is under surveillance.

Decree Jan 22, 2009.’ To be any more unfriendly would involve Dobermans.

And France is expensive. We’d emerge from supermarkets reeling after spending nine euros on a deodorant stick. The kids’ fussiness and refusal to eat baguette (‘too sharp’) and French cheese (‘it stinks’) or to entertain any bean that wasn’t orange or eat a burger (‘They don’t have buns.

That’s not a burger. That’s meat’) meant in supermarkets we were often restricted to the ruinously expensive Brit aisle selling Jacob’s crackers or tiny tubs of Marmite for around the price per ounce of myrrh.

And things kept going wrong. On a donkey trek in Brittany the animal dragged the kids through a bramble hedge and stamped my toe black. In St Nazaire I knocked my wife into the Atlantic with a kayak paddle. Dinah argued over my ‘mosquito obsession’. I couldn’t sleep if one was in the room and I’d hunt them through the night with my phone torch on like a US Navy Seal slapping walls and waking the kids. Equally she hated sneaking onto mini-golf courses with the putters and balls I’d brought from home to save money. But slowly a routine developed. We took the sting out of the mileage by convincing the kids there was an actual distinction between the length of a French minute and an English one. ‘But you said 20 minutes.’

‘French minutes Phoebe.’ ‘I hate French minutes.’

Further south it became hotter. We took longer lunches, became more French. We yacht-spotted in Antibes. We went on Picasso walks, Van Gogh trails. We saw the wild horses of the Camargue.

We sang ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ on the eponymous bridge and swam in rivers at Bize-Minervois and rolled down the Dune du Pyla, the largest sand dune in Europe. We notched up our fiftieth château and visited so many aquariums I was on first-name terms with every giant turtle in France. Claude, Kiki, Pierre, Yvette, Mo, Ghislaine.

By Paris, veterans of saving money, we taped baguette to the kids’ legs to avoid the airport scanning machine at the park entrance to Disneyland to mule in our own lunch. We’d moved from homesickness to wanting to carry on. By now Phoebe was declaring Roquefort the best cheese in the world and Charlie had a tantrum the day we ran out of Dijon mustard.

This summer we’re doing a similar trip round Italy although how far away they still are from running the Art Council is best demonstrated by Phoebe’s answer the other day when I asked what she wanted to be when she grew up.

‘A rabbit,’ she said.

Road to Rouen is published by Headline, £11.99.

It’s available online at Amazon as both a paperback and Kindle

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Travel

Happy Holidays!

On the way

Photo courtesy M&Co

If you‘re planning your own family trip this summer, Robina Cowan offers some useful tips to make things go smoothly.

• Long car journeys are not all about being plugged into gadgets. Try story tapes, the Michelin I-Spy activity books or free downloads from www.rac.co.uk/advice/carknowledge/top-ten/car-games/. I made up some sheets myself for a journey through France and they kept my boys amused for hours.

• For flights, Usborne’s 50 Things do on a Plane will keep them occupied, rrp £5.99, while the Top Trumps range is great for older children, especially if you’re willing to join in.

Carddies (www.carddies.com), also stocked

by Amazon), are card ‘people’ that children colour in using the pencils provided. They come in their own small box to store everything and give hours of fun.

• Flying is the one time I am relaxed about screen time - if you have electrical gadgets, use them. Make sure you have some childfriendly headphones to hand so as not to ‘share’ your child’s love of Peppa Pig with the entire plane.

• Sucky sweets (as they are known in our house) are great for little ones who struggle with their ears on take-off. Give babies a bottle (or breastfeed) to stop their ears popping.

• Pack an extra layer for the flight even if you’re flying from a warm UK to a tropical destination. Planes can be chilly and children won’t relax if they’re not cosy.

• If your child is crying on the flight, don’t panic. Most of passengers on board will be either parents or grandparents and will have sympathy for you. Your priority is settling your child in the best way you can. If your child has a favourite teddy or comfort blanket, make sure it’s in your hand luggage.

While you’re there

Before you go • Use Google Street View with the children to look round your planned location and help get familiarised with the landscape, ‘foreign’ signs and local attractions. You can also use it to create a list of places to visit.

• Photocopy everyone’s passport and keep the copies in a different place. If the originals go missing, it will be much easier to tussle with overseas authorities when it’s time to come home.

• Have up-to-date pictures of your children on your phone - if they go missing you can show authorities what they look like.

• Freeze food to await your return - even fresh milk can be frozen - so you don’t come home to an empty kitchen. Some very organised mothers even do an online shop towards the end of their holiday, for delivery on their first day home. Now, that’s organisation!

• Involve your children in the packing even if just a small part is their responsibility. It occupies them while you are busy and gets them into the holiday mood. Then check their choices: you may find fancy dress costumes and nothing sensible (OK, I admit this is from experience!)

• Add a small ‘emergency bag’ to your hand luggage, with spare clothes in case of ‘accidents’, plasters, tissues, sachets of paracetamol, cotton wool, safety pins, wetwipes and a few sweets (for bribing and wiping away tears). Oh the satisfying feeling to have what you need just at the right time!

• Leave a spare set of keys with a friendly neighbour in case of home emergencies, losing yours or locking yourself out (I’ve done that just when we were about to leave!) Ask them to return the wheelie bins to your property on collection day, so you’re not advertising an empty home.

Read more at www.familiestvw.co.uk/traveltips

• Resist the temptation to Facebook your day’s antics - you’re advertising that you are away and your home’s empty. Not a good idea.

• When packing to come home, check the back of every drawer, cupboard and even under the beds for favourite toys that might be lurking unseen. Have a quick rifle through the hotel/resort Lost Property box for mislaid hats/t-shirts etc..

When you return • Take your holiday laundry for a service wash it’s a small price to pay for not having to sort, wash and dry all those gritty beach towels and sunscreen covered t-shirts.

And finally...

Work on a 70:30 ratio. Holidays will not be effortless when you have children, just as life at home is not effortless. If you can enjoy 70% of the time you are away together, that’s a result.

30% will be about tantrums, tiredness and bad moods. But if you come home knowing that for most of the time, you relaxed, laughed and enjoyed the time spent together as a family, it’s been a success!

Thames Valley West

PAGE 31

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5%n July!

2 e join i v Sa you en

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WIN an ‘Off to School’ set from Easy2Name

N O TI TI PE M CO

Easy2Name

Not long now until the new school year begins. Which of course means new uniforms, bags and equipment, all in need of a name label. Luckily we have 5 Easy2Name ‘Off to School’ sets to give away worth £18.90. Each set contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag all with your child’s name printed so nothing can be mislaid.

The full Easy2Name range can be seen at www.easy2name.com To enter the competition just visit www.familiestvw.co.uk/competitions today.

Closing date August 5th.

Competition Winners from May/June issue Star Hotshots Camp: Kimiko Dearing Bucklebury Farm Park Tickets: Miriam Barlow Beale Park Boat Show Tickets: Cari Maggs, Lisa Aslam Intech Tickets: Carrie Fletcher, Sheena Masoero, Claire Scott

Classified

FDA approved, nonallergenic materials.

Experienced, friendly & reliable service.

07505 104 376 www.facesbysarahmaie.co.uk

Printed by Warners Midlands Plc. Copyright Families Thames Valley West June 2013. Families Thames Valley West is part of a group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West London. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.